Call for White Paper_Military Working Dog Medical Simulations.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:

“Military Working Dog Medical Simulations”

Introduction

Applications to the Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) “Military Working Dog Medical Simulations” 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).

(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 Wednesday, 15 July 2020. 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:

Jack Norfleet, PhD, Science and Technology Manager 12423 Research Parkway Orlando, FL 32826 407-384-3897 (Office) jack.e.norfleet.civ@mail.mil (preferred method of contact)

BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION

Military working dogs (MWD) serve critical combat roles placing them in harm’s way and often resulting in injury and death. Medical treatment capabilities are rightly focused on human casualties, however, with enhanced training, providers of human care can successfully treat injured MWDs. Examples of this concept include Canine Tactical Combat Casualty Care that mirrors human tactical combat casualty care (TC3) (Edwards et al., 2020), MWD modules in air medicine curricula, and MWD surgical courses at the military medical schools. Because of these trends, research in novel MWD simulation capabilities is needed to support this expanded training mission.

The current generation of K9 trauma manikins appears to be effective skill trainers. However, the Department of Defense seeks simulations that accurately demonstrate behaviors in a virtual MWD that indicate medical and trauma conditions. These signs, symptoms, and behaviors are described in the curricula, but it is usually during a real casualty case the first time an assessment occurs.

For example, signs of impending heat injuries are listed in literature in various levels of detail (Flournoy, Macintire, & Wohl, 2003), but the DoD lacks a method to demonstrate these signs safely. This effort will explore the concept of modular virtual military working dog simulations that can transform static curricula into lifelike behaviors and conditions while integrating with trauma trainers to create a learning environment that fosters knowledge and skill transfer. Another goal of this effort is to demonstrate the beginnings of an open-source K9 physiology built from medical training scenarios. If successful, this project will be the first step in creating a combat casualty care research program for simulation-based training (Orman, Parker, Stockinger, & Nemelka, 2018).

I. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The objective of this effort is to demonstrate military medical training capabilities applied to MWDs. Each capability must meet as many of the following criteria as possible within funding constraints:

1) Behavioral realism in virtual representations of MWDs in the field and in treatment

2) Open source modular platforms, both hardware and software, that promote innovation and interoperability by the OEM and the simulation community

3) Compatibility with commercial MWD trauma simulations

4) Simulations that respond to the progression of treatment in a manner that is physically and physiologically accurate

5) Scalable fidelity for application at various levels of care

6) Customizable breeds, coloring, and behaviors

7) Software development documentation to allow outside sources to author and animate training scenarios

8) Portability to handheld computing devices

REFERENCES:

Edwards, T., Palmer, L., Baxter, R., Sager, T., Coisman, J., Brown, J., . . . McGraw, A. (2020).

Canine Tactical Combat Casualty Care (K9TCCC) Guidelines. Journal of Special Operations Medicine: a Peer Reviewed Journal for SOF Medical Professionals, 20(1), 101-111.

Flournoy, W. S., Macintire, D. K., & Wohl, J. S. (2003). Heatstroke in dogs: clinical signs, treatment, prognosis, and prevention. Compendium, 25(6), 422-431.

Orman, J. A., Parker, J. S., Stockinger, Z. T., & Nemelka, K. W. (2018). The Need for a Combat Casualty Care Research Program and Trauma Registry for Military Working Dogs.

Military Medicine.

II. PHASE BASED APPROACH (Phase I - II)

Concepts to develop and refine fully functional prototypes targeting simulation gaps at existing training venues are encouraged. Hands-on demonstrations of hardware and software solutions that align with the learning priorities of the DoD veterinary corps are required at the end of each option.

These demonstrations include integration with and transfer of conditions and treatment outcomes to and from commercially available K9 trauma simulators. Prototypes will also be assessed by the user community to ensure functionality, utility, ease of use, and potential value as an instructional tool.

PHASE I

Phase I will demonstrate prototype virtual simulations with an emphasis on accurate animations, behaviors, and changes of behaviors, signs and symptoms consistent with the injury and/or sickness. Progression of the MWD’s condition over time and a treatment selection system is also required. Animated content demonstrating proper performance of procedures and handling of the patient are highly desired. The targeted audience is K9 handlers, combat lifesavers and combat medics in a TC3 environment. Platforms include laptops, tablets and phones. Demonstration of cross platform compatibility (e.g. iOS, Android and Windows) is desired.

PHASE II

The primary focus of Phase II will be advancement of the prototype demonstrated in Phase I with success being defined as delivering a mature product that can be readily transitioned into use at a reasonable cost relative to other simulators featuring similar capabilities. Capabilities such as scenario authoring, physical MWD manikin integration, software developer kit, and additional training scenarios aligned with K9 (TC3) and with higher Roles. Phase II will result in the delivery of all software, engineering diagrams, documentation, and instructions necessary to manufacture, operate, and maintain the capability. The candidate will also be required to integrate feedback from end-users regarding ease of use, scenario authoring and overall usability.

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.

To accomplish this, a phased approach is desired. White papers should include a proposed technical solution with a Base Award (Phase I / Year 1) and options for a total period of performance not to exceed 5 years. The white paper must include the anticipated period of performance for each option within a phase (concurrent options are allowed), 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. The ROM cost should consist of the total cost including 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. 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 Wednesday, 15 July 2020. If mailing submissions, address them to: SFC Paul Ray Smith Simulation & Training Technology Center (STTC), Attn: Jack Norfleet, 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 Wednesday, 15 July 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 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 no later than Wednesday, 15 July 2020. 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, Jack Norfleet, whose contact information is listed above.

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 mailto:jack.e.norfleet.civ@mail.mil