Converting 2D Drawings and Manuals to Systems Level Models for the Navy

The Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program relies on an extensive collection of two-dimensional (2D) drawings and manuals to represent and operate various systems, sub-systems, and components aboard deployed nuclear powered, seafaring vessels. However, with the increasing ability to support more advanced integrated analysis on systems, there is a growing desire to convert these 2D representations of existing platforms into system level models.  System level modeling provides an integrated view of complex systems, enabling better understanding, prediction, and optimization of their behavior. This can lead to enhanced operational effectiveness, more rapid response to shipboard issues, improved maintenance planning, and more effective training and simulation.

Converting existing 2D drawings and manuals into system level models presents significant challenges: 

1. Data Extraction: Automatically extracting relevant information from large collections of 2D paper based and electronic documents is a complex task, requiring the use of advanced OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology, pattern recognition algorithms, and semantic understanding to accurately interpret the content.

2. Data Transformation: Once data has been extracted, it must be transformed into an appropriate format for system modeling tools. This may involve converting units of measurement, resolving ambiguities in representation, and establishing relationships between different components.

3. Modeling Complexity: Naval systems are inherently complex, with multiple interacting system and subsystem interfaces and external dependencies (e.g., layers of interconnected operating procedures, human watchstanders). Creating accurate models that capture this complexity requires a deep understanding of the underlying technologies and domain expertise.

4. Data Integration: Bringing together data from various sources (e.g., drawings, manuals, operating data, computer models) to enable the creation of comprehensive system architecture and engineering analysis models can be challenging due to differences in format, structure, and semantics. Effective integration strategies are necessary for ensuring model consistency and accuracy.

5. Security and Compliance: Given the sensitive nature of naval nuclear propulsion information, it is crucial that any conversion process adheres to strict security protocols and complies with relevant regulations (e.g., classification, export controls, need to know).

Solutions are being sought for the Navy to be able to unlock valuable insights from its extensive collection of 2D drawings and manuals and detailed computer simulations.  The proposed solution should enable enhanced operational effectiveness and faster shipboard issue response along with improved maintenance planning and delivering more effective training and simulations.
 
*Note to proposers: Within the RFP documents you will see refrence to a P-303 form and a SF-328 form.  You only need to submit a SF-328 form with your submittal not a P-303