Special Operations.Com

Swimmer Transport Device (STD)

Following is the unclassified, open source Request for Proposal from USSOCOM's Special Operations Acquisition and Logistics Center.

The United States Special Operations Command is planning for the acquisition of a Swimmer Transport Device (STD) that will provide an intermediate transport capability to augment the Advanced SEAL Delivery System (ASDS) submerged insertion requirements. STDs will transport SOF combat swimmers (wearing underwater breathing apparatus) and their mission essential equipment from the ASDS to shallow-gradient target areas and return the combat swimmers to the ASDS, at ranges up to 5 nautical miles (round trip). The STD will assist SOF combat swimmers to transit longer distances, while delivering increased payload, in more adverse conditions. The design and operation of the STD must take in to consideration diver safety requirements (i.e. dive pair proximity), and the ability for two or more STDs to transit together, at night. The STD must be interoperable with ASDS and host submarines. The STD shall rely upon non-developmental item technology and available commercial components. However, this does not preclude the use of new developmental items or technologies for subsystems. STD Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) and requirements (Threshold (T) and Objective (O)) are as follows: KPP 1. Dimensions. In its entirety, or in modules, the STD must be carried internal to an ASDS, and be able to pass through a 25 inch diameter hatch (T). KPP 2. Range. When fully charged, the STD must be capable of towing one combat swimmer and mission essential equipment (80lb., neutral load) to and from the target for a total range of 5 nautical miles (T), 7 nautical miles (O). KPP 3. Speed. The STD must be capable of towing a combat swimmer and mission essential equipment (neutral load) at a speed of not less than 2.0 knots with no current (T), 3.0 knots with no current (O). 4. The STD shall incorporate low drag, hydrodynamic features to provide ease-of-use in high surge environment (T). 5. The STD shall also be of such design as to not significantly degrade the diver's ability to operate freely and to allow the diver to maintain control of his position in the water column (T). 6. The STD shall be of such design as to be neutrally to slightly negatively buoyant during in-water operations (T). 7. Payload. The STD will tow one combat swimmer and mission essential equipment (neutral load, 80 lb.)(T). 8. Weight. The maximum weight of the STD will not exceed 150 lb. (T), will not exceed 80 lb. (O). 9. Navigation. Space and weight will be reserved on the STD to accommodate navigational aids: i.e., the current NSW attack board, the Clandestine Littoral Acoustic Mapping (CLAM) device, or the Miniature Underwater GPS Receiver (MUGR) (T). 10. Power. The STD will be powered by rechargeable batteries (T), alternative fuel propulsion systems or fuel cells (O). Power source must not preclude interoperability with ASDS and host submarines. 11. Charging. The STD must be rechargeable with standard Special Operations power sources (T). 12. Combat swimmer attachment. A harness or "T" bar must be incorporated into the STD to link the combat swimmer to the vehicle for energy conservation (T). 13. Operating Depth. The operating depth of the STD will be between 0 and 60 FSW (T). The STD will be capable of operating after being exposed to 120 FSW. 14. Operational temperature range (sea water). Operational temperature range will be +35 degrees F to +90 degrees F (T), +28 degrees F to + 100 degrees F (O). 15. Transport temperature range (air). Transport temperature will be +25 degrees F to +120 degrees F (T), -25 degrees F to +145 degrees F (O). 16. Safe maximum current operating environment. The STD will be able to operate safely in a maximum current of 2 knots (T), 4 knots (O). The safe maximum current operating environment is not related to STD speed performance. 17. Field expedient repairs. The system will be designed to permit field expedient repairs at the operator level (T). 18. Operational availability. Operational availability will be .90 (T), .95 (O). 19. Operational reliability. Probability of completing a 4 hour mission will be .80 (T), .90 (O). 20. Mean corrective maintenance time for operational mission failure will be 4 hours (T), 2 hours (O). 21. Safety. The design of the STD shall ensure the safety of operating and maintenance personnel (T). 22. Survivability. The STD structures, systems and equipment will be capable of withstanding the climatic forces of the intended operating environment (T). 23. Detectability (to include magnetic and acoustic signature) will be minimized to the maximum extent through the use of existing technology and NDI without adding significant cost or delay to the acquisition process (T). 24. The STD must be operable after appropriate transportation vibration test of MIL-STD-810C (Environmental Test Methods and Engineering Guidelines), or industry equivalent (T). 25. Electrical and electronic equipment will meet applicable industry standards (T). 26. Hazards of electromagnetic radiation to ordnance (HERO), to fuel (HERF), and to personnel (HERP) will meet acceptable levels (T). 27. The operating system shall cause no adverse interference to or from other systems, through interaction or interfering with the electrical, electronic, electromagnetic, human, functional or physical environment (T). 28. The STD will be certified "Approved for Navy Use" (T); will be certified "Safe for storage onboard submarines up to, and including 90 days", in accordance with NAVSEA 9510-AB-ATM-010/C (Nuclear Powered Submarine Atmosphere Control) (T); and will be certified "Safe for Storage onboard Advanced SEAL Delivery System:, in accordance with NAVSEA SS800-AG-MAN-010/P-9290 (System Certification Procedures and Criteria Manual for Deep Submergence Systems) (T). 29. A tailored Logistics Support Analysis (LSA) and Logistics Support Analysis Record (LSAR) process will be used to determine and define logistics support of the system (T). The STD will be supported by the standard logistic support system (O). 30. Integrated logistics support will be obtained, to the extent possible, through direct manufacturer support (T). Organic maintenance personnel, equipment, and facilities support will be used (T). 31. Support equipment required to identify and replace defective assembly level equipment will be located at the depot. Support equipment and special tools required for repair or replacement of all vehicle equipment will be provided to deploying personnel (T). A support package will provide for total I-level and O-level maintenance while deployed (T). The estimated quantity of STDs required is 28. Respondents are requested to provide system descriptions of their existing swimmer transport device that can meet the above requirements. If all the requirements cannot be met, identify the specific modifications that would be required to meet them. Other data should include: system layout, number of systems manufactured, manufacturing lead time and rough order magnitude of non-recurring and production unit costs.

Point of Contact for this inquiry is Ms Gerry Mosier, Contracting Officer, telephone (813) 840-5458, e-mail: mosierg@socom.mil. Responses are to be submitted to the attention of Ms. Gerry Mosier, United States Special Operations Command, ATTN: SOAL-KB, 2418 Florida Keys Avenue, MacDill, AFB, FL 33621.