Submarine Non-Ordnance Panel Secure and Release Mechanism

Notice Information Agency: Department of the Navy Office: Naval Sea Systems Command Location: NUWC Keyport Division Notice Type: Set Aside: Request For Information TBD Title: Submarine Non-Ordnance Panel Secure and Release Mechanism Posted Date: Response Date: 29 April 2024 01 July 2024 SYNOPSIS: 1.0 Description 1.1 The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Keyport Division (NUWCKPT) in support of the Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (PEO C4I) Undersea Communications and Integration Program Office (PMW 770) is seeking information on how an interested contractor could assist the U.S. Navy in developing a Panel Release Mechanism (PRM) for the current Submersible Ship, Ballistic Missile, Nuclear (SSBN). The PRM will enable the automatic release of external door panels currently being accomplished using ordnance methods. The focus of this Request For Information (RFI) is the non-ordnance electro-mechanical system that will secure and release door panels external to the pressure hull. 1.2 THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY. This RFI does NOT constitute a Request for Proposal and is not to be construed as a commitment, implied or otherwise, by the Government that a procurement action will be issued. Response to this notice is not a request to be added to a bidders list or to receive a copy of a solicitation. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of the submission of the requested information. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this announcement and any follow up information requests. Responses to this RFI may be considered in the future determination of an appropriate acquisition strategy for the program. The Government may not respond to any specific questions or comments submitted in response to this RFI or information provided as a result of this request. Any information submitted by respondents as a result of this notice is strictly voluntary. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future solicitation, if any is issued. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the SAM.gov website. It is the responsibility of the potential offerors to monitor this site for additional information pertaining to this requirement. 2.0 Background. 2.1 The current SSBN platforms utilize an ordnance system to release external door panels on the platform's superstructure. This project will explore the potential for providing a reliable system capable of providing panel release while the submarine remains deep without utilizing ordnance. The focus of this RFI is the non-ordnance electro-mechanical system that will secure and release door panels external to the pressure hull. 2.2 SSBNs have relied on an ordnance solution to reliably release certain panels while operating at depth. This solution was initially developed in the 1960s and has not changed since its introduction. To reduce maintenance processes and procedures, increase personnel safety, and reduce logistics management challenges, non-ordnance panel release concepts are being investigated to replace the current ordnance approach. 2.3 For the purpose of this RFI, ordnance systems are defined as those that operate using explosive cartridges or detonators. Panels or door panels are defined as machined metal sheets that close or enclose an open space. These panels reside on a structural frame and would be secured to the frame using a panel securing and releasing mechanism. 3.0 Specific areas of interest. 3.1 This RFI solicits technical information for new and existing technologies that are applicable to innovative non-ordnance panel securing and release mechanisms to be installed onboard existing SSBN platforms and future ballistic missile submarines. 3.2 It is preferred that the RFI response factor in the following: (1) Actuate on a voltage between 35-80VDC, (2) Holding/securing force greater than 4500 lbf. 3.2 Major areas of interest of this RFI include: (1) Electrically Actuated Underwater securing and releasing systems, (2) Non-ordnance securing and releasing systems, (3) Shock qualified underwater securing and releasing mechanisms, (4) High reliability non-ordnance securing and releasing systems, (5) Relevant expertise in the broad domain of remotely triggered electrically actuated releasing systems. 3.3 New, innovative and creative approaches to technical problems that deliver system performance with a high degree of reliability are sought. The analysis information should address the technologies, assess the technological feasibility and maturity of the proposed alternative methodologies and technologies. 4.0 Responses 4.1 Interested parties are requested to respond to this RFI with an informational document that may address one, some, or all five (5) major areas of interest. 4.2 Informational documents in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format, supplemented with Excel, PowerPoint and .pdf formatted attachments as necessary, are due no later than July 1, 2024 at 5:00 PM EST. All expressions of interest and information must be submitted via email to Stacy Noble, stacy.e.noble.civ@us.navy.mil. Telephonic responses are not acceptable. 4.3 Proprietary information, if any, should be minimized and MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED. Respondents are solely responsible for properly marking and clearly identifying any proprietary information or trade secrets contained within their response. The Government will not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for any proprietary information that has not been both properly marked and clearly identified. Information marked proprietary received in response to this RFI will be safeguarded and handled in accordance with applicable Government regulations. To aid the Government in its review, please segregate proprietary information. 4.4. Section One (1) of the informational document shall provide administrative information and shall include the following as a minimum; Primary Point-of-Contact, Name, mailing address, overnight delivery address (if different from mailing address), phone number, facsimile phone number and e-mail address. 4.5 Section Two (2) of the informational document, shall be limited to twenty (20) pages, including attachments and shall briefly describe the technical concept, technical approach and technology readiness level (TRL) of one, some or all five (5) major areas of interest described in Section 3.0. 4.6 Section Three (3) of the informational document, shall be limited to five (5) pages, including attachments and shall address the maturity of the technology and provide a - road ahead to the development of the capability described in Section 3.0. The maturity of the technology shall be described using the Technical Readiness level (TRL) metrics defined in DoD 5000 2-R, accompanied with supporting comments or data. An outline of the development efforts and timeline required to achieve TRL 6 (prototype demonstration in a relevant environment) should be included. 4.7 Section Four (4) of the informational document, shall be limited to five (5) pages, and shall describe relevant past performance, including qualifications and experience of potential team members. As well as any other supporting data deemed appropriate, including recommendations for any future Navy acquisition such as scope and contracting strategy. 4.8 Section Five (5) of the informational document, shall be limited to two (2) pages, and seeks industry's input regarding which NAICS code and PSC code most accurately represents this requirement. The Government is looking at NAICS code 334417 Electronic Connector Manufacturing, and, PSC Code 5935 Electrical & Electronics Equipment. Please provide rational in agreement of these codes, and/or, provide rational for a different NAICS code and/or PSC code. 5.0 Possible Industry Day 5.1 NUWCKPT representatives may hold an Industry Day after this RFI has closed for further engagement. If an Industry Day were to be scheduled, the announcement would be posted on SAM.gov. 6.0 Questions 6.1 The Government will accept clarification questions via email regarding this RFI until May 10, 2024 at 5:00 PM EST. Please email questions to Stacy Noble, stacy.e.noble.civ@us.navy.mil. Telephonic questions are not acceptable. 7.0 Summary 7.1 THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY to identify sources that can provide (1) Electrically actuated non-ordnance underwater securing and releasing systems, (2) Non-ordnance securing and releasing systems, (3) Shock qualified underwater securing and releasing mechanisms, (4) High reliability non-ordnance securing and releasing systems, (5) Relevant expertise in the broad domain of remotely triggered electrically actuated releasing systems. 7.2 The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The Government has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed and release of this RFI should not be construed as a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. Responses to this RFI will not be considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.