Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Translation Collaboration Event (CE)

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Translation Collaboration Event (CE) 16 March 2022 RSVP NLT 02 March 2022 11:59 PM ET Purpose SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM Science and Technology (S&T) Joint Acquisition Task Force (JATF), will host a series of events to identify solutions for optical character recognition text to text translation technology from Industry, Academia, Laboratories, and other interested organizations. The desired end state is to understand the current capabilities and determine if those solutions are compatible with ongoing translation efforts. Objective USSOCOM S&T JATF would like to enhance the capabilities of their language translation devices. These devices will need to be able to read street signs, advertisements, canopy, marquee, and billboard signs, as well as the traditional scanning of documents, memes, magazines, etc. These devices should be able to operate completely disconnected from the cloud. Ideally, they should be able to be incorporated into different language software that has been developed, and should fit into multiple form factors. Variable optics are acceptable. Why You Should Participate The Collaboration Event (CE) will be a compelling opportunity for the leading minds in Industry, Laboratory, Academic, and Non-Traditional fields to better understand and influence current optical character recognition translation needs. This CE is also an opportunity for attendees to meet and form partnerships that may provide a more comprehensive solution. USSOCOM seeks to enter into non-FAR or FAR-based agreements with Industry, Academic, and National Lab partners whose solutions are favorably evaluated by USSOCOM S&T JATF Subject Matter Experts. As such, the follow-on Assessment Event (AE) is considered competitive in the same manner as a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) or Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO), and solutions will be evaluated independently of one another primarily for technical merit. This serves dually as notification of the intent to research the feasibility of an agreement under 10 U. S. Code, Section 2371b and/or Section 2371b(f), and as notice of pre-solicitation activities IAW FAR 5.204. Event Timeline Phase 1 – 16 March 2022 Collaboration Event (CE): SOFWERX will host the CE with Industry, Academic, and Laboratory partners focused on optical character recognition text to text translation technology needs. During this event, Warfighters will interact with potential solution offerors and further communicate operational needs and desirements. Participation in this event is not mandatory, however, it is designed to provide insights to ensure potential offerors understand the problem set(s) fully and to increase the likelihood of matching their technologies with Warfighter needs. This CE is also an opportunity for attendees to meet and form partnerships that may provide a more comprehensive solution. If you do not wish to participate in the CE, you are free to submit your technology o/a 17 March 2022 for the AE. Tentative Agenda All times listed in ET 0800–0830: Attendee Check–In and Zoom Attendees Join (Doors Open at 0800) 0830–0845: SOFWERX Welcome 0845–0900: Stakeholder Welcome Remarks 0900–1200: Area of Interest Round Robin 1200–1330: Lunch (On your own) 1330–1430: Focused Area of Interest Discussion 1430–1500: Large Group Q&A 1500–1530: Wrap-Up and Follow–On Event Schedules/Questions 1600: Optional SOFWERX Tour & 101 Phase 2 – 17 March 2022 to 11 April 2022 Submissions to the Assessment Event (AE) Open: Interested respondents who could potentially provide solutions that meet the needs of USSOCOM are encouraged to submit their capability for USSOCOM review. To submit your technology for potential Phase 4 attendance, please follow the submission instructions that will be near the bottom of this webpage after 17 March 2022. Phase 2a – 31 March 2022 Q&A Telecon: Interested offerors may participate in a virtual Q&A session to better understand the intent of the event by USSOCOM. The telecon will take place on 31 March 2022 from 3:00–4:00 PM ET. Phase 3 – 12 April 2022 to 18 April 2022 Downselect: USSOCOM will downselect those respondents/submissions they feel have the highest potential to satisfy their technology needs. Favorably evaluated submissions will receive an invitation to attend the AE o/a 19 April 2022. Phase 4 – 10 May 2022 to 11 May 2022 Assessment Event (AE): During the AE, selected participants will be allotted a one-on-one session with the USSOCOM evaluation panel to pitch, demonstrate, and/or discuss their solutions. The forum will include a Q&A portion, and discussions may continue outside of the event. Phase 4 evaluations are considered to be competitive and analogous to BAA or CSO submissions in that regard. Solution brief evaluation criteria will be outlined in the event invitation. If the USSOCOM evaluation panel favorably evaluates a solution brief, negotiations for Phase 5 may immediately begin. Phase 5 – Path Forward: Successfully negotiated awards may fall under any combination of these categories: Other Transaction Agreements under 10 U.S. Code, Section 2371 or 2371b* (prototyping/production follow-on) Procurement contract for experimental purposes 10 U. S. Code, Section 2373 Business to business research and development agreement as a sub-award (15 U.S. Code, Section 3715) Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (15 U.S. Code, Section 3710a) *An award under 10 U. S. Code, Section 2371b may result in the further award of a follow-on production agreement without additional competition based on successful prototype completion. The Government may make this follow-on production award even if all successful prototype criteria are not fully met during the prototype project. How You Can Participate Review Required Documents: Click Here to Review Review 04 January Q&A Telecon Transcript: Click Here to Review RSVP to Attend the CE: Click Here to RSVP (NLT 02 March 2022) RSVP to the 31 March Q&A Telecon: Will be posted o/a 17 March 2022 Download the White Paper Template: Will be posted o/a 17 March 2022 Complete the Submission Form: Will be posted o/a 17 March 2022 Questions? For event-related questions, please contact Lindsay Horst, [email protected]