Precision Aiming Systems

A - REQUEST FOR INFORMATION Precision Aiming Systems as an enabler for de-arming/de-fuzing of military ordnance and disruption of improvised threats. Notice Type: Sources Sought Solicitation Number: N00174-22-SN-0034 Posted Date: April 4, 2022 Response Date: 30 days Classification Code: A - Research & Development Contracting Office Address N00174 Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division, 2008 Stump Neck Road, Indian Head, MD THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation (Request for Proposal or Request for Quotations) or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Furthermore, we are not at this time seeking proposals. Responders are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the responding party's expense. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked PROPRIETARY will be handled accordingly. The Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for any proprietary information not properly identified. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations. Proprietary information or trade secrets should be clearly identified. Description: The Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division (NSWC IHEODTD), Indian Head, Maryland is requesting information on any equipment, tools, procedures, and/or methods for precision aiming of EOD tools for de-arming/de-fuzing of military ordnance and disruption of improvised threats. From this point forward the equipment, tools, techniques, procedures, methods or combination thereof shall be referred to as, - the system. A family or suite of items is acceptable in the system. The system shall provide Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians the ability to precisely aim an EOD tool in order to de-arm/de-fuze military ordnance and disrupt improvised threats, to reduce hazards, prevent high order detonation and allow movement of threat to a safe disposal area. Currently used de-arm/disrupt capabilities are delivered by transmission of a kinetic impact to puncture, shear, jam, or remove components in the initiation fire train with the goal to prevent high order detonation and allow for movement to safe disposal area. It is desired that the system is controlled remotely to enable additional standoff for operators, but this is not mandatory. This RFI solicits any and all information on technologies that can provide an accurate, robust, repeatable aiming solution for EOD tools at ranges between 3 inches to 50 feet. A modernization effort is underway to improve EOD capabilities to de-arm/de-fuze military ordnance and disruption of improvised threats. Precision aiming improvements through the system are sought in the following areas: Aiming - real time feedback displaying exact location of where the tool effects will be imparted, enabling adjustment by the user if required. Accuracy - the impact site should be within 0.25 inches at emplacement standoff distances to 50ft. Precision - maintaining repeatability of the impact site over multiple iterative fires. System maintains zero after transportation vibration. Environmental - ability to function in adverse environments where wind, temperature, lighting conditions, humidity, etc. does not affect employment of the tool such that the system effects are imparted at the aim point as intended. Standoff - accuracy is maintained at all distances at which the system is emplaced (up to 50ft). Additionally, full remote operation is desired after emplacement. Self-contained - all elements, to include power source, are integrated within the system, not connected as a separate module or resource. Portability - the system should be easily carried and employed by one person. Simplicity - the system should be quickly and easily set up for employment. Post-shot survivability - the system should not endure any damage to the tool due to normal firing if multi-use item (Not required if one-time use consumable). Of note: The system does not necessarily need to physically be attached to the EOD tool or firing device. The system may be disposable / consumable. This RFI solicits vendors' information that explains their technology's features, capabilities, and performance. Commercial, non-developmental, and developmental systems may be included in the information provided. The Government is interested in the state of technology for all related systems in development; systems that do not meet or have not been tested for all of the listed performance parameters may be included. Non-developmental systems are preferred. Developmental systems shall be available within six months from this RFI publication date. SUBMISSIONS: Information may be provided in the form of white papers, test reports, PowerPoint presentations, brochures, and specifications sheets. Please limit your response to 15 pages, excluding any title and cover pages. Technical questions regarding this RFI may be directed to Keith Chamberlain at (301) 744-5182 or by email: keith.e.chamberlain4.civ@us.navy.mil. Interested firms / research entities are encouraged to provide submissions electronically to angela.tejeda@us.navy.mil with a copy to keith.e.chamberlain4.civ@us.navy.mil. Replies must be received no later than 12:00 PM EDT, May 04, 2022. Please include the solicitation number in the email subject line. Each submission must include a cover page. The cover page should include the business name, solicitation number, unique title, technology area(s), names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of technical/business points of contact. Upon receipt of submission, further correspondence will request a technical description of the technology in the following format: Technical Description Format All interested sources shall respond by providing capability statements outlining technical specifications and a technical summary. The capability statement shall include the following information: 1. System. Name and model (if known). 2. System picture, diagram, line drawing, or conceptual drawing. Image of system, preferably a view that gives a fair representation of the system size. 3. Technology. Provide a brief description of the technology used by this product consisting of the technology title and ten or fewer descriptive sentences. 4. Describe the system's effectiveness and the expected end result when employed effectively against military ordnance or improvised threats. 5. Limitations/Hazards/Special Requirements: State any special limitations, hazards and/or special requirements such as radiation sources or toxic chemicals and their respective levels/hazard information. 6. Special Features/Capabilities: Summarize any special features or capabilities not contained herein that improve the overall ability of the system to precision de-arm/de-fuze military ordnance and disrupt of initiation trains of improvised threats. 7. Validated Test Results. Summary of vendor and/or third party certifications and/or documented results of vendor test targets, testing and test protocols (additional published technical documentation may be submitted separately and do count toward page count). 8. Narrative of System Employment Concepts. Including the conceptual mechanism by which the system ensures precision de-arms/de-fuzes military ordnance and disrupts initiation trains of improvised threats, and detailed employment techniques/methods. 9. Operation/Training. Include requirements to maintain continuous operations. Include level of training necessary for operator to be qualified to operate (if required) and maintain the system. 10. Time Requirements. Describe the time required to set up and operate the system with the goal of limiting exposure by personnel to explosive hazards (i.e. emplacement by a single technician / two technicians during a single approach to the munition item, limited employment time near the munition item, and a remote means of initiation). 11. Consumables. Detail any items that are consumed by the system for operation or may require replacing over time to maintain performance. 12. Life Cycle Cost (if known). Life Cycle Cost, measured in $US includes: a) unit cost, b) annual maintenance and, c) consumable items for operations. Update to reflect 30 days from the date of release.