This is a SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE; there is no solicitation available at this time. No response will be provided for requests for a solicitation. THIS SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE IS PUBLISHED FOR MARKET RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) seeks potential sources for the development of an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) for Radiological Sample Collection following a nuclear/radiological event. The UGV needs to be an unmanned semi-autonomous all-weather all-terrain sample collection vehicle. The goal of the UGV is to aid in assessment and collection of radiological samples in areas too dangerous for manual collection. The system will be remotely operated, enter radiologically contaminated areas, collect samples and return samples for processing. The system will aid in the observation of tactical/technical objectives and danger areas beyond the user?s Line of Sight (LOS). The UGV will perform collection and reconnaissance tasks while permitting the operator to remain at a safe distance away (up to 10 miles) at a Ground Control Station (GCS) which may include non-LOS. The platform should be able to conduct extended missions with duration up to 24 hours (including periods of limited visibility), traversing improved surfaces with a top speed of at least 30 kph. If using an engine, it should use diesel fuel. The platform must be able to negotiate uneven rough terrain (such as rubble containing large blocks up to 2m x 2m x 2m) up to a 45 degree slope 16 in (41 cm) high step and be able to ford one foot of water. Responses need to address the cant, tilt, and pan limits they can support. The UGV should incorporate semi-autonomous driving utilizing such functions as way-point following and obstacle avoidance. The UGV must be able to communicate with the GCS to receive commands, give status, send data and video images, and record site location with GPS coordinates. The UGV will use a modular configuration and be capable of employing various sample collection and detection/identification systems. As such, the UGV must have a manipulator arm with at least five (5) degrees of freedom, to include push-pull, capable of lifting 100 lbs, operate semi-autonomously (i.e., pre-programmed and user-defined poses), and have a universal tool holder in the gripper. The UGV must have the capability of transporting 7-10 chunk debris samples weighing up to two kilograms (2 kg) each with a volume of approximately 25 cubic inches, be able to collect 7-10 fine particulate debris samples weighing 20 grams via vacuum samplers, and collect 7-10 smear samples. The system should be inherently simple to use, survivable, durable, multi-functional and easily transportable by air and truck. As part of its survivability, the UGV needs to be able to operate in a radiologically contaminated area with reasonable protection and able to be decontaminated. Responses should address refit operations such as resupply and handing off the cargo. DTRA will review responses that meet the requirements of a complete system or strictly the mobility/platform portion allowing DTRA the option of later adding components. Sources sought responses shall reflect corporate information and a capability summary reflecting experience related to the above areas. Responses are to be limited to no more than five pages. Company information should include qualifications and experience in work of this nature, point of contact, phone number, fax number, e-mail address, CAGE code, DUNS Number, business size, and small business classification (8(a), HUBZone, etc.), if applicable. Any information submitted in response to this Sources Sought Notice is strictly voluntary. This synopsis is for information planning purposes and the Government will not pay or otherwise reimburse respondents for information submitted. Responses shall be submitted no later than 2:00pm EDT on 13 April 2007. Electronic responses are recommended and encouraged, and shall be submitted to Ms. Elizabeth Braxton at
[email protected]. Non-electronic responses, though not preferred, may be submitted via facsimile to 703.767.4441 to the attention of Ms. Elizabeth Braxton. All documentation shall become the property of the Government. Unless otherwise stated herein, no additional information is available. Requests for the same will be disregarded. There is no commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation, to make award or awards, or to be responsible for any monies expended by any interested parties in support of any effort in response to this Sources Sought Notice. Information provided herein is subject to change and in no way binds the Government to solicit or award a contract.