A--Upgrade of Robotic E-Gator Vehicle for Mine Detection

The US Army Communications Electronics - Life Cycle Management Command, Acquisition Center - Washington, on behalf of NVESD, plans to negotiate a sole source purchase order with Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to upgrade the Robotic E-Gator Vehicl e. The Robotic E-Gator Vehicle was designed and built by CMU under a previous effort. This upgrade will involve several improvements that will improve its versatility to locate and detect land mines. The contractor shall design and implement modificatio ns to the automated E-Gator to facilitate slow speed traverse and improved sensor platform control. In order to meet this requirement the contractor will be required to add a computer control variable speed transmission to the drive train and reconfigure the power system to accommodate the new transmission; enhance the low speed measurement and control reliability by adding one or more encoders to the drive train; implement closed-loop height control for the sensor platform to enable repeatable positioning ; modify the braking system to reduce or eliminate the drum brake from sticking; reconfigure the system software to integrate the above hardware changes; and support and fine tune the vehicle controller. The effort must be completed within four (4) months from date of award, with delivery of the improved system within three (3) months of award. It has been determined that CMU is the Only One Responsible Source and no other Supplies or Services will satisfy Agency Requirements. The statutory authority fo r other than full and open competition is 10 USC 2304 (c) (1); Only One Responsible Source and no Other Supplies or Services will satisfy Agency Requirements. However, all responsible sources that can provide supporting data to demonstrate they can succes sfully perform the upgrade may submit a quote that shall be considered by the agency. Responses should be no longer than five pages. Responses are to be received via email within 10 calendar days from the date of this notice. The resultant purchase orde r will be firm fixed price. All requests for further information must be in writing and via email, telephone requests for additional information will not be honored. You may forward responses to the following email address: contact@example.gov. A ward will be made IAW Simplified Acquisition Procedures. See NOTE 22.