Phillips Laboratory, Directorate of Contracting, 2251 Maxwell Avenue SE, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5773

A -- WARFIGHTER-1 ENHANCED ALGORITHMS PROGRAM RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCEMENT SOL PRDA 98-VI04 DUE 102798 POC Ms Karen Ralston, Contract Specialist (505)846-8501; Ms Janice S. Olson, Contracting Officer (505)846-7601; Dr Thomas Cooley, Technical Point of Contact (505)846-2986; Dr Steve Huybrechts, Tech Transfer Point of Contact (505)846-9371 WEB: Click here to download a copy of the PRDA., http://www.prs.plk.af.mil/PK/mainmenu.htm. E-MAIL: Click here to contact the contracting officer via, olsonj@plk.af.mil. A -- INTRODUCTION: PRDA 98-VI04 The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate (VS) Integrated Space Technology Demonstration (ISTD) Warfighter-1 (WF-1) program office is interested in receiving technical proposals on algorithms (actual coded software in the UNIX operating system) for the analysis of space-based spectral imagery. The algorithms are intended to demonstrate the utility of hyperspectral imagery for military operations support and may be used in conjunction with multispectral or panchromatic imagery. These algorithms will be implemented in the WF-1 Mission Data Center (MDC) and demonstrated on WF-1 data. Algorithm selection will lead to award of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRDA), Education Partnership Agreement (EPA) or other transaction vehicle, as well as resulting in high visibility within the spectral imaging community. Algorithm developers are expected to provide technical support, as needed, to assist in implementation of the algorithm atthe WF-1 MDC and evaluation of algorithm performance. Evaluation of algorithm performance will be reported in formal documents. ALL POTENTIAL OFFERORS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT THE WF-1 PROGRAM OFFICE HAS NO AVAILABLE FUNDING FOR PAYMENT FOR USE OF ANY ALGORITHM. Other government sponsors may be solicited to help support implementation of the algorithm but this is the responsibility of the collaborator. It is imperative that ALL potential offerors contact the appropriate technical point of contact PRIOR to committing resources to preparing a proposal in response to this Program Resource Development Announcement (PRDA). Refer to section C, Proposal Preparation Instructions for proposal submittal dates. B -- REQUIREMENTS: The Warfighter-1 system includes a hyperspectral sensor (8 m GSD, 0.45 -- 2.4 mm and 3 -- 5 mm), a multispectral sensor (4 m GSD), and a panchromatic camera (1 m GSD). The WF-1 system will routinely collect co-boresighted panchromatic and hyperspectral imagery. Capability to collect co-boresighted multispectral imagery with the hyperspectral imagery will also exist. Proposed Algorithms may be applicable to one or all sensors. The algorithms must use the hyperspectral data and may use data from any of the other sensors. Proposals must address capabilities and applications of the algorithms. Examples of desired capabilities and applications include but are not limited to: target detection/identification, terrain classification or trafficability assessment, change detection, atmospheric mitigation, image sharpening, data fusion or cross sensor cueing, detection of vegetation stress and disturbed soils, lines of communication and near shore littoral analyses. Candidate algorithms must be either Government developed or provided with no proprietary restrictions. Proposed algorithms must be compatible with the MDC architecture and address military requirements and information needs while being mature (e.g., previously validated on other imagery), robust, and easy to use. C -- PROPOSAL PREPARATIONINSTRUCTIONS: The WF-1 program will evaluate each algorithm that is selected for its utility to the operational user and its ability to extract information from space-based spectral data. Proposals will be accepted through 27 October 98. Technical point of contact: AFRL/VSD-W, Dr Thomas Cooley, (505)846-2986, FAX (505)846-4143, email: cooleyt@plk.af.mil. TECHNICAL PROPOSAL shall address the following sections. (1) Point of contract information, (2) Algorithm Description, (3) Algorithm Robustness, (4) Algorithm Maturity, (5) Algorithm Software Implementation, (6) Processing Timelines, (7) Performance Evaluation Requirements, and (8) Algorithm/Evaluation Support. The following information describes what should be addressed under each section. Under SECTION (1) POINT OF CONTACT (POC) INFORMATION: Include the name of the algorithm, POC for algorithm distribution/ownership (name, company, phone, e-mail), technical POC: (name, company, phone, e-mail), proprietary restrictions, licensing fees, etc., and level of classification. Under SECTION (2) ALGORITHM DESCRIPTION: Describe the primary capability provided by algorithm, inputs required by algorithm (types of input data allowed, ancillary information required and media supported as inputs), and products generated (type and format of output product(s), and level of classification of products.) Under SECTION (3) ALGORITHM ROBUSTNESS: Provide details regarding data types algorithm has already been run on (sensitivity showed with respect to sensor/data characteristics, acquisition conditions, design environments, performance testing in multiple seasons, sensitive to topographic variations within scene), and provide details regarding performance evaluation and validation of output products (quantitative tests, qualitative assessment, utility assessment, capability to provide onsite algorithm performance evaluation support). Under SECTION (4) ALGORITHM MATURITY: Where and for what programs is algorithm currently being used, describe level of automation and ease of use (include training requirements for users, anticipated level of sophistication of users and availability of user manuals), and a description of user interface (nature of user interface, run as "batch" job, or as interactive only). Under SECTION (5) ALGORITHM SOFTWARE IMPLEMENTATION: Include type of software/hardware configurations which support algorithm (list specific hardware and software requirements), algorithm software, (programming language, software standards adhered to, size of application code, resources required during algorithm execution), level of effort required to adapt code for use in WF-1 MDC, and capability to provide onsite algorithm implementation support. Under SECTION (6) PROCESSING TIMELINES: Provide flow diagram or description of processing flow including processing steps, user interactions/decision points, timelines for various major processing steps and provide estimate of overall processing time required for one WF1 scene (assume for reflective HS: 625 x 2500 pixels x 200 bands, emissive HSI: 625 x 2500 pixels x 80 bands). Assume input data is available online, and one person available to supervise processing. Under SECTION (7) PERFORMANCE EVALUATION REQUIREMENTS: Include types and potential sources of ground truth required to validate algorithm performance, address ground truth requirements at time of imaging or maximum allowable elapsed time between imaging and acquisition of ground truth information for evaluation purposes, suggested measures of merit for algorithm evaluation, and any built in means for comparing ground truth information with product outputs. Under SECTION (8) ALGORITHM/EVALUATION SUPPORT: Describe the specific contributed support the collaborator will provide or any support which may be required to be provided by the Government associated with algorithm implementation at the MDC, describe specific contributed support the collaborator will provide or any support which may be required to be provided by the Government associated with algorithm implementation in the WF-1 Mobile Ground Station (WMGS), describe specific contributed support the collaborator will provide associated with user training at either the WF-1 MDC or WMGS, describe specific contributed support the collaborator will provide associated with algorithm evaluation at the MDC. The technical proposal shall be limited to 10 pages (12 pitch or larger type), double spaced, single-sided, 8.5 by 11 inch pages. Margins and Page Count: Use at least 1-inch margins on top and bottom and inch side margins. Legibility shall not be impaired by the binding. Both sides of the paper may be used. Each printed side of an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet counts as a page. Foldouts printed on one side only will be counted as 2 pages. Blank pages, title pages, table of contents, lists of figures, lists of tables, tabs, cover sheets, or blank dividers are not included in the page count. The Government will only read and evaluate proposals up to the page limitation. Pages over the page limitation will be removed prior to evaluation. Use elite type size or equivalent (not smaller than 10 point vertical character height and not more than 12 characters per inch). A ten point proportional serif font is acceptable, in which case characters per inch measurement does not apply. Typesetting or other techniques to reduce character size or spacing are not permitted. COST PROPOSAL: A cost proposal is not required for awarding CRDAs or EPAs. If the offeror wishes to pursue a contractual relationship with the WF-1 program office, the cost proposal shall be prepared in accordance with the instructions found at web site http://www.prs.plk.af.mil/PK/mainmenu.htm under "BAA/PRDA Cost Proposal Preparation Instructions". The cost information, other than cost or pricing data, requested therein is necessary for the government to perform a cost realism analysis. The WF-1 program office does not have available funding for the use of any algorithm, though the contractor may find funding from other government sources. GENERAL INFORMATION: Offerors must mark their proposals with restrictive language as found in FAR 15.609(a). Proposals shall be submitted in original and five copies with the original being clearly marked in such a manner as to distinguish it from the copies. Proposals shall be submitted to Air Force Research Laboratory -- Phillips Research Site, Det 8/PKVI, Attn. Janice Olson, 2251 Maxwell Ave. SE Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5773, (505) 846-7601. Do not send proposals to any other address or they may not be considered for award. Proposals submitted by fax or e-mail will not be considered for award. Proposals shall be valid for a period of not less than 180 days after the due date. Proposals must reference the PRDA number and include a unique proposal identification number. The costs of preparing proposals in response to this announcement are not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting contracting action or any other government contract, but may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect cost as specified in FAR 31.205-18. CRDAs, EPAs, Other Transaction Vehicles (OT), or Memorandums of Agreement (MOA) are anticipated to be awarded. Proposals are to be submitted by the date specified. Any proposal received after the specified date may be evaluated dependant upon the availability of program office resources. Awards are expected to be made within 120 days of the cut off date. D -- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The Government does not intend that FFRDCs use privileged information or access to facilities to compete with the private sector. If a collaborator proposes using a FFRDC as a subcontractor, other than DOD-sponsored FFRDCs in the capacities discussed in DFARS 235.017, it must provide rationale in its proposal that supports the unique capability of the FFRDC. Also, the collaborator's proposal must demonstrate that the FFRDC can accept work from other than the sponsor. This acquisition involves Military Critical Technology List (MCTL) technologies (hyperspectral sensor and algorithms) that are subject to export control laws and regulations. Only contractors that are registered and certified with the Defense Logistics Services Center (DLSC) may submit proposals. Contact the DLSC, 74 North Washington, Battle Creek MI, USA 49016-4312, (1-800-352-3572) for further information on certification and the approval process. Submit a copy of DD Form 2345 with proposals submitted in response to this announcement. It is anticipated that either the hyperspectral data, processes, or algorithms may be classified. Therefore, the contractor must have a facility clearance of at least collateral secret. Collaborator personnel working with the data must have the appropriate associated clearance. Submit proof of clearance with proposals submitted in response to this announcement. Foreign-Owned Firms are advised they will not be allowed to participate as the prime collaborator. Discussions with any of the points of contact shall not constitute a commitment by the Government to subsequently award or fund any proposed effort. For CRDA arrangements, AFRL/VSD has signatureauthority and AFRL/VS is the reviewing official; for EPA arrangements, AFRL/VS has signature authority; and for contractual arrangements, only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to commit the government. For the purposes of this PRDA, the business size standard is 1000 employees, SIC 8731. All firms submitting responses must reference this announcement and indicate whether they are, or are not, a small business, a socially and economically disadvantaged business, an 8(a) firm, a woman-owned business, a historically black college or university, or a minority institution. E -- BASIS FOR AWARD: Evaluation will be in accordance with AFMC FARS 5335.016-90. TECHNICAL PROPOSALS will be evaluated using the following factors in descending order of importance based on scientific peer review: (i) demonstrated technical and scientific merit, (ii) impact of successful development on the performance of space systems, (iii) feasibility of accomplishing tasks, (iv) qualifications, capabilities and experience of key personnel and past performance. If submitted, COST PROPOSALS will be evaluated using the following factors in descending order of importance: (i) completeness, reasonableness and realism, and (ii) industry contributions (cost sharing). Technical considerations are more important than cost. No further evaluation criteria will be used in selecting the proposals. Subject to the availability of resources, the Government reserves the right to select for award any, all, part, or none of the proposals received. Multiple awards may be made. When requested, a debriefing will be provided IAW FAR 15.1005. A copy of each final report of any resultant contract action will be available, subject to national disclosure policy and regulations. This PRDA will be posted on the Det 8 AFRL Contracting Bulletin Board under the Phillips-Site R&D Acquisition -- http://www.prs.plk.af.mil/PK/mainmenu.htm. Det 8 AFRL Contracting Bulletin Board POC is John Webb, Det 8 AFRL/PKAX, (505)846-4457. An Ombudsman has been appointed to hear concerns from offerors or potential offerors, primarily during the proposal development phase of this competitive, negotiated acquisition. The purpose of the Ombudsman is not to diminish the authority of the Program Director, the Tech Transfer Focal Point or Contracting Officer, but to communicate contractor concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations to the appropriate government personnel. Before contacting the Ombudsman, potential offerors should first communicate with the Tech Transfer Focal point, program director or the Contracting Officer. In those instances where offerors cannot obtain resolution from the designated points of contact, they are invited to contact the AFRL Ombudsman at the Phillips Operating Location of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Mr. Eugene DeWall, AFRL/PRS/PK, at (505)846-4979, at 2251 Maxwell Ave SE, Building 424, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5773. When requested, the Ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The Ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals or in the source selection process. For CRDA and EPA issues please contact AFRL/VS Tech Transfer Focal Point, Dr Steve Huybrechts, at (505)846-9371, email: huybrecs@plk.af.mil. For technical issues, please contact: AFRL/VSD-W, Dr Thomas Cooley, at (505)846-2986, FAX (505)846-4143, email: cooleyt@plk.af.mil. For contracting issues please contact Ms Janice Olson, Contracting Officer, at (505)846-7601, FAX (505)846-7549, email: olsonj@plk.af.mil. All responsible sources may submit an offer, which will be considered. Posted 09/10/98 (W-SN247988). (0253)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0004 19980914\A-0004.SOL)