R&D Contracting Directorate, Bldg 7, 2530 C Street, WPAFB, OH 45433-7607

A -- SENSOR TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATION LABORATORY -- PART 2 OF 2 SOL PRDA No. 97-18-AAK POC Contact Alan Struckman, Contract Negotiator, 937-255-2902, or Vicki a. Fry, Contracting Officer, 937-255-2902 WEB: click here to view the supplemental package, www.wl.wpafb.af.mil/contract/hp.htm. E-MAIL: click here to contact the contract negotiator, struckac@aa.wpafb.af.mil. (f) Multi-Sensor Fusion Algorithm Development -- Topic Area 06: Solutions are sought for target detection, tracking, and identification; tactical situation awareness (SA) and threat assessment (TA); and sensor management in distributed multi-sensor tactical aerospace engagement scenarios. WL/AAC seeks new and innovative ideas to detect, track, and identify mobile/stationary/geo-located ground and air targets to increase situation awareness in a distributed network of heterogeneous sensors. Research areas of high interest focus on multi-source on-board and off-board sensor and data fusion and include distributed data fusion and SA/TA assessment techniques; techniques for combining disparate data; optimal control-theoretic approaches; implicit model building and machine learning. Algorithms developed under this technology thrust are expected to be demonstrated via realistic scenario simulations. Mission areas of interest include information exploitation for sensor-to-shooter missions and image based fusion processing, algorithm transition to the Advanced Real-Time in the Cockpit Cell (ARC) environment for evaluation with operational systems, and fusion algorithm development for distributed estimation and control, sensor management, and machine learning. Sensors and sensor modes of interest include but are not limited to: RADAR, High Range Resolution Radar (HRR), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), ESM and SIGINT receivers, EO, IR, and multi-spectral IR. (g) Signature Exploitation -- Topic Area 07: Investigation of innovative signal processing and information extraction techniques that may result in increased identification algorithm performance is sought. Target phenomenology/signature exploitation techniques may span VHF through microwave frequencies and may encompass many different aspects of the "inverse problem." The following are a sampling of techniques/technologies that may be considered when formulating proposals for this topic: Time/Frequency Processing, Body Resonance Techniques, Target Geometry Reconstruction, New Approaches to Classical Inverse Scattering Theory, Novel Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) Techniques, Novel Identification Techniques. The goal of signature/phenomenology exploitation is to develop additional robust sources of target information for use in development of identification and recognition systems. Therefore, novel uses for specialized measurements and signatures collected from test ranges, airborne, or national assets should be explored. The means to efficiently process and analyze this measured data for validation of signature exploitation techniques should be developed. (2) This program shall design, develop, improve, analyze, test, evaluate, implement and use as necessary WL/AAC's ATR Laboratories and SF Research Laboratories in the accomplishment of the effort. Potential contractors will share facilities with other contractor and government personnel doing research, and will integrate hardware and software requirements for a variety of computer systems ranging from desktop workstations to state-of-the-art parallel computing machines and multiple processor systems. WL/AAC anticipates associative contractor relationships with contractors working programs onsite. A list of these programs and contractors can be found in the supplemental package. (3) STIL's customers are the military's development, acquisition, logistics, and operational commands. Customer mission domains are aerospace-to-aerospace identification and tracking and aerospace-to-ground attack and surveillance. STIL performs research, exploratory/advanced development, expert analyses, algorithm evaluation, target modeling, and quick-turnaround assessments for the following technology domains of Wright Laboratory's Combat Information Technology Division (WL/AAC): Sensor Fusion (WL/AACF & WL/AACS), Automatic Target Recognition (WL/AACA & WL/AACR), Target Modeling (WL/AACT), Algorithm Integration (WL/AACI), and Reference Systems (WL/AACN). WL/AACF conducts basic research and exploratory development in the areas of sensor fusion and machine intelligence and develops advanced algorithms in support of the warfighter. These algorithms perform real-time processing and integration of information derived from multiple, disparate sources to provide: target identification; target tracking; threat assessment; situation assessment; and mission management. WL/AACS conducts exploratory and advanced development of core data and sensor fusion technologies. This enables effective use of all offensive, defensive, and communication/ navigation/identification avionics systems both on and off-board the aircraft. WL/AACA conducts in-house and sponsored ATR algorithm research for Air Force strike and reconnaissance missions, develops ATR algorithm research environments, and maintains a state-of-the-art (SOA) Model Based Vision Laboratory to ensure in-depth understanding of ATR algorithm design and research issues. WL/AACR improves, evaluates, demonstrates, and applies advanced decision-making capabilities to sensor products for the purpose of automating the detection, classification, recognition, and identification functions of the target acquisition process. WL/AACR evaluates ATR algorithms and components to determine readiness for transition to operational platforms. WL/AACT develops high-fidelity signature/scene synthesis tools and methodologies to support training and testing of target detection and recognition capabilities in electro-optical, infrared, and radar systems. WL/AACT also generates and delivers technology for creating/populating initial validated synthetic signature databases for RDT&E, OT&E and intelligence applications. WL/AACI conducts research and development of integrated software support tools, environments, and concepts for designing, developing, integrating, testing, evaluating, and demonstrating ATR and SF technologies. WL/AACN conducts exploratory and advanced development to provide the technology base for inertial and radio reference systems and advanced navigation concepts for aerospace vehicles. WL/AACN conducts research, investigations, and experiments/ demonstrations for reference system technology to support sensor/information fusion within and among aerospace vehicles. (4) One or more candidate delivery orders have been identified for each of the seven topic areas. Topic area 02 has two candidate delivery orders, both must be proposed against to be considered for this topic area. Funding has been identified to date for all Candidate Delivery Orders. The problem statement for each candidate delivery order is included in the Supplemental Package for this PRDA. (5) Deliverable Items: Deliverables will be tailored to each delivery order and could include data, software, and hardware. Any ID/IQ contract resulting from this PRDA will include the following data deliverable items: (a) DI-MISC-80711/T -- Scientific and Technical Reports, Final Report, One/R; (b) DI-MGMT-81468/T -- Contract Funds Status Report (CFSR), Qrtly; (c) DI-MISC-80711/T -- Scientific and Technical Reports, Contractor's Billing Voucher, Mthly; (d) DI-MGMT-80507A/T -- Project Planning Chart, Mthly; (e) DI-MGMT-80368/T -- Status Report, Mthly; (f) DI-ADMN-81373/T -- Presentation Material, As Req; (g) DI-IPSC-81447/T -- Computer Programming Manual (CPM), As Req; (h) DI-TMSS-80527 -- Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Manuals, As Req; (i) DI-TMSS-80528/T -- Supplemental Data for Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Manuals, As Req; (j) DI-FNCL-80331 -- Funds and Man-Hour Expenditure Report, Mthly; (k) DI-ADMN-81249A/T -- Conference Agenda, As Req; (l) DI-ADMN-81250A/T -- Conference Minutes, As Req; (m) DI-NDTI-80566/T -- Test Plan, As Req; (n) DI-MGMT-80934/T -- Operations Security (OPSEC) Plan, One/R; (o) DI-IPSC-81443/T -- Software User Manual (SUM), As Req; (p) DI-IPSC-81446/T -- Computer Operation Manual (COM), As Req; (q) DI-NDTI-80604/T -- Test Report, As Req; (r) DI-MISC-80711/T -- Scientific and Technical Reports, Interim Report, As Req; (s) DI-MGMT-81334/T -- Contract Work Breakdown Structure, As Req; and (t) DI-MCCR-80700/T -- Computer Software Product End Item, As Req. (6) Security Requirements: TOP SECRET/SCI personnel clearance requirements apply. Wright Laboratory facilities with TOP SECRET/SCI clearance are available as base support. TOP SECRET/SCI facility clearance is required for offerors proposing to perform work at their own facility. The following Security Classification Guides are applicable to this program: (a) "Fire Control Avionics and Advanced Weapon Delivery Programs" Security Classification Guide dated 1 Jul 1997; (b) "Radar Technology" Security Classification Guide dated 1 Jan 96; (c) "SAR Target Recognition and Location System (STARLOS)" Security Classification Guide dated 7 July 94, amended 2 Dec 94; (d) "Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System-2" Security Classification Guide dated 1 May 83, and Letter Change 1 dated 16 Mar 84; (e) "Project 7622 All Weather Reconnaissance / Strike Avionics" Security Classification Guide dated 30 Oct 87; (f) "Automatic/Aided Target Recognition & Related Programs" Security Classification Guide dated 11 Apr 88; (g) "Abrams Tank System" Security Classification Guide dated 25 Jun 93; (h) "Bradley Fighting Vehicle Systems" Security Classification Guide dated 17 Jun 96; (i) "Paladin" Security Classification Guide dated 15 Sep 94; (j) "Senior Keystone", date 1 April 1997; and (k) "Non-Cooperative Target Recognition" SCG dated 30 March 1990. (7) Other Special Requirements: International Traffic in Arms Regulations apply. C -- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: (1) Anticipated Period of Performance: The ordering period(s) for the total ID/IQ contract(s) is 60 months after contract award. Performance periods will be specified on individual delivery orders. The performance period of orders issued within the ordering period may extend up to 24 months after the end of the ordering period of the basic contract. (2) Anticipated Award Date: March through August 1998. (3) Government Estimate: The Government funding profile (in $1,000s) for the overall ID/IQ contract is estimated to be as follows: FY98-9046; FY99-9995; FY00-9103; FY01-9526; FY02-10530; TOTAL-48200. The estimated funding profile for each topic area is: Data Management (01) -- $16M; Laboratory Environment (02) -- $7M; ATR/SF Evaluation (03) -- $6.2M; Target Modeling (04) -- $9M; Radar Algorithm Development (05) -- $2.5M; Multi-Sensor Fusion Algorithm Development (06) -- $2.5M; Signature Exploitation (07) -- $5M. The funding profiles are provided for proposal preparation purposes only and do not constitute a promise that each delivery order will be funded. All funding is subject to change due to Government discretion and availability. The overall ceiling of the program will be $48,200,000. The ceiling of each contract will be negotiated should multiple awards be made. Wright Laboratory reserves the right to combine awards if in the best interest of the Air Force. The seven topic areas of this PRDA can be separated into two groups: (a) Division-wide thrusts: 01 Data Management; 02 Laboratory Environments; 03 ATR/SF Evaluation; 04 Target Modeling. These four topic areas are anticipated to have a single award each. A quick turnaround capability is highly desired and teaming is strongly encouraged. (b) Technology-based thrusts: 05 Radar Algorithm Development; 06 Multi-Sensor Fusion Algorithm Development; 07 Signature Exploitation. These three topic areas are expected to be a single award each, but are not precluded from multiple awards. (4) Type of Contract: It is anticipated that the basic contract(s) will be ID/IQ. All delivery orders issued will be Cost Plus Fixed Fee (Completion) or Cost (no fee). Any grants or cooperative agreements awarded will be cost (no fee). (5) Government Furnished Property and Base Support: Any anticipated GFP and Base Support for the initial topic areas is specified in the supplemental package. Future delivery orders will specify any GFP or Base Support. (6) Size Status: For the purpose of this acquisition, the size standard is 500 employees (SIC 8731). (7) Note to Foreign-Owned Firms: Such firms are asked to immediately notify the Air Force point cited below upon deciding to respond to this announcement. Foreign contractors should be aware that foreign participation is excluded at the prime contractor level. Foreign participation at the subcontractor level will be handled in accordance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). D -- PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS: (1) General Instructions: Offerors should apply the restrictive notice prescribed in the provision at FAR 52.215-12, Restriction on Disclosure and Use of Data, to trade secrets or privileged commercial and financial information contained in their proposals. Proposal questions should be directed to one of the points of contact listed elsewhere herein. Offerors should consider instructions contained in the "WL PRDA and BAA Guide for Industry" referenced in Section A of this announcement. Technical and cost proposals, submitted in separate volumes, are required and must be valid for 270 days. Proposals must reference the above PRDA number. In an effort to move toward paperless contracting, you are encouraged to submit your cost and technical proposals via electronic means on computer disk. Please note that classified information shall NOT be submitted on disk. If proposals are not submitted on computer disk, they shall be submitted in an original and five copies. If proposals will be submitted by electronic means, they shall be submitted in two paper copies and two electronic copies. The disks shall be 3 1/2 inch high-density disks. Any technical and cost (spreadsheet calculations) proposals submitted electronically shall be readable by Microsoft Word 6.0 for Windows, Excel 5.0 for Windows, and/or Powerpoint 4.0 for Windows. Offerors must submit an approved DD Form 2345, Export-Controlled DOD Technical Data Agreement, with their proposal. P.L. 98-94 applies. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered against the criteria set forth herein. Offerors are advised that only contracting officers are legally authorized to contractually bind or otherwise commit the government. Adequate Price Competition is anticipated. Additional proposal preparation instructions are included in the supplemental package to this PRDA. (2) Preparation Cost: If selected for negotiations, qualifying offerors will be required to submit a subcontracting plan. This announcement does not commit the Government to pay for any proposal preparation cost. The cost of preparing proposals in response to this PRDA is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting or any other contract. However, it may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect cost as specified in FAR 31.205-18. E -- BASIS FOR AWARD: The Air Force anticipates awarding multiple ID/IQ contracts to include the award of one or more delivery orders. The Air Force reserves the right to award only one ID/IQ contract. Offerors are encouraged to team to meet the requirements of all STIL technology domains. The Air Force reserves the right to select for one or more awards of a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement any, all, part, or none of the proposals received. Award of a grant to universities or nonprofit institutions or cooperative agreement, in lieu of a contract, will be considered and will be subject to the mutual agreement of the parties. The Air Force, for example, reserves the right to award a one-time contract or grant (both without provisions for issuing subsequent delivery orders) based on a proposal in response to a Candidate Delivery Order. Award will be based on an evaluation of offerors' responses (both technical and cost area) to determine the overall merit of the proposal in response to the announcement. The technical area is of highest priority. Cost and/or price, is a substantial factor, but is ranked as the lowest order of priority. Separate evaluations will be conducted in each of the seven topic areas. The Air Force reserves the right to combine topic areas on award(s). The technical areawill be evaluated through an assessment of the proposals on these two sections in descending order of importance: (a) the overall technical/management approach to the basic contract in response to Paragraph B above; and (b) the Candidate Delivery Orders. The overall contract technical/management approach will be evaluated based on the following criteria in descending order of importance: (a) offeror's strength of understanding of technical scope of topic areas; (b) strength of offeror's proposed team and technical/management approach. The Candidate Delivery Orders factor shall be evaluated based on the following criteria in descending order of importance: (a) newness and creativity of the proposed solutions; (b) the offeror's understanding of and technical approach to the scope of the problem domain; (c) the offeror's experience with the applicable technologies and availability of personnel; (d) organization, clarity, and thoroughness of the proposed SOW. Adequate price competition is anticipated. The evaluation of cost and/or price will include consideration of proposed budgets and funding profiles. The Government will evaluate proposed costs and fees, on an individual order basis, to ensure they are reasonable, realistic and complete for the effort proposed. No other evaluation criteria will be used. Offerors are advised that participants in the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) program may participate in the evaluation of proposals received in response to Topic Areas 04, 05, and 07. The Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970 (PL 91-648) allows for temporary detail of employees from qualifying non-profit organizations to agencies of the Federal Government. The IPA employee remains an employee of his/her agency/university but performs work physically at a Government location under the supervision of the Government organization. IPA employees are given all the rights and limitations of permanent Government employees. They are allowed to participate in all Government activities within their assigned area, represent the Government, and accomplish jobs normally assigned to Government employees. IPA employees are subject to Conflict of Interest Laws and Standards of Conduct provisions, such as rules on disclosure of confidential information. F -- POINTS OF CONTACT: (1) Technical Contact Points: Points of Contact for technical issues are listed in the supplemental package to this PRDA. (2) Ombudsman: An Ombudsman has been appointed to hear concerns from offerors or potential offerors during the proposal development phase of this acquisition. The purpose of the Ombudsman is not to diminish the authority of the program director or Contracting Officer, but to communicate contractor concerns, issues, disagreements and recommendations to the appropriate government personnel. All potential offerors should use established channels to voice concerns before resorting to use of the Ombudsman. When requested, the Ombudsman shall maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The Ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals or in the selection decisions. Interested parties are invited to contact Mr. Mike S. Coalson, ASC/SYI Bldg 52, Room 136, 2475 K St, Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7642, E-Mail coalsoms@sy.wpafb.af.mil, phone (937)255-5535, Ext. 232. (3) Contracting Point of Contact: All routine communication concerning this acquisition should be directed to Mr. Struckman, Contract Negotiator, or Vicki A. Fry, Contracting Officer, WL/AAKR, Bldg 7, 2530 C Street, Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7607, telephone (937) 255- (0294)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0006 19971023\A-0006.SOL)