6913G624Q300002_Rocket Noise_SOW.pdf

Request for Quotation (RFQ) No. 6913G624Q300002 Procurement Request No. V3242199

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

ROCKET NOISE DATA COLLECTION

1. Background

The Department of Defense (DoD) Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) is the tactical center of excellence in regard to operational noise modeling for the United States Air Force. AFCEC and the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) have noted that there is a deficit of reliable, repeatable rocket acoustics datasets, particularly during multiple operations of the same vehicle. The lack of repeated measurements prevents statistical variances or validation of noise model predictions in use by the DoD. In cooperation with AFCEC and the AFRL, this work will support rocket noise measurements at up to two launch bases of operation: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) and/or Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Up to 10 distinct measurement locations will be utilized for each launch; sites will be 100 to 10,000 meters from launch/landing locations. Over 2-5 one-week periods, 3-10 distinct events will be measured. Data will be collected primarily with data acquisition systems provided and operated by the contractor;

however, The Volpe Center / AFRL may provide additional equipment.

2. Purpose

The objective of this effort is to collect acoustic data on a rocket vehicle that has high operational launch tempos, such as the Falcon 9. We are targeting three launches to increase available data sets for validation and improvement of existing noise models.

3. Technical Criteria The response to the Government request for quote shall include the candidate’s technical approach for performing the requirements, described in less than five (5) pages (see details under Tasks 1 through 7, below). Support is not limited to one award: The Volpe Center anticipates making at least one but no more than two awards to accomplish the measurement site support listed in Tasks 1 through 7.

The response shall also describe proposed project staff, including resumes of candidates with past experience in acoustic measurements. This response shall demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the principles of high-fidelity acoustics instrumentation, and experience in deploying equipment for accomplishing unattended time-synchronized recordings in outdoor environments.

The response shall also include a satisfactory approach for developing and maintaining a schedule of deliverables, including availability of equipment to perform and complete the work within the project period of performance of 09/30/2024.

4. Scope The scope of work, as described in Tasks 1 – 7 below, will focus on project management, measurement preparation, execution of field measurements, data archiving, and documentation.

5. Quality Control To ensure Quality Control, the Volpe Center will conduct reviews and participate in meetings to discuss deliverables on a biweekly basis. Contractor shall also provide raw data and/or measurement quick-look as soon as possible after each launch to verify acquisition of acoustic data.

6. Required Tasks and Deliverables The contractor will be required to sign a conflict-of-interest form and/or non-disclosure agreement with the Volpe Center regarding data and methods used. Measurements are expected to require two contractor personnel per site. All deliverables will be submitted into an online system, with access provided by the Volpe Center. Support for the first five (5) measurement sites are funded under contract line item (CLIN) number 00100, with the next three (3) sites optional under CLIN 00200, and the next two (2) sites optional under CLIN 00300. Optional support for second measurement trip for the first five (5) measurement sites under contract line item (CLIN) number 00400, with the next three (3) sites optional under CLIN 00500, and the next two (2) sites optional under CLIN 00600. Optional support for third measurement trip for the first five (5) measurement sites under contract line item (CLIN) number 00700, with the next three (3) sites optional under CLIN 00800, and the next two (2) sites optional under CLIN 00900.Tests and measurement sites may be located at multiple launch sites across the US.

Task 1: Project Management The contractor will coordinate with the Volpe Center to develop and update work plans for each funded task and will provide monthly status updates identifying progress made and any issues that need to be addressed for timely project completion.

Deliverables: Monthly reports

Task 2: Measurement preparation Task 2.1 Coordinate with the Volpe Center and partner agencies on detailed requirements for deployment, operation, and retrieval of acoustic measurement equipment. Preparations will also include travel and personnel logistics, as well as a plan for shipment of equipment to the measurement location. All measurement systems should be capable of standalone or remote operation. Expectation is that deployment of measurement systems at all sites can be accomplished during one workday, including troubleshooting.

Acoustic measurement requirements will generally follow the requirements of ANSI/ASA S12.75-2012 with deviations as appropriate for launch vehicle measurements. Basic requirements will include:

• Acquisition of signals at a digital resolution of 24 bits

• Continuous recording to non-lossy digital format at a sampling rate of at least 48 kHz

• Time synchronization of measured signals to a GPS-based time source, such as recording an IRIG-B signal from a time-code generator

• Measurement systems shall be capable of operating for at least 24 hours on battery/solar power without requiring service visits.

• Measurement systems shall be capable of either continuous recording for at 24 hours or have reliable time-based or level-exceedance-based triggers.

• Transducers will be either 1/4” or 1/2” pressure-field microphones at ground level and/or on an elevated tripod at 5 ft. Microphone type will be adjusted based on location and expected maximum noise levels, but possible microphone types include the GRAS 40AO, 46BD, and 46BG. Those microphones have a low enough sensitivity to record the high levels that a rocket produces.

Desired requirements include:

• Measurement of ambient temperature, pressure, relative humidity, wind speed and direction at each measurement site

• Data recording at sampling rates up to 192 kHz and anti-aliasing as described in MIL- STD-1474E 4.7.5.2, in order to capture the impulsive peaks of acoustic shocks common to rocket noise and sonic booms.

Task 2.2 Prepare a comprehensive plan for deployment, operation, and retrieval of acoustic measurement equipment. The test plan shall also include steps for processing data into an analysis-ready archive (see also Task 5). Given the possibility of delays in launch schedule, test plan shall include contingencies for delayed or canceled launches.

Task 2.3 Revise the measurement test plan document as necessary for subsequent measurements based on lessons learned from previous measurement(s).

Deliverables: Measurement test plan document

Task 3: Range safety review Participate in range safety review of acoustic data collection plan

Deliverables: Participation in range safety review, provide information requested from launch operator and/or partner agencies (e.g. radio frequencies used), revisions to test plan (as needed)

Task 4: Execution of field measurements Contractor personnel will report to launch site approximately 2 days prior to launch and will depart the base within 1 day after launch.

Task 4.1 Arrange for shipment/delivery of measurement system hardware to secure holding area at launch site complex.

Task 4.2 Verify measurement site locations via GPS against provided coordinates and determine potential site location changes where necessary. Deploy measurement systems at designated locations and record their locations and configurations. Operate equipment for unattended time synchronized recordings of launch vehicle noise.

Task 4.3 Retrieve equipment from measurement sites following vehicle launch.

Deliverables: On-site participation in launch vehicle acoustic measurements

Task 5: Data archiving The contractors will provide the pressure time history for each microphone in the standard format outlined in ANSI/ASA S12.75. It is required that all data collected by the contractor at acoustic measurement sites provided to Volpe be delivered with Unlimited Rights.

Deliverables: Binary-format measurement files including ASCII headers describing the relevant run and channel information

• Data archive shall include microphone voltage recordings of calibration signals (pre-and post-measurement) from each microphone.

• If time synchronization was accomplished using recorded IRIG-B or similar timing signals, data archive should include recordings of those signals.

Spreadsheet or similar format containing a table documenting all measurement files.

• Documentation should include electrostatic actuator response for each microphone, as well as microphone and preamplifier models and serial numbers, calibrated sensitivities from manufacturer or calibration lab, and field sensitivities.

Task 6: Documentation Task 6.1 Prepare a report to document the measurement methods (e.g., layout, equipment, test points) and data products.

Task 6.2 Document issues (if any) with deployment of equipment and/or field measurements and summarize lessons learned.

Deliverables: Measurement report documents

Task 7: Meetings The contractor shall participate in biweekly meetings with Volpe through 09/15/2024 or until all deliverables are provided following conclusion of measurement program (whichever is earlier). Biweekly meetings with Volpe will provide updates on the status of deliverables, review the content of deliverables, and address any outstanding questions or concerns. A closeout meeting to review all deliverables and recommendations will be held no later than 09/15/2024. The closeout meeting is to ensure all deliverables are submitted, useful, and all measurement data archives are complete and fully documented.

Deliverables: Biweekly Meetings

7. Materials In support of this work, the Volpe Center will provide the following to the contractor for use in this project:

• Identification of sensor locations via .kml file for use in tools such as Google Earth, Open Maps, etc.

• Test logistics and required safety protocols.

• Coordination of test plan approval with launch operator and/or partner agencies

• Temporary office space / indoor storage area in proximity to launch processing building.

8. Period of Performance The period of performance for this support begins at purchase order award and concludes by 09/30/2024.

9. Deliverables and Due Dates The deliverables of this task order are detailed in Tasks 1-7 in the above statement of work and organized into deliverables by site in the table below.

TASK DESCRIPTION DELIVERABLE FORMAT DUE DATE

1 Project Management

Monthly status update

E-mail Monthly starting two weeks after award through 09/30/2024

2 Measurement preparation

Measurement test plan document, post-measurement revisions to test plan (optional)

Documents in Word or PDF format, deliver via e-mail

No later than three weeks prior to deployment

3 Range safety review

Participate in range safety review

Presentation slides and/or Word document

TBD

4 Execution of field measurements

Deployment, operation, and retrieval of measurement systems

In-person participation in measurements

According to launch schedule

5 Measurement data archive

Electronic files as described in task 5

Binary files and spreadsheet(s), No later than four weeks after uploaded to online repository conclusion of each measurement

6 Documentation Measurement report documents

Documents in Word or PDF format, deliver via e-mail

No later than four weeks after conclusion of each measurement

7 Meetings Meeting participation and minutes

E-mail Biweekly starting two weeks after award through 09/15/2024

All work is expected to conclude by 09/30/2024.

The work will be batched into groups of five sites per the contract line-item number (CLIN) listing below. The initial five base sites will be funded, and optional CLINs consisting of an additional 3 sites and 2 sites (10 total) will be funded as needed. Note: tests may be located at multiple launch sites across the US.

CLIN TASKS MEASUREMENT NO. OF

SITES

BASE/OPTIONAL DUE DATE

100 1-7 1 5 BASE TBD, NLT 9/30/24

200 2,4-6 1 3 Optional TBD, NLT 9/30/24

300 2,4-6 1 2 Optional TBD, NLT 9/30/24

400 2-6 2 5 Optional TBD, NLT 9/30/24

500 2,4-6 2 3 Optional TBD, NLT 9/30/24

600 2,4-6 2 2 Optional TBD, NLT 9/30/24

700 2-6 3 5 Optional TBD, NLT 9/30/24

800 2,4-6 3 3 Optional TBD, NLT 9/30/24

900 2,4-6 3 2 Optional TBD, NLT 9/30/24

10. Acceptance Criteria To be accepted, deliverables shall be provided electronically to the project technical POC, Robert Downs (Robert.Downs@dot.gov). The deliverables will be reviewed by the Government for compliance with the SOW, timeliness, and format.

mailto:Robert.Downs@dot.gov