SOLICITATION NOTICE
A -- Light, Affordable, and Durable Structures for Army Aircraft
- Notice Date
- 2/27/2003
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- Contracting Office
- Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, Ft. Eustis DAAH10, ATTN: AMSAM-RD-AA-C, Building 401, Lee Boulevard, Fort Eustis, VA 23604-5577
- ZIP Code
- 23604-5577
- Solicitation Number
- DAAH10-03-R-0004
- Archive Date
- 5/26/2003
- Point of Contact
- marilyn johnson, 757-878-2062
- E-Mail Address
-
Email your questions to Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, Ft. Eustis DAAH10
(mjohnson@aatd.eustis.army.mil)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- NA Using a 2-Step Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) process, the Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD) is soliciting abstracts, followed by technical and cost proposals, to conduct concept exploration research and development in support of the Army?s R otary Wing Vehicle (RWV) Technology Effort Objectives. The long-range objective of AATD?s structures program is to improve the lethality, agility, survivability, and supportability of the Army?s Objective Force by making airframe and rotor structures light , affordable, and durable. This long-range objective is supported by our Technology Effort Objectives, which include more accurate dynamic load and stress prediction methods, reduced aircraft weight through the use of multifunctional structures, and more survivable and efficient aircraft through the use of reconfigurable structures. TWO STEP PROCEDURES The two step process requests interested Offerors to submit abstracts which include program concepts, ideas and methodologies based on maturing technologies, a brief description of relevant past experience and capabilities, and a cost estimate. After revi ew of abstracts, those Offerors deemed to merit full proposal submission will be invited by letter to submit a full proposal. Offerors whose proposals are not deemed meritorious will be notified in writing, however, those Offerors may still submit a full proposal if desired. No proposal will be considered if a corresponding abstract was not submitted. SOLICITATION TOPICS: There are three topics under this Announcement with the following areas of interest: TOPIC 01-2003: Dynamic Load and Stress Prediction Component testing is an undesirable necessity to fully understand the effects of dynamic loading on a structural design due to inaccuracies in stress calculation and internal or external load prediction. In dynamic loading cases such as crash, impact, or high frequency vibration, uncertainty about internal stresses and inexact design methods have lead to excessive weight or premature failures. More accurate dynamic load and stress predictive capability will result in increased structural efficiency, impro ved durability, and decreased design time and cost. AATD seeks abstracts and proposals from industry for more accurate dynamic load and stress prediction methods. The matured methodology is to be validated in this effort by comparing predictions with exi sting test results to an extent sufficient to eliminate the need for validation testing for future applications. This effort should include typical rotorcraft structural materials. The offeror should substantiate current and anticipated prediction accura cy, time, and cost. TOPIC 02-2003: Multifunctional Structures The U.S. Army has an ongoing interest in developing increasingly weight-efficient aircraft. Multifunctional aircraft structure can reduce aircraft weight through the reduction of parasitic (not load-carrying) structure and the consolidation of structure. For example, military aircraft typically have a variety of installed antennae, which impart loads on the structure of the aircraft. Embedded antennae, designed to conform to the shape of the aircraft structure and carry structural loads, can make the air craft structure more efficient. In addition, integrated avionics and electronics enclosures potentially save space and weight, but structural composite electronics racks must be made conductive for electromagnetic shielding and ground plane purposes. Fur thermore, military aircraft designed for reduced radar signature often utilize parasitic (not load-carrying) Radar Absorbing Material (RAM). This RAM may increase the level of load in the primary (load-carrying) aircraft structure as a result of its weigh t and drag. Primary Radar Absorbing Structure (Primary RAS) can reduce or eliminate the weight penalty associated with parasitic RAM, making the aircraft more weight efficient. AATD seeks abstracts and proposals to mature and apply i nnovative multifunctional structures technology to reduce the weight of Objective Force aircraft systems. The envisioned effort should address such topics as multifunctionality, structural efficiency, typical rotorcraft structural materials, and opportuni ties to leverage the technology for other purposes. Innovative approaches are encouraged, such as novel methods of designing structural stiffening concepts (e.g. sandwich panel honeycomb or foam cores) with radar absorbing properties. TOPIC 03-2003: Reconfigurable Structures The U.S. Army is interested in the development and subsequent application of reconfigurable structures. Recent work in government labs, industry, and academia has suggested that state of the art materials technology, combined with novel structural design methods may lend itself towards the development of reconfigurable structures that have the ability, for example, to alter their physical configuration. For example, in the event of battlefield damage, primary load paths could be damaged to the point of re ndering a structure useless. A self-healing structure would allow the war fighter the ability to maintain operations on the battlefield, even after sustaining what would otherwise be considered incapacitating damage. As another example, the design of rot or blades, control surfaces, or fuselage surfaces is often optimized to a particular flight condition, and reconfigurable structure could in theory provide optimized performance throughout a variety of flight conditions. AATD seeks abstracts and proposals from industry that describe the development and/or application of reconfigurable structures technologies for improved ballistic tolerance, damage tolerance, or aerodynamic efficiency. The intent is to achieve reconfigurable structures that are capable of altering their physical configuration (autonomously if applicable); creating new or altering existing load paths, optimizing existing control surfaces, or initiating self-repairs. ANTICIPATED FUNDING LEVEL AND PERFORMANCE PERIOD: Anticipated funding for all awards by each topic is as follows: TOPIC 01-2003: Dynamic Load and Stress Prediction - Approximately $600K TOPIC 02-2003: Multifunctional Structures ? Approximately $1.7M Note: $1.7M is intended to support awards in multiple areas of multifunctional structures, so proposals limited in technical scope should be appropriately limited in cost. TOPIC 03-2003: Reconfigurable Structures - Approximately $800K Period of Performance for each award resulting from this Announcement is estimated to be 24 months starting in FY03/FY04 and ending in FY05/FY06. Any FY04 award is subject to the availability of funds. TYPE OF FUNDING INSTRUMENT: A variety of funding instruments are available pursuant to this Announcement depending upon the proposed effort, the entity submitting the successful proposal(s), and statutory and regulatory requirements the Government must sat isfy. Such instruments include conventional contracts subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation, as supplemented, and Technology Investment Agreements (TIAs) that are either Cooperative Agreements or other transaction agreements for research. Cost sh aring of up to 50% under a TIA is a matter of DoD policy. Contract type is a subject for negotiation. DELIVERABLES: All awards under this Announcement will require delivery of the following data items: (1) Management Plan, (2) Test Plan (if applicable), (3) Bi-Monthly Performance and Cost Reports (if applicable), (4) Final Report, and (5) Executable soft ware (if applicable). All awards will include a requirement to present the results of the work in a final briefing at Ft. Eustis, Virginia upon completion of all technical effort. EVALUATION CRITERIA: The selection of one or more sources for award will be based on a scientific and/or engineering evaluation of proposals (both technical and cost as it relates to technical effort) in accordance with the criteria set forth in this section. Proposals will be evaluated on their own merit without regard to other proposals submitted under this announcement. These evaluations will result in narrative ratings, which will be used to develop an order of merit listing for pr oposals submitted under each topic. Proposed cost will be evaluated, as appropriate, for realism and reasonableness. The evaluation criteria are: (1) the extent to which the proposed work satisfies an Army research need by use of innovative, efficient, affordable, and suitable approaches to the stated technical problem; (2) the merit of the offeror?s proposed approach to accomplish the scientific and technical objectives; (3) the experience and qualifications of the scientists, engineers, technicians, an d other proposed personnel; (4) the suitability and availability of proposed facilities; and (5) cost to the Government. SECURITY REQUIREMENTS: Performance will require access to and/or generation of technical data the export of which is restricted by the Arms Export Control Act (Title 22, U.S.C., Sec. 2751 et. seq.) or Executive Order 12470. Prior to award, the successful offeror(s) will be required to provide an Export-Controlled DoD Data Agreement certification number issued in accordance with DoD Directive 5230.25. This certification may be requested from the Defense Logistics Services Center, ATTN: DLSC-FBA Federal Ce nter, Battle Creek, MI 49017-3084, Telephone 1-800-352-3572. Performance under some areas of Topic 02-2003, Multifunctional Structures, may require access to and/or generation of technical data classified at the Secret level. If a proposal is deemed to fall within one of those areas, the Offeror will be notified prior to award of the requirement to have personnel, a facility clearance and storage capability at the Secret level. Offeror?s under this Announcement are limited to U.S. firms. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT and DATA RIGHTS: It is the Offeror's responsibility to identify, coordinate, and furnish supporting documentation for use of any Government furnished equipment. The Government desires at least Government purpose rights to a ll technical data and computer software to be delivered and no limitations on the use of delivered and/or residual hardware. It is the Offeror's responsibility to identify all proprietary data and any rights asserted by the Offeror to that data. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION AND SUBMITTAL OF ABSTRACTS AND PROPOSALS: Guidance provided in this section applies to all abstracts and proposals submitted under this Announcement. ABSTRACTS - Abstracts shall consist of a clear statement of program concepts, ideas, and methodologies based on maturing technologies to a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4 / 5 (component validation in a laboratory / relevant environment) while consi dering transition to Objective Force aircraft. Additionally, a brief description of relevant past experience and capabilities (personnel and facilities) shall be included. The abstract shall also include a cost estimate summarizing major cost items as ap plicable. Abstracts, including cost, shall not exceed 3 pages (minimum 12-point font), and shall be submitted not later than 2:00 p.m. EST 27 March 2003. FULL PROPOSAL ? The proposal shall consist of two volumes, a technical volume and a cost volume. The technical volume shall include a clear statement of objectives, a technical section (including concepts, ideas, and methodologies based on maturing techno logies to a TRL of 4 to 5 while considering transition to Objective Force aircraft), a Statement of Work (SOW) and milestones, a biographical section describing relevant past experience and capabilities (personnel and facilities), and a program management section. The cost volume shall include a breakdown of costs and man-hours by task and fiscal year, all pricing rates used, other direct costs (material, subcontracts, etc.) if applicable, and type of any proposed cost share ( i.e., cash, intellectual property, capital investment, etc.). Subcontractor proposals, if applicable, including pricing rate details, shall be provided concurrent with the prime contractor?s submission. Proposals, excluding the cost volume, shall not exceed 20 pages, and shall be submitted not later than 2:00 p.m. EDT 30 May 2003. Offerors may submit abstracts/proposals that address different topics, propose different solutions under a single topic, or that address only part of the problem under a topic, and each will be evaluated independently. Abstracts and proposals should be ma rked with the above solicitation number and shall be submitted in four paper copies and electronic format on disc (PDF or MS Word) to the Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, Attn: AMSAM-RD-AA-C (Marilyn Johnson), Fort Eustis, VA 23604-5577. Facsimi le and electronic proposal submission is not authorized under this Announcement. Offerors desiring an explanation or interpretation of this Announcement shall request it in writing at the above address or e-mail: mjohnson@aatd.eustis.army.mil. Proposals submitted after the closing date will be handled in accordance with FAR 52.215-1, Instructions to Offerors?Competitive Acquisition. Multiple awards during 4th quarter FY03 are anticipated and awards may be staggered. We anticipate that all awar ds under this announcement will be made by end of first quarter FY04. FY04 awards will be subject to availability of funds. Unless otherwise specified, proposals will be considered valid for Government acceptance through 30 December 2003. The Government anticipates multiple awards under this announcement, though no minimum or maximum number of awards can be guaranteed. The Government reserves the right to select for award any, all, part or none of the proposals received. The Government reserves the rig ht to select for award only a portion of an offeror?s proposal (i.e. certain tasks vs. total program). This announcement is an expression of interest only and does not commit the Government to pay any abstract/proposal preparation costs. Oral explanation s or instructions given before the award of any contract will not be binding. Any information given to a prospective offeror concerning this Announcement, which is necessary in submitting an offer or the lack of which would be prejudicial to any other pro spective offeror(s), will be published as an amendment to this Announcement.
- Place of Performance
- Address: Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, Ft. Eustis DAAH10 ATTN: AMSAM-RD-AA-C, Building 401, Lee Boulevard Fort Eustis VA
- Zip Code: 23604-5577
- Country: US
- Zip Code: 23604-5577
- Record
- SN00266736-W 20030301/030227213632 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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