BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA) N00421-02-R-3258.BACKGROUND: The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), Crew Systems Department, Patuxent River, Maryland, is currently in the process of developing a Decision Support System (DSS) for implementation in next-generation tactical aircraft. It is envisioned that the DSS will provide three levels of support. First, the DSS will dynamically reconfigure the cockpit displays and controls such that only those functions required for the current tasks will be provided (i.e., adaptive pilot-vehicle interface). Second, the DSS will provide the course-of-action options available to the pilots at the decisions points in the tactical missions. Third, the DSS will temporarily automate secondary flight tasks during periods of high pilot workload so the pilots can focus on the mission-critical tasks (i.e., adaptive automation). In order to provide these three levels of support, cognitive-based models will be incorporated in the design of the DSS. These models will assess the current flight task, pilot workload, aircraft state, and threat level, and then trigger the appropriate pilot-vehicle interface, decision options, and cockpit automation. BAA PURPOSE: This BAA is to solicit proposals for the following cognitive modeling technologies: (1) new, innovative human cognitive models for use as DSS intelligent agents; (2) innovative workload models; (3) innovative mission-context models; and (4) adaptive automation (AA) algorithms including unique approaches to triggering AA and handling uncertainty in AA systems. Several of the more promising technologies will be selected and funded to determine if they can be successfully adapted to the DSS. We are especially interested in newer cognitive modeling approaches that have high potential but are not fully mature or have not necessarily been employed in this domain. BAA PRODUCTS: Products of this BAA shall be: (1) technical reports describing in detail the specific structure and dynamics of the models along with explicit directions for incorporating the models in the NAWCAD DSS, and (2) the delivery of the model software that includes all source code and documentation. License agreements between the U.S. Navy and the successful bidders will be established to protect the commercial property rights for the respective cognitive models. Tasks under this BAA are expected to be performed between a minimum of three months and a maximum of 12 months. BAA RESPONSE: Responses to this BAA will be accepted anytime within twelve (12) months from the date this announcement appears in the Commerce Business Daily. EARLY SUBMISSION IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED. Proposals will be evaluated (and possibly awarded) as they are received. The proposal should include a clear statement of objectives, description of technical approach, detail description of technical tasks, program schedule and detail milestones, description of any cost sharing to be undertaken by the offeror, an overview of related experience, biographical section describing the education, experience, capabilities and scientific interest of key researchers, and a detail cost section. The offeror shall provide backup information to support the quoted price (e.g. a copy of the current catalog or established price list, three invoices for the same or similar item/service, etc.). The cost of preparation for the response to this BAA is not considered an allowable direct charge to the resulting contract or any contract. Technical proposals should be limited to 25 pages. Original plus three (3) copies of each proposal should be provided. Responses should be broken into two volumes; Volume I ? Technical and Volume II Cost. Cost should be broken out on a task-by-task basis. EVALUATION/SELECTION CRITERIA: The evaluation/selection of potentially one or more sources for contract award will be conducted by a panel of government experts based on the following prioritized criteria: (1) innovative approaches to the four cognitive modeling technologies described above, (2) integration of the proposed approach with the Navy?s tactical Decision Support System (DSS), (3) offeror?s past performance on similar efforts, analytical capabilities, facilities, and (4) realism of proposed costs. AWARD: Initial contract award (s) is anticipated between 30 September 2002 through 30 September 2003. Cost plus fix fee contract type is anticipated. Other types of contracts may be proposed, however, offerors are advised that the Government is under no obligation to accept. Final decision on award type will be made by the Government. Awards will be subject to availability of funds. POC: For further information offerors are encouraged to contact, Dr. Norman Warner/ Senior Scientist, for clarification of the technical issues and cost response format. Offerors are cautioned that only the Contracting Officer is legally authorized to commit the Government and award a Government contract. Dr. Warner can be reached at Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Crew Systems Department, Patuxent River, MD 20670, Phone: (301) 342-9288, Fax: (301) 342-9305 or E-mail:
[email protected]. The point of contact for contractual issues is Kevin Giardini/Contract Specialist, 301-757-8944 or FAX 301-757-8959 and Celeste A. Mills, Contracting Officer, 301-757-2612. For clarification of contractual issues, offerors shall E-mail their contractual questions to
[email protected]. GENERAL INFORMATION: There will be no formal Request For Proposal (RFP) or other Solicitation issued with regards to this announcement. This BAA is the solicitation and constitutes as the ONLY solicitation notice for which proposals are being requested. All changes to the BAA will be sent electronically to the Commerce Business Daily as amendments. The Government reserves the right to award any, all, part of, or none of the responses received. Response to this BAA solicitation shall be sent to: Contracts Bldg. 441, ATTN: Kevin Giardini, 251322 NAVAIRSYSCOMHQ, 21983 Bundy Road, Unit 7, Patuxent River, MD 20670-1127. Exterior markings on the response shall read: BAA Solicitation N00421-02-R-3258. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered by the agency. The government will not give detailed debriefs to the unsuccessful offerors. NOTE: Contractors must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database to be eligible for contract award or payment from any DOD activity. Information on registration and annual confirmation requirements may be obtained by calling 1-888-227-2423, or by accessing the CCR web site at http://ccr.edi.disa.mil/. Prospective sources can view the answers to written questions the government has received along with reviewing the Decision Support System Program Schedule at http://www.navair.navy.mil/business/ecommerce/index.cfm.