JPEM RFI Counter UUV USV 20240418.docx

Request for Information Pursuant to FAR Part 15.201(e)

Technologies Sought for Capability Discovery Event Hosted by the Joint Prototyping and Experimentation Maritime (JPEM) Program

Counter – Unmanned Underwater Vehicle/Unmanned Surface Vehicle (UUV/USV) Systems

Distribution Statement A: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

RFI Counter UUV/USV

SYNOPSIS: Counter – Unmanned Underwater Vehicle / Unmanned Surface Vehicle (UUV/USV) Systems

A. INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to identify technologies from industry, government labs, and academia for a Counter Unmanned Underwater Vehicle / Unmanned Surface Vehicle (UUV/USV) Capability Discovery (CD) event to be conducted by the Joint Prototyping and Experimentation Maritime (JPEM) Program. Candidate systems should be able to detect, track and identify Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV) and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) using active and/or passive sensors.

The Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. interagency partners use the JPEM program to discover new technologies, enhance collaboration, and provide developers with immediate feedback to accelerate maturation of innovative capabilities with DoD-wide applicability. This C-UUV/USV CD will focus on systems that can detect, track, and identify threat UUVs and USVs in a Port Security/Harbor Defense scenario. Capabilities and characteristics of selected systems will be showcased during on the water events. The results will inform decision makers of emerging or available solutions that may enhance or improve operations.

This event will be conducted for stakeholders from across the DoD joint maritime craft community. This effort is co-sponsored by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) Innovation and Modernization (I&M) office, in cooperation with the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Matters (DASD (NM)), Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division, Joint Staff, and Test Resource Management Center (TRMC). The JPEM program will plan and execute the CD event.

This event is planned for late July to early August 2024, at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD.

To participate in this CD, interested parties are invited to submit an application and quad chart in accordance with Section D, describing the Counter UUV/USV system capabilities.

The application deadline is 5:00 PM EDT on 24 May 2024 This RFI is NOT a solicitation for procurement or other acquisition proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The government does not intend to award a contract based on this RFI or otherwise pay for the information solicited.

B. BACKGROUND

The JPEM program, sponsored by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) Innovation and Modernization (I&M), is an ongoing series of maritime technology discovery and showcase events that support the first maritime look at innovative technologies. The program supports joint forces and interagency users in exploring the military utility of innovative technologies and enables a collaborative working relationship between government organizations, academia, and industry. The discovery events encourage system developers to engage directly with the warfighter in the maritime environment and rapidly adapt technologies around operational needs. This informs and accelerates the delivery of future capabilities needed by the Department of Defense and U.S. interagency partners. The results of this effort will advance learning and innovation to develop technologies and techniques to improve warfighting capability and assist in quicker leadership decision making.

Participation and attendance at the JPEM CD event are by invitation only. This event will take place at the unclassified level. Participating in CD events may lead to follow-on collaboration, support for further development, experimentation opportunities, and/or opportunities for fielding of matured capabilities.

C. DESCRIPTION

This CD is planned from late July to early August at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD. The objective of this CD is to evaluate the ability of sensor systems (active or passive) to detect, track, and identify UUVs and USVs. This CD will focus on Counter UUV and USV capabilities in the confined waters inside the west basin to replicate a port or harbor security scenario.

CD intent is to observe the technology readiness of commercially available systems employed as part of an overall system to protect assets and waterside facilities from unauthorized incursions by threat UUVs and/or USVs.

The following system capabilities are desired:

· Automatic detection of threat UUV and USV. Smaller UUV’s (4 to 8 ft in length) and 12-30 ft USV’s are planned targets. Performance against multiple target aspects, course, speed, and depth will be evaluated.

· Ability to detect, track, identify multiple heterogeneous UUV/USV threats and their domain transitions between underwater and surface.

· Real time processing and display of detection, tracking and identification information (local or distributed).

· Sensors that are deployed/employed from a stationary shore site or buoy, deployed in/on the seabed, or deployed/operated from a mobile platform such as a small surface craft. Anything placed in the water must be retrievable.

The CD will assess system technology readiness using direct measurement, when possible. This will include, but is not limited to, detection ranges, times, false contacts/alarms, track management, identification, and track data.

In addition to a quantitative assessment of detection and tracking capability, other important considerations that will be assessed qualitatively include:

· Installation and integration requirements

· Reliability, availability, and maintainability

· Tactical requirements JPEM will coordinate use of the test platforms and required integration for each selected technology. JPEM will assist in identifying and integrating additional components required for sensor testing and assist with access, coordination, engineering, installation, interface with regulatory bodies, operation, test, and evaluation services. The Stiletto craft and embarked 11M RIB will be used during this event as command and control/support platforms.

Respondents will be selected by the government stakeholders for this CD based on readiness and ability to meet the objectives. The Government anticipates a partnering arrangement with selected respondents in the form of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), in which the respondents provide the equipment required to implement a solution for water trials. The Government will use the CRADAs to assess the feasibility and observe UUV & USV detection, tracking and identification technologies in the maritime environment. A CD is intended to foster highly collaborative engagement with interested technology providers, with the dual objectives of giving the Navy/DoD, civilian agencies, and the commercial marketplace new insight into promising UUV and USV detection technologies while enabling industry collaborators the opportunity to better understand the maritime marketplace and evaluate their technology’s respective applicability.

The CD is anticipated to last at least two weeks, with approximately 2 days provided to each selected respondent, depending on the number of respondents, to showcase their capabilities. When a technology is selected for evaluation, the JPEM will work with the technology provider to match the technology with an appropriate CD scenario, accounting for each party’s cost, schedule, and technical constraints. JPEM will provide venues, supporting infrastructure, and personnel (operational and technical), based on available resources. Costs specific to running the technology developer’s technology, as well as the technology developer’s travel costs, will be at the technology developer’s expense.

Industry participation in JPEM activities does not suggest or imply that NSWCCD or any other government activity will endorse, procure, or purchase equipment.

Technology developers are encouraged to describe fully all Counter UUV/USV system characteristics in their submissions, per Section D and Appendix I. Include all design considerations that may be relevant for integration and operations. All submissions will be considered and potentially selected based on strength of application and relevance to the CD goals.

Technologies beyond the scope of the primary topic areas described above will be considered on a case-by-case basis and potentially admitted based on strength of application and relevance to the mission area. Technologies brought to the event should be at a technology readiness level (TRL) of 8 or greater (https://api.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/404585.pdf) although lower TRL capability will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Technology developers must provide the current technology readiness level of the proposed system.

D. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Submit applications and quad charts to the JPEM program electronically via Michael.e.rossik.civ@us.navy.mil. Please use the templates provided in Appendix I and Appendix II. Contact Michael.e.rossik.civ@us.navy.mil if you have any questions.

All applications must include the following information:

a. Subject: JPEM Counter – UUV/USV Capabilities Discovery.

b. Company name/business division/address:

c. Capability name:

d. Primary POC: name, email, and phone number

e. System description:

You will receive an email within two business days verifying your application was received. Any application not meeting the criteria outlined above will not be considered.

Each application and quad chart must address only one technology solution; multiple applications/quad charts addressing multiple systems may be submitted. If you have questions regarding the submittal, please contact: nswccdjpem@us.navy.mil.

DO NOT SUBMIT CLASSIFIED INFORMATION IN THE APPLICATION. This JPEM Counter UUV/USV CD event will be held at the unclassified level. Capabilities may be or contain Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and may be subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) restrictions. It is incumbent on the technology developers to ensure that these restrictions are outlined in their application and adhered to during the CD event.

DO NOT SUBMIT ACQUISITION PROPOSALS. The Government does not award contracts based solely on this announcement. Submission of an application does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the JPEM CD event or any other DoD event.

JPEM technology applications and quad charts must be submitted no later than 5:00 PM EST 24 May 2024. No contracts will be awarded based solely on this announcement. Submission of an application does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the CD event.

E. BASIS FOR SELECTION TO PARTICIPATE

Submissions will be reviewed by the supporting government organizations.

Selection of respondents to participate shall be based on the extent to which the technology represents a particular class or level of capability that can be provided to interested commands or interagency partners. Other considerations include:

a. Relevance to the capability discovery event focus area and desired capabilities

b. Completeness of application and supporting information

c. Technical maturity

d. Relevance of or adaptability to Department of Defense or interagency partner operations/missions

e. Relevance to current or future operational needs

F. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Technology developers shall assure that all proprietary information, documentation, and equipment are clearly marked. Be advised that lessons learned from these CD events may be broadly disseminated through official channels within the Federal government and partner government agencies associated with the JPEM program. If selected for participation, technology developers may be requested to provide additional information that will be used in preparation for the event.

G. USE OF INFORMATION

The purpose of this notice is to gain information for potential future use and/or collaboration for development of technology capabilities. All proprietary information contained in the response shall be clearly marked. Any proprietary information contained in response to this request will be properly protected from any unauthorized disclosure. The government will not use proprietary information submitted from any one firm to establish future capability requirements.

Participants shall agree to confer and consult with the JPEM team prior to the publication of any press release directly or indirectly related to the CD event. The JPEM team shall confer and consult with any participants prior to the publication of any press release that directly includes a written or visual reference to the name of their organization, employees, or technology. Participants will not use the name, logo, or images of any U.S. Government organization, employee, or contractor without prior approval from the relevant organization.

H. SPECIAL NOTICE

University affiliated research centers (UARCs), federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), and/or contractor consultant/advisors to the government will review and provide support during evaluation of submittals. When appropriate, non-government advisors may be used to objectively review a particular functional area and provide comments and recommendations to the government. All advisors shall comply with procurement integrity laws and shall sign non-disclosure and rules of conduct/conflict of interest statements. The government shall take into consideration requirements for avoiding conflicts of interest and ensure advisors comply with safeguarding proprietary data. Submission in response to this RFI constitutes approval to release the submittal to government support contractors.

I. FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) 52.215-3

Per FAR 52.215-3 Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (Oct 1997):

a. The government does not intend to award a contract based on this RFI notice or to pay for the information.

Appendix I Application to Participate at JPEM Counter – Unmanned Underwater Vehicle / Unmanned Surface Vehicle (UUV/USV) Capability Discovery Event Full name of Company & Name of Technology

Technology Description Please provide a description of your capability. The following information is recommended for the executive summary:

· Describe why the technology is needed and the problem you are solving.

· Describe the “so what” or what is new or advanced in your approach and why it will meet CD goals.

· Describe the maturity of your technology and if applicable what is needed to take your technology to the next level (e.g., R&D funding, procurement, etc.).

· Describe anticipated performance and any other pertinent details about your technology.

Primary POC: Provide name of person who will serve as Primary POC for this effort. This POC will be responsible for all deliverables and RFI(s) leading up to event.

Team: Include name, email, phone number, and complete address of key stakeholders / focal point and identify if any are foreign nationals. May include up 2 in addition to Primary POC. (Team is capped at 3 personnel unless appropriate justification for additional support is provided to the JPEM team).

Company / Organization:

· Provide full name, address, and other contact information for your organization. Include specific division if applicable.

· Provide brief company description, discussion of company capabilities with respect to the purpose and objective described in this RFI.

· Note if your company is designated as a “Small Business” and/or is “Foreign Owned”.

Objective/Scenarios: Describe objectives and goals. In addition, include a brief description of the scenario or mission that would best highlight your capabilities strengths.

Capability Technical Specifications/Description: Technical description should include, at a minimum, the following information:

· Describe the capabilities that you plan to highlight.

· Describe the sensor capabilities and specifications (i.e. resolution, field of view, etc.), as applicable. Identify transmitter frequency(ies) and source level(s).

· Describe how the planned capability differs from a fully realized implementation, e.g. will surrogate sensors, or a limited quantity of sensors, be utilized and why.

· Describe past performance, present and future uses – and predicted performance.

· Describe the design outcome of the capability and its intended value to the user.

· Describe the problem that you are solving (current / future) with your capability.

· Describe the capability application for the Department of Defense.

· Describe installation, integration, and operating requirements to include set up, tear down time.

· Describe the level of product maturity. Is it in the commercial marketplace or still under development? If under development, please describe status. Indicate Technical Readiness Level (TRL).

· Briefly describe structured testing conducted on the prototype or completed technology (i.e., whether prototype or completed technology was tested; and the test conductor, location(s), scenario(s), and environment). Has the technology been independently tested?

· Define the classification ontology, if applicable.

· Describe functionality available via an Application Programming Interface (API).

· Describe the outputs, input interface(s), and update rate.

· Detail the Ingress Protection (IP) rating for all system components.

· Detail the shock and vibration ratings for all system components.

· Include / Attach Specification Sheets and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).

· Include a basic system diagram including major components and interfaces (one-line diagram) Capability Classification: Provide the classification level of the capability proposed for highlighting. (Unclassified, Confidential, Secret, Top Secret). Note: Counter – UUV/USV will be at the UNCLASSIFIED level.

Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR): Identify what (if any) parts of your capability have FAR and/or ITAR restrictions.

Set-up Requirements: Briefly describe, as appropriate, the details of the proposed capability set-up for the CD event.

· Major System Component Dimensions and Weights:

· Power Requirement:

· Network Connections: (if needed)

· Data Requirement:

· Special Handling: (crane, forklift, etc.)

· Restrictions: (cable length, conditioned space, environmental constraints, etc.)

· Anticipated Number of Personnel for Event: (not to exceed 3 total personnel, unless approved by JPEM team)

· Set up time to install/uninstall.

· Hazardous Materials:

· On-site Storage:

Government Contracts (if applicable): Identify any government contracts and the supporting agencies that have or are expected to support the system and/or system components.

Appendix II Quad Template for JPEM Counter – Unmanned Underwater Vehicle / Unmanned Surface Vehicle (UUV/USV) Capability Discovery Event image2.png image3.emf image1.jpeg