Procurement Watch
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has launched a Robotics Challenge to develop robotic technology for disaster response operations. The winning team will take home a $2 million prize.
DARPA says it is looking for technology that will improve the performance of robots in the rough terrain and austere conditions characteristic of disasters. The robot should be able to use commonly available vehicles and tools, and should be operable by people who are not experts in robotics. Tasks include driving a utility vehicle, opening a door and climbing a ladder.
Multiple awards are available totaling up to $34 million.
The broad agency announcement, DARPA-BAA-12-39, was posted on FedBizOpps on April 10.
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The Social Security Administration plans a solicitation for IT engineering support. This is a small business set-aside. The NAICS code is 541519. Solicitation number SSA-RFP-12-1027 will be released around April 24. Contact traci.leach@ssa.gov.
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The Federal Protective Service plans a solicitation for administrative support services for Region 10 in Federal Way, WA. This requirement is set aside for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. The NAICS code is 561110. The solicitation, number HSHQWA-12-R-00001, will be released around April 30. Contact nan.space@dhs.gov.
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The Transportation Department Research and Innovative Technology Administration/John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center has released the 2012 solicitation for its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The solicitation contains eight research topic descriptions. It is available online at http://www.volpe.dot.gov/sbir. Contact Nancy Wilochka at 202-366-5128.
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The Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District, plans to award an IDIQ contract for maintenance, repair and minor construction work in the Charleston, SC, and St. Stephens area. This is a HUBZone set-aside. The NAICS code is 236220. Solicitation number W912HP-12-R-0011 will be released around April 20. Contact Scott Brown at 601-631-7902.
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The Army Acquisition Support Center and the Partnership for Public Service are conducting a survey to determine the value and effectiveness of debriefings for vendors. Those invited to participate are all vendors who have submitted a bid on a federal contract within the last three years and have participated in a pre-award or post-award debriefing.
To take the survey, go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/Z6ZQL96.
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