A -- BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA) -- ROBUST PASSIVE SONAR

Notice Date

December 19, 2000

Contracting Office

Department of the Navy, Naval Sea Systems Command, 2531 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22242-5160

ZIP Code

22242-5160

Solicitation Number

N00024-01-R-6306

Response Due

February 9, 2001

Point of Contact

02632J, Ms. Janel Duval, Contract Specialist, 703-602-0951 ext. 629, email: Duvaljm@navsea.navy.mil

Description

The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Advanced Systems and Technology Office (ASTO/SEA 93), Arlington, VA, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Advanced Technology Office (ATO), are soliciting proposals for technologies supporting the Robust Passive Sonar (RPS) Program. Specifically sought are innovative concepts and techniques for shallow-water processing of mobile towed-array acoustic data. The goal of the RPS Program is to develop and demonstrate an end-to-end passive acoustic processing architecture to solve the shallow water Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) problem. Because a system-level approach is being sought, all system functions from the digitized hydrophone time series data to the display are to be addressed. The primary objectives of the program are to: 1) Develop shallow-water passive sonar processing technology for mobile towed-arrays that provides superior performance for the shallow water ASW problem; 2) Integrate that technology into an end-to-end real-time processing system; and 3) Demonstrate system performance in situ in an at-sea demonstration. Secondary objectives of the program are to: 1) Identify optimal topologies for acoustic receive arrays to support the RPS processing architecture; and 2) Assess performance gains for the RPS processing architecture in conjunction with these array topologies in comparison to baseline tactical systems. Further background information on the RPS Program can be found on the RPS website (http://schafercorp-ballston.com/rps/) including relevant briefings presented at the RPS Industry Day on 27 October 2000. A collateral SECRET CD-ROM containing releasable information presented at the Industry Briefing will be sent to those organizations that provide the necessary security information to enable DARPA to verify facility clearances. Question and Answers from the Industry Briefing can be found in the website listed above. This effort will explore new processing architectures that transcend traditional boundaries among beamforming, detection, classification, localization, and tracking. The capability of these new architectures to exploit external information sources throughout the processing chain will also be explored. Approaches for operator interpretation of processing outputs will be optimized to enable rapid search of the operational battle space. The result should be a sonar processing architecture that is optimized for detecting quiet targets in the challenging shallow-water coastal environment. The program will also carry out system trade studies that will explore the applicability of novel mobile array geometries to provide suitable aperture for the processing architectures under development. Where possible, prototype mobile arrays will be exploited in the experimental program to provide data to support these trade studies as well as development and evaluation of the candidate processing architectures. While the effort will culminate in a real-time at-sea demonstration of end-to-end system performance against a quiet target, the development emphasis during the initial phase of the program will be performance-driven without the limits imposed by a fixed hardware footprint or a real-time processing constraint. The second phase of the program will take the most promising processing design(s) from the first phase, continue algorithm development to improve performance and produce a real-time system implementation. This program will utilize appropriate existing data sets that have been collected using mobile sensor arrays to facilitate algorithm development and testing. In addition, the program will execute an extensive set of collection activities designed to obtain high-quality data from mobile arrays. This data will be available to the Phase 1 contract awardees, and the program will emphasize the use of this data to demonstrate the accomplishment of the intermediate technical goals of Phase 1 discussed below. The procurement of the RPS system will occur in two phases. The second phase will be included as an option in contracts awarded pursuant to this BAA. It is anticipated that multiple Offerors will be selected to participate in the base period of performance (i.e. Phase 1). In Phase 1, system trade studies, algorithm development, and data analysis will be used to develop end-to-end sonar processing architectures and predictions of system performance. Phase 1 will focus on (in descending order of priority): 1) Innovative high-payoff algorithm development; 2) System architecture optimization; 3) Performance demonstration and assessment; and 4) Preliminary design of real-time implementation. Phase 1 will culminate with the demonstration and performance assessment of a prototype shallow water processing system for mobile multi-line arrays operating in an offline (non real-time) mode. The performance assessment will be carried out in an Offeror proposed and executed manner with insight by the Government. It is anticipated that at the conclusion of Phase 1, the Government will determine which of the Phase 1 contractors' approaches is best suited to meet the interests of the Government and the option for Phase 2 in that contract may then be exercised. It is not anticipated that more than one option award will be made. During Phase 2, the processing system architecture and constituent processing algorithms will be further refined and a real-time end-to-end shallow water processing system will be designed, built, integrated, and demonstrated in an at-sea experiment. The real-time system will utilize commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware with a footprint sized to accommodate the real-time system design. The anticipated maturity of the real-time system will be that of a prototype vice an Engineering Manufacturing and Development (EMD) system. As such, Phase 2 will focus on (in descending order of priority): 1) Real-time prototype implementation; 2) Refinement of architecture and algorithm design; 3) Information visualization and efficient search tools; and 4) At-sea demonstration using existing mobile arrays. Simple and innovative solutions are encouraged. It is expected that technologies developed will be applicable to existing and emerging tactical towed arrays and to future multi-dimensional mobile acoustic arrays. The arrays of interest for Phase 2 will be designated at the completion of Phase 1 so that the Phase 2 prototype development can be focused appropriately. The purpose of the RPS Program is to procure innovative approaches to achieve the Program Objectives outlined above. Towards that end, a number of essential intermediate technical goals are anticipated during the period of performance of the expected awards. These include, but are not limited to: 1) Complete system trade studies to optimize performance over alternative array topologies and processing architectures (Phase 1); 2) Demonstrate coherent multi-line processing (Phase 1); 3) Demonstrate source detection and tracking during receiver maneuvers (Phase 1); 4) Demonstrate end-to-end processing with discrete interference rejection figure-of-merit (FOM) improvement > 10 dB and detection FOM improvement > 6 dB (Phase 1); 5) Demonstrate forward-sector processing (Phase 1); 6) Demonstrate laboratory real-time end-to-end processing (Phase 2); 7) Demonstrate at-sea real-time end-to-end processing (Phase 2); and 8) Demonstrate real-time end-to-end processing with discrete interference rejection FOM improvement > 10 dB and detection FOM improvement > 6 dB (Phase 2). These capabilities will be demonstrated on data collected by the program in the at-sea experiments. Note: This program will not develop acoustic array technology. All data collections will take place using available arrays. Use of COTS hardware (including, e.g., COTS Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology) for the real-time implementation is strongly encouraged; minimal development of custom real-time hardware is anticipated. Work to be performed will require SECRET facility clearance and safeguarding capability. Therefore, personnel identified for assignment to a classified effort must be cleared for access to SECRET information at the time of award. Quarterly program reviews (QPR's) shall be conducted to track technical, financial and schedule performance. Additional technical meetings may be required for coordination and planning. An Initial Concept Review (ICR) will be held approximately 12 months after contract award. The ICR should outline the results of system architecture trade studies and describe the Offeror's recommended system concept. The ICR should update the Phase 1 performance assessment methodology that was described in the Offeror's proposal. It should include the status of algorithm and system development, relevant algorithm demonstrations, and development plans for the balance of Phase 1. A Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the real-time system demonstration will be held approximately 22 months after contract award. The content of the PDR will reflect the contents of the Preliminary Design Document (PDD). It is expected that program deliverables will include (but not be limited to): 1) Preliminary Design Document (PDD) that describes the refined system concept, processing algorithm designs and documented system performance on experimental data, including but not limited to the RPS Initial Data Collection and 2) Data processing results for all supported modes sufficient to enable independent government validation of system performance results obtained during the Phase 1 period. The PDD should include detailed descriptions of algorithm designs for all supported processing modes and document performance against the Phase 1 Technical Goals. It must also include performance results using metrics and evaluation methodology outlined in the proposal (and updated at the ICR) for all supported modes. It must include the preliminary design for the Phase 2 real-time system including the planned hardware architecture and preliminary sizing. The PDD must include a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for the real-time demonstration system build. It should include other results as appropriate. The draft PDD will be due 7 days before the PDR and the final PDD will be due 30 days after the Government review is complete. Data processing results will be due upon receipt of the draft PDD. Successful offerors will be required to provide monthly status reporting, consisting of contract expenditure data and a one page summary of technical results, in addition to the deliverables described above. The period of performance for the RPS Program is anticipated to be 42 months with a base period of performance (Phase 1) of approximately 24 months and an option period of performance (Phase 2) of approximately 18 months. Awards are anticipated early April 2001. Phase 1 effort shall be Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), not to exceed $6M for each award. Phase 2 effort shall be CPFF. An additional $6-9M is expected to be available for the team selected to conduct Phase 2. The cost of at-sea experimentation and data collection will be borne by the Government. The Government will be responsible for planning and executing the at-sea experiments. The selected Offerors shall be responsible for inputs into the Phase 1 experiment planning. Additionally, the Offeror selected for Phase 2 shall be responsible for providing the real-time processing hardware and integrating the hardware system into the experimental platform. As technical data, computer software, and computer software documentation will need to be delivered and reviewed at the end of Phase 1 and Phase 2, Offerors shall provide a list of any technical data, including computer software documentation and computer software, to be delivered with less than unlimited rights in accordance with Defense Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Clause 252.227-7017 IDENTIFICATION AND ASSERTION OF USE, RELEASE, OR DISCLOSURE RESTRICTIONS (June 1995). Proposed efforts must address an end-to-end system development that satisfies the Program Objectives. Study proposals will not be considered for selection. This Broad Agency Announcement will be open until 09 February 2001. Proposals may be submitted at any time within that period. The number of contracts awarded will be limited by funding availability. Should additional funds become available, additional contract awards may be made. The Navy and DARPA desire awards of Phase 1 not later than 1 April 2001. No award can be made without a proposal to perform a specific effort within an estimated cost and time period. Industry, Small Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Businesses, educational institutions, Historically Black Colleges and University and Minority Institutions are encouraged to participate. Participation in this solicitation is limited to U.S. firms and individuals. Proposals should be submitted to the Cognizant Contracting Activity whose address is: Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, ATTN: Code 02632J, Janel Duval 2531 Jefferson Davis Highway Arlington, VA 22242-5160 Contracting Point-of-Contact is Janel Duval, telephone (703) 602-0951 x629, facsimile (703) 602-7023 and e-mail Duvaljm@navsea.navy.mil. Respondents to this BAA should forward classified portions and/or attachments (accompanying their BAA submissions) in accordance with the following guidance: Collateral Data: Utilize guidance in DoD 5200.1-R, Information Security Regulation and the National Industrial Security Program Manual (NISPOM) (DoD 5220.22-M) regarding marking and transmission of classified collateral materials. All collateral data (Confidential, Secret) may be mailed via U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Registered Mail or U.S. Postal Service Express Mail (USPS only; no commercial carriers) to: Commander Naval Sea Systems Command Attn: NAVSEA 93/ASTO 2531 Jefferson Davis Highway Arlington, VA 22242-5169 *Double-wrapped with classification markings / warning notices on the inner envelope, addressee as above on outer envelope. All Offerors and proposed subcontractors must affirm whether they are providing scientific, engineering and technical assistance (SETA), or similar support, to any NAVSEA or DARPA technical office(s) through an active contract or subcontract. All affirmations must state which office(s) the Offeror supports, and identify the prime contract numbers. Affirmations will be furnished at the time of proposal submission. All facts relevant to the existence or potential existence of organizational conflicts of interest must be disclosed. The disclosure should include a description of the action the Offeror has taken, or proposes to take, to avoid, neutralize or mitigate such conflict. This synopsis constitutes a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) per FAR 6.102(d)(2)(i); there will be no formal request for proposals (RFP) or other solicitation in regards to this announcement. The Government reserves the right to select all, some, or none of the proposals received in response to this announcement. Offerors shall certify that they have an appropriate facility clearance to meet the security requirements of work proposed, and key personnel must be certified as holding an appropriate clearance. Offeror's proposals shall outline both Phase 1 and Phase 2 efforts. Proposals shall consist of two separately bound volumes: Volume I shall provide the technical proposal and management approach and Volume II shall address cost. Of each proposal Volume, Offerors are required to submit one paper original, six full-color paper copies, one electronic copy in Portable Document Format (PDF) on IBM PC formatted CD-ROM's, and two electronic copies in a format readable by Microsoft Office 1997. Facsimile or electronic transmitted submissions will be considered non-responsive. The Technical/Management Volume (Volume I) is limited to a total page count of 50 pages (excluding the appendix) and shall be with a font no smaller than courier new size 12 or equivalent. The Cost Volume (Volume II) is not page limited. Volume I may include an appendix containing referenced material. All pages shall be printed on 8-1/2 by 11 inch paper. The page limitation for proposals includes all figures, tables, and charts. Volume I, Technical and Management Proposal, may include an attached bibliography of relevant technical papers or research notes (published and unpublished), which document the technical ideas and approach upon which the proposal is based. Copies of not more than three (3) relevant papers can be included with the submission. The bibliography and relevant technical papers are not included in the page count. The submission of other supporting materials along with the proposal is strongly discouraged and will not be considered for review. Foldout pages will be counted towards the maximum total and will be calculated by the measurement of the equivalent number of 8-1/2 by 11 inch pages that make up the foldout. Foldout pages are discouraged. All pages that exceed the maximum page limit specified will not be reviewed and thus not considered in the evaluation. Volume I shall include the following sections, each starting on a new page: A. A cover page including: 1) BAA number; 2) Lead organization submitting proposal; 3) Type of business, selected among the following categories: Large Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Other Small Business, HBCU, MI, Other Educational, or Other Nonprofit; 4) Offeror's reference number (if applicable); 5) Other team members (if applicable) and type of business for each; 6) Proposal title; and 7) Technical and administrative points-of-contact along with business address, electronic mail address, and telephone and facsimile numbers. B. Official transmittal letter signed by the authorized officer specifying the proposal validity period (at least 120 days). C. Table of contents & list of illustrations/tables. D. An Executive Summary addressing the following: 1) Innovative claims for the proposed approach; 2) Deliverables and anticipated key technical performance metrics (distinctly breaking out the Phase 1 and option Phase 2 efforts); 3) Technical rationale/approach; 4) Other relevant research; and 5) RPS project management. E. A one-page summary of the schedule and milestones for the proposed research which can be traced to the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). F. A one-page WBS. G. A succinct Statement of Work (SOW) (broken down into Phase I and Phase II efforts) clearly detailing the scope and objectives of the work and, if any, specific contractor requirements. The following is the required format for the SOW: 1) Program Objective; 2) Program Scope; 3) Program Background; 4) Technical Approach; 5) Task Description; and 6) Schedule. If any portion of the research is predicated upon the use of Government-owned resources of any type, the contractor shall clearly identify: the resources required, the date the resource is required, the duration of the requirement, the source from which the resource may be acquired, if known, and the impact on the research if the resource is not provided. (Note: It is the intent of the Government to use the Offeror's SOW, as written provided that the Offeror's SOW accurately describes the work to be performed, is enforceable, and is void of any inconsistencies. If, in the Government's opinion, the Offeror's SOW does not reflect these requirements, the Government will prepare a SOW using information available in the Offeror's proposal.) H. Definition of management and key personnel. The offering team should define both the organizations and the individuals within those organizations that make up the team, including the expected duties, roles, responsibilities and commitments of the various members and the expected relationships among members. A descripti

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20001221/ASOL001.HTM (W-354 SN509273)