ATTACHMENT_A_SOW_REVISION_1.docx

ATTACHMENT A

Statement of Work Revision 1 Reconfiguration of Launches

1. Introduction

1.1. Background

The Office of Coast Survey (Coast Survey) is responsible for NOAA's nautical charting program and provides nautical charts and related products for the coastal and adjacent ocean areas of the United States (including possessions and territories), the Great Lakes, and other inland navigable waters. Accurate and reliable charts are essential to the safety of those who go to sea for commerce, defense, or recreation.

NOAA's Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) operates a wide variety of specialized aircraft and ships to complete NOAA's environmental and scientific missions. OMAO is also responsible for the administration and implementation of the NOAA Diving Program, Small Boat Program and Aviation Safety Program, to ensure safe and efficient operations in NOAA-sponsored underwater activities and aviation and small boat operations.

Coast Survey, in partnership with OMAO, has been conducting activities to incorporate Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) into NOAA’s hydrographic survey fleet to support its navigation safety and nautical charting missions. The efforts began aboard the NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson with the evaluation and operational use of man-portable USVs to survey shallow, near shore areas to fill coverage gaps between LIDAR and survey launch-based sonar, and have continued with the operational evaluation of a large, long-endurance USV aboard the NOAA Ship Nancy Foster to conduct off-shore surveys. Both activities contribute to Coast Survey’s plans for the agile development and incremental adoption of unmanned technology to support its seafloor mapping requirements.

The next phase in this process is the conversion of existing NOAA hydrographic survey launches to provide the capability to operate as either traditionally manned survey platforms or unmanned platforms operating in close coordination with a manned survey ship or launch.

1.2. Objectives

Launch conversion NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey requires the conversion of existing NOAA hydrographic survey launches for dual-mode operations as either manned or unmanned survey vessels. The conversion will require the integration of unmanned control systems aboard the launches to include autonomous survey control, mechanical systems control and monitoring, survey system integration, navigational awareness sensors and control, and command and sensor telemetry.

The purpose of the conversion is to allow NOAA to benefit from the capabilities of operating unmanned surface vessels in coordination with its manned survey ships or launches while taking advantage of existing infrastructure, such as shipboard launch handling systems, and existing shipboard expertise in the maintenance and operation of the launches and survey systems.

NOAA intends to use the converted launches as either manned, minimally manned, or unmanned systems. As manned systems the launches must operate as they are currently configured with vessel control and navigation controlled by a coxswain at the helm while a survey technician operates the suite of survey systems, including multibeam sonar and acquisition computers.

As minimally manned systems the launches must have the ability for either vessel control (navigation and steering) or survey system control to be performed either autonomously or remotely from a manned platform.

As unmanned systems the launches must have the ability for both vessel control and survey system control to be performed either autonomously or remotely from a manned platform.

NOAA’s intended concept of operations for the minimally manned and unmanned capabilities of the launches requires that the launches perform hydrographic surveys (seafloor mapping with multibeam sonar) in coordination with a manned platform, either ship or survey launch. The unmanned launch must be able to navigate pre-planned survey patterns within visual and communications range of the manned platform, which will augment the situational awareness capabilities of the unmanned system, to include maintaining a radar and visual lookout for other vessel traffic and managing radio communications with other vessels to arrange safe passage. The manned platform must have real-time access to the navigation and situation awareness sensors (radar, depth sounder, AIS, cameras), mechanical systems, and survey systems aboard the unmanned survey launch to both perform the survey functions and redirect or take remote control of the launch when necessary.

2. Technical Requirements

2.1. Conversion Platform Specifications

This requirement is for the conversion of NOAA 28’ hydrographic survey launches designed by Jensen Maritime Consultants, Inc.

2.2. Design and Construction Requirements

2.2.1. Ergonomic Design and Safety

Hazardous operating conditions must be prevented through the following measures (including Coast Guard safety standards): arranging machinery and equipment in a safe manner; providing guards for all electrical, mechanical, and thermal hazards to staff or equipment; and providing guards or covers for any controls that might accidentally be activated by contact. Accessibility, visibility, readability and installation efficiency are ergonomic factors to be taken into account in the design. Equipment must be accessible for use, inspection, cleaning and maintenance.

2.2.2. Physical and Installation Restrictions for Launch Equipment The proposal shall include the dimensions and weight of all equipment to be installed on the launch and the anticipated installation location (i.e., interior, deck mount, mast mount).

· Weight Limits

· The maximum weight for all equipment to be installed on the launch may not exceed 250 pounds.

· No more than twenty percent (20%) of the total weight may be installed on the topside structure or masts.

· Equipment

· A standard 19-inch equipment rack with up to 12 Rack Units (21 inches) of space is available for rackmount equipment.

· Interior equipment must be mounted in a manner not to interfere with existing equipment or manned launch operations.

· Exterior equipment must be mounted in a manner not to interfere with existing equipment, including antennas, radar, and rigging.

· Installation Requirements

· All components and systems shall be installed in a manner that does not interfere or degrade the safe manned operation of the launch and shall be appropriate for use aboard a small vessel in a marine environment with consideration to vibration, structural strength, materials, and exposure.

2.3. Functional and Operational Requirements

2.3.1. General Operating Conditions

· Unless otherwise stated, performance must be for conditions of zero sea state and no wind, in salt water, with normal full load and with equipment. The manned and unmanned modes of operation must behave in the same way in regards to speed and maneuverability.

· The launch must be able to effectively maneuver for safe operations, launch, and recovery in sea conditions up to, and including, significant wave height of 1.5 meters and wind speed of 15 knots.

· The launch must be capable of safely operating in precipitation and low visibility.

2.3.2. Engine Controls

· The operator must be able to select options to set a fixed engine RPM or desired speed over ground.

· The operator must be able to remotely place the propulsion system in and out of gear and apply either forward or reverse turns.

· The cruising speed must be set by the operator between 1 and 15 knots and must be stable at +/- 2 knots.

· The survey speed must be set by the operator between 5 and 10 knots and must be stable at +/- 2 knots.

2.3.3. Autonomous capabilities

· The launch must be able to maintain station with a 100 meter radius watch circle in sea conditions up to, and including, significant wave height of 2 meters and wind speed of 20 knots.

· Operators must be able to command station keeping at any time during operations, specifying the point in an ad-hoc manner through the user interface. When commanded the launch shall proceed to the designated point and maintain station until commanded to resume the pre-planned mission or new commands are delivered.

· The launch must be capable of following pre-established line with an across track error of no more than 2 meters.

2.4. Command and Control

The contractor shall supply all necessary command and control equipment necessary for the safe operation and monitoring of the USV. The command and control systems and capabilities must be described in detail in the response to this solicitation.

2.4.1. Launch modes

The survey launch must be capable of operating in manned, minimally manned, or unmanned modes.

· Manned Operations All existing launch navigation, mechanical, and survey systems controls must operate in their current capability to allow for full operator control.

· Minimally Manned An operator must have the ability to select manual or unmanned operation for either navigation and mechanical systems or survey systems (or both) while aboard the launch. The launch must have the ability to follow pre-programmed survey instructions without operator intervention or be remotely controlled by an operator over short or medium range wireless communication. On-board operators must be able to immediately resume manual control of all systems at any time.

· Unmanned Operation The launch must have the ability to follow pre-programmed survey instructions without operator intervention or be remotely controlled by an operator over short or medium range wireless communication. In unmanned operation, the launch navigation, mechanical, and survey systems must be able to be remotely monitored and controlled.

2.4.2. Shipboard Operator Console

The USV system shall include an operator interface to be installed aboard the host vessel that provides survey planning tools, system configuration, system monitoring, and remote control operation.

· Physical and Installation Restrictions for Shipboard Equipment

· A standard 19-inch equipment rack with up to 12 Rack Units (21 inches) of space is available for rackmount equipment.

· Interior equipment must be mounted in a manner not to interfere with existing equipment.

· Desktop space (up to 36-inches x 24-inches) that is shared with existing survey system computer monitors, keyboards, and input devices is available for the Operator Console monitor and controls.

· Exterior equipment must be mounted in a manner not to interfere with existing equipment, including antennas, radar, and rigging.

· Survey Planning Tool

· The survey planning tools shall be graphic chart-based tools capable of displaying background files, such as Raster Charts, Electronic Nautical Charts, and geo-referenced TIFF images, to aid in mission planning.

· The survey planning tools must be able to import and execute survey line plans in typical formats from third-party software, including HyPack and ESRI The line plan formats must be in “native” formats, being both exportable and readable by these third-party packages. Because these third-party survey plans do not typically include survey speeds and other boat-specific parameters, the survey planning tools provided must allow the operator to set default boat-specific parameters to be automatically applied wholesale to the imported plan, and to subsequently edit any individual component of that plan.

· Graphical interface

· The operator console shall have the ability to operate and monitor the launch through a graphic interface..

· The graphic interface must be intuitive and uncluttered, such as a large dial for heading and slider for thrust, to allow the operator to easily command thrust and heading.

· Software buttons shallbe available to command All-Stop (zero thrust) or Emergency Stop (emergency reverse thrust until speed-over-ground is less than 0.5 knots) with a single click.

· Heading control shall allow the user to select either a desired vessel heading or course made good over ground along a desired bearing.

· The operator console shall display the real-time positon, heading, and speed of the launch and should be capable of broadcasting that information over the local area network in a format compatible with shipboard navigation systems.

· The operator console shall have the ability to alarm on operator specified minimum and maximum conditions of any field telemetered. One must also be able to specify a duration for which an alarm condition must exist before the alarm itself is activated, and whether the alarm is visual, auditory (or both) and if operator must acknowledge the condition. All alarm states must be logged.

· The operator console shall provide real-time display and control of all launch systems, including mechanical, navigation, communication, and survey.

2.4.3. Remote Control Console

· A wireless remote console, such as belly-pack, is required for on-deck remote control (steering, propulsion, emergency stop) of the launch when unmanned.

2.5. Communications

· The launch and the host platform shall be equipped with both short-range (less than 1000 meters), high-bandwidth wireless communications for data transfer and system configuration, and medium-range (at least 8 kilometers), medium bandwidth wireless communications for control and monitoring of all launch systems, including mechanical, navigation, and survey.

· The launch shall include low-bandwidth over-the-horizon communications to provide launch position, status, and basic commands (i.e., all stop or station keep) in the event of a system failure or emergency.

· All launch and host platform communications equipment, including transmitters, receivers, and antennae shall be provided by the contractor.

· Communications equipment must conform to the previously stated Physical and Installation Restrictions for Launch and Shipboard Equipment

· If a proposed communication system requires licensing or carrier subscription, such as Iridium service, those requirements must be stated.

2.6. Situational Awareness & Navigation Safety

The system shall provide hardware components and software elements that will provide situational awareness (both of the self-environment and surrounding environment) and navigation safety of the launch while it is operated in a minimally-manned or unmanned manner.

· For self-awareness, the contractor must provide, integrate, and install such sensor systems to monitor the status of the vessel, including, but not limited to, bilge levels, fuel levels, engine and gear diagnostics function parameters, electrical system, and other relevant parameters. Integration of existing sensor systems (e.g. fuel-level sender) is required.

· For surrounding-environment situational awareness the system shall, provide visual, radar, and AIS information. The integration of existing systems, such as radar and AIS, is permitted.

· The existing launch survey systems, as described in Section 2, must be integrated for remote monitoring, configuration and control.

· At a minimum, the integration shall provide a remote desktop function for the configuration, real-time monitoring, and launch-based logging of survey system data.

2.7. Survey Operations and Unmanned Functions

2.7.1. Line Plans

· The system shall be capable of executing line plans without operator intervention to maintain line track or come about to successive lines matching the line heading while approaching the initial line waypoint.

· The operator shall have the capability to override the order in which the line plan is executed, begin the line plan from any mid-point therein, and modify the plan, including adding additional lines within or to the end of the plan, deleting lines, extending or shortening lines, or shifting the line plan (en mass) geographically.

· The operator shall have the ability to select any subset of lines in a line plan and reverse their direction of travel, and also running a line plan in totality in reverse direction.

2.7.2. Positioning

· The system shall have a station keeping function to allow the launch to maintain a position without operator intervention.

· The system shall allow an operator to define geographical boundaries to constrain or exclude the launch when operating unmanned.

· The system shall calculate the total distance of any line plan and the time to complete the survey plan with consideration for the specified speed of each leg. The time to completion shall be displayed in the operator interface during execution, updated at regular intervals based on actual launch progression.

· The operator shall be able to specify limits of minimum and maximum commanded RPM, speed and rudder commands by the autonomy system. Separate rudder command limits shall be specified for (at least) two ranges of vessel speed. For example, “limit rudder to +/-10 degrees at speeds exceeding X knots, and +/- 20 degrees below 10 knots”

2.8. Safety Features

2.8.1. Unmanned Control System

· The system shall provide features to ensure the safe operation of the launch when it is in minimally manned or unmanned mode and encounters control system errors or unsafe conditions. The features shall include standard and configurable fault response behaviors (such as hold position or transit to a safe location), communications loss procedures, and emergency stop or operator override.

2.8.2. Launch Mechanical Systems

· The system shall provide features to ensure the safe operation of the launch when it is minimally or unmanned mode and encounters launch mechanical or structural problems, including fire and flooding. The system shall provide automatic and remote control of fire suppression systems, fuel valves, ventilation dampers, and bilge pumps.

2.9. Development Features

· The system shall have a development interface to facilitate government development of autonomous behaviors, such as an open interface (i.e., MOOS and ROS) or full API. Describe all development features that are available and shall be delivered with working example implementations.

3. Documentation & Training

3.1. Onsite post conversion training

· The contractor shall provide onsite training on system operation and maintenance for up to 10 NOAA personnel. Training shall be scheduled within 7 days of final delivery of each integrated system in accordance with approved curriculum.

3.2. Training manuals and material

· Within delivering of each converted launch, the contractor shall provide full documentation of the systems, including operational and maintenance manuals for the integrated system, manuals and specification for individual commercial-of-the-shelf components, and engineer drawings and system schematic diagrams.

4. Warranty & Support

4.1. Warranty and software update

· The installed components of the system and software shall be covered by a warranty period of at least 12 months upon delivery and acceptance of each launch.

· The contractor must provide at least 24 months of access to software and firmware updates for the system and installed components.

4.2. Technical Support

· The contractor must provide telephone and email technical support for a period of at least 24 months upon delivery and acceptance of each launch.

· At a minimum, technical support must be available with a one-hour response time during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 0800-1800 EST/EDT).

5. Performance of Work All times listed are up to, meaning the stage has to be accomplish by the posted timeline but can be performed earlier.

5.1. Post Award Teleconference

14 days post award

· NOAA and the contractor shall hold a pre-build meeting at a mutually agreed upon time within 14-days of the award.

5.2. Pre-Design Meeting

30 days post award teleconference

· NOAA and the contractor shall hold an on-site Pre-Design meting to allow for visual inspection of a representative launch during a ship’s scheduled in-port period. The date and location on the US west coast, including southeast Alaska, will be dependent on ship’s schedule. The meeting will last for two days.

5.3. Design

30 days post pre-design meeting

· The contractor shall design the system as outlined in this SOW and shall develop the installation specifications, training curriculum, and test procedures (pre-installation, post-installation, and acceptance).

5.4. Design Review

14 days post design

· A review of the design, test procedures, training curriculum, installation specifications shall take place prior to the commencement of installation work aboard the launch. The meeting may be held by remote video conference.

· If the government identifies corrections or amendments, the contractor shall be given an additional 14 days to amend. Any additional revisions will require the same time limits.

5.5. Build and pre integration testing

60 days from design acceptance

· The contractor shall build and perform pre-integration testing of all components in order to ensure full functionality.

· The contractor shall self-certify in writing to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) that the test was complete and meets the requirements as specified in this document, and will provide the government with all documents related to the results of this test. The government will approve the results and provide authorization to proceed.

· If the government rejects the results, the contractor shall address corrections and/or amendment from the government within 14 days of notice of rejection.

5.6. Final installation and testing

30 days from build and pre integration testing approval or from availability of vessel (whichever is latest)

· The contractor shall transport and install the system aboard NOAA’s hydrographic survey launch.

· The contractor shall conduct a post-installation test and will self-certify in writing to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) attesting to the conversion meeting the requirements.

5.7. Acceptance testing

7 days from self-certification or physical receipt (whichever is later)

· The government shall conduct its acceptance test in order to accept the reconfiguration as meeting the requirements.

· The contractor shall address all Government test findings with plan to correct within 14 days of receipt of findings.

5.8. Final delivery and acceptance

2 days

· Once the government has provided a final acceptance via the Contracting Officer, the hydrographic survey shall be delivered to the government and the government will be invoiced.

6. Location of work

· Design, fabrication, pre-integration testing may take place at the contractor’s facility.

· Final installation and testing aboard NOAA’s hydrographic survey launch shall take place at the NOAA Marine Operations Center - Pacific (2002 SE Marine Science Drive Newport, OR 97365-5229)

· Acceptance testing shall be conducted at the NOAA Marine Operations Center - Pacific and shall demonstrate conformance to the requirements of this solicitation.