SOLICITATION NOTICE
A -- MULTICELL AND DISMOUNTED COMMAND AND CONTROL
- Notice Date
- 6/30/2003
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- Contracting Office
- Other Defense Agencies, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Contracts Management Office, 3701 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA, 22203-1714
- ZIP Code
- 22203-1714
- Solicitation Number
- BAA03-33
- Response Due
- 8/14/2003
- Archive Date
- 8/29/2003
- Point of Contact
- Gary Sauer, DARPA Program Manager, Phone 000-000-0000, Fax 703-696-9781, - Michael Blackstone, Contracting Officer, Phone (571) 218-4804, Fax (703) 696-2208,
- E-Mail Address
-
none, mblackstone@darpa.mil
- Description
- MULTICELL AND DISMOUNT COMMAND AND CONTROL, SOL BAA 03-33, DUE: 08/14/03; POC: MR. GARY SAUER, DARPA/IXO; FAX: (571) 218-4550. Background: This BAA is structured to specifically support the mission of the execution of the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) Future Combat System Command and Control (FCS C2) Program. The FCS C2 program is a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) led effort, with the cooperation of the U.S. Army Communications?Electronics Command (CECOM) Research and Development Center (RDEC). The focus of this effort is to expand upon the research effort of the Future Combat Systems Command and Control (FCS C2) Program to determine the next level of requirements, C2 functions and information profiles/flows for FCS Unit Higher Headquarters, Multiple FCS Unit?s Command and Control, Dismounted Soldier and Dismounted Commander Operations. The research to date has built a prototype C2 system which integrates previously stove-piped Battle Command operating systems/functions into a single tailorable display for decision-making. The supporting Command and Control Experimental Demonstration System developed in the FCS C2 Program will be extended to support this expanded research in determining the technical challenges in Battle Command for Multiple FCS Unit interactions, Higher Headquarters? Command and Control, and Dismounted soldiers as a subsystem to the FCS Family of Systems design. The current command and control system experimental demonstrator (prototype) for the FCS Unit already illustrates the potential for a significantly reduced staff to control and employ its organic assets within the unit. In addition to minimizing supporting staff, an important part in expanding this research effort will be to assess whether the system under test is scaleable to other FCS echelons and joint task force elements to facilitate future C2 with multiple Battle Command functions integrated into a single Battle Command System to empower the decision-maker with information to understand current and future states while reducing uncertainty. The FCS C2 program had several distinct components: The Integrated C2 Systems and Operational Architecture, the development of a simulation federation to stimulate the C2 prototype, a supporting Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) lab and the development of the C2 prototype. The program began with a Start-up initiative (Phase I), followed by an FCS C2 Architecture Study initiative (Phase II) and the FCS C2 development and Experimentation initiatives (Phase III). Phase IV of the FCS C2 program is the subject of this request and includes continued FCS C2 development/maturation and Experimentation in support of Multicell and Dismounted C2 capabilities. FCS C2 Start-up phase (Phase I). The start-up phase (October 2000 - January 2001) consisted of the preparation of program plans, personnel recruitment, and contracts. FCS C2 Study (Phase II). The FCS C2 Study was a two-phased effort, the first of which was a 10-month effort to initially investigate and document the following: An operational and systems architecture for the C2 Prototype, developed in accordance with version 3.1 of the Joint Technical Architecture (JTA) ?Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Framework 2.0? (December 1997). This framework is a standard adopted by the Department of Defense (DOD) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) community for developing systems architectures. The FCS C2 Study or Technical Team published their initial report, Future Combat System (FCS) Unit Cell C2 Architecture Study, Interim Report in January 2002. This report was leveraged to execute the experimentation effort in phase 3. The second phase, which concluded in April of FY03, involved refining and updating the results of the first phase. FCS C2 Program Organization. To build the C2 Prototype, DARPA and the CECOM RDEC formed three teams: a Technical Team, an Operational Team, and an Experimentation Team. The Technical Team consisted of personnel from academia, the Army, and industry. This team was primarily focused on the FCS C2 Study effort described above, to include making subsequent refinements and updates to maintain its accuracy and applicability to program goals. The Operational Team was mentored by senior level active duty and/or retired military personnel and consisted of several School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS) graduates with positional experience throughout the U.S. Army's Forces Command (FORSCOM) and the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). This team was primarily focused on developing the Unit Cell?s operational information flows, its experimental force structure, and the Doctrine, Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (DTTP) used in each experiment. The Experimentation Team included a team of human performance scientists from the Army Research Institute (ARI) and was primarily focused on developing the C2 Prototype, the FCS C2 Simulation Federation, and the overall plan to test the project?s hypothesis. This program organization, to include the general roles/responsibilities discussed above, will be maintained throughout the duration of the support Multicell/Dismounted C2 effort. The C2 Prototype (Phase III).Vision: Provide information to the operator such that the user is informed but not overburdened. CSE consisted of:?Operator Workstations, Collaboration Server (CS), Collective Intelligence Module (CIM), and Platform Support Environment (PSE). (1) Planning and execution are integrated through the workstations and the collaboration server. This allows all workstations to simultaneously see and manipulate plans and execution information. The design includes provisions for a CDR decision aid using a knowledge base. (2) The CIM the PSE endow the Unit with it's network centric behavior. (a) The CIM is aware of the CDR?s intent. The execution of the current tactical situation will be enabled through the use of an expert knowledge based system. (b) The PSE defines platform TTP?s using an expert knowledge based system (e.g., evasive maneuver). FCS C2 Experimentation (Phase III). The experimentation effort consisted of developing and testing the prototype C2 software in a series of experiments to validate the C2 system design Key to this effort is a crawl, walk, run approach, while reviewing the enabling technologies and systems (i.e. C2 Prototype, One Semi-Automated Forces TestBed (OTB), Sensor Effects model). Through its first four experiments, the FCS-C2 program has developed an initial infrastructure to represent critical integrated functionalities of the FCS unit maneuver, lethal and suppressive effects and intel/sensors. Future experiments anticipate addition of detailed dismounted simulation, network-centric communication effects, RF jamming and other non-lethal effects, logistics/sustainment and expansion of the force structure beyond that of the FCS unit. Existing simulation infrastructure, including a heavily-modified version of OTB, a Sensor Effects Model (SEM) and other supporting components are expected to require enhancements and supplements to provide the necessary synthetic environment for continued evaluation of the prototype software and affiliated battle concepts. SCOPE - RESEARCH TOPIC INTEREST: This part of the BAA contains statements of the Research Interests required by DARPA/ IXO. Prior to proposal submission, questions on technical matters and availability of project funding relating to a particular Research Interest should be directed to the DARPA Program Manager via email to BAA03-33@darpa.mil. When responding/inquiring on a specific area of research, refer to the Topic Number listed below. Multicell and Dismounted C2 Background. The Multicell and Dismounted C2 research program (effort covered by the requirements of this BAA) will build on the earlier success and approach of the FCS C2 experimentation effort and expand the decision space to the operation of multiple FCS equipped units with higher headquarters, dismounted soldiers and joint force connectivity. The program?s objective is to determine how further integration of Battle Command functions of multiple FCS units, dismounts and higher headquarters ( joint) may be achieved to support a network centric force. The program will build an expanded decision space to support these eschelons and functions with full collaboration. The program will consist of four major elements: 1) Architecture development and documentation 2) Testbed development and expansion, 3) Expansion of the decision space and Human Computer Interface to address the aforementioned levels of command and 4) Conduct a series of experiments as illustrated in the milestone chart (see PIP) to measure and assess the effectiveness of the mission software modules supporting the expanded decision space. The FCS-C2 Program is a fully interrelated program consisting of several interrelated Technical Topic Areas. All offerors selected to provide Contractor Technical or other support under this BAA, as directed by the government, will be required to work as part of a ?Combined Technical Team?. As such, offerors should be prepared to work in close coordination with the collective personnel supporting the other Topic Areas of this BAA. The current Research Topic Interest Areas. (1) Battle Command and Control For Future Combat Systems (C2 Prototype): This topic seeks to encourage the developmental work in the area of mission software development that integrates formally stove-piped Battle Command functions into a single integrated display for decision making of an FCS equipped force. This program will be examining multiple unit, higher headquarters and dismounted information needs for decision making thru integrated and innovative Battle Command solutions. (2) C4ISR Modeling & Simulation For C2 Concept Assessment: This topic seeks to encourage developmental work in the area of C4ISR modeling and simulation support to integrated Command and Control protoype for the FCS unit?s family of systems design. A realistic C4ISR simulation provides a synthetic environment in which concepts and prototype software can be evaluated through appropriate stimulation and response. Simulation provides a means to realistically represent current ?real-world? capabilities in all areas of the C4ISR spectrum, as well as those that do not yet exist. (3) FCS C2 Architecture Development: Under the scope of this topic area, the offerors required performance will be broad, encompassing a wide range of research activities, to include the coordination, conduct and documentation of an architecture study to develop an operational and systems FCS C2 Architecture at the dismounted soldier level of command through the higher headquarters and joint levels of command supporting the Objective Force. (4) FCS C2 Experiment Planning, Execution, and Analysis: This topic area seeks the developmental work in the area of Experiment Planning, Design, Execution, Data Collection and Analysis. Innovative approaches to support experimentation in Battle Command in an emulated network centric environment are highly encouraged. (5) Infrastructure Support for Development, Simulation, and Experimentation Environments: This topic seeks to encourage developmental work in the area of hardware/software integration, production of modeling and simulation support systems, prototyping, and systems engineering support to enable peek performance and reliability of Developmental, Simulation, and Experimentation Environments. Proposed research should investigate innovative approaches and techniques that lead to or enable revolutionary advances in the state-of-the-art. Proposals are not limited to the specific strategies listed above, and alternative visions will be considered. However, proposals should be for research that substantially contributes towards the goals stated. Research should result in prototype hardware and/or software demonstrating integrated concepts and approaches. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvement to the existing state of practice or focuses on a specific system or solution. Integrated solution sets embodying significant technological advances are strongly encouraged over narrowly defined research endeavors. Proposals may involve other research groups or industrial cooperation and cost sharing. Offerors may submit one or more proposals against any of the five (5) topic areas identified above. It is the Government?s intent that no more than one proposal be selected for any given topic area, and that Topic Area 1 and Topic Areas 2 through 5 be awarded to separate offerors. Offerors are permitted to propose on any number/combination of Topic Areas 2 through 5 (i.e., one topic or multiple topics through a teaming approach). Funding: The resulting contract(s)/agreement(s) will be incrementally funded by fiscal year, assuming identified milestones have been satisfactorily met. Funding in the out year(s) is subject to the availability of funds. Period of Performance: The general contractual period of performance is anticipated to comprise approximately eighteen (18) months duration, however contracts may be executed for a lesser period of time. The specific duration will be dependent on the performance goals of the Topic Area, but will not exceed twenty-four (24) months without options or thirty-six (36) months with options. GENERAL INFORMATION: The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency/Information Exploitation Office (DARPA/IXO) has an electronic upload process for proposal submissions for BAA 03-33. The BAA tool is intended to facilitate an electronic process beginning with the proposal uploads through the review and evaluation of submitted documents. Instructions for use of the DARPA/IXO BAA Tool are available for download at http://www.darpa.mil/ixo/solicitations/multicell/index.htm. Failure to comply with these submission procedures may result in the submission not being evaluated. Proposers must be willing to cooperate and exchange software, data, and other information with other contractors if it contributes to the success of the program. This includes coordination with a contractor or integrator, chosen by DARPA, if appropriate. A statement of cooperation must be included in the final proposal. PROTECTION OF INFORMATION: It is the policy of DARPA to treat all proposals as competitive information and to disclose contents only for the purposes of evaluation and assessment. The Government may use selected support contractor personnel from Schafer Corporation, Solars, and McNeil Technologies to assist in administrative functions only. Those contractors sign binding, non-disclosure agreements with DARPA. REQUIREMENTS/PROCEDURES: The Award Document for each proposal selected and funded will contain a mandatory requirement for submission of DARPA/IXO Quarterly Status Reports and an Extended Requirement for July Reports. These reports will be electronically submitted via the DARPA/IXO Technical ? Financial Information Management System (T-FIMS), utilizing the government furnished Uniform Resource Locator (URL) on the World Wide Web (WWW). Further details may be found in the Proposer Information Pamphlet (PIP). PROPOSAL FORMAT: All offerors MUST register at: http://www.tfims.darpa.mil/baa 2 weeks prior to submitting a proposal. PLEASE NOTE: The deadline for registration is 07/31/03 at the URL listed above. Only the lead or prime offerors should register. One registration per proposal should be submitted. This means that offeror wishing to submit multiple proposals should complete a single registration for each proposal. By registering, the offeror has made no commitment to submit. Proposal submissions must be unclassified. The offeror must upload the electronic version of the full proposal to the DARPA website by 12:00 NOON (ET) Thursday, August 14, 2003, in order to be considered during the initial evaluation phase. However, BAA 03-33, Multicell and Dismounted Command and Control, will remain open until 12:00 NOON (ET) Wednesday, June 30, 2004. Thus, proposals may be submitted at any time from issuance of this BAA through Wednesday, June 30, 2004. While the proposals submitted after Thursday, August 14, 2003, deadline will be evaluated by the Government, proposers should keep in mind that the likelihood of funding such proposals is less than for those proposals submitted in connection with the initial evaluation and award schedule. Offerors must obtain the BAA 03-33 Proposer Information Pamphlet (PIP), which provides further information on the areas of interest, submission, evaluation, funding processes, and full proposal formats. The PIP is available for viewing or download at http://www.darpa.mil/ixo/solicitations/multicell/index.htm. Proposals not meeting the format described in the PIP may not be reviewed. This notice, in conjunction with the BAA 03-33 PIP and all references, constitutes the total BAA. No additional information is available, nor will a formal RFP or other solicitation regarding this announcement be issued. Requests for same will be disregarded. The Government reserves the right to select for award all, some, or none of the proposals received. All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government's needs may submit a proposal that shall be considered by DARPA. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) are encouraged to submit proposals and join others in submitting proposals. However, no portion of this BAA will be set aside for HBCU and MI participation due to the impracticality of reserving discrete or severable areas of this research for exclusive competition among these entities. Government contractors are required to register at the Government?s Central Contractor Registration site in order to negotiate contracts with most government agencies. This URL is provided as a reference: http://www.ccr.gov. Evaluation of proposals will be accomplished through a technical/scientific/business decision process with technical and scientific considerations being most important. Evaluations will be performed using the following criteria listed in descending order of relative importance: (1) Quality and Technical Merit; (2) Relevance of Proposed Approach to the Program Goals; (3) Capabilities and Experience; (4) Offerors Approach to Technology Transfer; and (5) Cost Realism and Value of Proposed Work to Government. All administrative correspondence and questions on this solicitation, including requests for information on how to submit a full proposal to this BAA, must be received at BAA03-33@darpa.mil by 12:00 NOON (ET) Thursday, August 7, 2003. DARPA intends to use electronic mail for correspondence regarding BAA 03-33. Proposals MUST NOT be submitted by fax or e-mail; any so sent will be disregarded. The administrative addresses for this BAA are: Fax: 571-218-4550 Addressed to: DARPA/IXO, BAA 03-33 Electronic Mail: baa03-33@darpa.mil Electronic File Retrieval: http://www.darpa.mil/IXO/Solicitations/progacronym/index.htm Original Point of Contact Michael Blackstone, Contracting Officer, Phone (517) 218-4804, Fax (703) 807-4940, email mblackstone@darpa.mil
- Record
- SN00360429-W 20030702/030630213651 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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