Active

Contract Opportunity

INTRODUCTION

The U.S. Army Contracting Command-New Jersey (ACC-NJ), Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806-5000, on behalf of the Joint Program Executive Office Armaments and Ammunition (JPEO A&A) and the Office of the Project Manager Close Combat Systems (PM-CCS), located at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey, is issuing this Sources Sought Notification (SSN) as a means of conducting Market Research to identify potential sources having an interest in demonstrating technologies at XM123 GOBLN’s (formerly known as Next Generation Breaching Technology – Explosive Breacher) Soldier Touchpoint (STP) 4/ Technology Demonstration Event at Yuma Proving Grounds, AZ, currently planned for 4QFY24. STP 4/ Technology Demonstration Event will contribute to development of the Capability Development Document (CDD), aid the Government in establishing a baseline system architecture, and inform the scope and method of procurement for the Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD) and Production & Deployment (P&D) Phases.

DISCLAIMER

THIS SOURCES SOUGHT NOTIFICATION (SSN) IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) TO BE SUBMITTED. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION AND SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT. RESPONSES IN ANY FORM ARE NOT OFFERS AND THE GOVERNMENT IS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT AS A RESULT OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. IN ACCORDANCE WITH FAR 52.215-3 REQUEST FOR INFORMATION OR SOLICITATION FOR PLANNING PURPOSES, THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT PAY FOR ANY COSTS INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THIS SPECIAL NOTICE. ALL INFORMATION SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THIS SPECIAL NOTICE SHALL BE PROVIDED AT NO COST OR OBLIGATION BY THE GOVERNMENT. ANY INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY RESPONDENTS TO THIS NOTICE IS STRICTLY VOLUNTARY AND ANY DOCUMENTATION PROVIDED TO THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT BE RETURNED.

PROGRAM BACKGROUND

The Army’s current and 2030 maneuver force has a need for a more reliable and effective means to maintain a high operational tempo through the reduction of non-explosive and explosive obstacles. The XM123 GOBLN will enable improved deployment speed, force protection, and survivability to allow the Army of 2030 execution of penetration, disintegration, and exploitation in the close and deep maneuver areas.

TIMELINE

In October of 2022, the XM123 GOBLN Integrated Product Team (IPT) conducted it’s first Industry Day. This event allowed the team to inform Industry partners about program plans, timelines, key milestones, approved desired characteristics captured in the A-CDD and opportunities for industry participation. In March 2023, the Milestone Decision Authority (MDA), formally approved XM123 GOBLN (currently estimated at ACAT III) to enter the Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction (TMRR) Phase as a Major Capability Acquisition (MCA) Program of Record. Since then, the XM123 GOBLN program has continued to execute a demonstration and test strategy that includes a series of subsystem level tests. The XM123 GOBLN Integrated Product Team (IPT) is currently planning for STP 4/ Technology Demonstration Event in 4QFY24 to inform user requirements and the transition of the current Abbreviated-Capability Development Document (A-CDD) to a full Capability Development Document (CDD). Significant events leading up to STP 4/ Technology Demonstration Event include 1) Industry Day in 2QFY24, 2) Information Request from Industry in 2QFY24, 3) Updated STP 4/ Technology Demonstration Event SSN and update briefing in 3QFY24, and 4) Execution of STP 4 / Technology Demonstration Event currently planned for 4QFY24. The program is planning a Milestone (MS) B decision to enter the EMD phase by mid-FY26.

SUMMARIZED PROGRAM DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS

The XM123 GOBLN is a modular mission payload breaching system intended to modernize current breaching techniques for detecting/locating, neutralizing non-explosive and explosive obstacles, and digitally marking neutralized lanes. Summarized user desired performance characteristics include:

1. Capable of creating a maneuver lane for tactical vehicles from a standoff distance of +/- 1,000M


2. Ability to neutralize current and future non-explosive and explosive hazards (EHs), surface-laid, partially buried, and buried.


3. Ability to detect explosive and non-explosive hazards.


4. Provide neutralization that is proportionate to the obstacle.


5. System is modular and can be integrated on current and future Engineer platforms.


6. Capable of providing digital marking through the obstacle.


7. Survive and operate in a cyber contested environment.


8. Maintain positive control of the system while keeping soldiers as far away from the breach area as possible.

Interested parties wanting a copy of the Validated A-CDD should follow the directions provided under the header “Technical Data Request.”

PURPOSE

The Army has a need for Industry to participate in STP 4/ Technology Demonstration Event with potential capabilities that can be applied to XM123 GOBLN program. STP 4/ Technology Demonstration Event is currently scheduled for 4QFY24 at Yuma Proving Grounds, AZ. The purpose of the event is to demonstrate to the User a variety of different subsystem or system level solutions that will address the desired characteristics outlined in the A-CDD. At the event, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) intends to demonstrate their concept, which includes an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) with an Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor payload for detection, an automated 81mm mortar launcher, and an 81mm mortar, which serves as the neutralizer munition. Additionally, the Government and the User is interested in observing alternative Industry solutions, such as UAS delivered munitions (i.e., dropped or placed), alternative neutralizing munitions (to included guided solutions), directed energy, and technology to enable the detection and neutralization of buried threats (Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Sympathetic Aperture Radar (SAR), or LiDAR). The demonstrated technology should be or can be brought to TRL 6 by 2QFY26. Any participation in STP4/Technology Demonstration Event will be at no cost to the Government, however, the Government will provide the test range, threat/surrogate targets, instrumentation, and the cost of independent observers.

Note: Definitions of the DOD Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) can be found at https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-20-48g.pdf (Table 7, Page 115). Definitions of the different Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL) can be found at https://www.dodmrl.com/MRL_Deskbook_V2.pdf (Section 2.3, Page 2-2)

DEVCOM CONCEPT

The DEVCOM concept, which may or may not transition to industry for the EMD phase in its current form, consists of the following subsystems:

1. Detection Subsystem – SkyRaider R80D Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)
   
   
   
   1. Onboard electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors with the capability to search, detect and report explosive and non-explosive obstacles at stand-off distance eliminating the need to be conducted by soldiers in the identified obstacle area.
   
   
   2. Onboard data processing providing real time obstacle information and target classification.
   
   
   3. Integration of Aided Target Recognition (AiTR) to provide improved situational awareness on minefields and support Day/Night operations. AiTR also provides threat detection information such as GPS coordinates, target type, and snapshot to Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK).
   
   
   
   


2. A fire-control system with digital mapping capability to integrate the external detection data, compute neutralization solutions, and provide mission data to higher level Army systems.


3. Launcher Subsystem – Automatic Direct/Indirect Mortar System
   
   
   
   1. Mounted, modular 81mm mortar system with automatic laying, remote capability, and onboard fire control.
   
   
   
   


4. Neutralizing Munition – 81mm HE Mortar (M821A2/4)

INDUSTRY DAY #2

The office of the PM CCS is hosting an in-person and virtual Industry Day #2 from 23-25 January 2024 for the XM123 GOBLN Program (Tentative Agenda found in Attachment 1). This Industry Day will be held in conjunction with the Product Director Demolition and Countermeasure’s (PD D&CM) Demolition Reformation event (separate SSN released). The Government team envisions this to be a three-day event. The morning of Day 1 will consist of a classified discussion on mine threats, threat doctrine on breaching, and relevant theater observations. This portion of the event will be for US Citizens with a security clearance, employed by cleared US companies only. All US companies must have an active Facility Clearance issued by the Defense Counterintelligence & Security Agency (DCSA). PM CCS and ACC-NJ will NOT sponsor any company for a Facility Clearance solely for the purpose to attend the classified portion of the Industry Day. Participants interested in attending this portion of the event must indicate in the attached excel file (Attachment 2). Failure to fill out all blocks on the form may result in not being approved to attend the classified briefing portion. The afternoon session will shift to a discussion on current DEVCOM S&T efforts and Demolitions Modernization that could be transitioned to Industry in support of the XM123 GOBLN program. Day 2 will be a continuation of the Demolitions Modernization Industry Day, which will conclude around lunch time. In the afternoon of Day 2, the GOBLN Integrated Product Team (IPT) will provide a review of program desired characteristics, programmatic updates, and discussion on the upcoming STP4/Technology Demonstration Event. Day 3 will be reserved for pre-scheduled One-on-Ones. This Industry Day shall not be used to elicit trade secrets. Companies should be prepared to engage in open technical exchanges about the XM123 GOBLN’s requirements with the Government. No competition-sensitive or vendor proprietary information/data will be released, though questions of a general nature the Government overlooked in its Industry Day presentation may be shared with all industry participants. All company information will be treated confidentially. The Government will not entertain contractor non-disclosure agreements (NDA).

Industry is cordially invited to attend the XM123 GOBLN Industry Day #2 to be held:

Day 1 - 23 JAN 2024:

• 0830 to 1130 Eastern Standard Time with check-in to begin at 0800.
  
  
  
  • Location: Picatinny Arsenal (Building 93)
  
  
  • ***Classified Briefing Only, US Only
  
  
  
  


• 1200 to ~1700 Eastern Standard Time
  
  
  
  • Location: Picatinny Arsenal (Building 3411, Rooms 101, 103, & 104)
  
  
  
  

Day 2 - 24 JAN 2024:

• 1330 to 1600 Eastern Standard Time with check-in to begin at 0800.
  
  
  
  • Location: Picatinny Arsenal (Building #3411, Rooms 101, 103, & 104)
  
  
  
  

Day 3 - 25 JAN 2024:

• 0900 to 1600 Eastern Standard Time
  
  
  
  • Location: Picatinny Arsenal (Building #3411, Rooms 101, 103, & 104)
  
  
  
  

EVENT ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES

1. MS Teams link will be provided to all attendees after registration closes for our virtual participants and in case of inclement weather. The classified briefing portion will not be projected virtually to external stations.

2. Picatinny Arsenal’s Main Gate will be closed until 26 January 2024 due to canopy replacement. Visitors will have to utilize the Truck Gate Entrance during the event; Visitors are not allowed to use the Mount Hope Gate. Delays are expected on both days, so recommend early arrival, as the event will start on time each day. A strip map to the event locations will be provided upon registration.

3. The team is currently planning to have lunch brought in for the 23rd and 24th of January 2024. Lunch details will be provided upon registration closing.

4. Classified Briefing:

1. No Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) will be allowed into the conference room; this includes, but not limited to tablets, Phones, Smart Watches, etc.


2. Individuals with wireless medical devices must indicate that on the registration form, as the team will need additional information about the device to ensure you can participate.


3. US Citizens representing foreign Industry partners will not be able to attend the classified briefing portion of the event.

REGISTRATION

Companies interested in attending Industry Day #2 must complete the following:

1. Attached Excel File (Attachment 2)
   
   
   
   
   1. Must be received by the Registration Point of Contacts below NLT 1600 EST on 04 January 2024 if desiring to attend the Classified Briefing portion. This is to allow for proper vetting and follow-up if required.
   
   
   
   


2. Brief overview on the candidate subsystems or system that is planned to be demonstrated at STP4/Technology Demonstration Event

If not planning to attend the classified briefing portion, these documents must be provided no later than 1600 EST on 10 January 2024. Requests must be addressed to both of the Registration Point of Contacts (POC), Ms. Jean Fortunato at email: jean.m.fortunato.ctr@army.mil and Ms. Diane Fee at email: diane.fee.ctr@army.mil with the Subject Line “Response to XM123 GOBLN Industry Day #2, Company Name.”

Attendee substitutions will be permitted if advance notice and all required documentation is provided at least seven (7) days before Industry Day #2. All other substitutions are prohibited. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.

Additional Requirement for Non-US/ Foreign Contractors:

Non-US and Foreign Contractors are invited to participate and attend the unclassified portion of the event beginning on the afternoon of 23 January. A Letter of Request is required from non-US/ Foreign Contractors for in-person attendance. The Letter of Request and all supporting information must be submitted on company letterhead (Example - Attachment 3) to the attention of the two DEVCOM-AC Foreign Disclosure Office (FDO) POCs at kimberley.r.wilcox.civ@army.mil and megan.l.conrad.civ@army.mil. Letters of Request may be submitted securely through the DoD Safe Access File Exchange (SAFE) website at https://safe.apps.mil. To submit via DoD SAFE, Contractors will have to first obtain a drop-off request from the Government. DoD SAFE proposal drop off link requests for the Letter of Request are due to the DEVCOM-AC FDO POCs, Ms. Kimberly Wilcox and Ms. Megan Conrad No Later Than (NLT) 1600 EST on 22 December 2023. Failure to submit the requested information in time, may result in denial of entry onto Picatinny Arsenal.

PRE-INDUSTRY DAY QUESTIONS

Pre-Industry Day questions can be submitted in advance (before the registration cut-off) of the event. Questions and responses will be presented and addressed with other companies present, in an open forum during the general Q&A session.

Pre-Industry Day questions shall be submitted by 1600 EST on 10 January 2024 to the US Army Contracting Command (ACC-NJ), Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey, Building 9, Picatinny Arsenal, NY 07806-5000 to the attention of Contract Specialist, David M. Grimes, in either Microsoft Word or Portable Document Format (PDF), via email david.m.grimes2.civ@army.mil Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.

ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS

In addition to the general Q&A session, One-on-One sessions will be scheduled upon Government acceptance of a company’s written request. The Government will conduct the One-on-One sessions on the 25th of January 2024. A limit of one session per company is permitted. Each session will be limited to approximately 45 minutes in duration. Companies interested in participating in a One-on-One session must indicate their interest during the registration process. Virtual invitations will be sent to registered companies once a timeslot has been scheduled, so that other company teammates may join. The One-on-One sessions will be used to further discuss the User’s requirements, answer specific questions pertaining to information provided during Industry Day in a private forum, and discuss Industry proposed solutions. These sessions will be unclassified. The Government will attempt, but cannot guarantee, the accommodation of company requests for specific timeslots. Companies can only be in attendance during their scheduled appointment.

INFORMATION REQUEST

To begin our planning process for STP 4/ Technology Demonstration Event, all interested sources must submit the following information:

1. Provide the organization's name, address, point of contact information (title, name, address, phone, email) and any potential partnering/teaming arrangements.


2. Provide a brief description of the candidate systems or subsystems to be demonstrated, which includes but is not limited to:
   
   
   
   1. System and primary sub-system description and performance characteristics
      
      
      
      1. Evidence of UAS processing data at real or near-real time
      
      
      
      
   
   
   2. Any previous integration with any one of the DoD’s COPs (TAK/ IS2OPS/ MFoCS/ JBC-P/ Firestorm/etc.)
   
   
   3. Specifications
   
   
   4. Fuze, Safe and Arm concept, and design if applicable
   
   
   5. Product drawings
   
   
   6. Proposed solution’s current assessed TRL and MRL. Provide evidence for the assessments to include testing or operational use, and evidence to support the TRL and MRL.
   
   
   7. Short description of intended demonstration (i.e., target detection, target neutralization, full system demonstration, etc.)
   
   
   8. Any additional details and resources that may be required to aid in planning.
   
   
   
   


3. Provide a Risk Assessment for the concept/design for application. Identify the top design/performance/potential production risks and possible mitigations.

INFORMATION REQUEST DETAILS

Interested businesses should submit the above requested information in no more than ten 8.5 X 11-inch pages, font no smaller than 10-point demonstrating the ability to provide the required capabilities described. Documentation should be in bullet format.

Your response to this Information Request shall be electronically submitted to the Contract Specialist, David M. Grimes, in either Microsoft Word or Portable Document Format (PDF), via email david.m.grimes2.civ@army.mil no later than 1600 EST on 15 March 2024 and reference this synopsis number in subject line of email and on all enclosed documents. Information and materials submitted in response to this request WILL NOT be returned. DO NOT SUBMIT CLASSIFIED MATERIAL. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted or acknowledged, and no feedback or evaluations will be provided to companies regarding submissions.

All data received in response to this Information Request that is marked or designated as corporate or proprietary will be fully protected from any release outside the Government.

TECHNICAL DATA REQUEST

The Next Generation Breaching Technology - Explosive Breacher Abbreviated Capability Development Document (NGBT-EB A-CDD) is marked Distribution Statement D Distribution authorized to U.S. Government Agencies and their contractors; Critical Technology; Export Control”).) It contains technical data whose export is restricted by the Arms Export Control Act (Title 22, U.S.C., Sec 2751, et seq.) or Export Administration Act of 1979 (Title 50, U.S.C., Appt 2401 et seq), as amended. Violations of these export laws are subject to severe criminal penalties. Disseminate in accordance with provisions of DoD Directive 5230-25. DOD Manual 5200.01 (Volumes 1-4), and DODD 5400.7-R.

All respondents to this information request should show they have certification to receive export-controlled technical data (including drawings restricted by Distribution Statements C and D).

To obtain a copy of the NGBT-EB A-CDD all interested parties must submit the following by email:

1. A signed and approved DD Form 2345 Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement. This requires a DUNS number and registration in the System for Award Management. (Attachment 5)


2. A copy of the offeror's applicable license issued by the Department of State if the offeror is a non-U.S. company. Registration is generally a precondition for the issuance of any license or other approval and use of certain exemptions. Detailed information on the registration and exemption process can be accessed through the following link: https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/registration/. For assistance with applying for/obtaining an ITAR Exemption, you may contact: Amit Makhijani, Project Manager Close Combat Systems, amit.j.makhijani.civ@army.mil, 973-724-3986


3. A completed AMSTA-AR Form 1350 Technical Data Questionnaire. (Attachment 4)


4. A completed and signed Non-Disclosure / Non-Use Agreement. (Attachment 6)


5. All completed forms and requests shall be submitted via email to: Contract Specialist, David M. Grimes, david.m.grimes2.civ@army.mil

Destruction Notice Export-Controlled Technical Data: For unclassified documents and data subject to controlled or limited distribution, protect IAW DoD Instruction 5200.01 and destroy by any method approved for the destruction of CUI that makes the document unreadable, undecipherable, and unrecoverable.

ELIGIBILITY

The applicable NAICS code for this requirement is (332994) with a Small Business Size Standard of (1000). The Product Service Code (PSC) is (1095).

Contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database by accessing the SAM web site at http://www.sam.gov to be eligible for contract award.

Attachments/Links