M8 Chemical Detector Paper Development Prototype For Pre-Production Test and Evaluation

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Broad Other Transaction Authority Announcement (BOTAA) supports Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements for prototype development efforts for the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) – Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD). JPEO-CBRND seeks to award funding for prototype and follow-on production projects within its Areas of Interest, focusing on enabling technologies that accelerate advanced development.

Proposals are sought for prototype projects directly relevant to enhancing the mission effectiveness of military personnel and supporting platforms, systems, components, or materials. Areas of Interest include CBRNE counter-proliferation, installation and force protection, C4ISR systems for WMD detection, technologies supporting the F3EAD process, improvised threat combatting, WMD defeat, nuclear deterrence, manned/unmanned platforms for CWMD operations, and software/AI platforms for CBRN Defense integration. Modernization Focus Areas include threat-agnostic detection, threat characterization, AI/ML, wearable sensors, CBRN information integration, unobtrusive protection, biothreat containment, and decontamination.

Awards are made through Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements, which are generally not required to comply with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Awards are dependent upon the availability of funds.

Offerors may submit preproposals at any time. Preproposals are reviewed, and if deemed meritorious, the Government may issue a Request for Full Proposal (RFFP). Preproposals (max 11 pages) should include technology description, scope, WBS, qualifications, TRL/MRL level, and anticipated cost. Full proposals will be evaluated based on technical merit, military and program relevance, TRL/MRL, project objectives, support of other government requirements, key personnel qualifications, facilities, budget/cost, best value, and past performance.

Eligibility for an award requires that either:

• A nontraditional defense contractor or nonprofit research institution participates significantly.
• All significant participants (other than the Government) are small businesses or nontraditional defense contractors.
• At least one-third of the project cost is from non-Federal sources.
• Exceptional circumstances justify the OTA for innovative business arrangements.

Prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). Communication regarding technical and administrative matters should be directed to usarmy.apg.acc.mbx.jpeo-cbrnd-botaa@army.mil. Attachment 0001 provides Manufacturing Readiness Level Deskbook V2.

Statement of Objectives (SOO)

This SOO outlines the tasks required for a contractor to develop and produce production representative prototypes of a modernized M8 Chemical Detection Paper. The goal is to procure prototypes that meet or exceed the performance of the current M8 paper, providing Soldiers with reliable tools to detect chemical warfare agents in operational environments.

• Technical Data Package (TDP): Deliver a complete TDP documenting the entire manufacturing process, including chemicals, mixing procedures, sourcing, and assembly/packaging methods. Specifications for the modernized M8 Chemical Detection Paper are to be included.

• Development and Production of Prototypes: Develop and produce prototypes with physical characteristics similar to the current M8 paper, meeting or exceeding performance requirements. This includes providing a Development/Production Plan and Schedule, attending a kick-off meeting, delivering monthly reports, and informing the Government of critical issues within 72 hours.

• Prototype Test Events and Quantities: Deliver specified quantities of Production Representative M8 Prototypes for Government testing, including Environmental/Surety Testing, Interferent Testing, and Accelerated Shelf-Life Testing.

• Production representative prototypes capable of detecting and yielding four unique colors for four classes of agents (A, G, V, and H).

• A complete Technical Data Package (TDP).

• Detailed Development/Production Plan and Schedule.

• Monthly activity reports.

• Preliminary specifications and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all materials.

• Detailed cost estimate for various production quantities.

• Not explicitly stated, but testing will occur at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah 84022.

• Establishment of a dedicated team with management controls.

• Virtual kickoff meeting within 15 days of award.

• Bi-weekly teleconferences.

• Government witnessing of key testing milestones.

• Adherence to specific reporting and security requirements (ADSS, ATEC PAM 73-1, VDLS, DoD Security Classification Guide, OPSEC SOP if applicable).

• The current M8 paper has limitations in detecting A-series agents with unique colors and can be confused with other agent types. This effort aims to address those limitations.

Other / Unclassified

This document is the Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) Deskbook, Version 2.0, dated May 2011. It was prepared by the OSD Manufacturing Technology Program in collaboration with the Joint Service/Industry MRL Working Group. It is presented as a 'Best Practice' and not a Department of Defense (DOD) requirement.

The deskbook provides definitions, guidance, and best practices for assessing and managing manufacturing readiness and risk throughout the defense acquisition lifecycle. It details Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRLs), their relationship to Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), and outlines a process for conducting MRL assessments. It also covers manufacturing risk management, manufacturing maturation plans, and provides suggested contract language for implementing MRLs.

Key components include:

• Detailed MRL definitions across nine threads (Technology and Industrial Base, Design, Cost and Funding, Materials, Process Capability and Control, Quality Management, Manufacturing Personnel, Facilities, Manufacturing Management).
• Guidance on integrating MRL assessments into acquisition milestones (Milestone A, B, C) and technical reviews (ASR, PDR, CDR, PRR).
• Best practices for conducting MRL assessments, including team formation, contractor orientation, and self-assessments.
• Information on developing Manufacturing Maturation Plans (MMPs) to address identified risks.

This document serves as a foundational guide for understanding and implementing manufacturing readiness standards within defense acquisition programs. While not a direct solicitation document, it provides the framework and methodology that bidders and contractors may be required to adhere to when responding to solicitations that incorporate MRL requirements. Understanding MRLs is crucial for offerors to demonstrate their manufacturing maturity and risk mitigation capabilities, which can be a significant factor in source selection for complex defense procurements.