Technology Integration to Optimize Military Health and Performance

Purpose

This solicitation, issued by MTEC, represents a Request for Project Proposals (RPP) for MTEC in support of the Military Operational Medicine Research Program (MOMRP). Proposals selected for award as a result of this RPP will be awarded under the authority of 10 U.S.C. § 4022. Strategic oversight for the award(s) supported by this RPP will be provided by USU.

The overall objective of this effort is to identify an organization able to serve as an “integrator” proficient at leveraging the capabilities of an existing network of performers to advance materiel and knowledge products that improve the physical, cognitive, and psychological health and performance of Service Members (SM). The goal is to create an actively coordinated “miniconsortium” program that incorporates organizations dedicated to researching, developing, testing/evaluating, and manufacturing human health and performance products. Due to the Integrator’s specialized expertise, this approach will de-risk technology development by providing capability/expertise to companies that have promising technologies but lack the ability or experience to bring their technologies to market. This structure also allows flexibility to incorporate service member feedback into the testing/evaluating process, identifying and replacing failing performance technology prototypes with more promising ones throughout the Period of Performance (PoP). Additionally, the integrator will continually synchronize and integrate awardee efforts so that performance technology prototype development might advance further and faster than if the awardee were to conduct development on their own.

Scope of Work

Objective 1: Prime Integrator capabilities to translate performance technology prototypes.

The project shall be led by a centralized point of contact at the prime performer to serve as the “Integrator.” It is possible that several subcontractors will be required to accomplish the full scope of the project and each effort thereunder. Agreements among the established consortium members shall be handled by the Integrator to the greatest extent possible. A centralized POC for the established consortium at the Integrator shall be named and will be ultimately responsible for official communication and deliverables. Offerors are expected to propose a consortium structure that is comprised of the necessary qualified personnel, facilities (including military relevant testing environments), equipment, supplies, services, and subcontractors and related administrative and information technology support to accomplish the objectives. It is preferred that the integrator have established experience in the advancement and commercialization of technologies related to human performance. Furthermore, the Government recognizes that the composition of the team may change as the project requirements evolve over time. Therefore, the Offeror shall include the overall project management plan as part of the Enhanced White Paper submission. The Offeror shall also describe its strategy to adjust (i.e. expand) the team, as needed, throughout the period of performance (to include potential follow on efforts) to ensure the proper level of effort, access to the necessary subject matter experts, etc.

The Integrator’s role may include (but is not limited to) the following activities:

1. Report directly to the SOTR at USAMRDC MOMRP.
2. Support the development activities required to advance performance technology prototypes along their maturation pipeline. The Offeror shall propose how to expand their network of vetted translational services and expertise to address specific challenges related to prototype development. The network shall also include military-relevant testing environments.
3. Oversee and manage the project portfolio to enhance the likelihood of performance technology prototype success a. Conduct strategic planning to ensure successful transition of candidate performance technology prototypes to the commercial marketplace and the Warfighter b. Provide resources and collaborative events for early translational activities, such as team building, strategy, project management and planning, etc. c. Allocate funding based on progress of award milestones and deliverables d. Provide routine technical and programmatic review of awarded projects, including multiple execution tests and evaluation events throughout the performance technology prototype advancement process e. Make recommendations to MOMRP for approval regarding project status (e.g., termination, modification, continuation, etc.), implement changes to SOWs, repartnering, terminations, reallocation of funding to current projects, adding on new projects) 4. Results dissemination a. Conduct a yearly symposium that brings together key personnel from the Government, projects, and other key stakeholders [Offerors should plan for this to be tagged onto or featured as part of the MTEC Annual Membership Meeting]

Objective 2: Identify, review, and present performance technology prototypes to potentially be selected by the Government for Advancement under Objective 1 guidelines.

The selected Integrator shall identify, review, and present a portfolio of candidate performance technology prototype projects for consideration for funding under this RPP.

Points of Contact

For inquiries, please direct your correspondence to Biomedical Research Associate Chuck Hutti, Ph.D. at Chuck.Hutti@ati.org.