SPECIAL NOTICE
A -- Investigating Methods for Performance Overdrive (IMPROVE)
- Notice Date
- 2/28/2020 10:17:41 AM
- Notice Type
- Special Notice
- NAICS
- 541715
— Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Contracting Office
- W4PZ USA MED RSCH ACQUIS ACT FORT DETRICK MD 21702-5014 USA
- ZIP Code
- 21702-5014
- Solicitation Number
- MTEC-20-05-IMPROVE
- Response Due
- 4/2/2020 9:00:00 AM
- Archive Date
- 04/17/2020
- Point of Contact
- Randall Fernanders, Phone: 8437603378
- E-Mail Address
-
randall.fernanders@ati.org
(randall.fernanders@ati.org)
- Description
- MTEC-20-05-IMPROVE ��Investigating Methods for Performance Overdrive (IMPROVE)� The Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC) is excited to post this announcement for a Request for Project Proposals (RPP) focused on the development of an automated, 3D machine training system that records trainee skill performance, evaluates it against an objective skill performance standard, and provides systematic feedback to the trainee to improve performance. Program Background: A well-trained medical corps is necessary for readiness, resilience, and reliability. Simulation-based medical skill training, both initial and refresher training, require systematic, objective, high quality trainee evaluation and feedback. Currently, evaluation and feedback are based on the trainer's mental model of the activity � where a discrepancy between the learner's performance and the trainer's mental model of performance is fed back by the trainer to the learner to improve performance. Unfortunately, the learner's training, evaluation, and feedback are usually performed by the same instructors who teach the training courses. There are at least five problems with the current approach. First, �unequal ability;� not all trainers are equally good at evaluation and feedback. Second, �lack of qualifications;� trainers may be called upon to evaluate and provide feedback on training they are not competent to perform. Third, �idiosyncratic evaluation;� evaluation is subjective, different trainers can make different assessments of the same trainee performance. Fourth, �conscious and unconscious bias;� evaluation can be influenced by factors other than the trainee�s objective performance. Fifth, �paucity of instructors;� there are too few qualified instructors, this is a choke-point on training. To overcome these problems, the Government would like to develop IMPROVE, an advanced training and evaluation system. The field of the high-speed videography of movement and its analysis by deep learning algorithms has progressed to a point where we can now capture and analyze sophisticated behaviors in real time. The Government would like to apply this burgeoning area of research to skill training. This program focuses on the development of an automated 3D videography system that records trainee skill performance, compares trainee performance to a trained deep learning (e.g., a convolutional neural network) model of the performance, and provides systematic feedback to the trainee regarding the mismatch between the expected (model) performance and the trainee�s actual performance (Task 1: Train-for-gain). In order to apply this system to Military Health System (MHS) simulation-based training, the current training simulation-based activities and how trainees are evaluated needs to be determined. Furthermore, the simulation-based training activities that would be most amenable to the machine learning system needs to be selected. Generally, the MHS has two main simulation domains: point-of-injury (POI) and hospital-based medicine (HBM). POI simulation is primarily aimed at first responders (combat lifesavers, medics, corpsman, technicians) who are close to the battle action. Assessments in most POI simulations consist of the direct observation of learners� performances by Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) instructors using either global judgments or checklists. HBM simulation is primarily aimed at physicians and nurses within a medical treatment facility (MTF), usually a hospital, although simulation in field hospitals and large deck ships is also part of this domain. Assessment is by direct observation of learners� performance by instructors and usually consists of checklists of performance items successfully completed by the trainee. Once it is possible to accurately model behavior, the team can begin to model the neural processes that give rise to the behavior. The mapping of the neural processes that generate behavior is a highly developed area of neuroscience. The Government would like to understand the relationship between neural function and behavior in order to tailor training to the neural processes that are responsible for learning, so that we can optimize training methods and performance. The goal of this project is to spatio-temporally associate neural processes with learning specific tasks (Task 2: Brain-to-train). Potential Funding Availability: The U.S. Government (USG) Department of Defense (DoD) currently has available approximately $3.5 Million (M). Any potential follow-on funding would be negotiated based on outcomes, cost sharing, partner matching and estimates for additional study completion. The anticipated Period of Performance (PoP) is 18 months; however, faster timelines are acceptable (Tasks 1 and 2 will proceed concurrently). Dependent on the results and deliverables, additional time may be added to the period of performance for follow-on tasks. It is expected that MTEC will make up to 3 awards to qualified teams to accomplish the statement of work. If a single proposal is unable to sufficiently address the entire scope of this RPP�s technical requirements, several Offerors may be asked to work together in a collaborative manner. See the �MTEC Member Teaming� section below for more details. However, if an optimal team is not identified, then MTEC may make multiple, individual awards to Offeror(s) to accomplish subset(s) of the key tasks. Acquisition Strategy: The MTEC will use a streamlined, accelerated approach for this acquisition. This approach will consist of the following steps: Step 1: MTEC members who wish to offer a solution to the RPP must submit a Solutions Brief. The Solutions Brief shall contain the MTEC Offeror�s technical concept and approach supported by scientific rationale to support the feasibility of the proposed work. To meet the statutory requirement of the Other Transaction authority, Offeror Solutions Briefs shall also address the significant participation of a Nontraditional Defense Contractor or Nonprofit Research Institution on the team or the willingness to provide 1/3 cost share to the project. The Offeror will also be expected to present a detailed budget, statement of work, and regulatory and commercialization plan. Step 2: As part of the Government review of the Solutions Brief, MTEC members who have submitted a favorable Solutions Brief based on the RPP criteria may be invited to present and discuss their solution with the Government sponsors for the research via a virtual or in-person �pitch� of the proposed project along with a Milestone Payment Schedule, Project Management and description of innovative approach. Step 3: MTEC Offeror(s) will be notified of the down select recommendation(s), and if selected, will be invited to submit a detailed Cost Proposal in accordance with the MTEC Proposal Preparation Guide (PPG). Because of the nature of the requirements set forth in the forthcoming RPP, this streamlined, interactive approach is anticipated to be a better means to highlight company methodologies and skills and allow the government to gain a fuller appreciation of the work required to be completed.� It provides more freedom and initiative to the Offeror to describe how they would approach and solve such an action.� The full description of this contracting approach will be included in the RPP.�� MTEC Member Teaming: While teaming is not required for this effort, Offerors are encouraged to consider teaming during the proposal preparation period (prior to proposal submission) if they cannot address the full scope of technical requirements of the RPP or otherwise believe a team may be beneficial to the Government. MTEC members are encouraged to use the MTEC Database Collaboration Tool to help identify potential teaming partners among other MTEC members. The Database Collaboration Tool provides a quick and easy way to search the membership for specific technology capabilities, collaboration interest, core business areas/focus, R&D highlights/projects, and technical expertise. Contact information for each organization is provided as part of the member profile in the collaboration database tool to foster follow-up conversations between members as needed. The Collaboration Database Tool can be accessed via the �MTEC Profiles Site� tab on the MTEC members-only website. MTEC: The MTEC mission is to assist the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC) by providing cutting-edge technologies and supporting effective materiel life cycle management to transition medical solutions to industry that protect, treat, and optimize Warfighters� health and performance across the full spectrum of military operations. MTEC is a biomedical technology consortium collaborating with multiple government agencies under a 10-year renewable Other Transaction Agreement (OTA), Agreement No. W81XWH-15-9-0001, with the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA). MTEC is currently recruiting a broad and diverse membership that includes representatives from large businesses, small businesses, �nontraditional� defense contractors, academic research institutions and not-for-profit organizations. Administrative Information: Solution Briefs are due no later than April 2, 2020 at 12:00pm Eastern Time. MTEC membership is required for the submission of a Solution Brief in response to this MTEC RPP. To join MTEC, please visit http://mtec-sc.org/how-to-join/. For inquiries regarding this announcement, please direct your correspondence to the following contacts: Technical and membership questions � Dr. Lauren Palestrini, MTEC Director of Research, lauren.palestrini@officer.mtec-sc.org Programmatic questions � Ms. Kathy Zolman, MTEC Director of Program Operations, kathy.zolman@ati.org MTEC Member Collaboration Database Tool � Ms. Melissa Sanchez, MTEC Program Administrator, melissa.sanchez@ati.org Sincerely, MTEC Project Team See the attachment for the details of this RPP
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