U.S. Coast Guard Response Robot or Remotely Operated Device Technology Market Research

This Request for Information (RFI) is a market research effort by the U. S. Coast Guard (USCG) Research and Development Center (RDC) to assess "robot," "robotic," or remotely operated technologies that might permit the Coast Guard's National Strike Force (NSF) to strengthen its resilience and response capability. National response laws and policies identify CG responsibilities as a federal response resource for catastrophic chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) incidents and pollution events. The NSF has identified aspects of its hazardous material incident response capability that limit its ability to support its response requirements. Specifically, RDC desires information on remotely operated devices that could provide current and expected future capabilities required for response to support the intent and direction of the national policy. Responses to this request for information will allow the RDC and NSF to determine availability of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) or Government off-the-shelf (GOTS) products as candidates that might best-meet desired capability attributes. The Coast Guard Research and Development Center (RDC) is conducting research to identify both off-the-shelf and "developmental" technologies associated with remotely operated devices, used in military, law enforcement, security, public-safety, and industrial applications. "Off-the-shelf," in this context, refers to existing technologies and equipment that are currently used, and/or readily available in commercial and/or Government application, while "developmental" in this context refers to proven and near-proven technologies that are expected to be available in the commercial and/or Government remotely-operated device marketplace in the next 12 to 24 months, i.e., at Technology Readiness Level 8 or 9 (actual system completed and qualified through test and demonstration, or actual system proven through successful mission operations). Though a SINGLE device is preferred, The CG is aware that the capability covered by the attached attributes list may require a combination of devices of more than one distinct size or type (e.g. for surveillance and detection only, to perform tasks that require lifting and moving, or manipulating external objects). In conjunction with the NSF, RDC 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 potentially, acquisition and life-cycle operating costs. Depending on the results of the detailed systems analysis, in a separate action, the RDC and NSF may further offer the opportunity for vendors to demonstrate their technology at the Joint Maritime Test Facility in Mobile, AL. You are invited to respond with information to assist the RDC with its market research to identify potential robotic technologies and associated remotely operated equipment applicable to NSF use. The following scenario describes one, possible, land based activity, but the CG envisions using a remote controlled device onboard commercial vessels also, including bulk and break-bulk, roll-on/roll-off, container, tanker, and passenger vessels. Scenario: A train of a mixed load including containers and tank cars, some carrying vinyl chloride experiences a track switch failure as it approaches a large port. The train collides with a number of stationary cars on a side track, which include two pressurized propane tank cars. Several cars derail and pile up. A propane tank car explodes at one end of the pileup. The fate of the train's crew is unknown. At least one of the tank cars with vinyl chloride begins to leak; resulting in a fog that spreads from the scene of the incident. Winds are light and variable. First responders arrive, but two are overcome by fumes, and they withdraw from the area. The on-scene commander sets a one mile exclusion zone, which shuts down two, major interstate highways, effectively immobilizing the entire area. Visible vapor, believed to be vinyl chloride, emanates from the scene. A CG Strike Team is activated and dispatched. Initial concerns are about the integrity of the propane and vinyl chloride tank cars. The strike team establishes a command post (CP) at the edge of the zone. The team leader orders deployment of a small robot to provide a first view of the scene of the incident. The small robot deploys within 15 minutes moves downwind along the edge of the projected plume footprint to provide a view of the scene. Shortly thereafter, the strike team deploys a larger robot to monitor explosive conditions in the area. The larger robot has a Lower explosive limit (%LEL) sensor, which plugs into the robot, and transmits data back to the operator. The larger robot carries then deploys two mobile area network (MANET) routers to expand a local network into the accident scene to allow remote robot control outside of the line of sight. As it approaches the scene, the robot deploys the routers using its manipulator arm. The controller then assigns the larger robot to resolve whether an explosive hazard exists, and the small robot moves closer and sets up a live video feed, providing a real-time view of activities at the site, and transmits the video back to the CP approximately ½ mile away. Meanwhile, the larger robot moves through the crash area, where it captures images of the identification number and Hazardous Materials Warning Label on each car and transmits the images back to the CP. For the leaking cars, the operator uses the larger robot to visually inspect and identify the locations of vinyl chloride leaks. Strike team members suit up for Level A entry, and proceed to the immediate scene. They continue to work with the large robot to identify the contents of cars and identify that some of the vinyl chloride has flowed into a pair of storm drains that discharge to an adjacent waterway. Additional personnel suit up for Level B entry and bring absorbent materials to the scene to contain the leakage. As strike team and other responders move in, the CP deploys the larger robot downwind of the scene to characterize the hazardous atmosphere condition, while the smaller robot remains posted at the scene. The larger robot provides real-time data on levels in the downwind plume, while the smaller robot provides live video of the scene. After 8 hours, both robots are sequentially rotated back to the edge of the exclusion zone where strike team staff quickly decontaminate them and replace batteries. The CP redeploys the robots . After 36 hours, the larger robot is detailed to replace the MANET routers, which are also used for voice communications by responders at the scene. THE COAST GUARD IS SPECIFICALLY INTERESTED IN HOW TECHNOLOGIES MEET OR ADDRESS THE ATTRIBUTES LISTED below: 1 Size/Dimensions 1.1 Weight (lbs) 1.2 Height (in) 1.3 Width (in) 2 Mobility 2.1 Ledge/stair climb (in) 2.2 Slope climb (degrees) 2.3 Slope traverse (degrees-across the slope) 2.4 Unit speed (ft/sec) 2.5 Mobility over wet, slippery, snow covered, mud, loose-dry surfaces 2.6 "self-righting" capability 2.7 "Self-return" capability when comms are lost 2.8 Sled tow capability (lbs) 2.9 Remote control capability beyond line of sight (LOS) 2.10 Remote Camera and video capability beyond LOS 2.11 Remote sensor output capability beyond LOS 2.12 Operate in an explosive environment 2.13 Ability to "tuck" extremities or "compact" size 2.14 Ability to rotate in own length 3 Endurance 3.1 Endurance while operating video and sensors (hr) 3.2 Range at full speed (km) 3.3 Optional tether for control and power 3.4 External payload capability (lbs) 4 Sensor/sample capability 4.1 Number of Installed Sensors (O2, CO, VOCs, %LEL, rad, T, RH, toxins, chem., other CBRN agent, etc. 4.2 Modular, plug-in sensor design 4.3 Number of additional sensor ports 4.4 Number of compatible sensors usable for NSF responses 4.5 Ability to sample solid materials 4.6 Ability to sample liquids 4.7 Ability to sample gases 4.8 Ability to perform continuous gas/liquid sampling over time 4.9 Ability to collect multiple samples (gas, liquid) over time 5 Video Capability 5.1 Number of Cameras 5.2 Video resolution 5.3 Video zoom capability (x) 5.4 Video pan and elevation capability 5.5 Additional video sensors, IR or 360 degree view 5.6 Video depth cueing feature 5.7 Camera on manipulator arm 5.8 Lighting aligned to camera direction 6 Manipulator (actuator arm) 6.1 Arm Length (in) 6.2 Extension distance (in) 6.3 Load at full extension (% of robot total wt) 6.4 Torque (ft-lb) 6.5 Manipulator grip design 6.6 Manipulator Degrees of Freedom 6.7 Maximum manipulator grip force (lb) 6.8 Variable manipulator force 6.9 Manipulator force sensor and feedback loop w/display 7 Maintenance, support and training 7.1 Availability of manufacturer technical support 7.2 Technical repair support 7.3 Repair part ordering availability 7.4 Emergency remote site tech support personnel available 7.5 Factory-initial training available 7.6 Factory-initial training REQUIRED 7.7 Initial Training Duration (hrs) 7.8 Ease of Training to proficiency (hrs) 7.9 Recurring operator training curriculum available 7.10 Field maintenance training available 7.11 "Train the trainer" availability 7.12 "Train the trainer" cost (hrs) 7.13 Spare Battery availability 7.14 Spare Sensor Availability 8 Durability 8.1 Max ambient temp ops 8.2 Minimum ambient temp ops 8.3 Wet decon possible 8.4 Wet decon for battery possible 8.5 Corrosion resistant components 8.6 Control software drives device downrange a predetermined distance w/o operator oversight 8.7 Reverse track possible, device to return inside comms range 8.8 intuitive controls-game type controller 9 Battery and recharging 9.1 Drive on/drive off charging station 9.2 Modular battery for easy replacement inside a contaminated zone 9.3 "Sealed" or non- "wet-cell" batteries 10 Self-sensing features 10.1 Remaining battery-life monitor 10.2 Proximity and position to avoid collisions and locate w/in a space 10.3 Internal temp to prevent electronics overheat 10.4 Force/torque on manipulator to enable compliant motion or force reflecting control 10.5 Force on gripper to prevent fragile-object damage 10.6 Roll, pitch and G-force to prevent roll-over 10.7 Full system Diagnostics When responding, 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. • Descriptive material that addresses all areas of information requested by this RFI including the section "THE COAST GUARD IS SPECIFICALLY INTERESTED IN HOW TECHNOLOGIES MEET OR ADDRESS THE ATTRIBUTES LISTED." 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 capabilities are currently possible, and what additional capabilities may be achievable over the next 30 to 36 months • A list of U.S. (or international) Government contracts for products being submitted where applicable • Any digital photos and/or digital videos of the products in operation • Please identify if you are a Small or Large Business • Business Size with regard to NAICS 541712 • Please limit electronic responses to no more than 10 pages per solution (supporting documentation in the form of a glossary or attachments to the RFI response will not be counted towards the 10-page limit per solution). 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]. All questions regarding this RFI should also 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 at the USCG RDC, headquarters and field commands. The deadline for final responses to the RFI is 08 September 2015. REMINDER: UNLESS RESPONSE is GREATER than 10MB, responses must be emailed to [email protected].