HQ Electronic Systems Center, R&D Contracting Division, ESC/PKR, 104 Barksdale St., Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-1806

A -- ADVANCED ANALYSIS, MODELING AND SIMULATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SENSOR DATA SOL PRDA PL/GPD97-05 POC Mr. Robert W. Tyrrell, Contracting Officer, ESC/PKRB, 781-377-2930; Mr. Gino Cascieri, Contract Specialist, ESC/PKRB, 781-377-2623; Mr. Robert Raistrick, PL/GPD Technical Contact, 781-377-3726. PROGRAM RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCEMENT (PRDA #PL/GPD97-05) entitled "ADVANCED ANALYSIS, MODELING AND SIMULATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SENSOR DATA". The Phillips Laboratory, Geophysics Directorate, Analysis and Simulation Division (PL/GPD) is interested in receiving proposals relating to ADVANCED ANALYSIS, MODELING AND SIMULATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SENSOR DATA. New and unique state-of-the-art ground and space sensor data analysis, environmental effects modeling and simulation techniques, and scientific visualization of sensor data along with their integration into new and existing software systems are needed. Space and earth sensors are providing ever increasing volume and sophistication of sensor data and data sets to new and expanding limits. Consequently, new state-of-the-art analytic approaches, along with enhanced development procedures and techniques, are needed to efficiently and effectively analyze, process and produce environmental effects models and simulations from multiple, very large data bases. In addition, new software techniques and scientific visualization of very large ground and space sensor based data is needed by today's modern warfighter to simulate and predict the behavior of the environment on operational systems. Hence, new analytic techniques and mass storage and retrieval of extremely large data bases is required to meet new state-of-the-art User Requirements. The development of these analytical, scientific software techniques, along with new and existing environmental effects models and simulations shall not only draw on the expertise accumulated in the existing Phillips Laboratory, Geophysics Directorate data and software bases, but shall also address new and unique areas of data interpretation to include, but not limited to, time dependent variability of atmospheric and space phenomena, integration and analysis of near real-time sensor measurement data, visualization of results of multispectral, encapsulation of code as objects to allow operation in distributed computing systems, new algorithmic approaches to improve speed and fidelity of simulations results, and implementation and use of multiple distributed expert systems for use by the user community. Furthermore, areas of this effort shall include: 1) Enhancement of data analysis and system performance through new algorithms and computational architectures. 2) Modeling of atmospheric and space sensor environmental data, addressing user's operational requirements to operate in these environments. 3) Techniques to allow simulation of time-varying atmospheric and space effects on operational systems performance. 4) Integration, analysis and incorporation of near real-time phenomenological data for specialized simulation scenarios. 5) Improvement of human-computer interaction through expert system support, improved visualization techniques, and novel analysis techniques. The contractor shall be able to participate in working teams as the technical lead, while drawing on PL/GP's existing environmental data and software base. As a team member, attendance at technical interchange meetings at Hanscom AFB, MA, no more frequently than every two weeks, is required. All software must be coded in ANSI C, C++, or FORTRAN, and must run on hardware and systems software in use at PL/GP, Hanscom AFB. The precise system configuration depends on the task being performed. PL currently uses a Unix workstation environment. Successful offerors must have a U.S. Security Clearance of SECRET or above. Access to SECRET data is required. BASE SUPPORT will be required, 50% of the effort will be performed at PL/GPD. The use of PL facilities (Bldg. 1102C) will be provided and includes office space, computers, software, two desks, two chairs, and one (1) class 20 telephone for official calls to perform the work under the proposed contract. The following PROJECT STATEMENT is provided: (1) New and unique state-of-the-art ground and space sensor data analysis, environmental effects modeling and simulations techniques, and scientific visualization of sensor data alongwith their integration into new and existing software systems are needed. Space and earth sensors are providing ever increasing volume and sophistication of sensor data and data sets to new and expanding limits. Recent experience with requirements for the acquisition, processing, and exploitation of the large volumes of data from the Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) have emphasized the urgent need to continue to search for new and innovative technologies in order to meet sensor data requirements to process, analyze, animate, deliver, store and retrieve high volume, complex sensor data received from new and advanced sensor systems. As an example, the MSX program produces up to 12 gigabytes of data a day that must be processed and delivered to research scientists and analysts for interpretation and validation. In addition, requirements to ensure the timely processing flow of large volume of data sets is already stressing our existing capabilities. Current computer processing hardware and software system topologies being used today cannot meet current and future throughput requirements necessary to stay ahead of the data volume input. New approaches that exploit multi-processor hardware and software are needed. These new systems also need innovative approaches to provide convenient and rapid availability for the storage and access of large volumes of data. Enhanced, new capabilities in data compression, high density storage and retrieval systems, and hierarchical data storage strategies need to be developed and implemented. However, the problem is not only the large size of the basic sensor data, but also the complexity of the complete data requirements and the many supporting data files needed to complete the processing and analysis. These include pointing and ephemeris data, time calibration parameters, sensor calibration data, experiment timeline information, sensor and spacecraft housekeeping, and data sets from corollary and cooperating sensor systems. The efficient sorting, storage and retrieval of these disparate data sets and information files is a complicated problem. New capabilities are needed to manage the work flow of the various required data sources along with efficient scheduling of the available processing hardware and software resources. These new techniques and capabilities must be tailored to the unique aspects of the scientific and experimental data sets that are the core of our data processing support requirements. In addition, there is an urgent need to support the researcher in developing specialized computer applications to expeditiously and efficiently utilize the data and all the supporting information needed to complete scientific data validation and analysis. Current analysis tools are being overwhelmed by the volume and complexity of the data and information available. The new, sophisticated sensor systems planned for the next generation measurements programs will require highly refined and complex processing, calibration routines, and analytic techniques that are not available, but need to be developed. (2) Exploitation of the modeling and simulation environments is another key area where new technology needs to be developed. Our requirements center around two main thrusts under this key area. First is the incorporation of the models and codes developed by the science divisions into the DOD modeling and simulation environments. These requirements need to be compliant with standards such as the Distributed Interactive Simulation architecture, Aggregate Level Simulation Protocol (ALSP), and the High Level Architecture that are a requirement for DOD simulations. However, these additional requirements put additional demands on our ability to integrate the models and codes developed by the Directorate into these environments. Creative techniques and applications are needed to facilitate the interface transition. Secondly, visualization is also another critical part of the modeling and simulation development. This scientific visualization requires more advanced and powerful applications that can incorporate the backgrounds and natural environment model output into system level visualization to support the AF in its mission planning and training operations. (3) Another major requirement for PL/GPD is to support the Geophysics Directorate and our Operational Users in providing mathematical analysis and computational physics support to meet their requirements for folding the experimental data analysis results into operational models and simulations and to validate these models. However, the highly diverse nature of the data from the new measurements programs requires new techniques to fuse the various inputs for input into a environmental modeling system. Plus new techniques are required in providing parameterized and empirical formulations for the models to account for newly discovered sensitivities of state-of-the-art weapons systems. (4) Finally, Advanced Data Management Systems that support the needs of a widely distributed nature of data sources and participants in measurement, modeling, and simulation activities are also needed. New and innovative ways of doing business and providing management and functional control of data, information analysis and simulation activities are needed in meeting continually advancing DOD Customer Requirements. The complicated nature of current experimental and technology programs requires sophisticated techniques to identify and track program information requirements, data processing and analysis needs, and coordinate the activities of program team members scattered throughout the world. New data and software techniques, designs and architectures are needed to support our data management requirements. In addition, the Internet is a new venue just beginning to be exploited. Thus, new ways to build on the Internet and other means of developing a seamless collaborative environment for research analysis and data, and information sharing are currently needed. (5) The development of the above analytical, scientific software techniques, along with new and existing environmental effects models and simulations shall not only draw on the expertise accumulated in the existing Phillips Laboratory, Geophysics Directorate data and software bases, but shall also address new and unique areas of data interpretation to include, but not limited to, time dependent variability of atmospheric and space phenomena, integration and analysis of near real-time sensor measurement data, visualization of results of multispectral simulations, encapsulation of code as objects to allow operation in distributed computing systems, new algorithmic approaches to improve speed and fidelity of simulations results, and implementation and use of multiple distributed expert systems for use by the user community. Furthermore, areas of this effort shall include: (A) Enhancement of data analysis and system performance through new algorithms and computational architectures. (B) Modeling of atmospheric and space sensor environmental data, addressing User's Operational Requirements to operate in these enviroments. (C) Techniques to allow simulation of time-varying atmospheric and space effects on operational systems performance. (D) Integration, analysis and incorporation of near real-time phenomenological data for specialized simulation scenarios. (E) Improvement of human-computer interaction through expert system support, improved visualization techniques, and novel analysis techniques. The contractor shall be able to participate in working teams as the technical lead, while drawing on PL/GP's existing environmental data and software base. Proposal selection will be based on a scientific and engineering evaluation of the responses to determine the relative merit of the approach taken in response to this announcement. Selection for contract award will be based on the following evaluation factors: (a) Overall scientific and technical merits, innovativeness and reasonableness of the proposal plan, (b) offeror's capabilities, related experience, facilities, techniques, or unique combinations of these which are integral factors for achieving the proposed objectives, (c) the qualifications, capabilities, and experience of the proposed principal investigator, team leader, and other key personnel who are critical to achievement of the proposed objectives, (d) the offeror's record of past and present performance, and (e) the cost/price reasonableness and realism of the proposal. All evaluation criteria will carry equal weight and no further evaluation criteria will be used. Deliverables will include: (1) Scientific/Technical Reports, annually and final, (2) R&D Status Reports, monthly, (3) Contract Funds Status Report (CFSR), quarterly, (4) Computer Software Product End Items -- Software and Documentation. Responses must provide new and unique concepts, ideas, or approaches in order to qualify for evaluation and consideration for award. Proposal shall be submitted in two (2) parts: Volume I, Technical/Scientific Description, and Volume II, Cost Information. The Technical/Scientific Description should not exceed fifty (50), single-sided, single-spaced, 12-point font size, typed pages (excluding covers, indexes, and resumes) on 8 1/2" x 11" bond paper, addressing each technical solution proposed incrementally (Caution: The Government will not review more than the page limitation). There is no page limitation on the Cost Proposal. The Cost Proposal should be valid for 180 days and be broken out by cost element and Government fiscal year. The Government encourages submission of innovative and creative proposals to solve any one, all or a combination of the problems discussed herein. Forward six (6) copies of each proposal to ESC/PKR (Attn: Mr. Gino Cascieri), Building 1520, 3rd Floor, 104 Barksdale St., Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-1806. Proposals submitted using electronic media will not be accepted. The Phillips Laboratory, Analysis and Simulation Division (PL/GPD) has been assigned overall responsibility for providing the necessary acquisition/technical management for this program. In support of this effort, Dynamics Research Corp. (DRC), an ESC Technical and Engineering Management Support (TEMS) Contractor shall provide acquisition/support to the Government's Program Manager during evaluation of proposals and contract performance. The cost of preparing a proposal response to a PRDA is not considered an allowable direct charge to the resulting contract or any other contract. It is, however, an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect cost specified in FAR 31.205.18. Proposals received in response to this announcement will be deemed to be in accordance with the Competition in Contracting Act of 1984. Every effort will be made to protect the confidentiality of the proposals. In order that proposals are afforded proper handling, offerors must mark their proposals with restrictive language stated in FAR 15.509(a). Offerors are cautioned that only Government Contracting Officers are legally authorized to commit the Government. The Air Force reserves the right to select for award any, all or none of the responses received in response to this announcement depending on the quality, uniqueness of proposed ideas and availability of funds. Firms responding should indicate whether they are a large business, small disadvantaged business, 8(a) concern, or woman-owned small business, and whether they are a U.S. or foreign-owned firm. Disclosure of classified and export-controlled unclassified (including sensitive unclassified) information shall be denied to Foreign Governments and Foreign Nationals, including firms under foreign ownership, influence, or control, even if the firm has been granted a reciprocal industrial security facility clearance. This Foreign Disclosure denial applies to both the solicitation and to contract performance, and it also applies to prime contractors as well as to all subcontractors. Offerors are requested to provide a name and telephone number of point of contact. Responses should reference PRDA #PL/GPD97-05. QUESTIONS of a TECHNICAL nature may be referred to Mr. Robert J. Raistrick (PL/GPD), 781-377-3726. CONTRACTUAL and COST response format QUESTIONS should be referred to the CONTRACT SPECIALIST, Mr. Gino Cascieri, 781-377-2623. Government estimate in total for these contractual efforts is approximately 32-47 Manyears with the largest single award anticipated to be approximately 12-14 Manyears, period of performance not to exceed sixty (60) months plus three (3) months for final report per effort. Work is anticipated to begin in November/December 1997. Each contract will be incrementally funded. An Ombudsman has been appointed to hear concerns from offerors or potential offerors during the proposal development phase of this acquisition. The Ombudsman should only be contacted with issues or problems that have previously been brought to the attention of the program manager and/or the contracting officer and could not be satisfactorily resolved at that level. Ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposal or in the source selection process. The Ombudsman is Colonel Lee H. Hughes, ESC/CX, 781-377-5106. CLOSING DATE for submission of responses is 4:00 P.M., (EDST), forty-five (45) calendar days from the publication of this notice, the date of publication being day one (1). In the event this date for receipt of offers falls on either a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, the date of receipt of offers is automatically extended to the immediate following Tuesday. See Numbered Note(s): 26. (0267)

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