Forward Area Mobility Spray-System (FAMS-S)

Forward Area Mobility Spray-System (FAMS-S) Request for Information (RFI) Objective The Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND), Joint Project Lead for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Special Operations Forces (JPL CBRN SOF) seeks the development of a scalable, mobile platform capable of rapidly decontaminating chemical and biological (CB) agents from the exterior of aircraft, helicopters, boats, vehicles, or support equipment to a level that is clean enough for re-use without having to wear CB protective equipment. JPL CBRN SOF is seeking information from industry partners on their ability to provide up to three different size configurations for decontamination equipment. Background The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has a requirement to sustain tactical force operations with a focus on maximizing tactical flexibility and fighting strength. SOF lacks the capability to conduct rapid platform and equipment decontamination in forward, austere, hostile, and denied areas to the point of where the equipment can be operated without the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Once SOF aircraft, helicopters, boats, vehicles, or support equipment are contaminated, the operators must continue to wear PPE until the equipment can undergo a lengthy decontamination process, typically in a pristine environment. This situation limits availability of equipment and increases the logistical burden for tactical forces. The FAMS-S program will meet the USSOCOM requirement by developing decontamination systems capable of disseminating both current and next generation decontamination solutions onto exterior surfaces of equipment and vehicles. System Description FAMS-S system variants envisioned are Large, Small and Man-Portable configurations that will provide sufficient form factor to enable the SOF tactical forces to push decontamination capability as - far forward as possible to execute decontamination - as soon as possible following the tenants of decontamination as expressed in Army Techniques Publication ATP 3-05.11 and ATP 3-11.32. Following these tenants will increase the effectiveness of associated decontaminants and prevents penetration of agent into material surfaces. Scalable FAMS-S system configurations support providing the appropriate form factor to enable SOF forces operating in diverse operating and threat environments. 1. FAMS-S-Large: The Large configuration supports operations in secure areas normally associated with base-Clusters. This configuration will fit onto a large skid and be integrated onto existing vehicle SOCOM vehicle platforms. The FAMS-S-Large will require dedicated power sources and cargo vehicle support for movement. FAMS-S-Large supports dirty team reception decontamination at the Special Operations Task Force (SOTF) Operating Base/Forward Support Base (FSB) as well as decontamination of the base material if it is attacked with CB weapons/agents. This configuration supports a large throughput of material in a single operating cycle, but is not suitable for support in austere environments. 2. FAMS-S-Small: The Small configuration supports operations in forward locations normally associated with support in the operational area. This configuration will fit onto a large skid and be integrated onto existing vehicle SOCOM vehicle platforms. FAMS-S-Small configuration is supported with on-board power or power generation suitable for forward area applications. This configuration is supported by an organic decontamination team small vehicle system(s) to support movement and power needs. The decontamination team will be in Direct Support (DS) or General Support (GS) of a tactical formation in forward areas. This configuration supports a SOF team (+) throughput of material in a single operating cycle and can be scaled to increase support to a larger force or material throughput. This configuration is suitable for forward and austere environments. This capability decontaminates equipment in forward locations and allows force regeneration without the need to return to the SOTF/FSB operational base. 3. FAMS-S-Man Portable: The Man-Portable configuration supports operations in forward areas and is suitable where the operations are hostile in nature where dedicated ground lines of communication (LOC) are not supported back to SOTF/FSB locations. The Man-Portable configuration will be rucksack/backpack based. This configuration allows for multiple means of transport to, from and within the area of operations - by foot or cross loaded across the maneuver force's available transport systems. This configuration is suitable for packaging and delivery by parachute as part of a jumpers combat load or delivery bundle. This configuration supports a SOF team throughput of mission critical items and can be scaled up to increase material throughput. This configuration is suitable for support in forward and austere environments; and provides options to tailor the decontamination support package to support infiltration, exfiltration, tactical movement and maneuver force size/composition constraints. Tactical movement by UH-60 helicopters, Family of Special Operations Vehicles (FOSOV) and other small mobility platforms is enabled by the Man-Portable configuration reduced size and weight. Task Description (Request) The FAMS-S systems are required to as address the following performance attributes at a minimum: A lightweight highly mobile platform decontamination capability that utilizes an electrical pumping system A platform that does not produce an open flame Modular configurations will be designed to decontaminate aircraft, helicopters, boats, vehicles, or support equipment for the following objective sizes: Man-Portable: 45 lbs - Rucksack based Small Skid: 50 lbs Large Skid: Fixed for AC internal load V22 and MH47 Decontamination systems that can apply decontamination solution to the following generic types of vehicle sizes: Man-portable: Small Tactical Vehicles Inflatable Boats Small Unmanned Systems (Ground and Air) Small: Small and Medium Armored Vehicles Medium Size Boats Small Aircraft Large: Large Armored Vehicles Large Aircraft Must be capable of rapidly applying decontaminant onto aircraft, helicopters, boats, and vehicles quickly and efficiently. Must be capable of operating continuously to apply decontaminant to multiple vehicles in sequence, or with short downtime. Ability to spray aqueous, non-aqueous, and slurry decontaminants and water at separate increments, and at angles to include dispersal method for undercarriage. Agnostic decontamination sprays: Atomized fog, slurries, foam and liquid spray. Ability to spray from 3 - 40 Feet high (C-130 Stabilizer). Configurations that are designed to fit on a skid and transported by USSOCOM aircraft in mission configuration. Can be transported via land, sea, and air to include parachute air-drop; and is capable of employment in austere environments while wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Ability to rapidly draft from various sources of water or decontamination solutions, while also dispersing at the same time. Ability to drain the holding tanks with a valve (gravity flow valve apparatus). Small and Large configurations with various spray hose lengths of up to 100 feet, retractable, and uses quick connect fittings. Small and Large configurations with pumps that are self-priming and ability to run dry for 20 minutes. Capable of worldwide operations, storage, UV exposure, and deployment without degradation under non-CBRN climatic conditions (rain, wind, heat, etc). Small and Large configurations with the power generation capabilities of standard 12 and 24V vehicle electrical systems through European and standard power connections. Small and Large configurations with the ability to be rapidly integrated onto SOCOM vehicle platforms. Man-portable operates with batteries and operates within the power generation capabilities of standard 12 and 24V vehicle electrical systems through European and standard power connections. The Government would provide field representative decontamination solutions for test events. Those solutions have not been decided at this time, so it is important to be as agnostic as possible. Response Format Respondents are encouraged to prepare a response that closely adheres to the following format. All responses shall be Unclassified. The document shall not exceed 20 pages in length. Responses must be received by 31 October, 2020 for consideration. Responses shall be sent by e-mail to: mary.b.busch2.civ@mail.mil with subject line of RFI No. FAMS-S RFI#1. Company Description Discuss your company or academic institution's experience with development, employment or integration of decontamination systems. What data rights assertions are anticipated for the proposed solution? Does your company or academic institution have a secret level facility clearance for storage and processing? Describe any teaming arrangements or partnerships that you would consider necessary if you were contemplating bidding on a potential prototyping project for this program. System Description A description of the key technologies and concepts. Pictures of the current or similar products, if available or at least, a description of the end state product. A description of system characteristics as related to the capabilities requested. Estimated size, weight, and power for the product. Is the technology currently being produced? If so, please provide any relevant information as to current customer, contract number, historical information if effort has been completed, etc. Technical Maturation Describe your technical approach to maturing your product to meet FAMS-S needs, including draft schedule. Discuss risks to meeting the contemplated requirements contained above. What are the key technical trade-offs that you see with development of this system to meet the stated capabilities? (For example, the power available will likely restrict the pump size) Describe the current TRL of any existing products or systems, to meet the needs of the capabilities desired in this document. Testing Summary of applicable test results List of internal, external and government testing that may be applicable. Include test report as attachment if possible, or a POC for requesting the report. Manufacturing Is the product currently manufactured? Is there a manufacturing plan? Where would you manufacture the systems? Do you already have manufacturing facilities or access to such facilities? Cost Provide the Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate to develop a FAMS-S system for further testing and evaluation. Schedule Approximate timeline (schedule) to develop and deliver a FAMS-S system in accordance with the system description. Final Thoughts What are the things you would like the program team to consider as they develop these requirements? Administrations This Request for Information (RFI) does not constitute a solicitation or Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP. The Government will not pay for costs associated with developing a response to this RFI, nor does it commit the Government to enter into any contractual agreement. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organizations capabilities. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. Although it is highly encouraged, not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future solicitation. The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. All submissions become the property of the Government and will not be returned. Proprietary, confidential, privileged commercial or financial information submitted in the RFI response should be marked accordingly to ensure appropriate handling and disposition by the Government. No classified information shall be submitted in the RFI response. Do not use Government security classification markings. Do not mark the entire response as proprietary. Please provide a primary point of contact and one alternate plus full contact information in your submission. The program team may contact your POCs for additional information. For questions please contact Mary Beth Busch at the email listed below. All written responses must be received by 31 October, 2020. Responses shall be sent by e-mail to: mary.b.busch2.civ@mail.mil with subject line of RFI No. FAMS-S_RFI1. Notices and Attachments The Government has provided a set of definitions at Attachment 1 to assist respondents in determining Technology Readiness Levels. ATTACHMENT 1 Technology Readiness Levels Technology Readiness Levels are a set of nine graded definitions or a description of stages of technology maturity. They were originated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and adapted by the Department of Defense for use in its acquisition system. A copy of the definitions is provided below for convenience. Technology Readiness Level Description 1. Basic principles observed and reported. Lowest level of technology readiness. Scientific research begins to be translated into applied research and development. Examples might include paper studies of a technology's basic properties. 2. Technology concept and/or application formulated. Invention begins. Once basic principles are observed, practical applications can be invented. Applications are speculative and there may be no proof of detailed analysis to support the assumptions. Examples are limited to analytic studies. 3. Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept. Active research and development is initiated. This includes analytical studies and laboratory studies to physically validate analytical predictions of separate elements of the technology. Examples include components that are not yet integrated or representative. 4. Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment. Basic technological components are integrated to establish that they will work together. This is relatively "low fidelity" compared to the eventual system. Examples include integration of "ad hoc" hardware in the laboratory. 5. Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment. Fidelity of breadboard technology increase significantly. The basic technological components are integrated with reasonably realistic supporting elements so it can be tested in a simulated environment. Examples include "high fidelity" laboratory integration of components. 6. System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment. Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology's demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment. 7. System prototype demonstration in an operational environment. Prototype near, or at, planned operational system. Represents a major step up from TRL 6, requiring demonstration of an actual system prototype in an operational environment such as an aircraft, vehicle, or space craft. Examples include testing the prototype in a test bed aircraft. 8. Actual system completed and qualified through test and demonstration. Technology has been proven to work in its final form and under excepted conditions. In almost all cases, this TRL represents the end of true system development. Examples include developmental test and evaluation of the system in its intended weapon system to determine if it meets design specifications. 9. Actual system proven through successful mission operations. Actual application of the technology in its final form and under mission conditions, such as those encountered in operational test and evaluation. Examples include using the system under the operational mission conditions. CLARIFYING DEFINITIONS: BREADBOARD: Integrated components that provide a representation of a system/subsystem and which can be used to determine concept feasibility and to develop technical data. They are typically configured for laboratory use to demonstrate the technical principles of immediate interest and may resemble final system/subsystem in function only. HIGH FIDELITY: Addresses form, fit, and function. A high fidelity laboratory environment would involve testing with equipment that can simulate and validate all system specifications within a laboratory setting. LOW FIDELITY: A representative of the component or system that has limited ability to provide anything but first order information about the end product. Low fidelity assessments are used to provide trend analysis. MODEL: A reduced scale, functional form of a system, near or at operational specification. Models will be sufficiently hardened to allow demonstration of the technical and operational capabilities required of the final system. OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT: Environment that addresses all of the operational requirements and specifications required of the final system to include platform/packaging. PROTOTYPE: The first early representation of the system which offers the expected functionality and performance expected of the final implementation. Prototypes will be sufficiently hardened to all demonstration of the technical and operational capabilities required of the final system. RELEVANT ENVIRONMENT: Testing environment that simulates the key aspects of the operational environment. SIMULATED OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL: Environment that can simulate all of the operational requirements and specifications required of the final system or a simulated environment that allows for testing of a virtual prototype to determine whether it meets the operational requirements and specifications of the final system.