A -- soliciting research proposals for new and innovative R&D solutions

DISTRIBUTED NETWORKED FORCES (DNF), RELATED TECHNOLOGIES AND COMPLEX ANALTICAL TOOLS & METHODS Explore and develop analysis, which uses universal scaling laws, adaptive computational tools such as non-linear dynamics, and genomic algorithms, and apply these tenets holistically across the force, to empirically understand the power law relationships represented in a distributed networked force and possibly needed for future defense related force architectures. - Insight into networked behavior, structural topology, and the dependency of interconnectivity on organizational relationships for effective command and control of a geographically dispersed networked force (not the LANS, servers, nodes or electronic connections). - Roles, metrics, and impact needed to incorporate autonomous assets such as UUVs, USVs, and UAVs as part of the Distributed Networked Force. - The use of very fast hull forms (>60 knots), scale free attributes, high numbers and the modular aspects that affect the operational capability of Distributed Networked Forces. - Understand the micro and macro organizational relationships between National Security Council, DoD, OSD, the Services and Combatant Commands from top to bottom when using distributed networked forces. - Create co-evolutionary options, using agent based models and methods, for the kinds of forces needed to operate in a complex adaptive environment. - The structure and analysis, which may reduce C2 overhead when commanding, controlling and manipulating the complex behavior of high numbers of geographically dispersed interconnected forces (Distributed Networked Forces). - Provide and determine modular principles, and the trade offs between integration and modularity at the lowest scale (construction) to recombination of assets at the highest operational level. Determine how these affect Sense and Respond Logistics (S&RL), as well as the advantages of incorporating a dynamic and adaptive Command and Control structure for the employment of Distributed Networked Forces. - Create or adapt software tools, algorithms, and methods for determining the function, scale, application and management of modular transport systems. Determine the aspects of dimensionally related cargo and the metrics needed to determine the principles of modularity when applied to Distributed Networked Forces using a Sense and Respond neural network. - Provide and determine the necessary Real Option analysis qualities and metrics that are needed for strategic, operational, and tactical decisions imbedded in a Distributed Networked Force which; Preserve Flexibility - For adapting to uncertainty; Hedge against Contingencies - For reacting to the unexpected; and Mitigate Volatility - By continuously creating new options. Determine how these items are quantified for Real Options analysis, and how these values provide options in a complex uncertain environment endemic to conflict. Quantify and present, in mathematical form, the Real Option variables for defense analysis. Determine what are the right Real Option valuations, produce the computational framework, generate analytical software tools as applied to defense and compare them to financial options for validity. - Using Real Options analysis, evaluate the future value of today capabilities and the present value of tomorrow's capability. Assess the values that are needed to create reliable (skewed or broadened) distribution data sets that can be tested by experimentation or by evolutionary agent based models. Create the histograms necessary for assessing the value of flexibility in current and future capabilities. - Adapting command and control relationships to distributed networked modular forces will be needed to manage the uncertainty produced by the high transaction rates of operating these geographically dispersed forces in complex adaptive environments. Determine the metrics and analysis needed to lower C2 overhead and as a consequence reduce latency to improve three key information age metrics: Faster Speed of Command, Higher Quality of Effects, and Increase in Shared Awareness. - GRANTS AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS - Included in the policies and procedures stated herein for BAA #042983 and in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2371, 31 U.S.C. 6304, and 31 U.S.C. 6305, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport will entertain proposals for grants and other transactions. For proposals for grants and other transactions, the certifications in Appendix A and B of the DoDGARs apply. These certifications are available on the computer internet or may be obtained from the Contracting Office. - All grant awards require certifications of compliance with national policy mandates. Statutes and Government-wide regulations require some certifications to be submitted at the time of proposal rather than at the time of award. These certifications are set forth at Appendix A to 32 CFR Part 25 regarding debarment, suspension, and other matters; Appendix C to 32 CFR 25 regarding drug-free workplace; and Appendix A to 32 CFR 28 regarding lobbying. - Proposers are to incorporate these certifications by exact reference to the CFR, as cited above. The proposal must include the following: "By signing and submitting the proposal, the proposer is providing the: 1. Certification at Appendix A to 32 CFR Part 25 regarding debarment, suspension, and other responsibility matters; 2. Certification at Appendix C to 32 CFR Part 25 regarding drug-free workplace requirements; 3. Certification at Appendix A to 32 CFR Part 28 regarding lobbying. The proposal must be signed and dated by an authorized official of the organization. - The proposer should also include the applicant organization's taxpayer identification number (TIN). - EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS - Separate from the policies and procedures stated herein for BAA #042983, Education Partnership Agreements (EPAs) encourage and enhance study in scientific disciplines. The Division partners with colleges, universities and nonprofit institutions, with an emphasis on minority and women's institutions, to provide assistance by: - Loaning laboratory equipment, transferring surplus equipment, making lab personnel available to teach or assist in the development of courses and materials, involving faculty and students in laboratory research projects, developing programs under which students may be given academic credit for work on laboratory research projects, and providing academic and career advice and assistance to students. If you are interested in obtaining additional information about EPAs, please call Dr. Richard H. Nadolink at (401) 832-6760, e-mail: nadolinkrh@npt.nuwc.navy.mil, or write to Code 10, Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Bldg. 990/6, 1176 Howell St., Newport, RI 02841-1708. PATENT LICENSING AND COOPERATIVE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS (CRADAs) - Separate from the policies and procedures stated herein for BAA #042983, NUWCDIVNPT is also interested in developing partnerships to pursue research and development in a variety of technological areas. This notice is not a procurement solicitation. It is a request to pursue opportunities to leverage assets for mutual benefit, a win/win situation. NUWCDIVNPT goals for these partnerships are: 1) to transfer technology out of the laboratory to promote its commercialization, improve the environment, and provide high-quality jobs for U.S. workers, and 2) to help insure the best equipment at cost-effective prices for the Navy. NUWCDIVNPT has unique scientific and technical facilities, personnel, and know-how associated with the technological areas listed in this Science and Technology BAA. Inquiries, proposals, and discussion papers are invited. These may cover a range of activities from using the unique laboratory facilities or licensing patents, to participation in Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs). CRADAs are agreements between Federal Agencies and non-federal parties for collaborative research and development; no funds can be provided by NUWC under a CRADA. Non-federal parties include corporations, partnerships, limited partnerships, universities, state and local governments, public and private foundations, nonprofit organizations and individuals, and licensees of inventions owned by a Federal agency. NUWCDIVNPT has participated in about 90 CRADAs and, in FY2003, had 190 invention disclosures recorded, 100 patent applications filed, and 78 patents issued or allowed. If you would like more information about NUWCDIVNPT patents available for licensing or are interested in a partnership with NUWCDIVNPT, please call Dr. Theresa A. Baus at (401) 832-8728, e-mail: bausta@npt.nuwc.navy.mil, or write to Code 105, Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Bldg. 990/1, 1176 Howell St., Newport, RI 02841-1708. ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES - Separate from the policies and procedures stated herein for BAA #, NUWCDIVNPT is also interested in establishing government/academia/industry teaming relationships for the development of joint advanced technology initiative proposals related to submarine combat systems, submarine electromagnetic systems, submarine weapon systems, combat systems analysis, surface ASW systems, and test and evaluation facilities or any other Science & Technology topic area listed in this BAA. A number of recent DoD initiatives are designed to gain efficiencies through new investment strategies, which include Seapower 21, Future Naval Capabilities, the SUBTECH process, and Transformational Initiatives. Under Seapower 21 goals, the Navy seeks to focus near-term S&T funding into selected Future Naval Capability areas that support fleet needs and show promise of rapid transition. Approaches involving partnerships with industry and academia are designed to gain efficiencies and to produce "spin on" and "spin off" of technologies as well as so-called dual use technologies. NUWCDIVNPT is interested in initiatives in support of the these new S&T processes and resulting transition into next generation submarine builds and other Mine and Undersea Warfare concepts. Further information about Science and Technology teaming opportunities may be obtained by contacting Dr. Gregory B. Jones at (401) 832-1681, e-mail: jonesgb@npt.nuwc.navy.mil, or write to Code 106, Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport, Bldg. 990/1, 1176 Howell Street, Newport, RI 02841-1708. NAVAL POTENTIAL CONTRACTOR PROGRAM (NPCP) - Separate from the policies and procedures stated herein for BAA #, NUWCDIVNPT is interested in entering into Naval Potential Contractor Program (NPCP) agreements in a variety of technological areas. An NPCP agreement: 1) is an information access agreement between a government laboratory and a company, university or individual that/who has the potential to become a Navy contractor; 2) is entered into at the discretion of the government when a company is willing to devote some of its resources for the exploration of relevant mission areas; and 3) provides a vehicle (a) for information exchange critical to submitting knowledgeable, responsible bids and planning IR&D efforts, and (b) for access to relevant meetings and conferences requiring a need-to-know certification. - If you are interested in obtaining further information about the Naval Potential Contractor Program, please call Pamela Raposa at (401) 832-1152, e-mail: raposapj@npt.nuwc.navy.mil, write to Code 10C, Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Bldg 990/1, 1176 Howell St., Newport, RI 02841-1708, or visit http://www.onr.navy.mil (ONR Keyword: NARDIC). - NOTE: It is important to note that all post-submission liaison by the offeror with NUWCDIVNPT be via Code 59 and not the expected technical code. All responsible sources may submit an offer that will be considered. Contracting questions should be directed to Gerard Palmer/Code 593 at (401) 832-1645. Other questions should be directed to Pamela Raposa/Code 10C at (401) 832-1151. (End Part 4 of 4)