2019/11/14 Next Generation Rotorcraft Transmission (NGRT) - GovTribe

Federal Contract Opportunity

Next Generation Rotorcraft

Transmission (NGRT)
Federal Contract Opportunity for Next Generation Rotorcraft Transmission (NGRT) W911W6-
16-R-0005. The NAICS Category is 541712 - Research and Development in the Physical,
Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology). Posted Jan 20, 2016. Due Mar 21, 2016.
Posted by the ACC Redstone (DOD - Army - AMC - ACC). The work will be performed at 401
Lee Blvd, Newport News, VA 23604, USA
Our Summary

Added: Jan 20, 2016 11:06 am

1.0 Introduction
The future Army aviation concept of operations calls for significantly improved aircraft range,
payload, speed, and endurance to increase the capability and effectiveness of Army units.
Advanced rotorcraft designs are pushing to higher air speeds but require the capability to vary
the rotational speed of all or portions of the drive system. Significant benefits to rotorcraft
operational performance, effectiveness, and acoustic signature could be gained through the
ability to adjust rotor speeds to accommodate various flight conditions. Multi-speed rotor
technology is critical to slowed-rotor compound configuration concepts and would offer
significant benefits to future conventional, compound, and tilt-rotor aircraft configurations.
The specific fuel consumption of current turboshaft engines is optimized within a relatively
narrow speed range and currently the ability to achieve a multi-speed rotor through engine
speed adjustment is limited. Therefore, to achieve effective multi-speed rotor designs, a multi-
speed/ratio transmission in the drive system is needed. This speed reduction could be up to
50%, but studies suggest that the optimal speed reduction varies depending on the aircraft
configuration.
Past advanced technology development efforts have focused on improving the efficiency,
power density and life cycle costs of fixed-ratio transmissions. Call number W911W6-16-R-
0005, Next Generation Rotorcraft Transmission, seeks to develop and demonstrate a multi-
speed drive system for future and current fleet vertical lift aircraft. This is a 6.3 Advanced
Technology Development program. The starting Technology Readiness Level (TRL) may be as
low as TRL 4 (Component and/or breadboard validation in a laboratory environment).
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Technologies are expected to be matured to a TRL 6 (System/subsystem model or prototype

☰demonstration in a relevant environment).

This call is issued in accordance with the Broad Agency Announcement for Applied Aviation
Technologies, Solicitation Number W911W6-16-R-0004 effective from January 7, 2015 -
January 6, 2017. Information included herein applies to this call number only. Other required
instruction and information for proposal submission can be found in the Broad Agency
Announcement for Applied Aviation Technologies, Solicitation Number W911W6-16-R-0004.
2.0 Technical Description
The Aviation Development Directorate (ADD) - Aviation Applied Technology Directorate
(AATD) is interested in multi-speed transmissions for rotary wing platforms. The purpose of the
Next Generation Rotorcraft Transmission (NGRT) program is (a) to demonstrate to TRL 6 a full-
scale multi-speed transmission and (b) to conduct an integration analysis of the proposed
transmission/drive system into a current or future Army vertical lift aircraft (additional
descriptions below). In order to understand the application of the proposed multi-speed
transmission/drive system, the Offeror shall provide in their proposal a drive system design
and identify the critical technologies to be developed under the program. The notional drive
system can be for a conventional, compound or tilt-rotor helicopter configuration with twin
turboshaft engines. Drive system concepts shall provide smooth rotor speed changes while
maintaining a constant aircraft forward speed and altitude. The design should consider the
effects throughout the drive system of transient shock loads produced by speed transitions.
The Offeror shall assess the technology risks and gaps associated with the design, and
propose a program to demonstrate the proposed multi-speed transmission and analyze
aircraft integration.
a) Offerors shall demonstrate the proposed transmission at full-scale to a TRL 6. The Offeror
shall conduct the design, fabrication, and demonstration testing of the demonstrator
transmission. The proposed transmission must have a minimum of two speeds with a 50%
speed change ratio. The transmission design may include (but is not limited to) Continuously
Variable Transmissions (CVT), two speed clutched or clutchless transmissions, and fluid
coupling transmissions. The transmission must be configured for a conventional, compound or
tilt-rotor aircraft with a drive system rating of 3,500-7,000 HP and twin turboshaft engine input
(for shifting assume constant engine speed). The transmission must be capable of transmitting
full engine power to the rotor/propeller blades and rapidly accomplishing the
upshift/downshift operation to avoid excessive time in harmful resonance regions of the speed
transition. Shifting through the allotted speed differential shall take no longer than 20
seconds, and shall be as seamless and smooth as practical. Due to the required short shift
times, shock loads to the aircraft and aircraft drive train must be minimized. Offerors shall
address control logic, shift sequence, shift actuation, and shift time in order to meet these
shifting requirements. A neutral condition with no drive engagement should be avoided. A
positive "lockup" at each end of the shift sequence is desired. Offerors shall consider all
accessories and associated equipment (fluid coolers, electronics, clutches, etc) required for the
full and proper operation of the demonstrator transmission. Offerors shall consider overall
transmission weight and reliability. A design life of 5000 hours with 7 speed shifts per hour is
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desired. Offerors shall consider qualification requirements (e.g. MIL-STD-810G for system
☰
durability, MIL-STD-461F as modified by ADS-37A-PRF for EMI, MIL-STD-704C for aircraft
power compatibility, ADS-50 for testing, DO-178C for software, and DO-254 for hardware).
Testing for the demonstrator transmission shall be representative of the expected operating
environment (torques and speeds) and be of sufficient scope to validate the proposed design.
It is anticipated that the full scale demonstration will include 200 hours of endurance testing,
with at least 7 speed changes every hour. This testing shall mature the multi-speed
transmission to a TRL 6.
b) Offerors shall conduct an analysis for integrating the multi-speed technologies into a
current or future Army rotorcraft. The integration analysis shall define the optimal drive system
design for the Offeror's selected aircraft configuration and assess the physical and functional
impacts. Studies suggest that the optimal speed reduction of a rotorcraft gearbox varies
depending on the aircraft configuration. Analysis must be performed to understand what the
optimal speed reduction is for the defined configuration, the potential integration risks and
the performance benefits. At a minimum, the integration analysis should consider shift times,
shock loads to the aircraft, aircraft altitude and speed impact, control logic, shift sequence,
shift actuation, and shift time. Offerors shall consider all accessories and associated equipment
(fluid coolers, electronics, clutches, etc) required for the full and proper operation of the
proposed transmission, as well as overall aircraft accessories (generators, hydraulic pumps,
etc). Efforts shall identify the requirements to qualify and transition the proposed technology.
Any scalability limitations (speed range, power, and weight) of the proposed technology shall
be identified during the effort.
3.0 Call Specific Instructions
This call will use the Proposal Submission Process as described in 5.2 of the Broad Agency
Announcement, as further supplemented below:

3.1 Proposal Instructions

Specific instructions pertaining to the content and structure of provided proposals are
provided in BAA W911W6-16-R-0004, paragraphs 5.2.2 and 5.2.3. Offerors are advised that the
quality of the information in the proposal is significantly more important than quantity.
Offerors should confine the submissions to essential matters providing sufficient information
to define their offer and establish an adequate basis for the Government to conduct its
evaluation. The Government reserves the right to select for award only a portion of an
Offeror's proposal or the total proposed effort. AATD encourages and promotes teaming
arrangements with research organizations to include academia, industry, and small businesses
in order to achieve a mix of relevant expertise and capabilities for executing research and
development efforts.

In addition to the content provided in the BAA, W911W6-16-R-0004, paragraph 5.2.3, the
offeror shall provide the following:
Technical Volume: The technical volume of the proposal shall address all of the requirements
discussed in Paragraph 2.0 Technical Description. In order to understand the application of the
proposed multi-speed transmission/drive system, the Offeror shall provide in their proposal a
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drive system design and identify the critical technologies to be developed under the program.
☰
The technical volume shall define a twin-engine aircraft configuration, a multi-speed
transmission design, the critical technologies required to develop this transmission design, and
a plan to develop and demonstrate these technologies to a TRL6. Program risks and gaps
associated with the design should also be identified. Since studies suggest that the optimal
speed reduction varies depending on the aircraft configuration, analysis shall be provided on
what the optimum speed ratio should be for the proposed aircraft configuration as well as
details on how the proposed multi-speed design could be modified to match this optimum
ratio. Technical proposals are subject to a 40 page limit for this Call. Pages in excess of the
page limitation will not be read or evaluated.

Cost Volume: As part of this volume, Offeror's proposing use of a TIA, as a Cooperative
Agreement, shall include the draft TIA provided by the Government with proposed changes
clearly marked to facilitate Government evaluation of the proposal. If a foreign entity is
participating as part of a prime's team, the cost volume shall clearly identify such participant
and the Offeror's planned compliance with U.S. export controls, including any required export
licensing.

3.2 Period and Place of Performance

Offerors should clearly depict their proposed schedule and place of performance. The period
of performance for the effort shall not exceed 60 months (57 months for the technical effort
and 3 months for the final reporting).

3.3 Funding
Any award made from this call will be subject to availability of funds. The Government
anticipates a single award beginning in the 4th quarter of the Government FY16, however the
Government reserves the right to make multiple or zero awards based upon the technical
merit and affordability of technical proposals received. Anticipated Government funding is
approximately $16M total. Government fiscal year distribution is as follows: FY16 $0.30M, FY17
$2.20M, FY18 $3.10M, FY19 $3.97M, FY20 $4.05M, and FY21 $2.0M. Due to commercial
application of this development effort, up to a 50% cost share is anticipated and Technology
Investment Agreements are desired.
3.4 Required Government Facilities, Property, and Data

It is the Offeror's responsibility to identify, coordinate, and furnish supporting documentation

in the proposal for use of any Government furnished facilities, equipment, or property.
Government furnished data will not be provided. Offerors must have access to or be capable
of generating the data required to develop and validate the system proposed.
3.5 Data Rights

The Government desires, "Unlimited Rights", but requires at a minimum, "Government Purpose
Rights" as defined by DFARS Part 227, to all technical data, and deliverables developed under
this program, and no limitations on the use of delivered and/or residual hardware, exempting
background data assertions. It is the Offeror's responsibility to clearly define the proposed

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data rights for technical data, and each deliverable. Ambiguities will be negatively evaluated
☰
against the Offeror.

3.6 Order of Precedence

In case of conflict in language between the Master BAA, W911W6-16-R-0004 and the Call
W911W6-R-0005, the language stated in call W911W6-R-0005 will take precedence.

4.0 Required Reporting and Deliverables

The award under this announcement will require a kickoff meeting following award. The award
will require delivery of the following data items or deliverables: (1) Program Management Plan,
(2) Bi-Monthly Progress, Cost, and Performance Reports, (3) Final Report, (4) Program Review
Briefing Charts, (5) Test Plans, and (6) Test Reports. (Note: Each of these items shall be
delivered in the Offeror's format). All awards will include a requirement to present the results
of the work in a final briefing at Ft. Eustis, Virginia upon completion of all technical effort.

5.0 Evaluation Criteria

The criteria outlined below will be used (in place of those outlined in the BAA, W911W6-16-R-
0004, paragraph 6.1) to evaluate proposals submitted in response to this call. The selection of
proposals will be based on a peer/scientific review of proposals (both technical and cost as it
relates to technical effort). Proposals will be evaluated on their own merit without regard to
others submitted under this announcement. The four evaluation criteria below are of equal
weight:
Criterion I: The extent to which affordable, comprehensive, efficient, and innovative
technologies are proposed to satisfy the BAA requirements. This will include understanding of
the problem, current technical barriers, and how the proposed solution eliminates those
barriers. The potential of the proposed technologies to transition to current and future Army
rotary wing aircraft.

Criterion II: The merit of the Offeror's proposed approach to develop and demonstrate the
proposed technologies. This includes the reasonableness of the tasks, schedule, and approach
to accomplish the proposed technical objectives.
Criterion III: The capability of the Offeror to accomplish the proposed effort. This includes the
experience and qualifications of the proposed personnel, the suitability of the proposed
facilities, and the availability (or the ability to generate) of required technical and test data to
validate the technology.
Criterion IV: The reasonableness and realism of the proposed cost (Government cost with or
without cost sharing). The proposed cost will be analyzed to determine whether the proposed
cost elements (man-hours, labor categories, materials, travel, and other costs) are realistic for
the work to be performed; reflect a clear understanding of the requirements; and are
consistent with the unique methods of performance and materials described in the Offeror's
technical proposal. Reasonableness of the proposed costs, in their nature and amount, will be
evaluated against what would be prudent in the conduct of competitive business.

6.0 Proposal Submission Instructions

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Technical and cost proposals shall be provided in original plus 3 paper copies and one
☰
electronic copy (CD ROM disk format). The cost proposal shall be provided in Excel format for
cost verification purposes. Proposals shall be submitted to AATD, Attn: CCAM-RDT, Renata
Ellington, Bld. 401 Lee Blvd., Fort Eustis, VA 23604-5577.

Questions may be submitted in writing via email to Renata Ellington,

renata.y.ellington.civ@mail.mil. All questions must be submitted within 7 days prior to the call
closing date to ensure a response. All questions and responses received will be posted to
FedBizOps as an amendment to the call. Proposals shall be received no later than 21 March
2016 at 1400 Eastern Standard Time.
 

Original Government Post

Department of the Army Materiel Command Contracting Command Redstone

Arsenal
Federal Agency

DUE Mar 21 2016, 2:00 pm

POSTED Jan 20 2016, 11:06 am
SOLICITATION NUMBER W911W616R0005
NAICS CATEGORY 541712
SET ASIDE No Set-Aside Used
PLACE OF PERFORMANCE 401 Lee Blvd, Newport News, VA 23604, USA

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1 Update(s)

Added: Jan 20, 2016 11:06 am

Modified: Mar 10, 2016 7:18 amTrack Changes

The purpose of this amendment is to provide the Government's response to questions

received from industry.

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☰ Federal People

Laurie A. Pierce
Contracting Officer

Renata Y. Ellington
Contract Specialist

3 File(s)

docx

Responses to Questions

Mar 16 2016, 11:29 am

14KB
Other (Draft RFPs/RFIs Responses to Questions etc..)

doc

TIA Template

Jan 20 2016, 11:06 am

308KB
Other (Draft RFPs/RFIs Responses to Questions etc..)

docx

Responses to Questions

Mar 10 2016, 7:22 am

15KB
Other (Draft RFPs/RFIs Responses to Questions etc..)

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