SOURCES SOUGHT
13 -- Next Generation Countermeasure (NGCM)
- Notice Date
- 10/2/2007
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- Contracting Office
- N00024 1333 Isaac Hull Avenue S.E. Washington Navy Yard, DC
- ZIP Code
- 00000
- Solicitation Number
- N0002408R6250
- Response Due
- 11/1/2007
- Point of Contact
- Christina Trasferini, Contract Specialist, christina.trasferini@navy.mil; Thomas Duval, Contracting Officer, thomas.duval@navy.mil
- Description
- This sources-sought synopsis is issued in anticipation of a future procurement program. The Naval Sea Systems Command is conducting market research to determine interest in the development of the Next Generation Countermeasure (NGCM), an acoustic torpedo countermeasure device for use by the US Navy. NGCM will replace in the future the Acoustic Device Countermeasure (ADC) MK 2 and ADC MK 3. The objective is to insert new countermeasure technologies into the submarine?s defense against threat acoustic-homing torpedoes. The NGCM is a three-inch diameter by 39.5 inch in length expendable, submarine launched acoustic torpedo countermeasure with advanced features, which can be, employed either as a static or mobile device. The NGCM will use Smart Adaptive Countermeasure (SACM) technology to provide variable acoustic modes of operation, including the ability will listen to an attacking torpedo?s ping and then optimize the interference signal it sends back to the torpedo. The NGCM shall have higher source levels then the existing ADC MK 2 MOD 3 acoustic torpedo countermeasure with the same range of frequency operation. The NGCM will have both a hovering and mobile mode. Hovering devices can act as stationary broadcast jammers while mobile units can additional be launched with more decoy like modes. The NGCM is intended to be launched initially from a submarine internal signal ejector, and additionally in the future via the external countermeasure launcher. The NGCM shall have an attitude swit ch to prevent accidental activation as well as safety interlocks similar to the ADC MK 2 and ADC MK 3 torpedo countermeasure to prevent accidental activation. The countermeasures (CMs) will have receivers capable of operating in full duplex mode. The NGCMs will be totally software re-programmable via an external interface and will be capable of changing tactics or modes of operation in response to perceived tactical or environmental conditions based upon software programmed tactics. Operational modes of the NGCM shall include the current acoustical modes of the ADC MK 2 MOD 3 and ADC MK 3 MOD1 devices, as well as have a Smart Adaptive Countermeasure (SACM) mode which is a more advanced reactive mode of acoustic operation. Additional features of the NGCM shall include: a. The NGCM shall have the acoustical operational modes of the ADC MK 2 MOD 3 and ADC MK 3 MOD 1, as well as the SACM mode. In addition, the NGCM shall be totally programmable in acoustical operational mode with the ability to program new signal response types and modes and any blending of the acoustical modes. b. SACM PROCESSOR ? The SACM adaptively responds with structured false alarm jamming signals to intercepted threat waveforms on a ping to ping basis in real time. The structured false alarm return is an analytically recreated waveform based upon the intercepted threat waveform which has been Doppler shifted and modified with a hi-light structure. The intent of the NGCM effort is to make this processing technique and its associated electronics tied to the sensors, propulsion engine, and a classifier with pre-programmed responses to provide data for tactical decisions and countermeasure actions/commands. The classification concept is based upon using clues extracted from the threat waveform by the SACM processing algorithms to identify the specific threat intercept and then using a look up table to formulate the best jamming response and tactic to neutralize the incoming threat. Current clues extracted include waveform type, bandwidth, duration, and tolerances. c. Tactical Processor - The NGCM shall utilize programmable presets, including timing, depth, and acoustic signal modes and related parameters, as well as programmable parameters related to the mobility of the device. All software within the NGCM including the SACM mode and classifier will be totally programmable. d. The NGCM shall also have a digital table with an adjustable TVR equalization, allowing the NGCM to have calibrated transducers for each electronics board set to optimize or flatten the source level outputs. e. The NGCM shall have full duplex operation, with the ability to attenuate the NGCM active transmissions and reject NGCM motor noise. A receiver capable of full duplex operating mode (simultaneous receive/transmit) will enable real-time adaptability to the transmitted threat signal. f. The NCGM will be designed to the same dimensions as the current ADC MK 2, and will be launched from the same launchers that currently launch the ADC MK 2 (submarine signal ejectors.) In addition, the NCGMs in the future will have the ability to be packaged in an all-up canister that can be launched from the external countermeasure launchers on submarines. g. The units will have a default operational mode, for backup, that will enable them to be launched using the existing launch control interface or via external switches set manually prior to launch via the internal signal ejectors. h. The NGCM mobility will include variable speeds from slow to fast with sufficient control and control surfaces to enable the transition from mobile to hovering operation. Controlled CM mobility in transit as well as hover modes will enable more effective positioning of the CM. The NGCM in the first iteration shall have a programmable guidance system that can be programmed at the ISEA or prior to loading onto the submarine with a pre-programmed run pattern. The NGCM shall be able to move and turn in accordance to pre-programmed maneuvers including variable depth transitions. i. The NGCM shall have hovering modes comparable to the programmable depth settings of the ADC MK 3 MOD1 as well as external switches that can be manually set such as with the hovering switches of the ADC MK 2 MOD 3. j. The NGCM will have operational endurance similar to the ADC MK 2 MOD 3 device. k. The NGCM will be able to generate source levels in excess of the ADC MK 2 MOD 3 device, and in the SACM modes, source levels in excess of the ADC MK 3 MOD 1 device in the torpedo frequency band for both wide band and narrow band operation. l. The NGCM, both in hovering or mobile mode, must have the same ability to clear the submarine and not cause impact upon the submarine after launch nor have any launch debris fall into the submarine similar to the launch clearance and debris requirements of the ADC MK 2 and ADC MK 3 devices. m. The NGCM, if using a towed hydrophone to achieve full duplex operation, shall be able to maintain full duplex operation after a mobile to hovering transition. n. The NGCM, including any possible deployment mechanism and towed hydrophone, must survive launch transients and shock and vibration requirements similar to the ADC MK 2 MOD 3 for the first iteration of devices. o. The NGCM should have acoustical activation and hovering / mobile activation time lines similar to the ADC MK 2 MOD 3 device. p. The NGCM shall have software scuttle features to ensure security of the device similar to the ADC MK 2 MOD 3 device. q. The energy system (battery) of the NGCM shall meet the same Sub-Safe and submarine certification requirements as the ADC MK 2 MOD device. r. The NGCM will have a combined stowage and shelf life of 14 years or more. The device shall be designed and manufactured with the ability to provide mid-life service with the replacement or refurbishment of parts with expiring shelf life. s. The NGCM shall be programmed to have a self-check feature to include built in test features that provide go / no-go status. Interested firms are encouraged to submit a capability summary that does not exceed five (5) pages in length describing their NGCM design concept and firm?s recent relevant business experience and their approach in meeting the requirements stated above. Responses should include: (a) The name and address of the contractor and where the NGCM would be built; (b) Point of contact including name, title, phone, and email addresses; (c) A description of similar devices currently offered by the contractor that meet, or with minor modifications might meet, the above listed requirements. Where to submit: Email responses or inquiries should be sent to Ms. Christina Trasferini at christina.trasferini@navy.mil. To help ensure proper receipt, name the email ?Next Generation Countermeasure? in the subject field. Information may also be sent to the following address: Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, Attention Christina Trasferini Code 02622T, 1333 Isaac Hull Avenue SE Stop 2050, Washington Navy Yard, DC 20376-2050. No telephone inquiries will be accepted and requests for solicitation packages will not be honored, as a solicitation is not prepared at this time. When to Submit: Responses are requested by 1 November 2007. Notice Regarding Solicitation: Please note that this synopsis is for information purposes and to identify potential sources. This notice does not constitute an Invitation for Bid or Request for Proposal and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. Notice Regarding Proprietary Information: All submitted materials will be designated for Government Use Only. Other: No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this announcement and any follow up information requests.
- Record
- SN01426991-W 20071004/071002224128 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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