Audio Forensics/Voice Analytics Market Research

This Request for Information (RFI) is part of a market research effort by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to assess advancements in audio forensics and voice analytics services that could improve Coast Guard identification and investigations of Search and Rescue (SAR) hoax callers. This technological solution could be in the form of a software solution or a by-request service based on operational demand and law enforcement case progression. This RFI is issued for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for information received in response to this RFI. The USCG is conducting research to identify both operational and advanced prototype technologies. "Operational" in this context refers to existing technologies and solutions (software) that are currently used in commercial and/or Government application, while "advanced prototype" in this context refers to proven and near-proven technologies that are expected to be available in the commercial and/or Government market in the next 12 to 18 months. The USCG intends to use the information collected from this RFI to conduct detailed systems analysis that quantifies and evaluates technology readiness and applicability, device or equipment capability, and acquisition (non-recurring) and life-cycle operating (recurring) costs. You are invited to respond with information to assist the CG with its market research to identify potential sources of audio forensics and voice identification technology solutions. BACKGROUND The Coast Guard continues to be operationally-impacted by a number of serial Search and Rescue (SAR) hoax callers across the United States. As part of Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) law enforcement investigations, the Coast Guard needs to enhance audio forensics and voice analytics capabilities in order to assist CGIS prosecutorial efforts and support active law enforcement cases. This RFI is requesting solutions to increase the current technical capabilities of CGIS in voice analytics and audio forensics exploitation. SPECIFIC TECHNICAL INFORMATION REQUESTED The Coast Guard RDC desires detailed information regarding audio forensics and voice analytics technologies. Submissions can include new applications of proven technologies. This request is not seeking any low Technical Readiness Level (TRL) concepts. The following information, or best available estimate, is requested for each proposed product/technology. If multiple products/technologies are presented by the same entity, the information should be specific to each product/technology. The following questions/statements should be addressed for each product/technology described in your response to this RFI: A. General description of your audio forensics and voice analytics capability. What products/technologies do you have that have the potential to provide case support to CGIS investigations and operational decision makers? B. What agencies, governments, or other maritime service providers currently use the product/technology you described? Has this technology been used in a maritime environment? C. If your technology is not currently available as a Commercial Off-the-Shelf product: 1. Are there any development efforts or test activities currently underway or planned to mature your product/technology and/or assess its maturity? 2. Describe the effort required to mature your advanced prototype product/technology to a fully tested, ready for production (i.e. DOD TRL 7 or higher) in terms of development time and expense. D. Please provide a response to the information requested/measures of effectiveness in the following list of features. 1. Gender (Critical Feature) - Specify the accurate gender of an individual via audio transmission sample. 2. Voice Disguise (Critical Feature) - Identify attempted voice disguise via audio transmission sample. 3. Nationality (Critical Feature) - Identify the nationality of an individual via audio transmission sample. 4. Residence (Critical Feature) - Identify the approximate geographic residence of an individual via audio transmission sample. 5. Stress (Critical Feature) - Identify the approximate stress level of an individual via audio transmission sample. 6. Age (Critical Feature) - Identify the approximate age of an individual via audio transmission sample. 7. Height (Critical Feature) - Identify the approximate height of an individual via audio transmission sample. 8. Weight (Critical Feature) - Identify the approximate weight of an individual via audio transmission sample. 9. Race (Critical Feature) - Identify the race of an individual via audio transmission sample. 10. Substance Effect (Critical Feature) - Identify whether an individual is under the influence of a narcotic or drug substance via audio transmission sample. 11. Number of Speakers (Critical Feature) - Identify the number of speakers via audio transmission sample. 12. Acoustic Background (Critical Feature) - Identify the acoustic environment in which the audio transmission sample was generated. 13. Background Objects (Critical Feature) - Identify any environmental background objects and electromagnetic interference (animate and inanimate) via audio transmission sample. 14. Signal Origin (Critical Feature) - Identify the origin/transmitting device of the signal via audio transmission sample. 15. Statistical Probability (Critical Feature) - Assign a statistical probability of accuracy to the aforementioned 14 criteria. 16. Non-Expert Use (Critical Feature) - Technology solution must be automated and repeatable for application by non-experts. 17. Please identify if you are a Small or Large Business. 18. Business Size with regard to NAICS 541712. Note: The technologies of interest could potentially be used in a maritime environment which includes exposure to sea spray, wet conditions and vibration and shock commonly encountered in a small boat maritime environment. These conditions should be addressed with respect to each product/technology. RESPONDING TO THIS MARKET RESEARCH It is desired that responses to this RFI address all of the topics discussed in the ‘ SPECIFIC TECHNICAL INFORMATION REQUESTED .' Topics may be combined or treated individually. However, if information is not available for some of the topic areas, your submission is still of interest to the USCG. When responding to the RFI, please include the following information: • A one page cover letter that provides a brief summary of the response and indicating if supporting documentation is included. • Amplifying information that addresses all areas of information requested by this RFI in sections "SPECIFIC TECHNICAL INFORMATION REQUESTED." If pre-developed marketing or technical information and specification sheets are provided, please include additional information, as necessary to "fill the gaps" between pre-developed material and the information required. Digital photographs, line drawings, and illustrations that clarify descriptive text are encouraged. • A description of any information relative to what products/technologies are currently available and what additional products/technologies may become available over the next 12 to 18 months • If multiple products/technologies are presented by the same entity, the responses to these questions should be specific to each product/technology. • Provide a list of U.S. (or international) Government contracts for products/technologies where applicable • Provide any digital photos and/or digital videos of the products/technologies in operation if able • In order to fully analyze the responses please include justification / amplifying information (e.g. reports, videos, actual applications, etc.) which supports your responses. • Please limit electronic responses to no more than 25 pages per product/technology (supporting documentation in the form of a glossary or attachments to the RFI response will not be counted towards the 25-page limit). If your RFI response is greater than 10 MB, please provide it on DVD media and mail it to: ATTN: MS. HELEN CARNES, CONTRACTING DIVISION U.S. COAST GUARD RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER 1 CHELSEA STREET NEW LONDON, CT 06320-5506 This RFI is issued for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for information received in response to this RFI. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this RFI are not offers and will not be accepted by the U.S. Government to form a binding contract. Responses to this market survey should be sent to [email protected] . PHONE CALLS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED, VOICE MAIL MESSAGES LEFT WILL NOT BE RETURNED AND EMAILS WILL NOT BE RESPONDED TO. Information submitted will be reviewed by Government personnel only at the USCG RDC. The deadline for final responses to the RFI is December 23, 2016. REMINDER: UNLESS RESPONSE IS GREATER THAN 10 MB, RESPONSES MUST BE EMAILED TO: [email protected].