CRADA RFI: Expressions of Interest in Conducting Collaborative R&D on Rapid Deployment of UAS for Storm Damage Imagery Collection

COLLABORATIVE R&D ON THE APPLICATION OF UNCREWED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS FOR SEVERE STORM DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS FOR NWS OPERATIONS AND OAR RESEARCH The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking expression of interest from private firms interested in entering into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with NOAA to conduct collaborative research and development (R&D) on the exploration of rapid, efficient uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) deployment strategies for collecting and distributing aerial imagery of damage resulting from severe storms that could better enable National Weather Service (NWS) offices in their duties to conduct post-storm damage assessments, while also providing data for longterm NOAA storm-related research for a wide range of applications, societal, and economic benefits. The initial period of performance for this CRADA is expected to be from fiscal year 2022 through fiscal year 2025 (3 years), with extensions possible if all parties agree. This Notice does not constitute an Invitation for Bid or Request for Proposal and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. No contracts will be awarded as a result of this Notice. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this Notice or for any follow-up requests for information. NOAA may contact respondents for clarification and discussion of the submitted responses. SYNOPSIS: NOAA wishes to conduct collaborative R&D with one or more private firms or non-government groups to explore methodologies for collecting UAS imagery in a timely manner following severe storm events. The agency's goal is to better understand the extent of regional external resources that can deploy UAS pilots with state-of-the-art platforms and sensors to nearby areas of interest (i.e., within relatively close proximity to the base of operations) shortly following severe storm events, then leverage these pilots experience with local airspace operations, and, as needed, image processing capabilities and expertise to provide NOAA with the desired data. For purposes of this CRADA, the geographic region is primarily constrained to parts of Alabama, Mississippi, and western Tennessee, with some overlap into other bordering states (northeast Louisiana, eastern Arkansas, and the Missouri - bootheel; Figure 1). The overall scope of the CRADA will be to explore, develop, and refine methods to provide contract support for NOAA NWS offices and affiliated partners to obtain rapid access to high-resolution UAS imagery of damage caused by severe storms shortly following an event. Specific aspects to be investigated include, but are not limited to: Optimization of pre-event communications and post-event deployment strategies Timeliness of availability for imagery products Ideal data image types (e.g., visible, multispectral), resolutions (e.g., 1cm, 3cm, 5cm GSD, etc.), and products (e.g., Orthomosaics, Full motion video, 3D models, etc.) Efficient methods for delivering collected imagery Additionally, interested companies should provide the following as part of their response: Basic operations information Geographic location(s) for base of operations and local service coverage area Number of FAA Part 107-certified UAS operators Number of years in operation Experience with previous mapping projects Number -and- Types of UAS platforms and sensors used for mapping Ability to be placed on standby status ahead of potential severe storm events Ability to rapidly deploy for data collection following severe storm events Nominal response times from point of mission request Ability to quickly process collected imagery into orthomosaics / other products Ability to quickly send or provide access to raw and/or processed image data How is data shared with end users? DOCUMENTATION OF INTEREST: Responders may document their interest in entering into a CRADA with a letter to the Technology Transfer Program Office (noaa.t2@noaa.gov). Responders must include, in writing, detailed information regarding their technical qualifications, the company name, address, point of contact, telephone number, and business size. Information submitted should be pertinent and specific in the technical areas described above under consideration. Any other specific and pertinent information pertaining to this particular undertaking that would enhance the information submitted will be considered by the agency. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS Any questions pertaining to the Request for Information must be submitted electronically to the Technology Transfer Program Office at noaa.t2@noaa.gov, no later than August 1, 2022, 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Please add the following subject to emails: CR-171 RFI Questions Additional information requested: A) Institution's name, address, point of contact, phone number, and email address. B) If a business, then the firm's DUNS number and Cage Code as provided under the SAM system. C) If a business, then state the firm's SBA certified small business concern status or other socioeconomic status. Specifically, identify if your firm is HUBZone-certified, Service Disabled Veteran Owned, Women Owned, or in the SBA's 8(a) program. If your institution is not a small business, please state that it is a large business, FFRDC, university, UARC, or other. D) Institution's previous work experience is similar to that described above. E) Any other pertinent documentation or information. F) Responses should be no more than 10 pages. All information submitted in response to this notice is voluntary; the United States Government will not pay for the information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the United States Government. No calls, hard copy submittals, or questions will be accepted or considered. All responses to this Request for Information shall be submitted only via e-mail to noaa.t2@noaa.gov by August 15, 2022 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Please add the following subject to the email when submitting: CR-171 RFI Response Please do not submit any personally identifiable information (PII). NOAA will handle any business proprietary information in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), so please be sure to clearly mark as "Confidential" any such information.