Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, 2531 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Arlington, VA 22242-5160

59 -- DEVELOPMENT OF REMOTE SEMI-AUTONOMUS UNDERWATER VEHICLE IN SUPPORT OF THE REMOTE MINEHUNTING SYSTEM (RMS) PROGRAM SOL N00024-96-R-6322 POC John C. Piunno, Code: 02631A, Contract Specialist, (703)602-0951. The Program Executive Officer for Mine Warfare and the Naval Sea Systems Command are seeking sources for the development of a remote semi-autonomous underwater vehicle with associated command and control, variable depth sensor winch, and a launch and recovery subsystems in support of the Remote Minehunting System (RMS) program. The basic concept of this system is based upon an operational prototype that was developed and tested by the Navy. The vehicle development effort will be based upon a performance specification. A draft will be released for industry comment on or about 30 September 1995. The RMS will be capable of operating from naval combatants to provide surface forces with an organic offboard mine reconnaissance capability. The RMS will contain a variable depth sensor body including sonars for detection, classification, and localization of mines. It will also contain growth potential for an identification sensor. System command and control, processing and display equipment will be contained in a standard military van with the long term goal to integrate this equipment into the ships' combat systems. Real time communication with the vehicle will be via RF telemetry link from the host ship. Maximum usage of common shipboard equipment including use of open architectures and integration into the ships' combat information center will be required. Interactive technical and training manuals will be embedded along with built-in test and fault analysis. Essential attributes of the RMS system include; automated mission planning and execution, real time mission analysis, obstacle avoidance and sensor data recording, high reliability, and low magnetic and acoustic signatures. Essential attributes of the vehicle subsystems include; high endurance, low detectability, minimal motion response to seastate, precise navigation and command capabilities, winch to provide a variable depth sensor body. It will provide a basic line-of-sight command and control RF link and data RF link for sonar data. The vehicle subsystem will allow for expandable capabilities as more advanced sensors, processing, computer aided detection and classification algorithms, and telecommand subsystems become available. Essential attributes of the launch and recovery subsystem include; compatability with a variety of ships and safe reliable operation requiring shipboard personnel only. The Naval Sea Systems Command is soliciting expressions of interest in this program. This synopsis is not a request for proposal and in no way binds the Government to award a contract. Potential sources must respond in writing. Responses should include a brief synopsis of capabilities, corporate experience and past performance, comment/questions and security clearance information to Mr. John C. Piunno, SEA 02631A, no later than thirty (30) days after publication of this notice. Notification of an industry briefing will be announced at a later date. (0227)

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