Automation-Robotics to support/supplement Dining Facilities

RT&L FOCUS AREA(S): Autonomy; Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning; General Warfighting Requirements (GWR) TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: Develop industry partnership with technology companies who are developing automated robotic solutions for food production, mechanized distribution on-site in a ghost kitchen environment, which supplement Back-of-the-House (BOH) operations to support Front-of-the-House (FOH) serving and dining operations. This project promotes the opportunity for industry technology to be developed, tested and potentially used in military food & beverage operations. Conduct market research on technology capable of assisting with the preparation, processing, and/or cooking of food. This research seeks to identify and test solutions to improve efficiency and will permit the Services to better allocate labor resources within military dining facilities. Added benefits of reducing food and life safety risks with robotics using contactless food preparation in situations such as COVID-19 should be a highlighted benefit. DESCRIPTION: Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support (TS) Subsistence topic of interest is research focused on the use of automation-robotics in dining facilities. This research shall cover the areas involving the preparation, processing, and cooking of food. Specific areas of interest include: Identify technology and robotic solutions which can be utilized to perform BOH tasks that prepare food for service in FOH dining systems Once identified, provide the characteristics/capabilities of the equipment and any solutions on how robotics could be used within Food & Beverage operations If your firm is currently developing this type of equipment, provide the function the equipment will be executing and any timeframe for commercial testing and production. PHASE I: The research and development goals of Phase I are to provide Small Business eligible Research and Development firms the opportunity to successfully demonstrate how automation can be utilized in military dining facilities to reduce costs and increase efficiency. A concept of operations (CONOPs) or a process will be created by the vendor to show how the equipment can be utilized within the dining facilities. The deliverables for this project will include a final report to include a cost breakdown of the equipment to include, but not necessarily limited to, product cost, shipping, installation, training, parts kits, etc. Phase I 6 Months $100K Phase II 24 Months $1.6M PHASE II: Based on the research and development results and the CONOPs developed during PHASE I, the research and development goals of PHASE II will emphasize the actual use of the equipment within a military dining facility at a location mutually agreed upon between DLA Troop Support Subsistence, the Vendor and the Military Partner. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III is any proposal that Derives From , Extends or Completes a transition from a Phase I or II project. Phase III proposals will be accepted after the completion of Phase I and or Phase II projects. There is no specific funding is associated with Phase III, except Phase III is not allowed to use SBIR/STTR coded funding. Any other type funding is allowed. Phase III proposal Submission. Phase III proposals are emailed directly to DLA SBIR2@dla.mil. The PMO team will set up evaluations and coordinate the funding and contracting actions depending on the outcome of the evaluations. A Phase III proposal should follow the same format as Phase II for the content, and format. There are, however, no limitations to the amount of funding requested, or the period of performance. All other guidelines apply. Progress documented from PHASE I and PHASE II should result in a vendor's qualification as an approved source for automation-robotics to support and supplement Dining Facilities in future procurements. COMMERCIALIZATION: The vendor will pursue commercialization of the various processes and technologies associated with the automation-robotics to support and supplement Dining Facilities project in prior phases as well as potential commercial sales of any parts or other items. REFERENCES: 1. DoD Manual1338.10, DoD Food Service Manual; 1. http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/133810m.pdf 2. TB MED 530/NAVMED P-5010-1/AFMAN 48-147_IP, Tri-Service Food Code, October 7, 2013; http://www.med.navy.mil/directives/Pub/5010-1.pdf 3. Defense Logistics Agency: DLA Troop Support Subsistence. https://www.dla.mil/TroopSupport/Subsistence.aspx