A -- 2001ST BAA 01 -- (PART 3 OF 5)

Notice Date

June 27, 2001

Contracting Office

Commercial Acquisition Department, Bldg 11, Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, Code 59, Simonpietri Dr., Newport, RI 02841-1708

ZIP Code

02841-1708

Solicitation Number

BAA 01-01

Response Due

June 30, 2002

Point of Contact

G. Palmer, Contract Negotiator at (401) 832-1645; FAX (401) 832-4820

E-Mail Address

Gerald Palmer, Contract Negotiator (palmerge@npt.nuwc.navy.mil)

Description

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (PART 3 OF 5) Modeling and simulation of laser acoustic communication systems and related systems. Naval Range underwater acoustic communications concepts/technologies. UNDERSEA COMMUNICATIONS Advanced Communications algorithm development to improve, robustness, throughput, bandwidth efficiency and covertness. Development of advanced communications systems and sensors in support of surface and subsurface combatants, UUVs, buoys, mines, weapons, and bottom mounted nodes. Advanced Communications modeling software to support in-situ performance analysis. This software could provide assistance to fleet operators in analyzing own ships (speed, depth, range, etc.) profile for best undersea communications. Investigation of jammer and interference-resistant acoustic communication algorithms. Development of multiuser communication methods and undersea acoustic networks to support maximum number of communications nodes and users in the anticipated acoustically congested undersea battlespace. Development and demonstration of applications and uses of undersea communication, targeting UUVs, manned subsurface and surface assets, undersea networks, ranges and novel technologies enabled by undersea communication. Investigations of efficient implementation of acoustic communication algorithms in hardware and/or software. Development of man-machine interfaces and automated operation of remote acoustic modems. TORPEDO AND TORPEDO TARGET SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY AND ASSESSMENT Processing algorithms for improved target detection/classification against low-speed targets at all aspects and for improved countermeasure resistance with an emphasis on highly reverberant shallow water environments; such algorithms might include:  Coherent broadband processing,  Advanced transmit waveforms and/or beamsets,  Target/non-target classification techniques for single and/or multiple pings,  Adaptive processing techniques to enhance signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in highly reverberant environments,  Signal processing algorithms and projector developments to limit surface and bottom effects for shallow water target operation. Methods and algorithms to reduce the probability of target alertment to torpedoes; such methods might include:  Reducing the alertment associated with torpedo active acoustic search;  Lightweight, stiff, corrosion resistant, acoustically damped vehicle structures;  Technology improvements for lightweight and heavyweight torpedo propulsion silencing, including prime mover, machinery, and propulsor quieting. Operational torpedo processing technology and systems applicable to lightweight and heavyweight torpedo commonality initiatives, including size reduction, including:  Application of commercial processing technology and systems to lightweight and heavyweight torpedo sonar signal processing and tactical control functions,  Improved torpedo logistical support, maintenance support, and hardware/software acquisition process (heavyweight and lightweight) applicable to commonality initiatives. Improved post-launch communication techniques between torpedo/submarine and torpedo/torpedo. Enabling methods/techniques/materials applicable to the stowage of torpedoes external to submarine pressure hull. Reduced volume, low-cost navigational sensors. Weapon System Modeling (also see the first subject area, which is titled Undersea Warfare Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis) to enable lower cost development and/or support of torpedo/target systems; the approaches might include:  Simulation Based Design (SBD), Rapid Prototyping & Design for Manufacturing (DFM) methods to enhance system performance while underway Total Ownership Cost (TOC);  Tools/models to support torpedo improvement Investment Strategy (performance vs. cost);  Integrated structural, acoustic, kinematic, and hydrodynamic design codes for paperless design and design simulation;  Shallow water environment acoustic models to support upgrade of digital torpedo simulations and hardware in the loop simulators (real-time operation required), including surface and bottom effects and range dependent characteristics;  In-air and water entry trajectory digital models, lightweight torpedo configuration dependent, to support performance evaluation of alternate lightweight torpedo configurations and air launch accessories (parachutes, etc.) designs;  Digital models to support design and evaluation of propulsion silencing technology and/or hardware. Low-cost weapons concepts for low-volume, high-speed targets. Non-lethal weapon systems concepts. Concepts for regenerative weapons and defensive system. Improved torpedo sonar systems to support shallow water environment and/or low/zero Doppler target scenario performance improvement; areas of interest include:  Development of affordable, multi-channel, wideband, wide aperture imaging arrays, including associated data acquisition and signal processing systems for use against small, low/zero Doppler targets in shallow water;  Non-traditional sensor technology and systems and environmental sensing technology and systems applicable to various platforms for shallow water environment and low Doppler target scenario performance improvements. Studies and assessments of the effects on the environment on processes and activities utilized in weapons and combat systems development and operation. Torpedo submarine and surface combatant self-defense technology and systems applications including anti-torpedo torpedo concepts/technologies. Nonacoustic simulation technology for mobile ASW targets. Wake generation/simulation techniques for mobile target and countermeasure use. LAUNCHER, MISSILE AND PAYLOAD INTEGRATION SYSTEMS Submarine missiles, submarine missile systems, automated on-board mission planning, engagement planning, deployment, and tactics. Computerized training and document database management. Corrosion detection, repair and design for prevention. Universal encapsulation concepts for stowage and launch of air and undersea weapons and other payloads. Concepts for modular payload systems. Cruise missile simulation. Advanced concepts for submarine self-defense including anti-air warfare. Technologies supporting the deployment of Directed Energy systems for use in lethal and non-lethal situations. Submarine launcher technology including hydro- and structural-acoustic modeling, transient hydrodynamics, structural and shock analysis. Advanced launcher concepts for the ejection of weapons, countermeasures, and auxiliary devices from submarines. Concepts for both internal and external (to pressure hull) launcher systems. Launch dynamics and cable dynamics. Advanced materials and manufacturing processes. Advanced concepts for wireless pre- and post-launch weapon/platform communication and power transfer. Advanced concepts for loading, handling, and stowage of weapons aboard submarines Advanced concepts for stowage and handling of weapons afloat at forward sites where stowage of ordnance ashore is prohibited. Advanced methods for evaluating transient acoustic noise signals from launcher systems. Analytical and/or experimental techniques for achieving a better understanding of the physics associated with launching a vehicle from a moving underwater platform. Technology and advanced concepts for launch and retrieval of unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs) from submarines including concepts for platform vehicle communication prior to launch and during the retrieving process. Technology and advanced concepts for launch of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from submarines including concepts for launch control and platform/vehicle communication. Technology for using weapon launcher systems as a means for deploying and communicating with off-board sensors. Techniques such as drag reduction, noise isolation/suppression/attenuation that reduce the radiated noise, including flow noise associated with the launch of vehicles from submarines. Technology that reduces the cost, size or weight of systems/subsystems associated with submarine loading, handling, stowing, shipping, and launching systems. Integrated structural, acoustic, mechanical, and hydrodynamic design codes for paperless design and design simulation of launcher systems. Technology for the simulation, design and manufacture of elastomeric systems. HIGH-SPEED UNDERSEA MISSILES, PROJECTILES, AND MUNITIONS Supercavitating projectile in-bore, in-water dynamics simulation. Supercavitating projectile system targeting concepts and technologies. Undersea gun launch concepts and technologies, including high frequency (HF) sonar for targeting. Drag reduction (supercavitation, ventilated-cavity, enveloping-vapor-flow). Rocket propulsion and underwater ramjet power systems. High power and energy metal-water combustion systems. Stability and guidance control techniques. Small warheads and fusing systems. Sensors. TEST BED TECHNOLOGIES: 1) Large vehicle system concepts; 2) undersea systems for detection and tracking of undersea objects; 3) physics modeling of high-Mach-number undersea flows, including high-Mach-number supercavitating or ventilated flows; 4) launch concepts; 5) physics modeling of undersea rocket exhaust interaction with external vehicle flows, including supercavitating or ventilated flows; 6) technology for the measurement and assessment of high-Mach-number supercavitating or ventilated flows; 7) homing/maneuvering/depth independent concepts for high-speed/supercavitating torpedoes. UNMANNED UNDERSEA VEHICLES (UUV)/AUTONOMOUS UNDERSEA SYSTEMS (AUS)/UNMANNED SURFACE VEHICLES (USV) TECHNOLOGY AND ASSESSMENT Precision navigation (traditional and nontraditional methods) including advanced sensor fusion (Doppler velocity sonar [DVS], inertial navigation system [INS], advanced INS concepts, and global positioning system [GPS] updates) applicable to shallow water and open ocean environments. Precision covert navigation concepts for UUVs at speed and depth. Innovative and cost-effective solutions to improve on the current state-of-the-art capabilities of UUV acoustic communication systems. Areas of improvement include: 1) providing higher data rate capability, including RF; 2) decreasing the computational load required for a given data rate; 3) providing low probability of intercept (LPI) capability; 4) higher data reliability (robustness to errors), 5) lossless and lossy data compression; and 6) any other algorithms which will improve the capabilities for a UUV acoustic communication system. Electromagnetic and acoustic signature reduction technologies (both active and passive) including quiet, lightweight, low magnetic signature electric motors, and quiet, efficient propulsors. Signature reduction technologies to avoid degradation of payload sensor systems. Autonomous control systems for hydrodynamic maneuvering and control of UUVs/USVs especially in littoral environments. Intelligent, fault tolerant controller capable of reliable, long-range unattended operation of UUVs/USVs with embedded mission control consisting of mission planning, replanning, collision avoidance, and fault diagnosis and response. Oceanographic data collection, including but not limited to temperature, pressure, and current profiling, in support of tactical decision aids and the national oceanographic database. Sensor systems for object detection, classification, identification, or avoidance. Object detection and avoidance of semi-submerged and near-surface objects. Advanced environmental sensors. Autonomous robotics technologies for undersea work. High performance, low drag shaft seals. Novel propulsion concepts. High-efficiency, high-energy density, safe long-endurance chemical, electrochemical, and thermochemical energy sources for UUVs and USVs. Lightweight, stiff, corrosion resistant, acoustically damped vehicle structures. For Simulation Based Design (SBD), Rapid Prototyping & Design For Manufacturing (DFM) methods to enhance system performance while underway Total Ownership Cost (TOC.) Programming technology providing the capability to install tactical software at the operational level. Programming technology providing the capability to prevent compromise of tactical software. Technology and advanced concepts for launch and retrieval of UUVs from submarines and USVs from surface ships including concepts for platform vehicle communication prior to launch and during the retrieving process. Simulation of undersea launch and retrieval of UUVs. Low-observable self-righting technologies for USVs. TORPEDO DEFENSE (LAUNCHERS) Universal and/or modular surface ship launcher for countermeasure and other vehicles/devices up to 12.75-inch diameter. Wireless common data and power transmission with countermeasure device and universal launcher. No/minimal maintenance, unmanned surface ship launcher design. Advanced launcher concepts (including external and tubeless concepts) for the ejection of weapons, countermeasures, and auxiliary devices from surface ships. Technology for the simulation and design of torpedo defense launchers. Low-cost, modular, portable stimulators for on-board training. (PART 3 OF 5)

Web Link

Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport (http://www.npt.nuwc.navy.mil/contract/)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010629/ASOL002.HTM (W-178 SN50Q297)