Request for Information (RFI)

Naval Surface Warfar Center Command (NAVSEA)

Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Indian Head EOD Technology Division (IHEODTD(,

Standoff Render Safe and Disrupt Tool Kit

Notice Type: Request for Information – Next Generation Dearmer/Disrupter Suite of Systems for Precision De-Arming/De-Fuzing of Military Ordnance and Disruption of Improvised Threats.

 Classification Code: A – Research & Development

 Contracting Office Address:

N00174 Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division, 2008 Stump Neck Road, Indian Head, MD

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY:

This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation (Request for Proposal or Request for Quotations) or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Furthermore, we are not at this time seeking proposals. Responders are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the responding party's expense. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked PROPRIETARY will be handled accordingly. The Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for any proprietary information not properly identified. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations. Proprietary information or trade secrets should be clearly identified.

Description:

The Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division (NSWC IHEODTD), Indian Head, Maryland is requesting information on any equipment, tools, procedures, and/or methods for modernization of EOD Tools used in de-arming/de-fuzing of military ordnance and disruption of improvised threats. From this point forward the equipment, tools, techniques, procedures, methods or combination thereof shall be referred to as, “the system.” A family or suite of items is acceptable in the system. The system shall provide Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians the ability to de-arm/de-fuze military ordnance and disrupt improvised threats, to reduce hazards, prevent high order detonation and allow movement of threat to a safe disposal area.  Currently used de-arm/disrupt capabilities are delivered by transmission of a kinetic impact to puncture, shear, jam, or remove components in the initiation fire train with the goal to prevent high order detonation and allow for movement to safe disposal area. The system shall remotely deliver energy, a force, or any other method to de-arm/de-fuze military ordnance and disrupt improvised threats.

This RFI solicits any and all information to support modernization of EOD tools. A modernization effort is underway to improve EOD capabilities to de-arm/de-fuze military ordnance and disruption of improvised threats. Improvements are sought in the following areas:

Standoff

Precision

Accuracy

Aiming

Portability

Ease/Time of setup/deployment

Tool/user safety

This RFI solicits vendors' information that explains their technology’s features, capabilities, and performance. Commercial, non-developmental, and developmental systems may be included in the information provided.  The Government is interested in the state of technology for all related systems in development; systems that do not meet or have not been tested for all of the listed performance parameters may be included.  Non-developmental systems are preferred. Developmental systems shall be available within approximately 2 years from this RFI publication date.

SUBMISSIONS:

Information may be provided in any form. White papers, test reports, PowerPoint presentations, brochures, and specifications sheets are preferred. Please limit your response to 15 pages, excluding any title and cover pages. Replies are requested no later than 30 days from posting date.

All responses must include the RFI number in the email subject line. Each submission must include a cover page identifying the name of business, cage code, DUNS number, business size, RFI number, unique title, technology area(s), names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of technical/business point of contacts.

Technical Description Format:

Upon receipt of submission, further correspondence will request a technical description of the technology in the following format:

1.           System: Name and model (if known). 

2.           System picture, diagram, line drawing, or conceptual drawing: Image of system, preferably a view that gives a fair representation of the system size.

3.           Technology: Provide a brief description of the technology used by this product consisting of the technology title and ten or fewer descriptive sentences.

4.           Describe: Describe the system’s effectiveness and the expected end result (i.e. detonation, deflagration, etc.)  against military ordnance or improvised threats.

5.           Limitations/Hazards/Special Requirements: State any special limitations, hazards and/or special requirements such as radiation sources or toxic chemicals and their respective levels/hazard information.

6.           Special Features/Capabilities: Summarize any special features or capabilities not contained herein that improve the overall ability of the system to precision de-arm/de-fuze military ordnance and disrupt of initiation trains of improvised threats.

7.           Validated Test Results: Summary of vendor and/or third party certifications and/or documented results of vendor test targets, testing and test protocols (additional published technical documentation may be submitted separately and do count toward page count).

8.           Narrative of System Employment Concepts: Including the conceptual mechanism by which the system precision de-arms/de-fuzes military ordnance and disrupts initiation trains of improvised threats,   and detailed employment techniques/methods.

9.           Operation/Training: Include requirements to maintain continuous operations.  Include level of training necessary for operator to be qualified to operate (if required) and maintain the system. 

10.         Time Requirements: Describe the time required to operate the system with the goal of limiting exposure by personnel to explosive hazards (i.e. emplacement by a single technician during a single approach to the munition item, limited employment time near the munition item, and a remote means of initiation).

11.         Consumables: Detail any items that are consumed by the system for operation or may require replacing over time to maintain performance.

12.         Life Cycle Cost (if known): Life Cycle Cost, measured in $US includes: a) unit cost, b) annual maintenance and, c) consumable items for operations.

Technical questions regarding this RFI may be directed to Keith Chamberlain at (301) 744-5182 or by email: [email protected].

Interested firms / research entities are encouraged to provide submissions electronically to [email protected] with a copy to [email protected]. Replies must be received no later than 3:30 PM EDT, October 25, 2020.

Large files need to be compressed using WinZip (http://www.winzip.com).