Naval Research Laboratory, Attn: Code 3230, 4555 Overlook Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20375-5326

A -- NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHIC TECHNOLOGY SOL ONR BAA 99-021 DUE 070199 POC Thomas B. Curtin, ONR Code 322OM, (703)696-4119 E-MAIL: click here, curtint@onr.navy.mil. (1) General Statement of Research Need The Office of Naval Research seeks proposals addressing the development and application of sensing systems and autonomous underwater vehicles for littoral oceanographic and environmental sampling with application to mine countermeasures missions, triggered event response and plume tracking. This capability is to be achieved through the deployment and control of a distributed, mobile network of sensors onboard small Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) operating in the littoral ocean. The overall goals of this capability are to improve the mapping efficiency and accuracy of geophysical fields by reducing temporal/spatial aliasing and to extend the limits of prediction of ocean variability by adaptive sampling coupled to a prognostic ocean model. Essential components of this AUV-based sampling system are cost-effective platforms capable of autonomous energy re-supply, low power and weight sensors, precise underwater navigation, reliable subsurface acoustic communication and above surface electromagnetic links for control and data telemetry, and network management software for timely, adaptive reconfiguration to achieve mission objectives most efficiently and effectively. (2) Instructions for Preparation of Proposals Interested offerors are requested to submit an original (officially signed) and two hard copies of the proposal and an electronic copy (email attachment, any common word processing file) to the technical point of contact below by close of business, 01 July 1999. Faxed proposals will not be accepted. Proposals are to be formatted as specified on the ONR Home Page under Contracts & Grants, How To Submit a Proposal (http://www.onr.navy.mil/scripts/02/howtosubmit.asp). OFFERORS MUST STATE IN THEIR PROPOSAL (PREFERABLY ON THE COVER PAGE) THAT IT IS SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THIS BAA. Proposals should also be accompanied by a completed certification package which can be accessed on the ONR Home Page at "How to Submit a Proposal." For grant proposals (normally submitted by universities) the certification package is entitled "Certifications and submittal statement document." For contract proposals (normally submitted by commercial and non-profit contractors) the certification package is entitled "Representations and Certifications." Proposals should be sent to Dr. Thomas B. Curtin, ONR 322OM, Ballston Towers One, 800 N. Quincy St., Arlington, VA 22217-5660. (3) Criteria and Method for Evaluation of Proposals Award decisions will be based on a competitive selection of proposals resulting from a scientific/technical review. Evaluations will be conducted using the following criteria: (1) overall scientific, technical, and socio-economic merit; (2) potential contribution of the effort to the specific goals outlined above; (3) offeror's capabilities, related experience, facilities, techniques or unique combinations of these which are integral factors for achieving the proposal objectives; (4) qualifications, capabilities and experience of the proposed principal investigator(s), team leader(s) or key personnel who are critical in achieving the objectives; (5) realism of the proposed cost and availability of funds. Awards may take the form of a contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or other transaction as appropriate. Award announcements will be made on or about 01 August 1999. The period of performance for these efforts will be 20 September 1999 through 31 December 2000. ONR anticipates funding individual awards in the range of $200-$500K. Up to $9 million may be available. This solicitation is targeted primarily at academic institutions. Cooperative submissions with Navy Laboratories and industry are encouraged but not required. This announcement constitutes a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) as contemplated in FAR 6. 102(d) (2). No request for proposal (RFP), solicitation or other announcement of this opportunity will be made. Requests for the same will be disregarded. For awards made as contracts, the socio-economic merits will include the extent of commitment in providing meaningful subcontracting opportunities for small business, HUB zone small business, small disadvantaged business, woman-owned small business concerns, and historically black colleges and universities and minority institutions (HBCU/MI). Contract proposals which are selected for award that exceed $500,000 submitted by all but small businesses, will require a Small Business Subcontracting Plan in accordance with FAR 52.219-9. The Standard Industrial Classification code is 8731 with the small business size standard of 500 employees. No portion of this BAA has been set aside for HBCU and MI participants, though their participation is encouraged. Questions regarding technical issues related to this BAA should be directed to: Dr. Thomas B. Curtin, ONR 322OM, Ballston Towers One, 800 N. Quincy St., Arlington VA 22217-5660, 703-696-4119 (voice), 703-696-3390 (fax), curtint@onr.navy.mil. Questions regarding business issues and legal matters related to this BAA should be directed to: Bonnie C. Damanski, ONR 252, Room 720, Ballston Towers One, 800 N. Quincy St., Arlington, VA 22217- 5660. E-mail: damansb@onr.navy.mil Posted 05/19/99 (W-SN333366). (0139)

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