Participation proposals for the Operational Vignette’s are due March 23, 2012.

Upon acceptance, participants will be notified and requested to complete the registration documents.

Operational Vignettes

The Operational Vignettes provide multi-phased, continuous processes designed to improve robotic capabilities that have a Technical Readiness Level of 6 or higher. The Vignettes will identify and leverage how industry and academia have invested in and advanced technologies. They also provide government and contractors a single point of contact, facilitating communication. The U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center’s (TARDEC’s) Ground Vehicle Robotics is the lead for the Vignettes.

The 2012 Vignettes theme is “Support for the Combat Outpost.” The technologies should demonstrate the following capabilities:

• Deploy
• Setup
• Protect
• Sustain
• Relocate

These areas of interest will be demonstrated within three scenario vignettes.

Note: If a technology does not fit into one of the aforementioned three scenarios, it can still be submitted for consideration into the Vignettes. The Government will review all submissions and if there is a high level of interest, the organization may be invited to demonstrate the capability during the Vignettes and the technology will be entered into the database.

All technologies must be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6. The system must be completed/qualified through test and demonstration (no research and development).

• Users, such as:
  • U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command
  • U.S. Army Capabilities Integration Center
  • U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command
  • U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence
• PEOs and PMs
  • Joint IED Defeat Organization
  • RS-JPO acquisition office responsible for the Army's and Marines' robotic equipment
  • Ground Vehicle Combat Development (formerly Future Combat Systems) Unmanned Ground Systems
  • PEO Combat Support and Combat Service Support
  • Other PEOs and PMs
• Research and Development
  • TARDEC
  • U.S. Army Research Laboratory
  • U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command
  • U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center
  • Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center
  • U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center
  • Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command
  • Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
• Other Organizations:
  • Headquarters Department of the Army
  • Joint Ground Robotics Enterprise
  • Test community
  • U.S. Marine Corps
  • Other agencies

For each technology you would like to demonstrate in the Operational Vignettes, please submit a white paper proposal by March 23, 2012. Please email them to: william.b.dillon8.ctr@mail.mil and include the Vingette scenario in the subject line.

All white paper proposals should include:

• A brief 200 word or less description of your Company or University
• Identify which Vignette this proposal applies (1-Corral, 2-Gun Slinger or 3-Wagon Train )
• Technology description, size, use, TRL (technology must be at TRL 6 or higher)
• Demonstration plan
• Commercialization strategy
• Technology Classification (Unclassified, FOUO or Other)
• Frequency Request form

Additional Questions?
Please contact usarmy.detroit.rdecom.mbx.tardec-robotics-rodeo@mail.mil