SOLE SOURCE NOTICE - DARPA-SN-15-07

DARPA-SN-15-07 Sole Source Notice for KMel Robotics The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Contracts Management Office (CMO), on behalf of the Defense Sciences Office (DSO), intends to award a sole source contract to KMel Robotics (KMel) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under the authority of 10 U.S.C. - 2304(c)(1) and FAR 6.302-1. This is a sole source synopsis for the acquisition of Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) platforms in anticipation of a new DARPA/DSO program called Fast Lightweight Autonomy (FLA). The program intends to develop novel representations and algorithms to enable small air platforms to fly fast (e.g., at least 20 m/s) in cluttered environments (e.g., indoors) using on-board autonomy with small size, weight, and power components. To enable quantitative comparisons between different approaches to autonomy, the FLA program will require the use of identical platforms. DARPA will provide a platform as GFE to FLA performers selected under an anticipated FLA broad agency announcement (BAA). The source will be required to develop a platform with the following characteristics: (1) a high-performance autopilot with bi-directional communication to custom closed-loop motor controllers, integrated low-level calibration software, and built-in sensor error detection and redundancy features; (2) an open interface that enables manual piloted control, autonomous control through an onboard computer or wireless communication module, vehicle configuration and tuning, and user customizable feedback of various sensor data from the autopilot; (3) modular design enabling rapid replacement of components after a crash; (4) modular design enabling the anticipated FLA performer teams to easily add their own processors, sensors, and other equipment to the platform; (5) employ electric propulsion using multiple rotors in order to hover; (6) produce 3,600 g of thrust in order to achieve high speeds; (7) exhibit a thrust to weight ratio above 3:1 with a 300 g battery in order to achieve high maneuvering agility; and (8) measure under 28 in. from end to end with propeller guards in order to fit with at least 8 in. of margin through 36 in. windows. Further, the source will be required to deliver multiple copies of the platform, with documentation and an open application programmer interface, no later than May 1, 2015. In addition, the source will be required to provide support to the anticipated FLA program performers using the platform; maintain the platforms; upgrade the platforms at least annually; and develop a baseline autonomous system to gain first-hand experience with the problem domain and apply that experience to platform improvements. This announcement constitutes the only synopsis for this requirement and is issued for notification purposes only. It is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation is currently available. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to meet the requirements of this effort by submitting a white paper and past performance data no later than 4:00 p.m. (ET), December 24, 2014 to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Attn: Mr. Michael Mutty, Contracts Management Office (CMO), 675 N. Randolph Street, Arlington, VA 22203 or via email to michael.mutty@darpa.mil. Questions shall be submitted to the above email address. Companies interested in subcontracting opportunities should contact KMel directly. The Government will consider all information received before 4:00 p.m. (ET), December 24, 2014. Information received will be considered by the Government solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open basis is solely within the discretion of the Government.