Request for CRADA Collaborators

This synopsis is being posted to both the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) page located at http://www.eps.gov and the Navy Electronic Commerce Online (NECO) site located at http://www.neco.navy.mil. While it is understood the FBO is the single point of entry for posting of synopsis and solicitations to the internet, NECO is the alternative in case FBO is unavailable. Please feel free to use either site to access information posted by the Navy Sea Systems Command. The Systems Research and Technology (B) Department is seeking Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) collaborator(s) to work with investigators in the Advanced Combat System Technologies Division (B30) to identify both commercial and developmental technologies that may be integrated into Littoral Warfare Systems particularly to address the massed asymmetric threat. Massed asymmetric threats, particularly surface threats, are most likely to occur in a littoral environment. This environme! nt is inaccessible in the sense that no single sensor can completely determine the state of the environment. At best, the relationships among units in this environment are too complex to predict. The environment necessitates that distributed units be able to plan ahead, but is so dynamic and continuously valued that circumstances can change while the next action is being deliberated. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Littoral Warfare Systems play a crucial role in the coordination of distributed combat capability in a joint and coalition environment, particularly in the face of asymmetric threats. Asymmetric threats occur when enemies identify weaknesses in a disproportionately more powerful opponent, and exploit those weaknesses to perpetrate acts of terror. (The Cole incident underscores the vulnerability of surface combatants to asymmetric threats.) When these asymmetric threats are massed together and exhibit a swarm-like behavior their threat is multiplied. NSWCDD is see! king capability statements from parties interested in entering into a CRADA to identify, explore and further develop enabling technologies required for Littoral Warfare Systems. The role of the CRADA collaborator(s) will include, but not necessarily be limited to: Intelligent Agents, Network Mobile Agents, and Adaptive Agents, Automated Information Processes, including Expert and Knowledge-based Systems, Distributed Computing, Multi-modal, Mobile Human Network Interaction (Virtual Environments),High Bandwidth, Secure Communication Technology, Unmanned Systems - Distributed Systems and Cooperative, Group Behaviors, Tactics-based Search and Dynamic Mission Replanning, Automated Decision Processes, Active Control Theory, Robotics/Automation, Multi-Static Distributed Sensor System (MSDSS) for Networked Littoral Battlegroups, Cooperating Autonomous Agents. The collaborator may also be expected to contribute financial support under this CRADA for personnel, supplies, travel, and ! equipment to support these projects. The collaborator is also expected to cooperate with the NSWCDD in the timely publication of research results and to accept the legal provisions and language of the CRADA. DATES: CRADA capability statements should be submitted to Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, ATTN: Code B303, 17320 Dahlgren Road, Dahlgren, VA 22448-5100. By e-mail: contact@example.gov or fax +1 (555) 000-0000. To be considered in the first round of evaluation, capability statements must be received on or before 30 AUGUST 2005. Evaluation will be conducted periodically on capability statements received thereafter for up to 2 years.