Prototype Systems Development and Fabrication

Overview

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL) invites solutions that will develop lightweight-kitted solutions to provide rapidly deployable protection. This includes the advancement of new prototype systems, such as personnel bunkers, as well as further development of existing ERDC prototypes.

Problem Statement

The U.S. Army ERDC seeks solutions that will develop lightweight-kitted solutions to provide rapidly deployable protection.

Estimated Government Funding Profile

Up to $10,000,000

Estimated Period of Performance

Five-years is anticipated.

Project Manager

Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL), U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)

Project Security Classification

Selected vendor may be required to obtain secret security clearance

Background and Problem Statement

ERDC-GSL seeks solutions that will develop lightweight-kitted solutions to provide rapidly deployable protection. This includes development of new prototype systems, such as personnel bunkers, as well as further development of existing ERDC prototypes, such as, but not limited to, the Aggressor Vehicle Entry Readiness Technology (AVERT) Barrier System, AVERT Maximum (AVERT MAX), Ready Armor Protection for Instant Deployment (RAPID), Expedient Retrofit for Existing Buildings (EREB), and the Modular Protective System (MPS) suite of products. This also includes supplying all Technical Data Packages (TDPs) for technology transition and participation in demonstrations and field tests as necessary.

Potential tasks include, but are not limited to:

Task 1 – Fabricate Prototypes

Using designs provided by ERDC, provide prototypes of required systems
Recommend any changes necessary during fabrication, and upon ERDC’s approval, implement design changes

Task 2 – Document Designs in Technical Data Packages

Develop technical data packages for each final design
Develop user documentation for setup, operation, and break-down of prototypes

Task 3 – Provide Support for Demonstrations and Field Testing

Attend demonstrations as requested
Attend field experiments as requested
Deliver systems to required locations

Potential capability needs include, but are not limited to:

Design and Engineering
CAD Solid modeling
Designs to include Al/Steels, pneumatics, hydraulics, electrical, plastics, composites, etc.
Rapid prototyping
CNC Router (Aluminum, Plastics and Composites)
CNC 3 axis Milling
CNC 5 axis Milling
CNC Lathe
Certified manual welding (TIG, MIG and Brazing)
Robotic Welding
Raw Material Cutting (Plasma, Waterjet, Band sawing, Laser and Oxy-acetylene Torch)
Tube and Bar Bending
Sheet Metal Fabrication
Mil-spec Painting/Coating
Final Product Assembly
Packaging and Shipping

Evaluation Criteria

Solutions received in response to this announcement will be selected based upon review of how innovative and feasible the solution is at solving an agency challenge, the potential to enhance the mission effectiveness of the agency, and funding availability. Please see full announcement for further details.

Notional Project Schedule

Proposed project milestones include:

July 6, 2023	Submissions Open
July 24, 2023	Submissions Close
July 24-31, 2023	ERDC Completes Evaluation of Submissions
August 1, 2023	ERDC Requests Full Proposal
August 18, 2023	Full Proposal Evaluation
By or Before September 30, 2023	Anticipated Award

*If needed; dates may vary to accommodate project team and participant availability.

Helpful Links

ERDC patents referenced above:

How to Participate

Qualified parties may submit by completing a submission form and uploading required documentation as defined in the CSO Solicitation document.

Review CSO Solicitation document
Review FAQs
Complete the submission form

Submission Instructions: This solicitation is issued consistent with the authority granted to the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) through the establishment of its Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO), W912HZ23SC003, with a focus on the mission of the Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory. Submissions must follow the requirements as detailed in the CSO Solicitation document.

Questions:
Interested parties may submit questions using this form until July 17, 2023.

Submissions must meet stated requirements and be received no later than 10:00 am CST on Monday, July 24, 2023.

ERDC-GSL is conducting this project announcement on a full and open basis and intends to award contracts in accordance with FAR part 12 and the FAR part that is deemed most appropriate for the solution proposed (i.e. FAR part 13, 15, and/or 35); the government reserves the right to award prototype agreements (e.g. Other Transaction Agreements), in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 4022, if deemed appropriate and in the government’s best interest.