A -- MNK-BAA-02-0003 Part 2

STAND OFF DISTANCE ENHANCEMENT The goal of this work is to develop methods and means to increase the combat radius of a munition after it has been released from the parent aircraft. Traditionally, this has been accomplished by the incorporation of some type of rocket or jet motor. Alternately, the integration of some high lift/low drag wing has also been used. Both methods have disadvantages. The rocket and jet motor are expensive and add significant weight to the munition. Conventional, fold out wings may also be expensive and cumbersome. In addition, time to target increases linearly with standoff making mobile targets more difficult to engage. Innovative advances in jet or rocket motor technology could make them lighter in weight and less expensive. There may be ways to generate airframe lift by novel means that are less bulky and less expensive than current methods. Reducing drag of the vehicle could also affect range. The purpose of this study is to develop innovative methods to efficiently and inexpensively increase munition stand off distance. Dr. Mike Valentino AFRL/MNAV +1 (555) 000-0000, ext. 3331 contact@example.gov MUNITION COMPONENT PART REDUCTION (NUMBERS/SIZE) The goal of this work is to develop manufacturing technologies, design technologies, materials, assembly methods, assemblies, or subassemblies which individually or combined, reduce the number of component parts that comprise an existing or possible future munition. The assumption is made that fewer parts translates into a finished product that may be less expensive to build, lighter in weight, more resistant to malfunction, and easier or quicker to maintain or repair. Also, a parallel goal of this work is to reduce the size of the munition's component parts. This contribution to overall size reduction would have inestimable value in both aircraft combat loadout and with regard to logistics. The purpose of this effort is to develop innovative methods to reduce a munition's component parts (both in numbers and size) while lowering its production cost and increasing its mission?ready rate and combat effectiveness. Mr. Charles Cottrell AFRL/MNAV +1 (555) 000-0000, ext. 3472 contact@example.gov NETWORKED COMMUNICATION/INTELLIGENCE The goal of this work is to develop an efficient, secure means to share real time data among individual munitions, parent aircraft, surveillance assets (airborne or space borne), and command facilities (airborne or ground based). This information may include such things as suspected target location, threat location, friendly force location, asset assignment, and possibly post strike battle damage assessment. The purpose of this information networking is to more efficiently coordinate scarce combat resources to successfully conduct a military campaign. Dr. Rob Murphey AFRL/MNGN +1 (555) 000-0000, ext. 3453 contact@example.gov MUNITION KNOWLEDGE (ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE) The goal of this work is to develop an artificial intelligence based "knowledge" that may be applicable to munitions including submunitions. This artificial intelligence may be applicable to self-diagnostic maintenance, to optimal target selection, to a mid-strike analysis by remaining submunitions, real-time for path planning, or any other method which could enhance individual weapon or coordinated sortie effectiveness. A munition that could modify its attack profile just prior to target engagement in order to optimize its impact effectiveness would represent an important advance. A munition which could adapt its ingress path to the target to increase the number of targets and the probabilities of these detections and classifications, while simultaneously avoiding threats and jamming would also represent an important advance. The purpose of this study is to develop a munition based artificial intelligence capability, which would enhance dependability and efficiency. Mr. David Gray AFRL/MNGI +1 (555) 000-0000, ext. 2373 contact@example.gov MULTIFUNCTIONAL DAMAGE MECHANISMS The goal of this work is to develop damage mechanisms that destroy or seriously degrade a target without resorting solely to blast, fragments, or high-speed projectile impact. Advances in several scientific fields may offer suitable avenues for development. The combining of one or more unconventional damage mechanisms along with conventional blast, fragmentation, and/or projectile impact mechanisms may prove to be appropriate for optimizing a future munition's effectiveness. The purpose of this study is to develop unconventional damage mechanisms, which may be used independently or in concert with existing mechanisms to enhance munition effectiveness. Dr. Alex Cash AFRL/MNMI +1 (555) 000-0000 contact@example.gov NON-LETHAL TECHNOLOGIES The goal of this work is to develop non-lethal technologies that are compatible or potentially compatible with existing or future air delivered munitions and are likely to be effective in situations where deadly force is not the best solution. These non-lethal technologies can be used for facility denial purposes and/or for degrading the combat effectiveness of enemy vehicles and dismounted personnel. Particular emphasis shall be placed on two areas: hard and deeply buried facility denial and usefulness in an urban environment against hidden or barricaded combatants. It is understood that future air delivered weapons which employ non-lethal munitions may have to be deployed from unconventional platforms such as cargo planes and helicopters, though deployment from existing attack aircraft is preferred. The purpose of this study is to develop a capability in this area for the Air Force. Mr. Charles Cottrell AFRL/MNAV +1 (555) 000-0000, ext. 3472 contact@example.gov BATTLE DAMAGE INDICATION The goal of this work is to develop low cost, innovative methods to quickly determine the affect an air-delivered munition has had on its intended target. This is especially important with regard to deeply buried targets where post-attack visual cues may be difficult to perceive. An onboard munition data link may be appropriate for obtaining an indication of damage to this type of target. Such a data link might be dependent on a trailing wire, or it might be completely wireless. Conversely, the battle damage indicator might be totally independent of the penetrating munition. The purpose of this study is to develop a low cost, efficient, and reliable means to quickly provide the warfighter an accurate determination, or at least a reliable estimate, of the damage inflicted on a target - particularly a hardened and/or deeply buried one. Dr. Alex Cash AFRL/MNMI +1 (555) 000-0000 contact@example.gov ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION PREVENTION One of the goals of the Munitions Directorate is to develop "Green Munitions" concepts. These concepts would result in weapons that would not cause pervasive adverse environmental effects and would use environmentally friendly manufacturing materials and techniques. The objective of this work is to develop processes, materials, recycling, or disposal methods that would minimize the amount and hazardous nature of pollutants in munitions concepts. Concepts could span a wide range of topics from the development of composites with non-hazardous constituents, devices to detect underground unexploded ordnance, to recycling materials such as coolants and metal alloys. Revolutionary proposals, for example, would be those that reduced the need for hazardous materials, recycled hazardous by-products, or reduced operational costs by using recyclable components. Dr. Alex Cash AFRL/MNMI +1 (555) 000-0000 contact@example.gov. TECHNOLOGY TOPICS The Directorate wishes to emphasize innovative research that may support the following four topics. These topics are of particular interest in that several synergistic revolutionary guidance and ordnance technologies may be combined to lend support. Perhaps two or more of the twelve prospective research areas listed above could be combined in some fashion. 1. POSITRON ENERGY CONVERSION The modern Air Force runs on energy. The service has been using various forms of chemical energy to accomplish its objectives for the 50 plus years of its existence. Recent advances in physics are opening the door to a new realm of energy usage based on the famous E = mc2 relationship. Mass conversion to energy provides the densest source of energy known. Exploration of the possibilities of applying this source of energy storage to solving the Air Forces' problems is important and primary to accomplishing future goals. Whether in the form of antimatter research (positron production, containment and conversion) or in the area of advanced energetics, new, innovative, and efficient sources of energy are a must for future war fighting. Mr. Ken Edwards AFRL/MNAV +1 (555) 000-0000, ext. 3387 contact@example.gov 2. MICRO PLATFORMS The goal of this work is to develop technologies to support a "micro-bot" system that can, depending on its payload and operational requirements, act as means of attacking, tagging, tracking, and/or observing enemy operations. The technology developments required to realize the micro-platform concept include advancements in sensors, micro-fabrication, micro-power, munitions, and communications. The goal is to develop a micro-scaled device capable of satisfying three basic functional requirements regardless of operational function: (1) mobility ? the ability to move about autonomously or in coordination, (2) navigation - the ability to determine the appropriate direction of motion, and (3) payload delivery - the ability to autonomously, or in coordination, deliver its payload dependent upon its mission. The purpose of this effort is to develop a micro-scaled platform capable of efficiently acting as a means of observing, tracking, tagging, and/or attacking mission targets. Ms Carrie Fowler AFRL/MNAV +1 (555) 000-0000, ext. 3383 contact@example.gov 3. COOPERATIVE ATTACK The goal of this work is to develop a means whereby discrete weapons or submunitions can coordinate their attack. The Directorate expects that many future weapons will be equipped with autonomous target acquisition (ATA) algorithms. However, even with ATA, each munition selects a target based solely upon its own information. The result is that many targets are completely missed, while more munitions than necessary to achieve a kill attack the highly visible targets. The major objective of this research is to develop the technologies that will enable a group of autonomous munitions to communicate, cooperate, and adapt to battlefield dynamics such that the search and attack strategies are optimal. Dr. Rob Murphey AFRL/MNGN +1 (555) 000-0000, ext. 3453 contact@example.gov SUBTERRANEAN PLATFORMS The Air Force is increasingly interested in servicing targets that are located underground and are often deeply buried. Traditionally, these targets have been attacked with large, heavy-cased gravity bombs. However, future weapon systems may be somewhat smaller in size and may be able to intelligently maneuver from the surface to a specific underground location. A few of the issues that must be addressed include the means of underground navigation, the method of locomotion, the locomotive energy source, and the types of onboard payloads. Further, subterranean platforms may possibly be used as a means to accurately and surreptitiously place sensors that may monitor a given location. Mr. Fred Davis ARRL/MNA +1 (555) 000-0000, ext. 3212 contact@example.gov PART II PROPOSAL EVALUATION A.Proposals submitted in response to this BAA will be evaluated as received using the factors given below. The factors are listed in descending order of importance. No further evaluation criteria will be used in selecting the proposals. 1. The overall scientific and/or technical merits of the proposal, the potential contributions of the effort to the AFRL/MN mission and the extent to which the research effort will contribute to balancing this directorate's overall research program. 2. The offeror's capabilities, related experience (to include past and present performance), facilities, techniques, or unique combinations of these that are integral factors for achieving the proposal objectives. 3. The qualifications, capabilities, and experience of the proposed principal investigator, team leader, and other key personnel who are critical to achieving the proposal objectives. 4. The reasonableness and realism of proposed costs and fees if any, the proposed cost share by the offeror if any, and the availability of funds. B. Upon receipt of a proposal, the AFRL/MN technical staff will perform an initial review of its scientific merit and potential contribution to the Air Force mission and also determine if funds are expected to be available for the effort. Proposals not considered having sufficient scientific merit or relevance to Air Force needs, or those in areas for which funds are not expected to be available, may be declined without further review. C. It is the policy of AFRL/MN to treat all proposals as privileged information prior to award, and to disclose the contents only for the purposes of evaluation. Proposals not declined as a result of initial review will be subject to an extensive evaluation by highly qualified scientists from within the Government. The offeror must indicate on the appropriate form any limitation to be placed on disclosure of information contained in the proposal. D. Each proposal will be evaluated based on the merit and relevance of the specific research proposed as it relates to the overall AFRL/MN program, rather than against other proposals for research in the same general area. PART III PROPOSAL PREPARATION A. Each proposal submitted should consist of two volumes. Volume 1 should provide the technical proposal and Volume 2 should address the price/cost portions of the proposal. Volume 1 should be limited to a total of 50 pages, including resumes, charts, figures, tables, etc. Pages in excess of the specified 50 pages will be removed and returned to the offeror before evaluation starts. A page is defined to be one side of an 8.5 x 11-inch piece of paper with information on it. Minimum print size is 10-point type, or 12 pitch. Every proposal shall have at least one copy submitted on disk or via e-mail with a hard copy of the signature page sent via regular mail. Proposals submitted on disk or sent via e-mail are to be submitted on Microsoft Office 97 or Microsoft Word 2000 format. Note: The preferred format for all proposals is via electronic means, whether on disc or e-mail. The Government intends to work proposals and awards through electronic means. To do business with the Air Force Research Laboratory/Munitions Directorate (AFRL/MN), you must have software packages that are compatible with Microsoft Office 97. B. The technical portion of the proposal, Volume 1, should contain the following: 1. A title and abstract that includes a concise Statement of Work and basic approaches to be utilized. The Statement of Work should indicate the effort intended for each period of research. 2. A reasonably complete discussion stating the background and objectives of the proposed work, the approaches to be considered, and the resources to be employed. Include also the nature and extent of the anticipated results, and if known, the manner in which the work will contribute to the accomplishment of the agency's mission. 3. The names, brief biographical information, and a list of recent publications of the offeror's key personnel who will be involved in the research. Documentation of previous work or experience of the proposer in the field is especially important. 4. The type of support, if any, the offeror requests of the Munitions Directorate, e.g. facilities, equipment, and materials. 5. The names of federal, state, local agencies or other parties receiving the proposals and/or funding the proposed effort of a similar nature. If none, so state. 6. The identity of facilities, specialized equipment, or other real property to be used for the work, if appropriate for an understanding of the technical work to be conducted. 7. Identify all on-going Government contracts and related past contracts or assistance instruments. Provide a technical point of contact and telephone number for each contract cited. C. The cost portion of the proposal, Volume 2, should contain the following: 1. Proposal Pricing Cover Sheet for total proposal. 2. Summary by cost element and profit for each contract line and sub-line item and for the total proposal. 3. Labor summary for total proposal by categories, rates, and hours. Include an explanation of how labor rates are computed, including base rates and escalation. Show that are level of effort, if applicable. For proposals from universities, the times and amounts to be charged should be identified by academic year and summer effort. 4. Identification of indirect rates by fiscal year and explanation of how established and base to which they apply. 5. Bill of materials detailing items by type, quantity, and unit price, total amount, and source of estimate. Provide vendor quotes. 6. Summary of all travels by destination, purpose, number of people and days, air fare, per diem, car rental, etc. 7. Consultants by name, rate, and number of days or hours. Furnish copy of consulting agreement, and identify prior agreements under which the consultant received the proposed rate. 8. Other direct costs by type, amount, cost per unit and purpose. Specifically identify any costs for printing and publication and computers. 9. Subcontractor's proposal with prime offeror's price/cost analysis of subcontractor?s proposal. If subcontractor was not competed, include justification. 10. Forecast of monthly dollar commitments for the proposed contract period. 11. Type of contract or assistance instrument proposed. (We expect most awards to universities and non-profit organizations to be grants.) 12. State whether you are a large business, small business, small disadvantaged business, woman-owned small business, nonprofit, educational, or historically black college or university. 13. Other terms and conditions, if any. D. Grants, cooperative agreements, and other transactions are encouraged. Information regarding these can be found in the AFMC Homepage - site: http://www.afmc.wpafb.af.mil/organizations/HQ-AFMC/PK/pkt/jump.htm. The cost proposal should follow items one (1) through thirteen (13), above, as applicable for assistance instruments. E. Award of a grant to universities or nonprofit institutions, in lieu of a contract, will be considered and will be subject to the mutual agreement of the parties. F. The use of oral technical presentations is highly encouraged. Specific guidelines need to be followed for the use of oral technical presentations. For information regarding the use of oral technical presentations contact Brenda Soler at 101 West Eglin Boulevard, Suite 337, Eglin AFB FL 32542-6810, +1 (555) 000-0000, ext.3206. G. Options are discouraged and unpriced options will not be considered for award. H. The cost of preparing proposals in response to this announcement is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting contract, or any other contract. It is, however, an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect cost specified in FAR 31.205-18. I. The general scope for a program resulting from this BAA is a limited research program, generally a feasibility Study. The program should be designed to demonstrate well defined and substantive research results, should not be overly ambitious or open-ended, and should not be a paper study that inherently requires a substantial testing effort. Any significant testing is unlikely; however there is a possibility of experimental testing to support battle lab experiments proposed under this BAA. The suggested guideline on price is up to approximately $300,000, but there is limited potential for larger awards depending upon the availability of funds, the scope of the work and the potential for a cost sharing contract or assistance instrument. Programs to support Team Eglin Technology Demonstration Programs will be considered under this BAA. J. Refer to the "Proprietary Information" and "When and How to Submit" sections of Air Force Material Command Unsolicited Proposal Guide, AFMC Pamphlet 64-101. The AFMC Form 190 is not applicable to BAAs. The guide is available at the following AFMC publications site: http://www.afmc-mil.wpafb.af.mil/pdl/afmc/. K. Responders should reference the above number (MNK-BAA-02-0003) and a technical topic and contact name. Proposals should be sent to Ms. Brenda Soler, 101 West Eglin Boulevard, Suite 337, Eglin AFB, FL. 32542-6810. This announcement is open and effective until super-ceded. Those who propose are warned that only contracting officers are legally authorized to obligate the government. L. A National Agency Check will be required if it necessary for a Contractor to use Government computers. M. An Ombudsman has been appointed to address concerns from offerors or potential offerors during the proposal development phase of this acquisition. The Ombudsman does not diminish the authority of the Program Director or Contracting Officer, but communicates Contractor concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations to the appropriate Government personnel. When requested, the Ombudsman shall maintain strict confidentiality as the source of the concern. The Ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposal or in the source selection process. Matters of a routine or administrative nature concerning this acquisition should not be addressed to the Ombudsman but rather to the Contracting Officer, Contract Specialist, or the Program Manager identified above. For any other concerns, interested parties may call AFRL/MN's Ombudsman, Lt Col Mary T. Quinn, +1 (555) 000-0000 ext 3420.