SOLICITATION NOTICE
A -- DEMONSTRATE ADVANCED AUTONOMOUS ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGIES FOR EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL (EOD) MISSION APPLICATIONS
- Notice Date
- 3/16/2007
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- Contracting Office
- N0464A 2008 Stumpneck Rd Indian Head, MD
- ZIP Code
- 00000
- Solicitation Number
- N0464ABAA0703
- Response Due
- 4/16/2007
- Archive Date
- 4/16/2007
- Point of Contact
- JIM KNESEL PHONE 301 744-6886
- Description
- The Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division (NAVEODTECHDIV) has a need to demonstrate existing state-of-the-art autonomous robotic capabilities for the purpose of assessing and enhancing its research and development effort. This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) seeks to identify advanced robotic technology developments that may ultimately be integrated into currently fielded and/or future EOD unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) configurations. BACKGROUND: The use of UGVs as a primary response tool for the EOD operator has increased dramatically for in-theater operational uses. Using current generation tele-operated UGVs in unstructured environments places a large workload on the operator. There exists a need for incorporating advanced autonomous capabilities into EOD UGVs to automate common tasks such as navigation, driving, and manipulation. These advances will allow more of the UGV operator?s attention to be placed on EOD procedure selection and execution and on monitoring the surrounding environment. Autonomous capabilities also have the potential for decreasing overall mission time. TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION: Interested firms are requested to submit white papers/full proposals that define the effort to demonstrate their advanced autonomous capabilities for application to EOD UGVs. These proposed projects may include the performance of limited development to tailor an existing capability to the EOD mission and to demonstrate that capability on-site at NAVEODTECHDIV, Indian Head, MD. EOD UGV enhancements are sought in the following technology areas: 1. MANIPULATION ? Many EOD UGV manipulators have limited autonomous capabilities, requiring the operator to directly control the joints of robot. Capabilities that allow the manipulator end-effectors to be controlled directly in 3-D space have been developed, but the user is still required to directly control the manipulator using feedback from the UGV cameras. The capability is desired that would allow the manipulator to be moved autonomously; requiring only high level input and supervision from the operator. For example, the operator might select an item of interest on their display and manipulator would then move to within a predetermined distance of that object. Some common tasks that are performed using robotic manipulators are: picking up and placing EOD tools and ordnance, opening doors, digging, using hand-tools and power tools (drills, saws, etc.). 2. NAVIGATION ? Fielded EOD UGVs are tele-operated and have no autonomous navigation capabilities. This requires the operator to drive and navigate the robot both down range to the mission area and back up range to the command post. Capability is desired that will allow the UGV to drive and navigate autonomously requiring only high level input and supervision from the operator. 3. INSPECTION/IDENTIFICATION ? Target inspection and identification is currently performed by the EOD operator using the UGV video cameras. This procedure can prove inadequate at providing vital target information to the EOD technician, requiring the operator to move down range and personally inspect the target. Capability is desired that will improve situational awareness of the down range environment (e.g. location of target relative to other buildings, vehicles, and objects) as well as the target itself (e.g. size, shape, color, markings). EOD MISSION: Technology demonstrations of existing autonomous capabilities for UGVs are required that apply to tasks identified in the following EOD mission profile: (a) Unload UGV from transport vehicle; (b) Drive UGV down range to target location; (c) Perform reconnaissance of target and target area; (d) Use of manipulator to perform render-safe operations (e.g. place or aim tools and sensors, pick-up ordnance, clear debris and dirt); (e) Verification of success of EOD procedure and additional reconnaissance; (f) Drive robot back to command post; (g) Load UGV into transport vehicle. WHITE PAPERS: Interested offerors are requested to submit a white paper, the purpose of which is to preclude unwarranted effort by the offeror in preparing a full technical and cost proposal that would not be considered responsive to requirements. Each white paper is limited to five pages in length and may address any one, or combination of the technology areas defined above. The white paper shall consist of three primary sections: Technical, Management, and Cost. The Technical section shall state which categories are being addressed and shall consist of clear descriptions of objectives, technical issues which must be resolved to accomplish objectives, approach to resolving these issues, and particular prior experience of offeror in the targeted technology areas. The Management portion shall include key personnel (include curriculum vitae), experience, facilities and a plan of action with milestones. The Cost portion shall include a cost breakdown of the effort being pr oposed. The period of performance shall not exceed four (4) months in length and the total cost shall not exceed $100,000. White papers shall be submitted not later than 3:00 PM (EDT) on 16 April 2007. It is anticipated that the evaluation of the white papers will be completed and the results disseminated to Offerors by 07 May 2007. FULL PROPOSALS: The Government will request full proposals based on the merits of the white papers received. Full proposals will not be limited as to the number of pages and shall consist of three sections, Technical, Management, and Cost. All sections shall reference the BAA number and include the Offeror?s project title. Titles given to the white papers/proposals should address the technology areas that are being proposed. Proposals submitted shall include the following sections: (a) cover page including unique title and both technical and business points of contact; (b) statement of work (SOW) detailing scope of work and a detailed description of each task; (c) list of Government furnished information and Government furnished equipment (GFE) required; (d) a detailed cost breakdown by task including labor categories, labor rates, labor hours, labor overhead rate and total labor cost. If subcontractors are involved, include a cost breakdown for each subcontractor exh ibiting the same parameters. Subcontractors may send their details separately or they may provide them along with the prime in a sealed envelope. Also include material cost, travel and any other direct or indirect costs. If the Offeror has an approved purchasing system, provide the source and date of latest review. If the offeror does not have an approved purchasing system, state what processes are used for purchases of such items as material, travel, and training; materials, travel, and any remaining direct or indirect costs; (e) a description of deliverables; (f) a schedule including milestones and a time/cost profile; (g) a description of the Offeror?s facilities, key personnel and experience in the area of interest. It is anticipated that full proposals will be due in the June 2007 timeframe. The Government intends to issue awards based on the optimum combination of proposals that offers the best overall value to the Government. The Government reserves the right to select for award some portion(s) of the proposals received in respo nse to this BAA. In that event, the Government may select for negotiation all, or portions, of a given proposal. The Government may incrementally fund any award issued under this BAA. EVALUATIONS: White papers and full proposals will be evaluated using the following selection criteria, which are listed in descending order of importance: (1) Overall scientific and technical merits; (2) Understanding of EOD requirements and the technical/scientific innovation and risk to solve the requirement; (3) Potential for transition to fleet/field capability; (4) The Offeror?s capabilities, related experience, facilities, techniques or unique combinations of these which are integral factors for achieving the proposal objectives; (5) Potential capability gained by EOD; (6) Proposed cost and fees. The socio-economic merits of each proposal seeking a procurement contract will be evaluated in the context of the requirements described in this announcement. The evaluation process will consider the extent of commitment in providing meaningful subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, HUB Zone small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, woman-owned small bus iness concerns, veteran-owned small businesses, historically black colleges and universities, and minority institutions. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this solicitation, 541710 (which corresponds with the standard industrial classification code of 8731), specifies a small business size standard of 500 employees or less. A Small Business Subcontracting Plan prepared in accordance with FAR 52.219-9 must accompany contract proposals (full proposals) that exceed $500,000 submitted by all but small businesses. Entities that must submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan for contract proposals that exceed $500,000 include universities/colleges, nonprofits, and large businesses. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Minority Institutions (MI) are encouraged to submit proposals and/or join others in submitting proposals. However, no portion of this BAA will be set-aside for HBCU and MI participation due to the impracticality of reserving discrete or functionally separable areas of this technolo gy for exclusive competition among these entities. SUBMISSIONS: White paper/full proposals submissions must be in hard copy, with one (1) original copy and three (3) photocopies. Each offeror should submit a cover sheet with its white paper/proposal. This cover sheet, which will not be counted against any page restrictions and should include the BAA number, name, address, telephone number, fax number, and email address for the technical and business points of contact. White papers/full proposals shall be submitted to Commanding Officer, Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division, 2008 Stump Neck Road, Indian Head, MD 20640-5070, Bldg. 2112, Attn: Jim Knesel, Code 052. OTHER BAA INFORMATION: This notice constitutes a BAA as contemplated by FAR 6.102(d)(2). The Government reserves the right to select all, some, or none of the proposals received in response to this announcement. The Government will not pay for proposal preparation costs (including white papers and oral presentations) in response to this BAA. All data received in response to this BAA that is marked or designated as corporate or proprietary information will be fully protected from release outside the Government. Offerors are advised that only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to contractually bind or otherwise commit the Government. For more information regarding business or contractual matters, please contact: Jim Knesel, Code 052, NAVEODTECHDIVIH, (301) 744-6886. For more information regarding technical matters, please contact: Michael J. Del Signore Code 5224B, (301) 744-6858 ext. 289.
- Record
- SN01253304-W 20070318/070316221610 (fbodaily.com)
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