SOLICITATION NOTICE
A -- BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA) -ADVANCED SPEECH ENCODING
- Notice Date
- 4/22/2002
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- Contracting Office
- Department of the Navy, Naval Sea Systems Command, NAVSEA HQ, Code 027 1333 Isaac Hull Avenue SE, Washington Navy Yard, DC, 20376
- ZIP Code
- 20376
- Solicitation Number
- N00024-02-R-6336
- Response Due
- 5/2/2003
- Archive Date
- 5/17/2003
- Point of Contact
- Geoffrey Lyster, Contract Specialist, Phone 781-2272, - Geoffrey Lyster, Contract Specialist, Phone 781-2272,
- E-Mail Address
-
LysterGD@navsea.navy.mil, LysterGD@navsea.navy.mil
- Description
- The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Advanced Systems and Technology Office (SEA93 ASTO), Arlington, VA, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Advanced Technology Office (ATO), are soliciting proposals for an Advanced Speech Encoding (ASE) program to perform research, development, modeling, design, and testing of voice communication systems that directly measure the speech excitation waveform generated by the glottis, and that then use that data to advantage for speech communications. The program is specifically focused on employing low cost, low power microradars (embedded in, e.g., a radio handset) that directly measure the glottal excitation waveform. The program goal is to investigate the implications to military voice communications associated with direct measurement of the glottal waveform, to include noise reduction in military environments, reduction of voice communication bit rates, and speaker authentication. A specific goal for this program is to provide in the noise environments associated with military operations robust voice communication at bit rates less than about 1 kb/sec (with a program goal of 300 bps or less), while maintaining the speech intelligibility currently available in acoustically benign environments from the current DoD standard voice encoder (vocoder). The ability to provide intelligible speech in relevant environments at very low data rates is of great importance to the warfighter. Aside from the anticipated benefit of noise suppression, the ability to encode speech at very low data rates will greatly reduce the probability of detection of the communications link. Furthermore, it is expected that substantial net reductions in power consumption for voice communications will be realized, thus greatly increasing battery lifetime. Research has shown that it is practical to measure the glottal excitation waveform for voiced speech through the use of a microradar situated close to the speaker. It should be noted that although the radar-measured waveform has been shown to closely follow the glottal waveform measured by other laboratory techniques, controversy exists regarding the precise nature of what is being measured; specifically, whether the radar is measuring the actual motion of the glottal folds, or the pressure-induced displacement of the walls of the subglottal tract. Since it is possible to know precisely when voicing is occurring, it should be possible to develop algorithms that strongly suppress the ambient colored and non-stationary noise environments that occur in these circumstances. Speech communications would be rendered more intelligible at lower bit rates even when, for example, standard vocoders are being used. The availability of the glottal waveform and its time history provides data that may be used to develop new, more efficient vocoders that take advantage of the timing data and the measurement of the speech excitation function. The ability to directly measure the speech signal and its excitation function implies the ability to directly calculate the vocal transfer function. It is anticipated that the availability of the glottal waveform data potentially allows the development of vocoders that provide intelligible and prosodically accurate speech at bit rates close to the limits implied by the fundamental information content in the signal. Finally, the glottal waveform data provides information that might be of significant value in authenticating the identity of the speaker. This data might provide information useful in determining the emotional and physical state of the speaker. Research and development will be conducted in four separate areas. 1) Fundamental measurements and speaker authentication. Fundamental measurements are needed to determine unamibiguously the phenomenological basis for the microradar measurements of the glottal waveform. Investigate the placement and orientation of the sensor relative to the speaker, and determine optimal values of other sensor characteristics, such as power, directionality, and waveform parameters. Measurements need to be conducted regarding the stability of the glottal waveform as a function of time, and as a function of speaker characteristics and speaker state (e.g. emotional state). Related, is a study of the utility of the glottal measurements for speaker authentication, including combining information from the glottal data and speech data. This work would be informed by the understanding of glottal waveform stability and basic phenomenology developed in this research area. 2) Noise suppression algorithms. Algorithms will be developed that use information from the glottal measurements to suppress extraneous noise that interferes directly with the intelligibility of the transmitted speech, and that degrades vocoder performance. Algorithms developed will need to be robust in the presence of unvoiced speech. Noise suppression sufficient to render currently used low bit rate vocoder performance robust to the military noise environment is alone viewed as an important result of this technology. 3) Low bit rate vocoders, may include relatively low risk extensions of current vocoding techniques, as well as high risk novel vocoding techniques. It is expected that the availability of excitation timing measurements, unambiguous indication of voicing, and the detailed excitation function of the vocal tract, will enable more efficient vocoders to be developed. Furthermore, the excitation data is expected to more robustly allow extraction of prosodic information from the speech. In addition, speech uttered by a speaker who is highly stressed might be rendered more intelligible. These vocoders might be logical extensions of current approaches (e.g. GELP coders), or they might include novel vocoders that, for example, take advantage of the ability to directly calculate the vocal transfer function to parse the speech into fundamental components (e.g. phonemes). In the latter case bit rates substantially lower than 1 kb/sec, and as low as the 300 bps program goal or perhaps less are expected. Vocoders developed within this program are expected to operate robustly in noise environments typical of military operations. Reproducing the speaker waveform at the receiver with sufficient fidelity to allow the receiver to audibly confirm the identity, and state of the speaker, although desirable, this program might develop alternate authentication metrics that reduce or eliminate speaker fidelity requirements in favor of reduced bit rates. 4) Novel means for measuring or robustly estimating speech components that differ from microradar techniques. The program emphasis is on the consequences stemming from the ability to directly measure the glottal waveform with a radar during the generation of speech, however there is also an interest in exploring other potential means for robustly measuring speech. New techniques for measuring speech, that differ from the program baseline technique of utilizing a microradar, that have potential to meet the program goals, will be explored. The approach of this program is to augment the basic speech waveform with additional non-acoustic measurements. Proposals must adhere to this basic approach to be responsive to this solicitation. Work under this effort will be conducted at the Unclassified security level. However, the potential for classified applications exists. Offerors should identify the ability to perform this effort at the SECRET security level. This discussion should include facility and safeguarding capability, and proposed personnel clearances. The Government will host an unclassified ASE program and related topics briefing for interested representatives on Friday, 10 May 2002, at Westfields Marriott, 14750 Conference Center Drive, Chantilly, VA 20151. Written questions about the program or this BAA will be solicited on ASE Industry Day and subsequently. All Q&A will be posted to the ASE website. Organizations wishing to send representatives should register via the ASE Industry Day registration web site (preferred) http://schafercorp-ballston.com/vocoder, via e-mail, by fax or in writing. The registration web site contains program information, agenda, and visit request/hotel information. The registration point of contact is Attn: Ms. India Woods, Schafer Corporation, 4301 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22203 ((703) 516-6034, facsimile: (703) 516-6065, e-mail: iwoods@schafercorp-ballston.com). Attendance is limited to persons who have registered. Registration requests should be received not later than 8 May 2002. Registration will be confirmed by 9 May 2002. The number of representatives from each organization may be limited. Successful offerors will be required to provide monthly status reporting, consisting of contract expenditure data and a one page summary of technical results. Quarterly program reviews shall be conducted to track technical, financial and schedule performance. Additional technical meetings may be required for coordination. Test Plans, Test and Technical Reports, Technical Data, Specifications, computer programs or other data will be required as appropriate. The earliest anticipated award is planned to occur in June 2002. Proposals should be submitted for an initial effort to be completed in May of 2003. Proposed efforts beyond the initial funding period should be costed as annual options, the last which is to end no later than 31 December 2005. The Government may incrementally fund any awards under this BAA. Any structure and period for exercise of options shall be negotiated as part of contract award process. The Government may provide offerors the ability to order microradar measurement devices for use only on this program. Ordering and delivery information will be provided as part of Industry Day on the ASE website. Use of these devices may be subject to licensing agreements between the microradar provider and the purchaser. This BAA will be open until 1600 (Eastern DST) Friday, 2 May 2003. Proposals may be submitted at any time but government evaluation will start on proposals received by COB 12 June 2002. Government intends to commence evaluating proposals 13 June 2002 and make initial awards within two months of the date of this announcement. Proposals received after this date will be evaluated in the order in which received. Offerors are encouraged to submit early, as the Government anticipates that 90% (ninety percent) of available FY02 funding will be obligated by the end of June 2002. The number of contracts awarded will be limited by funding availability. No award can be made without a proposal to perform a specific effort within an estimated cost and time period. Industry, Small Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Businesses, educational institutions, Historically Black Colleges and University and Minority Institutions are encouraged to participate. Participation in this solicitation is limited to U.S. firms and individuals. Proposals should be submitted to the Cognizant Contracting Activity whose address is: Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, ATTN: Code 02662, LT Geoffrey Lyster, SC, USN 1333 Isaac Hull Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20376-2050 Contracting Point-of-Contact is LT G. D. Lyster, (202) 781-2272, facsimile: (202) 781-4653 and e-mail: lystergd@navsea.navy.mil. All Offerors and proposed subcontractors must affirm whether they are providing scientific, engineering and technical assistance (SETA), or similar support, to any NAVSEA or DARPA technical office through an active contract. All affirmations must state which office the Offeror supports, and identify the prime contract numbers. Affirmations will be furnished at the time of proposal submission. All facts relevant to the existence or potential existence of organizational conflicts of interest must be disclosed. This synopsis constitutes a BAA per FAR 6.102(d)(2)(i); there will be no formal request for proposals (RFP) or other solicitation in regards to this announcement. The Government reserves the right to select all, some or none of the proposals received in response to this announcement. This BAA solicits proposals in four work areas: 1) Fundamental measurements and speaker authentication, 2) Noise suppression algorithms, 3) Low bit rate vocoder, which may include relatively low risk extensions of current vocoding techniques, as well as high risk novel vocoding techniques, and 4) Novel means for measuring or robustly estimating the glottal waveform that differ from microradar techniques. Offerors may submit proposals for any or all work areas. Proposals shall consist of two separately bound volumes: Volume I shall provide the technical proposal and management approach and Volume II shall address cost. Offerors are required to submit one paper original, six full-color paper copies, one electronic copy in Portable Document Format (PDF) on IBM PC formatted CD-ROM's, and two electronic copies in a format readable by Microsoft Office 1997. Facsimile or electronic transmitted submissions will be considered non-responsive. The Technical/Management Volume (Volume I) shall not exceed thirty-five (35) pages (excluding appendix) if one work area is addressed and shall be with a font no smaller than size 12 Courier New . The page limits are fifty (50) pages for two work areas, sixty-five (65) pages for three work areas, and eighty (80) pages if all four work areas are addressed. All four work areas may be included in a proposal, but must be described in separate sections. All pages in excess of the specified page limit for each subsection will not be considered in the evaluation. The Cost Volume (Volume II) is not page limited. If multiple work areas are proposed, the proposed cost for each area must be separable. Volume I may include an appendix containing referenced material. All pages shall be printed on 8-1/2 by 11 inch paper. The page limitation for proposals includes all figures, tables, and charts. Volume I, Technical and Management Proposal, may include an attached bibliography of relevant technical papers or research notes which document the technical ideas and approach upon which the proposal is based. Copies of not more than three (3) relevant papers can be included with the submission. The bibliography and relevant technical papers are not included in the page count. Supporting materials in addition to the proposal are discouraged and will not be considered for review. Foldout pages are discouraged, and will be counted towards the total and will be calculated by the measurement of the equivalent number of 8-1/2 by 11 inch pages that make up the foldout. Pages that exceed the maximum limit specified will not be considered. Volume I shall include the following sections, each starting on a new page: A. A cover page including: 1) BAA number; 2) Lead organization submitting proposal; 3) Type of business, selected among the following categories: Large Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Other Small Business, HBCU, MI, Other Educational, or Other Nonprofit; 4) Offeror's reference number (if applicable); 5) Other team members (if applicable) and type of business for each; 6) Proposal title; and 7) Technical and administrative points-of-contact along with business address, electronic mail address, and telephone and facsimile numbers. B. Official transmittal letter signed by the authorized officer specifying the proposal validity period (at least 120 days). C. Table of contents & list of illustrations/tables. D. An Executive Summary addressing the following: 1) Innovative claims for the proposed approach; 2) Deliverables and anticipated key technical performance metrics; 3) Technical rationale/approach; and 4) Other relevant research. E. A one-page summary of the schedule and milestones for the proposed research which can be traced to the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). F. A one-page WBS. G. A succinct Statement of Work (SOW) clearly detailing the scope and objectives of the work and, if any, specific contractor requirements. The following is the required format for the SOW: 1) Program Objective; 2) Program Scope; 3) Program Background; 4) Technical Approach; 5) Task Description; and 6) Schedule. If any portion of the research is predicated upon the use of Government-owned resources of any type, the contractor shall clearly identify: the resources required, the date the resource is required, the duration of the requirement, the source from which the resource may be acquired, if known, and the impact on the research if the resource is not provided. (Note: It is the Governments intent to use the Offeror's SOW as written, provided that it accurately describes the work to be performed, is enforceable, and is void of any inconsistencies. If it does not reflect these requirements, the Government will prepare a SOW using information available in the Offeror's proposal.) H. Definition of management and key personnel. The offering team should define both the organizations and the individuals within those organizations that make up the team, including expected duties, members and expected relationships among members. A description of the technical, administrative and business structure of the team and the internal communications plan should be included. Project/function/subcontractor relationships, technology transition plans, government research interfaces, and planning, scheduling, and control practices should be described. The team leadership structure should be defined and resumes of key individuals (one page each) included. I. A brief discussion of past performance detailing previous accomplishments and work in this or closely related research areas and previous cost and schedule performance. This should include projects accomplished in the last three years, and references for the identified projects. J. A survey of other ongoing research comparing advantages and disadvantages. K. Definition of the planned transition objectives, including a description of the results, products, and transferable technology expected from the contract. This section shall also include expected technology transfer path. L. Intellectual property and program deliverables. The Offeror should describe proposed approach to intellectual property rights, together with supporting rationale of why this approach offers the best value to the Government. Should include a one-page summary of the deliverables. This section should list technical data, computer software, or computer software documentation to be provided at the end of the effort with other than unlimited rights in accordance with DFARS Clause 252.227-7017 IDENTIFICATION AND ASSERTION OF USE, RELEASE, OR DISCLOSURE RESTRICTIONS (June 1995). M. The Offeror shall describe the facilities that would be used, and discuss ability to safeguard classified material and provide personnel with appropriate security clearances if necessary. Volume II shall include the one-page WBS, a cost summary, and breakdown of costs by work area, if applicable. Proposal evaluation and selection criteria are described below. Each proposal will be evaluated on the merit of the specific proposal as it relates to the program rather than against other proposals for research in the same general area. (1) Overall scientific and technical merit. The proposed solution meets the letter and intent of the stated requirement and all elements within the proposal exhibit a comprehensive understanding of the problem. The offeror clearly addresses how the proposed effort will meet and progressively demonstrate the goals of the Advanced Speech Encoding Program. The proposed solution meets multiple DARPA/NAVSEA or user needs and is conclusive with compliance and justification of required elements in the solicitation. (2) Technical Performance. The proposed technical approach is feasible, achievable, complete and supported by a proposed technical team that has the expertise and experience to accomplish the proposed tasks. Task descriptions and associated technical elements provided are complete and in a logical sequence with all proposed deliverables clearly defined such that a final product that achieves the requirement can be expected as a result of award. The proposal identifies all technical risks and planned mitigation efforts are clearly defined and feasible. The roles of the prime and other participants required are clearly distinguished and pre-coordination with all participants are fully documented. The requirement for and use of Government Furnished Material (GFM) including all equipment, facilities and information is fully described including dates when required. Intellectual property ownership and the planned transition to production are adequately addressed. Similar efforts by the offeror are described, including identification of other Government sponsors. (3) Management Plan, key personnel, previous accomplishments, other ongoing research, and facilities. Focus will be on the capabilities and demonstrated achievements of the key personnel and the prime and subcontractor organizations. The offeror's past performance in similar efforts must clearly demonstrate an ability to deliver products that meet the proposed technical performance requirements within the proposed budget and schedule. The proposed project team has the expertise to manage the cost and schedule. Management plans must demonstrate: superior Government visibility into and interaction with key technical activities and personnel; and, single point of responsibility for contract performance. (4) Intellectual property (data rights) approaches that provide best value to the Government. (5) Reasonableness of proposed costs and schedules and the potential affordability impact on the Navy, (6) And, the Offeror's plans and capability to transition the technology to operational Navy, Army, Air Force, or other military communications systems. These criteria are in descending order of importance for evaluation purposes with "Overall scientific and technical merit" significantly more important. At the conclusion of the evaluation, Offeror(s) will be notified, as applicable, that: 1) its proposal has been accepted for negotiation, 2) its proposal has been accepted pending the availability of funds, or 3) its proposal has not been accepted. Proposals not accepted will be destroyed; however, DARPA and NAVSEA each will retain and file one copy of non-accepted proposals. Those proposals accepted pending the availability of funds may be considered for funding for up to twelve months after the closing date of this BAA. Not all proposals evaluated as acceptable may be funded. Offerors are advised that non-government employees (from MIT:Lincoln Laboratory, SLE Associates, Solers Inc., Schafer Corporation and Eastern Sierra Research, Inc. may be called upon as technical advisors in the source selection process. These individuals will be required to sign non-disclosure statements and will be authorized access to only those portions of the proposal that are necessary to enable them to perform their duties. Such firms are expressly prohibited from competing on the subject acquisition and from proposal scoring, ranking or recommending the selection of a source. By submission of a proposal, the team agrees that proposal information may be disclosed to selected individuals. Information not intended for limited release to these individuals must be clearly marked and segregated from other proposal material.
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