Dahlgren Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center, 17320 Dahlgren Road, Dahlgren, VA 22448-5100

A -- RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA) N00178-96-Q-1150 FOR LIGHT WEAPONS TECHNOLOGY SOL N00178-96-Q-1150 POC Doug T. Elliott, Contract Specialist, Code S110, (540) 653-7478 or email - dtellio@nswc.navy.mil. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), in collaboration with the Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM), is soliciting for research and development (R&D) concepts addressing areas relating to light ground weapons, weapons for tactical maneuver element vehicles, and tactical transport aircraft. In general, these technologies should provide the USMC with greater tactical flexibility, reduced manpower requirements, increased lethality range, and accuracy at greater ranges than provided by current systems while reducing the physical burdens (size and weight) and logistical burdens (number of consumables, equipment, and maintenance). The USMC seeks to improve current weapon systems through the year 2020 (concepts relating to USMC maneuver elements in particular and expeditionary forces in general). R&D proposals addressing these areas from a variety of perspectives are of interest: e.g., exploration of new concepts, techniques in modeling and simulation for scenario evaluation, hardware development, feasibility analysis, environmental simulation, entity development, systems integration, and performance-based return-on-investment analysis, as well as proof of principle and concept demonstration. Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to: increased range, increased lethality, increased accuracy, weapons mobility, improved materials, and reduced logistics requirements. Respondents shall submit a one to five page ''white paper'' summarizing the proposed effort(s) and a rough order of cost magnitude to obtain a preliminary indication of potential NSWCDD/USMC interest. If desired, multiple white papers addressing different areas of R&D may be submitted. White papers shall be submitted in original form and three copies to the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Attn: Doug T, Elliott, Code S110, 17320 Dahlgren Road, Dahlgren, Virginia 22448-5100. White papers, proposals, and all related correspondence should reference BAA Number N00178-96-Q-1150. Offerors will be requested to submit in-depth proposal(s) should NSWCDD/USMC deem the ''white paper'' of scientific and technical merit. The format for the in-depth proposal(s) should be divided into three sections: (1) a technical section which includes a clear statement of objectives, technical approach and methodology, supporting technical information (including an indication of proprietary aspects of the proposed effort), and a plan of action and milestones, (2) a management section which includes a description of relevant corporate expertise, experience, facilities and other relevant resources, resumes of key-personnel, and (3) a cost section which provides a detailed breakdown of the proposed effort described in the technical section. All options and assumptions shall be clearly identified and defined. Award decisions will be based upon competitive selection of proposals resulting from a peer and/or scientific review and availability of funds. Proposals submitted in response to this announcement will be evaluated using the following criteria: (1) overall scientific and technical merits of the proposal, (2) understanding of the research effort proposed, (3) past performance, experience, and qualifications of the principal project personnel and/or the institution or corporation submitting the proposal, (4) potential contributions of the proposed effort to the United States Marine Corps' overall war fighting capabilities and related experience, and (5) realism of the proposed cost and availability of funds. Technical and other questions regarding this announcement may be submitted to Doug T. Elliott via telecopier at (540) 653-7088 or via email at dtellio@nswc.navy.mil. This announcement shall remain open through 30 September 1996, proposals may be submitted at any time during this period. Contract awards may be made at any time beginning with receipt of proposals through fiscal year `97. This notice constitutes a BAA for NSWCDD as authorized at FAR 6.102(d)(2). Although no portion of this announcement is set aside for HBCU and MI participation, proposals are invited from all sources. This BAA should not be construed as a commitment or authorization to incur costs in anticipation of a resultant contract. Information provided herein is subject to modification and in no way binds the Government to award of a contract. This synopsis and frequently asked questions (FAQ's) will be available on the World Wide Web at ''http://www.nswc.navy.mil/'' under ''Procurement Division'' or ''http://proc_div.nswc.navy.mil''. (0220)

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