N234-P02 TITLE: NAVAIR Open Topic for Logistics in a Contested Environment
OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S) - Advanced Computing and Software; Integrated Sensing and Cyber; Trusted AI and Autonomy
The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.
OBJECTIVE: DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY OPEN TOPIC: DON is seeking proposals for enhancing existing prototypes or concepts to improve operations in contested environments for extended periods of time through heightened tensions and conflict by significantly enhancing or reducing or eliminating the need for replenishment or sustainment.
DESCRIPTION: A contested logistics environment means an environment in which armed forces engage in conflict with an adversary that presents challenges in all domains and directly targets logistics operations, facilities, and activities in the United States, abroad, or in transit from one location to the other. State and non-state actors employ space, cyberspace, and electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) capabilities, as well as information operations, against friendly naval forces. Adversaries may use these capabilities in attempts to deny, degrade, and exploit our use of our historic command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) strengths. Resilient logistics connects the foundry to the Fleet, is enabled by secure communications and information technology, and includes all activities and technologies needed to refuel, rearm, resupply, repair, and revive distributed naval forces down to the last tactical mile. Please indicate the technology area of interest within the Abstract section of the Cover Sheet, Volume 1. The technology areas of interest are:
PHASE I: The DON is planning to issue multiple Phase I awards for this topic but reserves the right to issue no awards. Each Phase I proposal must include a Base and Option period of performance. The Phase I Base must have a period of performance of four (4) months at a cost not to exceed $75,000. The Phase I Option must have a period of performance of six (6) months at a cost not to exceed $100,000.
Phase I feasibility will describe the existing proposed technology, existing DON system(s) to improve, modifications required, anticipated improvements to existing capabilities, impacts to current logistics if any (i.e., transportation, storage, maintenance, safety, etc.) and transition approach to the DON system. Results of Phase I will be detailed in a final technical report (Final Report).
Phase I deliverables include:
PHASE II: All Phase I awardees may submit an Initial Phase II proposal for evaluation and selection. The evaluation criteria for Phase II is the same as Phase I (as stated in this BAA). The Phase I Final Report and Initial Phase II Proposal will be used to evaluate the small business concern�s potential to adapt commercial products to fill a capability gap, improve performance, or modernize an existing capability for DON and transition the technology to Phase III. Details on the due date, content, and submission requirements of the Initial Phase II Proposal will be provided by the awarding SYSCOM either in the Phase I contract or by subsequent notification.
The scope of the Phase II effort will be specific to each project but is generally expected to harden, ruggedize, and/or marinize the technology for integration into an operational environment. The outcome to be a working prototype that can be tested and/or certified, including a fielding approach (including updated logistics and safety consideration) and further commercialization (non-DoD), if appropriate.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Field capability and logistics support.
REFERENCES:
KEYWORDS: contested logistics; next-generation logistics aircraft; battle-damage repair; reduced fuel/supply demand; logistics C3 improvement
** TOPIC NOTICE ** |
The Navy Topic above is an "unofficial" copy from the Navy Topics in the DoD 23.4 SBIR BAA. Please see the official DoD Topic website at www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/#announcements for any updates. The DoD issued its Navy 23.4 Navy Open SBIR Topics pre-release on June 15, 2023 which opens to receive proposals on July 13, 2023, and closes August 15, 2023 (12:00pm ET). Direct Contact with Topic Authors: During the pre-release period (June 15, 2023 through July 12, 2023) proposing firms have an opportunity to directly contact the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) to ask technical questions about the specific BAA topic. Once DoD begins accepting proposals on July 13, 2023 no further direct contact between proposers and topic authors is allowed unless the Topic Author is responding to a question submitted during the Pre-release period. SITIS Q&A System: After the pre-release period, until August 1, 2023, (at 12:00 PM ET), proposers may submit written questions through SITIS (SBIR/STTR Interactive Topic Information System) at www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/ by logging in and following instructions. In SITIS, the questioner and respondent remain anonymous but all questions and answers are posted for general viewing. Topics Search Engine: Visit the DoD Topic Search Tool at www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/ to find topics by keyword across all DoD Components participating in this BAA.
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| 7/19/23 | Q. | In the verbiage of topic N234-P02 it mentions protecting against "electromagnetic spectrum (EMS)" from state and non-state actors and providing "damage tolerant/resistant structures and systems". Is the Navy looking for electromagnetic pulse (EMP) protection technology that is also a damage tolerant/resistant structure? It is unclear what the Navy means by providing "damage tolerant/resistant structures and systems", specifically what type of tolerance and resistance is desired? |
| A. | The desire to protect the electromagnetic spectrum, cyberspace, and our information operations pertains mainly to NEXT-GENERATION LOGISTICS AIRCRAFT and LOGISTICS C3 IMPROVEMENTS. Damage tolerant/resistant structures and systems relates to AIRCRAFT BATTLE DAMAGE REPAIR.
Specifically to the questions; the Navy would be interested in EMP protection technology but is not looking for that as part of aircraft battle damage repair. The type of tolerance and resistance needed for aircraft battle damage repair is to restore the original safe flight envelope of the aircraft under repair. |
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| 7/14/23 | Q. | Regarding: Reliable engines for UAVs that utilize common, existing aviation fuels.
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| A. | 1. Preference would be kerosene based fuels (JP-8, JP-5, F-24 (Jet A + Military additive package)) as they will be more prevalent in theater. Any engine would be compatible with all three.
2. No preference on a specific UAS platform. 3. Reliability data for current aircraft engines will not be shared. Use OEM engine reliability and time between overhaul (TBO) data. |
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| 7/13/23 | Q. | We have a technology that directly addresses some of the suggested areas of need but is currently only at a TRL & MRL of 7+. Will proposals be considered for technologies near the desired TRL/MRL level or 8 or 9? |
| A. | Technologies that are at TRL & MRL 7+ will be evaluated. | |
| 7/6/23 | Q. | This Topic has a broad category for "AIRCRAFT BATTLE-DAMAGE REPAIR.",and then a list of subtopics. Are these the only subtopics of interest or are broad areas of battle damage repair for aircraft of interest?. Is that list narrowly tailored or meant to show a series of possible applications? Also one subtopic is "expedient battle-damage analysis and safe flight envelope modification;" is this meant to be "Analyze damage and come up with safe methods of repair" or is this meant to be "Analyze damage or modfy aircraft for harsher field conditions than expected"? The first interpretation leans towards patching/repairing components and the other leans towards removing components and replacing them with hardened upgrades. |
| A. | Q: Are these the only subtopics of interest or are broad areas of battle damage repair for aircraft of interest?
A: These are meant to be examples of broad areas of interest, we are also interested in other areas as well. Q: Is that list narrowly tailored or meant to show a series of possible applications? A: Meant to show examples of possible applications. Q: Also one subtopic is "expedient battle-damage analysis and safe flight envelope modification;" is this meant to be "Analyze damage and come up with safe methods of repair" or is this meant to be "Analyze damage or modify aircraft for harsher field conditions than expected"? A: Applies to repairs that will result in the safe flight envelope of the aircraft. |
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| 7/6/23 | Q. | What platforms are you looking to integrate the "Sense and avoid systems for UAS" capability into? |
| A. | The platforms of interest are all categories of UAV�s flown by the US Navy. Of specific interest are those capable of Tactical Unmanned Resupply and Large Intra-Theater Lift. | |
| 7/5/23 | Q. | We are conducting advanced R&D on a revolutionary modular micro-fusion (nuclear) / electric power technology, but it does not meet the TRL requirement of the current BAA. Additionally, we are designing a small, solid state, high-voltage power module (100s of kV) for our reactor that may also support high-power microwave drivers and directed energy systems. Please advise on other appropriate avenues for engaging and/or working with the Marine Corps and MCSC in particular. |
| A. | Hello - This DSIP Topic Q&A platform is used to provide clarifications related to the SBIR or STTR topics. For further information on engaging Navy SYSCOMs outside of the SBIR and STTR Programs please review the Contacts menu on www.navysbir.com. - www.navysbir.com/poc.htm
On this page you will see each SYSCOM that participates in the Navy SBIR/STTR Programs will have a webpage listed which will provide further information on their respective commands. |
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| 7/5/23 | Q. | The following question was received during the DON Open Topics Ask Me Anything (AMA) session held on Tuesday, June 27:
If we are planning to team with a government (DoD lab or institution) can the Navy pay the subcontract amount directly to the subcontractor (DoD research institute)?, instead of the small business paying the sub-awardee? |
| A. | There is no privity of contract between the Government and the subcontractor, therefore the Navy cannot pay the subcontractor directly. | |
| 6/30/23 | Q. | The following question was received during the DON Open Topics Ask Me Anything (AMA) session held on Tuesday, June 27:
Does scientific publication serve as proven? |
| A. | DON intends to leverage open topics to solicit proposals to adapt commercial products to fill a capability gap, improve performance, or modernize existing capability for the DON in various mission critical areas. Content of publications (thesis, observations, results of experiments, and studies) does not serve as proven technology. For Phase I, submitting small business concerns will propose the technical approach and innovation for the transition of an in production (Manufacturing Readiness Level 8/9) commercial technology to solve the DON�s needs. | |
| 6/28/23 | Q. | If we have an underlying technology that is TRL 9 MRL 9 but it's application to military specific field work is low, it would seem to be ideal for the intent of the topic.
If our idea is to take a technology designed for manufacturing new parts and apply it to repair of existing parts would that be sufficiently mature for the topic or would we have to have already demonstrated the application,to qualify? |
| A. | If your technology is TRL9/MRL 9 for the purpose it was designed, and you see a path to modifying it to meet the Navy need, then yes, we would be interested in evaluating that technology. | |
| 6/22/23 | Q. | What types of sensing modalities are you seeking for sense and avoid systems for UAV's? Is it to search for cooperative or uncooperative air traffic? What kinds of objects are you detecting (Cessna 172, DJI Drone, etc) And what distances do you want to be able to detect those objects at? |
| A. | We are interested in any and all modalities, however specific interest lies in those that would limit or deny detection while sensing. Search for both cooperative and uncooperative traffic is desirable as the actions taken, or not taken by the host system could be different. Target set of objects to be detected has not been determined. Range detection criteria has not been established. | |
| 6/17/23 | Q. | If more than one of the "technology areas of interest" are chosen, should we write a new proposal for each specific interest? For example, the NEXT-GENERATION LOGISTICS AIRCRAFT interest and the REDUCED FUEL/SUPPLY DEMAND interest would each need a separate proposal. Is it possible to combine all the "technology areas of interest" into one proposal if all are within our capabilities? If so, what are the Base and Option costs for a combined proposal containing all the "technology areas of interest" listed in this topic? |
| A. | Please review the following requirement included in the Navy SBIR 23.4 instruction:
A small business concern may only submit one (1) proposal to each Open Topic. If more than one proposal from a small business concern is received for a single Open Topic, only the most recent proposal to be certified and submitted in DSIP prior to the submission deadline will receive an evaluation. All prior proposals submitted by the small business concern for the same Open Topic will be marked as nonresponsive and will not receive an evaluation. For a single submission to topic N234-P02 a firm will indicate the technology area(s) of interest within the Abstract section of the Cover Sheet, Volume 1. For a submission that covers one or more than one technology area of interest the Base cost will be limited to $75,000 and the Option cost will be limited to $100,000. |
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| 6/17/23 | Q. | 1) Would a TRL-9 DoD funded and used by another DoD service, but not commercialized acceptable, i.e. technology adaptation from another DoD use-case?
2) What is the lowest TRL acceptable? 3) Is only hardware technology sought, or software technology also acceptable? 4) Is there a plan to hold a webinar to provide any additional specific details? |
| A. | 1. Yes, a system/technology that has been proven in mission operations (TRL 9) meets the intent of the MRL 8/9 guidance provided in the DoN Phase I Technical Volume 2 Open Topic Template 6-15-23 posted at https://navysbir.com/links_forms.htm.
2. The following information is included in the DON Open Topic Phase I proposal template for Volume 2 regarding Manufacturing Readiness Level. Present the technical approach and innovation for the transition of an in production (Manufacturing Readiness Level 8/9) commercial technology to solve the Department of the Navy�s need. Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) definitions create a measurement scale and vocabulary for assessing and discussing manufacturing maturity and risk. Information on MRLs can be found in the Manufacturing Readiness Level Deskbook at https://www.dodmrl.com/MRL_Deskbook_V2.pdf. MRL 8 and 9 details start on page 2-4. 3. Yes, software technology is also acceptable. 4. Information on virtual Listening Sessions and Ask Me Anything events for the Open Topics in this BAA will be posted at https://navysbir.com/open_topic.htm. |