Commercial Acquisition Department, Bldg 11., Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, Code 59, Simonpietri Dr., Newport RI 02841-1708

A -- BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR RESEARCH FOR NEW AND INNOVATIVE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SOLUTIONS FOR IMPROVING THE OPERATIONAL CONNECTIVITY FOR SUBMARINES. DUE 053097 POC Contact Mr. William Hurley, Contracting Officer at (401) 841-2442 2 X298. FAX (401)841-4820. WEB: NAVAL UNDERSEA WARFARE CENTER DIVISION, NEWPORT, http://www.npt.nuwc.navy.mil/contract/. E-MAIL: William Hurley, Contracting Officer, hurley@code59.npt.nuwc.navy.mil. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) is seeking proposals (technical and cost) for research for new and innovative research and development solutions for improving the operational connectivity for submarines. The Navy desires to explore system solutions and technologies that will provide significant improvements in submarine connectivity at high data rates. Integrated sensor technologies that will minimize mast exposures, provide modularity, and improve submarine stealth are desired. Connectivi ty in this context includes frequencies from VLF through EHF. Specific areas of interest include: 1) integrated mast antenna systems including multi-spectral capabilities that provide functional support to communications, 2) system level solutions for connectivity improvements to support Battlegroup and joint interoperability of the submarine platform, 3) techniques and processes for maximizing stealth characteristics of these systems to support submarine covertness. In support of these three areas of int erest, proposals in the following technology areas are of interest: 1) sensor technologies: smart skins, phased arrays, multi-functional sensors, and multi-spectral and LPI solutions; 2) system concepts: COTS based solutions, and compatibility with Joint Maritime Communications requirements; 3) stealth technologies: materials and techniques for RCS reduction of submarine masts and antennas, and techniques to reduce detection of communications signals. These new systems and technologies are intended to supp ort technology demonstrations by the end of fiscal year 1999. Technologies that can be successfully demonstrated are candidates for use as part of the next generation submarine sail planned for later flights of the New Attack Submarine. An industry briefing is planned for 29 April 1997, to be held at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Newport. This briefing will provide the overall technical guidance required by all offerors to focus proposals to the Navy s requirements. The briefing will be co nducted at the Secret level. All offerors interested in attending this industry briefing shall contact Mr. Philip Amidon, NUWC Code 3498, at (401) 841-3400, extension 35402 prior to 15 April to arrange to attend. Security data must be forwarded to Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Code 512, by 25 April 1997. All organizations interested in participating in this solicitation should submit technical and cost proposals, five copies each, of the proposed technology or system solution to the Commercial Acquisiti on Department, Building 11, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Newport, Code 5914, Simonpietri Drive, Newport, RI 02841-1708, Attn: Mr. William Hurley, BAA 973205, by 2:00 p.m. on 30 May 1997. Proposals shall be unclassified. Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the following evaluation criteria which are listed in descending order of importance: (1) contribution of the proposed approach to improved submarine connectivity (increased data rate, improved stealth, improved information manage ment, andmultifunctionality), (2) level of maturity of the proposed solution and its probability of successful demonstration by the end of FY 99, (3) past performance of the offeror in providing similar technology solutions to the Department of Defense, (4) management approach and experience of the proposed project team and (5) total cost and cost realism of the proposed project. Proposals will be selected for award based on these evaluation factors. It is anticipated that multiple awards will be made at funding levels in the range between $50K and $400K. Proposal length, exclusive of cost and pricing data, should not exceed 25 pages, including an Executive Summary not to exceed two pages. Proposal format is the choice of the offeror. Technical or administrative questions regarding this announcement should be directed to Mr. Philip Amidon, (401) 841-3400, ext 35402. Contracting questions should be directed to Mr. William Hurley, at (401) 841-2442, ext. 298. (0086)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0006 19970331\A-0006.SOL)