This Request for Information (RFI) is part of a market research effort by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Research and Development Center (RDC) to identify technologies that define and communicate exclusion zones. This RFI is issued for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for information received in response to this RFI. The RDC is conducting research to identify both operational and advanced prototype technologies. "Operational" in this context refers to existing technologies and equipment that are currently used in commercial and/or Government applications, while "advanced prototype" in this context refers to proven and near-proven technologies that are expected to be available in the commercial and/or Government market in the next 30 to 36 months. The RDC intends to use the information collected from this RFI to conduct detailed systems analysis that quantifies and evaluates technology readiness and applicability, device or equipment capability, and acquisition (non-recurring) and life-cycle operating costs (recurring). Please respond with information that will assist the RDC with its market research to identify technologies that define and communicate exclusion zones. BACKGROUND The USCG maintains security and safety zones for various events and activities. Mission dependent maritime security zones must be clearly defined and communicated. This RFI is requesting solutions in order to clearly establish zone perimeters. Currently, there are many different and varying efforts to communicate and define zones, both visually and audibly. USCG crews are enforcing both moving and fixed security zones; they require a more distinguishable way to communicate with commercial and non-commercial boaters. This RFI is soliciting maritime security barrier technologies of all types. The RDC is gathering market research to provide acquisition decision makers. SPECIFIC TECHNICAL INFORMATION REQUESTED The Coast Guard RDC desires detailed information about the technologies available to define and communicate exclusion areas. Submissions can include new applications of proven technologies, but this request is not seeking any low Technical Readiness Level (TRL) concepts. The following information, or best available estimate, is requested for each proposed product/technology. If multiple products/technologies are presented by the same entity, the information should be specific to each product/technology. The information requested below will be used by the RDC to assess the effectiveness of the proposed solutions to demarcate and signal exclusion zones. The following information is requested for each proposed solution. White papers detailing the characteristics of such systems shall contain at a minimum, the following characteristics: A. Primary intended purpose with regards to exclusion zone: [select one of the following] define or communicate. B. Use of designed system: explain basic functionality/operation of the proposed solution. C. Basic description of device: (1) Height above the waterline; Depth below the waterline; Width; and Length (if applicable) (2) System Material Type (e.g. hologram, composite, aluminum, steel, etc.) (3) System's Technology Readiness Level (Adapted from GAO/NSIAD-99-162 Best Practices Appendix I Technology Readiness Level Descriptions) (4) Operation Limitations - Maximum sea state limitations, maximum current force, etc.; (5) How has this technology been applied/used in the past; (6) Any additional pertinent information D. Life-Cycle Cost of proposed solution: (1) Acquisition Cost in rough order of magnitude (ROM) for the entire system (2) Annual Maintenance Cost in ROM (3) Any additional cost (training, disposal, etc.) E. Labor/Equipment required to establish and maintain the barrier system [select one of the following]: (1) Less than or equal to the capacity and crew of a USCG 25' Response Boat Small (2) Less than or equal to the capacity and crew of a USCG 45' Response Boat Medium (3) Less than or equal to the capacity and crew of a USCG patrol craft (4) Pre-installed before transit F. Storage: (1) How is the system stored when not in use; and (2) What type of storage container, if any, is required G. Transportation and Installation - Level of complexity [select one of the following]: (1) Simple- self explanatory, minimal time required to learn how to operate (2) Moderate- Operation/Maintenance Manual required, additional training necessary (3) Complicated- requires on-site instruction, requires significant training and familiarity with the system to properly operate H. If applicable, Audible Signal: (1) frequency spectrum (Hz) (2) amplitudes (in dBA) over time (3) past performance data compared to the loudness (amplitude) and frequencies of noise, in a port I. If applicable, Visual Signal (flashing lights): (1) luminous intensity in candelas (if the light is constantly "on") (2) if the light flashes, how the intensity changes over time; i. a square wave flash: frequency and the peak luminance; ii. other than a square wave: graph of actual luminous intensity as a function of time (3) dominant wavelength of the light, the CIE coordinates, and, if possible, a graph of the spectrum (intensity by wavelength) J. If applicable, Visual Signal (signage): (1) Size, font, font color, background color, etc. (2) Application of solution (hand-held, mounted, integrated component, etc.) K. If additional Visual Signals are employed, please provide details. L. Effect of the system on the surrounding environment/ecosystem [select one of the following]: (1) No effect (2) Small effect - underwater life uninterrupted (3) Medium effect-greater than small effect, less than large effect (4) Large effect - no underwater sea life can permeate (5) Significant effect - ecosystem disrupted M. If applicable, full scale test data for any tests that have been performed on the system to date; including test parameters, results, failures, and any additional pertinent information. N. With regard to NAICS 541712, please identify if you are a small or large business. RESPONDING TO THIS MARKET RESEARCH It is desired that responses to this RFI address all of the topics discussed in the ‘SPECIFIC TECHNICAL INFORMATION REQUESTED.' Topics may be combined or treated individually. However, if information is not available for some of the topic areas, your submission is still of interest to the Coast Guard Research and Development Center. When responding to the RFI, please include the following information: (1) A one-page cover letter that provides a brief summary of the response and indicates if supporting documentation is included. (2) Amplifying information that addresses all areas of information requested by this RFI in sections "SPECIFIC TECHNICAL INFORMATION REQUESTED." If pre-developed marketing or technical information and specification sheets are provided, please include additional information, as necessary to "fill the gaps" between pre-developed material and the information required. Digital photographs, line drawings, and illustrations that clarify descriptive text are encouraged. (3) A description of any information relative to what products/technologies are currently available and what additional products/technologies may become available over the next 30 to 36 months. (4) If multiple products/technologies are presented by the same entity, the responses to these questions should be specific to each product/technology. (5) Provide a list of U.S. (or international) Government contracts for products/technologies where applicable. (6) Provide any digital photos and/or digital videos of the products/technologies in operation if able . (7) In order to fully analyze the responses please include justification / amplifying information (e.g. reports, videos, actual applications, etc.) which supports your responses. (8) Please limit electronic responses to no more than 25 pages per product/technology (supporting documentation in the form of a glossary or attachments to the RFI response will not be counted towards the 25-page limit). If your RFI response is greater than 10 MB, please provide it on DVD media and mail it to: ATTN: MS. HELEN NELSON, CONTRACTING DIVISION U.S. COAST GUARD RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER 1 CHELSEA STREET NEW LONDON, CT 06320-5506 This RFI is issued for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for information received in response to this RFI. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this RFI are not offers and will not be accepted by the U.S. Government to form a binding contract. Responses to this market survey should be sent to
[email protected]. PHONE CALLS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED, VOICE MAIL MESSAGES LEFT WILL NOT BE RETURNED AND EMAILS WILL NOT BE RESPONDED TO. Information submitted will be reviewed by Government personnel only at the USCG RDC. The NAICS Code for this RFI is 541712. Please identify if you are a Small or Large Business. The deadline for final responses to the RFI is 06 August 2014. REMINDER: UNLESS RESPONSE IS GREATER THAN 10 MB, RESPONSES MUST BE EMAILED TO:
[email protected]. Contracting Office Address: 1 Chelsea Street New London, Connecticut 06320-5506 United States