Loren Data's SAM Daily™

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2005 FBO #1385
SOLICITATION NOTICE

A -- Broad Agency Announcement to conduct concept exploration research and development in support of the Department of Defenses Rotary Wing Vehicle (RWV) Technology Development Approach (TDA).

Notice Date

9/9/2005
 

Notice Type

Solicitation Notice
 

NAICS

541710 — Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
 

Contracting Office

Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, ATTN: AMSRD-AMR-AA-C, Building 401, Lee Boulevard, Fort Eustis, VA 23604-5577
 

ZIP Code

23604-5577
 

Solicitation Number

W911W6-05-R-0007
 

Response Due

10/31/2005
 

Archive Date

12/30/2005
 

Small Business Set-Aside

N/A
 

Description

Using a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) process, the Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD) is soliciting technical and cost proposals to conduct concept exploration research and development in support of the Department of Defense's Rotary Wi ng Vehicle (RWV) Technology Development Approach (TDA). See http://www.aatd.eustis.army.mil/Transfer/TDA_TEOs.ppt for additional information. The long-range objective of AATD's Platform Technology programs is to support rotary wing aviation's fielded fle et and developmental & future systems by developing, demonstrating, and applying technology solutions in the areas of airframes, rotors, flight controls, and subsystems to advance capability while reducing life cycle costs. This long-range objective is su pported by the TDA 4.0 and ASSP Technology Effort Objectives (TEO), which include: improved aircraft maintenance through the use of sensors for structural inspection and health monitoring; reduced aircraft parasitic weight through the use of multifunctiona l structures; increased aircraft threat survivability; and reduced structures development and manufacturing time and cost through innovative processes and virtual prototyping. Interested offerors shall submit proposals, which include program concepts, ideas and methodologies based on maturing technologies, a description of relevant past experience and capabilities, and a cost estimate in accordance with the following instruction s: SOLICITATION TOPICS: There are three topics under this announcement with the following areas of interest: TOPIC 01-2006: Structural Integrity Monitoring System With greater performance requirements placed on Army rotorcraft to be lighter, faster and stronger, airframe structures are being pushed to their limits. In order to ensure aircraft reliability and mission success, the structural integrity of critical com ponents will require monitoring. Having a clear understanding of an aircraft's structural integrity will enable the pilot to safely fly within the aircraft's limits as well as notify the crew when maintenance actions are required. This will ultimately im prove safety, performance, reliability, readiness, and reduce maintenance time and cost. As an effort to better monitor rotorcraft's structural integrity, AATD is interested in developing and applying a Structural Integrity Monitoring System (SIMS) for the health monitoring of metallic and composite structural components. SIMS should enable r eal-time, autonomous monitoring of large, complex, integrated and/or inaccessible structures without jeopardizing the strength or performance of the structure. The system is intended to enhance the Army's Rotorcraft Structural Integrity Program (RSIP) (se e http://www.aatd.eustis.army.mil/Transfer/RSIP.ppt for additional information) as well as complement the Condition Based Maintenance Plus (CBM+) initiative (see http://www.aatd.eustis.army.mil/Transfer/CBMplus.ppt or http://akss.dau.mil/dag/Guidebook/IG_c 5.2.1.2.asp for additional information) by allowing for maintenance actions based on real-time or near real-time assessment of equipment status. SIMS should also assist the pilot, by providing an in-flight assessment of the aircraft's structural integrity , whether manned or unmanned aircraft. The objectives of this topic are: (1) Develop a methodology to gather the required information needed to assess the structural integrity of the monitored component(s) through sensors or sensor networks. This objective includes developing an effective mech anism to embed or fasten the sensor(s) to the structure without weakening or interfering with the structure. (2) Develop the required algorithms to translate the transmitted sensor data and determine the structural integrity of the component and aircraft. (3) Develop an integrated system that provides real-time structural integrity status to the aircrew and maintainer. AATD seeks proposals to develop and apply SIMS technologies to legacy and future rotorcraft generic structure. The proposed SIMS should provide accurate, real-time assessment of the component's and aircraft's structural integrity by detecting the location and severity of damage. The intent of this topic is to de velop a SIMS, therefore offerors should consider state-of-the-art COTS sensor solutions before developing new sensors. Sensor packages should have a life of at least that of the structure they are monitoring. Wireless, self-powered sensor systems are de sired, but not required. Offerors should also keep in mind that small, lightweight solutions are crucial in rotorcraft applications; therefore size and weight impact will be considered in evaluating the proposed concepts. TOPIC 02-2006: Multifunctional Structures for Ballistic Protection The U.S. Army has an ongoing interest in developing aircraft structures that protect the crew and critical systems from small arms fire while remaining weight-efficient and affordable. Current parasitic armor has a significant weight penalty that limits r ange and payload of the aircraft. This weight penalty arises from the use of separate components for the functions of carrying loads (structure) and providing ballistic protection (armor). Armor systems currently in use are primarily made of steel, capab le of defeating 7.62 mm ball, and typically placed on top of an existing floor. An integrally-armored floor could concurrently serve the functions of carrying loads and providing ballistic protection, saving weight in two ways. First, lighter weight mate rials (ceramic, intermetallic materials, etc.) offer weight savings as compared to traditional armor materials such as steel. Second, the combination of two separate components into one leads to further weight savings. With a multifunctional integrally-a rmored floor yielding significant weight reduction (one-third or more) as compared to typical parasitic approaches, helicopters will be able to complete their planned missions with greater payload and/or range while maintaining or improving the level of ba llistic protection (e.g. Armor Piercing versus ball). In addition, by using existing material systems and low-cost fabrication processes, such a solution can remain affordable as compared to current parasitic approaches. AATD seeks proposals to develop and demonstrate an affordable multifunctional integral armor solution for a utility or cargo helicopter floor that provides improved ballistic protection and significant weight reduction, as compared to current parasitic app roaches. The design intent is to replace the current floor and add-on armor layer with one component - a floor with integral ballistic protection. This floor should defeat 7.62 mm AP (at muzzle velocity) at a weight of at least 33% better than current st ate-of-the-art, steel-based systems, while being affordable as compared to these current systems. The floor must also meet existing requirements for load capacity, durability, damage tolerance, tie-downs, etc. Offerors should consider the performance of any proposed solution following a ballistic event in such areas as residual load-carrying capability, reparability, and multiple hit performance (to include the effects of the proximity of multiple hits to each other). In addition, offerors should conside r the scalability of any proposed solution, as well as its potential to be retrofitted to a variety of (rotary-wing and fixed-wing) platforms. The Government anticipates developmental and validation testing to support the multifunctional structures armor concepts. If Government test facilities are proposed for use in this effort, the scope and type of testing proposed should be clearly identifie d to support the cost reasonableness determination of the overall proposal. TOPIC 03-2006: Spaced-Armor Protection System (SPS) Steel appliqu? armor is heavy and parasitic (not integrated into the aircraft system). Better solutions to provide grea ter ballistic protection at a lower weight are desirable. It has been historically shown that a 'spaced-armor' design has a beneficial effect on ballistic protection. A spaced armor system consists of: (1) a striker plate used to break apart and/or impa rt a rotational momentum to the projectile, (2) a gap or space to allow the projectile to rotate or tumble and (3) a 'catcher' component used to defeat and capture the broken and turned projectile pieces. Because of previous material limitations, the spac ed-armor concept has not been implemented on a rotorcraft. Models to optimize spaced armor performance do not exist in a useful form. Much work has been done to describe the tumbling of a projectile, but most work is for after the projectile has gone thr ough armor. The spaced-armor concept has been demonstrated in tests done at AATD and elsewhere, and has been implemented on M113 Personnel carriers as a means at stopping larger caliber projectiles. Use of new, lightweight ballistic materials may make th e spaced armor design a feasible solution against small-caliber threats for rotorcraft applications. The objective of this effort is to demonstrate through modeling and test that a spaced-armor system for rotorcraft is effective (level of protection) and efficient (low weight). At a minimum, the entire system should provide protection from small caliber threats (7.62mm Ball, 7.62mmAP, 12.7mmAP, 14.5mmAP) at a 30% reduced weight compared to current state-of-the-art steel-based systems. New materials technologies will most likely afford the greatest weight savings for the striker plate and the catcher plat e but the overall design of the spaced-armor approach will determine its maximum effectiveness. It is also desirable that modeling and analysis tools are developed that can be used for design and optimization. AATD seeks proposals to develop SPS technologies that can be applied to legacy and future rotorcraft. As an effort to improve rotorcraft ballistic protection, AATD is interested in developing, modeling, and demonstrating a SPS. Design of the system shoul d take into account typical aircraft structure such as skins, bulkheads, ribs and frames. Offerors should consider state-of-the-art materials, while paying attention to cost of fabrication. The Government anticipates developmental and validation testing to support the spaced armor concepts. If Government test facilities are proposed for use in this effort, the scope and type of testing proposed should be clearly identified to support the cost reasonableness determination of the overall proposal. The pro posed SPS should clearly show the level of protection afforded and a projected weight. ANTICIPATED FUNDING LEVEL AND PERFORMANCE PERIOD: Anticipated funding for all awards by each topic is as follows. TOPIC 01-2006: Structural Integrity Monitoring System - Approximately $900k. TOPIC 02-2006: Multifunctional Structures for Ballistic Protection - Approximately $375k. TOPIC 03-2006: Spaced Armor Protection System - Approximately $300k. Period of Performance for each award resulting from this announcement is desired to be 18 to 27 months starting in government FY06 and ending in government FY08. Offerors should clearly depict their proposed schedule. Topic 01-2006 has the potential for multiple awards, which may address only part of the topic's objectives. Any government FY06 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 sa tisfy. Such instruments include conventional contracts subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation, as supplemented, and Technology Investment Agreements (TIA) (Cooperative Agreement under 10 U.S.C 2358) or Other Transaction (OT) for Research (10 U.S.C. 2371), which are more flexible than traditional Government funding instruments. Under TIA's or OT(s) it is DoD policy to obtain, to the maximum extent practical, cost sharing of half of the cost of the project to ensure the recipient has a vested interest in th e project's success. Cost participation may be in the form of cash or in-kind contributions, where cash is considered of significantly higher quality in demonstrating commitment to the project. Cost participation will be considered in accordance with the DoD Grant and Agreement Regulations, DoD 3210.6-R paragraph 34.13 (Cooperative Agreement) (but also see paragraph 37.530 pertaining to Other Transactions for Research) accessible at the following link: http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/32106r_ 041398/part34.pdf. Contract type is a subject for negotiation, but the offeror's desire should be clearly stated in the cost proposal. DATA ITEMS / DELIVERABLES: All awards under this announcement will require a kickoff meeting following award. All awards under this Announcement will require delivery of the following data items: (1) Program Management Plan, (2) Test Plan (if applicable ), (3) Bi-Monthly Performance and Cost Reports (4) Final Report, and (5) Executable software (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 techn ical 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 sect ion. Proposals will be evaluated on their own merit without regard to other proposals submitted under this announcement. These evaluations will result in adjectival ratings supported by narrative. The adjectival ratings and narrative support will be con sidered along with other factors including the extent of restrictions placed technical data deliverables that limit the Government's ability to further exploit the results of the research and cost to the Government. The Government will develop an order of merit listing for proposals submitted under each topic. Proposed cost will be evaluated, as appropriate, for realism and reasonableness. Any proposed cost share will be evaluated for its benefit in reducing program risk, achieving program objectives, and furthering the state-of-the-art. Proposed cost to the Government is a review criterion. The amount of cost sharing percentage could result in greater evaluation credit. The evaluation criteria are: (1) the extent to which the proposed work satisfies the DOD 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 t o accomplish the scientific and technical objectives; (3) the experience and qualifications of the scientists, engineers, technicians, and other proposed personnel; and (4) the suitability and availability of proposed facilities. 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 (if applicable) 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: D LSC-FBA Federal Center, Battle Creek, MI 49017-3084, Telephone 1-800-352-3572. Preaward access to or submission of a classified proposal is not authorized. Performance under Topic 02-2006 and Topic 03-2006 is expected to require access to and/or generat ion of technical data classified at the Secret level. Offerors responding to those topics must have a facility clearance, storage capability and the personnel required to perform at the Secret level. This Announcement is available only to U.S. firms. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT: It is the offeror's responsibility to identify, coordinate, and furnish supporting documentation for use of any Government furnished equipment. DATA RIGHTS: The Government desires, at a minimum, 'Government Purpose Rights' as defined by the FAR, to all technical data, deliverables, 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 clearly acknowledge or make exception to the Government's desire to 'Government Purpose Rights'. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION AND SUBMITTAL OF PROPOSALS: Guidance provided in this section applies to all proposals submitted under this announcement. 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 technologie s to a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 (system validation in a relevant environment) while considering technology transition to military rotorcraft], 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, by month, and by government fiscal year; all pricing rates used; other direct costs (material, subcon tracts, 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 (minimum 12-point font), and shall be submitted not later than 2:00 p.m. EDT 31 October 2005. Offerors may submit proposals that address different topics or propose different solutions under a single topic and each will be evaluated independently. Offers may also submit proposals that address only part of the problem under a Topic 01-2006. Propos als should be marked with the above solicitation and topic number. All proposals must be submitted in four paper copies and electronic format on disc (PDF or MS Word) to the Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, Attn: AMSRD-AMR-AA-C (Kenneth M. Hood), Fort Eustis, VA 23604-5577. Facsimile 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: kenne th.m.hood@us.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 FY06 are anticipated and awards may be staggered. AATD anticipates that all awards under this announcement will be made by end of third quarter FY06. Unless otherwise specified, proposals will be considered valid for Government acceptance through 31 October 2006. The Government anticipates multiple awards under this announcement, though no m inimum 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 right 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 proposal preparation costs. Oral explanations or instructions given before the award of any contract will not be bindi ng. 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 prospective offeror(s), will be published as an amendment to this announcement.
 

Place of Performance

Address: Aviation Applied Technology Directorate ATTN: AMSRD-AMR-AA-C, Building 401, Lee Boulevard Fort Eustis VA

Zip Code: 23604-5577

Country: US
 

Record

SN00891563-W 20050911/050909212517 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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