Sources Sought DJA25ASODN0001 SRT Robotic System RFI - ATF.pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Specia l Operat ions D ivision | Specia l Response Team

Man-Portable Robotic System

1. Reference Number: DJA–25-ASOD-N-0001

2. Response Due Dates: Electronic Responses/Submissions shall be received no later than

October 25, 2024, at 3:00 PM EST to Mr. Christopher Cook via email (Christopher.cook@atf.gov ).

3. RFI Purpose:

This Request for Information (RFI) as identified in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)

15.201 (c) (7) is issued solely for market research and planning purposes. It does not constitute an Invitation for Bids, Request for Proposal, or Request for Quotes.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has a requirement to obtain a man-portable commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) small robotic system. It includes the associated training, maintenance and sustainment support required for the duration of the robotic system’s lifecycle.

Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Those who respond to this RFI should not anticipate feedback concerning their submission. All submissions will become the property of the Government and will not be returned. Proprietary information, if any, must be clearly marked on all material(s) submitted. All information received marked Proprietary will be handled in accordance with 41 USC 2101-2107. Responding to the RFI is completely voluntary and will not enhance or adversely affect responses to any resulting solicitation if such solicitation is issued at a later date. There is no competitive advantage gained by any of the respondents to this RFI. All responses shall provide vendor Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Additionally, the Government will not provide reimbursement for any information that may be submitted in response to this RFI. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. No promise of future business with the Government will result from responding to this RFI.

The Government is “not” required to respond to any questions submitted in response to this RFI. If the Government chooses to respond to any questions, the questions and answers will be directed back to the vendor directly.

At the Government’s discretion it may schedule demonstrations with vendors as time permits following the close of the RFI response period. Additionally, Industry is encouraged to mailto:Christopher.cook@atf.gov

Man-Portable Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Small Robotic System Performance Work Statement advise the Government what other information it needs to better understand the Government’s requirements, to reduce the risk contingency built into pricing, and to reduce barriers to competition.

4. Background:

The ATF is a unique law enforcement agency in the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) that protects our communities from violent criminals, criminal organizations, the illegal use and trafficking of firearms, the illegal use and storage of explosives, acts of arson and bombings, acts of terrorism, and the illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products.

The men and women of the ATF perform the dual responsibilities of enforcing the Federal criminal laws and regulating the firearms and explosives industries. ATF works directly with its constituents, and through partnerships, to investigate and reduce crime involving firearms and explosives, acts of arson, and illegal trafficking of alcohol and tobacco products.

As a Federal Law Enforcement (LE) agency, law enforcement and prosecution of suspects is ATF’s primary mission. As the primary source for high-risk enforcement operations the Special Response Team (SRT) is responsible to provide tactical options to increase the likelihood of a safe and efficient resolution of a situation. The tactical enforcement community has demonstrated the operational viability of ground robotics and the criticality of this technology for the safe and efficient execution of their mission. The ATF SRT identified a capability gap in the current spectrum of fielded ATF robotic systems to support operations where vehicular transport is not possible or available.

5. Objectives:

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has a requirement to obtain a man-portable commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) small robotic system. ATF is looking to gather information on companies who work in the field of man-portable robots.

6. Requirements Summary:

ATF is interested in receiving responses from vendors who can provide information on the below tentative management software requirement similar to the below draft Performance Work Statement (PWS):

Man-Portable Robotic System Performance Work Statement

Abstract This Performance Work Statement (PWS) is for commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) small robotic systems

Table of Contents

1.0 PURPOSE

2.0 BACKGROUND

3.0 OBJECTIVE

4.0 SCOPE OF WORK

5.0 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Mandatory Feature(s) versus Value Added Feature(s)

5.2 Man-Portable Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Small Robotic System Mandatory Features

5.3 Man-Portable Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Small Robotic System Value Added Features

6.0 TASK & DELIVERABLES

7.0 SMALL BUSINESS CONSIDERATIONS

8.0 RESPONSE GUIDELINES

Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives

National Man-Portable Robot Program Performance Work Statement

1.0 PURPOSE

1.1 The purpose of this contract is to establish and maintain software a man-portable commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) small robotic systems for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This robot will be utilized by Special Response Teams (SRT) operators in the execution of high-risk warrants.

2.0 BACKGROUND

2.1 ATF is a law enforcement agency within the United States Department of Justice whose headquarters is located at 99 New York Avenue NE, Washington, D.C.

20226. The mission of ATF is to protect communities from violent criminals, criminal organizations, the illegal use and trafficking of firearms, the illegal use and storage of explosives, acts of arson and bombings, acts of terrorism, and the illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products.

2.2 The primarily user of the man-portable robots will be ATF’s Special Response Teams (SRT) members. SRT is responsible to provide tactical options to increase the likelihood of a safe and efficient resolution of a situation.

2.3 Due to the complex and unknown nature of future threats and situations in which they must react to, it is paramount that ATF’s SRT continue to evolve to meet these threats. To meet these threats and stay on the cutting edge of capability the SRT is attempting to acquire man-portable robots to provide the operators with situational awareness, tactical solutions, and officer safety during high-risk operations.

3.0 OBJECTIVE

3.1 The objective of the PWS is to identify a man-portable commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) small robotic system.

4.0 SCOPE OF WORK

4.1 The selected man-portable robotic system will offer a platform which will include, but not limited to the following: man-portable robot and all equipment/accessories to operate, regular updates and training and maintenance for proposed system.

5.0 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Mandatory Feature(s) versus Value Added Feature(s)

5.1.1 Mandatory Feature(s) are defined as those that must be provided in order to receive contract award. These features will be evaluated on a Pass / Fail basis. If the vendor cannot meet the requirement for a specific mandatory the vendor shall receive a Fail on their evaluation of that feature and will be eliminated from the Competitive Range.

5.1.2 Value Added Feature(s) (VAFs) These Value-Added Features are any features not specifically listed in this PWS, and represent additional [equipment/capabilities] that you will offer to the Government for evaluation under the solicitation provisions. The Government will consider value added features and, if appropriate, provide additional weight when evaluating proposals that offer them. VAFs are not strictly limited to those features listed in the PWS.

5.1.2.1 Any other feature, not included in the paragraphs below, which in the eyes of the Government increase the ability to or usefulness in accomplishing the ATF mission and the objectives of this Performance Work Statement.

5.1.2.2 If VAFs are presented by the Vendor, note if they have a cost or not. If there is a cost for the VAFs; provide separate pricing matrix for the five (5) years. Part of the assessment will be for the Government to determine if the additional cost is worth the addition of the Value-Added Feature.

5.2 Man-Portable Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Small Robotic System

Mandatory Features

5.2.1 Operations

5.2.1.1 The system shall be capable of easily operation by one operator and able to respond in tactical environments that may contain hazardous conditions to include constrained spaces, improvised explosives, armed suspects in order to conduct surveillance and reconnaissance to provide operator with real-time information.

5.2.1.2 The system shall operate in all weather conditions, day or night.

5.2.1.3 The system shall operate in all terrain conditions, indoor, outdoor, and around vehicles, as well as in all environmental conditions including snow, ice, salt, sand, fog, rain, mud, gravel and extreme temperatures.

5.2.1.4 The system shall be able to maneuver over stationary obstacles and navigate up and down stairs.

5.2.2 Functionality

5.2.2.1 The system shall be equipped with at an minimum one pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera that allows for effective Day/Night operations where direct observation by the user is not available.

5.2.2.2 The ability to lift and transport ≥10 lbs. (4.5 kg)

5.2.2.3 The ability to turn various common door knobs/handles.

5.2.2.4 The system shall be capable of opening a closed door on both an inward or outward opening doors.

5.2.3 Characteristics

5.2.3.1 The Operator Control Unit shall be handheld and battery powered.

5.2.3.2 The Operator Control Unit shall be capable of controlling all robot functions and accessories.

5.2.3.3 The Operator Control unit shall be capable of displaying all available camera video feeds.

5.2.3.4 The system shall have an operable wireless line-of-sight (LOS) range.

5.2.3.5 The system shall be capable of two (2) way audio communications allowing the operator to hear and speak to individuals at the distant end (robot).

5.2.3.6 The system shall be able to turn on and off the audio remotely.

5.2.3.7 System shall be designed for operator/field replaceable batteries to extend mission operating time.

5.2.3.8 Vendor shall provide a hardened shipping case capable of storing all equipment and accessories.

5.2.3.9 Vendor shall provide a general purpose user maintenance kit.

5.2.3.10 Vendor shall provide a spares kit containing parts that are commonly worn or needing replaced such as tracks and quick release fasteners that can break during normal use.

5.3 Man-Portable Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Small Robotic System Value Added Features

5.3.1 The total system weight is such that it can be lifted by one operator.

5.3.2 The system includes a dedicated camera for vehicle movements

(Independent Driving Camera).

5.3.3 The system has a visible light source that can be activated from the operator control unit.

5.3.4 All recorded audio and video recordings are encrypted at rest.

5.3.5 The Operator Control Unit able to selectively record all audio and video feeds on removable media.

5.3.6 The system has the ability to encrypt the transmission of all traffic to avoid intercept of all data.

5.3.7 The system capable of opening slider doors.

5.3.8 The system capable of withstanding an 8 ft. drop onto hard surface.

5.3.9 The system is capable of “self-righting” in the event the robot has flipped over.

5.3.10 The system has the capability to perform multiple, simultaneous functions. Example: vehicle movements while pan and tilt functions of independent camera and/or vehicle movement while simultaneously manipulating gripper arm or the vehicle movement while having two (2) way audio communications.

5.3.11 The system has the ability to broadcast a live feed to operator ATAK and/or the ability to project or share the feeds onto another device.

5.3.12 The system has the ability to tether a communication device to be utilized by someone other than the operator.

5.3.13 The system has a backpack capable of carrying robot and required accessories for a successful deployment.

5.3.14 The system is capable of having at least a 100 m (328 ft.) wireless line-of-sight (LOS) range.

6.0 TASK & DELIVERABLES

6.1 Deliverable(s)

6.1.1 The vendor shall provide the following:

6.1.1.1 The vendor shall provide full product information on their operational robot, to include but not limited to, base robot platform, operator control unit (OCU), batteries, camera, manipulator arm, cabling and other modular components.

6.1.1.2 Prototype or Sample: For the purpose of this solicitation, ATF will require the supplier(s) to provide reasonable access to the robotic system, for technical evaluation and testing, prior to acceptance and award of order. Supplier(s) must provide prototype(s) or sample(s) of the product proposal with their proposal or the offer will be considered non-responsive.

6.1.1.3 The vendor prototype or sample must pass all three (3) National

Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) testing Phases I, II, and III at a time and location to be disclosed at a future date. Each prototype will have one (1) full day of testing with NIST. Vendors are to bring their own operators with enough batteries to run continuously. Each vendor will have one full day for testing, through approximately Phases I, II, and III.

7.0 SMALL BUSINESS CONSIDERATIONS

7.1 A decision regarding the small business strategy for this requirement, if it results in an acquisition, has not been made. That decision will be made, in part, based upon the responses to this Request for Information. It is therefore important that companies provide the requested information on its business size and socio-economic status. Small businesses are advised that FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, would apply wherein at least 50 percent of the work must be performed by the small business prime vendor alone.

8.0 RESPONSE GUIDELINES

8.1 Information provided in response to this RFI must be submitted to Mr. Christopher

Cook at Christopher.cook@atf.gov , Contracting Officer (CO) no later than October 25, 2024 at 3:00 PM EST in the form of an electronic document using portable document format (PDF) or Microsoft Word. The page limit for all responses is not to exceed ten (10) single-sided, 12-font size, 8½ x 11-inch pages, excluding any current product description information.

8.2 Respondents should include the following information:

8.2.1 Organization name, mailing address, e-mail address, telephone and fax numbers, website address (if available) and the name, telephone number, and e-mail address of a point of contact having the authority and knowledge to clarify responses with Government representatives.

8.2.2 Company Information:

mailto:Christopher.cook@atf.gov

8.2.2.1 Business Size and Socio-Economic Status – Provide your company’s business size (small/large) based on the NAICS 511210. In addition, indicate your business’ socio-economic status (e.g., HUBZone, Service Disable Veteran Owned Small business, Women-Owned small business, Small Disadvantaged Business, 8(a) Program. All responses shall provide vendor Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

8.2.2.2 Contract Vehicles – Is your product and/or service to modify, improve or enhance your existing product available on a GSA schedule or Government Wide Contract? Please provide the specific GSA contract number or other identifier for any contract vehicles on which your product/solution is available.

End of RFI