Robotic Modularity Payloads Special Notice W911NF-19-S-0004.pdf

Document Type: Special Notice

Posted Date: 1 June 2023

Category: Research and Development

Set Aside: N/A

Contracting Office Address

Department of the Army, Army Contracting Command, ACC - APG (W911NF) Research Triangle Park Division, 800 Park Office Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

Description

This Special Notice references the AAL BAA which can be found at https://aal.army/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/W911NF-19-S- 0004_Disruptive_Applications_BAA_-_Final_draft_update.pdf W911NF-19- S-0004

Synopsis: The Army Applications Lab (AAL) is seeking technologies related to payload mounting systems for Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) to increase the modular capability of payloads as a Special Topic under the AAL Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-19-S-0004 for Advance Technology Demonstration and related research as described below. Upon receipt, the Government will evaluate submissions through the process established in the AAL BAA, except as modified herein. The Government reserves the right to cancel this special notice without award for any reason. Issuance of this notice does not commit the Governments to pay for any preparation costs incurred in compiling a response.

As a general matter, all requirements referenced in BAA W911NF-19-S-0004 apply to this effort. The Government anticipates awarding one or more Other Transaction Agreements (OTA) in accordance with 10 U.S.C 4022, under this Special Topic, but will consider other potential award types listed in the AAL BAA, to include procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and Technology Investment Agreements. A follow-on production contract or transaction may be awarded to participants awarded an OTA and successfully complete a prototype project under this Special Topic.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION – Background

Robotic Modularity Rail System

As the Army advances its development and employment of Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) the demand for payloads continues to grow as new uses for RAS are explored. These payloads require the mounting to be modular between platforms ranging from ground, air, and maritime as well as small to large platforms such as Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV). Similar to a MIL-STD 1913 commonly referred to as the Picatinny Rail the Government is looking for a stationary attachment that allows multiple attachment points and ability to swap out unique solutions with out changing the interface to the vehicle.

The intent of this special topic is to identify and develop a family of modular attachment systems, that can be utilized as a standard across the Army for RAS modular mission payload mounting. Establishing a standardized physical interface can significantly decrease integration costs and enable the users to rapidly transition payloads to meet specific mission requirements.

Ultimately, this effort must produce a solution that enables two Soldiers who have not slept in 36 hours to rapidly transition RCV modular mission payloads at night and in the rain while using common tools and a red lens flashlight.

Performance Objectives Robotic Modularity Rail System:

1. Ease of use by Soldiers in austere environments and conditions.

2. Has potential to scale to SMET following RCV integration.

3. Operators can swap payloads in all weather conditions, during both day and night, and while wearing all required PPE to include MOPP 4

4. Ruggedized to operate in the worst environments, Per MIL-STD AR 70-38,and meet the Army’s shock and vibe requirements. Must facilitate payload operation and transition in temperatures ranging from - 50 °F to 120 °F IAW Basic and Cold zones as defined in

AR 70-38.

5. Operators can change any payload with a defined set of common tools stored in a waterproof on-board storage box; ideally, payloads use no more than five different bolt sizes.

6. The physical interface system performs auto diagnostics to confirm payload is installed correctly; broadcasts results to Operator Control Unit (OCU) and on-board LED or screen.

7. Wire port to run diagnostics for payloads, upload SW updates, and extract data.

8. 110/120v outlets w/ NATO power interface as defined by STANAG No. 407 (28V) outlets for larger platforms

9. All components (ports, wire harnesses, etc.) sourced w/domestic supply chains.

10. All connections are IP67 compliant (waterproofing specs) to support amphibious operations

11. RF connections will meet MOD Payload standards. AD1167779.pdf (dtic.mil)

12. After payload installation, the operator can control all payload functions with the OCU.

1 Scope of the Call

This Special Notice invites white papers on the topic of “Robotic Modularity Rail System ”, as part of the AAL BAA Disruptive Applications.

From the white papers submitted, a limited number of submitters may be selected to submit a full proposal after undergoing a technical Q&A with Army officials.

This call invites applications on the topic of Robotic Modularity Rail System. The government intends to award between one and three government contract (or other vehicle) with a total program funded amount of $3 million across all awards. In the event the government receives additional funding, selected awardees will have the opportunity to advance their solutions through a supplemental proposal. It is not known at this time what the quantities or dollar values will be, or which exact program office or agency may produce follow-on product, however the solution may be applicable to various military application.

White papers should be for cutting-edge innovations that could produce discoveries with the potential for significant impacts to enable new and improved family of Robotic Modularity payload attachment systems.

2 Research Themes

Proposals are invited that relate to one or more of the following themes.

MOD Payload Weaver like Picatinny like

3 Application Process

Eligibility: Applications for this call we will follow the eligibility requirements of the Army Applications Lab BAA1.

Number of Awards: The Government anticipates awarding one or more awards. Award vehicles may be in any form allowed by the BAA.

Duration of Award: The Government anticipates a 12 – 18 month period of performance.

Funding: Funding will be commensurate with the agreed upon scope of work for this effort

Evaluators: Will be U.S. Army Government employees that are subject-matter experts in the topic area, jointly nominated by the Governments.

Closing Date: The deadline for Whitepaper applications for award is 30 June 2023.

Whitepapers received after 11:59 PM CST on 30 June 2023 will not be evaluated or considered for award. It is the responsibility of the submitting party to confirm receipt of submissions.

How to Apply: White papers must be submitted by 30 June 2023 utilizing the AAL website (aal_usx@army.mil)

Queries relating to the technical, management, contractual, and submission aspects of the call should be addressed to aal_usx@army.mil. Following evaluation, a select number of white papers will be selected to submit a full proposal.

Security: Classified information may not be submitted through the normal submission process identified above. Any classified information must be coordinated with POCs listed below.

Whitepaper Submissions must not exceed 10 pages and must address the stated topic in this Special Notice to be considered compliant and reviewed for potential invite for Full Proposals. Whitepapers should also contain a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) for potential costs to accomplish the proposed research.

Instructions for Full Proposals will be included as part of the Full Proposal Invitation.

1 https://aal.army/wp‐content/uploads/2019/05/W911NF‐19‐S‐0004_Disruptive_Applications_BAA_‐ _Final_draft_update.pdf

4 Evaluation Criteria

Whitepapers will be evaluated for the concept's scientific merit and potential contributions of the effort to the Army mission. Applicants whose whitepapers are evaluated as having significant scientific merit may be invited to submit a proposal.

Full Proposals will be evaluated under the evaluation criteria of the AAL BAA. The following areas will be used during evaluation. Required documentation is outlined in the BAA document.

The overall scientific and/or technical merits of the proposal and an assessment of risk versus potential impact of the technology

The potential contributions of the effort to the Army mission and the extent to which the research effort will contribute to balancing the overall AFC research program.

Cost realism and reasonableness.

Teaming arrangements and methodologies for creating and modifying teaming arrangements with other organizations.

Availability of funds to complete R&D activities and likelihood of

Army funding being available for future procurement and fielding.

The applicant's capabilities, related experience, facilities, techniques, or unique combinations of these, which are integral factors for achieving the proposed objectives.

The qualifications, capabilities, and experience of the proposed PI, team leader, or other key personnel who are critical to achievement of the proposed objectives.

The applicant's record of past performance

If selected for award, vendors need to be prepared to share digital Tech Data Package per MIL- STD-31000A and will be required to adhere to award terms requiring such sharing.

5 Review

White papers will be reviewed by the Government with top evaluated papers being invited to submit full proposals. The evaluation criteria for white papers and full proposals is outlined above.

6 Key Dates

Activity Date

Open for White Paper submissions 01 June 2023 (1259 PM CST)

Deadline for White Paper submissions 30 June 2023 (1259 PM CST)

Anticipated notification of selection to submit a Proposal

10 July 2023

Anticipated Full Proposal Submission Date 24 July 2023

Anticipated Contract Award Date 27 Sep 2023

Anticipated Contract start date 28 Sep 2023