I.5 Bio-inspired SOW Draft.doc

STATEMENT OF WORK

(SOW)

Bio-inspired Propulsor

DRAFT

1.0 Background

The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport (NUWCDIVNPT) Bio-inspired Propulsor program has a requirement for the purchase of soft, linear, electrostatic actuators and development of novel geometries of such actuators for undersea robotic prototyping. The program aims to develop next-generation autonomous underwater vehicle platforms that offer full-ocean-depth capability and virtually no radiated noise for Phase II of the program ‘Fast Hydrostatic Machines’. These performance advantages are conferred through using Hydraulically Amplified Self-Healing Electrostatic (HASEL) solid-state, soft actuators that mimic the form and function of biomechanical structures in large, high-performance pelagic fishes. As part of vehicle development, soft actuators are required to drive mechanical systems on board prototype vehicles.

The work will result in the delivery of both standard and custom actuators, and a design analysis report detailing Research, Development, Testing and Engineering (RDT&E) performed in the development of the custom actuators.

1.1 Place of Performance

Production Location:

Contractor Site

Testing/Demonstration:

NUWCDIVNPT

1.2 Authorized Users

NUWCDIVNPT Code 151, Sensors and Sonar Department

1.3 Sponsors

NUWCDIVNPT Code 34, Office of Naval Research (ONR)

1.4 Types of Funding

Research, Development, Test & Evaluation, Navy (RDT&EN)

2.0 Scope

The contractor shall create prototypes of innovative soft actuators to support the propulsion of prototype systems in experimental tests to be conducted at NUWCDIVNPT. These soft actuators will enable the operation of vehicle testbeds under high-pressure scenarios outside of pressure vessels, where conventional electric motors would fail. Actuators must be agnostic to pressure, be capable of mimicking the performance of biological muscle, and individual units must be easily replaceable in the event of failure.

Prototype development will support, at a minimum, the following:

1. Design, fabrication and testing of new HASEL liquid di-electric actuator geometries and materials for increasing actuator density and strain performance.

2. Experimental development of actuator encapsulation technology in order to increase operational life and reduce packaging volume.

3.0 Applicable Documents

The contractor shall perform the tasking required in Section 4.0 in accordance with the below Applicable Documents.

4.0 Technical Requirements

In accordance with the Applicable Document in Section 3.0 and the Government Furnished Information (GFI) in Section 6.0, the Contractor shall perform the following tasking:

4.1 Prototype Development

4.1.1 The contractor shall perform conceptual design analysis for prototype systems, system of systems, engineered material and electro-mechanical devices to support research and development at NUWCDIVNPT.

4.1.2 The contractor shall perform trade studies to compare the performance, cost and development time associated with the applicable prototype options.

4.1.3 The contractor shall evaluate tradeoffs of various designs as a function of constraints and dependencies including performance metrics, environmental conditions, ergonomics, physical limits, complexity, material composition and compatibility with other devices or systems.

4.1.4 The contractor shall assess capability advantages and disadvantages, feasible alternatives, key assumptions, sensitivity to changes in variables and technology risk.

4.1.5 The contractor shall coordinate with Bio-inspired Propulsor program staff at NUWCDIVNPT and, at minimum, participate in monthly technical review meetings.

4.1.6 The contractor shall conduct a Contract Kick-Off meeting at its facility. The contractor shall prepare the kick-off meeting agenda. The contractor shall present its planned approach including tasks and milestones, requirements review, and schedule (CDRL A001).

4.1.7 The contractor shall prepare meeting minutes and shall submit them to NUWCDIVNPT within one week of the meeting (CDRL A002).

4.1.8 The contractor shall engage in review meetings, at minimum, on a monthly basis. The contractor shall prepare and submit monthly design review progress reports for cost, schedule, and high level technical accomplishment (CDRL A003).

4.1.9 The contractor shall provide a technical report detailing methodology for improving HASEL performance in underwater applications (CDRL A004).

4.1.10 The contractor shall provide detailed technical progress reports at the end of months five (5) and eight (8) (CDRL A005).

4.1.11.

The contractor shall support the submission of its technologies to ONR program reviews and discussion with transition sponsors as opportunities arise.

5.0 Progress Reports

The contractor shall prepare a Contractor’s Status Report that indicates the progress of work, status of the program(s), and existing or potential problem areas. The Contractor shall submit the Contract Status Report upon request from the Contracting Officer or the Contracting Officer’s Representative via email.

6.0 Government Furnished Information

The following Government Furnished Information (GFI) will be made available:

5.1 Bioinspired program review presentations, 2019, 2020, 2021 (Distribution A).