U.S. Coast Guard Barrier Market Research

This Request for Information (RFI) is part of a market research effort to assess sources of barrier systems capable of preventing and deterring attacks on the maritime transportation system. The barrier system technologies will be reviewed for potential application in United States (U.S.) Ports. The Coast Guard Research and Development Center (RDC) is conducting market research to identify both operational and state-of-the-art technologies as potential barrier system technologies for use in U.S. domestic ports. "Operational" in this context refers to existing technologies and equipment that are currently used in commercial and/or Government (law enforcement or Department of Defense) application, while "state-of-the-art" in this context refers to proven and near-proven technologies that can be developed for operational use in the next 30 to 36 months. You are invited to assist the RDC with its market research by identifying potential sources of barrier systems. Such systems could be used for commercial or Government purposes. SPECIFIC TECHNICAL INFORMATION REQUESTED The following information is requested for each proposed solution. If multiple solutions are presented, by the same entity, the information should be specific to each solution. White papers detailing the characteristics of such systems shall contain at a minimum, the following characteristics: NOTE: For the below characteristics, "linear foot" refers to the distance across protected or width of intended barrier coverage. A. Primary intended purpose/use of designed system (e.g. debris control, fish guidance, line of demarcation, security, etc.) B. Basic dimensions of device - (1) Height above the waterline; (2) Depth below the waterline; (3) Width; and (4) Length C. Operation Limitations - (1) Maximum sea state limitations; (2) Maximum current force; and (3) Any additional pertinent information D. System Requirements in place - (1) Minimum and maximum length of channel/installation requirements; (2) Depth of water required to install; and (3) Any additional pertinent information E. Acquisition Cost in rough order of magnitude (ROM) for the entire system, per linear foot F. Port Specific Design and Installation Cost in ROM, if service required/provided G. Annual Actual Maintenance Cost in ROM, per linear foot H. Kinetic Energy (KE) Absorption Rates (both designed and tested), in one million foot-pounds (M ft-lb) of KE I. Mooring requirements, both water and land side - (1) What, if any, equipment has to be provided by the user to install system, i.e. anchor system, layout design, etc.; and (2) If the system is anchored to the end user's property, what force must the permanent installation be able to withstand in pounds of force (lbf) both horizontal and vertical in 60 knot wind and 2 knot current, perpendicular to the system J. Horsepower (hp) requirement to move opening/gate [select one of the following]: (1) Less than or equal to a small craft with outboard engine (2) Less than or equal to a patrol craft (two 225-hp engines) (3) Less than or equal to two mini tugs (approximately 400 hp each) (4) Less than or equal to a larger tug (approximately 680- 3400 hp) (5) Permanently fixed K. Time to move system opening or gate (in hours) L. Storage - (1) How is the system stored when not in use; and (2) What type of storage container, if any, is required M. Transportation and Installation - (1) Wet and dry weight of system (average by linear foot); (2) Lift capacity needed to place in and remove from the water, dry and wet weight respectively; (3) What additional equipment is needed to install the system in place (crane, barge, etc.); (4) Can the system be installed by the user or does the manufacturer install for an additional fee; and (5) If the manufacturer installs the system, what is the cost, in ROM, per linear foot N. Effect of the system on the surrounding environment/ecosystem [select one of the following]: (1) No effect (2) Small effect - underwater life uninterrupted (3) Medium effect-greater than small effect, less than large effect (4) Large effect - no underwater sea life can permeate (5) Significant effect - ecosystem disrupted O. Full scale test data for any tests that been performed on the system to date; including test parameters, results, failures, and any additional pertinent information P. Specific ports the system has been deployed in, if any, provide the following: (1) Location; (2) Time in use (both duration and calendar date); (3) With regard to deployment(s), provide short description of system performance to date; (4) Port point of contact; and (5) Any additional pertinent information Q. Barrier System Material Type (e.g. composite, aluminum, steel, etc.) R. System's Technology Readiness Level (Adapted from GAO/NSIAD-99-162 Best Practices Appendix I Technology Readiness Level Descriptions), http://www.gao.gov/archive/1999/ns991620.pdf S. With regard to NAICS 541712, please identify if you are a small or large business. 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. When addressing each RFI topic, please include the following information: • A one-page cover letter that provides a brief summary of the response and indication if supporting documentation is included. • Descriptive material that addresses all areas of information requested by this RFI including the section " 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. • If available, any digital photos and/or digital videos of the barrier or technology in operation. 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 with assistance from Potomac Management Group (PMG) Contractor Team. NOTE: PMG contractor personnel assisting with this RFI review have signed nondisclosure agreements. Please limit electronic responses to no more than 10 pages per proposed barrier system technology solution (cover letter and 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). The deadline for final responses to the RFI is April 18, 2011. REMINDER: ALL RESPONSES MUST BE EMAILED TO: [email protected]