Call for White Paper_Dynamic Wounds for Training.pdf

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA) W911QY-20-R-0022

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE

REQUEST FOR WHITE PAPERS

BAA TOPIC: Topic F. Simulation and Training Technology, Medical Simulation and Training:

“Dynamic Wounds for Training”

Introduction

Applications to the Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) “Dynamic Wounds for Training” are being solicited by the Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center (CCDC SC), Simulation and

Training Technology Center (STTC), Medical Simulation and Research Branch (MSR).

Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911QY-20-R-0022 was publicized on Federal Business

Opportunities and Grants.gov on 28 February 2020. This Sources Sought Notice calls for White

Paper submissions in reference to the research, within the BAA, is Topic F. Simulation and

Training Technology, Medical Simulation and Training section. The BAA is issued under the

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provision 6.102(d)(2), provides for the competitive selection of proposals. Proposals submitted in response to this BAA and selected for award are considered to be the result of full and open competition and in full compliance with the provisions of Public Law 98-369, “The Competition in Contracting Act of 1984,” and subsequent amendments. The type of research solicited under this BAA attempts to increase knowledge in science and/or to advance the state of the art as compared to practical application of knowledge. Funding of research and development (R&D) within CCDC SC-STTC areas of interest will be determined by funding constraints and priorities set during each budget cycle.

Awards related to the submission of White Papers requested by this Notice are subject to funds availability and priorities. CCDC SC-STTC may choose not to select any new awards due to unavailability of funds or other factors.

The sequence of steps leading to award is:

(1) Request for White Paper initiated,

(2) Submission, via email, of a timely White Paper no more than five (5) pages in length to the

Technical Points of Contact (POC) Dr. Jack Norfleet (jack.e.norfleet.civ@mail.mil) and cc

Conner Parsey (conner.j.parsey.civ@mail.mil),

(3) Written or telephonic feedback provided to the Offeror regarding the White Paper’s scientific merit and potential contributions to the Army mission as per established criteria presented in this announcement,

(4) Request of a formal proposal(s) submission initiated by POC, if the White Paper merits a proposal request, mailto:jack.e.norfleet.civ@mail.mil

(5) Submission of a timely, formal proposal(s),

(6) Evaluation of the formal proposal from criteria noted in BAA solicitation W911QY-20-R-

0022, and

(7) Contract or grant award for selected proposal(s) based on availability of funds or other factors.

This sequence allows earliest determination of the potential for funding and minimizes the labor and additional costs associated with submission of full proposals that have minimal probability of being selected for funding.

BAA W911QY-20-R-0022 allows several potential instrument types (e.g., contract, grant, cooperative agreement) to result from a successful proposal. For this Notice, the intention of the

Government is to award a BAA contract.

Note that interested Offerors must submit a White Paper electronically in order to be eligible to submit a formal proposal under this Notice. This Notice requires that White Papers be submitted electronically no later than 01 May 2020, 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time (EST). See Part V, Deadlines, for additional details.

THOSE SUBMITTING WHITE PAPERS/PROPOSALS ARE CAUTIONED THAT ONLY A

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING OR GRANTS OFFICER CAN OBLIGATE THE

GOVERNMENT TO ANY AGREEMENT INVOLVING EXPENDITURE OF GOVERNMENT

FUNDS.

This Sources Sought Notice for White Papers consists of six parts as follows:

Background and Introduction

Part I: Research Objectives

Part II: Phase Based Approach

Part III: Preparation, Submission, Evaluation Criteria, Review and Selection Process

Part IV: Feedback

Part V: Deadlines

Part VI: Inquires

Technical POC:

Mr. Conner Parsey, Science and Technology Manager

12423 Research Parkway

Orlando, FL 32826

Phone: (407) 384-3593

Email: conner.j.parsey.civ@mail.mil (Preferred Contact Method)

BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION

Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TC3) training has incorporated modern training materials and equipment ranging from smart, feedback driven manikins to realistic virtual reality modules. As training methods have improved, physical portrayals of wounds through the use of trauma moulage have not changed much. Applied moulage is a common form of wound simulation.

This often takes the form of prosthetics or hyper-realistic makeup. However, applied moulage is static and does not respond to outside interaction. While professional makeup artists are capable of creating wounds that appear hyper-realistic, they do not adapt to potential battlefield complications or respond to proper or improper care being performed. Static moulage does not currently allow for temperature fluctuation. Odors must be simulated through machines or by additional sprays. Edema is often simulated by using air bladders or through state-based moulage. In order to change the training scenario or demonstrate a change in condition of the patient, the moulage must be swapped out of the static swollen or unswollen state. The ability to change color or texture without multiple static models or reapplication of makeup is key.

Training facilities can incorporate multiple actors with moulage, prosthetics, or manikins with varying static wounds, but there is a major loss of immersion when these need to be swapped out mid exercise, or simply spoken as instructions from the trainer, to demonstrate a new issue or complication during treatment.

The Army has recently identified Prolonged Field Care (PFC) as a higher training priority than in the past. According to the Special Operations Medical Association, PFC is the line of field medical treatment and care that is performed “beyond doctrinal planning time-lines by a (combat medic) in order to decrease patient mortality and morbidity.” This involves delivering extended medical care in harsh field conditions before a patient is capable of evacuation to field hospitals or further care facilities. The PFC movement involves new training initiatives including higher emphasis on field care over time. It also requires personnel to identify key signs of illness that require action or attention. Skin paleness, muscle tightness, and swelling in a lower extremity would indicate the onset of compartment syndrome requiring intervention through fasciotomy.

The ability to induce temperature fluctuations in the training materials allows the soldiers to identify and treat further complications during prolonged care like fever, hypothermia, or hyperthermia. Materials with built in odor capabilities, like simulating burnt flesh, would allow for further PFC training capabilities as well as for stress inoculation training. A material or set of moulage that could emulate and change from a base state to various scenarios where a requirement for medical intervention is indicated would be ideal for increasing training effectiveness as well as increasing soldier immersion and buy-in to training. Dynamic wounds will be essential to meet the advanced requirements of PFC.

One of the major goals of this dynamic wounds project is to provide realistic feedback from the appearance and other physical properties of the material. Current training scenarios often involve an instructor describing the condition of the injury verbally to the trainee who must then perform the correct interventions. Relevant fluids are presented through use of a squirt bottle while the trainees perform the medical procedures. Moulage materials that respond to the treatment being provided would be an invaluable learning tool for soldiers. Based on the characteristics described previously, the material should respond by showing the trainee that they:

Performed the correct intervention following the correct procedures

Performed the wrong intervention, the material responds in a negative manner or the patient’s “condition” worsens

No intervention/mixed result, material does not require an intervention or the intervention was performed partially correctly

Although multi-stage trauma moulage is still in a nascent phase, stimuli responsive “smart” materials are becoming more prevalent in research labs. Multi-stimuli polymers have the capability to be influenced from various permutations including light, pH, and temperature.

Double-stimuli responsive materials including thermo/pH polymers have also been found. These materials react and change when exposed to their respective stimuli. The trauma moulage would be capable of reacting or changing the state of the wound when exposed to the appropriate stimulus. For example, a light reactive moulage set might be able to expose bruising, infection, or rash symptoms when exposed to high intensity light from a flashlight or suitable source.

The Dynamic Wounds initiative will lay the foundation for the next generation of trauma moulage and trauma wound simulations for combat medic training. In order to increase training immersion, realism, and soldier buy-in, the moulage and wound materials must become higher fidelity and be capable of emulating real medical complications that change in appearance and other sensory cues over time.

I. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The offeror should be capable of demonstrating a proof of concept material sample or set of samples which can demonstrate common battlefield complications and trauma scenarios.

Capabilities of the material should include:

1. Color change and texture change

a. Ability of the material to change color to include symptoms or injuries including bruising, infection, and blisters

b. Inoculation – negative, positive, or no reaction

2. Swelling/edema

a. Controlled edema effect that does not require actuators or air bladders that detract from trainee immersion

b. The swelling of the tissue should be identifiable by the trainee and demonstrate the need for a medical intervention.

c. Application examples include demonstrating internal pressure from compartment syndrome that requires a pressure release through a fasciotomy.

3. Liquid secretion

a. Ability to secrete appropriate liquids important to, or that provide realism, for the medical procedure being performed

b. Examples: blood, sweat, etc.

4. The ability to produce smell based on the current state of the wound, simulation, or procedure being trained

a. Material should be capable of demonstrating changes in smell in regards to care over time

b. Example: burnt flesh during care for a burn victim requiring an escharotomy

5. Temperature control and temperature changes respective to medical conditions

a. Emulate various levels of medical complications through the use of temperature control

b. Fever, overheating, precursors to frostbite

The prototype can include all of the properties in a single material slab, or demonstrate them through multiple. However, at least one of the slabs must demonstrate a combination of the capabilities (e.g. swelling and color change) together. Another important aspect to consider is if the effects on the tissue material are permanent or changeable, as well as the timetable associated with returning the material to its original state. This is key to ensuring usability in the rapid nature of combat training as well as the quantity of trainees in combat trauma training scenarios.

Quick turnaround would be preferable for multi-use training. This would allow many students to use the same materials in quick succession to teach higher quantities of students with more accurate and realistic training tools.

II. PHASE BASED APPROACH (Phase I - III)

PHASE I

Phase I will begin research and development of the prototype. At the culmination of Phase I, the offeror will demonstrate the functional prototype with the following requirements:

Integration of as many of the five capabilities mentioned in the objectives section as possible (smell, temperature, swelling, liquid secretion, and color change) is advisable

The minimum requirement for phase 1 is incorporation of at least two of the objective capabilities listed above

Minimum size requirement for the Phase I prototype is that of a 7.62mm bullet entry/exit wound

Expected Phase I will be twelve (12) months from time of award.

PHASE II

Phase II will build upon the initial findings and prototype from Phase I. This iteration will provide at least one additional capability from the previous material. This phase will also consist of a validation study on the effectiveness of the prototype as a training tool. A comparative analysis of the prototype against the current method of teaching is required.

Minimum integration of three capabilities in one moulage material (smell, temperature, swelling, liquid secretion, and color change)

The Phase 2 prototype should include tissues surrounding the wounded area

Ideally, capable of demonstrating all five of the objectives over multiple moulage prototypes and overlapping integration as determined optimal for training

PHASE III

Based on the results of the phase II evaluations, the prototype(s) will be further refined.

Additional scenarios will be created based upon user feedback. The end result of phase III should be ready to be transitioned.

Fully fleshed out material options

Combination of as many capabilities in one material as deemed necessary for training medical procedures

Ideally, multiple moulage materials that can demonstrate all five of the identified capabilities as required for optimal training

Increased scale from Phase 2 with the inclusion of full size wounds, potential for entire limbs, torso, and more o An example would include a material capable of demonstrating the correct feedback and material responses for a fasciotomy procedure on a leg

III. PREPARATION, SUBMISSION, EVALUATION CRITERIA, REVIEW AND

SELECTION PROCESS

Preparation & Submission:

The process of execution begins with White Paper evaluation and a down-selection process. From among the whitepapers submitted, the Government will notify the Offeror if their White Paper is selected, and formally request a full proposal. The full proposals undergo a full scientific review and programmatic review prior to being funded.

The approach for accomplishing this research and development is to utilize a phased process.

The Government intends for Phase I to be a twelve (12) month base period, but the remaining period of performance for Phase II and Phase III will be finalized prior to the request of a formal proposal. The white paper must include an offeror estimated period of performance, a technical description of the proposed concepts, the technical objectives, and a planned approach to accomplish the stated objectives as well as a rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost per year. The

ROM cost should consist of the total cost plus profit/fee/ overhead.

White Papers shall not exceed five (5) pages of computerized text at 12 pitch (excluding resumes).

Contractor format is acceptable. Submit White Papers electronically to the Technical POC jack.e.norfleet.civ@mail.mil and cc conner.j.parsey.civ@mail.mil. If mailing a White Paper submission, parcels must be postmarked by due date/time. Mailed White Papers should be provided in hardcopy and CD form and both must be received together. The deadline for White

Paper submission no later than close of business on 01 May 2020. If mailing submissions, address them to: SFC Paul Ray Smith Simulation & Training Technology Center (STTC), Attn: Conner

Parsey, Medical Simulation and Human Performance Branch, 12423 Research Parkway, Orlando, FL 32826.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONSTITUTES THE ENTIRE SOLICITATION FOR THIS

EFFORT. DO NOT SUBMIT A FORMAL PROPOSAL AT THIS TIME.

Evaluation Criteria

White Papers will be evaluated by technical/scientific personnel who are knowledgeable within the particular topical area/specific interest area to determine if the paper presented is consistent with the intent of the BAA and of interest to the Government. White Papers will be evaluated using the following criteria:

a) scientific/technical merit,

b) management approach,

c) importance to agency programs, and

d) proposed cost/price

Based on these evaluation criteria, the highest rated concept papers will show considerable potential to develop into highly qualified proposals that could likely lead to an award.

Review and Selection Process:

Upon completion of White Paper evaluations, Offerors will be notified whether or not their White

Paper was favorably received. Favorable review of a White Paper does not constitute selection of the proposed effort for contract award and will not establish a binding commitment for the

Government to fund the effort in whole or in part. Upon notification, the Government will issue a request for proposal letter to the qualified Offeror(s), who best meet the program objectives. If proposals are solicited, proposals are due no later than 01 May 2020, 5:00 P.M. EST. The requirements for proposal preparation and submission can be found at https://beta.sam.gov/opp/3c626456ada845628790f50ccc306e47/view?keywords=W911QY20R0

022&sort=-relevance&index=opp&is_active=true&page=1

This announcement is an expression of interest only and does not commit the Government to reimburse any proposal preparation cost for responding. The cost of proposal preparation in response to this announcement is not considered an allowable expense to the normal bid and mailto:jack.e.norfleet.civ@mail.mil mailto:conner.j.parsey.civ@mail.mil https://beta.sam.gov/opp/3c626456ada845628790f50ccc306e47/view?keywords=W911QY20R0022&sort=-relevance&index=opp&is_active=true&page=1 https://beta.sam.gov/opp/3c626456ada845628790f50ccc306e47/view?keywords=W911QY20R0022&sort=-relevance&index=opp&is_active=true&page=1 proposal indirect costs as specified in FAR 31.205-18, Independent Research and Development and Bid and Proposal Costs. Any request for White Paper or submission of a full proposal does not guarantee award. The Government reserves the right to cancel this requirement at any time and shall not be liable for any cost of proposal preparation or submission. This announcement constitutes the Government's solicitation for this effort. There will be no other solicitation issued in regard to this requirement. Offerors should be alert for any BAA amendments that may be published.

IIII. FEEDBACK

Written or telephonic feedback will be provided to the Offeror regarding the White Paper’s scientific merit and potential contributions to the CCDC SC mission. If the Government decides to request a full proposal, a written request will be sent to the Offeror. The request may also include feedback intended to improve the proposal.

V. DEADLINES

White Paper submissions, no more than five (5) pages in length, are encouraged to be submitted as early as possible but must be received, via email, by Dr. Jack Norfleet

(jack.e.norfleet.civ@mail.mil) and cc Conner Parsey (conner.j.parsey.civ@mail.mil) no later than

01 May 2020, 5:00 P.M. EST. No extensions will be granted. Only unclassified White Papers will be accepted. The White Papers will be reviewed to determine that the proposed effort is within the scope and interest of this solicitation. A proposal will only be solicited from White Papers deemed the best to meet program objectives.

VI. INQUIRIES

Inquiries for additional information should be made with the CCDC SC-STTC POC, Conner

Parsey, whose contact information is listed above.

mailto:jack.e.norfleet.civ@mail.mil mailto:conner.j.parsey.civ@mail.mil