Statement of Work Draft.docx

1. Purpose This contract action is in reference to the Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition, Office of the Project Manager Close Combat Systems Broad Agency Announcement # W15QKN-25-S-14XS. The Army’s Next Generation Breaching Technology – Explosive Breacher requirement requests a prototype capable of reducing enemy obstacle belts to provide Soldiers with safe assault lanes. Obstacles include explosive hazards, wire, and vehicle impediments. A key aspect of this requirement is scalability of the solution in contrast to existing large area mine clearing line charges. The requirement addresses the Army maneuver force’s need for a reliable and effective automated system that reduces explosive and non-explosive obstacles while maintaining fast operational tempos. The XM123 Ground Obstacle Breaching Lane Neutralizer (GOBLN) program enables improved deployment speed, force protection, and survivability to allow the Army of 2030s execution of penetration, disintegration, and exploitation when assaulting through obstacle belts.

2. Background The XM123 GOBLN Team (GOBLN Team) is working towards maturing a precision neutralization and delivery capability that, in conjunction with the Government detection software and hardware, will be capable of an end-to-end demonstration. Live munitions will be required to neutralize surface and surface-flush explosive hazards, to include mines such as TM-62 or VS 1.6 mines. For initial detection of the explosive hazard the contractor shall use one of the following three paths: (1) The contractor shall accept the GOBLN Team’s location via Cursor on Target (CoT) message. (2) The contractor shall integrate the GOBLN Team’s detection software into the delivery system’s detection hardware. (3) The contractor may use their own detection system.

The contractor shall participate in multiple Knowledge Points (KPs) between contract award and the final end-to-end demonstration. The KPs will be used to evaluate the proposed prototype’s delivery and neutralization capability, as well as to allow the GOBLN Team to gather data on the proposed solution. The demonstrated prototype will remain in the contractor’s possession following the end-to-end demonstration, but the data gathered by the GOBLN Team will be used to inform the XM123 GOBLN Capability Development Document.

3. Objectives

3.1 Detection

3.1.1 The contractor shall provide a prototype capable of finding or acquiring known explosive hazards during day and night operations

3.1.2 If the contractor partner does not accept the output of the GOBLN Team’s detection software, the contractor shall be required to detect explosive hazards in real time and report on a control station.

3.1.3 For a contractor not utilizing the Government's detection algorithm, they shall provide all detections in the CoT message format, an image of the target accessible on ATAK, and a CSV file with the following information: GPS coordinates, confidence value, time stamp, nomination/track ID, frame number, and bounding box dimensions. The contractor shall provide data, imagery, and performance results gathered across contractor testing, KPs and TP #5.

3.2 Delivery

3.2.1 The contractor shall develop, test, and demonstrate a prototype capable of delivering neutralizers to known explosive hazard locations during day and night operations.

3.2.2 The contractor shall provide a prototype capable of traveling at least 1km to the obstacle location, conduct the neutralization mission, and, if applicable, travel back the 1km to the user.

3.2.3 The contractor shall develop, test, and demonstrate a form of delivery that positions the neutralization device such that its effectiveness is maximized based on the contractor’s provided neutralization capability.

3.3 Neutralization

3.3.1 The contractor shall develop, test, and demonstrate a prototype capable of neutralizing known explosive hazards during day and night operations

3.3.2 In mine warfare, a mine is said to be neutralized when it has been rendered, by external means, incapable of firing on passage of a target, although it may remain dangerous to handle (JP 1-02 Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms)

3.4 Data Collection Details

3.4.1 The GOBLN Team will have access to necessary data about the proposed prototype to help inform the Capability Development Document and future request for proposals. Contractor data and hardware will not be disclosed to other contractors.

3.4.2 The contractor will be expected to provide a monthly report on the progress of the proposed prototypes.

3.5 System Integration or Integrated Capability Demonstration

3.5.1 If not already autonomous, the prototype should include a pathway to achieve autonomy.

3.5.2 The prototype will be required to digitally proof the known explosive hazards post neutralization mission to ensure the hazards have been neutralized.

3.5.3 The contractor shall develop and test an integrated capability.

3.5.4 Integrated capability is defined as a system which will have neutralization capability integrated with the delivery platform to complete the task/mission; detection may or may not be integrated but will be present during demonstration and used to relay information to the delivery platform.

3.5.5 The integrated system shall be capable to fully demonstrate surface and buried-flush detection and neutralization of explosive hazards.

3.5.6 The integrated system shall be capable and be able to fully demonstrate stand-off distance for KP #3 and Touchpoint #5.

3.5.7 The integrated system shall be capable of digitally proofing the known explosive hazards post neutralization.

3.6 Project Management

3.6.1 The Contractor shall manage the effort including reporting to the government, managing deliverables, supporting Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) and conducting formal reviews to allow the government to track progress.

3.6.2 Integrated Master Plan (IMP): The Contractor shall prepare and deliver an IMP IAW Contractor format at the Post Award Kickoff (PAK). The Contractor’s IMP shall communicate the program’s content and its “what and how”. The Contractor shall update the IMP following any contract modifications that result in changes to the contract scope. The Contractor shall report on program progress IAW the IMP at each program management and technical review, and upon Government request.

3.6.3 Integrated Program Management Report (monthly): The contractor shall provide a program report that includes both technical and cost progress and status.

3.6.4 Risk Management: The Contractor shall identify, assess, and track technical, schedule, and cost risks associated with development of the prototype. The Contractor shall develop and deliver to the Government an initial Risk Assessment 30 days after agreement award. The risk matrix shall be updated and delivered to the Government for quarterly reviews.

3.6.5 Integrated Product Team (IPT)/Working Group (WG) Participation: The Contractor shall support the GOBLN program and Government visibility into technical and programmatic discussions and decisions via the use of IPTs and WGs. The IPT/WG membership shall include the Government, the Contractor and key Subcontractor(s) as deemed appropriate by the Contractor and GOBLN team.

3.6.5.1 The contractor shall support biweekly program status updates including technical, programmatic and cost progress and issues. Presentations shall be delivered no later than 24 hours prior to the meeting.

3.6.6 Meeting Agenda, Presentations, and Review Packages: The Contractor shall prepare and deliver Meeting Agenda and Presentations for all formal meetings and reviews identified within this SOW in Contractor format. Meeting Agenda shall be delivered to the Government no later than one (1) week prior to the meeting or review and shall identify all presentation and discussion topics, the responsible party, and the approximate time when the topics will begin. Presentations shall be delivered to the Government no later than 24 hours prior to the meeting or review.

3.6.6.1 Post Award Kickoff (PAK): The Contractor shall support the PAK at the contractor facility no later than thirty (30) days after Agreement award. The Contractor shall coordinate with the Government to establish an agenda, entrance, and exit criteria for the PAK. The Contractor shall introduce key Contractor and subcontractor personnel and establish the preliminary schedule for meetings and reviews with the Government. The PAK shall include but not be limited to the following: IMP and Risk Assessment.

3.6.6.2 Quarterly Program Reviews (QPRs): The Contractor shall conduct QPRs with the Government to provide an in-depth technical, schedule, and cost status reports detailing the Contractor’s compliance with the Agreement requirements. The Contractor shall present an updated issue/risk assessment, risk mitigation measures, and describe any planned and actual deviations from the scheduled program activities during the reporting period. To maximize efficiency, QPRs shall be held concurrently with other scheduled events. Half of the QPRs shall be held at the Contractor’s facility and half shall be held at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ or by teleconference if emergency restrictions to travel or workplace access are in place.

3.7 System Safety

3.7.1 Briefings to Safety Review Board: The Contractor shall support reviews, certifications, boards, and audits performed by or for the Government, to include preparing and presenting briefings and responding to requests for information. These reviews may include, but are not limited to, Army Fuze Safety Review Board (AFSRB), Ignition System Safety Review Board (ISSRB), and Energetics Materiel Qualification Board (EMQB).

3.7.2 System Safety Management: to be determined with Contractor input

3.7.3 Safety Assessment Reports: The Contractor shall perform and document a Safety Assessment Report (SAR) to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the status of safety hazards and their associated risks prior to test or operation of a system (DI-SAFT-80102). A SAR is only a requirement for any test/demonstration at a Government facility/installation.

3.7.4 Interim Hazard Classification: The Contractor shall provide data on explosive configurations to the Government to obtain Interim Hazard Classification (IHC) and Provisional Pack Instructions (PPI) prior to shipping hazardous materials and prototypes containing energetic materials to U.S. Government facilities.

3.8 Government Furnished Equipment

3.8.1 To be determined with Contractor input.

3.9 Administrative Details

3.9.1 The contractor shall participate in a contract kickoff meeting where they will demonstrate the proposed system in its current state using inert surrogates.

3.9.2 The contractor shall participate in bi-weekly update calls with the GOBLN Team.

3.9.3 The contractor shall provide a monthly report on development progress, schedule, expenditure of funding, and or unexpected unfunded requirements

3.9.4 The contractor shall participate in multiple Knowledge Points (KPs) to allow the GOBLN Team to gather data on the prototype and ensure progress is being made. Each KP event is expected to take place over approximately 1 week.

3.9.4.1 The Government, in consultation with the contractor, will generate test plans for each KP.

3.9.4.2 The contractor shall comply with all test site regulations and required documentation.

3.9.4.3 To support each KP, the contractor shall provide the hardware to be tested, support personnel, data collection capabilities, and system operators to enable evaluation of relevant subsystems (detection, delivery, neutralization, and/or integration as designated in the test plan)

3.9.4.4 To support each KP, the Government will provide the test site, test site support personnel, data collectors, and targets (live mines or surrogates and/or inert targets as designated in the test plan).

3.9.5 Following the final KP, the contractor shall participate in / provide information for a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Assessment of their concept.

3.9.6 The contractor shall participate in a final Touchpoint 5 (TP#5) demonstration

3.9.6.1 The Government, in consultation with the contractor, will generate the demonstration plan for TP#5.

3.9.6.2 To support TP#5, the contractor shall provide the hardware to be demonstrated, support personnel, and system operators appropriate to enable demonstration of the end-to-end system concept.

3.9.6.3 To support TP#5, the Government will provide the event site, support personnel, data collectors, and targets (live mines with inert/live fuzes as designated in the demonstration plan).

3.10 Event Information

3.10.1 KP #1 is planned for Fort Walker, VA, in 1QTRFY26.

3.10.1.1 High Level Objectives for KP #1 include:

· Evaluate neutralizer effectiveness against live explosive hazards or representative surrogate through static testing

· Evaluate neutralizer effectiveness over an area

· Evaluate delivery accuracy of inert neutralizers to known surrogate explosive hazard locations.

· Assess approach to acquiring or detecting explosive hazards

· If utilizing Government detections/detection system:

· Evaluate ability to ingest GPS coordinates

· Evaluate ability to ingest CoT messages

· Evaluate level of integration with ATAK

· If utilizing contractor detection:

· Evaluate detection performance (probability of detection, false alarm rate, localization accuracy, rate of advance)

· Evaluate ability to provide detection messages in CSV files with GPS coordinate, confidence value, time stamp, nomination/track ID, frame number, and bounding box dimensions

3.10.2 KP #2 is planned for Fort Walker, VA, in 2QTRFY26

3.10.2.1 High Level Objectives for KP #2 include:

· Evaluate neutralizer effectiveness against surface and flush buried live explosive hazards or representative surrogate through static testing

· Evaluate neutralizer effectiveness over an area

· Evaluate delivery accuracy of inert neutralizers to multiple known explosive hazard locations

· Evaluate time and range of delivery system carrying representative inert payload.

· Evaluate subsystem capabilities in day, night, and high vegetation environments.

· Assess current capabilities in GPS and radio denied environments.

· Assess approach to acquiring or detecting explosive hazards

· If utilizing government detections/detection system:

· Evaluate ability to ingest GPS coordinates

· Evaluate ability to ingest CoT messages

· Evaluate level of integration with ATAK

· If utilizing contractor detection:

· Evaluate detection performance (probability of detection, false alarm rate, localization accuracy, rate of advance)

· Evaluate ability to provide detections in CoT message format

· Evaluate ability to display image of target

· Evaluate level of integration with ATAK

3.10.3 KP #3 is planned for Fort Walker, VA, in 3QTRFY26

3.10.3.1 High Level Objectives for KP #3 include:

· Evaluate neutralizer effectiveness against surface and flush buried live explosive hazards or representative surrogate through dynamic testing

· Evaluate accuracy of delivery to single and lane threats

· Evaluate effectiveness of neutralization system (neutralizer and delivery) against surface and flush-buried explosive hazards. Evaluate performance based on probability of neutralization as a spatial distribution over an area.

· Evaluate effectiveness of full end-to-end system

· Assess approach to acquiring or detecting explosive hazards

· If utilizing government detections/detection system:

· Evaluate ability to ingest GPS coordinates

· Evaluate ability to ingest CoT messages

· Evaluate level of integration with ATAK

· If utilizing contractor detection:

· Evaluate detection performance (probability of detection, false alarm rate, localization accuracy, rate of advance)

· Evaluate ability to provide detections in CoT message format

· Evaluate ability to display image of target

· Evaluate level of integration with ATAK

· Evaluate standoff distance and time required to neutralize a mine and lane

· Evaluate capabilities in night and high vegetation environments

· Assess current capabilities in GPS and radio-denied environments

3.10.4 Touchpoint #5 is planned for Fort Leonard Wood, MO, in 4QTRFY26

3.10.4.1 The contractor will be required to demonstrate the successful delivery of live neutralizers to multiple known live explosive hazards

3.10.4.2 This will be considered a VIP Day for demonstration to include members of the Maneuver Support Capability Directorate Integration Command, and Senior Leaders from the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence

3.10.4.3 High-Level Objectives for TP#5 include:

· Demonstrate an end-to-end precision neutralization system concept

· Demonstrate the ability to breach a lane with live explosive hazards

4. Deliverables

· The contractor shall submit a master schedule and spend plan.

· The contractor shall submit a final report of the maturation of the prototype

· The contractor shall produce a monthly report on expenditure of funding, and maturation of technology

5. Milestones Payment Schedule

Expected Award Date mm/dd/yyyy

6. Place of Performance

· To be conducted at the contractor’s facilities

7. Period of Performance

· Contract award through data document for CDD

8. Security/Classification

· Unclassified

· Company proprietary

· In accordance with the Security Classification Guide