UAV NEWSLETTER ISSUE 1

Sample Issue

Incorporating new contracts awards, new systems, new country and force requirements and funding issues

8 August 2002 – Sonex Receives US$200,000 contract for UAV Engine

SONEX RESEARCH, INC. announced that it will receive initial funding of US $200,000 under a subcontract from Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) of San Diego, to begin the conversion of a commercially available gasoline engine to start and operate on standard military fuels (also referred to as "heavy fuels") for use in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) weapon system.

SAIC, a leader in the development of advanced gun weapon systems including launchers and smart projectiles, is the Department of Defense (DoD) prime contractor for LEWK (Loitering Electronic Warfare Killer), a joint program endorsed and funded by the Air Force, Navy, Army, and Marine Corps. The objective of the LEWK program, an Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD), is to develop and demonstrate the military utility of a low cost- flying "truck", or loitering UAV, system with a 200-pound payload, capable of providing several hours of continuous EW jamming and loitering "on-demand" warhead delivery. LEWK transforms from a highly compact munition-like form factor, launched by aircraft and helicopters, into a large wing, long endurance UAV by using unique inflatable airfoil technology.

The DOD now requires engines used in UAVs and other military applications for which gasoline storage and use are undesirable, to operate on less volatile, kerosene-based heavy fuels to reduce the hazard associated with gasoline. SAIC has asked Sonex to design and develop a heavy fuel engine (HFE) conversion process for LEWK based on the patented Sonex Combustion System (SCS) engine technology. Following the selection of a commercially available 70hp to 80hp lightweight, spark-ignited, two-stroke, gasoline engine, Sonex will begin development of an SCS modified combustion chamber design and proprietary starting system to permit the converted engine to start and operate on heavy fuel for use in the LEWK.

Sonex CEO and co-founder, Dr. Andrew A. Pouring, said that the amount of funding approved at this time permits a multi-phase HFE program for LEWK to begin immediately. SAIC and Sonex expect, although there is no assurance, that the remaining funds needed to complete the design and testing process to achieve an HFE prototype will be approved by the DoD sponsor later this year. Upon successful demonstration of the SCS prototype HFE, SAIC anticipates a follow-on award to Sonex to integrate the HFE with other propulsion system components and with the LEWK airframe.

Sonex has worked previously with SAIC on a smaller HFE, having successfully designed a heavy fuel conversion process for a 100cc engine for use in a UAV being developed as a shipboard weapon system as part of a DoD program which preceded LEWK.

7 Aug 2002 – UCAV Award for Boeing

The Boeing Company was awarded $460,056,330 to fund Spiral 1 objectives that are being incorporated into the existing US Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) Other Transaction Agreement on 6 July.  The Spiral 1 effort will lead to the design, development and fabrication of two X-45B air vehicles, two containers and an upgraded mission control station.  The effort will also include risk reduction modeling and simulation, ground and flight-testing, and system level demonstration activities necessary to meet the Spiral 1 objectives.

This effort also includes an additional block of software development and flight-testing on the X-45As.  It will be incrementally funded; the initial funding increment is $1,562,000.  Spiral 1 will be performed in St. Louis. (62%), Seattle (34%), Palmdale, Calif. (3%), Mesa, Ariz. (1%) and Southern Calif. (1%). The effort is to be completed by 30 Dec. 2005.  Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This was a limited competition with one proposal received.  The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is the contracting activity.  

6 August 2002 – Boeing/DARPA Extend Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle Contract

Boeing and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, have agreed to terms of a contract extension for the Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle, or UCAV, initiating work on advanced versions of the X-45 UCAV demonstrator aircraft.

That work will put the programme on track to provide the U.S. Air Force with initial operational capability UCAVs by 2008. UCAV is the first unmanned system designed from inception for combat.

"In three years, Boeing, DARPA and the Air Force matured UCAV from a concept to a system in flight testing," said Boeing UCAV Programme Manager Darryl Davis. "We now begin work that will lead to delivering a combat-capable system within six years. We will prove that warfighters can expect to receive combat capabilities sooner rather than later."

The US$460 million contract extension funds several activities: a fourth block of X-45A software development and flight testing; two new demonstrator aircraft which are designated X-45B; two shipping/storage containers; an updated mission-control station and Block 5 software and flight test.

The X-45B will be larger and more capable than the X-45A demonstrator aircraft that's currently in flight-testing. The first X-45B is to be completed in 2004 and begin flight-testing later that year. The second will be delivered in 2005.

UCAV is pioneering spiral development; an acquisition process to quickly provide warfighters with essential capabilities and keep pace with developments in technology and warfighter needs by fielding additional capability in subsequent spirals. Boeing Unmanned Systems and Phantom Works, the company's advanced research and development unit, are developing UCAV.

Unmanned Systems is part of the Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, or IDS, organization. IDS is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $23 billion business.  

22 July 2002 – Northrop Announces Watchkeeper Solution

Northrop Grumman Corporation's Integrated Systems sector has announced its approach to achieving the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MoD) requirement for WATCHKEEPER, an unmanned system that will deliver an integrated image intelligence, targeting and exploitation capability to meet the U.K. land commander's critical information needs.

The Northrop Grumman industry team, a combination of U.S. and U.K. companies, recently completed the system definition phase of the programme and has submitted a tender offer for the follow-on system integration and assurance phase. The team has been working closely with the MoD for two years to define a solution that achieves the U.K. warfighter's intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) needs with the best capability at the lowest risk.

"Our industry team has approached WATCHKEEPER as a network-centric, system-of-systems capability," said Ralph Starace, Northrop Grumman's WATCHKEEPER program manager. "The foundation of our solution is a C4I architecture driven to deliver timely data exploitation and dissemination of time-critical information so enemy targets can be precisely located, identified and eliminated before they have time to react."

Northrop Grumman's focus on command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I) is key to providing interoperability with other U.K. and NATO ISTAR assets such as ASTOR, attack helicopter and maritime forces. The company has used an extensive modeling and simulation environment to evaluate the WATCHKEEPER capability.

"Drawing upon more than 50 years of experience in unmanned systems integration, we are leveraging our extensive expertise with unmanned ISTAR systems such as Global Hawk, Fire Scout and the demonstration aircraft Pegasus to develop the WATCHKEEPER capability," said Robert A. K. Mitchell, vice president for Advanced Systems Development at Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems.

The Northrop Grumman industry team includes the company's Electronic Systems sector, Baltimore, Md.; its Information Technology sector, Herndon, Va., and Northrop Grumman Information Technology Europe, based in Southampton, U.K.

U.K.-based Detica Limited, Guildford, Surrey, provides requirements assessment and analysis. Ultra Electronics, Greenford, Middlesex, is the leading developer in the U.K. of datalink systems analysis and definition. General Dynamics U.K. Ltd., St. Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, provides world-class expertise in U.K. battlefield digitization; and STASYS, Farnham, Surrey, supports concept of operations, operational analysis and U.K. Army doctrine.

The Northrop Grumman team's payload suite features electro-optical/infrared sensors and synthetic aperture radar for continuous day/night, all-weather ISTAR coverage, as well as laser ranging/designating for targeting capability. An element of the system's air component includes a robust, fully autonomous vertical takeoff and landing system based on a derivative of Northrop Grumman's Fire Scout system currently under contract with the U.S. Navy. The air element does not require a prepared runway and is well suited for restricted landing areas in urban operations, littoral environments and forested areas.

General Dynamics U.K. Ltd. is responsible for the ground control segment. General Dynamics brings expertise as prime contractor for the U.K.'s BOWMAN C4I program, principal supplier for the ASTOR ground station, as well as its extensive work in the U.K.'s battlefield digitization initiative.

"WATCHKEEPER is a central programme to the future ISTAR growth strategy of General Dynamics U.K. Ltd, and is viewed as an essential project in shaping the direction of our organization and the synergies with our existing U.K. business is clear," said Lord Peter Levene, chairman of General Dynamics U.K. Ltd.  

25 June 2002 – Sikorsky Contract for Cost and Weight Reduction - Primary and Secondary Structures for UAVs

A pre-solicitation notice from the US Army Aviation and Missile Command on 25 June 2002 notes a sole source acquisition to Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. Contemporary helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV's) are very sensitive to weight and cost. New technologies have become available that can reduce weight and cost by replacing the old metal material and manufacturing systems with state of the art composite processes. The application of these new composite technologies can significantly reduce the weight of both the transmission housing and airframe structures while reducing the overall acquisition, maintenance and Operation and Support cost. Objective: To reduce the weight, acquisition cost and operating cost of transmission housing and structural assemblies by obtaining an integrated Manufacturing Technology effort that is a combination of material, design, and process improvements, to reduce raw material costs, combined with a substantial reduction in fabrication labor. Requirements: The contractor shall provide the personnel, materials, facilities, equipment, and expertise required to perform the specific effort. This effort shall be performed without the use of ozone depleting chemicals  

18 July 2002 - Interim Small Unit Remote Scouting System (ISURSS) Programme Pre-Solicitation Notice

Contracting Office Address

Department of the Navy, United States Marine Corps, Marine Corps Systems Command, 2033 Barnette Avenue, Quantico, VA, 22314-5010

Description

The Marine Corps Systems Command intends to issue a new contract for production and support of the ISURSS program to either AeroVironment, Inc., Monrovia, CA or BAI Aerosystems, Easton, MD. The contract will include Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity firm fixed price options for the production of up to 1,026 of the Dragon Eye unmanned air vehicles and up to 342 ground control stations. The ISURSS program is currently in the System Development and Demonstration Phase with two competing prime contractors (AeroVironment, Inc. contract number N00173-01-C-2047 and BAI Aerosystems contract N00173-01-C-2046). The Government intends on conducting a rolling downselect for award of the production contract. The ISURSS program is to provide small unit maneuver and support Commanders with real-time tactical and reconnaissance/surveillance information. The Dragon Eye (DE) unmanned air vehicle was selected as the vehicle to meet the ISURSS operational requirements. Initial Operational Capability for ISURSS occurs in July 2003. The ISURSS prime contractor will also provide program management, systems engineering and integration, sustaining engineering and design support, contractor logistics support, spares, materiel fielding support, and other auxiliary items in support of the program. No RFP is available for competitive bidding, however interested parties are encouraged to submit a statement of capability for satisfying this requirement no later than close of business on 1 AUGUST 2002 to the contact person listed above. See Notes 1 and 22. The applicable NAICS code for this effort is 336411.

Original Point of Contact

Jeffrey Campbell, Contract Specialist, Phone (703) 784-5822 x234, Fax (703) 784-5826, Email campbelljt@mcsc.usmc.mil - Jeffrey Campbell, Contract Specialist, Phone (703) 784-5822 x234, Fax (703) 784-5826, Email campbelljt@mcsc.usmc.mil

Current Point of Contact

Jeffrey Campbell, Contract Specialist, Phone (703) 784-5822 x234, Fax (703) 784-5826, Email campbelljt@mcsc.usmc.mil - Jeffrey Campbell, Contract Specialist, Phone (703) 784-5822 x234, Fax (703) 784-5826, Email campbelljt@mcsc.usmc.mil

12 July 2002 – Pre-solicitation notice for Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) Electro-Optic/Infrared (EO/IR) System with Laser Rangefinder Designator (LRFD)  

General Information

Contracting Office Address

US Army Communications-Electronics Command, CECOM Acquisition Center, ATTN: AMSEL-AC, Building 1208, Fort Monmouth, NJ 07703-5008

Description

NA The Government requires two additional Advanced EO/IR Gimbals with a TV Camera, IR Camera, Multi-spectral Filter Wheel and LRF/D. To fulfull this requirement, a non-competitive, sole-source negotiation is proposed with Wescam-Sonoma, Incorporated of 103 W . North Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448 under authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) and FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source. Numbered notes 22 and 26 apply to this action.

Original Point of Contact

Kimberly Frey, 732-427-1428

Email your questions to US Army Communications-Electronics Command, CECOM Acquisition Center at Kimberly.Frey@mail1.monmouth.army.mil

Current Point of Contact

Kimberly Frey, 732-427-1428

Email your questions to US Army Communications-Electronics Command, CECOM Acquisition Center at Kimberly.Frey@mail1.monmouth.army.mil

Place of Performance

17 July 2002 – Presolicitation Notice for Upgraded UAV Simulation Software

General Information

Contracting Office Address

NASA/Ames Research Center, JA:M/S 241-1, Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000

Description

NASA/ARC plans to issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for upgraded Software development tools for use in piloted aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) simulation studies. The software tools, capable of importing digital terrain elevation and feature analysis data (from the National Imagery and Mapping Agency) to create a 3D database, are to be used in the Flight Simulation Facilities at NASA Ames Research Center. Some of the same 3D databases will eventually be used in the cockpit during actual flight. This procurement is being conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). NASA/ARC intends to purchase Vega Prime, Annual Support for Vega Prime, Vega Prime Runtime Environment, upgrade MultiGen Creator to Creator Pro with Terrain Pro, and Annual Support for MultiGen Creator Terrain Bundle for Windows, from MultiGen-Paradigm Inc., 19100 Von Karman, Ste 900, Irvine, CA 92612, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) based on the fact that the helicopter-simulation software tools of MultiGen-Paradigm Inc. are able to process tremendous amount of digital elevation terrain data and produce the high-quality clear graphic displays for pilots (or UAV operators) to use during simulations and actual flight. 

In addition, MultiGen-Paradigm Creator is currently being used to establish a "first-generation" capability at ARC for synthetic vision simulation in the RIPTIDE simulator. In order to continue with this development and to advance our synthetic vision simulation capabilities, NASA Ames intends to procure from MultiGen-Paradigm the software upgrades mentioned above. The software shall be able to import geometrically corrected satellite images, digital terrain elevation data (DTED), and digital feature analysis data (DFAD) from the National Imagery and Mapping Agency archives with the additional ability to create new objects in the database. Two flight displays shall be developed using the software: 1) The primary flight display which will be a perspective 3D view of the terrain from the eye-point of a simulated, moving aircraft that includes a grid-world (no texture), random textured, and a photo-textured representation of the terrain. 2) The secondary flight display which will be a scrolling, rotating image of the terrain (using satellite photos) in such a way that the eye-point is always at a specified location on the screen and the vertical direction of the photo is aligned with the simulated aircraft heading - a photo-moving map. On both the primary and secondary flight display, the OpenGL graphics symbology and text data shall overlay the terrain image or photo image, in order to provide the pilot with aircraft state information. Compatibility with the existing Openflight file format is required. It is critical that the software tools purchased have the following specific characteristics: 

1) the symbology graphics software shall be user programmable in OpenGL; 

2) the aircraft state information shall be received using TCP/IP sockets on an Ethernet network; 

3) the software shall run on IBM PC compatible computers running either a Linux or Windows NT, 2000 or XP operating system; 

4) the output shall be IBM PC compatible video, from 640x480 to 1280x1024 resolution; 

5) the update rate of the generated graphical display shall be 25Hz, minimum. 

The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 1:30 p.m. local time on July 31, 2002.

 Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. 

Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. All responsible sources may submit an offer, which shall be considered by the agency. An Ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note "B". Any referenced notes can be viewed at the following URL: http://genesis.gsfc.nasa.gov/nasanote.html

Original Point of Contact

Miin-Shiou Chen, Purchasing Agent, Phone (650) 604-0089, Fax (650) 604-4357, Email mschen@mail.arc.nasa.gov - Ronnee R. Gonzalez, Contracting Officer, Phone (650) 604-4386, Fax (650) 604-4357, Email rgonzalez@mail.arc.nasa.gov

Email your questions to Miin-Shiou Chen at mschen@mail.arc.nasa.gov

Current Point of Contact

Miin-Shiou Chen, Purchasing Agent, Phone (650) 604-0089, Fax (650) 604-4357, Email mschen@mail.arc.nasa.gov - Ronnee R. Gonzalez, Contracting Officer, Phone (650) 604-4386, Fax (650) 604-4357, Email rgonzalez@mail.arc.nasa.gov

Email your questions to Miin-Shiou Chen at mschen@mail.arc.nasa.gov

11 July 2002 – Sources sought for R&D of sensor technologies for detection of buried mines aboard UAVs

General Information

Contracting Office Address

Coastal Systems Station, Code XPS1, 6703 W. Hwy. 98, Panama City, FL

Description

SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGIES FOR AIRBORNE RECONNAISSANCE AND SURVEILLANCE FOR DETECTION, LOCALIZATION, AND CLASSIFICATION OF BURIED MINES IN AMPHIBIOUS LANDING BEACHES 

The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Coastal Systems Station, Panama City, Florida, is seeking sources to conduct research and development to solve the problem of detecting, localizing, and classifying, from an airborne platform, buried anti-personnel and anti-vehicular mines and minefields deployed in the littoral battlespace, specifically from the surf zone through the beach exit zone. If an amphibious force can conduct unmanned aerial standoff threat detection and collection of imagery, data, or other information on buried mines, it will possess a capability that does not exist in the current MCM inventory. This capability will be of critical imp ortance for traversing a defended amphibious landing zone. The technology would lend itself to the automatic detection of minefields. 

This effort will encompass the conduct of all analysis, modeling, algorithm investigations, research, design, fabrication, testing, development, environmental assessment, phenomenology investigations, reporting and documentation required to bring to fruition and/or reduce to engineering practice technologies permitting enhanced detection, localization, and classification of buried mines and/or minefields. The goals of the research effort are to demonstrate:  Technology for sensors, sensor systems, or sensor packages which, when mounted in a lightweight unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) will remotely detect in some way the presence of mines buried in the surf zone, the beach zone, or the inland environment,

 Technology for image and/or other data processing which will act upon the raw data, however obtained, in such a manner as to display the presence of buried mines and/or minefields,  Technology for packaging sensors and processing in a lightweight UAV,  Supporting activity in modeling, environmental assessment, phenomenology, and database formation,  Advanced algorithm developments to facilitate buried mine detection, and  Sensor fusion technologies to facilitate buried mine detection. Successful technology developments may be investigated for future transitions as P3I to existing systems or separate transitions to engineering development as appropriate. Interested sources on this program will be required to demonstrate:  

Recent and relevant experience in development of sensor technologies relatable to buried mine/minefield detection, or data and/or image processing technologies relatable to buried mine detection, or techniques, algorithms and procedures for automatic detection of buried mines/minefields. Interested firms shall respond within 30 days of this Sources Sought Announcement with complete and detailed documentation showing the company's product and capability as detailed above. 

Only potential prime contractors should respond. A list of responding potential prime contractors will be furnished to potential subcontractors upon request. Direct expression of interest in participating in this program and supporting documentation should be addressed in writing to Mr. Mark P. Ross, Code XPS1, NAVSEA Coastal Systems Station, 6703 West Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32407-7001, PH (850) 235-5624, FAX (850) 234-4251, E-mail RossMP@ncsc.navy.mil. 

This is not a solicitation. In the event that a solicitation is developed, it will be assigned a formal Req uest for Proposal (RFP) number and the announcement will be published in the same manner as this announcement.

Original Point of Contact

Contract Specialist Mark Ross at 850-235-5624 or Contracting Officer Carol Dreger at 850-234-4863

Email your questions to Contract Specialist Mark Ross at RossMP@ncsc.navy.mil

Current Point of Contact

Contract Specialist Mark Ross at 850-235-5624 or Contracting Officer Carol Dreger at 850-234-4863

Email your questions to Contract Specialist Mark Ross at RossMP@ncsc.navy.mil

Additional Information

Coastal Systems Station Table of Sources Sought

9 July 2002 – SAIC to work with UAV Battlelab on unmanned technologies

The Air Armament Center (AAC), Eglin AFB FL, intends to award a sole source task order to Science Applications International Corporation for continuation of support for technical expertise to assist the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Battlelab (UAVB) in research, development, demonstration and assessment processes of initiatives. 

This will encompass support in researching the new technology, planning, demonstrating, data collection/exploitation and analysis of innovative concepts and technology relating to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The contractor will coordinate mutual support from other contractors required for accomplishing the UAVB mission. 

The period of performance will be for one year as a time and material contract. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code for this acquisition is 541330 ($23 million). If you feel you can provide this service, please provide your qualifications and experience in this particular area and identify whether you are a large or small business based on this NAICS Code.

General Information

Contracting Office Address

Department of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, AAC - Air Armament Center, AAC/PK 205 West D Avenue, Suite 433, Eglin AFB, FL, 32542-6864

Original Point of Contact

Diane Sisk, Contract Specialist, Phone (850)882-8261 ext. 5218, Fax (850)882-4916, Email diane.sisk@eglin.af.mil - Bonnie Hochmuth, Contracting Officer, Phone 850-882-9188x5222, Email hochmutb@eglin.af.mil

Current Point of Contact

Diane Sisk, Contract Specialist, Phone (850)882-8261 ext. 5218, Fax (850)882-4916, Email diane.sisk@eglin.af.mil - Bonnie Hochmuth, Contracting Officer, Phone 850-882-9188x5222, Email hochmutb@eglin.af.mil

31 May 2002 – US NAVAIR seeks proposals for sensor integration for UAVs

Synopsis:  

  This notice constitutes a BAA as contemplated by FAR 6.102(d)(2). TECHNICAL POC: Charles Caposell (301) 342-2638/(703) 696-4814 I. INTRODUCTION. The NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND (NAVAIR) is soliciting proposals for research and development (R&D) concepts in sensor integration and communication technologies. Concepts proposed may represent novel dedicated technologies and/or dual use of new emerging commercial technology. II. BACKGROUND. NAVAIR is working with sponsor agencies to advance the science and technology of sensor integration and testbed technologies. 

Future weapon systems will increasingly rely on the merging of sophisticated datasets collected from a myriad of collection sources. The promise of combining sensor data into a single integrated picture of the battlespace depends on key advances in sensor data networking and integration architecture. Developmental and operational testbed activities focused on these systems architectures systems must be adaptable to accommodate the most recent technological advances in both sensors and weapons systems. 

The overall program objectives are: (A) to explore new concepts in both sensor integration and testbed design and applications architectures, (B) invest in key technologies and create adaptations to better suit the needs of the war-fighting community, (C) certify the sustainability and safety of candidate systems, and (D) promote those systems through the procurement process. The size, weight, and cost of the sensor system or sensor network are of particular concern. Historically, the preponderance of awards have been in the area of one-to-ten million dollars; however, this does not preclude awards of a lower or higher dollar value. III. SPECIFIC AREAS OF INTEREST. Proposals are being solicited in three areas: 

A. New Operational Concepts for integration of sensors with aircraft and weapons, both unmanned and manned. New approaches and applications for integrated sensors. New testbed architectures for supporting advanced weapon system concepts. Concepts should address possible ways to deploy and operate systems from Naval Aircraft or from sea-based platforms. Examples of the type of concepts that could be proposed are: 

1. Sensor integration concepts such as reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition (RSTA) cloud concepts with multiple, smart, or computational sensors operating collaboratively to create seamless view of the battle space. 

2. Real-time sensor data networking concepts involving high-speed nodes and an instantaneous view of critical battle space elements. 

3. Concepts involving rapidly deployable sensor networks. 

4. Concepts involving innovative solutions to urban warfare missions, particularly those supporting rapid reconnaissance and coordinated precision fires. 

5. Concepts involving new approaches to conducting integrated testing of future weapons systems utilizing advanced sensor inputs. 

6. Large area concepts where low-power, deeply deployed sensors communicate over large areas or relay data to an airborne or shipboard control station. 

7. Virtual test range concepts employing sensors integrated with simulated activities to provide realistic environmental data. 

8. Sensor networking or testbed concepts that have dual use applications including counter terrorism, homeland security, force protection, and humanitarian and disaster relief. 

B. Technologies that advance the state-of-the-art in performance and suitability of theatre-wide or tactical sensor networks. 

1. Multi-mode integrated electronics technologies that combine distributed sensor components to form a combined data output. 

2. Advanced communications and networking component technologies that offer significant improvement beyond the state-of-the-art. 

3. Advanced weapons technologies with sophisticated on-board processing for complex or alternative forms of sensor data input. 

4. Innovative tools, encryption devices, and networking algorithms for instantaneous remote sensor integration. 

5. Condition-based sensor cueing and remote sensor management technologies.

6. Ultra-wide-band or other geolocation sensor network technologies. 

7. Advanced sensor technology offering improved data collection and conditioning, larger field of regard or instantaneous signal bandwidth. 

8. Small, ruggedized packaging concepts for processing, routers, data servers, and other components for fiber optic, optical and wireless RF communication and relay nodes. 

C. Systems Integration and Demonstration Testing will apply newly developed or transitioning technology from R&D agencies to determine various aspects of utility, supportability and potential for integration into USN/USMC systems. 

1. Testbed demonstration activities utilizing state-of-the-art sensors in collaborative mode. 

2. Networking and data link system demonstrations for transmittal of imagery and multiplexed sensor data. New approaches for high-bandwidth, multiplexed, digital, LPI/LPD links as well as approaches for network management. 

3. Fires and targeting demonstrations utilizing sensor networks or relays from a sensor network to transient platform such as UAV, a weapon, or group of loitering munitions. 

4. Applications that address issues of autonomous or semi-autonomous, advanced weapons seeker requirements. 

5. Test activities for high energy weapons or weapons requiring increased target dwell time and utilizing networked command, control and diagnostic sensing. 

6. RSTA demonstrations to provide complete instantaneous awareness of a battlespace and communication of information to battlespace components. 

7. Mobile sensors and sensor grid demonstrations that provide real-time sensing and communication of a tactical perimeter. 

8. Urban warfare applications utilizing unique deployment, C4I and sensor control schemes. 

9. Dual use test and demonstration activities addressing needs for homeland defense, counter terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. IV. CONTRACT/AGREEMENT TYPE. NAVAIR is willing to consider various types of acquisition vehicles including, but not limited to, traditional FAR/DFARS type contracts and/or non-procurement agreements (e.g. Grants, Cooperative Agreements and Other Transactions). Other Transactions will be entered into under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2371, and Section 845, Authority to Carry Out Certain Prototype Projects. Information concerning Other Transactions can be found at

http://www.darpa.mil/cmo/pages/other_trans.html and http://www.acq.osd.mil/ddre/research , or by contacting Sue R. Wainwright at (301) 757-9746 or by e-mail at wainwrightSR@navair.navy.mil. 

Final decision on acquisition type (contract/agreement) will be made by the government. NOTE: Typically, research findings result in the need for additional services/supplies, which are not possible to anticipate or project. Contract modifications may be executed to satisfy these requirements; thereby providing for flexibility in technology assessment (with technology transition the ultimate goal). In the event that this is required, it shall be considered to be within the scope of this BAA and the resulting contract, and therefore will have met the requirements of the FAR/DFARS and the Competition in Contracting Act. V. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION. No request for proposal (RFP), solicitation or other announcement of this opportunity will be made. Submit proposals in two (2) STEPS. A. STEP I - Proposal Abstracts Submit Proposal Abstract, not to exceed fifteen pages, any time during the above stated open period. The Proposal Abstracts will be evaluated at a minimum quarterly. All proprietary portions of the abstract shall be clearly identified and will be treated in the strictest confidence. Offerors are hereby notified that non-government participants will have access to the offeror’s proposals, and that submission of an offer shall constitute consent to the disclosure of proprietary information to all non-government participants in the source selection. 

The non-government participants are employees of commercial firms or academic institutions, under contract to the Government, and if they serve as technical advisors they will be authorized access to only those portions of the proposal data and discussions that are necessary to enable them to provide specific technical advice on specialized matters or on particular problems. Abstracts shall identify the following: 

1. BAA Number; N00421-02-R-0013; 

2. Organization Name; 

3. Other Team Members and type of business for each; 

4. Technical Points of contact (including phone, fax, and e-mail information); 

5. Administrative Point of Contact (including phone, fax, and e-mail information); 

6. Overview of the Proposed Work to include: A summary of proposed concept (including commercial applications), an estimated timeframe for project completion, a brief description of the facilities involved, and a brief resume of the principle investigator(s); and, 

7. A rough order of cost magnitude with type of acquisition vehicle (contract/agreement) being proposed, and, if applicable, the anticipated sharing arrangement. 

BRIEFING: The Government may request the contractor to present a technical briefing on the proposed effort(s) at NAVAIR/Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division facilities, Patuxent River, MD; or, other sites, as deemed appropriate. Although discussions with the government are permitted prior to submission of abstracts, these technical briefings are desired following the formal submission of an abstract. The Government is not liable for any costs associated with this brief. 

The abstract cover letter should discuss the contractor's willingness to provide a technical brief. Submit an original of the abstract proposal to the following address: NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER AIRCRAFT DIVISION (PAX) CODE: AIR-2.5.1.4.5, BLDG. 588, 47253 WHALEN ROAD, PATUXENT RIVER, MD 20670-1463. Offerors are encouraged to submit Contents of Proposal Abstracts electronically (PDF or MS WORD format) to wainwrightSR@navair.navy.mil. Confirmation of receipt is recommended for electronic submission. IF PROPOSAL IS GREATER THAN 15 KB, A ZIP FORMAT IS REQUIRED. If selected for further inquiry, the Navy will contact the offeror for additional information and/or a STEP II – Proposal (See Attachment (1); otherwise, it will not be necessary (but does not preclude) for the offeror to submit a STEP II proposal. IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE CONTRACTORS: Registration in the DoD’s Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database will be a prerequisite for receiving an award resulting from this BAA. For more information please contact the CCR Assistance Center at 1-888-227-2423; or, email: http://www.ccr.gov  

30 May 2002 – Northrop Starts UCAR Programme

Northrop Grumman Corporation will study an unmanned combat armed rotorcraft (UCAR) programme that will provide enhanced reconnaissance and attack capabilities for U.S. Army aviation. The study constitutes a significant milestone to develop unmanned systems for the Army.

Under a US$3 million award from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the company's Integrated Systems sector will research the DARPA/Army UCAR program, which will combine autonomous operations and advanced command and control technologies with the advantages of vertical takeoff and landing capability. Integrated with the Army's manned aircraft, the UCAR system will perform armed reconnaissance and attack missions, operating within the Army's Objective Force concept, effectively identifying and prosecuting targets that are camouflaged and concealed in close combat situations such as dense, mountainous and urban terrain.

"We have built a strong reputation as a leading integrator of autonomous unmanned systems," said Bob Mitchell, vice president, Advanced Systems Development for Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems. "Leveraging technology from the successful Global Hawk, Fire Scout and our company-funded X-47A Pegasus technology demonstrator, we look forward to working with DARPA and the Army on the development and deployment of the UCAR system, a key element of the Army's transformation efforts."

The RQ-8A Fire Scout is an unmanned vertical takeoff and landing tactical system that is in low-rate initial production for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Earlier this month, Northrop Grumman successfully completed the first two flights of the third Fire Scout prototype, including a completely autonomous flight.

After completion of the 12-month UCAR concept development phase, DARPA will select two contractors for a preliminary design concept development effort, which is expected to last nine months. The design concept development will be followed by a system development phase that will include the development and test of two demonstration vehicles. This will be followed by a system maturation phase, during which the contractor will develop and test a final system concept. The program is scheduled to transfer to the Army in 2009.

For the concept development phase, Northrop Grumman's UCAR team includes MD Helicopters, Carter Copters, BAE SYSTEMS, L3 Communications, Sabre Group, Signature Research, Natural Selection and Aero-Science Technology Associates

17 April 2002 - Solicitation Notice for Block 1 ASTAMIDS Request for Proposal

General Information

Contracting Office Address

US Army Communications-Electronics Command, CECOM Acquisition Center Washington, ATTN: AMSEL-AC-W, 2461 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22331-0700

Description

NA The US Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) and the Project Manager for Close Combat Systems (PM-CCS), Countermine Division plan to issue a Block 1 ASTAMIDS RFP. The RFP is expected to be ready for release on or about 15 August 2002. 

The Block 1 ASTAMIDS will provide a Unit of Action (UA) asset that can be used in Tactical Operations in day and night, real time, to detect and locate obstacles and surface and recently buried minefields. The ASTAMIDS will be deployed on a Tactical Unmanned Aeria l Vehicle (TUAV) Block 2, or another UAV with equal or greater payload capacity, such as the future Extended Range/Multi Purpose (ER/MP) UAV or Future Combat Systems (FCS) UAVs. 

Each ASTAMIDS consists of two (2) Airborne Payload (AP) subsystems and one (1 ) Tactical Ground Segment (TGS) subsystem. The AP shall consist of an EO/IR Sensor assembly and other mission-specific hardware, software, and firmware components installed in the UAV platform. The AP shall collect imagery and data and interface to the Ta ctical Common Data Link (TCDL) to transfer imagery and data to the common Army UAV Ground Control Station (GCS). The EO/IR sensor assembly used in the AP is specified as the Multi-Mission Common Modular UAV Advanced EO/IR Sensor, currently under development for the U.S. Government by Wescam. ASTAMIDS shall use this common sensor with design modification as required to meet ASTAMIDS requirements. 

The TGS shall be installed into the common Army UAV GCS in a modular manner through standard interfaces. (Not e: Although not an ASTAMIDS component, the UAV GCS will be the host for the ASTAMIDS TGS.) The standard interfaces shall provide required connectivity and support. The TGS shall consist of the software to perform mission planning and in-flight payload cont rol of the TUAV and of the AP. The TGS shall perform analysis of retrieved imagery and data and transmit mission results to the Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) network. The TGS shall also consist of the imagery and data processing hardware, software, and firmware required to generate, display, and disseminate products to the users via the Army C4I network. Only minimal modifications to the common Army GCS are allowed. The RFP will be issued on the Interactive Business Op portunity Page (IBOP), https://abop.monmouth.army.mil. No hard copies or copies via email will be available. The RFP will close 45 days after release. 

Proposals in response to this RFP must be submitted electronically to the Contracting Officer through the IBOP website within 45 days of the release of the RFP. Selection of the awardee will be made on a best-value basis. In order to use the IBOP a vendor must register by completing the following steps: 

1) At the IBOP homepage select 'New User Registration' under the User Services; 

2) click on the Industry Button; 

3) Select either the Browse button or the Browse & Post button. (If you plan on responding to the solicitation it is best to select Browse & Post Button, otherwise you will have to register again. A CAGE Code and Duns Number are required); 

4) Complete all the required information and then click on the 'Submit Request' button. 

Once Registered: 

1) At the IBOP homepage select 'CECOM Comm.-Elec. Comm.-Active' from the Army Solicitations, View By Army Contracting Activity drop down menu and click 'go'; 

2) Enter your User Name and Password and click 'OK'; 

3) Click on 'All Business Opportunities by Contracting Officer' and then click on the folder ICON to the left of 'Davis, Patricia'; 

4) Click on the folder ICON to the left of DAAB15-02-R-0028; 5) Once the RFP is posted it will be at the line entitled 'Messages & Documents; ASTAMIDS SD&D RFP'. 

Click on that title and proceed to the bottom of the page. The RFP will be posted as an attachment. It is also recommended that each offeror join the solicitation specific mailing list under the RFP number DAAB15-02-R-0028. Once registered on the solicitation speci fic mailing list a vendor will receive email notification of any updates relating to the RFP. Any questions regarding the submission of proposals should be addressed to Ms. Jane Borden, Contract Specialist at jane.borden@cacw.army.mil   or Ms. Patricia Davi s, Contracting Officer at pat.davis@cacw.army.mil. 

Original Point of Contact

Jane Borden, 703-325-1709

Email your questions to US Army Communications-Electronics Command, CECOM Acquisition Center Washington at jane.borden@cacw.army.mil

Current Point of Contact

Jane Borden, 703-325-1709

Email your questions to US Army Communications-Electronics Command, CECOM Acquisition Center Washington at jane.borden@cacw.army.mil

Place of Performance