SPECIAL NOTICE
A -- Broad Agency Announcement - Special Topic, Enduring Directed Energy
- Notice Date
- 7/23/2024 1:30:25 PM
- Notice Type
- Special Notice
- NAICS
- 541715
— Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Contracting Office
- W6J1 RCCTO BELVOIR FORT BELVOIR VA 22060-5806 USA
- ZIP Code
- 22060-5806
- Solicitation Number
- W50RAJ24S0001-EnduringDE
- Response Due
- 8/7/2024 3:00:00 PM
- Archive Date
- 08/22/2024
- Point of Contact
- Hillary S. Roy, Sydney Horn
- E-Mail Address
-
hillary.s.roy.civ@army.mil, sydney.m.horn.civ@army.mil
(hillary.s.roy.civ@army.mil, sydney.m.horn.civ@army.mil)
- Description
- Enduring Directed Energy The RCCTO is requesting white papers in response to this BAA W50RAJ24S0001 Supplement. The white paper format shall be in accordance with (IAW) instructions found in the White Paper Submission section of this document (https://sam.gov/opp/524a6a1bd5ee4f93b5f26b5ee1b4e1ef/view). A Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost is requested with the white paper submission IAW Section V(A) (14) of the BAA. The ROM cost is requested with the whitepaper per the format in Annex A and will not contribute to the page total for the white paper submissions. White paper submissions are due no later than 5:00pm CT on 07 August 2024. Summary Laser weapon systems will be critical enablers within the Army�s formation as the lethality, interoperability, and sustainability of these systems advance over the next decade. The ability to produce laser weapon systems rapidly and repeatedly at scale requires industry partners to work together. RCCTO�s objective is to collaborate with industry to expedite the development and field testing of a producible and sustainable laser weapon system. This system will be designed to meet the Army�s C-UAS Battalion force protection requirements by seamlessly integrating into the Army�s Air and Missile Defense (AMD) architecture, specifically to deliver lethal effects against Groups 1-3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).� Following the RCCTO Other Transaction Authority (OTA) prototype award, under Title 10 USC 4022 in early FY25, selected vendors' laser weapon systems will undergo an expedited United States Government (USG) field test program to demonstrate that they are safe and suitable for operational use. RCCTO will select a prime contractor in FY26 for production following the successful completion of the development and demonstration effort. The program intends to transition to Program Executive Office Missiles and Space (PEO MS) for production and is considering using Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Fielding to produce up to 20 laser weapon systems. These production units will maximize available hardware and software open-interface standards to maximize lethality, interoperability, sustainability, and producibility requirements. Problem Statement The rapid increase in the availability and sophistication of UAS represents a significant challenge to U.S. strategic objectives. Adversary capabilities are progressing exponentially, and the USG is challenged with increasing our ability to efficiently assess and mitigate nefarious UAS threats. The imminent emerging threat to U.S. Soldiers comes from Groups 1-3 UAS platforms that provide the enemy with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and attack capabilities; either through delivery of submunitions or via one-way kamikaze attacks. These Group 1-3 UAS threat systems are well suited to conduct tactical and operational level missions, can be launched from forward operating positions without the use of conventional runways, and are difficult to detect and destroy due to their low-flying altitude and small size. To maintain overmatch on the battlefield, continued modernization through use of emerging technologies is required to increase detection, range, lethality, reliability, and survivability in Multi-domain Operations (MDO). To aid in this fight, RCCTO is seeking High Energy Laser (HEL)-based weapon solutions from industry for integration into common Army AMD networks to demonstrate a capability to defeat Groups 1-3 UAS threats utilizing an engage-on-the-short-halt capable platform. The proposed HEL solution should include the USG defined Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) weapon system design considerations, allowing greater flexibility for U.S. Soldiers to employ, operate, and maintain the system. Opportunity Sought The U.S. Army objective is to produce a HEL weapon system capable of fixed site defense (�palletized�) and/or integration onto an existing Army Platform, such as a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). White paper submissions shall include how you would approach designing, integrating, building, and delivering a HEL C-UAS weapon system in a cooperative manner with the government stakeholders. The USG will provide the Army�s Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) Interface Control Documents (ICD), Army owned platform interface specifications, such as JLTV, including onboard sensors and radios, the Integrated Recording Appliance (IRA) design reference ICD, and the Navy Joint Laser Deconfliction Safety System (JLDSS) as Government Furnished Information (GFI) upon contract award. The systems must be ready for a sensor and laser lethality characterization test in 1QFY25, a lab demo in 2QFY25, an integrated system field test in 3QFY25, and a Soldier Touch Point (STP) event in 1QFY26. All white papers must be received no later than 5:00 pm CT on 07 August 2024. High Energy Laser System should: Lethality Demonstrate a lethality requirement that will be fully defined at Industry Day at a higher classification level than this document allows. Acquire and track Groups 1-3 UAS threat at standoff ranges to be provided. Identify threat type and determine aimpoint selection at ranges to be provided. Systems shall demonstrate lethality against Groups 1-3 fixed-wing UAS threats. In this case, lethality is defined as the catastrophic defeat (recognizable system loss of control authority or the system�s immediate inability to maintain flight). Interoperability Provide a weapon system design that is level 3 interoperable with the FAAD C2 system IAW AR 34-1 while using the FAAD C2 �DE Common Message Set� (WES, RES, & CES), enabling the HEL weapon system to connect with existing Army networks, JLDSS, radars, and effectors in a seamless MDO network architecture. Present modular design opportunities that maximize the ability to interchange multiple sub-systems. Present a design solution capable of integrating onto an existing Army Platform while maintaining vehicle safety and performance. Present Cybersecurity measures designed into the weapon system to support Risk Management Framework, Interim Authority to Test, and future ability to obtain an Authority to Operate to ensure the weapon system is compliant with DoDI 8500.2, 8510.01, and other applicable DoD and Army Trusted Systems and Networks (TSN) and cybersecurity policies and regulations. The weapon system must achieve a cyber security categorization of Medium, Medium, Medium by 3QFY25. Provide the software (SW) design that interfaces with the USG-provided Integrated Recording Appliance (IRA) System.� All Level 0 data generated by each major subsystem will be captured as government-owned information. (IRA design reference ICD(s) provided upon request). Provide the SW design that enables the weapon system to operate within a classified MDO network architecture and conduct sanitization activities when required. Sustainability Present opportunities for Soldier-led maintenance activities and replacement of a major HEL sub-system component. Provide the plan to develop multiple Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) in support of Soldier-led maintenance activities and replacement of major subsystem components according to specified maintenance levels for both Field Maintenance and Sustainment Maintenance activities, IAW Army Regulation (AR) 750-1. Present a HEL weapon system design capable of operating in extreme environments to include arctic and desert. Producibility Outline a plan and demonstrate the team�s ability to transition from development fabrication processes to production of up to 20 weapon systems under a Production OTA Award by 3QFY26. The USG will give preference to vendor-assessed weapon system at Technology Readiness Level 7 by the end of 3QFY26. Assess to a system-level Manufacturing Readiness Level 7 by the end of 3QFY26. White Paper Evaluation Criteria The USG will evaluate the vendor�s white papers based on their ability to meet the criteria below. Lethality: The USG will use HEL Consolidated Modeling and Engagement Simulation (HELCoMES) to evaluate the vendor�s design for lethality. Specific parameters required for HELCoMES modeling will be provided to the vendors. The USG will assess the vendor's designs to evaluate the HEL weapon system acquisition, identification, track, and engagement capabilities Interoperability: The USG will give preference to a vendor�s system that has closed-loop aimpoint maintenance while engaging with the HEL with the goal of maximizing the irradiance on the aimpoint. The USG will give preference to a vendor�s system architecture solution that demonstrates a teamed approach and provides multiple qualified secondary subsystems and/or critical components capable of demonstrating full integration with the HEL weapon system during the integrated system test in 3QFY25. The USG will give preference to a vendor�s design analysis that shows the ability to integrate a pallet onto a government-furnished JLTV. The USG will give preference to a vendor�s design that illustrates DoD and Army cybersecurity best practices and the ability to achieve a cybersecurity categorization of Medium, Medium, Medium for the HEL weapon system. The USG will assess the SW design to evaluate integration with FAAD C2 and JLDSS. The USG will give priority of preference to vendor�s designs that show physical and software interface compatibility with the USG IRA. Sustainability: The USG SMEs will evaluate the vendor�s recommended list of key opportunities to conduct Soldier-led maintenance activities of critical components required for the operation, maintenance, and repair of the system. The USG will evaluate the vendor�s plan to develop multiple LRUs. The USG will assess the weapon system�s ability to operate in extreme environments to include artic and desert. Producibility: The USG will assess the vendor�s Producibility Plan outline, which should include critical aspects of the transition from prototype to production and demonstrate the team�s ability to recognize, understand, and address critical aspects and requirements of the process to transition from prototype to production by 3QFY26. Critical aspects of the transition from prototype production include but are not limited to: Understanding of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) Ability to conduct a Supply Chain readiness assessment Ability to develop a manufacturing process plan Evaluation of existing tools/equipment for scalability Production Timeline and milestones describing a phased approach for achieving target production rates in lots of 4 in FY28, 6 in FY29, and 10 in FY31 Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Plan and Testing processes Production Cost Analysis and Management Risk Management System Safety Documentation and Training Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Considerations Stakeholder Communications Plan The USG will evaluate the vendor�s current assessed TRL/MRL at the time of whitepaper submission The USG will give priority of preference to assessments that are backed by historical data (separate annex not included in page count). White Paper Submission Interested vendors are requested to submit a 15-page response that should document the team�s ability to provide a system solution capable of meeting or exceeding all the above requirements within the required schedule. The response should provide a description of each team members' contribution to the system capabilities and a point of contact for the USG. The point of contact identified in the response will be the person notified regarding participant invitation and approval to attend the Industry Day. Submissions shall be unclassified and limited to 15 one-sided 8.5"" x 11"" pages and 11 font Arial size with one-inch margins; line spacing shall be set at no less than a single space. Tables, drawings, and header/footer information shall be in 10-point Arial font or larger. If any material provided contains proprietary information, mark and identify disposition instructions (submitted data will not be returned). All replies to this special announcement must reference BAA W50RAJ24S0001. Submit only unclassified information. All responses shall include company size status under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715, as stated below. No telephonic inquiries will be accepted. Submit all responses electronically via email or DoD SAFE to this special announcement with reference to BAA W50RAJ24S0001. For email, send to Hillary S. Roy, Agreements Officer at hillary.s.roy.civ@army.mil and Sydney Horn, Agreements Specialist at sydney.m.horn.civ@army.mil. For DoD SAFE submissions, submit a drop off request to Ms. Roy and Ms. Horn no later than 5:00 pm CT on 2 August 2024. A drop off link will be available within one business day and remain available until the submission deadline. A ROM is requested with the white paper submission. The ROM format is attached and will not contribute to the page total for the white paper submissions. Industry Day RCCTO invites interested vendors to a USG-sponsored Industry Day at Redstone Arsenal, AL to discuss the Enduring HEL Weapon System requirements. Industry Day is open to all interested U.S. firms with a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code. The purpose of the Industry Day is for RCCTO to provide an overview of the effort, discuss desired capabilities, and to answer questions from industry related to this effort. The Industry Day will afford an opportunity for industry interaction related to this event. Date: 18 July 24 Location: 100 Secure Gateway SW Huntsville, AL 35808 To register, please RSVP by 15 July 24; the USG will not accept registrations after that date. Include a by-name list of all Industry Day attendees for your organization. Each industry team is limited to three attendees; however, the USG reserves the right to limit participation if the event is oversubscribed. RCCTO recommends/requests that industry includes technical experts in addition to business development staff. Registration�will be on a first-come-first-serve basis. For visitor information and to send your RSVP, please contact the Industry Day Points of Contacts (POCs), Leandra Austin, leandra.austin.ctr@army.mil, �and Tracy Elliott, tracy.d.elliott2.ctr@army.mil and courtesy copy Ms. Roy and Ms. Horn. All attendees must be able to provide proof of U.S. citizenship; identification will be required at check-in on Industry Day. No meals or beverages will be provided at the event. The Industry Day will include Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Vendors must submit their Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code to the Industry Day POC to attend the event. Following your registration, the Industry Day POC will provide additional information on the event.� Industry teams are encouraged to submit written questions to the Industry Day POCs prior to Industry Day. This event is an open exchange with industry, and no answers given will be considered official or binding on the part of the USG. No digital recording of Industry Day events is permitted.� Information Exchanges Following Industry Day, the USG intends to hold one-on-one information exchange discussions with parties interested in participating in this effort to gain additional information and clarification and to offer industry the opportunity to discuss this requirement and identify any GFI that is being requested for this effort. The USG will limit each discussion session to 30 minutes. The USG requests that each respondent bring a team that does not exceed three people, including technical experts and business development staff. The respondent should plan to spend the first ten minutes of the discussion session summarizing their HEL Weapon System concept. Hard copy briefing charts are preferred and should be provided to the USG at the information exchange. The remaining time will be for open discussions. The USG reserves the right to share any non-proprietary information exchanged during the one-on-one sessions with all potential participants. The sessions will be CUI. Any information the USG receives may inform their requirements, but vendor-specific information received during Industry Days and these one-on-one information exchanges will not complement or supplement any whitepapers.� Follow-on Production Work Following the successful completion of the prototype project, and subject to the availability of funds, the USG anticipates a transition from the prototype project to a follow-on RCCTO production OTA opportunity in support of PEO MS C-UAS efforts with a tentative program transition date in 3QFY27. Following the integrated system test in 3QFY25, the USG intends to select a single prime contractor for award of a follow-on production contract in 3QFY26. The follow-on production contract scope will include the production of 10 HEL system units through FY28, with an option for 10 additional units between FY28-31. A production cost ROM for 10 and 20 units is required as a deliverable by 3QFY25 and will be requested as part of the RFP. Notice: Offerors are advised that employees of the firms identified below may serve as non-USG advisors in reviewing and evaluating white papers and proposals. These individuals will be authorized access only to those portions of the white paper/proposal data and discussions that are necessary to enable them to perform their respective duties. Such firms are expressly prohibited from competing on the subject acquisition. Intrepid Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation KODA Technologies, Inc. Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. Scientic, Inc. Tennessee Valley Research Group In accomplishing their duties related to the white paper evaluation, the aforementioned firms may require access to proprietary information contained in the offerors' white papers. Therefore, pursuant to FAR 9.505-4, this firm may execute an agreement with each offeror that states that they will: (1) protect the offerors� information from unauthorized use or disclosure for as long as it remains proprietary, and (2) refrain from using the information for any purpose other than that for which it was furnished. To expedite the evaluation process, each offeror must contact the above companies to affect the execution of such an agreement prior to the submission of white papers. If applicable, each offeror shall submit copies of the agreement with their white paper. Each offeror must request access through SAM.gov to the contact list included in this announcement.�� �
- Web Link
-
SAM.gov Permalink
(https://sam.gov/opp/24b598af04254084a2ef24873060f6fa/view)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Redstone Arsenal, AL, USA
- Country: USA
- Country: USA
- Record
- SN07138885-F 20240725/240723230144 (samdaily.us)
- Source
-
SAM.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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