UNITED STATES SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
17.1 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Proposal Submission Instructions
Introduction:
The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) seeks small businesses with strong research and development capabilities to pursue and commercialize technologies needed by Special Operations Forces (SOF). The USSOCOM Program Executive Officers (PEOs) submitted the topics to the USSOCOM SBIR Program Manager (PM) as topics that may transition to an acquisition Program of Record or Concept of Operation. In turn, the USSOCOM SBIR PM submitted the topics to the Department of Defense (DoD) for the DoD 17.1 SBIR announcement.
A thorough reading of the “U.S. Department of Defense Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program: Program Announcement FY 17.1” prior to reading these USSOCOM instructions is highly recommended. These USSOCOM instructions explain certain unique aspects of the USSOCOM SBIR program that differ from the DoD announcement and its instructions.
Technical Inquiries:
During the Pre-release Period of the DoD 17.1 SBIR Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), any questions should be limited to specific information related to improving the understanding of a particular topic's requirements which must be submitted in writing by email to (if question(s) includes company sensitive information not to be released to the general public) or using the online SBIR/STTR SITIS Q&A System (questions and answers will be released to the general public), rather than made directly to the topic authors as specified in Section 4.15.c. of the DoD 17.1 SBIR Program Announcement instructions. All inquiries must include the topic number in the subject line of the e-mail.
During the Open Period, follow the instructions described in section 4.15.d of the DoD 17.1 SBIR BAA instructions for additional information on the SBIR/STTR Interactive Topic Information System (SITIS).
During the Source Selection Period, e-mail is the only acceptable method of communication that will be used by the Government Contracting Officer (CO) to notify the Offeror if they have or have not been selected foraward.
Note: Site visits will not be permitted during the Pre-release and Open Periods of the DoD 17.1 SBIR BAA.
Phase I and Phase II Proposal Submission
Small business concerns awarded a Phase I contract may choose to submit a Phase II proposal no later than thirty (30) calendar days following the end of the Phase I contract. Submission of a Phase II proposal is not included as part of the Phase I contract.
Potential Offerors shall submit all Phase I and Phase II proposalsin accordance with the DoD 17.1 SBIR BAA via the following link 5.0 Phase I Proposal and Section 7.0 Phase II Proposal) with one exception. For Phase II proposals only, Offerors must complete the cost volume using the Cost Proposal Form posted on the USSOCOM section of the submission site. Offerors can contact the SBIR Help Desk at or 1-800-348-0787 for assistance in obtaining the Cost Proposal Form. The Cost Proposal information (PDF format) shall be appended to and submitted with the Phase II Technical Volume. The XCELL format of the Cost Proposal shall be submitted to . For Phase I and Phase II proposals, the Technical Volume shall not exceed 20 pages. Proposals with a Technical Volume exceeding 20 pages will not be evaluated. The appended Cost Proposal does not count toward the 20-page Technical Volume limit, nor does the Company Commercialization Report.
Phase I and II Evaluations:
USSOCOM evaluates Phase I and II proposals using the evaluation criteria specified in sections 6.0 and 8.0 of the DoD 17.1 SBIR Announcement. Additionally, input on technical aspects of the proposals may be solicited by USSOCOM from non-Government consultants and advisors who are bound by appropriate non-disclosure requirements. Non-Government personnel will not establish final assessments of risk, rate, or rank Offeror’s proposals. These advisors are expressly prohibited from competing for USSOCOM SBIR awards. All administrative support contractors, consultants, and advisors having access to any proprietary data will certify that they will not disclose any information pertaining to this announcement, including any submission, the identity of any submitters, or any other information relative to this announcement; and shall certify that they have no financial interest in any submission. Submissions and information received in response to this announcement constitutes the Offeror’s permission to disclose that information to administrative support contractors and non-Government consultants and advisors.
Phase I Awards
USSOCOM does not include options in the resulting Phase I SBIR contracts and Phase I SBIR contracts are Firm Fixed Price.
Phase I Kick-Off and Out-Brief Meetings: USSOCOM conducts Kick-Off and Out-Brief meetings during the Phase I period of performance. Firms selected for a Phase I SBIR contract shall have the ability to participate in the Kick-Off and Out-Brief meetings via electronic media mutually agreed upon by the firm and the Contracting Officer Representative (COR).
Informal Feedback:
A non-selected Offeror can make a written request, within 30 calendar days of receipt of notification of non-selection, for feedback. USSOCOM will provide informal feedback within 30 calendar days of an Offeror’s written request rather than a debriefing as specified in paragraph 4.10, entitled "Debriefing," of the DoD 17.1 SBIR announcement.
Foreign Nationals (Foreign Citizens):
The definition of a foreign national is included in Section 3.4 of the DoD 17.1 SBIR Program Announcement. Consistent with Section 5.4.c. (8) of the DoD 17.1 Program Announcement, the Offeror shall identify all foreign nationals expected to be involved with the USSOCOM Phase I or Phase II effort to include each foreign national’s country of origin and level of involvement (identify specific tasks). The Offeror shall identify all foreign nationals in the appropriate section of the proposal. The USSOCOM SBIR Program oftentimes pursues technologies that require companies to complete the DoD Contract Security Classification Specification (DD Form 254) to protect sensitive Government Furnished Property and Government Furnished Information during the Phase II period of performance.
The identification of foreign national involvement in a USSOCOM SBIR topic is needed to determine if a firm is ineligible for award on a USSOCOM topic that falls within the parameters of the United States Munitions List, Part 121 of the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). A firm employing a foreign national(s) (as defined in paragraph 3.4 entitled “Foreign Nationals” of the DoD 17.1 SBIR Announcement to work on a USSOCOM ITAR topic must possess an export license to receive a SBIR Phase I or Phase II contract.
USSOCOM SBIR Program Point of Contact:
Inquiries concerning the USSOCOM SBIR Program should be addressed to .
USSOCOM SBIR 17.1 Topic Index
SOCOM17-001 / Family of Light Weight Cases for 5.56mm AmmunitionSOCOM17-002 / Moisture Wicking Pathway Treatment for Textiles
SOCOM17-003 / Innovative CubeSat Payloads for USSOCOM Space Missions
SOCOM17-004 / Big Data Network Forensics Analysis Tool Capability
USSOCOM - 1
USSOCOM SBIR 17.1 Topic Descriptions
SOCOM17-001 / TITLE: Family of Light Weight Cases for 5.56mm AmmunitionTECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Weapons
The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the Announcement.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this topic is to develop an innovative Light weigh case meeting or exceeding the capabilities of the current brass cased ammunition while reducing the weight of the cartridge case by a minimum of 30% threshold with an objective of 40%. The case should have sufficient volume to allow use of currently available qualified 5.56mm propellants and achieve the required velocity of current 5.56mm ammunition without exceeding the stated chamber pressure for each ammunition sub type.
DESCRIPTION: The military services have been exploring possible alternatives for brass cased ammunition for a number of years in an effort to reduce the cost of the cases based on the fluctuating cost of copper the main components in brass. Additionally, the Military is seeking a light weight alternative for brass cases to reduce the logistical cost of moving hundreds of millions of rounds of 5.56mm ammunition annually around the globe. This project is focused to cost reduction in both acquisition and logistical areas.
PHASE I: Conduct a feasibility study to assess what is in the art of the possible that satisfies the requirements specified in the above paragraph entitled “Description.” As a part of this feasibility study, the proposers shall address all viable overall system design options with respective specifications for the Family of Light Weight Cases for 5.56mm Ammunition.
The objective of this USSOCOM Phase I SBIR effort is to conduct and document the results of a thorough feasibility study to investigate what is in the art of the possible within the given trade space that will satisfy a needed technology. The feasibility study should investigate all known options that meet or exceed the minimum performance parameters specified in this write up. It should also address the risks and potential payoffs of the innovative technology options that are investigated and recommend the option that best achieves the objective of this technology pursuit. The funds obligated on the resulting Phase I SBIR contracts are to be used for the sole purpose of conducting a thorough feasibility study using scientific experiments and laboratory studies as necessary. Operational prototypes will not be developed with USSOCOM SBIR funds during Phase I feasibility studies. Operational prototypes developed with other than SBIR funds that are provided at the end of Phase I feasibility studies will not be considered in deciding what firm(s) will be selected for Phase II.
PHASE II: Develop, install, and demonstrate prototype 5.56mm ammunition determined to be the most feasible solution during the Phase I feasibility study on a light weight 5.56mm case for a family of 5.56mm ammunition.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: This SBIR project would support all Department of Defense organizations and US Governmental Organizations and Friendly Allied Forces with a case for 5.56mm ammunition that would save tens of millions of dollars a year in logistical movement and handling costs. It should also drive a reduction in cost for materials as it is expected the price per pound for raw materials should be lower as well.
REFERENCES:
1. Drawing D11920451-Case, Cartridge, 5.56mm (uploaded in SITIS on 12/5/16).
2. Drawing D9378276-Case, Cartridge, 5.56mm (uploaded in SITIS on 12/5/16).
KEYWORDS: light weight 5.56mm ammunition
TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials
OBJECTIVE: Enhance drying time and garment comfort through enhanced moisture management in textiles being specific to the need of the material and use of the garment.
DESCRIPTION: Provide directional control of moisture transport utilizing a treatment to textiles to prevent saturation and general absorption of moisture, preventing materials from “wetting out” in various configurations of use. Treatment will allow design capability to create a moisture path through the textile when worn with other equipment and or layers of textiles. This moisture specific path will decrease drying time and increase comfort of garments enhancing operator comfort and performance.
PHASE I: Conduct a detailed feasibility study explaining the formulation and technology to be used to treat through printing, knitting or other direct application on two or more materials. Outline the path patterns of moisture channeling effects and concept.
The objective of this USSOCOM Phase I SBIR effort is to conduct and document the results of a thorough feasibility study to investigate what is in the art of the possible within the given trade space that will satisfy a needed technology. The feasibility study should investigate all known options that meet or exceed the minimum performance parameters specified in this write up. It should also address the risks and potential payoffs of the innovative technology options that are investigated and recommend the option that best achieves the objective of this technology pursuit. The funds obligated on the resulting Phase I SBIR contracts are to be used for the sole purpose of conducting a thorough feasibility study using scientific experiments, modeling and simulation, and laboratory studies as necessary. Operational prototypes will not be developed with USSOCOM SBIR funds during Phase I feasibility studies. Operational prototypes developed with other than SBIR funds that are provided at the end of Phase I feasibility studies will not be considered in deciding what firm(s) will be selected for Phase II.
PHASE II: Provide material swatches and lab testing of material samples demonstrating moisture channeling on material samples. Development and demonstration will show how the moisture path pattern will be optimized for use with load carriage and body armor. Submit production garments such as combat shirts for limited field testing. Finished garments will be field evaluated by operators in controlled conditions executing required tasks such as patrols and negotiation of obstacles in temperate to hot conditions.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: (1) Integration into the Protective combat uniform fielded in the Special Operations Forces Personal Equipment Advanced Requirements (SPEAR) program through pre planned product improvement. (2) Commercial application in athletic sportswear and hiking apparel.
REFERENCES:
1. “Moisture management in an active sportswear: techniques and evaluation”, Mani Senthilkumar, M.B. SamPath and T. Ramachandran, Journal of the Institution of Engineers (India):series E Chemical and Textile Engineering ISSN 2250-2483 Volume 93
2. “Significance of Moisture management for High Performance Textile Fabrics”, Dr. S.K. chinta, Ms. Pooja D. Gujar, International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology Vol 2, Issue 3, March 2013
KEYWORDS: moisture control, micro fluid technology, moisture-wicking, microscopic fluid transport
SOCOM17-003 / TITLE: Innovative CubeSat Payloads for USSOCOM Space MissionsTECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics, Sensors, Space Platforms
The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the Announcement.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this topic is to develop innovative CubeSat payloads and technology that can support USSOCOM missions and/or advance CubeSat technology relevant to USSOCOM missions.
DESCRIPTION: Nano-satellites are popular among universities and gaining momentum with commercial and government organizations. Standards-based satellite buses and deployment mechanisms, such as the CubeSat and Poly Pico-satellite Orbital Deployer (P-POD), have stimulated growth in the area. Small satellites have proven capable and cost effective in many areas traditionally dominated by large satellites, however many challenges remain.
Innovative payloads and technologies will expand the mission space that CubeSats can support. Payloads compatible with existing common interface standards can be selected as requirements emerge and rapidly integrated with existing satellites, tested, and delivered for launch to support upcoming operations. Alternatively, various payloads can be included with satellites in a persistent constellation to provide a broad range of continuous capabilities.
USSOCOM is interested in payloads and technologies that can be integrated with an existing 1.5U CubeSat, can be operated at the tactical level, and provide a relevant capability. The existing CubeSat has an electrical/mechanical interface and can provide power, attitude control, Command, Control, data-processing, and communications to support payload operations. The preferred solution is for the combined CubeSat/Interface/Payload combination should fit within a standard 3U CubeSat deployer (providing slightly less than 1.5U for the payload) however 6U options will be considered (providing slightly less than 4.5U for the payload). In general, proposed payloads should:
•Meet the CubeSat Design Specifications (Ref 1).
•Generate less than 64 kilobits per second of data to be transferred to the ground if operating in a real-time data transfer mode
•Generate less than 10MB of data per orbit to be transferred to the ground if operating in a store-and-forward mode.
•Survive launch to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) (Ref 2).
•Survive the LEO space environment for one (threshold) to three (objective) years.
•Assume the existing 1.5U CubeSat bus can provide up to 4 watts continuous power.
Innovative research and development is needed to drastically reduce the size, weight and power of payloads that have traditionally performed missions on much larger satellites. Traditional missions include communications, astrometry, weather, and remote sensing. Other missions of SOCOM interest will also be considered. Technologies of interest include satellite maneuver for establishing and maintaining constellations and/or changing orbits, and methods to control or facilitate deorbit.
PHASE I: Conduct a feasibility study to assess the art of the possible to satisfy the requirements specified in the above “Description.” As a part of this feasibility study, proposers shall include a concept of operations and analyze and quantify potential data that can be provided. Proposers shall also include an initial payload design and address all viable system design options with respective specifications.
Tasks under this phase could include:
•Develop the technology design.
•Predict payload performance using modeling and simulation or other tools.
•Estimate mass, power, processing and volume requirements.
•Detail payload interaction required with the host satellite.
•Define how operators would task, process, interpret, and disseminate payload data and/or control the payload. Note that automated operations is the objective, minimizing direct operator control and interaction required.
The objective of this USSOCOM Phase I SBIR effort is to conduct and document the results of a thorough feasibility study to investigate what is in the art of the possible within the given trade space that will satisfy a needed technology. The feasibility study should investigate all known options that meet or exceed the minimum performance parameters specified in this write up. It should also address the risks and potential payoffs of the innovative technology options that are investigated and recommend the option that best achieves the objective of this technology pursuit. The funds obligated on the resulting Phase I SBIR contracts are to be used for the sole purpose of conducting a thorough feasibility study using scientific experiments, modeling and simulation, and laboratory studies as necessary. Operational prototypes will not be developed with USSOCOM SBIR funds during Phase I feasibility studies. Operational prototypes developed with other than SBIR funds that are provided at the end of Phase I feasibility studies will not be considered in deciding what firm(s) will be selected for Phase II.