Call for White Paper_Modular Medical Training Simulator for CBRNE Related Injuries.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:

“Modular Medical Training Simulator for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, or Explosive (CBRNE) Related Injuries”

Introduction

Applications to the Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) “Modular Medical Training Simulator for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, or Explosive (CBRNE) Related Injuries” 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 Basiel Makled (basiel.a.makled.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 15 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:

Basiel Makled, Science and Technology Manager 12423 Research Parkway Orlando, FL 32826 407-384-3592 basiel.a.makled.civ@mail.mil (email contact preferred).

BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, or Explosive (CBRNE) related injuries remain a serious threat to military and civilian populations. Despite the signing of the Chemical Weapons Convention Treaty banning the use of chemical weapons by 188 State Parties as of August 2012, there remains a stockpile of chemical weapons available to rogue groups who pose an ongoing threat. The use of nerve agents in Syria within the current decade is evidence that the threat remains imminent to civilians and military persons. The diversity and lethality of CBRNE agents creates a serious challenge for the medical simulation and training community. Traditional modalities of medical training such as manikins and serious games are not well suited to tackle the challenges faced by personnel treating CBRNE-related conditions due to the subtlety and range of symptoms that are presented in addition to the time dependency of the symptoms. CBRNE-related injuries may be sustained through the use of choking agents, nerve agents, blood agents, blister agents, incapacitating agents, and nontraditional agents which include chemicals and biochemical that do not fall under the traditional chemical agents or toxic materials [1].

The challenges of developing effective training simulators for treating CBRNE conditions may be well suited for the use of the Advanced Modular Manikin (AMM) platform [2, 3]. The platform seeks to provide a modular manikin platform with interchangeable physical parts via a universal connector which provides power, data, fluid, and air to the physical modules.

Additionally, the platform utilizes an open source human physiology engine to provide real time physiological indications of symptoms and treatment responses in a digital environment.

The unique capability of AMM to blend both open-source software as well as an open-source hardware arrangement lends the platform a strong advantage in the training of CBRNE related conditions which require the level of versatility offered by AMM. Additionally, creative solutions to enhance simulator realism using novel synthetic tissue materials or other achievable cutting edge technologies such as embedded sensors technologies are strongly encouraged [4, 5]. Finally, solutions do not need to be limited to a high fidelity manikin-type form factor. Solutions which incorporate mixed reality technologies such as virtual or augmented reality, will also be strongly considered awarding.

I. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The objective of this effort is to leverage the modularity of the open source AMM platform to develop a compatible physical module for training the treatment of CBRNE-related pathologies. The target training population are primarily military medical personnel but applications also exist in training civilian responders as well. Key capabilities required in the end product are as follows:

1) Total compatibility with the AMM platform which includes but is not limited to:

a. Hardware connectivity fully leveraging the functionalities of the AMM platform including compatibility with power, data, fluid, and air supply connections

b. Comprehensive integration with an open source Human Physiology Engine such as BioGears

2) A physical part-task trainer with physical or digitally overlaid moulage representative of CBRNE injuries (examples include blistering, edema, lacrimation, irritation or other visual indicators of specific CBRNE related pathologies)

3) Both the physical and software modules must be able to respond to the progression of treatment beginning at the onset of symptoms in a manner that is physically and physiologically accurate, including timely setup and reset processes with respect to the intended user population.

4) In addition to realism in the software realm via the physiology engine, the hardware component must utilize bio-mimetic materials which exhibit visual realism, material response realism, and haptic realism to enhance user engagement and “suspension of disbelief” by students using the system

5) Extractable performance metrics to gauge the success of a student in using the simulator to facilitate learning

References:

1. MULTI-SERVICE TACTICS, TECHNIQUES, AND PROCEDURES FO RTREATMENT

OF CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENT CASUALTIES AND CONVENTIONAL MILITARY

CHEMICAL INJURIES, D.o. Defense, Editor. 2016.

2. Advanced Modular Manikin [Website] [cited 2020; Available from:

Advancedmodularmanikin.com.

3. McDaniel, M., et al., A Whole-Body Mathematical Model of Sepsis Progression and Treatment Designed in the BioGears Physiology Engine. Frontiers in Physiology, 2019.

10(1321).

4. Segev-Bar, M. and H. Haick, Flexible Sensors Based on Nanoparticles. ACS Nano, 2013. 7(10): p. 8366-8378.

5. Lu, J. and T.M. Kowalewski, Flexible, Stretchable Skin Sensors for Two-Dimensional Position Tracking in Medical Simulators1. Journal of Medical Devices, 2015. 9(2).

II. PHASE BASED APPROACH (Phase I - III)

PHASE I

A successful Phase I will culminate in a demonstrative prototype with emphasis placed on the required interoperability with the software and hardware of the AMM Platform. The prototype should feature one or more CBRNE-related treatment procedures as the primary focus of the simulation. The choice of the specific treatment that will be trained must be justified by feedback from subject matter experts and a thorough analysis of academic literature. Additional deliverables include a report detailing the hardware of the prototype including a discussion and justification of specific materials that will be used in the construction of the module if relevant. Included in the report will be an overview of the training capabilities built in to the software including, but not limited to, various procedure-relevant physiological responses and a timely method to assess students’ performance during training.

PHASE II

Upon completion of Phase I, Phase II will have the specific goal of developing and substantially refining fully functional prototypes with success being defined by, at a minimum, a hands-on demonstration of hardware and software integration with AMM. Phase II prototypes must also be assessed by the user community to ensure functionality, utility, ease of use, and value as an instructional tool. The Phase II will culminate with a report detailing the technical specifications of the hardware and software components in addition to estimation of costs associated with production at scale. Although not a requirement for the successful completion of Phase II, candidates who are able to complete a preliminary training effectiveness study with favorable subject matter expert feedback focused on military care providers will be given preferential consideration for a Phase III award.

PHASE III

The primary focus of Phase III will be documentation for production of the prototype demonstrated in Phase II 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.

Phase III will result in the delivery of all engineering diagrams, documentation, and instructions necessary to manufacture, operate, and maintain the product. The candidate will also be required to integrate feedback from end-users using the scientific method to ensure focus is placed on the efficient and effective training capability of the end product for the CBRNE relevant pathology being simulated. Academic publications regarding findings from the research and development of the CBRNE will also be actively encouraged for the purpose of positively impacting the medical simulation and training community, developed in partnership with the Government.

III. PREPARATION, SUBMISSION, EVALUATION CRITERIA, REVIEW AND

SUBMISSION

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.

White papers should include a technical solution with a twelve (12) month base award (Phase 1 / Year 1) and two (2), twelve (12) month option periods (Phase II and Phase III). The white paper must include the anticipated 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 basiel.a.makled.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 COB on 15 May 2020. If mailing submissions, address them to:

SFC Paul Ray Smith Simulation & Training Technology Center (STTC), Attn: Basiel A. Makled, 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 15 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 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 Basiel Makled (basiel.a.makled.civ@mail.mil) no later than 15 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, Basiel Makled, whose contact information is listed above.

mailto:jack.e.norfleet.civ@mail.mil mailto:basiel.a.makled.civ@mail.mil