SOLICITATION NOTICE
A -- UNIVERSITY AND NON-PROFIT SCIENTIFIC AND ENGINEERING RESEARCH
- Notice Date
- 2/3/2006
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- Contracting Office
- N00178 17320 Dahlgren Road Dahlgren, VA
- ZIP Code
- 00000
- Solicitation Number
- N0017806Q3009
- Response Due
- 9/30/2006
- Archive Date
- 10/31/2006
- Description
- This synopsis is being posted to both the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) page located at http://www.eps.gov and the Navy Electronic Commerce on Line (NECO) site located at http://www.neco.navy.mil. While is it understood that FBO is the single point of entry for posting of synopses and solicitations to the internet, NECO is the alternative in case FBO is unavailable. Please feel free to use either site to access information posted by the Navy Sea Systems Command. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), through the Dahlgren Laboratory at Dahlgren, VA soliciting scientific and engineering research "white papers" to identify capabilities of University and Non-Profit Institutions to conduct basic research, applied research, and advanced research projects in a wide variety of scientific and engineering disciplines. PLEASE NOTE: We are NOT seeking specific research proposals at this time ? we are requesting submission of capability statements only. Specific research proposals may be returned to the submitting institution with a request to submit a capability statement. N00178-05-Q-3010 white papers will be considered as candidate sources until 30 Sept 2007. N00178-04-Q-3021 white papers will be considered as candidate sources until 30 Sept 2006. White papers submitted under BAA N00178-03-Q-3000 are no longer being considered. Research projects are expected to require a high level of technical expertise, primarily involving PhD level personnel; personnel requirements include, but are not limited to, the following categories: distinguished postdoctoral, senior postdoctoral, postdoctoral, professors, and graduate students. Awards under this BAA are expected to take the form of grants, cooperative agreements, other transactions, or contracts. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 541710 -- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Representative research areas requiring scientific and engineering research expertise for which "white papers" (capability statements) are solicited include: (a) Given the nature of today's war, it is imperative that measures are taken to ensure warfighter readiness by providing technology that takes into account the warfighter's cognitive capabilities and limitations for processing various types of information. NSWCDD is interested in research to further define the underlying mechanisms involved in the Executive Control Function (ECF) of attention with respect to cross-modal processing. In particular, it is of interest to identify the physiological correlates involved in attentional processing under cross-modal task paradigms. This will help to determine a baseline of performance under given conditions that vary as a function of task complexity, as well as assess how these attentional factors map to both behavioral and physiological variables. Furthermore, the behavioral characteristics for which individual differences (e.g., handedness, gender, etc.) mediate performance under these conditions should be investigated to further assess the regulatory function of the ECF. The results of this research will further the field of Cognition, in addition to providing a preliminary set of requirements for the design of systems which employ multimodal functionality. (b) The goal of this effort is to explore research issues centered on uncovering the various mechanisms involved in knowledge representation and/or acquisition, language acquisition, cultural knowledge, and translation for the purpose of developing warfighter language capabilities by enhancing the knowledge and skills necessary for acquisition. Various means for enhancing warfighter knowledge and skills include the development of linguistic tools with varying functional capabilities, and the development of workshops to aid in skill acquisition. These factors will ultimately facilitate warfighter readiness through the acquisition of the necessary skills that enable high-level foreign language ability when sent abroad. (c) Inhalational Anthrax in the Rabbit: NSWCDD is interested in determining bacterial numbers, germination rates, toxin production, and antibody production in selected tissues and biological fluids of immunized and non-immunized rabbits following exposure to B. anthracis Ames spores via inhalation. Targeted tissue/fluids include BAL, blood, lung homogenates, and lymph nodes. (d) Determination of sensory irritation in animal models - NSWCDD is interested in determining sensory irritation (RD50) for individual chemicals and mixtures of chemicals in animal models. Targeted animal model preferred is rodents, but will also consider other models (e) High-power optical / material interactions including: Analysis of high heating rate linear and non-linear processes; Thermally induced material failure mechanisms; High-power optical absorption and scattering processes in materials and the atmosphere. Both theoretical and experimental research in this topic is of interest. (f) Technologies, evaluation methodologies, analysis techniques and test results for information transfer technologies applicable to navy shipboard use in areas that include but are not limited to, multicast communications, fault tolerance mechanisms, information assurance, wireless sensor networks, network resource management, and network time synchronization. (g) Human-computer interaction at the individual, team and organizational levels to include advanced engineering tools, human performance and workload modeling and evaluation, decision aiding, remote/distributed team collaboration, advanced training technologies for the complex systems environment, and virtual environments. Applications to unmanned systems (especially missiles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles) is of particular interest. (h) Next Generation Combat Systems, including: Distributed Combat System Capability in the Littorals - Model driven software development and evaluation; Modeling of the Littoral environment for the design of improved and optimized next generation sensors; Multi-Static Distributed Sensor System (MSDSS) for Networked Littoral Battlegroups; Integration of ISR data into the combat system; Weapons control systems for asymmetric threats in the littorals; Common time and navigation systems. Systems of Unmanned Systems - Distributed Systems and Cooperative Group Behaviors; Robotics/Automation; Cooperating Autonomous Agents; Active Control Theory. Automated Information Processing - Expert and Knowledge-based Systems; Automated Decision Processes; Tactics-based Search and Dynamic Mission Replanning; Intelligent Agents, Network Mobile Agents, and Adaptive Agents. Distributed Computing - High performance and affordable distributed computing; High Bandwidth, Secure Communication Technology; Multi-modal, Mobile Human Network Interaction (Virtual Environments) (i) A logic analyzer is a binary system used to verify various functions of computer systems. NSWCDD would like to continue the development of a system to apply this readily available, low cost technology to weapons testing applications. Through previous work done at NSWCDD, it has been determined that to yield the clean signal required for accurate data logging by the Logic Analyzer, a high-voltage circuit must be used, along with signal conditioning circuitry. Also, in order to effectively use this many channels (hundreds in a given test), the velocity screens must be redesigned, and the manufacturing process for them must also be changed. A screen-printed velocity screen pattern printed onto 5-mil polyester sheets yields the ideal balance between flexibility of screen design, repeatability of screen design, and cost. This velocity screen manufacturing approach will make these screens plug-and-play in the field, and also leaves open the possibility of having custom-shaped patterns for velocity screen sectors. The work to be completed is described in the following paragraphs. There are three components to this data acquisition system; 1) The velocity screen, 2) The High Voltage circuitry, and 3) The post-processing algorithms and software. Development required on two portions of the system is discussed below. The HV Circuitry has been developed to yield a clean signal that produces very little cross-talk between channels. The work left on this involves designing the HV circuit for large-scale tests (i.e. hundreds of channels) and also designing the filter circuitry to isolate noise from the HV system into the Logic Analyzer. The post-processing algorithms have already been developed in spreadsheet format. It is desired that these algorithms be run through a GUI in a run-time environment, or on a computer program readily available on any computer (i.e. Microsoft Excel or other). The work left on this portion is the development of a GUI for both the test setup portion and the data processing portion. Finally, the system must be demonstrated to operate as a system in an explosive setting, incorporating the Logic Analyzer, velocity screens, HV circuitry, and post-processing software. (j) Automate the at-sea data reduction process by creating a user interface for the data collection system. The at-sea data is generated using photography and the end data must be in a pre-specified format. Fall of Shot Measurement System (FOSMS) for Open Ocean Impact Scoring against Towed or Remote Control Targets collects images of target impacts on or near targets and calculates the miss distance at rapid continuous rates of fire for major caliber gun systems. The task would require familiarization with the process, equipment and data sets. A thorough understanding of the various data sets is required to ensure the posttest data reduction algorithm adequately addresses missing or incomplete data. (k) A portion of the NSWCDD workload involves applied engineering, analysis, and design. The purpose of this project is to gain technical expertise in advanced modeling techniques in order to address Department of Defense critical needs. We hope to gain expertise in critical technical areas to enhance our technical capabilities. Some of these problems require the use of advanced analysis tools such as state-of-the-art hydrocodes, finite element, and computational fluid dynamic codes. The types of analyses include thermal, structural, modal, shock, composite materials analysis, and impact. These problems are very complex and require expertise at the graduate student or professor level. Examples of the types of problems include the design and optimization of an automated/robotic hatch retraction mechanism for naval vessels, circuit design work for weapon launchers, the development of visualization software for weapon fire control console overlays, and human factors engineering to allow size limited crew to process extensive amounts of data in short periods of time. (l) The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is a high speed, highly maneuverable surface vessel that will be incorporated into the Fleet after calendar year 2007. Each Seaframe platform is designed to execute a specific mission and then be reconfigured for a different mission within a 24-hour period. This requirement for a rapidly reconfigurable platform has led to the design of a ship that will accommodate modularized mission packages that can be quickly installed and uninstalled at locations around the world. The potential warfighting capability that each Seaframe can bring with it into an area of engagement is proportional to the amount of weight that the overall Seaframe can accommodate. Currently, the Surface Warfare Mission Modules, gun and missile systems are being designed using standard engineering materials such as steel and aluminum. Judicious use of these materials in conjunction with detailed modeling and simulation has allowed the initial modules to meet their weight requirements. However, there is a strong desire to reduce the overall weight of mission modules in order to bring more firepower into any potential scenario. The scope of this task would be to understand the current mission module structural elements, their driving requirements such as stiffness and durability, environmental factors, shock, vibration, and others and from this information redesign these structural elements using lightweight composites. In order to achieve this goal, a full program of material testing and rigorous, non-linear modeling will need to be performed. It is envisioned that a number of preliminary candidate composite materials will be examined. A trade study of performance versus requirements will be undertaken. Then, with two or three of the top candidates identified, test specimens will be fabricated and from these test data model databases will be populated. After this small scale testing and in depth modeling and simulation have been completed, a final down-select will be made of the optimal material. Full-scale prototypes of the structural members will then be built and extensive testing will be performed to insure that the requirements have been met. As a threshold, it is hoped that an overall 25% weight savings will be achieved. A goal would be to reduce weight in excess of 50%. (m) Objective: Develop a methodology, analysis technique, or set of guidelines for performing safety assessments of safety critical software in an Open Systems Architecture (OSA) environment. Background: Open Systems Architecture (OSA) is a systems design approach that seeks to implement open specifications for interfaces, services and supporting formats. OSA will enable properly engineered components to be utilized across a wide range of systems, and to interoperate with components on local and remote systems, with minimal change requirements necessary. In addition, OSA has become so attractive to the DoD acquisition community because of the promise of low upgrade and support costs. However, there is no clear approach to software system safety assurance. Open System Definition: Architecture is defined as ?the structural design of an entity. By adding ?openness? to the list of architectural characteristics implies that the ?structure? of the architecture explicitly promotes interoperability, both internally and externally, as well as ease of modification and extension. Open System is defined as a system that implements sufficient open specifications for interfaces, services, and supporting formats to enable properly engineered components to be utilized across a wide range of systems with minimal changes, to interoperate with other components on local and remote systems, and to interact with users in a style that facilitates portability. Some key benefits that applied to the Open System to assure technical performance are: well-defined, widely used, non-proprietary standard interfaces, services, formats; standards that are developed by industrially recognized standards bodies; definition of system interfaces to facilitate adding new or additional capabilities; explicit provision for expansion or upgrading through incorporation of additional or higher performance elements with minimal impact on the system; scalable, load invariant performance; reduced life-cycle cost and affordable COTS technology refresh; and reduced cycle time for changes and upgrades. (n) Provide support for developing and maintaining a cadre of active research scientists who can distill and extend results from worldwide research and apply them to Naval problems, to promote hiring and development of new scientists, and to encourage collaboration with universities, private industry, and other Navy and DON laboratories, in particular the corporate Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). Establish programs to create the next generation of Technologists at Naval R&D Centers; generate and sustain the interest and excitement of adolescents in careers in mathematics, physics, engineering and or other sciences, invigorate the science and math curricula, and enhance science and math training for teachers. All white papers received will be maintained for a period not to exceed three years and will be considered as candidate sources for research projects during that period. Offerors may replace, update, or withdraw white paper submissions at any time. All white papers submitted for topics may be considered for research efforts at the Dahlgren Laboratory, the Coastal Systems Station, or the Combat Direction Systems Activity. The Dahlgren Laboratory anticipate making multiple awards of grants, cooperative agreements, other transactions, or contracts. When appropriate, research grants will be the preferred award method. All white papers received that indicate interest in a particular research area will be reviewed for potential research projects in that area. Please identify the area in which your research is to be considered. Selection of a source for each separate research project will be based primarily on "best match" of technical merit (offeror?s interest, expertise, and capability) and potential for contribution to accomplishment of Navy/DOD missions, as presented in the white papers and considering other relevant information available to the evaluator. Anticipated cost will be considered in the selection, but cost will not be the primary determining factor. The selected source for each project will be requested to submit a detailed proposal. Submission of a white paper or a detailed proposal does not assure the offeror of a subsequent award. White papers should be submitted as a MS Word file either (1) as an email attachment to dlgr_nswc_xds13@navy.mil OR (2) on CD or ZIP disk to Grants Officer (N00178-06-Q-3009), NSWCDD (Code XDS13), 17320 Dahlgren Road, Bldg 183 Dahlgren, VA 22448-5100. Hard copy submissions (other than the grant certification package) are neither required nor desired. White papers should be formatted as follows: A. Cover Page (one page) - identify offeror by name and address, include point of contact (Office of Sponsored Programs, etc.) with telephone number and email address, include date of submission, indicate that submission is in response to this BAA; B. Overview (one page) - provide overview of offeror?s capabilities (physical plant and equipment as well as human resources); C. Costing (one page) - provide representative salary costs (hourly rates) for the following labor categories: distinguished postdoctoral, senior postdoctoral, postdoctoral, professors, and graduate students. In addition, identify and provide all applicable indirect (facility and administration) rates that would be charged on each research project; provide name, address, and point of contact, including telephone number, of applicable government auditor and government Administrative Grants Officer/Administrative Contracting Officer; D. Specific Research Area Information - one page for each research area (listed above) in which you have interest/capability to conduct research projects ? provide specific capability information applicable to the research area to supplement information provided in the overview; identify/discuss specific human resources expertise, specific facilities or equipment relevant to the research area, offeror?s prior participation in related research projects, and any other relevant information. DO NOT submit a specific research proposal unless requested. Please identify the topic area applicable to your white paper submission. In addition, all offerors should submit (in hard copy to the address shown above) a completed and signed NSWCDD Grant Certification package that can be accessed at the NSWCDD Home Page (http://www.nswc.navy.mil/supply/grants/grants.htm) Each grant or cooperative agreement that may be awarded to an institution of higher education under this announcement must contain the Military Recruiting on Campus clause in DODGARS 22.520(f), which may be accessed at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/32106r_041398/part22.pdf. Any institution that has been identified under the procedures established by the Secretary of Defense to implement P.L. 103-337, section 558, is not eligible to receive a grant or cooperative agreement in Response to this solicitation. Questions regarding this announcement may be submitted to Grants Officer (N00178-06-Q-3009), NSWCDD (Code XDS13), 17320 Dahlgren Road, Dahlgren, VA 22448-5100, to email xds13@nswc.navy.mil, or to facsimile (540) 653-6810. This announcement will remain open and white papers will be accepted through 30 September 2005. Awards may be made at any time after this notification is published, but only those offerors who have submitted white papers will be considered. This notice constitutes a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for University and Non-Profit Scientific and Engineering Research for Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, and, as such, solicits the participation of all offerors capable of satisfying the Government?s needs. This BAA should not be construed as a commitment or authorization to incur costs in anticipation of a grant, cooperative agreement, other transaction, or contract; the Government is not bound to make any awards under this announcement.
- Record
- SN00980079-W 20060205/060203212611 (fbodaily.com)
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