Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, ASA(ALT), Direct to Phase II

AI-Enabled ARP, Select and Monitor

Release Date: 04/16/2024
Solicitation: 24.4
Open Date: 05/16/2024
Topic Number: A244-020
Application Due Date: 06/13/2024
Duration: Up to 24 Months
Close Date: 06/13/2024
Amount Up To: Up to $2 Million

Objective

Starting with how the U.S. Army develops Acquisition Requirements Packages, small businesses must develop and deliver a state-of-art, artificial intelligence and machine learning-enabled system to modernize and automate Army acquisition processes.

To address this requirement, the Army seeks to solicit comprehensive solutions for the development of a cutting-edge, AI-enabled expert system that can transform and automate how the Army generates its ARP.

A suitable solution should alleviate the problems currently plaguing the Army acquisition community:  

·       Varying levels of program expertise and experience yielding inconsistent results.

·       Lengthy, labor-intensive and inefficient ARP development.

·       The ARP process does not reflect state-of-the-art AI technology needs and/or lack key requisites.

·       Tools available to the acquisition workforce are few and limited in functionality. 

Description

The current ARP preparation process is cumbersome, variable and antiquated. This drives longer lead times to contract award and value delivery. The Army proposes using AI and machine learning to assist program managers in developing an ARP, conducting source selection activities and monitoring contracts post award.

Technology can automate and standardize many functions of contracting. This can lead to quicker awards, fewer protests and better contracts. This solicitation seeks to significantly expedite the delivery of Soldiers’ capabilities through accelerated production of accurate contract requirements. In contrast to today’s solutions, the proposed system stands out in several crucial aspects by:

  • Expediting the generation of accurate contract requirements reflecting the Army’s true needs.
  • Reducing the likelihood of errors that could impact Soldiers’ capabilities.
  • Benefiting from a reliable and uniform approach to reduce variation and enhance the predictability of capability delivery.
  • Ensuring emerging technology adaptability via informing requirements for Soldier capabilities.

Phase II

The Army will accept Direct to Phase II proposals, which could result in up to $2 million in funding over a 24-month performance period. Companies interested in submitting a DP2 proposal must provide documentation to substantiate the business met a scientific, technical merit and feasibility equivalent to a Phase I project. Documentation can include data, reports, specific measurements and the success criteria of a prototype.

At the conclusion of the Phase II effort, the Army expects the contractor to deliver a basic AI capability to guide ARP development and support software development via contract types and clauses, documentation of past successes and the delivery of an AI-built, request for proposal presentable on SAM.gov.

Any follow-on Phase II efforts would expand on the above to other types of acquisition. This includes materiel and services, among others, that each present their own unique challenges.

The Army will accept Direct to Phase II proposals, which could result in up to $2 million in funding over a 24-month performance period. Companies interested in submitting a DP2 proposal must provide documentation to substantiate the business met a scientific, technical merit and feasibility equivalent to a Phase I project. Documentation can include data, reports, specific measurements and the success criteria of a prototype.

At the conclusion of the Phase II effort, the Army expects the contractor to deliver a basic AI capability to guide ARP development and support software development via contract types and clauses, documentation of past successes and the delivery of an AI-built, request for proposal presentable on SAM.gov.

Any follow-on Phase II efforts would expand on the above to other types of acquisition. This includes materiel and services, among others, that each present their own unique challenges.

Phase III

Contract Management Software technologies automate and streamline contract processes during critical phases such as initiation, authoring, process and workflow, negotiation and approval, execution and ongoing management. CMS solutions can reduce infrastructure investments related to contract management while boosting overall profitability. 

Market segmentation by end-users shows wide applicability across multiple sectors. These sectors include healthcare, manufacturing, retail, information technology and telecommunications, transportation and logisticsgovernment and financial services. 

·       Healthcare organizations are utilizing CMS technologies for clinical trial applications to reduce contract turnaround for drug trials by reducing overall reliance on spreadsheets, fragmented file storage, and email. 

·       The financial sector is utilizing CMS technologies to enhance enterprise resource planning capabilities. They are also using blockchain-powered solutions to trackcontractual requirements and commitments. 

Submission Information

All eligible businesses must submit proposals by noon, ETD.

To view full solicitation details, click here.

For more information, and to submit your full proposal package, visit the DSIP Portal.

SBIR|STTR Help Desk: usarmy.sbirsttr@army.mil

Objective

Starting with how the U.S. Army develops Acquisition Requirements Packages, small businesses must develop and deliver a state-of-art, artificial intelligence and machine learning-enabled system to modernize and automate Army acquisition processes.

To address this requirement, the Army seeks to solicit comprehensive solutions for the development of a cutting-edge, AI-enabled expert system that can transform and automate how the Army generates its ARP.

A suitable solution should alleviate the problems currently plaguing the Army acquisition community:  

·       Varying levels of program expertise and experience yielding inconsistent results.

·       Lengthy, labor-intensive and inefficient ARP development.

·       The ARP process does not reflect state-of-the-art AI technology needs and/or lack key requisites.

·       Tools available to the acquisition workforce are few and limited in functionality. 

Description

The current ARP preparation process is cumbersome, variable and antiquated. This drives longer lead times to contract award and value delivery. The Army proposes using AI and machine learning to assist program managers in developing an ARP, conducting source selection activities and monitoring contracts post award.

Technology can automate and standardize many functions of contracting. This can lead to quicker awards, fewer protests and better contracts. This solicitation seeks to significantly expedite the delivery of Soldiers’ capabilities through accelerated production of accurate contract requirements. In contrast to today’s solutions, the proposed system stands out in several crucial aspects by:

  • Expediting the generation of accurate contract requirements reflecting the Army’s true needs.
  • Reducing the likelihood of errors that could impact Soldiers’ capabilities.
  • Benefiting from a reliable and uniform approach to reduce variation and enhance the predictability of capability delivery.
  • Ensuring emerging technology adaptability via informing requirements for Soldier capabilities.

Phase II

The Army will accept Direct to Phase II proposals, which could result in up to $2 million in funding over a 24-month performance period. Companies interested in submitting a DP2 proposal must provide documentation to substantiate the business met a scientific, technical merit and feasibility equivalent to a Phase I project. Documentation can include data, reports, specific measurements and the success criteria of a prototype.

At the conclusion of the Phase II effort, the Army expects the contractor to deliver a basic AI capability to guide ARP development and support software development via contract types and clauses, documentation of past successes and the delivery of an AI-built, request for proposal presentable on SAM.gov.

Any follow-on Phase II efforts would expand on the above to other types of acquisition. This includes materiel and services, among others, that each present their own unique challenges.

The Army will accept Direct to Phase II proposals, which could result in up to $2 million in funding over a 24-month performance period. Companies interested in submitting a DP2 proposal must provide documentation to substantiate the business met a scientific, technical merit and feasibility equivalent to a Phase I project. Documentation can include data, reports, specific measurements and the success criteria of a prototype.

At the conclusion of the Phase II effort, the Army expects the contractor to deliver a basic AI capability to guide ARP development and support software development via contract types and clauses, documentation of past successes and the delivery of an AI-built, request for proposal presentable on SAM.gov.

Any follow-on Phase II efforts would expand on the above to other types of acquisition. This includes materiel and services, among others, that each present their own unique challenges.

Phase III

Contract Management Software technologies automate and streamline contract processes during critical phases such as initiation, authoring, process and workflow, negotiation and approval, execution and ongoing management. CMS solutions can reduce infrastructure investments related to contract management while boosting overall profitability. 

Market segmentation by end-users shows wide applicability across multiple sectors. These sectors include healthcare, manufacturing, retail, information technology and telecommunications, transportation and logisticsgovernment and financial services. 

·       Healthcare organizations are utilizing CMS technologies for clinical trial applications to reduce contract turnaround for drug trials by reducing overall reliance on spreadsheets, fragmented file storage, and email. 

·       The financial sector is utilizing CMS technologies to enhance enterprise resource planning capabilities. They are also using blockchain-powered solutions to trackcontractual requirements and commitments. 

Submission Information

All eligible businesses must submit proposals by noon, ETD.

To view full solicitation details, click here.

For more information, and to submit your full proposal package, visit the DSIP Portal.

SBIR|STTR Help Desk: usarmy.sbirsttr@army.mil

AI-Enabled ARP, Select and Monitor

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