Statement_of_Work_Draft.docx

Optionally-Manned Launch Conversion Requirement Document

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, with the option for up to four additional launch conversions. 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.

As NOAA’s operational experience with the unmanned capabilities increases and unmanned capabilities, including software, communications, and situational awareness, improve and mature, NOAA intends to pursue operational concepts that will take advantage of those improvements. This might include extending the range or duration of unmanned operations. For this reason, preference will be given in evaluating the responses to this solicitation that demonstrate a path for future development which allows for feedback from NOAA operators, which include procedures for receiving feedback from NOAA operators, tracking and prioritization of these items, and access to published software updates.

2. Solicitation

2.1. Base Year

This solicitation is for the conversion of two (2) NOAA hydrographic survey launch to dual-mode operations as manned or unmanned.

2.2. Options Year

Each option year will include the option to convert up to an additional two (2) launches per year for 2 years.

3. Conversion Platform Specifications

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

3.1.1. Detailed specifications and drawings will be provided upon request.

4. Design and Construction Requirements

4.1. Ergonomic Design and Safety – Hazardous operating conditions must be prevented through the following measures (among commonly accepted industry 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.

4.2. Dimensions and Weight – The proposal shall include the dimensions and weight of all equipment to be installed and the anticipated installation location (i.e., interior, deck mount, mast mount).

4.2.1. Weight Limits

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

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

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

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

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

4.5. Vibration – All components must be free of local vibration that could damage launch structure, machinery and systems, or interfere with the operation and maintenance of machinery or systems. Fasteners under vibration must be prevented from loosening.

4.6. Structural Strength – All new structures and components must be sufficient to withstand impact and motion that equates to the conditions of the operational requirements described in Section 5.

4.7. Materials

4.7.1. All external components, equipment, mounting hardware and fasteners must be corrosion and UV resistant and suitable for use in a salt water environment.

4.7.2. All internal components must be suitable for use on a small boat with interior spaces open to effects of temperature and moisture common to a salt water environment.

5. Functional and Operational Requirements

5.1. General

5.1.1. 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.

5.1.2. Engine controls

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

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

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

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

5.1.3. 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.

5.1.3.1. The response to this solicitation shall describe proposed launch and recovery procedures.

5.1.4. 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.

5.1.4.1. 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 should proceed to the designated point and maintain station until commanded to resume the pre-planned mission or new commands are delivered.

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

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

5.2. Command and Control

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

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

5.2.1.2. 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.

5.2.1.3. 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.

5.2.2. Shipboard Operator Console - The USV system should include an operator interface to be installed aboard the host vessel that provides survey planning tools, system configuration, system monitoring, and remote control operation.

5.2.2.1. 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.

5.2.2.2. 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.

5.2.2.3. 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.

5.2.2.4. 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.

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

5.2.2.6. The operator console shall have the ability to operate the launch (control thrust and heading) through a graphic interface.

5.2.2.6.1. 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,.

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

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

5.2.2.7. The proposal shall provide a detailed description of the Operator Interface functions and features, including physical space requirements for operators and equipment.

5.2.3. Remote Control Console – A wireless remote console, such as belly-pack, is required for on-deck remote control (steering, propulsion) of the launch when unmanned. The remote console shall provide indication of its own battery charge state, age of last of telemetry packet received from the vessel, vessel heading, speed and vessel sounder depth.

5.2.4. 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.

5.3. Communications

5.3.1. The launch and the host platform should 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.

5.3.2. It is desirable, but not required, to 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.

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

5.3.4. The physical characteristics, capabilities and specifications, and other pertinent details, including licensing or carrier subscription requirements, shall be included in the response to this solicitation.

5.4. Situational Awareness & Navigation Safety

5.4.1. The response to this solicitation shall include a detailed description of the 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.

5.4.1.1. 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 encouraged.

5.4.1.2. For surrounding-environment situational awareness, the contractor must, at a minimum, install and integrate cameras to provide a 360-degree view from the launch

5.4.1.3. The 360-degree coverage may be accomplished with multiple cameras with remote pan and tilt functions, or may be accomplished by other video stitching techniques. A description of the functions and hardware and software components must be included in the response to this solicitation.

5.4.1.4. Additionally, the operators console should be able to display the real-time position, course, and speed of the operator’s host platform; and it is desirable if it can also display real-time AIS contacts.

5.4.1.5. The console shall display the current bearing and range from the host vessel to the launch. When external GPS and heading are not available, the same information shall be displayed using, AIS transmissions received by the launch for the host vessel. [The operator console shall allow the operator to identify the MSSI of the operator’s ship for this purpose.] 5.4.2.

5.5. Survey System Integration

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

5.5.1.1. 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.

5.5.1.2. The response to this solicitation must provide a detailed description of the survey system integration (including networking/telemetry infrastructure), monitoring, and control.

5.6. Survey Operations and Unmanned Functions

5.6.1. 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.

5.6.2. 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.

5.6.3. 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.

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

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

5.6.6. 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.

5.6.7. 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 deg at speeds exceeding X knots, and +/- 20 degrees below 10 knots”

5.6.8. The response to this solicitation shall include a detailed description of the required functions, as well as additional functions and capabilities of the system.

5.7. Safety Features

5.7.1. Unmanned Control System - The response to this solicitation shall provide a detailed description of all safety features, including fault response, redundant systems, communications loss procedures, and operator override functions included with the system.

5.7.2. Launch Mechanical Systems – The response to this solicitation shall provide a detailed description of safety features for the remote control of launch mechanical systems, including fire suppression systems, fuel valves, ventilation dampers, and bilge pumps.

5.8. Development Features

5.8.1. The system must have a development interface to facilitate government development of autonomous behaviors, such an open interface (i.e., MOOS and ROS) or full API. The response to this solicitation shall provide a detailed description of all development features that are available and shall be delivered with a working example implementations.

6. Documentation & Training

6.1. The contractor shall provide onsite training on system operation and maintenance for up to 10 NOAA personnel upon final delivery of the integrated systems.

6.1.1. A proposed curriculum and schedule for the training should be included with the response to this solicitation.

6.2. 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.

7. Warranty & Support

7.1. The installed components of the system and software shall be covered by a warranty period of at least 12 months.

7.2. Software Update Subscription

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

7.2.2. Pricing information for subsequent annual software subscription service should be included in the response to this proposal.

7.3. Technical Support

7.3.1. The contractor must provide telephone and email technical support a period of at least 24 months.

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

7.3.3. Extended technical support hours (24/7) are preferred.

8. Performance of Work

8.1. Pre-Build Meeting - NOAA and the contractor shall hold a pre-build meeting at a mutually agreed upon time within 14-days of the award. The meeting may be either remote video conference or in-person, as mutually agreed upon.

8.2. Design Review – A final review of the design and installation specifications shall take place prior to the commencement of installation work aboard the launch. The meeting may be either remote video conference or in-person, as mutually agreed upon.

9. Location of work

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

9.1.2. 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)

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

9.3. Final delivery of the integrated system and training shall be no longer than 120 days after receipt of order.

10. Evaluation Criteria

10.1. Proposals shall be evaluated a qualitative assessment of technical approach, past performance, and price, listed in order of importance.

11. IT Security The Assessment and Authorization (A&A) requirements of Clause 48 CFR 1352.239-72 do not apply, and a Security Accreditation Package is not required.

The contractor will not access, store, process or transmit any government privileged information. The contractor will not have access to any non-public government information, systems and/or networks. This procurement is associated directly with the physical launch and it’s navigation capabilities and not associated with the existing OCS acquisition IT hardware / software to be installed into the launch and utilized to acquire survey data.