USMC Marksmanship Technology Demonstration 2018 RFI

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) United States Marine Corps (USMC) Marksmanship Technology Demonstration (MTD) OVERVIEW: This announcement constitutes a Request for Information (RFI) notice for planning purposes, and is being issued on behalf of Weapons Training Battalion. This RFI and the associated demonstration are not being led by Marine Corps Systems Command. This year the Marksmanship Technology Demonstration will be held at Calvin A. Lloyd Range Complex, Weapons Training Battalion, Marine Corps Base Quantico from 26-27 September 2018. The MTD has been aligned with Modern Day Marine to take advantage of similar events. The MTD will be a CLOSED DEMONSTRATION for Marine Corps units/agencies that are within the capability development process. MTD 2018 will focus on six technology areas: 1. Small arms automated smart static targets 2. Small arms automated smart mobile targets 3. 6.5mm, .260 Bolt/Gas Precision Rifles 4. Simulation 5. Integrated optics 6. Small arms self-coaching and data tracking applications Responses are requested no later than 20 August 2018. Responses received after that time may be reviewed, but are highly unlikely to be considered for participation. Ensure the email subject line in your response identifies the technology focus area for which you are responding. ABOUT THE MARKSMANSHIP TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION Weapons Training Battalion (WTBn), Marine Corps Base Quantico, is the proponent for marksmanship for the United States Marine Corps. As such, this demonstration will identify current and emerging technologies that demonstrate possible solutions to marksmanship gaps and inform Marine Corps future requirements development. Technology area number 3 is being requested for competition only with the Marine Corps Shooting Teams. Once per year, Weapons Training Battalion in conjunction with Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, Training Command and Marine Corps Capabilities Development Directorate will invite select industry participants to the Marksmanship Technology Demonstration to demonstrate commercial off-the-shelf technologies with potential to address current Marine Corps marksmanship gaps. The Marksmanship Technology Demonstration is not a tradeshow. During the two day demonstration, a team of assessors will collect data on system performance and will provide feedback on their observations of the technologies presented in relation to the below RFIs. Following the demonstration, promising technologies may be selected for extended user evaluations. The assessment results will inform Marine Corps requirements development. Each technology MUST be able to be demonstrated, either via live-fire for targetry and optics or run a full/partial demonstration for simulations/coaching tools (required equipment pending). The ability to fulfill this requirement may affect the decision for inclusion into the 2018 MTD. MTD 2018 TECHNOLOGY FOCUS AREAS MTD 2018 will focus on technologies that directly relate to Marine Corps marksmanship. This year will focus on targets, coaching tools, marksmanship data applications, precision rifles, and integrated optics. The Marine Corps is interested in the following six technology areas and their associated specifications: 1. Automated Smart Static Target Systems The Marine Corps is interested in a target system that can be installed on current standard Known/Unknown-Distance Ranges and equipment that provide immediate, accurate shot to shot feedback to shooters and coaches on the firing line. The Marine Corps is interested in target systems that meet the following specifications: Able to accept variety of targets (i.e. CMP/NRA, IDPA, USPSA, Action) Plot shots within a 2mm of accuracy, and capture the shot in a 6'x6' window Able to take in excess of 10,000 5.56mm impacts before requiring maintenance Networked to record each shot and display on tablet/computer located on firing line Able to support a 50 target frontage without interference from adjacent targets Able to run off of shore or battery power for a minimum of 12 hours at full use. Optimal battery life in excess of 24 hours. Function in all weather conditions (i.e. rain, snow, mist, fog) System must be able to integrate with existing Marine Corps infrastructure, in order to ensure the original system may be used as a backup Centralized data collection system * Tablet/PDA Automated target systems should come with tablets or communicate with personal electronic devices via website or App. The Marine Corps is interested in target systems that provide a tablet/PDA with the specifications of one or more of the following items: Required Characteristics Screen size shall be a minimum of 4 inches wide and 6 inches long Man portable Contain a rechargeable/removable battery Will be visible in direct sunlight. Capable of screen use with gloves. Be contained in a replaceable shock and water resistant case. Able to be connected with WiFi, Bluetooth, and with USB type cables. Must meet MIL-STD 810G environmental/durability requirements Desired Characteristics Battery life in excess of 12 hours during continuous use with all functions enabled. Prefer 24 hours that function in weather temperatures from 0 degrees Fahrenheit to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Display capable of being backlit for night use. Able to be utilized in all weather conditions with wet hands and gloves. Self-supported with provided viewing angles from 15 degrees to 90 degrees. Drop resistant to 6 meters Water proof (IP66K rating) 2. Autonomous / Smart Mobile Target Systems The Marine Corps is interested in a target system that is a mobile, man sized 3-dimensional target that provides instant feedback to shooter and coach on a firing line. The Marine Corps is interested in a target system that meets the following specifications: A 3-dimensional man-sized target Able to move in any direction at variable /programmable speeds (2.5-10 mph) Provides accurate, immediate shot location detection as well as a means to provide shot feedback to shooters and coaches at the shooter's position. A perimeter sensor system that could accurately depict misses around the target (6'x6' example) that could be transmitted to a display located at the firing point for immediate coaching/shooter feedback. The target should react (as programmed) to hits or misses. The target could communicate with adjacent targets (Bluetooth example) and respond to each other to hits and misses (as programmed). Ability to place two target types on one platform that could be "presented" to the shooter (hostile/non hostile example) as programmed. The target could generate heat for thermal optics. Able to take in excess of 10,000 300/7.62/5.56 mm round impacts before requiring maintenance Maintenance cycle that needs to take in consideration hours/days of training required to support up to 22,000 shooters a year. 10 hours sustained use before maintenance/recharging Centralized data collection system Ricochet resistant encapsulation * Tablet/PDA Automated target systems should come with tablets or communicate with personal electronic devices via website or app. The Marine Corps is interested in systems that meet the specifications of one or more of the following items: Required Characteristics Screen size shall be a minimum of 4 inches wide and 6 inches long Man portable Contain a rechargeable/removable battery Will be visible in direct sunlight. Capable of screen use with gloves. Be contained in a replaceable shock and water resistant case. Able to be connected with WiFi, Bluetooth, and with USB type cables. Must meet MIL-STD 810G environmental/durability requirements Desired Characteristics Battery life in excess of 12 hours during continuous use with all functions enabled. Prefer 24 hours that function in weather temperatures from 0 degrees Fahrenheit to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Display capable of being backlit for night use. Able to be utilized in all weather conditions with wet hands and gloves. Self-supported with provided viewing angles from 15 degrees to 90 degrees. Drop resistant to 6 meters Water proof (IP66K rating) 3. 6.5mm, .260 Bolt/Gas Precision Rifles The Marine Corps Shooting Team is interested in rifles that incorporate technologies that are applicable to national and international competition. The Marine Corps Shooting Team is interested in a rifle that is guided by the following specific requirements: Required Characteristics Bolt Action Rifle o Chambered in .260 or 6.5 Creedmoor o Minimum of .7 MOA accuracy o 22 to 26 inch barrel, 1:8 twist o Chassis system or stock with ability to adjust length of pull, cheek height, etc. o Picatinny or M-LOK mounts for bipod o Short Action o Adjustable trigger pull or fixed match-grade trigger 1.5 lbs pull weight, 1 or 2 stage o Able to take 5 or 10 round magazines o Action must have reinforced bolt stop Gas Precision Rifle o Chambered in .260 or 6.5 Creedmoor o Minimum of 1 MOA accuracy o 18-24 inch barrel, 1:8 twist o Adjustable gas system o M-LOK or Picatinny free floated rail system o Adjustable trigger pull or fixed match-grade trigger 1.5 lbs pull weight, 1 or 2 stage Desired Characteristics Bolt Action Rifle o Action has 2 lug with 90 degree throw, or 3 lug with 60-75 degree throw. Gas Precision Rifle o Adjustable Mass/Recoil Management system 4. Simulation The Marine Corps is interested in simulated range and training environments which incorporate technologies that are applicable to current and future battlefields. The Marine Corps is interested in simulations that are guided by the following specific requirements: Required Characteristics Wireless Augmented Reality (AR) ready, 3D/4D environment System must link users to allow Marines to interact within virtual world from any location Intuitive controls that Marine operators can utilize with little training Able to quickly design and implement maps/environments at operator level for training, i.e. towns, cities, weather conditions, terrain. Able to accurately simulate friendly/enemy personnel, ground vehicles, ships, aircraft. Intuitive AI to allow for both flexible and scripted scenarios. Must react realistically to user inputs, i.e. user firing at enemy. System must be able to accurately simulate ballistics of current inventory of ammunition utilized in service weapons, i.e. M855, M855A1, AA11, A363, A483 etc. Train shooters in basic and advanced marksmanship principals. Train shooters in target engagements and transition drills. Must provide threat and target discrimination training. 360 degree threat / Non-threat training scenarios. Facility must be able to be retrofit into current Marine Corps facilities or be custom designed. Laser shot detection should be within the 780NM range. Setup shall take no longer than 7 days Tear down shall take no longer than 7 days Desired Characteristics Projectors and monitors have the ability to mount in multiple locations (floor, ceiling or walls) Customizable scenarios to enable the Marine Corps to adjust training with new mission requirements, as well as meet current TTP's, METL's, and POI's. Aid in cognitive and ocular development, situational awareness, and target identification. Retain the ability to train a shooter in decision fidelity, perceptual acuity and situational awareness. Have the ability to control ambient lighting to increase target clarity. Incorporate weight training to induce stress, physical fatigue and mental fatigue. Marine must be able to utilize assigned service weapon (i.e. M4, M16, IAR, M9, etc.) through a 'drop kit' or similar means to effect the simulation by cycling his weapon system with 75% realistic recoil. 4D Virtual Reality: Marine can move on a pad 360 degrees and will move virtual character. All movement of weapon and body are accurately depicted within simulation via motion capture, cameras or like systems. Complete immersion. 5. Integrated Optics The Marine Corps is interested in optics that incorporates technologies that are applicable to current and future battlefields. The Marine Corps is interested in upgrades that meet the specifications of the following items: Required Characteristics Magnification from 0/1-8 power to PID threats (presence of weapon) out to 600M, and engage threats in close proximity Must possess large and forgiving eye box and extended eye relief Included ambidextrous capable feature to rapidly adjust magnification with non-firing hand Electronic fire control system that diagnosis range, weather, elevation, and lead for a moving target within 0.5 seconds (objective), 1 second (threshold) and places an accurate "aim point dot" or appropriate "aim point reference" for the shooter to place on the target and engage. - o Target data to include range, and direction (degrees/mils) is displayed within the objective lens for shooter to observe. - o Bluetooth or WIFI capability to link and communicate with tablets, and communication suites found at the squad and platoon level. Etched/mechanical reticle feature for engaging moving threats out to 150M and rapid ranging feature that accounts for average width of human head and of shoulders as back up for system failure or battery loss. Compatible with clip-on current night vision or thermal imaging devices (e.g. PVS-24A, PAS-27, etc.) Low profile elevation turret or cap - turrets locking or capped to prevent inadvertent loss of zero in combat conditions Scope must return to zero after removal Center of reticle must have daylight bright illuminated dot for close quarter use at 0/1 power. Should meet MIL-STD 810G environmental/durability requirements Desired Characteristics Scalable and modular to accept future digital feature set and new reticles Potential low end setting as red dot sight (RDS) Optimized for mounting height over rail at 1.54-1.93" Squad level networking and target designation capability Visually displayed point of impact cue (drawing information from laser rangefinder and ballistic solvers, integral and/or external) 6. Small arms self-coaching and data tracking applications The Marine Corps is interested in applications and devices able to coach Marines in marksmanship. These tools should allow Marines to track ability throughout their career, while enabling the USMC trained coaches a tool to aid in instruction. The Marine Corps is interested in products that meet the specifications of one or more of the following items: Required Characteristics Portable in design Contain a removable battery Able to analyze errors in application of fundamentals of marksmanship Wireless operation via Bluetooth or WIFI Battery life a minimum of 4 hours Works during dry fire, simulator, and live fire training. Able to diagnose marksmanship errors via attachment or drop in kit that wirelessly reports to user/coach. Allow user/coach/target system to make entries on a 'digital data-book' that records each shot. Product provided with storage case and charger. Must meet MIL-STD 810G environmental/durability requirements Provides predictive analytics to judge shooters performance against known standards. Ability to be used in dry and live fire Provide analysis of data from known standards Desired Characteristics Battery life in excess of 12 hours during continuous use with all functions enabled. Prefer 24 hours. Application should be able to be used on multiple OS (android or Macintosh) Capable of being connected to wireless enabled devices via blue tooth connection Able to be utilized in all weather conditions Drop resistant to 6 meters Water proof (IP66K rating) ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Submission Process: To respond to this RFI, please complete the attached MTD 2018 Submission Form and send via e-mail to: MarksmanshipTechDemo@USMC.MIL. Please ENSURE that the technology focus area you are submitting under is in the subject line of your email. Please do not attach marketing brochures, test reports, or other extraneous materials to your Submission Form, as they will not be reviewed. If you have more than one system (or technology) to demonstrate, submit separate Submission Forms for each system (or technology). To ensure your submission passes Marine Corps filters, total size of the emails shall not exceed 5Mb, so it is recommended that pictures be compressed as necessary. If more than one submission email is sent or any large emails approaching 5Mb are sent, a separate text-only coordination email is recommended. NOTE: FILES MUST BE SENT AS PDFs or JPEGs. Due to USMC Security Filters Word and Power Point may not make it through the filter. It is highly recommended that submitters sign up for AMRDEC SAFE accounts to send submissions. If utilizing AMRDEC please send submissions to ryan.grogan@usmc.mil and joshua.wess@usmc.mil and follow up with a plaintext email to all three accounts. Notification of Decision: If your technology is of interest, the MTD Team will contact you with an invitation to participate in MTD 2018 at the Calvin A. Lloyd Range Complex, Marine Corp Base Quantico, VA. In addition, a list of selected companies will be posted to http://www.trngcmd.marines.mil/MarksmanshipTechDemo/ in August. If your company is not on the list, your technology was not selected for further review. The MTD Team will decide which technologies to include in MTD 2018 at its sole discretion after considering factors such as the technical readiness level (TRL) of the technology, the performance characteristics of the technology, space and resources available at the demonstration site, and the interests of the Marine Corps. Please note that the decision to invite or non-invite a company is not a procurement decision and disappointed applicants are not entitled to protest or appeal non-invite decisions. Additional Documentation Requirements: Companies invited to participate in MTD 2018 will be required to provide additional technical documentation to facilitate safety release approval and test plan development. Timely submission of this documentation is essential to ensure a safe and successful event. More information on required documentation will be provided with your invitation to the demo. NOTE: This RFI is issued for the purpose of determining market capability of sources and does not constitute an Invitation for Bid (IFB), a Request for Proposal (RFP), a Request for Quote (RFQ) or an indication that the Government will contract for any of the items or services contained in this notice. No solicitation document exists. Responses shall not include classified or proprietary material. Information with classified, 'Proprietary', 'Confidential', or other markings limiting distribution will not be reviewed. Responses to this notice will not be returned. Those who respond to the RFI should not anticipate feedback with regards to their submission, other than acknowledgement of receipt - If a request for acknowledgement is requested by the submitter. The USMC reserves the right to review late submissions, but makes no guarantee that they will be reviewed. No reimbursement will be made for any costs to provide information in response to this announcement or any follow-up information requests. Information or statements contained herein are not binding upon the Government. Marksmanship Technology Demonstration (MTD) 2018 Submission Form Submission Instructions: Complete the MTD 2018 Submission Form and save as an Adobe Portable Document Format. Send the .pdf and a .jpg photo of your technology to MarksmanshipTechDemo@USMC.MIL. The completed Submission Form must be received by midnight EST on 20 August 2018. Technology fact sheets are encouraged. PART A - Name and Contact Information 1. Technology Name: 2. Company Name: 3. Company Mailing Address: 4. POC Name: 5. POC E-mail: 6. POC Phone: 7. Company Website: 8. Company CAGE code (if applicable): PART B - Business Information 9. Business size (large or small): 10. Provide the socio-economic status for all North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) codes the business operates under (i.e. SDVOSB, Hubzone, etc.). 11. Provide suggestions on the NAICS preferred by the business and explanation of the suitability of this code for the technology to be demonstrated. 12. The Government may contemplate future contract requirements based on the technology focus areas. Please provide suggestions on the Government's approach. 13. The Government's preferred contract type is Firm Fixed Price (FFP) for potential future requirements. Please provide suggestions on the contract type preferred by the business and explanation if it differs from the Government's preference. PART C - Technology Category (check one) Small arms automated smart static targets Small arms automated smart mobile targets 6.5, .260 Bolt/Gas Precision Rifles Simulation Integrated Optics Small arms self-coaching and data tracking applications PART D - Technology Description 14. Describe your technology and how it meets the required characteristics. 15. Provide a physical description and summarize the technical specifications of your technology. 16. Provide the NAICS code preferred by your business and an explanation of the suitability of this code for your technology. 17. Indicate the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of your technology. Department of Defense TRL definitions are included below for reference. Note: You must have a working prototype (typically TRL 6 or above) to participate in MTD 2018. 6 7 8 9 18. Have you shown or discussed your technology with anyone in federal or state government or the military services? If yes, provide POC name, phone, and e-mail. 19. Has your technology been tested in a military operational environment (training or deployment)? If yes, describe the nature of the test, date, location, military office(s) involved, and military POC name, phone, and e-mail. 20. Do you foresee any issues integrating your technology into military platforms and/or an operational environment (discuss both) (i.e. sensitivity to extreme temperatures, water, sand etc.)? 21. Is your technology currently being used in the private sector? If yes, describe. 22. Summarize relevant test data for your technology, emphasizing improvement over existing USMC technology. DO NOT ATTACH COPIES OF TEST REPORTS. 23. Describe how you will demonstrate your technology at the MTD 2018 demonstration. A dynamic demonstration is required. Include information regarding range space and equipment required. NOTE: The MTD location is an active training range, live fire will be authorized and shore power will be available within the pits. If you require shore power on the firing line, you will be responsible for providing a generator. 24. Attach a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for your technology if available. NOTE: Companies invited to participate in MTD 2018 will be required to provide additional documentation to facilitate safety release approval. 25. Attach a .jpg photo of your technology. (CAD drawings and computer simulations are not sufficient). Department of Defense Technology Readiness Levels, Defined* Technology Readiness Level Description 1. Basic principles observed and reported. Lowest level of technology readiness. Scientific research begins to be translated into applied research and development. Examples might include paper studies of a technology's basic properties. 2. Technology concept and/or application formulated. Invention begins. Once basic principles are observed, practical applications can be invented. Applications are speculative and there may be no proof or detailed analysis to support the assumptions. Examples are limited to analytic studies. 3. Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept. Active research and development is initiated. This includes analytical studies and laboratory studies to physically validate analytical predictions of separate elements of the technology. Examples include components that are not yet integrated or representative. 4. Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment. Basic technological components are integrated to establish that they will work together. This is relatively "low fidelity" compared to the eventual system. Examples include integration of "ad hoc" hardware in the laboratory. 5. Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment. Fidelity of breadboard technology increases significantly. The basic technological components are integrated with reasonably realistic supporting elements so it can be tested in a simulated environment. Examples include "high fidelity" laboratory integration of components. 6. System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment. Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology's demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high- fidelity laboratory environment or in simulated operational environment. 7. System prototype demonstration in an operational environment. Prototype near, or at, planned operational system. Represents a major step up from TRL 6, requiring demonstration of an actual system prototype in an operational environment such as an aircraft, vehicle, or space. Examples include testing the prototype in a test bed aircraft. 8. Actual system completed and qualified through test and demonstration. Technology has been proven to work in its final form and under expected conditions. In almost all cases, this TRL represents the end of true system development. Examples include developmental test and evaluation of the system in its intended weapon system to determine if it meets design specifications. 9. Actual system proven through successful mission operations. Actual application of the technology in its final form and under mission conditions, such as those encountered in operational test and evaluation. Examples include using the system under operational mission conditions. DEFINITIONS: BREADBOARD: Integrated components that provide a representation of a system/subsystem and which can be used to determine concept feasibility and to develop technical data. Typically configured for laboratory use to demonstrate the technical principles of immediate interest. May resemble final system/subsystem in function only. "HIGH FIDELITY": Addresses form, fit and function. High-fidelity laboratory environment would involve testing with equipment that can simulate and validate all system specifications within a laboratory setting. "LOW FIDELITY": A representative of the component or system that has limited ability to provide anything but first order information about the end product. Low-fidelity assessments are used to provide trend analysis. MODEL: A functional form of a system, generally reduced in scale, near or at operational specification. Models will be sufficiently hardened to allow demonstration of the technical and operational capabilities required of the final system. OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT: Environment that addresses all of the operational requirements and specifications required of the final system to include platform/packaging. PROTOTYPE: A physical or virtual model used to evaluate the technical or manufacturing feasibility or military utility of a particular technology or process, concept, end item or system. RELEVANT ENVIRONMENT: Testing environment that simulates the key aspects of the operational environment. SIMULATED OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL: Either 1) a real environment that can simulate all of the operational requirements and specifications required of the final system, or 2) a simulated environment that allows for testing of a virtual prototype; used in either case to determine whether a developmental system meets the operational requirements and specifications of the final system. *Source: DOD Deskbook 5000.2-R, Appendix 6, Technology Readiness Levels and Their Definitions.