Thunderstorm 23-3: Agile Logistics & Operational Energy

THUNDERSTORM INNOVATION DISCOVERY AND DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMRequest for Information Pursuant to FAR Part 15.201(e)THUNDERSTORM 23-3 INNOVATION DISCOVERY FOCUSED EVENT: Agile Logistics & Operational EnergyCAPABILITY PROTOTYPES (CP)SYNOPSIS: Innovative Technology Discovery and CollaborationA. INTRODUCTIONThe Department of Defense (DoD) Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E) Capability Prototypes (CP) is seeking to identify emerging technology solutions for enhancing Department of Defense logistics and operational energy capabilities. Capability Prototypes solicits technology submissions from private industry, Government research and development (R&D) organizations, and academia for inclusion in a series of innovation discovery and demonstration events, collectively referred to as Thunderstorm events. Thunderstorm provides venues for technology developers to demonstrate and experiment with their evolving technologies under relevant operational

environmental conditions, while obtaining feedback from DoD and U.S. Government attendees to accelerate delivery of innovative and operationally relevant capabilities to the Warfighter. This request for information (RFI) seeks emerging technologies to enhance DoD logistical & operational energy and support activities; including agile, sustainable, and resilient logistics and energy solutions (Additional details provided in Section C). Identified technologies could be selected to participate in Thunderstorm 23-3, or other CP related events and briefing opportunities. Capability Prototypes considers submissions for technologies outside of the primary topic scope on a case-by-case basis.Thunderstorm 23-3 will take place 08-12 May, 2023 at Camp Roberts, California Interested parties are welcome to submit their applications for consideration to participate in the demonstration and experimentation events (See Section D for details). Technology demonstrations will take place at the unclassified level.This RFI does not function as a solicitation for procurement or other acquisition proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The Government does not intend to award a contract based on this RFI, or otherwise pay for the information solicited. While there is no guarantee of procurement or contract award for participating in Thunderstorm or other CP funded events, collaborations between technology developers and Government attendees may potentially lead to follow-on development efforts of emerging capabilities or fielding of mature capabilities.The application deadline for technology submissions for Thunderstorm 23-3 is 5:00 PM EST on Friday, 13 January 2023.B. BACKGROUNDThunderstorm events provide opportunities for technology developers to demonstrate and experiment with their new and evolving solutions in operationally relevant field conditions and scenarios, while fostering a collaborative working relationship between Government organizations, academia, and industry. Each Thunderstorm event emphasizes the discovery and demonstration of solutions for specific DoD focus area(s), with broad scenarios tailored to the capabilities of the submitted solutions. During Thunderstorm, developers also receive direct feedback from DoD and U.S. interagency organizations to help inform maturation of their technology. Through engagement and experimentation, Thunderstorm strives to achieve the goal of accelerating delivery of solutions to the Warfighter.C. DESCRIPTIONThunderstorm 23-3 focuses on discovering and demonstrating potential solutions for improving DoD logistics activities, increasing operational energy capacity, and reducing the energy demand of fielded or future capabilities. Specific technology areas of interest include:Agile Logistics Distribution Capabilities:Multi-capable distribution platformsLong range multi-modal delivery systems using autonomous technologies that support the operations of unmanned systems (UxS) operating with the Joint Force alone, as part of a group/swarm, or as a human/autonomous teamUncrewed systems with technologies that can operate through challenging environments and may include: congested radio frequency (RF), GPS denied, heavy winds, rain, sand/dust, open water, pitching ships at sea, etc.Unmanned surface ships capable of moving 50,000 lbs. of liquid fuels over 5,000 nm.Unmanned aircraft capable of carrying at least 1,100 lbs. a distance of 100 nm.Unmanned aircraft capable of carrying at least 10,000 lbs. of fuel a distance of 250 nmSelf-navigation based on in-situ information provided by onboard sensors and/or off-board data feedsHigh bandwidth secure communications to enhance situational awarenessOnboard analytics for “real time” analysis for:Use of swarm tactics with the capability to communicate back to an end user device (EUD) and provide easy to decipher go/no go resultsMachine perception, reasoning, and intelligencePredictive maintenance and supplyRemote launch and recovery ability: self-docking, hands-off flight preparation, payload loading and attachment/detachment, data transfer, etcDecision-making to support autonomous mission assignmentsOnboard object and feature detection to support resupply missionLive streaming of data to support “real time” area situational awareness“Swarms” that enable performance improvements through task sharing, delivery distribution, attrition resiliency, and cost reductionAgile delivery platforms for sustainment and replenishment operations across various domains of interest (e.g., ground, rail, maritime, airborne)Ship to shore cargo distribution systemsAutonomy packages for conversion of manned vessels, vehicles, and airframesLightweight and rugged transportation systems for the jungle environmentSustainability, Resilience, Demand Reduction, and Operational Energy Capabilities:Self-contained energy production, storage, and delivery technologies that are interoperable with foreign partners, with an emphasis on improved efficiencies, low signature renewable sources (e.g., solar, wind, wave, geothermal, etc.), harvesting and hybrid technologies, rechargeable technologies, synthetic and biofuels, power management and delivery methods, and analytics for maximizing power efficiency. Including:Fuel efficiency enhancement systemsWaste heat energy capture and reutilizationTesting, additives, and cleaning/filtering technologies for use of harvested fuel stocksBiomass into synthetic fuelsHybrid-electric systemsAdvanced power storage options: large-scale battery storage (8-450 kWh); heat-based storage; hydrogen fuel cells; etc.Self-sustaining maintenance and repair capabilities allowing for extended independent operations including:Advanced and additive manufacturing (AM); 3D printingPredictive and proactive maintenanceRepair analytics and supportSynthetic training environments for adaptive, cross-trained workforce; extended reality maintenanceBiotechnology for in-place productionRemote material management and tracking capabilitiesFuel storage and distribution systems that supports mobility and concealmentTransportable fuel bladder technologies for land, air, sea, and undersea operationsIncrease camouflage/concealment/deception for low visibility operational energy infrastructure; this includes land, naval and aerial fuel storage and connectorsOptionally crewed platforms that can move large volumes of liquid fuel low probability of detect mannerFuel pre-position capabilitiesLogistics Command and Control Capabilities:Logistics Command and Control (C2)Tools for aggregating sensor and systems data from sources across multiple domains to optimize awareness, communications, and decision-makingData management and information distribution in a single shared display (i.e. common operating picture)Automated sensing, processing, and reporting in GPS and communications limited/denied environmentsSharable and interoperable logistics planning and decision support toolsImproved analytics, scheduling, and awareness supporting cyber-secure logistical C2 operationsLogistics decision-supportImproved processing for operations of enhanced time sensitive software applications such as artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) algorithms, data fusion, advanced analytics, and other “real-time” data collection and processing intense applicationsAI/ML for faster and improved decision support, reducing risk to fielded forces and improving readinessLogistics data tools for collection, analysis, and predication of demand, supply, and related events (e.g. weather/sea state, railroad strikes, port bottleneck et.al.)D. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONSTo submit a technology for consideration, complete all elements of the application (found in Appendix I). Thunderstorm events take place at the Unclassified level and all proposals must be submitted at the Unclassified level. DO NOT SUBMIT CLASSIFIED INFORMATION in this application. Encrypt any applications containing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). If a technology is selected for participation in Thunderstorm, arrangements may be made for subsequent discussions at higher classification levels, as appropriate.Each application must address only one technology solution; submit additional technologies separately. Technologies submitted for consideration should be at a technology readiness level (TRL) of 4 or greater at the start of the Thunderstorm 23-3 event (http://www.acqnotes.com/acqnote/tasks/technology-readiness-level).Thunderstorm provides venues, supporting infrastructure, and personnel for assessment (operational and technical), based on availability of resources. Costs specific to running the technology developer’s equipment, as well as the technology developer’s travel costs will be at the technology developer’s expense. Invited technology developers must be prepared to be self-sufficient during the execution of their demonstration and not dependent on venue resources.  In order for developers to bring a prototype of their technology, they shall secure transport of their prototype to the event, as well as provide personnel for installation and integration of their technology into the Thunderstorm 23-3 event. The developers operate their technology during the event and uninstall their technology upon completion. The Thunderstorm staff will plan, coordinate, and assist with the associated logistics of the event and may provide limited assistance to technology developers for the installation and integration efforts of their technologies, but will not assist with engineering changes to demonstrate technologies or systems.All technologies are subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) restrictions. It is incumbent upon the applicant to identify these restrictions in their applications and adhere to all relevant restrictions during the event (s).DO NOT SUBMIT ACQUISITION PROPOSALS. Submit technologies for demonstration and experimentation consideration only.Submit completed applications to the Thunderstorm Team at thunderstorm@arl.psu.edu. Your application email subject line should include ‘Thunderstorm Application’ followed by the name of your organization or technology. You will receive an email within two business days verifying your application was received. Any application not meeting the outlined criteria outlined will not be considered. For questions regarding submitting please contact thunderstorm@arl.psu.edu.Applications for consideration during Thunderstorm 23-3 are due no later than 5:00 PM EST on Friday, 13 January 2023.No contracts will be awarded based solely on this announcement. Submission of an application does not guarantee an invitation to participate in either of the Thunderstorm events.E. BASIS FOR SELECTION TO PARTICIPATESubmissions will be reviewed by OUSD R&E CP, as well as appropriate supporting Government organizations and their contractors. The OUSD R&E CP team determines whether a submission is accepted to participate during Thunderstorm events.Selection of respondents to participate in Thunderstorm events shall be based on the extent to which the technology represents a particular class or level of capability that can support interested Government partners. Other considerations include:Relevance to event focus areaCompleteness of application and supporting informationTRL (technical maturity)Relevance of, or adaptability to, DoD or interagency partner operations and missionsRelevance to current and future operational needsF. ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONTechnology developers shall assure that all proprietary information, documentation, and equipment are appropriately and clearly marked. Be advised that lessons learned from these demonstrations may be broadly disseminated through official channels within the U.S. Government associated with the Thunderstorm program. If selected for participation, technology developers may be requested to provide additional information for use in preparation for the event.G. USE OF INFORMATIONThe purpose of this RFI is to gain information for Thunderstorm 23-3, along with other potential OUSD R&E CP sponsored technology development events. Applicant(s) will clearly mark all proprietary information contained in the response. Any identified proprietary information contained in response to this request will be properly protected from unauthorized disclosure. The Government will not use proprietary information submitted from any technology developer to establish future capability requirements.H. SPECIAL NOTICEUniversity affiliated research centers (UARCs), federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), and/or contractor consultants/advisors to the Government will review and provide support during submittal evaluations. When appropriate, non-Government advisors may be used to objectively review a particular functional area and provide comments and recommendations to the Government. All advisors shall comply with procurement integrity laws and shall sign non-disclosure agreements, and abide by rules of conduct/conflict of interest statements. The Government shall take into consideration requirements for avoiding conflicts of interest and ensure advisors comply with safeguarding proprietary data. Submission in response to this RFI constitutes approval to release the submission to Government support contractors.I. FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) 52.215-3Per FAR 52.215-3 Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (Oct 1997):1.   The Government does not intend to award a contract based on this RFI notice or otherwise pay for the information.2.   Although "proposal" and "technology developer" are used in this RFI, your responses will be treated as information only. It shall not be used as a proposal.3.   In accordance with FAR Clause 52.209(c), the purpose of this RFI is to solicit technology demonstration candidates from R&D organizations, private industry and academia for inclusion in future Thunderstorm technology demonstration and experimentation events sponsored by Capability Prototypes (CP).Appendix IApplication to Participate in OUSD R&E Thunderstorm 23-3Project Name: Provide Full name of Company & Name of Technology(Cover Page)The Following Information and Image should not exceed One (1) Page (Times New Roman, Size 12 Font, single space, standard margins)Request for Information (RFI) Point of Contact (POC): Provide name and contact information (phone number and email address) for the individual submitting the RFI application.Demonstration POC: Provide the name of the primary point of contact for demonstrating the technology prototype(s) at Thunderstorm 23-3, if selected. This POC will be responsible for all deliverables and correspondences leading up to, and during, Thunderstorm 23-3 or related events.Company / Organization: Provide organization name, address, and specific division if applicableAnnotate if your company is designated as a “Small Business” and/or “Foreign Owned”.Technology Overview: Provide a brief summary of your technology, and intended impact/use.  Overview should not to exceed 100 words.(Technology Description) The Following Information and Image should not exceed One (1) Page(Times New Roman, Size 12 Font, single space, standard margins)Your technology description should address, at minimum, the following:Provide a brief overview of your technology, focusing on how your technology is innovative compared to existing capabilitiesDescribe the need for the technology; how does it improve over current capabilities or address a problem/challengeDescribe the current state of your technology (Technical Readiness Level), and if applicable, what is needed to mature the technology (e.g., R&D funding, procurement).Summarize the current, and anticipated, performance and any other pertinent details about the proposed technology.Prototype Information (if applicable): Provide the following information about your prototype: Does a prototype(s) of your technology currently exist? Will a prototype be available during Thunderstorm 23-3?Are there any special considerations or needs in order for your technology prototype to be showcased or demonstrated at Thunderstorm 23-3 (e.g. power or space requirements, delivery or installation considerations)? Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR): Identify what (if any) parts of your capability have EAR and/or ITAR restrictions.Government Contracts (if applicable): Identify any previous, active, or pending Government contracts and the supporting agencies associated with the system and/or system components.