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

A -- RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA) N00178-97-Q-1073 FOR CONCEPT EXPLORATION, ANALYSIS, STUDY AND DEMONSTRATION OF TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND FIELDING OF A NEXT GENERATION NAVAL GUN FOR FUTURE SURFACE COMBATANTS SOL N00178-97-Q-1073 DUE 040397 POC Patricia Canciglia, Code SD112 or Paul Learn, Code SD11 on (540) 653-7478 WEB: Procurement Division Homepage, http://proc_div.nswc.navy.mil. E-MAIL: Questions concerning Announcement N00178-97-Q-1073, pcancig@nswc.navy.mil. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) is soliciting research and development proposals for concept exploration, analysis, study and demonstration of technologies related to development and fielding of a next generation Naval Gun System for future surface combatants. The objective of this effort is to demonstrate state-of-the art technologies which will precipitate the successful development of a Next Generation Naval Gun System which will be a fully integrated module including: one or more 155mm gun(s) and the associated fire control; an automated or robotic-aided large capacity magazine; and advanced guided projectiles and associated lethal mechanisms. NSWCDD will entertain the advanced guided projectiles as either a part of the fully integrated module or as a separate entity depending upon available alternatives identified through this BAA process. The refining of a future development effort (projected January 1999 Award) will be accomplished a result of atwo-phase BAA approach. Phase I of this BAA will include concept definition, technology assessment (to include risk assessment), and recommendations for Technology Demonstrations. At the conclusion of Phase I efforts, a down selection may occur resulting in limited Phase II options which will provide for the development of a Prototype upporting the Phase I Concept Development efforts. Phase II effort will be included as Option Items in the initial award for those offerors proposing an approach that lends itself to future prototype development. Phase II options will be subject to exercise within an expressed Not-To-Exceed Amount which will be proposed by the offeror, but subject to NSWCDD review and acceptance based upon selection criteria expressed in later paragraphs. Phase II options will be fully supported by a cost proposal (within the established not-to-exceed amount) towards the conclusion of the Phase I effort at the Government's expressed request. Offerors for Phase I and Phase II options will be selected as a result of the criteria identified in following paragraphs. Only those offerors selected for Phase I will be considered for Phase II options. Phase II proposals will be solicited from only those offerors who are being considered for a Phase II effort. Projected time lines for Phase I Awards are June 1997 with Phase II Option Exercise projected for January 1998. This Gun System is intended to be modular in construction, fully automated, and have greatly reduced life cycle costs over currently fielded naval gun weapon systems. The effort described herein is in support of a potential Milestone II decision in FY 98/99 with fielding of a system in the 2003+ timeframe. Subject areas of interest include, but are not limited to: (1) Mission Performance -- Studies and analyses which support the definition of the contribution of a next generation gun weapon system in accomplishing missions in Air and Sea attlespace Dominance, Power Projection, and C4ISR. (2) System Capability -- Studies, analyses, prototypes, and demonstrations which assist in the definition of system/subsystem level performance characteristics. These studies and analyses would typically be parametric in nature to support cost modeling or engineering level to support tradeoff decisions. Prototypes or demonstrations, either actual or in virtual environments, would be conducted to validate system/subsystem characteristics or to assess technology maturity of potential approaches. (3) Design Characteristics -- Studies and analyses which will assist in the identification and quantification of general design characteristics such as survivability (signature reduction), modularity, reconfiguration, modular architecture, interoperability, system safety, lethality, manufacturability, etc. Studies may also address potential process/facility improvements which would lead to reductions in manufacturing costs. Approaches using simulation-based design or virtual prototyping are encouraged. (4) Logistic Support -- Definition of concepts or technologies which would contribute to increased reliability/availability and reduced shipboard maintenance requirements, automation of currently manual actions or processes, or contribute to reductions in shipboard training or manpower requirements. Also studies and analyses of the impact of the maintenance, training, supply and manpower innovation on shore based infrastructure (including ammunition support). (5) Affordability -- Development of life cycle cost models which will assist in tradeoff analyses and impact of design characteristics and changes to support infrastructures. Proposed work should be structured to have a base period of 12 months, but may include multiple year phased options that extend beyond the initial 12 month period. Present planning is that up to $10 Million may be made available to fund both FY 97 (Phase I Efforts) and FY 98 (Phase II Efforts) in response to this announcement. Multiple, cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts, which would typically not exceed $500,000 each for the Phase I efforts are expected to be awarded as a result of this BAA. Contractor selections for Phase I efforts should be expected during the third quarter of FY 1997. WHITE PAPER SUBMISSION: All interested parties shall submit an unclassified white paper (limited to 10 single-sided, double-spaced pages in 12pt print) outlining their technical approach and experience in providing a solution to this BAA along with a Rough Order of Magnitude (Cost) by 2PM on 03 April 1997. All proprietary portions of the white paper shall be clearly identified and will be treated in the strictest confidence. White papers shall be submitted in an Original with 10 copies to the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Attn: P. A. Canciglia, Code SD112, 17320 Dahlgren Road, Dahlgren Virginia 22448-5100. White papers shall reference Broad Agency Announcement Number N00178-97-Q-1073. Offerors interested in multiple subject areas should submit a separate white paper for each area. A white paper that covers more than one area will not be considered. White papers will be reviewed and formal technical and cost proposals will be requested from sources whose approaches have been selected for further consideration. An invitation to submit a proposal does not assure subsequent contract award. Formal Cost and Technical Proposals will be required approximately one month after notification that NSWCDD has decided to pursue the offerors' approach as identified in their white paper submission. Current projections provide for NSWCDD completion of white paper evaluation by 18 April 1997; therefore, if selected, offeror's cost and technical proposals will be required by 20 May 1997. An Unclassified Industry Brief will be held to provide further clarification and to answer questions of potential offerors. If you plan to attend the industry brief which is scheduled for 18 March 1997 from 10 AM -- 2PM at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division Theater, Dahlgren, Virginia you must notify Pat Canciglia, Code SD112, on (540) 653-7478 on or before 14 March 1997 with a list of attendees (limited to two per firm). While foreign nationals are invited, special arrangements must be made. Therefore, if you are not a U.S. citizen, you must notify Pat Canciglia on (540) 653-7478 to make necessary arrangements to attend the industry brief. PROPOSAL EVALUATION: As noted earlier, after a review of white papers, the Government will request formal cost and technical proposals for selected offerors who have identified viable approaches to meeting the NSWCDD specific requirements. Proposals shall consist of three sections: (1) Technical (to be provided as original and 10 copies), (2) Cost (to be provided as original and 7 copies); and (3) Contractual (to be provided as original and 10 copies). The technical proposal shall contain, at a minimum, the following sections, each starting on a new page: A) Cover Page, including title, technical and administrative points of contact with telephone and facsimile numbers and e-mail addresses; B) A one-page summary of the technical scope of the proposed effort; C) A one-page summary of deliverables; D) A one-page summary of schedule and milestones; E) A one-page summary of any proprietary claims to results, prototypes, or systems supporting and/or necessary for the use of the research, results, and/or prototype. If there are not proprietary claims, this section shall consist of a statement to that effect; F) A Statement of Work of not more than five pages, clearly detailing the scope and objectives of the effort. Optional work shall be distinguishable from the baseline effort. If any portion of the effort is predicated upon the use of Government Owned Resources of any type, the contractor shall clearly identify the Resource required, the date the Resource is required, the duration of the requirement, the source for which the Resource may be acquired, if known, and the impact of the effort if the Resource is not provided; G) Technical approach description consistent with Sections (C) and (D); H) A description of the results and products expected from the studies; I) A discussion of no more than five pages giving previous accomplishments and work in this or closely related areas, and the qualifications of the key performing personnel; J) A discussion of no more than five pages that describes the overall approach to the management of this effort, including brief discussion of the total organization, use of personnel, project/function/subcontractor relationships, government oversight interfaces, and planning/scheduling, and control practices; and K) A discussion of the offeror's position with regard to intellectual property rights. Obviously, the ultimate intent is a future development effort. It is imperative that intellectual property issues do not preclude the successful completion of the future development award. The Technical Proposal shall not exceed 30 single-sided, double-spaced pages in 12 pt. print, including title pages, table of contents, figures, tables, references, but excluding resumes and tabs. Note: total allowed page count includes figures. Each foldout, if used, shall be counted as one page. The Cost Proposal shall contain a complete breakdown of proposed cost supported by historical data, current actuals and validated rationale for projected costs. The cost proposal shall include a one-page cost and fee summary for the effort (inclusive of any proposed options) which is supported by detailed breakdowns by task or subtask (i.e., labor hours by labor category; material costs supported by vendor quotes and purchase history; travel, computer and other direct and indirect costs). An explanation of any estimating factors, including their derivation and application shall be provided. Details of any cost sharing to be undertaken by the offeror shall be included in the cost proposal. The ontractual Portion of the proposal shall document the offeror's acceptance of NSWCDD clauses (which will be provided at time of proposal request) and any other information necessary to fully specify the final proposed contractual agreement. Proposals shall contain a statement of validity for at least 180 days beyond the closing date of receipt of proposals (estimated 20 May 1997). EVALUATION CRITERIA: Proposals will be evaluated against the following criteria: (A) Scientific and Technical Merit; (B) Potential Contribution and significance to the Next Generation Gun System; (C) Offeror's capabilities, related experience, facilities techniques, or unique combinations thereof that are integral factors for achieving the proposed objectives; (D) Qualifications, capabilities, and experience of the proposed principal performers who are key to program success; and (E) Past Performance. A Cost Realism Assessment will be performed and will be considered against the technical merits of the proposal. Further, awards are contingent upon Funding Availability. Not all proposals deemed selectable will be funded. Decisions to fund selectable proposals will be based on funding availability, scientific and technical merit, and potential contribution and relevance to the effort. The Government reserves the right to award on all, some or none of the proposals received and to fund all or part of the efforts presented in a proposal. Multiple awards are anticipated. Offerors shall identify proposed contract type, if other than cost reimbursement, in their white paper submission. OTHER INFORMATION: This announcement for White Paper submission will be open through 03 April 1997. White papers may be submitted at any time up to 2PM on 03 April 1997. This notice constitutes a BAA for NSWCDD as authorized in FAR 6.102(d)(2). Although no portion of this announcement is set aside for HBCU/MI participation, proposals are invited from all sources. This BAA should not be construed as commitment or authorization to incur cost in anticipation of a resultant contract. Information provided herein is subject to modification and in no way binds the Government to award a contract. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Dahlgren Laboratory Procurement Division is taking steps toward implementing Electronic Commerce (EC) in the acquisition arena, therefore this Broad Agency Announcement Synopsis and any applicable amendments will also be available on the World Web Wide at http://www.nswc.navy.mil under Procurement Division or http://proc_ div.nswc.navy.mil. Any requests for information shall be submitted to the attention of Patricia A. Canciglia, Code SD112, on (540) 653-7478 or email pcancig@nswc.navy.mil. (0059)

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