PWS (AI_ML).docx

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

C.1 Background:

As part of its mission, the Technology Integration Branch has a continuing need for the conduct of applied research and analyses, as well as operational demonstrations as related to Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) technologies; Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) development processes and technologies, and pathfinder processes to identify militarily relevant technologies from unique sources. It is necessary to obtain a wide variety of technical data on both new concepts and improvements to existing systems. Additionally, the mission of the Technology Integration Branch includes the development of advanced concepts in persistent sensing systems, autonomous sensors, sensor data exploitation, intelligence analysis, and AI/ML techniques that improve the foregoing. The research, development, and operationalization of concepts for sensors, related information sources and AI/ML techniques in peer, asymmetric, counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency warfare, and multi-domain warfare is of utmost importance to the U.S. Forces, and is required by this effort.

The Technology Integration Branch of the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) requires Technology Management Support to develop and demonstrate innovative concepts. The initial demonstration for this effort shall take place at the Technical Cooperation Program (TTCP) Artificial Intelligence Strategic Challenge (AISC) in 2023. TTCP AISC allows agencies within the Department of Defense (DOD), including coalition partners, to test new and existing technologies in an operationally realistic environment. By incorporating an expeditionary Processing, Exploitation, Dissemination (PED) model, this effort will demonstrate the utility of multinational sensor and command and control interoperability in an operationally relevant environment. This effort will further research and develop the concepts tested at TTCP AISC using the data to provide innovative solutions for the provision of real time situational awareness in a dense and information-soaked environment. The research, development, and operationalization of concepts for sensors, related information sources and AI/ML techniques in peer, asymmetric, counterterrorism, counter-insurgency warfare, and multi-domain warfare is of utmost importance to U.S. and Coalition Forces.

C.2 Overall Objective:

The Objective of this effort is to develop concepts that incorporate visualization, include coalition interconnectivity, allow for the ability to obtain data from all information sources, to include Unattended Ground Sensors, improve situational awareness, and decrease the current analyst workload. In particular, this effort will support contested/dense urban environment operations to include subterranean environments. To accomplish its mission as detailed in C.1., the Technology Integration Branch requires professional engineering and analysis contractor support addressing real time situational awareness in a dense and information-soaked environment. The Contractor shall demonstrate their concept to meet these goals at the TTCP AISC 23.

C.3 Analyst Requirement: The Contractor shall perform the following requirements to support the Technology Integration Branch in accomplishing its mission as detailed in C.1.

C.3.1 Analyst Concept: The Technology Integration Branch has a need to develop and demonstrate novel concepts to fully exploit all available data and provide improved 24/7 situational awareness for Tactical Unit type Mission Command while reducing the number of analysts required. The Contractor shall provide a technical concept that reduces the amount of time required to provide situational awareness (from the time the data is available until the situational awareness picture is updated with this data). The Contractor shall ensure this concept fully exploits all available data and is suitable to the contested/dense urban environment operations to include subterranean environments. Further, the Contractor may be required conduct analysis as described below:

C.3.1.1 Research and Development Topics: The Contractor shall provide overall operational support in Research Development Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) activities.

The Contractor shall perform technical assessments on Common Operating Picture ( COP)system topics, provided as Government Furnished Information ( GFI )by the Contract Officer Representative (COR). The output required for these assessments may take the form of an Information Paper, Point Paper, or White Paper; Technical Analysis; Power Point presentation; Impact Assessment Form (provided as GFI at award); Concept of Operation (CONOPS); Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs); or Field Evaluation. The COR will also provide a description of the required output and delivery schedule for the output to the Contractor at the same time the specific topic is provided as well as background information and Government Officials to interview. Upon receipt of a specific topic, the Contractor shall begin performing the assessment and producing the required output. Upon completion of the required output, the Contractor shall deliver the required output to the COR and other official(s) designated by the COR (in writing).

C.3.1.1 Operation and Maintenance Topics: The Contractor shall provide overall operational support in O&M activities.

The Contractor shall perform operational assessments on ISR system topics, provided as GFI by the COR. The output required for these assessments may take the form of an Information Paper, Point Paper, or White Paper; Technical Analysis; Power Point presentation; Impact Assessment Form (provided as GFI at task award); CONOPS; or TTPs; or Department of Defense Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation (DIACAP) Assessment Package. The COR will also provide a description of the required output and delivery schedule for the output to the Contractor at the same time the specific topic is provided as well as background information and Government Officials to interview. Upon receipt of a specific topic, the Contractor shall begin performing the assessment and producing the required output. Upon completion of the required output, the Contractor shall deliver the required output to the COR and other official(s) designated by the COR (in writing).

C.3.2 Other Direct Costs (ODC) Submissions: When Other Direct Costs (ODC) purchases are required, the Contractor shall provide a full quote package to the COR that includes either multiple competitive quotes for the ODC obtained by multiple vendors or a sole source quote for the ODC including a justification for the sole source as well as cost and pricing data supporting the price quoted. The Contractor shall also ensure the full quote package includes a description of the ODC and what performance work statement paragraph the ODC supports. The COR will review the full quote package within three (3) business days of receipt. The Contractor shall not purchase the ODC until approval is received from the COR.

C.3.3.1 In general, on Government facilities, the Government will furnish expendable supplies and other equipment used in accomplishing tasks. The Contractor shall furnish on an as needed basis other small expendable items or parts of a non-routine nature needed to ensure that schedules are met. In general, the Government will furnish durable equipment used in Government facility operations.

C.3.3 Deliverables:

C.3.3.1 Monthly Report The Contractor shall provide monthly reports on the 10th day of each month to the COR summarizing current program activities and accomplishments, problems encountered (including identification of any problems, issues and delays and any corrective action that was taken to correct identified problems), recommended solutions (including risk assessment and abatement plan) to problems, incurred costs, schedule status (planned versus actual with rationale for deviations) and planned activities and costs. The Contractor shall ensure the monthly reports also include the status of action items, travel costs previously projected for the month, actual travel costs for the month, planned travel costs for the following month and any recommended program plan revisions based on lessons learned. The Contractor shall ensure the monthly reports contain both technical and programmatic sections, in Contractor format (to be approved by the COR within one (1) week of first submission). The Contractor shall deliver one (1) copy of the report electronically to the COR.

C.3.3.2 Final Report The Contractor shall provide a final report NLT thirty (30) days prior to the end of the contract detailing the findings from all efforts performed under this contract. The Contractor shall ensure the report includes lessons learned, and recommendations for further enhancements. The COR will review and comment on the final report within fifteen (15) days of receipt. Upon receipt of the COR comments, the Contractor shall revise the final report to incorporate the COR’s comments and deliver one (1) copy electronically as well as two (2) printed hard copies to the COR.

C.3.3.3 Administrative Reports & Documentation The Contractor shall provide administrative documentation requested by the COR as identified in C.3.2

C.4 Contract Deliverables:

NLT the 10th day of each month

30 days prior to the end of the PoP

As identified in 3.3

Following the delivery schedule designated by the COR upon topic assignment.

Project Management Plan

At the Kickoff Meeting

C.4 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT (GFE) / GFI / OTHER GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIALS

C.4.1 Government Furnished On-Site Facilities Materials:

Any Contractor working at a Government owned and operated work-site shall adhere to all standard operating practices and procedures in place at their particular facility. The Government will provide workspace, furnishings, and equipment including office automation (e.g. computers, printers) and telephones, for on-site Contractors in ARL buildings orders. ARL Operations will determine space allocation in ARL buildings. Coordination for space, furnishings, and equipment shall be the responsibility of the COR.

C.5 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

Work shall be performed throughout the ARL and at Contractor provided facilities. Work at ARL facilities will be predominantly located at the Adelphi Laboratory Center (ALC).

C.5.1 Temporary Locations:

Some work may be required at temporary remote locations, as opposed the normal location for contract personnel.

C.6 PERSONNEL:

C.6.1 Extended Workweek:

Contractor workweek is forty (40) hours. The Contractor shall obtain written approval from the Contracting Officer prior to incurring any billable extended hours in excess of the Contractor workweek. COR duties are described in DFARS 252.201-7000(b). Any services that extend beyond the forty (40) hours in a given calendar week is considered extended and shall be billed at non-premium rates.

C.6.2 National Agency Check (NAC):

The Contractor shall ensure an acceptable NAC submission is submitted to the ARL Security and Counter-Intelligence Office, ATTN: RDRL-LOI-S 2800 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, MD 20783, prior to Contractor employees commencing work and is required prior to Contractor employees accessing the ARL Network. If an unfavorable NAC is received for a Contractor employee, the Contractor shall remove the employee immediately from the contract.

C.6.3 Installation Access:

All vehicles and personnel are subject to search and seizure of contraband or unauthorized Government property according to AR 190-13.

C.6.4 ARL Photographic Security Badges:

Photographic security badges will be issued to Contractor personnel upon receipt of a NAC. The Contractor employee shall prepare an ARL Form 40, Security Badge/ID Card Application, (provided by the COR) and the Government COR/POC will complete blocks 18-24. The Contractor employee shall complete registration into the Trusted Associate Sponsorship System (TASS) prior to being badged; the COR will provide the web link to the Contractor. The Contractor employee shall submit the signed application to Room 1B006B, Building 205. The Contractor employee shall return the Photographic Security Badge to Room 1B006B, Bldg. 205 upon termination of performing under this contract.

C.6.5 Common Access Card (CAC):

All Contractor employees having access to Government computer systems are required issuance of a CAC.

C.6.6 CAC:

Contractor employees shall first complete the required information at https:www.us.army.mil, by pressing the “I’m a New User” tab then pressing “Next” in the “Guest Accounts” section. The Contractor shall enter the name of the COR assigned to this contract at the “AKO User Name of your Army Sponsor” prompt. The Contractor shall set up their AKO e-mail to forward mail to their ARL e-mail address by following the instructions available at the AKO site. After obtaining an AKO e-mail address the Contractor shall complete the form at https://arlinside.arl.army.mil/cos/io/ARLForm225CACWorksheet.pdf , print the completed form out and have the ARL Form 225 signed by the COR. The Contractor employee shall forward the AKO address by e-mail to the COR. The Contractor employee shall submit signed CAC paperwork to Room 1B006B, Building 205. The Contractor employee will be notified by phone to set up an appointment to have their CAC prepared. The Contractor employee shall return the CAC to the Access Control/Badging Office, Room 1B006B, Bldg. 205, upon termination of performing under this contract.

C.6.7 Automated Data Processing (ADP) Security:

The Contractor shall ensure information systems are protected according to Army Regulation (AR) 380-19. The Contractor shall ensure fullest consideration of those measures required providing operations security and to protect the integrity of data being handled according to AR 25-2.

C.6.8 Departing Employees:

The Contractor shall ensure all personnel turn-in any issued Government-Furnished Property (GFP), security badges, and identification cards to the Government at the completion of their employment. The Contractor shall develop an employment or installation clearance form to include a signature block for the Government to certify that the employee has properly cleared before leaving employment by the Contractor.

C.6.9 Conflict of Interest:

The Contractor shall not employ any person whose employment under the contract could in any way result in a conflict of interest or violation of ethical standards with the Government or another Contractor effort. Non-disclosure agreements will be required for all contract employees.

C.7 SECURITY REQUIREMENTS:

A security level of TOP SECRET/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) will be required to support the majority of work under this effort.

C.7.1. Failure to Provide Cleared Personnel:

Failure to provide qualified, cleared personnel will cause a severe impact on the U.S. Government’s mission. The Government maintains its right to exercise the Termination clause or other rights granted by the terms of this contract or by law.

C.7.2 Secure Facilities:

The Contractor shall have a Top Secret facility clearance with at least Secret safeguarding capability IAW the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual DoD 5220.22-M at time of award in order to perform the functions required under this PWS.

C.7.3 Security Notification:

The Contractor shall report to the COR for tracking purposes, the workplace location for every employee charging to this TO to include temporary duty locations (i.e. Travel). The mechanism for reporting this information shall be determined at Post Award Conference. Prior to any of their employees reporting on-site to ARL, the Contractor shall follow the procedures provided as GFI at the Post Award Conference as well as all other security procedures.

C.8 DATA RIGHTS, DISTRIBUTION LIMITATION AND MARKINGS:

C.8.1 The Contractor shall deliver all products and documents developed or generated under this contract with the Contractor’s privately funded computer programs with Government Purpose rights. All data and reports shall contain the following statements: This material may be reproduced by or for the U.S. Government pursuant to the copyright license under clause at DFARS 252.227-7013 (FEB 2014).

The U.S. Government retains Government Purpose Rights. Government Purpose Rights means right to use, modify, reproduce, release, perform, display, or disclose technical data within the Government without restriction; and Release or disclose technical data outside the Government and authorize persons to whom release or disclosure has been made to use, modify, reproduce, release, perform, display, or disclose that data for United States Government purposes.

C.8.2. The Contractor shall deliver all products and documents developed or generated under this contract separate from the Contractor’s privately funded computer programs with unlimited rights to the Government with US Government ownership. All data and reports shall contain the following statements: This material may be reproduced by or for the U.S. Government pursuant to the copyright license under clause at DFARS 252.227-7013 (FEB 2014).

The U.S. Government retains Unlimited Rights. Unlimited rights means right to use, modify, perform, display, release, or disclose technical data and intellectual property in whole or in part, in any manner and for any purpose whatsoever, and to have or authorize others to do so.

C.9 RELEASE OF INFORMATION AND CONTRACT DELIVERABLES:

C.9.1 Distribution Statement: DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT F. Further dissemination only as directed by RDRL-SES-S (21 May 2014) or higher DoD authority.”

The Contractor shall ensure that all information generated from this PWS is distributed in accordance with the following distribution statement:

Distribution Statement C: Distribution authorized to U.S. Government Agencies and their contractors (Administrative or Operational Use) (6 March 2014). Other requests for this document shall be referred to RDRL-SES-S.

C.10 ANTI-TERRORISM/OPERATIONAL SECURITY (AT/OPSEC)

C.10.1 Contractor employees and all associated sub-contractors employees requiring access to Army installations, facilities and controlled access areas shall complete AT Level I awareness training within 14 calendar days after contract start date or effective date of incorporation of this requirement into the contract, whichever is applicable. AT Level I awareness training is available at the following website: https: //atlevel1.dtic.mil/at. The contractor shall submit certificates of completion for each affected contractor employee and subcontractor employee to the COR within seven (7) calendar days after completion of training by all employees and subcontractor personnel. This includes new contractor employees as they are assigned.

C.10.2 Contractor employees and all associated sub-contractor employees shall comply with applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by the COR as GFI at contract start date or effective date of incorporation of this requirement into the contract, whichever is applicable) such as wearing of ID Badges etc. The contractor shall also provide all information locally required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office. Contractor workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements as directed by the COR based on DOD, HQDA and/or local policy. In addition should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any individual facility or installation change, the COR may require changes in contractor security matters or processes. During FPCON Charlie and Delta and other required postures such a Lockdown, Shelter In Place or Evacuation contractor employees will resume work as soon a possible after the FPCON has been lowered or the posture returned to normal operations. This pertains to real situations and exercises.

C.10.3 The Contractor and all associated sub-contractors shall insure that all their employees participate in local training as required by the COR based on the local ATO (Anti-Terrorism Officer) requirements, such as local iWatch training, to inform employees of the types of behavior to watch for and instruct employees to report suspicious activity to the COR.

C.10.4 The Contractor and all associated sub-contractors shall insure that all local clearance procedures (i.e. return of ID badges etc. provided by the COR as GFI at contract start date or effective date of incorporation of this requirement into the contract, whichever is applicable) are followed for departing contractor employees and sub-contractor employees.

C.10.5 US based contractor employees and associated sub-contractor employees who will perform work OCONUS will receive government provided area of responsibility (AOR) specific AT awareness training as directed by AR 525-13 and meet all country clearance requirements per the Personnel Policy Guidance (PPG) and local deployment requirements and documentation. This information is provided by the COR as Government Furnished Information (GFI) at contract start date or effective date of incorporation of this requirement into the contract, whichever is applicable.

C.10.6 Contractor employees and associated sub-contractor employees who are authorized to accompany US Armed Forces deployed outside the US in contingency operations; humanitarian or peacekeeping operations; or other military operations or exercises, when designated by the combatant commander the following AT/OPSEC related topics: required compliance with laws and regulations, pre-deployment requirements, required training (per combatant command guidance), and personnel data requirements will be addressed before deployment and all documentation. This information is provided by the COR as GFI at contract start date or effective date of incorporation of this requirement into the contract, whichever is applicable. Non-local national contractor employees (not citizens of the foreign country of performance or delivery) and associated sub-contractor employees who are required to provide performance or delivery in a foreign country both for contingencies and non-contingency support contractors are to comply with country and theater clearance requirements and allows the combatant commander to exercise oversight to ensure the contractor's compliance with combatant commander and subordinate task force commander policies and directives. This information is provided by the COR as GFI at contract start date or effective date of incorporation of this requirement into the contract, whichever is applicable.

C.10.7 Contractors and all associated sub-contractors who must meet OPSEC requirements as stated on the DD Form 254 shall develop an OPSEC Standing Operating Procedure (SOP)/Plan within 90 calendar days of contract award, to the COR to be reviewed and approved by the responsible Government OPSEC officer, usarmy.adelphi.arl.mbx.arleoc@army.mil per AR 530-1, Operations Security. This SOP/Plan will include the government's critical information, why it needs to be protected, where it is located, who is responsible for it, and how to protect it. In addition, the contractor shall identify an individual who shall be an OPSEC Coordinator. The contractor will ensure this individual becomes OPSEC Level II certified per AR 530-1.

C.10.8 Contractors and all associated sub-contractors who must meet OPSEC requirements as stated on the DD Form 254 shall insure that all contractor employees including new contractors starting after implementation of the contract must complete ARL Annual Security Awareness and OPSEC Training (Level I OPSEC training) within 30 calendar days of their reporting for duty. This information is provided by the COR as Government Furnished Information (GFI) at contract start date or effective date of incorporation of this requirement into the contract, whichever is applicable.

C.10.9 Contractors and all associated sub-contractors who will handle or have access to Classified Information are directed to analyze FAR 52.204-2, Security Requirements. This clause involves access to information classified "Confidential," "Secret," or "Top Secret" and requires contractors to comply with (1) The Security Agreement (DD Form 441), including the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (DoD 5220.22-M); any revisions to DOD 5220.22-M, notice of which has been provided by the COR as GFI at contract start date or effective date of incorporation of this requirement into the contract, whichever is applicable.

C.10.10 Contractor Employees and associated sub-contractor employees who require access to Government Information Systems must successfully complete the DOD Information Assurance Awareness training, other mandatory IA training (ArmyG3 security, Cyber Security Tip, Home Computer Security, Personally Identifiable Information Handling, Phishing, and Portable Electronic Devices) and complete an ARL Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) form prior to access to the information systems. The DOD Information Assurance Awareness training must be completed annually thereafter, and the ARL AUP will need to be re-signed after any major change. This information is provided by the COR as GFI at contract start date or effective date of incorporation of this requirement into the contract, whichever is applicable. After completion of the AUP it must be forwarded to the ARL Corporate Information Office (CIO) Information Assurance Management (IAM) office at: usarmy.adelphi.arl.mbx.arl-iam@army.mil