Request for Information (RFI) Regarding Technology Maturation Efforts

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI). THERE IS CURRENTLY NO SOLICITATION PACKAGE AVAILABLE, NOR IS A DIRECTLY ASSOCIATED SOLICITATION PACKAGE ANTICIPATED. Program Executive Office (Tactical Aircraft Programs) (PEO(T)) is seeking historical information regarding technology maturation efforts. This information will be used to develop metrics regarding planned versus actual experience with maturing of technologies from Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3 through 9, with particular interest in TRL growth from 3 through 6. The contractor is asked to provide information relative to its experience with maturing technology from early levels to its final form and under mission conditions (TRL 9), with particular interest in those that have proven ready for system level development and integration through successful completion of system/subsystem model, or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment (TRL 6). History: Department of Defense Instruction 5000.2 [3.7.2] requires acquisition programs to assess technology maturity levels prior to proceeding to a Milestone B acquisition decision. Because the use of Technology Readiness Levels (1 thought 9) assessments in the Department of Defense is relatively new, limited data exists that can be used to predict, measure, or validate maturity efforts, or estimates as they relate to cost and schedule adherence as that maturity moves from TRL 3 through the remaining levels. To position PEO(T) to better predict and measure technology maturation efforts, it is developing metrics based on actual historical data. Early technology maturation efforts are often conducted by industry and therefore it is believed the government's data can be optimized by the addition of industry information. Scope: Information requested: 1) Name and description of technology maturation effort you are referring to in this request for information; 2) Approximately when did the technology maturation effort start; 3) At what phase in the acquisition cycle was this technology maturation effort; (i.e. Material Solution Analysis, Technology Development, Engineering & Manufacturing, Production & Deployment, Development & Demonstration, Operations & Support); 4) If assigned, what was the ACAT level of the associated program (i.e. ACAT IC, ACAT ID, ACAT II, ACAT III, non-POR; 5) At what technology readiness level did this maturation effort begin, within the scope of this evaluation (3 through 9); 6) At what technology readiness level did this maturation effort end, within the scope of this evaluation (3 through 9); 7) Assuming the technology maturation effort's originally stated technical performance goal equaled 100%, what level of that goal did the effort actually achieve within the subject maturation effort (i.e. 50% through 100%); 8) Did the performance achieved meet program technical goals at a level of acceptance sufficient to proceed with the program (provide amplifying remarks, if appropriate); 9) Describe the goals and results of the technology maturation effort. (as an example; - the goal of the technology maturation effort was to improve the APX-1234 system's transmission rate from 24kbps to 10Mbps. The result was; we achieved 5Mbps.; 10) What was the planned total cost of the technology maturation effort; 11) What was the actual total cost of the technology maturation effort; 12) What was the planned schedule duration, in months, of the technology maturation effort? (Please, be as precise as possible. If not known exactly, please estimate within a range (i.e. 12 - 14 months)); 13) What was the actual schedule duration in months of the technology maturation effort? (Please, be as precise as possible. If not known exactly, please estimate within a range (i.e. 12 - 14 months)); 14) Was there significant contractor IR&D investment used to mature this technology? 15) If - yes, What amount of contractor IR&D was invested? Any firms with information relevant to the above are requested to submit the following in an electronically sortable, commercially available form to the Government: 1. Answers to the questions above. 2. Amplifying information related to your answers (no more than 50 pages without prior discussions with point of contact below). 3. A point of contact to answer questions concerning your data, if required. Please provide feedback on this request. All comments or information pertaining to improving or enhancing the government's ability to measure technology maturation efforts that industry feels appropriate should be submitted. Please limit your response to efforts no older than the last 10 years. Tutorials concerning TRL assessment methodology is not appropriate, or desired. This RFI is issued for the purpose of gathering existing information that can be made available. No information will be traceable by any user(s) to its source upon aggregation of the responses. This announcement is not a formal solicitation and does not constitute a request for proposal. Availability of any formal solicitation will be announced under a separate Federal Business Opportunities announcement. This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. Each response must reference this RFI number: N00019-08-P1-ZA240. No contract will be awarded from this announcement. Information herein is based on the best information available at the time of publication, is subject to revision, and is not binding upon the government. The government WILL NOT PAY for any information received in response to this RFI nor will the government compensate the respondent for any cost incurred in developing information for the government. The Government will not release any information marked with a Proprietary legend, received in response to this RFI, to any firm, agency, or individual outside the Government without written permission in accordance to the legend. It is requested that information be submitted within 15 working days after publication posting of this notice. Any request for copies of solicitations will not be addressed since this is a request for information only and is not a request for proposal. It is requested that information be submitted to: Carolyn Abney (carolyn.abney@navy.mil; 301-757-7060).