17T0051_SSJ_FBO.pdf

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

Section A: General Contract Information

Contracting Activity: U.S. Army International Technology Center

Pacific (ITC-PAC)

Purchase Request/Identification Number: W90GQZ-70110011

Project/Program Name: An investigation of alternative HMIs for tele-operation and supervisory control of robotic land vehicles under simulated motion

Estimated Contract Cost (including Options): $108,000

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required

The Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group has, in partnership with industry, developed a highly immersive Tactical Team Simulator

(TTS). The TTS is a virtual simulation environment that uses Virtual Battlespace 3. It is configured with 15 motion actuated seats and associated visual systems (flat screen and Virtual Reality (VR) displays), and control systems based on operator role (steering wheel and pedals for driver; joystick and screen for remote weapon operation, etc.)

In the most recent study (March 2016), the TTS was configured to include one Infantry Fighting Vehicle inclusive of a robotic combat vehicle operator station used by the Opposition Forces (OPFOR). The operator tele-operated one or more unmanned combat ground vehicles

(UCGV). Motion for the UCGV operator was turned off during this study.

The proposed study to investigate proposed Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for tele-operating and supervising robotic land vehicles will employ the TTS with the addition of simulated motion via an actuated seat, as well as two alternative HMI configurations. One will be to employ a representation of the Warfighter Machine Interface, which is the HMI developed by the Tank-Automotive Research Development and Engineering Command (TARDEC) and DCS Corporation, with assistance from Army Research Lab - Human Research and Engineering

Directorate (ARL-HRED),to support robotic vehicle operations, the other will involve a design evolved from the one employed in the 2016 DST study. The proposed study will focus on the use of these HMIs by robotic vehicle operators and will involve two key data collection activities.

- The first will entail the study of a single operator using each HMI, participating as part of a larger study conducted over 5 days investigating the tactical and human system integration implications of robotic land vehicle exploitation in the context of upgrading a subset of the

Australian field vehicle fleet to have truck platooning capabilities. The larger study will involve 12-15 Corps of Transport personnel and an

Opposing Force (OPFOR . )

- The second data collection activity will involve the use of a civilian cohort of 20 to 30 participants using both HMIs as part of a within-subjects experimental design, undertaking a short 1 to 2 hour non-combat related task of delivering aid via a combination of a crewed and a robotic platform, confederates will be employed to play the roles of vehicle commander and driver for the crewed vehicle.

It is proposed that two students will lead the collection of data with the specific differentiation of research foci to be negotiated with the students and their university supervisors.

The duration of this Research and Development is 12 months with an option for an additional 12 months. This acquisition will be a firm-fixed price purchase order in the amount of $54,000 for the basic period and $54,000 for the option 1 period, the total amount of $108,000.

The proposed contractor is: (the principal investigator (PI))

Dr. Anna Ma-Wyatt

School of Psychology , The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000

Tel: +61-8-313 -3770

Fax: +61-2-6125-0511

Email: anna.mawyatt@adelaide.edu.au

Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source

ITC-PAC program manager Dr. Robert Kania, found this project from a lead given to him by TARDEC/ARL researchers while he was searching areas of his expertise for potential sources of basic research. Dr. Anna Ma-Wyatt and her group have exceptional expertise in the development of experiments for Human Factors, alternative HMIs, and tele-operation along with specific experience with the test-system to be used. This research is the only source directly relevant and related to the current efforts being worked by Army Research Lab (ARL) as identified by ARL’s Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) Drs. Bill Evans and Susan Hill. Dr. Ma-Wyatt, and her team’s outstanding capability in the area of testing Human Performance related to HMIs and Tele-operation are of great interest to ARL-HRED.

This funding is for research and development project titled “An investigation of alternative HMIs for tele-operation and supervisory control of robotic land vehicles under simulated motion”. Because this project will feature the latest scientific innovation in this field studied on unique lab equipment, there is no parallel value to be found in the commercial sector. ITC-PAC certifies the price of $54,000 for the first year, with an additional $54,000 for the option, as a fair and reasonable for this type of project. This certification is based on the following facts:

The funds will be used to support research and development efforts at the University of Adelaide, by Dr. Anna Ma-Wyatt with collaborate work with Army Research Labs (ARL) in Aberdeen, MD. The cost estimates are as follows:

Basic Period Material and supplies $0 Equip. & Facility $4,100 Grad. Student Labor $46,200 Post Doc. Researcher Labor $0 Travel cost: $0 Publication cost: $3,700 Total: $54, 000

Option 1 Period Material and supplies $0 Equip. & Facility $4,100 Grad. Student Labor $46,200 Post Doc. Researcher Labor $0 Travel cost: $0 Publication cost: $3,700 Total: $54, 000

The above-mentioned cost is based on the following and considered to be fair and reasonable.

• Material and supplies are for:

N/A

Total expenses Material and supplies are = $0

• Equipment & Facilities are for:

Limited hardware to include HMI devices (e.g. steering wheel, joystick, gaming controller, Virtual Reality Head Mounted Display ( VR HMD )and PC) and Software licensing for Virtual Battle Space (VBS), and access to DST Group's highly immersive Tactical Team Simulator (TTS). is essential. The University has been granted access to this through an existing agreement between them and DST Group.

[Details provided in attachments: Budget Details.docx & Letter confirming access to Bay 16 Tactical Team Simulator.pdf]

Total expenses Equipment & Facilities = $4,100

• Graduate Student Labor are for:

Graduate Student scholarship support in lieu of Research assistance (Full time).

[Details provided in attachment: Budget Details 16th January 2017.docx]

Total expenses Graduate Student Labor = $46,200 These expenses for Graduate Student Labor are fair and reasonable.

• Post-Doctoral Research Assistant Labor are for:

Emeritus staff member (at $0 salary), time is at no cost to the project.

Total expenses Post-Doctoral Research Assistant Labor = $0

• Travel costs are for:

N/A

Total cost for travel = $0

• Publication Costs are for:

Page charges for 2 publications

Total expenses for Publications are = $3,700 These expenses for publications are fair and reasonable and in-line with other journal publications in Australia.

The Government will receive deliverables such as:

• Project Proposal

• Project Interim Report

• Project Final Report

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition

ITC-PAC program manager Dr. Robert Kania, found this project from a lead given to him by TARDEC/ARL researchers while he was searching areas of his expertise for potential sources of basic research. Dr. Anna Ma-Wyatt and her group have exceptional expertise in the development of experiments for Human Factors, alternative HMIs, and tele-operation along with specific experience with, and access to, the test-system to be used. This research is the only source directly relevant and related to the current efforts being worked Army Research Labs(ARL) as identified by ARL’s SMEs Drs. Bill Evans and Susan Hill. Dr. Ma-Wyatt, and her team’s outstanding capability in the area of testing Human Performance related to HMIs and Tele-operation are of great interest to ARL-HRED. This was concurred by the ARL SME back in the states, Dr. Bill Evan. Dr. Anna Ma-Wyatt is the only source identified expressing interest in developing proof of concept studies on this research and development project.

Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source Awards

This is a one-time purchase action, but ITC-PAC keeps searching areas of expertise for potential sources of basic research.

Section F: Determination

Technical/Requirements Personnel’s Certification:

As evidenced by signature below, the technical and/or requirements personnel have certified that any supporting data contained herein which is their responsibility is both accurate and complete.

Date

2 May 2017

Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Certifying Official

KENNETH EVENSEN

Director, US ARMY ITC-PAC

Signature of Certifying Official

Contracting Officer's Determination: I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.

Date Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer Signature of Contracting Officer