Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Attn: AM, 45045 Aviation Drive, Dulles, VA 20166-7517

A -- SEISMOLOGY, HYDROACOUSTICS, INFRASOUND & MONITORING SYNERGY, AND SEISMIC CALIBRATION SOL AIC4385 DUE 082399 POC Patricia E. Muncy (703) 810-4766/David E. Miller (703) 810-4796 E-MAIL: Click here to contact the Contract Specialist via, patricia.muncy@dtra.mil. Program Research and Development Announcement (PRDA) Awards under this PRDA are subject to the availability of funds, and will not be made before 1 October 1999. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) invites proposals for basic research in the fields of seismology, hydroacoustics, infrasound, monitoring synergy and seismic calibration with the goal of enhancing US capability to monitor nuclear testing treaties under the Program Research and Development Announcement DTRA01-PRDA-99-01. The objectives are (1) to enhance operational monitoring capability at a decreasing cost, (2) increase effectiveness through improved understanding of basic phenomenology, and (3) improve automated processing and analysis systems. All proposals must clearly describe how the research will support the mission of nuclear test monitoring. Efforts which exploit data collected by the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) International Monitoring System (IMS), other monitoring assets, on-going and planned field experiments, and unique historical data sets are strongly encouraged. Experiments and infrastructure (exclusive of computing equipment) can be proposed to this program. Research proposals can seek to improve or develop new methods to integrate and exploit large databases for monitoring technologies to enhance the current capability for automated and interactive signal processing, event location, and event discrimination. To assist in the proposal preparation process, the following web sites provide information about research on CTBT monitoring and international efforts to address the problem: www.pidc.org, www.ctbt.rnd.doe.gov/ctbt/, and www.ctbto.org. Technological Areas The following sections describe the technological areas for research proposals. Because of Congressional requirements and prior funding commitments from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, proposals are only solicited in the areas of "Seismology, Hydroacoustics, Infrasound and Monitoring Synergy" and "Seismic Calibration." Individual proposalsin response to this PRDA should be directed to only one of these categories. Technological Area A: Basic Research in Seismology, Hydroacoustics, Infrasound and Monitoring Synergy Individual proposals to this area should be directed to only one of the following topics: seismology, hydroacoustics, infrasound, and monitoring synergy. Additional guidance within these topic areas is provided below. 1) Seismology Basic research is solicited in the field of seismology. Basic research questions are motivated by the operational challenges of seismic monitoring, including Increasing the signal-to-noise ratio of seismic data. Decreasing the ambiguity of detecting events with overlapping signals. Decreasing the number of unassociated events during monitoring operations. Improving phase identification for both regional and teleseismic signals. Reducing systematic error of event locations. Developing improved discriminants for wide areas or calibrated for specific regions. To address problems such as these, research proposals in the following broad areas are encouraged. a) Characterizing and modeling regional seismic wave propagation in diverse regions of the world. b) Improving the detection, location and identification of small seismic events using regional and teleseismic data. c) Theoretical and observational investigations of the full range of seismic sources. d) Developing high-resolution velocity models for regions of monitoring concern. 2) Hydroacoustics Basic research is solicited in the field of hydroacoustics. Basic research questions are motivated by the operational challenges of hydroacoustic monitoring, including: Decreasing the number of unassociated events during monitoring operations. Improving phase identifications for detected signals. Reducing systematic error of event locations. To address problems such as these, research proposals in the following broad areas are encouraged. a) improvements in source excitation theory for diverse ocean environments, with particular emphasis on shallow coastal waters and low altitude enviroments b) improving the understanding of the variability (regional and temporal) of hydroacoustic wave propagation, including the phenomenon of blockage. c) Improving the characterization of the acoustic background in the ocean environment. d) Improving the ability to use the sparse IMS network for event detection, location, and identification. 3) Infrasound Basic research is solicited in the field of infrasound. Basic research questions are motivated by the operational challenges of infrasound monitoring, including: Gaining experience and understanding of global-scale infrasound monitoring Increasing the signal/noise ratio of infrasound data. Improving phase identifications for detected signals. Reducing systematic error of event locations. To address problems such as these, research proposals in the following broad areas are encouraged. a) characterizing the global infrasound background to estimate the numbers and types of events that will be detected by the IMS network. b) improving the understanding of the variability (regional and temporal) of infrasound wave propagation. c) Improving the capability to locate events using the infrasound data. d) Improving the design of sensors and arrays to reduce noice. e) Analyzing signals from historical monitoring efforts to improve event identification capabilities. 4) Monitoring Synergy Basic research is solicited on the combined analysis of data from multiple monitoring technologies. The motivation for this research is that energy propagating through the Earth can couple from one medium to another (air to water, air to land, land to water). By combining data from different sensors, there are possible synergies at all stages of the monitoring process. Proposals in these areas should combine seismic analysis with one or more monitoring technologies (hydroacoustics and infrasound). Examples of topics that would be appropriate for proposals on monitoring synergy include: a) Improved understanding of the coupling between hydroacoustic signals and ocean island-recorded T-phases, with particular application to event location in oceanic environments. b) Integration of hydroacoustic, infrasound and seismic wave arrivals into association and location procedures. c) Use of seismo-acoustic signals together for identification of mining explosions. d) Explore the synergy between seismic, hydroacoustic and infrasound monitoring for detecting, locating, and identifying evasion attempts in broad ocean areas. e) Determine the false alarm rate for each monitoring technology when operated alone and in conjunction with other technologies. Evaluation Criteria for Technological Area A The submitted proposals will be evaluated by a formal peer review and source selection process. The evaluation will be based on the following criteria: (1) overall scientific and technical merit; (2) the potential for the research results to improve monitoring capabilities; (3) qualifications, capabilities, and experience of the principal investigator, team leader, and key personnel, corporate qualifications, and relevant experience; (4) reasonableness and realism of the proposed costs and availability of funds. Selection of successful proposals for negotiation will be based on the outcome of the review process. The offeror's technical proposal must include an outline and full discussion of the proposed effort, should specifically address the evaluation criteria, and should include a detailed plan of approach presenting procedures, concepts, limitations, key milestones, and expected research accomplishments or results. The cost proposal must include detailed supporting cost schedules and man-hour breakdowns per task. Subcontractor proposals (if applicable), including pricing rate detail, should be provided concurrent to the prime contractor's submission. Technological Area B: Seismic Calibration Basic and applied research is solicited in the field of seismic calibration, focused on the properties of seismic wave propagation to the stations of the IMS. The goal for this work is the development of high-resolution, regionalized velocity models and travel time corrections, referenced to the IMS network, particularly for regional seismic phases. DTRA anticipates that the research results will be used at the CTBT International Data Center (IDC) in Vienna and for U.S. national needs. In this way, the research addresses a U.S. requirement for a strong international verification regime, including a system for the accurate location of small events. As a goal for the research, a minimum performance requirement of 1000 km2 true location uncertainty as defined by the 90% coverage ellipse is desired. The general approach shall be as described in "Recommendations for Seismic Event Location Calibration Development", Preparatory Commission for the CTBT Organization, CTBT/WGB/TL-2/18, dated 1 February 1999. This document may be obtained at www.pidc.org under "Preparatory Commission Working Group B IDC Coordinator Home Page". Under this approach, the calibration product shall be a geographic grid of travel-time and, if possible, azimuth corrections for regional phases for each IMS station. The grid system should be spaced no less than 100 km, but could be much denser. The grid should extend to 2,000 km from the station, or at least out to the farthest point at which Pn is a first arrival. The grid system should cover sources at depth as well as surface sources. While the grids can be model-based, they should be validated by regional observations from reference events. Models and data from reference events shall be deliverables. Means of updating and checking the grids should be proposed. The research products shall be delivered and tested at the Center for Monitoring Research in Arlington VA. Proposals to this technological area should be structured as collaborative academic-industry research consortiums to collect, analyze, and validate seismic calibration information referenced to the IMS network. DTRA has specified a consortium-approach for these proposals to increase synergy between individual research efforts and to obtain a consensus validation of the research results using broad input from the research community. To encourage the widest possible collaboration, consortiums should contain both academic institutions and industry. For instance, consortiums could be based at academic institutions with strong organizational ties to industry research groups. International collaboration with scientists and institutions within the calibrated regions is strongly encouraged. Identifying cost-effective, flexible, and innovative organizational structures to address the research goals in this PRDA should be an important part of the proposal preparation process. "Collaborative Research" organizational structures after the NSF model may be used, as well as prime-sub organizational structures, but a lead institution must be identified. Two separate research and development efforts are sought. One effort shall examine a geographic group of IMS stations in Eastern Asia (Group 1; Table 1), and the other shall examine a geographic group of IMS stations in North Africa and Western Asia (Group 2, Table 2). The geographic groups defined in Tables 1 and 2 represent minimum requirements for each group, but proposals may examine adjacent areas if this will enhance the research product. A proposal should address only one group, but a consortium may submit separate bids on both groups. Table 1. List of Seismological Stations, Group 1 PS12 China Hailar PS13 China Lanzhou PS23 Kazakstan Makanchi PS25 Mongolia Javhlant PS29 Pakistan Pari PS31 Republic of Korea Wonju PS33 Russian Federation Zalesovo PS34 Russian Federation Norilsk PS35 Russian Federation Peleduy PS37 Russian Federation Ussuriysk PS41 Thailand Chiang Mai AS7 Bangladesh Chittagong AS20 China Baijiatuan AS21 China Kunming AS22 China Sheshan AS23 China Xi'an AS57 Kazakstan Borovoye AS58 Kazakstan Kurchatov AS59 Kazakstan Aktyubinsk AS60 Kyrgyzstan Ala-Archa AS68 Nepal Everest AS86 Russian Federation Seymchan AS87 Russian Federation Talaya AS88 Russian Federation Yakutsk AS89 Russian Federation Urgal AS90 Russian Federation Bilibino AS91 Russian Federation Tiksi AS92 Russian Federation Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk AS93 Russian Federation Magadan AS100 Sri Lanka Colombo Table 2. List of Seismological Stations, Group 2 PS11 Central African Rebublic Bangui PS15 C te d'Ivoire Dimbroko PS16 Egypt Luxor PS21 Iran Tehran PS26 Niger To be determined PS32 Russian Federation Khabaz PS40 Spain Sonseca PS42 Tunisia Thala PS43 Turkey Belbashi PS44 Turkmenistan Alibeck AS3 Armenia Garni AS28 Djibouti Arta Tunnel AS29 Egypt Kottamya AS30 Ethiopia Furi AS46 Iran Kerman AS47 Iran Masjed-e-Soleyman AS48 Israel Eilath AS49 Israel Parod AS50 Italy Enna,Sicily AS59 Kazakstan Aktyubinsk AS62 Mali Kowa AS66 Morocco Midelt AS74 Oman Wadi Sarin AS81 Romania Muntele Rosu AS83 Russian Federation Kislovodsk AS85 Russian Federation Arti AS94 Russian Federation Zilim AS96 Saudi Arabia Ar Rayn AS97 Senegal Mbour The lead offeror should submit a milestone chart that outlines the priority by which the IMS station calibrations are planned to be completed and the rationale for arriving at this priority. Evaluation Criteria for Technological Area B The submitted proposals will be evaluated by a formal peer review and source selection process. The evaluation will be based on the following criteria: (1) overall scientific and technical merit; (2) the potential for the research to deliver validated and accurate seismic calibration information that significantly improves the capabilities of the CTBT International Data Center and U.S. national needs; (3) strength of the plan for consortium research, with particular emphasis on the opportunities for synergy between individual research projects and leveraging low-cost contributions from related research efforts supported by other programs; (4) qualifications, capabilities, and experience of the principal investigator and key scientific personnel, corporate qualifications, and relevant experience; (5) reasonableness and realism of the proposed costs and availability of funds. Selection of successful proposals for negotiation will be based on the outcome of the review process. The offeror's technical proposal must include an outline and full discussion of the proposed effort, should specifically address the evaluation criteria, and should include a detailed plan of approach presenting procedures, concepts, limitations, key milestones, and expected research accomplishments or results. The cost proposal must include detailed supporting cost schedules and man-hour breakdowns per task. Subcontractor proposals (if applicable), including pricing rate detail, should be provided concurrent to the prime contractor's submission. Proposal Format Technical proposals should follow these rules: 8.5 x 11 inch paper with 1 inch margins in type not smaller that 12 point. The technical proposal length for Technological Area A shall not exceed 45 single-spaced pages. For proposals in Technological Area B involving multiple offerors, including prime-sub proposals, the 45-page limit shall apply to each offeror. The 45-page limit must include the following components. a) *a summary page (with the r sum of principal investigator and institution affiliation), b) proposal text, tables, figures, references, c) *statement of work (not to exceed 5 pages) suitable for incorporation into a contract/grant minus the proprietary markings d) *for lead or prime proposals in Technological Area B, a management plan for the research consortium, identifying the director and the roles, responsibilities, and relationships between the participants. e) vitae, f) *current and pending government contracts and proposals (identify agency), and g) *past performance data on similar efforts, including point of contact/reference. *Failure to provide these items in the technical proposal may render the proposal non-responsive and the proposal would not be evaluated. The page limitation does not include the cover page and cost proposal. The cover page should include the following information: (1) PRDA number, (2) proposal title, and (3) point of contact to include name, mailing address, telephone number, fax number (if available), and electronic mail address (if available). In addition, for collaborative research proposals submitted in Technological Area B by different organizations in a consortium, the cover page must indicate that it is a collaborative proposal and name the lead organization in the consortium. Technical proposals not conforming may be rejected. Submission Process DTRA is soliciting proposals on the research effort described herein. It is anticipated that research under this PRDA shall generally be unclassified. The period of performance for the average award will be anywhere from one (1) to three (3) years. In Technological Area A proposals with a cost of less than $150,000 per year are strongly encouraged. In Technological Area B two awards are anticipated, one for each group of stations, with an annual level of funding for a consortium in the range of $600,000-$1,200,000. It is anticipated that Cost-Plus-Fixed Fee level of effort contracts or grants will be used. No limits or other characteristics have been developed, especially with regard to: level of funding by year, level of effort, number of awards, awards by business type, or number of proposals submitted by a given firm (though "shots in the dark" are NOT encouraged). Responses are requested from all responsible organizations including industry, academic institutions, and other non-profit organizations. There will be no formal RFP or other solicitation request in regard to this requirement. This announcement is an expression of interest only and does not commit the US government to pay for any response preparation costs. DTRA reserves the right to select for award all, part or none of the response received. Generally, successful offerors will have submitted detailed technical and cost proposals, which will form the basis for award with minimal change. It is anticipated that the first awards will be made early in Fiscal Year 2000. Offerors may propose any combination of teaming or subcontracting arrangements. Proposals requiring performance by a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) cannot be considered under the PRDA. Contractors may include DTRA-furnished CRAY computer usage time in proposals and may utilize Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) and DoD Nuclear Information Analysis Center (DASIAC) resources in proposal preparation. Responses may be received at any time after 0800 on August 9, 1999, but no later that 1600 on August 23, 1999. The original and ten (10) copies each of the technical and cost portions of the proposal shall be sent to: Defense Threat Reduction Agency/AMO, 45045 Aviation Drive, Dulles, VA 20166-7517 The Contractin Posted 06/22/99 (W-SN345810). (0173)

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