Loren Data's SAM Daily™

FBO DAILY - FEDBIZOPPS ISSUE OF FEBRUARY 23, 2014 FBO #4474
SOLICITATION NOTICE

16 -- Advanced Variable Speed Aircraft Transmission (AVSAT)

Notice Date

2/21/2014
 

Notice Type

Presolicitation
 

NAICS

541712 — Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
 

Contracting Office

ACC-RSA-AATD - (SPS), ATTN: AMSRD-AMR-AA-C, Building 401, Lee Boulevard, Fort Eustis, VA 23604-5577
 

ZIP Code

23604-5577
 

Solicitation Number

W911W6-14-R-0003
 

Response Due

4/11/2014
 

Archive Date

5/11/2014
 

Point of Contact

Genie S. Williams, 7578784078
 

E-Mail Address

ACC-RSA-AATD - (SPS)
(genie.s.williams.civ@mail.mil)
 

Small Business Set-Aside

N/A
 

Description

DESCRIPTION: Using the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) process, the Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD) is soliciting technical and cost proposals to conduct a Research and Development effort entitled Advanced Variable Speed Aircraft Transmission (AVSAT). Interested sources shall submit proposals in accordance with the guidelines contained in this announcement. This BAA constitutes the total solicitation for the AVSAT program. There will be no other notices issued in regard to this funding opportunity. Interested sources should be alert for any amendments. INTRODUCTION: The future Army aviation concept of operations calls for significantly improved aircraft range, payload, speed and endurance to increase the capability and effectiveness of Army units. Advanced rotorcraft designs are pushing to higher air speeds but require the capability to vary the rotational speed of all or portions of the drive system. Significant benefits to rotorcraft operational performance, effectiveness and acoustic signature could be gained through the ability to adjust rotor speeds to accommodate various flight conditions. Variable-speed rotor technology is critical to slowed-rotor compound configuration concepts and would offer significant benefits to future conventional, compound and tilt-rotor aircraft configurations. The specific fuel consumption of current turboshaft engines is optimized within a relatively narrow speed range and currently the ability to achieve a variable-speed rotor through engine speed adjustment is limited. Therefore, to achieve effective variable rotor speed designs, a variable speed/ratio transmission in the drive system is needed. Studies suggest that transmission designs capable of rotor speed variations on the order of 50% would be sufficient to achieve significant rotorcraft performance and noise benefits. Past applied research and advanced technology development efforts have focused on improving the efficiency, power density and life cycle costs of fixed-ratio transmissions. This competitive BAA seeks to develop and demonstrate technologies to enable multi speed drive systems for future and current fleet vertical lift aircraft. This BAA is issued under the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), 6.102(d)(2) and 35.016, and the Department of Defense Grant and Agreement Regulations (DoDGRs), DoD 3510.6-R. The Government's selection of proposals will be based upon a peer/scientific review of submitted proposals. This BAA is a 6.2 Applied Research program. The starting Technology Readiness Level (TRL) may be as low as TRL 3 (characteristic proof of concept). Technologies are expected to be matured to a TRL 4/5 (Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory/relevant environment). TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION: The Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD) is interested in technologies for multi speed/variable speed transmissions for rotary wing platforms. The AVSAT program seeks to develop the critical technologies needed for variable speed transmissions and demonstrate the feasibility and functionality of those technologies. The speed changing components are the focus of this technology development. Offerors shall demonstrate the critical and high risk components needed for a variable speed transmission design. If testing is not at full-scale, the technologies should be demonstrated at a sufficient size and horsepower level to ensure scalability (justification of scalability should be provided in the proposal). Components to be considered may be applicable to a variety of multispeed transmission types to include but are not limited to Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT), two speed clutched or clutchless transmissions and fluid coupling transmissions. The components must be applicable to a drive system configured for conventional, compound or tilt-rotor aircraft with a drive system rating of 4,000-7,000 HP and twin turboshaft engine input (for shifting assume constant engine speed). The notional transmission should have a minimum of two speeds with at least a 50% speed change ratio. The technology must be capable of transmitting full engine power to the rotor/propeller blades and rapidly accomplishing the upshift/downshift operation to avoid excessive time in harmful resonance regions of the airplane/helicopter transition. Due to the required short shift times, shock loads to the aircraft and aircraft drive train must be minimized. Shifting through the allotted speed differential should take no longer than 20 seconds and shall be as seamless and smooth as practical. A neutral condition with no drive engagement should be avoided. A positive quote mark lockup quote mark at each end of the shift sequence is desired. Offerors shall consider all accessories and associated equipment (fluid coolers, electronics, clutches, etc) required for the full and proper operation of the notional transmission and shall be included in design concepts and weight allocations. Offerors shall consider qualification requirements in the design and when proposing a technical approach (e.g. MIL-STD-810G for system durability, MIL-STD-461F as modified by ADS-37A-PRF for EMI, MIL-STD-704C for aircraft power compatibility, DO-178C for software, and DO-254 for hardware). Program efforts shall identify the requirements to qualify and transition the technology. Any scalability limitations (power and weight) of the proposed technology shall be identified during the effort. In order to understand the application of the proposed multi-speed technology/technologies, the Offeror shall provide in their proposal a notional drive system design and identify the critical technologies to be developed under the program. The notional drive system can be a conventional, compound or tilt-rotor helicopter configuration with twin turboshaft engines. Drive system concepts shall provide smooth rotor speed changes while maintaining a constant aircraft forward speed and altitude. The design should consider the effects throughout the drive system of transient shock loads produced by engine engagements and disengagements. The Offeror shall assess the technology risks and gaps associated with the design and propose a program to mature the critical component(s) to a TRL 4/5. ANTICIPATED PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Not to exceed 24 Months Total (21 for technical effort and 3 for Final Report). Offerors should clearly depict their proposed schedule. ANTICIPATED AWARD DATE: Staggered awards are possible starting in 4th quarter FY14, subject to the availability of funds. ANTICIPATED GOVERNMENT FUNDING: Available Government funding is approximately $2.0M for all awards. Government fiscal year distribution is as follows: FY14 $675k, FY15 $700k, FY16 $625k. To adequately invest in and maximize the breadth of technology developed, there is a potential to make up to two (2) awards for differing variable speed concepts. Any awards made under this announcement may be incrementally funded and are 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 satisfy. 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 TIAs or OTs 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 the 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/321006r34p.pdf. Award 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. In addition, all agreements will require delivery of the following data items or deliverables: (1) Program Management Plan (2) Bi-Monthly Progress Cost and Performance Reports (3) Final Report (4) Final Briefing at Ft. Eustis (5) Design Review Briefing Charts (6) Test Plans (7)Test Reports. (Note: Each of these items shall be delivered in the Offeror's format) SECURITY REQUIREMENTS: Unclassified, subject to export controls. 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 quote mark Export-Controlled DoD Data Agreement quote mark certification number issued in accordance with DoD Directive 5230.25. This certification may be requested from the Defense Logistics Services Center, ATTN: DLSC-FBA Federal Center, Battle Creek, MI 49017-3084, Telephone 1-800-352-3572. DATA RIGHTS: The Government prefers, quote mark Unlimited Rights quote mark, and requires at a minimum, quote mark Government Purpose Rights quote mark as defined by the DFARS 252.227-7013, to all technical data, deliverables, and computer software developed under this program, and no limitations on the use of delivered and/or residual hardware. It is the offeror's responsibility to clearly acknowledge or take exception to the Government's desire for at least quote mark Government Purpose Rights. quote mark Ambiguities will be negatively evaluated against the Offeror. The Contractor should propose legends for each data item identified as other than unlimited rights. In addition, all offerors shall identify the technical data or computer software that they assert would be furnished with restrictions on use, release or disclosure if an award is made under this announcement. This information shall be provided with your proposal using the format/table included in DFARS 252.227-7017 Identification and Assertion of Use, Release or Disclosure Restrictions. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY AND DATA: It is the Offeror's responsibility to identify, coordinate and furnish supporting documentation in the proposal for use of any Government furnished equipment or property. No government furnished data will be provided. Offerors must have access to or be capable of generating the data required to develop and validate the systems proposed. SUBCONTRACTING PLAN: Not applicable if proposing award under a non-FAR instrument (i.e. TIA) or if the offeror is a SMALL BUSINESS CONCERN. Pursuant to the requirements of FAR part 19.702(a)(1), if the total amount of the proposal exceeds $650,000, and there are subcontracting possibilities, offerors must submit a subcontracting plan. FAR part 52.219-9 defines a subcontracting plan and its requirements. Offerors shall incorporate the subcontracting plan as part of the Offeror's proposal submission. DFARS 226.370-8 discusses subcontracting incentive and goals with the Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions. DFARS 219.708(b)(1)(A) and (B), discusses the appropriate use of DFARS Clauses 252.219-7003 and 252.219-7004 in solicitations and contract related to small, small disadvantaged and women-owned small business subcontracting plans. Offerors are cautioned that in solicitations where subcontracting opportunities exist, the Government will not execute a contract unless the Contracting Officer determines that the negotiated plan provides the maximum practicable opportunity for SBs, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, and Veteran-owned Small Business concerns or HBCUs/MIs to participate in the performance of the contract. Offerors should note that DFARS 219.705-4 provides for a goal of 5% for SDB concerns and HBCUs/MIs. NOTICE TO FOREIGN OWNED FIRMS: Participation in this program is limited to U.S. Firms as Prime Contractors; however, foreign owned entities can participate as subcontractors/recipients to U.S. prime contractors/recipient. The U.S. prime entity retains responsibility for compliance with U.S. export controls. Interested entities must address export compliance of any foreign participants in its cost volume. PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS Offerors may submit multiple proposals for different technology concepts. Each proposal shall describe an effort to address all of the requirements defined within the BAA description. Each proposal shall consist of two volumes, a technical volume and a cost volume. In presenting the proposal material, Offerors are advised that the quality of the information is significantly more important than quantity. Offerors should confine the submissions to essential matters providing sufficient information to define their offer and establish an adequate basis for the Government to conduct its evaluation. The Government reserves the right to select for award only a portion of an Offeror's proposal or the total proposed effort. Partial awards are conditioned upon the Government and the offeror reaching mutually agreeable terms for such partial awards. The Government encourages and promotes teaming arrangements with research organizations to include academia, industry and small businesses in order to achieve a mix of relevant expertise and capabilities for executing research and development efforts. TECHNICAL VOLUME: The technical volume of the proposal shall provide an analysis that justifies the selection of the technologies and solution proposed, benefits of the proposed solution relative to the BAA objectives and a plan to develop and mature the technology. The technical volume shall also include a clear statement of the technical objectives, the specific approach to be pursued and supporting background experience. Proposals responding to this BAA should describe the basic technologies to be developed to meet the program goals. The approach to design, fabricate and test the multi speed drive components/critical technologies should be well defined. It shall contain a Statement of Work (SOW), milestones, a biographical section describing key personnel, a description of the facilities and/or data sources to be employed in the effort and a program management section. Offerors shall identify and substantiate the beginning and ending Technology Readiness Levels. The technical volume shall be limited to 30 pages (minimum 12-point font). Page limitation includes any drawings, charts, etc., and exclused section dividers, table of contents, list of figures/tables, glossry of terms and cross-referencing indices (all of which are not considered content pages). COST VOLUME: The cost volume of the proposal shall include a funding profile that shows total program cost and cost elements (man-hours, labor categories, materials, travel, and other costs) by month and government fiscal year. This information should be provided for both the total program and for each SOW task. All pricing rates used, and equipment and materials required should be included. The individual tasks proposed must be priced separately in order to facilitate selection and potential award of individual parts of the proposed effort. Cost share or in-kind contributions, if proposed, need to be clearly identified. Subcontractor cost proposals, if applicable, including pricing rate details, should be provided concurrent with the prime contractor's submission. Technical information included in the cost proposal will not be evaluated or considered in the rating of technical merit. If a foreign entity is participating as part of a prime's team, the cost volume shall clearly identify such participant and the Offeror's planned compliance with U.S. export controls, including any required export licensing. EVALUATION CRITERIA/BASIS FOR AWARD The selection of proposals will be based on a peer/scientific review of proposals (both technical and cost as it relates to technical effort) in accordance with the criteria set forth in this section. Proposals will be evaluated on their own merit without regard to others submitted under this announcement. The four evaluation criteria below are of equal weight. 1. The extent to which affordable, comprehensive, efficient and innovative technologies are proposed to satisfy the BAA requirements. This will include understanding of the problem, current technical barriers and how the proposed solution eliminates those barriers. 2. The merit of the Offeror's proposed approach to develop and demonstrate the proposed technologies. This includes the reasonableness of the tasks, schedule and approach to accomplish the proposed technical objectives. 3. The capability of the Offeror to accomplish the proposed effort. This includes the experience and qualifications of the proposed personnel, the suitability of the proposed facilities and the availability (or the ability to generate) of required technical and test data to validate the technology. 4. Cost. The reasonableness(see FAR 31.201-3 - quote mark Determining Reasonableness quote mark ) and realism (see FAR 2.101 - quote mark Definitions quote mark ) of the proposed cost (Government cost with or without cost sharing). The proposed cost will be analyzed to determine whether the proposed cost elements (man-hours, labor categories, materials, travel, and other costs) are realistic for the work to be performed; reflect a clear understanding of the requirements; and are consistent with the unique methods of performance and materials described in the Offeror's technical proposal. Reasonableness of the proposed costs, in their nature and amount, will be evaluated against what would be prudent in the conduct of competitive business. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS Submission: Proposals are due 11 April 2014 by 2:00 P.M., E.D.T. Proposals should be marked with the BAA number and shall be submitted in original, plus four (4) paper copies and electronic format on disc (PDF or MS Word) (Cost Proposal electronic copy shall be used for verification purposes and shall be delivered in Excel or other compatible format to the Army Contracting Command, Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, Attn: Genie Williams (CCAM-RDT), Bldg. 401, Lee Boulevard, Fort Eustis, VA 23604-5577. The exterior of the package shall reference the BAA number. Facsimile or electronic proposal submission is not authorized under this announcement. Proposals submitted after the closing date will be handled in accordance with FAR 52.215-1, Instructions to Offerors-Competitive Acquisition. A copy of this provision may be obtained from http://farsite.hill.af.mil. Unless otherwise specified, proposals will be considered valid for Government acceptance through September 30, 2014. This announcement is an expression of interest only and does not commit the Government to pay any proposal preparation costs. Offerors desiring an explanation or interpretation of this announcement must submit requests in writing at the above address or email : genie.s.williams.civ@mail.mil. Oral explanations or instructions given before the award of any agreement/contract will not be binding. Any information given to a prospective Offeror concerning this announcement which is necessary in submitting offers or the lack of which would be prejudicial to any other prospective Offeror(s) will be published as an amendment to this announcement. Questions received less than two (2) weeks prior to the proposal due date may not be addressed. Offerors should be alert for any amendments to this Announcement. This announcement is issued subject to the availability of funds. Upon notification by the Government, Offerors may request a debriefing. The debriefing process will follow the time guidelines set out in 10 USC 2305(b)(5), but the debriefing content will vary to be consistent with the procedures set out in FAR 35.016 governing BAAs.
 

Web Link

FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/notices/a215eb72c3618d79bb252d526d523cb3)
 

Place of Performance

Address: ACC-RSA-AATD - (SPS) ATTN: AMSRD-AMR-AA-C, Building 401, Lee Boulevard Fort Eustis VA

Zip Code: 23604-5577
 

Record

SN03294027-W 20140223/140221235006-a215eb72c3618d79bb252d526d523cb3 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

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

---

| FSG Index  |  This Issue's Index  |  Today's FBO Daily Index Page |