The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to award a sole-source contract to Intellectual Growth Engineering, LLC, for the design of the Common Uniform Building Envelope (CUBE) Protected, aimed at enhancing the structure's resilience against Indirect Fired Weapons (IDFW) on its roof. This task includes researching IDFW parameters and material performance to reduce potential damage, producing a comprehensive report documenting design and performance criteria, and creating assembly instructions for military personnel in contingency environments. The project budget is under $25,000 with a firm-fixed-price contract anticipated. The design will build on existing CUBE blueprints, protected under US Patent 10655350, and must be completed within 60 days of the notice to proceed. The document emphasizes that this is an information notice and not a solicitation for proposals, although interested parties can submit capability statements by January 4, 2025. The government's discretion regarding competition for this requirement remains central, with any submissions solely at the respondents' cost. Overall, this initiative underscores a focus on enhancing military infrastructure's protective capabilities in operational settings while proceeding through a non-competitive procurement process.
The document outlines a patent for a "Code Compliant Residential Structure for Assembly by End User," designated as US 10,655,350 B2, filed by the U.S. Army. This invention focuses on a rapidly assembly structure known as the CUBE, designed for military personnel and emergency situations. The CUBE framework comprises modular components including foundation boxes, floor panels, wall panels, stackable roof segments, and load-transferring batten strips. It demands minimal skilled labor and can be easily transported as it fits within standard military transport dimensions.
Key features include ease of assembly and disassembly without the need for specialized tools, portability, and compliance with military building codes. The structure also contains provisions for environmental factors, such as vents for condensation. The patent notes the use of lightweight materials, ensuring components can be handled by a small number of individuals, maximizing efficiency and reducing the logistical burden in remote settings.
The CUBE structure provides a solution for various applications, including military operations, disaster recovery, and humanitarian assistance, showcasing the military's commitment to developing cost-effective building solutions that can be adapted to urgent operational requirements.