Thunderstorm 21-2: Domestically Sourced Microelectronics that Enable USD(R&E) Modernization Priorities SYNOPSIS: Technology Demonstration and Experimentation Collaboration A. INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this request for information (RFI) is to solicit technologies from private industry, government research and development (R&D) organizations, and academia for inclusion in an upcoming virtual technology innovation discovery event focused on Domestically Sourced Microelectronics that Enable Under Secretary of Defense Research and Engineering Modernization Priorities. For the purpose of this event the term “Domestically Sourced” is defined as being designed, manufactured, and tested within the United States. The USD(R&E) priorities are available at https://www.cto.mil/modernization-priorities/. This effort is sponsored by the USD(R&E), Prototyping & Experimentation (P&E). The intent is to accelerate the delivery of innovative capabilities to the warfighter by providing an opportunity to expose a wide cross-section of DoD scientists, engineers, program managers and other stakeholders to innovative and emerging technologies. The results of this effort will be used to inform decision makers of emerging and available technology solutions that potentially enhance or improve operational capabilities. Participants may be invited to a future Thunderstorm hands-on Technology Innovation and Discovery Event (TIDE) and/or a Thunderstorm Field Demonstration and Experimentation Event planned for the National Capital Region when public health conditions permit. Interested parties are welcome to submit their application to participate in the Thunderstorm virtual technology innovation discovery event. The event is planned to take place at the unclassified level; as such, proposals must be submitted at the unclassified level. For technologies that have features or applications at higher classification levels, please respond with an unclassified proposal. If this technology is chosen for the Thunderstorm 21-2 event, arrangements can then be made for subsequent discussions at the appropriate level. This RFI is for Thunderstorm 21-2, with demonstrations and experiments focused on Domestically Sourced Microelectronics that Enable USD(R&E) Modernization Priorities planned for the February or March of 2021 on a virtual platform. The application deadline is 5:00 PM EST on 26 February 2021 This RFI is NOT a solicitation for procurement or other acquisition proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for the information solicited. B. BACKGROUND: Thunderstorm provides an opportunity for technology developers to introduce, demonstrate, and experiment new and evolving technological capabilities, as well as obtain insight into federal technology challenges and emerging needs. The Thunderstorm 21-2 Technology Innovation Discovery Event will provide a virtual environment that enables a collaborative working relationship between government organizations, academia, and industry. This promotes the identification of emerging technologies and an assessment of maturing technologies with the primary goal of accelerating the delivery of technology discoveries to the Department of Defense and interagency partners. The virtual Thunderstorm Technology Innovation Discovery Event casts a wide net to address challenges relevant to the DoD, it introduces end users to a wide breadth of cutting edge technologies, allows for an interactive experience with real-time feedback, and will aid in selection for follow-on Thunderstorm events. Industry, academia, and other government organizations are invited to submit applications addressing innovative technologies, potentially leading to follow-on government/industry collaboration and further development of emerging capabilities or fielding of mature capabilities. Thunderstorm provides an opportunity for technology developers to introduce, demonstrate, and experiment with new and evolving technological capabilities in an operationally relevant environment, as well as to obtain insight into federal technology gaps and emerging needs. The virtual environment enables a collaborative working relationship between government organizations, academia, and industry. This promotes the identification of emerging needs and an assessment of maturing technologies with the primary goal of accelerating the delivery of technology discoveries to the Department of Defense and interagency partners. Thunderstorm provides a realistic demonstration environment for technology developers to interact with operational personnel. Technologies brought to the event should be at a technology readiness level (TRL) of 5 or greater ( http://www.acqnotes.com/acqnote/tasks/technolo gy- r eadin ess -level). Industry, academia, and other government organizations are invited to submit applications addressing Domestically Sourced Microelectronics that Enable USD(R&E) Modernization Priorities. C. DESCRIPTION: The Thunderstorm 21-2 virtual Technology Innovation Discovery Event will focus on Domestically Sourced Microelectronics that Enable USD(R&E) Modernization Priorities. The purpose being to identify capabilities that align with and can contribute to the Department of Defense’s microelectronics roadmap. As reported by DoD senior leadership, the microelectronics roadmap focuses on competition, security, and ensuring protection against supply chain disruption. In the near term, the DoD is dedicated to identifying vendors that are currently designing, manufacturing, fabricating, and testing microelectronics within our borders. Participation for each vendor will be tailored based on the vendor’s capabilities and the limitations of the virtual platform selected for the event. Under the direction of RRTO, the Applied Research Laboratory at Pennsylvania State University (ARL/PSU) will lead the Thunderstorm 21-2 demonstration and experimentation event, with support and participation from the USMA and Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) along with other DoD and government partners. Thunderstorm 21-2 will be structured to: Provide industry, academia and government labs an opportunity to respond to a System for Award Management (SAM) Request for Information (RFI). The RFI will invite respondents to provide end-to-end solutions or component solutions that address Domestically Sourced Microelectronics that Enable USD(R&E) Modernization Priorities. The modernization priorities are available at https://www.cto.mil/modernization-priorities/ Provide successful respondents an opportunity to showcase capabilities on a virtual platform to a cross section of US Government employees and their System Engineering Technical Support (SETA) support. Document the results with a level of granularity such that the reporting can inform future DoD investment decisions. After a review of the vendor applications, the government may invite candidates to brief their capability to support the selection process and/or invite candidates to showcase their capability during the virtual Thunderstorm 21-2 event with the intent to accelerate the delivery of innovative capabilities. In addition, vendors may be selected for follow-on events at facility specific locations in support of future acquisition activities. Industry participation in the demonstration and experimentation activities does not suggest or imply that the government will endorse, procure or purchase equipment. D. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: Submit demonstration applications to the Thunderstorm demonstration and experimentation program electronically. Please use the application provided in Appendix 1 or email
[email protected] to request an application template. The application submitted under this RFI shall be limited to four pages. Applications shall be clearly marked with RFI number: RRTO-21-2-RFI-01. The application shall be formatted to print as typewritten on single-sided paper with one-inch margins on all sides and 1.5-spaced text. 10-point font or larger with normal (uncondensed) spacing shall be used. All applications shall be submitted in the portable document format (PDF) file format and shall be less than ten MB in size. All applications must be submitted via email to
[email protected] and include the following information: Subject: Thunderstorm 21-2 Application Company name/business division/address: Capability name: Primary POC info for the application: name, email & phone number You will receive an email within two business days verifying your application was received. Each application must address only one technology solution; multiple applications addressing multiple systems may be submitted. Thunderstorm will provide venues, supporting infrastructure and personnel for assessment (operational and technical), based on availability of resources. Costs specific to running the technology developer’s equipment, as well as the technology developer’s travel costs will be at the technology developer’s expense. Invited technology developers must be prepared to be self-sufficient during the execution of their demonstration and not dependent on venue resources. If you have questions regarding the submittal, please contact:
[email protected]. DO NOT SUBMIT CLASSIFIED INFORMATION in the application. Thunderstorm 21-2 is planned to be held at the unclassified level. Capabilities may be Unclassified Control Information (CUI) and may be subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restrictions. It is incumbent on the demonstrators to ensure that these restrictions are outlined in their application. DO NOT SUBMIT ACQUISITION PROPOSALS. Submit demonstration applications and white papers only. Thunderstorm technology demonstration and experimentation applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 PM EST on 26 February 2021 . No contracts will be awarded based solely on this announcement. Submission of an application does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the demonstration and experimentation event. E. BASIS FOR SELECTION TO PARTICIPATE: Submissions will be reviewed by the RRTO and appropriate supporting government organizations and support contractors. The RRTO will determine whether a submission will be accepted for invitation at the demonstration. Selection of respondents to participate shall be based on the extent to which the technology represents a particular class or level of capability that can be provided to interested commands or interagency partners. Other considerations include: Relevance to event focus area Completeness of application and supporting information Technical maturity Relevance of or adaptability to Department of Defense or interagency partner operations/missions Relevance to current operational needs F. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Technology developers shall assure that all proprietary information, documentation, and equipment are appropriately and clearly marked. Be advised that lessons learned from these demonstrations may be broadly disseminated through official channels within the Federal government and partner government agencies associated with the Thunderstorm program. If selected for participation, technology developers may be requested to provide additional information that will be used in preparation for the event. G. USE OF INFORMATION: The purpose of this notice is to gain information for potential future use and/or collaboration for development of technology capabilities. All proprietary information contained in the response shall be clearly marked. Any proprietary information contained in response to this request will be properly protected from any unauthorized disclosure. The government will not use proprietary information submitted from any one firm to establish future capability requirements. H. SPECIAL NOTICE: University affiliated research centers (UARCs), federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), and/or contractor consultant/advisors to the government will review and provide support during evaluation of submittals. When appropriate, non-government advisors may be used to objectively review a particular functional area and provide comments and recommendations to the government. All advisors shall comply with procurement integrity laws and shall sign non-disclosure and rules of conduct/conflict of interest statements. The government shall take into consideration requirements for avoiding conflicts of interest and ensure advisors comply with safeguarding proprietary data. Submission in response to this RFI constitutes approval to release the submittal to government support contractors. I. FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) 52.215-3: Per FAR 52.215-3 Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (Oct 1997): The government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI notice or to otherwise pay for the information. Although "proposal" and "technology developer" are used in this RFI, your responses will be treated as information only. It shall not be used as a proposal. In accordance with FAR Clause 52.209(c), the purpose of this RFI is to solicit technology demonstration candidates from R&D organizations, private industry and academia for inclusion in future Thunderstorm technology demonstration and experimentation events sponsored by RRTO. See attachment for additional Information