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

59 -- ENGINEERING SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT SOL N00178-98-Q-0009 DUE 051598 POC Barbara Walters 540-653-4904 E. J. Carter 540-653-4504 E-MAIL: Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, bmwalte@nswc.navy.mil. The Government intends to purchase on a sole source basis from SAIC, 105 Carpenter Drive, Unit A, Sterling VA; Engineering Design, Development and Testing of obstacle avoidance navigation software for the Hummingbird unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The Government shall also procure additional engineering and design services to provide specifications for a navigation interface computer (NIC) for the Hummingbird UAV. Upon completion of the design and testing the Government shall procure a navigation interface computer and obstacle avoidance navigation software to be installed aboard the Hummingbird UAV. This obstacle avoidance navigation software and NIC specifications are being procured as part of phase 3 for the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) at Quantico, VA in an effort to develop a prototype autonomous unmanned helicopter system referred to as the Hummingbird UAV. The first phase was concerned with the development of the air vehicle itself, the second phase evaluated the variety of technologies currently available for obstacle detection. Phase 3 is to adapt existing technology, modified by NSWC, to incorporated into their prototype system. The first part of phase 3 provided for two antenna and ultra wide band subsystems to be installed aboard the Hummingbird UAV. This part of phase 3 covers the development and integration of obstacle avoidance navigations software into the Hummingbird UAV for auto routing. This requirement is sole source because SAIC has a working knowledge of the Aerobotics Autopilot which is the only one currently capable of fulfilling the requirements for the development of the Hummingbird UAV which was procured as part of the Hummingbird Phase 1 development. SAIC has already developed GPS way-point navigation software that works with the Aerobotics Autopilot. This software is proprietary to SAIC. This software will be modified to provide an obstacle avoidance capability for the Hummingbird UAV. SAIC has already developed the specifications for a navigation interface computer that works with the Aerobotics Autopilot onboard the vigilante UAV. Modification of these specifications will be done for the Hummingbird UAV. Upon completion of these specifications, the Government will be able to competitively procure components to build navigation interface computers. SAIC has already developed a hardware-in-the-loop simulation that includes a navigation interface computer running the GPS way-point navigation software, a laptop personal computer emulating the Aerobotics Autopilot, and a computer running ground control station software that communicates with the navigation interface computer. NSWC plans to utilize the existing technology modified to their application. The following are requirements that must be med: (1) The contractor shall develop specifications for a navigation interface computer based on the PC-104 to facilitate the Governments purchase of navigation interface computers for the Hummingbird UAV; (b) Modify and/or develop UAV way-point nevigation software to update UAV navigation given obstacle data; (c) conduct hardware-in-the-loop tests modified way-point navigation software; (d) Support navigation software integration onto the Hummingbird UAV in Virginia and Maryland; (e) Support initial Hummingbird flight tests with the navigation software installed. Initial flight tests are projected to occur at either Fort Benning, GA or Camp Pendleton, CA. (2) Navigation software modified and/or developed for the Hummingbird UAV must be able to (a) Generated GPC way-point data on the UAV ground control station and send that data up to the UAV via the Hummingbird system data link; (b) Update UAV navigation based on data from an onboard obstacle detection sensor; (c) use a variety of navigation strategies to avoid obstacles in a complex urban environment; (d) Generate velocity and heading commands for the autopilot onboard the Hummingbird UAV given GPS way-points, and relative position data for detected obstacles; (e) Run on a PC 104 onboard the Hummingbird UAV. (3) The contractor musttest the route planning and way-point navigation software developed for the Hummingbird UAV using a hardware-in-the-loop simulator. This simulation shall include: (a) A laptop PC emulating the performance of the Hummingbird UAV autopilot; (b) A PC-104 running the Hummingbird UAV onboard navigation software; (c) A computer running the Hummingbird UAV ground control stations software; (d) A computer generating obstacle data for the PC-104, software and NIC must be Y2K compliant. Award is to be made under Simplified Acquisition Procuedures. Appropriate SIC code is 8711 ($2.5 mil). All responsible sources shall provide technical information and expertise along with their proposals which may be faxed to the Attention of Barbara Walters, Code SD18, Naval Surface Warfare Center, 17320 Dahlgren Road, Dahlgren, Virginia 22448. Fax number is 540-653-7016. The Government shall not issue a written solicitation as a result of this notice because all pertinent information is contained in this notice. This procurement shall be awarded on an all or none basis. The items shall be shipped FOB Destination to the address above. Closing date of this synopsis shall be 15 May 1998. Award is anticipated on or before 20 May 1998. (0118)

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