A -- VESSEL STOPPER SYSTEM

Notice Date

September 28, 2000

Contracting Office

Dahlgren Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center, 17320 Dahlgren Road, Dahlgren, VA 22448-5100

ZIP Code

22448-5100

Solicitation Number

N00178-00-Q-3037

Response Due

October 27, 2000

Point of Contact

sd13@nswc.navy.mil

E-Mail Address

Dahlgren Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center (sd13@nswc.navy.mil)

Description

The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) in support of the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate, is soliciting white papers for investigating technologies and delivery systems for a non-lethal Vessel Stopper System (VSS) for ships. The VSS should provide a non-lethal means to render suspect vessels inoperable for a sufficient period of time to enable a boarding party to transfer onboard. Non-lethal systems should minimize the risk of injury to personnel and collateral damages to both the USN and the suspect vessel. Proposed systems should be capable of affecting a ship system or subsystem in such a manner as to cause the vessel to stop. Reconstitution of the vessel after boarding is considered one of the most important requirements for the VSS. Proposed concepts that have a low likelihood of leaving a vessel dead in the water (DIW) for a long period of time are needed. Although the preferred systems are those that are effective regardless of crew action, systems that may convince the crew to stop the vessel will be considered. The target vessels are typically coastal tankers and cargo ships. They range in length from approximately 150 ft up to 600 ft. All are powered by diesel engines ranging from 1000 bhp to 15,000 bhp. Previous studies have shown that blocking the diesel engine exhaust stack is an effective means of stopping a displacement hull ship while minimizing vessel damage. White papers addressing delivery methods for an exhaust stack blocker are desired. Also desired are proposals to test the effect engine exhaust blockage will have on vessel 4-stroke diesel engines and the associated exhaust ductwork. It is anticipated that awards from this BAA will provide for a feasibility study (first task) with an option for a prototype (second task). The first task will be a six-month (approximately) feasibility study to focus on refining the offeror's design concept for the VSS. Trade studies and/or testing will be conducted to develop the concept, estimate target effects and reconstitution issues, identify and reduce risk, and work out design details to the point where a good estimate can be made of system size, weight, cost, risk, and preliminary concept of operations. In addition, a plan and schedule will be developed for follow-on work. It is anticipated that for the first task, four fixed price awards of approximately $100K each will be made for this study phase. Proposals that are exceptionally meritorious may be funded up to $250K. (First task awards will not exceed $250K). At the end of the first task, it is planned that a "down selection" will be made, and only one option will be exercised without further competition for the contractor/team with the best concept (based on the results of the first task and the evaluation factors identified below). The second task will be a large demonstration effort. The selected contractor/ team will design a VSS system and build a proof of concept prototype to be tested in FY 03. The prototype will demonstrate the capabilities of the full system with primary focus on reducing key risk areas for the full system. It is anticipated that the second task will be awarded as a cost plus fixed fee effort. WHITE PAPER SUBMISSION: Offerors shall submit white papers summarizing the proposed concept for a VSS. Offerors may submit multiple concepts but must submit a separate white paper for each concept. The submitted white paper shall describe the proposed concept including delivery systems. Offerors shall provide sufficient information to demonstrate their understanding of the operational environment for use of a VSS. Offerors shall state the level of testing and/or analysis that has been conducted to support their concepts and the proposed work to be performed. All proposals selected for funding will be required to submit monthly or bi-monthly status reports that include financial data. At project completion a comprehensive report and outbrief will be required. White papers shall be submitted via e-mail to sd13@nswc.navy.mil. White papers shall be no longer than six (6) pages in length (not including cover page) and shall be identified as responses to BAA Number N00178-00-Q-3037. The paper shall include a proposed price for the first task and a projected not-to-exceed amount for the second task and shall identify the technical Points of Contact (including telephone, fax, and e-mail information) and the administrative Point of Contact. All proprietary portions of the white paper shall be clearly identified and will be treated in the strictest confidence. White paper responses to this BAA are required no later than 27 October 2000. White papers received after the designated time shall be considered only to the extent that funding remains available beyond the initial selection. The Government reserves the right to award on all, some, or none of the proposals received. Awards from this BAA may take the form of contracts or other transactions (OTs). Offerors shall identify proposed award type (contract and OT) in their white paper submission with rationale for selection and expected benefits of the type proposed. Awards may be made at any time after receipt of white papers until 30 September 2001. PROPOSAL EVALUATION: White papers will be reviewed and further information may be requested for technical clarification. Formal Technical and Cost Proposals will be required approximately three (3) weeks after notification that NSWCDD has decided to further consider the offeror's approach as identified in their white paper submission. An invitation to submit a proposal does not assure subsequent award. White papers and Proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria in descending order of importance: (A) Overall scientific or technical merit; (B) Operational feasibility of the proposed concept; (C) The offeror's capabilities, related experience, facilities, techniques or unique combinations of these which are integral factors for achieving the proposal objectives; (D) Risk identification and mitigation; (E) Proposed cost and realism of proposed cost. Any general questions regarding this announcement may be submitted to the NSWCDD contracting office at FAX (540) 653-6810 or via e-mail at sd13@nswc.navy.mil. This notice constitutes a BAA for NSWCDD as authorized by FAR 6.102(d)(2). Although no portion of this announcement is set aside, proposals are invited from all sources. This BAA should not be construed as commitment or authorization to incur costs in anticipation of a resultant award. Information provided herein is subject to modification and in no way binds the Government to make an award. This CBD notice constitutes the solicitation; no written request for proposal or request for quotation will be issued. This announcement will be available on the World Wide Web at http://www.nswc.navy.mil/supply.

Web Link

Dahlgren Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center (http://www.nswc.navy.mil/supply)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20001002/ASOL003.HTM (W-272 SN501697)