A -- SHIPBOARD MATERIAL HANDLING AND STOWAGE INDUSTRY DAY

Notice Date

May 24, 2001

Contracting Office

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

ZIP Code

22217-5660

Description

The expeditionary logistics (EXLOG) future naval capabilities (FNC) program, sponsored by the office of naval research (ONR), is conducting a one day symposium on the subject of shipboard material handling and stowage, and would welcome the participation of government, industry, academia and federally funded research and development activities with significant experience in these areas. Attendees will contribute their expertise to help ONR meet the overall goals of this science and technology initiative. An information briefing followed by open discussion will be held on 11 June 2001 beginning at 0900 (registration begins at 0830) at the clubs at Quantico, Quantico marine corps base, 3017 Russell Road, Quantico, VA 22134. The focus of the symposium is discussion of the shortcomings of the current material handling and stowage systems, and what upgrades, technology insertions, or new approaches are necessary to meet future requirements. The purpose of the symposium is to address a variety of technical and programmatic questions, gaining insight and information from the expertise from the attendees. Going into this conference, some identified shortfalls in this area include: the manpower-intensive nature of current shipboard cargo strike-up/strike-down systems and inventory systems; the lack of automated equipment for handling the majority of naval packaging that is in shipboard service; the lack of automated systems to stow the majority of naval packaging in high sea states; and the need for material handling and stowage systems that are lightweight and able to operate in constrained spaces. ONR plans to initiate a development effort in FY02, and the immediate focus will be on providing technologies to address shortfalls such as those described above. ONR expects to release a broad agency announcement (BAA) or similar call for proposals in July 2001, inviting bidders and bid teams to propose actual detailed solutions to identified problems. Information gained during this symposium may help form the content of the future solicitation. Science and technology developmental awards are anticipated in the first quarter of FY02. No later than 30 may 2001, the web site http://www.onr.navy.mil/expedlogisfnc/ will include an agenda for the conference, a description of the current state of shipboard material handling and stowage (under the red "products" button), and a vision of where ONR is planning to go with this effort. The web site information will be an opening point for the symposium discussion. In lieu of introductions at the symposium, proposed participants are asked to rsvp the following information via e-mail to the EXLOG FNC Office at rainesw@onr.navy.mil: corporate/academic/government background in material handling systems; ability to participate in this effort (e.g., Integrator, lead, selection participant; acquisition community; consultant); knowledge of material handling systems currently in use; and any recommendations for proceeding with development of this capability. The above information, as well as the number of people attending, should be provided by 4 June 2001 to allow time for viewing, and to determine the seating requirements, as seating is limited. The above corporate information provided by participants will be posted on our web site. It may aid in making teaming arrangements.

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010529/SPMSC006.HTM (W-144 SN50M9Z3)