SOLICITATION NOTICE
A -- Advanced Life Support Technologies And Research (ALSTAR
- Notice Date
- 7/2/2003
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- Contracting Office
- Department of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, HSW - 311 Human Systems Wing, 311th HSW/PK 8150 Aeromedical Road, Brooks AFB, TX, 78235-5123
- ZIP Code
- 78235-5123
- Solicitation Number
- F41624-03-R-6005
- Response Due
- 7/30/2003
- Archive Date
- 8/14/2003
- Point of Contact
- John King, Contracting Officer, Phone 210-536-5775, Fax 210-536-2453,
- E-Mail Address
-
john.king@brooks.af.mil
- Description
- Advanced Life Support Technologies And Research (ALSTAR)- Human Effectiveness Directorate, Biodynamics and Protection Division, AFRL/HEP, Brooks City-Base, TX and Wright-Patterson AFB OH is seeking qualified sources for the subject program. The extreme environments encountered in modern and future combat and support aircraft limit the ability of our aircrews to operate effectively and are often a cause or a factor in aircraft mishaps. Research is required to develop new and innovative technologies to advance aircrew protective equipment, fatality and injury prevention, procedures, training methodologies, and information technology. The effects of impact and sustained accelerations, altitude, spatial disorientation, warfighter fatigue, mechanical stresses, and other stressors can have a negative impact on mission performance and possibly lead to aircrew incapacitation. The Government requests interested parties to submit capability information and expression of interest on the research areas noted below. Government furnished facilities at Brooks City-Base TX and Wright-Patterson AFB OH would be made available to support contract personnel along with Government furnished equipment which includes sleep laboratory, human centrifuges, impact acceleration sled, vertical deceleration tower, cockpit and equipment integration laboratory, research altitude chambers, visual orientation laboratory, and manikin development laboratory to support contracted research activities. The contract services will provide scientific and technical personnel, equipment, and human subjects to support research programs. a. Aircrew Acceleration Protection Research (Brooks City-Base): (1) Pharmaceuticals to Enhance Performance: The contractor will provide experimental psychology support for human centrifuge studies to evaluate and recommend operationally useful performance-enhancing drugs, and improved prophylactic pharmaceuticals. Included in this support will be the recommendation, development, validation, training, administration, data analysis and interpretation of performance tasks suitable for use in the high G environment. (2) Human Cognition, Awareness and Performance Decrements in the High G Environment: The contractor will develop, conduct, collect and analyze data from experiments concerning the identification of performance decrements throughout the entire spectrum of G-induced incapacitation, including G-induced loss of consciousness (GLOC) and Almost Loss of Consciousness (ALOC). In addition to performance characterization, biomedical engineering support will be needed for digital signal processing of human electrophysiological data (EEG, EOG, EMG) collected in these studies. (3) Modifications to Current G-Protective Techniques and Strategies: The contractor will provide research physiological support for the collection of data concerning the effects of altering 1) the respiratory portion of the anti-G straining maneuver, 2) the requirement for the counter-pressure garment of COMBAT EDGE, and 3) the pressure schedules of current G-protective equipment. Based on results of these studies, the contractor will evaluate or validate changes to current training methodologies and make recommendations for transitioning new training techniques. (4) The contractor will conduct research support for acceleration evaluations of multi-service and multi-national developmental life support equipment. (5) The contractor will provide engineering support to develop and transition an integrated aircrew ensemble capable of meeting the combined protective needs of existing fighter aircraft. The approach will be to physically integrate, in a single garment, the most frequently used and fundamental aircrew services (restraint, altitude, and acceleration protection). Attention should be given to incorporating (or interfacing with) less frequently used but mission-essential (exposure/immersion, NBC and possibly thermal) subsystems in a flight worthy prototype. An investigation is required of the possible use of newer (lighter more breathable) materials for the fabrication of these garments. (6) The contractor will provide support for the daily operations of the AFRL human centrifuge in three distinct areas: 1) electronics/mechanical support for centrifuge set-up, special test equipment set-up, data collection, and centrifuge maintenance and operation 2) centrifuge subject recruitment, training, and scheduling, and 3) computer software/hardware development as it relates to centrifuge performance task development and data acquisition. (7) Government estimate of full-time staffing: ACCELERATION PHYSIOLOGIST, BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER, LIFE SUPPORT APPLICATIONS TECHNICIAN, RESEARCH SUBJECT COORDINATOR, RESEARCH PSYCHOLOGIST, and SOFTGOODS FABRICATION TECHNICIAN. b. Altitude Protection Research (Brooks City-Base): (1) Subatmospheric Research: The contractor will input, maintain, modify, upgrade, and improve the Decompression Sickness Research Database. The contractor will develop, design and validate a computer mathematical model which will determine the risk of altitude decompression sickness (DCS) associated with high altitude and/or space operations. The research support will develop computer software to be used by trained field personnel to predict the DCS risk associated with a given mission profile and evaluate the efficacy of alternative counter-measures in reducing the DCS risk. (2) High Altitude Research: The contractor will identify, design, and conduct research to investigate variables such as altitude, pre-oxygenation, exercise, gender, etc., in the etiology of decompression sickness. The research support will require development of research protocols, subject recruitment and training, and operation of a Hewlett-Packard SONOS echo-imaging system and robotic arm for intravenous bubble detection. (3) Hypobaric Hypoxia Research: The contractor will identify, design, and conduct research to investigate the physiological effects of hypobaric hypoxia. The research support will require development of research protocols, subject recruitment and training, and data acquisition and analysis. (4) Government estimate of full-time staffing: LEAD SCIENTIST, and CHAMBER/RESEARCH TECHNICIAN. c. Spatial Orientation (SO) and Spatial Disorientation (SD) Countermeasures Research (Brooks City-Base): (1) The contractor will perform research, development, test and evaluation in mechanisms of spatial orientation in flight, and countermeasures against spatial disorientation. Countermeasures will include, but may not be limited to, the optimization of aircrew orientational displays and training methodology for aircrew to recognize and counter SD. This research may be conducted in a laboratory, on or off station, in-flight, or in the Advanced Spatial Disorientation Demonstrator (ASDD), or other ground simulators/devices. (2) The contractor will develop and conduct research in the multiple and interactive sensory, cognitive, and motor mechanisms underlying the formation and maintenance of SO in humans, to include determining the impact of SD on USAF operations. In elucidating the mechanisms of spatial orientation and the psychophysiological and neurospsychological manifestations of SO, the following lines of research will be pursued: (1) sensory-perceptual mechanisms research, potentially including visual, vestibular, proprioceptive, auditory, and tactile; (2) cognitive-perceptual mechanisms research, including spatial mental modeling, temporal processing, prioritization, and decision making, as they are related to formation and maintenance of three dimensional spatial orientation; and (3) motor control responses, including voluntary and involuntary postural and manual control responses based on sensory and cognitive processing. This research will principally involve human behavioral studies. (3) The contractor will perform research, development, test, and evaluation on presentation of spatial orientation information to aircrew. The information medium will include head-down, head-up, and helmet-mounted mediums, and may also include multi-sensory mediums such as tactile, proprioceptive, and auditory presentations. This effort includes standardization and determination of optimum presentations, including novel concepts, as well as integrating the display media. (4) The contractor will perform research, development, test, and evaluation on aircrew awareness, recognition, and countering of SD in flight via training, including: (1) optimizing the presentation of information didactically ; (2) active demonstrations and training in ground devices (especially the Advanced Spatial Disorientation Demonstrator); and (3) flight maneuvers. The contractor will evaluate or validate the various training methodologies evolved and make recommendations for transitioning spatial disorientation training techniques to the operational Air Force. This training evolution will consider the inherent relationship between SO and overall situational awareness. (5) The contractor will perform computer graphics programming, systems integration and operational support to include refinement or development of simulation code, generation of background scenes, programming of existing and novel display symbology, ground and flight targets, visual effects, production of visual illusions, real-time data collection, data analysis, plotting routines and integration of graphics generators with display media. This programming will support the research efforts and include the Visual Orientation Laboratory, Attitude Awareness Laboratory, Advanced Spatial Disorientation Demonstrator (or its graphics development workstation), or other facilities as required. (6) Government estimate of full-time staffing: 2 EA. RESEARCH PHYSIOLOGISTS, ASSOCIATE NETWORK ANALYST, and PROGRAM MANAGER. d. Biodynamics Research (Wright-Patterson AFB): (1) The contractor will perform scientific and technical activities in support of research and test efforts to improve quantification of biodynamic stresses and responses to sustained acceleration, spatial disorientation, predictive capabilities, and protective methodologies and technologies. (2) The contractor will provide technical support to plan, advise, recommend, and generate research protocols relating to the sustained acceleration environment. These areas include, but are not limited to: Human Information Processing in Dynamic Environments, Color Perception, Push-Pull Effects, Agile Flight, Spatial Disorientation, G-layoff research, Smart Aircrew Integrated Life Support System (SAILSS), and Helmet Biodynamics. This support includes conduct of current and planned human-use centrifuge protocols; the collection and management of data collected during these protocols; the application of currently accepted analysis methods on the collected data; and the preparation of final reports and presentations of the findings from these protocols. This support will also include technical and engineering support services necessary for protocol development, equipment installation, and centrifuge modifications. (3) The contractor will provide computer systems support for centrifuge operation and for protocol support. This support will include programming of centrifuge control systems, data collection and reduction systems, performance measurement and task presentation systems, system upgrades and improvements, and other tasks as required. The centrifuge includes computer systems used for control, data collection, and monitoring capabilities. Data collection and reduction includes the real-time collection of performance and physiological data generated during protocol runs. Software for performance measurement includes dynamic imagery with both primary and secondary tasks for the test subject to perform. Task presentation includes the display of computer generated imagery inside the DES gondola on both screen and instrument panel. (4) The contractor will provide preventive and corrective maintenance support; scheduled systems, structures, and component inspections; and affect repairs or replacement of failed components of the human centrifuge and sub-systems to the extent of on-site resources. Maintenance procedures shall be performed as specified in the Centrifuge Maintenance Procedures Manual. Procedures will be updated as necessary to reflect current system configuration. (5) Human Response and Tolerance Research - The contractor will provide engineering and technical support for human response and tolerance research. This support includes, but is not limited to, (1) development of human tolerance criteria and protection concepts, (2) development of research test and analysis methodologies, (3) testing and evaluation of new life support devices and designs, (4) data collection and analysis, and (4) technical editing. (6) Biodynamic Modeling Support - The contractor will provide support to human body dynamics modeling and computer simulation research. The support requires, but is not limited to, analytical modeling technique development, computer programming, data base development, web page design, simulation validation, application of models, and analysis and documentation of simulation results. Contractor will develop analytical methods for conducting optimization, sensitivity, limiting performance, verification, and validation of computational models. Contractor will maintain, update, and enhance the Biodynamics Data Bank. (7) Biofidelity Testing Laboratory (BTL) Support - The contractor will provide support to the Biofidelity Testing Laboratory (BTL). This support may include, but is not limited to, experimental design, engineering analysis, system design and fabrication, mathematical modeling, experimental evaluation, software development, manikin development and modification, instrumentation calibration, machining of seats and brackets, conducting tests and making measurements, and data analysis and handling. (8) Laboratory Computer Support - The contractor will provide computer support for biodynamic systems and equipment. This includes hardware fault determination and repair, software updates, purchase of computer hardware and software, training in system usage, engineering development, and writing of programs which support the real-time simulation capability and data reduction and analyses. Programs include real-time data acquisition, data reduction, engineering problem solution, simulations, computer graphics, automatic control applications, vibration correction, data correction, target correlation tracking algorithms, Kalman smoother algorithms, and any other functions necessary to support the research. (9) Impact Test Facility Support - The contractor will provide the professional technical and engineering support, materials, equipment, and supplies required to operate, maintain, modify, and develop a set of specialized laboratory impact research facilities and related equipment and systems. These facilities include but are not limited to a 24-inch diameter HYGE device with test sled and 250 foot long horizontal rail system, a Low-G launch system with hydraulic decelerator, a 50-foot vertical drop test facility with carriage and water filled deceleration cylinder, a 17-foot vertical drop test facility with elastic deceleration discs, a six-inch diameter HYGE vertical accelerator with 20-foot rail system, a 19-foot vertical drop test facility for helmet impact testing, a hydraulically powered test apparatus used to simulate the functions of ballistically activated inertia reels, and a closed-loop electrohydraulic programmable Material Test System (MTS). Related equipment includes transducer calibration systems, motion analysis camera and video systems, and automatic data acquisition systems. Contractor will be responsible for calibration and/or verification of all branch instrumentation either in-house or by the Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory (PMEL) and will provide technical services as required to design, fabricate and install new facilities as well as new/modified fixtures. (10) Provide engineering support for the development and demonstration of technologies, subsystems, and test and evaluation capabilities that will expand the safe escape envelope with regard to speed, altitude, and aircrew population for current and next generation escape systems. This includes off-site support of rocket sled and aircraft ejection seat tests, windblast tests, and fragment impact tests such as birdstrikes and live-fire testing. (11) Government estimate of full-time staffing: 2 EA. BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERS, 2 EA. MECHANICAL ENGINEERS, SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER, ELECTRONIC TECHNICIAN, 2 EA. MECHANICAL TECHNICIANS, LABORATORY TECHNICIAN, RESEARCH SCIENTIST, SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST, RESEARCH PHYSIOLOGIST, RESEARCH STATISTICIAN, COMPUTER SCIENTIST, 2 EA. SYSTEMS ANALYSTS, SCIENTIFIC WRITER/EDITOR, EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGIST, COMPUTER SCIENTIST, TEST ENGINEER, and HYDRAULICS TECHNICIAN. e. Warfighter Fatigue Research (Brooks City-Base): (1) Conduct Sleep and Fatigue Research and Development: The contractor?s scientists shall conduct research and development (R&D) studies in the field and in the Chronobiology and Sleep Lab (CASL) and associated laboratories on the effects of specific fatigue-inducing behaviors and fatigue countermeasures on human physiology and behavior, including R&D protocol planning and design, the acquisition of requisite R&D approvals, and R&D management, supervision, analysis and reporting. The contractor shall also develop, evaluate and integrate task specific and team performance fatigue assessment technologies as well as unobtrusive measures of fatigue to enable real-time, operational assessment of fatigue. The contractor shall also conduct sleep and fatigue modeling and simulation and associated verification, validation and accreditation (VV&A) efforts. (2) Support Sleep and Fatigue Research and Development: The contractor shall provide research and development (R&D) technician support in the field and in the Chronobiology and Sleep Lab (CASL) and associated laboratories for approved studies on the effects of specific fatigue-inducing behaviors and fatigue countermeasures on human physiology and behavior. Technician support shall include the acquisition of R&D participants; acquisition of physiological, electrophysiological, behavioral and biochemical data; maintenance of equipment in the Chronobiology and Sleep Lab (CASL) and associated laboratories; and the conduct of training and R&D sessions. (3) Government estimate of full-time staffing: 2 EA. SENIOR RESEARCH PSYCHOLOGISTS, 2 EA. RESEARCH DIRECTORS, 2 EA. RESEARCH TECHNICIANS, RESEARCH ASSISTANT, POLYSOMNOGRAPHER, STATISTICIAN, COMMAND, CONTROL AND COMMUNICATIONS (C3) SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT, SOFTWARE DEVELOPER, ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST, SCIENTIFIC WRITER/EDITOR, MEDICAL MONITOR, AND RESEARCH PHYSIOLOGIST. f. Information Technology-Based Training Systems Analysis, Research, and Development (Brooks City-Base) (1) Knowledge Representational Technologies for Distributed Learning Systems: The contractor shall conduct research and provide technical support for the design, development and evaluation of doctrine and methods for developing cradle-to-grave knowledge management systems to support individual and team instruction and training for high tempo, information rich, high-skill domains. (2) Pedagodical Approaches to Instruction: The contractor shall conduct research and provide technical support to identify and apply instructional pedagogies and assess the effectiveness of alternative instructional methods that will help achieve the Air Force goal of anytime, anywhere training to enhance crew protection. (3) Leadership Training: The contractor shall conduct research and provide technical support to design, develop and evaluate methods for assessing and training leadership effectiveness. (4) Team Training and Fatigue Countermeasures: The contractor shall conduct research and provide technical support to study the effects of fatigue in operational task contexts, with particular focus on operational team performance. (5) Government estimate of full-time staffing: PROGRAM MANAGER, SENIOR SCIENTIST, PERSONNEL RESEARCH SCIENTIST, SOFTWARE ENGINEER, SENIOR LEVEL SOFTWARE PROGRAMMER, AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT. g. Program Management: Administrative, financial and logistics support management functions will be required. Activities expected are: scheduling of activities and milestones, describing status, outlining contractor activities, forecasting personnel assignments, subcontract management, ordering equipment and parts, and planning. An indefinite quantity , cost plus fixed fee contract is contemplated for this effort. The period of performance is currently contemplated at 72 months. A SECRET Security Clearance will be required for a portion of the overall effort. This announcement is NOT a Request for Proposal or announcement of solicitation. Only responses that provide the requested information applicable to your firm will be considered. NAIC Code 541710 has been assigned. Firms should indicate whether they are a woman-owned business. Additionally, information is required as to whether your firm is considered a small business. The Air Force reserves the right to consider a small business set-aside based on responses hereto. All respondees to this synopsis shall include their assigned Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code (i.e., Federal Supply Code for Mfrs, a five digit code assigned by Cmdr, Def Logistics Service Center, Attn: decs-CGD, Federal Center, Battle Creek, MI., Ref DOD 5000.12(M) and shall ALSO be registered in the Contractor Central Register DATA BASE (http://www.ccr.gov/index.cfm) . Sources interested in this effort must respond with a complete capability/qualification package describing the company's technical expertise and experience, personnel and facilities and motivation for participating in this program. SEE READER'S GUIDE NOTE(S) ITEM NUMBER 25 FOR FURTHER DETAILS. Responses submitted should be in one copy only. Technical questions may be directed to George W. Miller, AFRL/HEPR, Brooks City-Base TX, 210-536-8128. Laboratory tours may be provided by the Government on one day at Brooks City-Base and one day at Wright-Patterson AFB, if potential offerors indicate an interest. Potential offerors interested in the tours should state this interest in their response to this Sources Sought Synopsis. The Government will select the tour days and notify the interested parties 7 days in advance
- Place of Performance
- Address: See description.
- Record
- SN00362644-W 20030704/030702213524 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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