Office of Naval Research, 800 North Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22217-5660

A -- AN ADVANCED MATERIALS INTELLIGENT PROCESSING CENTER SOL N00014- POC Mr. James Kelly, ONR 332 (703) 696-0688. BAA 97-001. The Materials S&T Division of the Office of Naval Research announces a program in the area of development of advanced processing techniques for composite materials. For example, these techniques encompass processes such as resin transfer molding (RTM) of fiber reinforced resin-matrix composites and automatic composite structure lay up by means of tape laying or fiber placement. In order for these techniques to develop their full potential, very sophisticated process control, often referred to as ''intelligent '' processing is required. It is anticipated that these processes proceed very rapidly and without constant human inspection, it is imperative that the process be fully understood and that sensors and control software keep the processes under control. Intelligent processing requires advances in the scientific understanding of materials behavior, the development of advanced sensors, and the evolution of computer control programs ranging in sophistication all the way from deterministic to neural networks and artificial intelligence approaches. Due to the diverse nature of this effort, submissions by teams composed of industry-university combinations that could rapidly transfer advanced processing into products or systems of Navy relevance is encouraged. Submission of proposals is not restricted in any way to any particular entity. Cost proposals where a government lab is included in the proposal as part of a team should be predicated in separate awards to the government lab and industry partners. Government agencies will not be in direct competition with industry. The following criteria, listed in descending order of importance will be used to evaluate proposals: (1) General scientific, technical and socio-economic merits (socio-economic - not applicable to grant applications) of the proposal, (2) Potential contribution of the effort to the overall mission of ONR and to the Navy, (3) The offer's capabilities, related experience, facilities, techniques, or unique combinations of these that are integral factors for achieving the proposed objectives, (4) the qualifications, capabilities, and experience of proposed principal investigator, team leader, or key personnel who are critical in achieving the proposed objectives, (5) realism of the proposed cost and availability of funds. This announcement constitutes a Broad Agency Announcement as contemplated by FAR 6.102 (d)(2). Readers should note that this is an announcement to declare ONR's intent to competitively fund research and that no request for proposals (RFP), solicitation or other announcement of this opportunity will be made. Proposers should state in their proposal that it is submitted in response to this BAA. The standard industrial classification code is 8731 with the small business standard of 500 employees. In addition, contract proposals that exceed $500,000 submitted by all but small businesses, must be accompanied by a Small, Small Disadvantaged and Women-Owned Small Business Subcontracting Plan in accordance with FAR 52.219-9. For awards made as contracts, evaluation of the socio-economic merits will include the extent of commitment in providing meaningful subcontracting opportunities for small business, small disadvantaged businesses, woman-owned small business concerns, and historically black colleges and universities and minority institutions. This announcement is open for one month from the date of publication. (0312)

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