Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division, 2008 Stump Neck Road, Indian Head, MD 20640-5070

A -- BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT-AUTONOMOUS ROBOTICS SOL BAA99-01 DUE 102398 POC Karen Carnes, Business Assistant, (301)743-6883 A-RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT-BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT-AUTONOMOUS ROBOTICS FOR EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL SOL BAA99-01 Contact POC Karen A. Carnes, phone# (301)743-6883. The Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division (NAVEODTECHDIV) is soliciting proposals for research and development of systems for the clearance of surface UXO with small, automonous robotics. The NAVEODTECHDIV's Research and Development Department is investigating the use of small robotics to acquire unexploded submunitions and subsequently perform pic-up-carry-away (PUCA) or blow-in-place (BIP) operations. It is the intention of NAVEODTECHDIV to develop the technologies necessary to develop this concept into a fieldable reality. The intentions are to coordinate the Joint Service EOD needs and develop the concept into a test bed for test and evaluation. The use of small robotics for EOD missions appears feasible and would reduce the risks for the EOD technician and more expensive EOD robotic assets. This concept will also provide a force multiplier for EOD troops clearing large areas. One or two EOD technicians will command a fleet of many small robots. The major technologies to be developed and demonstrated are control logic, sensors, and propulsion, though navigation, communication, and manipulation must be considered. The control logic for the gathering platform requires development to enable the development of the lowest cost vehicle required in order to provide a robust capability to detect surface targets and operate in unstructured environments, however, this is not a sensor development project. TENTATIVE SCHEDULE: White papers in 3 weeks Oct 23 Requests for full proposals 2 weeks after review of white papers Nov 6 Full proposals due in another 4 weeks after request Dec 4 Final Award selection 2.5 weeks after receipt of proposal Dec 23 A draft statement of work that has some background material and proposed tasks is available via eMail or fax. To receive a copy, contact Karen Carnes eMail carnes.eodtc@eodmgate.navsea.navy.mil or fax no. (301)743-4046. An invitation to submit a full proposal does not guarantee funding. The government reserves the right to select for award all, some, part, or none of the proposals. Contracts awarded will be incrementally funded, based on funds availability. Period of performance is envisioned to be no longer than three years. Maximum program dollar amount available is envisioned to be approximately $2,000,000 total over the three years. This effort could be awarded to several contractors. WHITE PAPERS/DUE 23 OCTOBER 1998: In order to minimize the cost regarding proposal preparation, as an initial step, interested parties should submit concept or "white" papers briefly summarizing the technical direction, relevance, and scope of the proposed effort, and a brief synopsis of qualifications based on accomplishments, and provide a rough order magnitude of cost. White papers should be no more than 5-7 pages in length. White papers must include a primary POC, with eMail address, mailing address, fax and phone numbers. White papers (and any resulting proposals) will be evaluated using the following evaluation criteria EVALUATION CRITERIA: (1) Overall scientific, technical, and socio-economic merits of proposed effort (2) Productability, afforability, and supportability of proposed solution (3) Maturity of technology to meet program objectives (4) Applicability of proposed solution to program objectives (5) The offeror's capabilities, related experience, facilities, techniques, or unique combinations of these which are integral factors for achieving the proposal objectives (6) Realism of the proposed cost and the availability of funds FULL PROPOSALS: Full technical and cost proposals will be invited based on evaluation of white papers, and these proposals will be evaluated using similar criteria. Invitations for proposals will contain information about the required format. Proposed tasks shall be individually identified, so that specific tasks can be funded and completed due to the incremental nature of funds. GENERAL INFORMATION: This notice itself constitutes the BAA as contemplated by FAR6.102(d)(2). There shall be no formal RFP. The Government reserves the right to select for award, any, part of, all, or none of the eventual proposals received. The Navy expects to make multiple contract awards. Awards may be executed by any Navy Activity approved by the Naval EOD Technology Division. This BAA is an expression of interest only and does not commit the Government to pay any abstract or proposal costs related to this announcement. Offerors are advised that only the Contracting Officer is legally authorized to commit the Government to the obligation of funds. Technical POC: For more information, contact Karen Carnes, phone no. (301)743-6883, eMail carnes.eodtc@eodmgate.navsea.navy.mil Posted 10/05/98 (W-SN258294). (0278)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0001 19981007\A-0001.SOL)