SOURCES SOUGHT
58 -- Maritime Vessel Stopping Capability Development
- Notice Date
- 11/18/2013
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 334511
— Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- Department of the Navy, Naval Sea Systems Command, NSWC Dahlgren Division, 17362 Dahlgren Road, Suite 157, Dahlgren, Virginia, 22448-5100, United States
- ZIP Code
- 22448-5100
- Solicitation Number
- N0017814Q3003
- Archive Date
- 5/19/2014
- Point of Contact
- Felicidad Morgan, Phone: 540-653-7807
- E-Mail Address
-
felicidad.morgan1@navy.mil
(felicidad.morgan1@navy.mil)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- This synopsis is being posted to both the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) page located at https://www.fbo.gov and the Navy Electronic Commerce Online (NECO) site located at https://www.neco.navy.mil. While it is understood that FBO is the single point of entry for posting of synopsis 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 Naval Sea Systems Command. All capabilities shall be in compliance with the specifications listed in the RFI attachment. Any questions regarding this synopsis should be addressed to Contract Specialist, Felicidad Morgan at felicidad.morgan1@navy.mil. This is a RFI by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD). This RFI is published in accordance with FAR Part 15.201(e), and is for PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal, or a commitment by the U. S. Government, nor should it be construed as such. Respondents are advised that NSWCDD is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of information received, or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted under this RFI. There shall be no basis for claims against the Government as a result of any information submitted in response to this RFI. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI, or reimburse RFI preparation costs incurred by any offeror when providing the information requested under this notice. If a solicitation is released at a future date, it will be synopsized on the FBO website. It is the responsibility of any potential offeror to monitor this site for additional information pertaining to this requirement. Issued by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division in support of Non-Lethal (NL) Maritime Vessel Stopping (MVS) Capability Development 1.0 SYNOPSIS The NSWCDD Q21 Department is seeking information from interested parties on readily available counter-material (CM) MVS technologies / solutions that have been proven in field trials or through prototype testing. Additionally, NSWCDD is interested in innovative technologies and novel concepts that could potentially enhance Joint Service ability to interdict stop, and/or disable a broad spectrum of maritime vessels and low, slow, small unmanned aircraft (LSS UA) through less than lethal means. The primary focus of this RFI is in countering small (<25 meter) and medium (26-50 meter) high speed vessels and low (<15k ft MSL), slow (<150kts), small (6-25ft wing span/main rotor radius) unmanned aircraft. Information regarding technologies that could apply to large (>50 meter) vessels and aircraft/missile systems in open oceans and littoral regions is also of interest. In addition, innovative concepts for delivery of MVS technologies and/or solutions are also under consideration. These delivery mechanisms should provide U.S. forces with the ability to operate and deploy MVS technologies at extended ranges to facilitate safe engagement/operations for extended periods of operation. All MVS technologies/solutions and identified delivery concepts provided should cite capabilities and limitations, specifically addressing how they may provide significant operational advantages. The information submitted through this RFI is intended to provide insight on current and emerging technologies that the Government may leverage for adaptation and utilization in a future NL MVS program of record. The Government will not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for any proprietary information not properly identified. (a) The Government does not intend to award a contract based on this RFI or otherwise pay for the information solicited. (b) Responses to this RFI do not constitute a proposal and will be treated as information only. (c) The Government reserves the right to engage with respondent(s) if additional information and/or clarification are deemed necessary. Responses to this notice are not offers and the Government cannot accept them to form a binding contract or agreement. The Government will not be obligated to pursue any particular acquisition alternative as a result of this RFI. The Government will not return any RFI responses. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future solicitation to the MVS initiative. 2.0 BACKGROUND The Government is interested in the development of NL means to stop and/or disable noncompliant vessels without the need to board the target vessel in support of homeland security and maritime interdiction operations. The use of NL weapons provides a step in the escalation of force continuum that allows action to be taken sooner (in order to assist in determining intent) and with lower risk of collateral damage. Specifically, these weapons use less-than-lethal means to stop vessels, providing commanders with alternative(s) that bridge the gap between warnings and lethal engagements. Technologies of interest are those that are compatible with deployment by manned/unmanned surface, air, and subsurface vehicles/platforms, and should be capable of disabling the targeted vessel at reasonable distances to ascertain intent of vessels approaching a protected zone. Specific technologies targeted for investigation and development are those associated with systems that could produce: (1) electronic disruption of vessel propulsion and/or steering control systems; (2) surface/subsurface mechanical interruption and/or hindrance of vessel propulsion and/or steering mechanisms; or (3) a reduction in power or residual momentum forces of a vessel making way. At a minimum, employment techniques must provide extended range MVS capabilities to increase time for tactical decision-making to adequately assess the tactical situation thereby facilitating a structured execution of escalation of force tactics, techniques and procedures across a broad range of military operations. MVS system technologies considered should enhance Joint Force operations through supporting assessment of a contacts intent, which enable U.S./Allied Forces to control and/or hinder movement of a potential threat. 3.0 PURPOSE The purpose of this RFI is to seek information on current and emerging CM NL technologies that the government may leverage to meet the capabilities described in paragraph 4. Cost and schedule are major factors; therefore, the Government is interested in information defined in paragraph 4. 4.0 CAPABILITY INFORMATION SOUGHT MVS is in a pre-Milestone A acquisition phase with a Capabilities Development Document (CDD) under development. Although some NL technologies associated with MVS are considered mature for small vessel engagement, the expansion to include engagement of medium and large sized vessels with their associated delivery mechanisms, and integration to provide a cohesive, interoperable NL capability is challenging. The objective of the RFI is to solicit new thinking, focused on developing technologies or employment of existing technologies in novel ways to address the operational challenges in MVS. Particular focus and interest is on mechanisms and approaches to meet expeditionary employment. Therefore, NSWCDD is canvassing the technology base to assist in identification of readily available commercial solutions, innovative technologies, and novel concepts that will enhance the Joint Service capability to stop vessels of all sizes on the open oceans and in coastal regions using less than lethal means. In support of the technology development, the Government desires to collaborate with stakeholders in exploring technology advancements and alternatives to aid in accelerating maturation of system and subsystem capabilities to satisfy MVS design attributes and operational requirements supporting CDD development. The goal of this collaborative strategy and the information collected through this RFI is to assess commercial investment to date and the maturity of enabling technologies/capabilities in support of MVS development. The following outlines the scope of information sought and maturity of commercial-based solutions as well as innovative technologies and MVS NL delivery mechanisms to be presented by the vendor. Technology Focus Areas: All identified technologies shall have a near-term ability to demonstrate their operational effectiveness and suitability as it applies to standoff vessel stopping capabilities that extend beyond the range of employment, terminal effects/results, and standoff capabilities of current systems. In addition, the development and integration of systems in a modular, multi-system configuration supporting MVS functionality is of particular interest; however standalone systems are also of interest. Submitted technology development efforts must take into consideration the military utility of commercially-available technological approaches and solutions for further maturation and ruggedization. 1. Focus Area #1: Drag Induction/Kinetic Methods Technologies that could apply force to a ship or vessel in order to rapidly slow it or bring it to a complete stop. This includes technologies to realistically deploy these systems. Examples include rapid attachment techniques for tethers, drag enhancement mechanisms designed to substantially slow a ship in less than 5 ship lengths, as well as delivery systems for these types of technologies. 2. Focus Area #2: Chemical and Anti-Material Methods Technologies that could disable a ship's propulsion system. Examples include methods of rendering the propulsion system useless or ineffective, denial of combustion constituents or heat removal, as well as delivery systems for these types of technologies. 3. Focus Area #3: Directed Energy Methods Technologies that could potentially be used to impede or stop vessel/aircraft as well as delivery systems for these types of technologies. 4. Focus Area #4: Entanglement Methods Technologies that could render a ship's propulsion force inoperable or drive a ship into a circular path without requiring boarding of the vessel. Examples might include technologies to lock the vessels propeller, propulsion shaft and/or rudder, as well as delivery systems for these type of technologies. 5. Focus Area #5: Stand-off/Remote Delivery Methods Technologies that support stand-off engagement such as small, low-footprint, unmanned vehicle employment mechanisms of one or more NL kinetic and/or non-kinetic vessel stopping technology. Delivery technologies identified shall be rapidly deployable, low-weight and volume, support autonomous operation, be affordable (expendable), and enable reduced operator burden. In addition, increased localization capability that will enable improved NL payload placement on target is paramount. 6. Focus Area # 6: Cyber/Network Control Methods Technologies that support the engagement of vessels through the use of their own control networks by mechanisms not covered by directed energy methods. Examples might include remote supervisory control and data acquisition control through external communications paths. The government is also interested in receiving information related to potential mechanisms and or approaches to maritime vessel stopping that have not been referenced in the above focus areas. Collaboration in a Laboratory/Range Environment: Laboratory testing and range demonstration events provide an opportunity for technology developers to interact with Government developmental and operational personnel to determine how their technology development efforts and available solutions may support or present a potential to be adapted to satisfy MVS functional requirements. This testing environment facilitates a collaborative working relationship between Government and industry to promote emerging as well as mature technologies and to assess potential solutions for expeditionary missions and capabilities. Industry participation in test and demonstration activities does not suggest or imply that the Government will procure or purchase equipment. Technology shall be at Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL-6) or greater for the purpose of selection to participate in laboratory testing or range demonstration. Any testing or demonstrations that have already been conducted should be clearly indicated in the RFI response to assist in determining TRL. Assess Industry Manufacturing/Production Capacity and Organic (US) Sourcing: Vendor information provided to this RFI should cover state-of-the-art manufacturing, assembly, and production methodologies and processes that can be leveraged from the commercial sector to reduce potential non-recurring costs associated with the development of a MVS capability. Vendor responses should provide information on their strategies, methodologies, and established processes associated with prototype, pre-production, and production article designs. Of particular interest is vendor collaboration with U.S. sources that supply materials and components either manufactured or developed within the U.S. that can be examined for MVS applications. 5.0 SAMPLE RESPONSE OUTLINE The following is a suggested outline for a response to this RFI. This outline will minimize the effort of the respondent and structure the responses for ease of analysis by the Government. Section 1: Technological Capability Identify technological capability related to the technology focus area(s) addressed. Identify open architecture, Commercial-Off-the-Shelf components, software and methodologies employed related to imbedded processes and algorithm development. Identify target processors, operating systems and development environments as well as use of any proprietary design attributes. Identify interface standards used and any Built-In-Test capability and calibration techniques. Section 2: Technological Alternatives Briefly describe one or more technological alternatives, including the reliability and technology readiness characteristics of the alternatives. Provide any potential Small Business Innovative Research grants and other similar activities for new and pertinent technologies, information, future concepts, ideas, or plans for development that may assist any of the five technology focus areas described. Section 3: Feasibility Assessment Briefly describe the feasibility of each alternative and the design presented in response to this RFI. This should include production/manufacturing processes, hazardous material handling or processing and any special considerations necessary for military use, packaging, handling and transport. Section 4: Cost and Schedule Estimates Provide Rough Order of Magnitude cost and schedule estimates as it applies to the technologies presented. These assumptions are for cost estimation purposes only and the government is seeking this information for market research purposes only. Costs provided under this RFI will not be used by the government as binding in any current or future contract negotiations. As previously stated, this is not a request for proposal. It is not the expectation of the government that the contractor will provide a complete cost proposal. Projected costs with tradeoff possibilities are preferred. Additionally, the government requests cost breakdowns showing the price differentiation between Unlimited, Government purpose, and Limited Use data rights. Cost estimates should be provided for non-recurring engineering development elements as well as recurring unit costs. Schedule inputs should include possible development and fielding timelines. Section 5: Corporate Expertise Briefly describe your company, your products and services, history, ownership and other information you deem relevant. In particular, describe any projects you have been involved in that are similar in concept to what is described in this RFI, including management and operations approach and any relevant lessons learned. Section 6: Additional Materials Provide any other materials, suggestions and discussions you deem appropriate. Include any additional requirements the government has not identified in the attachments. Discuss any Research and Development into new technology areas that are ongoing relative to this request. Page limitations do not include any related materials. (e.g. Brochures, sales literature) Section 7 Small Business Utilization Identify percentages of the small business socio-economic categories (e.g., Veteran Owned, 8(a), HUBZone, etc.) that are achievable in specific tasking areas and/or overall, to include identification of tasking that small business would be well suited to perform. 6.0 SUBMISSION OF RESPONSES All responses must include the following: Company Name; Company Address; Company Business Size; and Point of contact (POC) with phone number, fax number and email address. Interested businesses should submit responses to this RFI to the contracting office using Microsoft Word (12-point Times New Roman font, single-spaced), addressing the areas requested to the POC below. Submissions must be limited to no more than 20 pages per submission including figures and tables. NSWCDD may request further information regarding the capabilities of respondents to meet the requirements. Eligible partners who may respond to this synopsis include companies, public and private foundations, non-profit organizations (including universities) and state or local government organizations. NSWCDD requests offerors' responses no later than 12:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time 45 days after posting. All communications with industry must be coordinated through the Contract Specialist, Felicidad Morgan. Information should be e-mailed to: felicidad.morgan1@navy.mil or mailed to Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) 17632 Dahlgren Road, Bldg 183, Ste 157, Dahlgren, VA 22448-5110. Responses should be labeled with the Synopsis number N00178-14-Q-3003 and title. Information received shall be treated as Business Sensitive and will not be shared outside Government activities and agencies without permission of the provider. Any information supplied under this RFI shall be provided free of charge to the Government. All responses should be unclassified. Information and materials submitted in response to this request will NOT be returned. If responses contain proprietary data, it shall be marked appropriately. It is the respondent's responsibility to clearly define to the Government what is considered proprietary data. Any responses to this announcement should reference synopsis number N00178-14-Q-3003, and should be directed to Contract Specialist, Felicidad Morgan, 540-653-7807, or e-mail: felicidad.morgan1@navy.mil.
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