1. Will there be government furnished equipment to support the vignettes, such as the STORM Laser Designator?
A system will not be required from industry.
2. What is the purpose of STORM?
The STORM is a Laser Designator system, but we decided NOT to use it in the Rodeo.
3. Last year companies could team together; what is the deadline for teaming?
7 OCT is just a tentative date to say you are interested in a specific vignette. The final submission deadline for teaming is 18 JAN when applications are due.
4. How long do I have per vignette?
Tentatively each vignette will have one hour for completion.
5. In the Wagon Train, what will the pallets look like and what is the most important task?
The pallets will be a shrink wrapped, wooden pallet weighing approximately 250 lbs. The main focus should be on the material handling – picking up and dropping off the pallets autonomously.
6. In the Wagon Train, what is the trail or path the robot will need to navigate?
Tentatively it could be a two or three mile trail through forest canopy, with unimproved roads that may have ruts, logs and other small barriers to navigate through. However, the exact location depends on which training areas will be available for use.
7. What kind of technology is acceptable for the exhibit booths?
The Extravaganza is open for many technologies, not just those pertaining to a Combat Outpost.
8. What is the mechanism for pursuing LOEs?
The technologies that do well and raise interest with the observation teams will be funded for further testing and/or ATEC certification. Only systems that have ATEC certification are approved for soldier use.
9. Would LOEs be able to pay for safety release, travel, etc?
Yes
10. Can UAVs be used?
Yes
11. Can live fire or explosives be used?
No
12. Are perimeter sensors available to let you know something is coming?
In the spirit of the Robotics Rodeo, the sensors should be part of a larger system that detects oncoming threats, i.e., deployed by a robotic platform.
13. Can a company do a portion of a vignette?
If you can provide some subset of a vignette we would like to see it. However, it may be in your best interest to partner with another company to execute a complete vignette, instead of doing a partial vignette.
14. What type of soil will the robot be digging in?
Hard Georgia clay
15. In the vignettes could there be multiple robots?
Yes, a team of robotics can be used for the vignettes.
16. When will we get more information on the 4th vignette?
The 4th vignette will be about countermine IED detection. We are currently working with JIEDO to work through the details on the scenario.
17. Out of the first two rodeos, have any technologies been fielded?
Nothing has been fielded, but technologies are being used in theater. Last year three key areas were brought forward to AEWE. Because of the Robotics Rodeo, relationships were made between companies and technologies. The Robotics Rodeo helped showcase TTP work. Two systems were also invited to participate in Cobra Gold with the USMC.
18. Are you looking for new scenarios or comments on vignettes?
We would like to hear comments on vignettes and we may or may not have time to act on them. We are not looking for new scenarios at this time.
19. Is sustainability of interest?
Yes
20. Is there any information about the difference between the FOB and the COP to make it more operationally relevant?
A FOB is a larger, more permanent military base, where a COP is a smaller squad or platoon size element closer to the fight in an austere location.
21. Will waypoint or elevation data be provided?
Yes
22. Will there be a practice day before a technology is showcased and how long do I get, if so?
Yes. Details are still being worked out and more information will be provided at the Vendor Site Recon.
23. Are you going to qualify technologies that will be demonstrated?
Yes, through the application process. TRL 6 is the key to keep in mind for the RTOD2 portion of the event. Technologies demonstrated at the Extravaganza do NOT have to be at TRL 6.
24. Who do I ask questions to after I have been selected?
Liaison Officers (LNO) will be assigned based on applications and they will become the primary POC for questions.
25. Will there be any feedback on technology after the application process?
Yes. We want to have an open dialogue to make sure the vignettes are successful.
26. Will there be static obstacles or dynamic obstacles?
There will be obstacle avoidance, but it will be small things like logs in the road, but no dynamic obstacles.
27. Will the names of the companies participating be announced?
After 7 OCT the names of the companies that want to participate will be announced with which vignette they plan to do. Companies can then reach out to other companies to team, if they wish to do so.
28. There was vastly more Soldier participation in 2009 versus 2010; how can we be sure there will be more Soldier participation this year?
We are working with Ft. Benning to ensure Soldiers will participate this year.
29. Is there a detailed site map?
Once one becomes available, it will be added to the Robotics Rodeo website.
30. What will be the roles of the Soldier during the Rodeo?
Local Soldiers from Ft. Benning will participate as government observers. Soldiers will also be present during the Extravaganza.
31. What will be the process for the technology down select?
If a down select is required, the Government reviewers will rank technologies.
32. Can Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) be used at RTOD2? Is it possible to use fixed wing aircraft or Vertical Takeoff and Landing (Vtol)
aircraft for RTOD2?
Yes, both fixed wing and Vtol UAVs are allowed.
33. What if my technology doesn’t fit into the three vignettes about the Combat Outposts?
You may still submit your technology for consideration for the RTOD2. If the government determines they want to review the technology,
it may still be selected for RTOD2. It may still be shown at the Extravaganza even if it is not selected for RTOD2.
34. What is ceiling for flight?
As much as needed with proper coordination.
35. Is there a need for vendors that can supply non robotic parts to attend the event?
Yes, they are welcome to register for an indoor booth at the extravaganza to showcase their capabilities.
36. Are obstacles in Combined Arms Collective Training Facility (CACTF) fixed?
No. Exhibitors can coordinate to bring obstacles if needed. If exhibitors are in need of obstacles, they may work with their liaison
officer (LNO) to make them available.
37. Can government provide Government Furnished Equipment (GFE)?
If requested in advance, the government will do what it can to support exhibitors needs. (HMMMV’s not likely)
38. Will there be an opportunity for night demonstrations?
No.
39. Are Federally Funded Research Development Centers (FFRDCs) able to participate?
No. If projects/programs are funded by government agencies, the contracted company may submit their technology, not the government
agency. All submissions from government agencies and in-house government projects will not be accepted.
40. Are government agencies able to participate?
Yes, government agencies are able to register and utilize static displays, indoor booth displays, and outdoor booths displays (at no cost).
41. What does the commercialization strategy mean to this project?
It may be interesting and beneficial to see if products can also be suited for commercial use.
42. What is considered a small UAV?
Man packable (able to be carried by a Soldier).
43. What is manned/unmanned teaming?
The Robotics Rodeo is looking for communication between manned and unmanned systems and how they work and function together.
44. What type of site access will there be?
Exhibitors participating/accepted for the RTOD2, will have full access to all the sites during the "vendor site recon" (specific date to be determined
in March 2012) and "shake out" period prior to the start of the event.
45. Can Exhibitors do dry runs of demonstrations and, if so, how will the time be allocated?
Dry runs will be formed for demonstration shakeouts and times/days will be assigned at registration.
46. Availability of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detection lanes?
Currently there are no IED lanes, but you will be permitted to setup your own lanes and fake IEDs for your demonstrations.
47. Is attending the Rodeo the only way to get your technology in the RTOD2 database?
Yes
48. Will the army PAUMS participate in the RTOD2 evaluation and reporting?
Yes, members will be participating.
49. What is the proximity of the CACTF to the airstrip?
They are removed from each other and roughly 2km in distance.
50. Will robots be provided for company demonstrations for communications, radio’s, etc?
If exhibitors are in need of a robotic platforms, they may work this through their LNO. We highly recommend collaborative efforts with
industry platform developers for combined demonstrations.
51. Will the government provide current TRADOC capability gaps during the Rodeo demonstrations for the oncoming year?
A list of capability gaps is being vetted currently within the government, but hasn’t been cleared for release. If they are released
before/during the Rodeo, it will be made available.
52. Will weaponized platforms be allowed?
Yes, but systems can only use blanks (Ball-less/non-projectile ammunition).
53. When will submitting participants be notified for technology down select?
No Later Than 15 February, 2012.
54. Can foreign nationals attend the Robotics Rodeo?
Yes, as long as coordination and proper procedures are completed beforehand through the G2 office at Ft. Benning and designated LNO’s.
55. Who can sponsor a temporary AKO account?
If you refer to the "Frequency Submissions – How Do I?" document within the Entry Forms portfolio, Mr. David Peirce will accept and sponsor
all temporary AKO accounts for frequency submissions.
56. If I am receiving a submission error kick-back message when submitting my completed forms, what would be the cause?
If you are receiving an automatic kick-back message, it may have resulted from sending a message that is too large.
Try breaking your emails into 5Mb sections and re-submitting.
Additional Questions?
Please contact Dami_RoboticsRodeo@conus.army.mil