Broad Agency Annoucement 693JK320BAA01 Details.pdf

U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) BAA #693JK320BAA01 Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)

PHMSA Broad Agency Announcement #693JK320BAA01

“PHMSA Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS) Administration Broad Agency

Announcement (BAA) for Improving Safety and Innovation”

1. Description

In this Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS) in the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), a U.S. Department of Transportation agency, solicits concepts which could eventually lead to contract awards.

PHMSA is looking for innovative ideas for leading-edge research and innovative techniques to advance the safe transportation of hazardous materials (HM). This BAA is published in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 35.016 and 6.102(d)(2). A formal request for proposal or other solicitations regarding this announcement will not be issued.

2. Program Overview

OHMS carries out a national safety program to protect against the risks to life and property inherent in the transportation of HM in commerce by all transportation modes. To minimize the threats posed by HM transportation, OHMS develops regulations and standards for the classifying, handling and packaging of over 1 million daily shipments of HM within the United States. Its R&D program directs basic and applied research for the purpose of minimizing risks associated with the transportation of HM.

This BAA is soliciting a variety of basic and applied research projects that will improve the safety of HM in commerce. OHMS is particularly interested in these seven areas of research priorities, listed in order of priority:

1) Development of New Standards for Bulk and Non-Bulk Packaging

2) Improved Materials and Designs for HM Packaging

3) Self (Default) Classification of HM and/or Articles

4) Improvements to the North American Emergency Response Guidebook

5) Charge Storage Device Transportation Safety

6) Innovative Technologies to Improve HM Communications

7) Standard Risk Assessment

3. Submission Details

The Government intends to make multiple awards from this BAA. Awards may be of any dollar value between $500,000 and $3,000,000. It is anticipated that Fixed Price contracts will be awarded to successful Offerors.

PHMSA will not issue paper copies of this announcement. PHMSA reserves the right to fund all, some, or none of the proposals in response to this announcement and to create and maintain a reserve list of proposals for potential funding in the event that additional funding becomes available in the future. PHMSA provides no funding for reimbursement of proposal development costs. All proposals will be treated as sensitive, competitive information and their contents will be disclosed only for the purpose of evaluations.

Two-Step process for award:

1. White Paper: Only White Papers are due at this step. White Papers will not be accepted after 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on February 24, 2020. All White Papers must be submitted in complete form and comply with the submission requirements. BAA amendments and answers to submitted questions will only be available on Contract Opportunities (FBO) at beta.sam.gov. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the rejection of the White Paper during the review.

2. Full Proposal: Full Proposals will only be accepted in response to requests from the PHMSA Contracting Officer, to Offerors with White Papers determined to be technically acceptable, as evaluated against criteria published in this BAA. Full Proposals will be due on the specified due date listed in the request from the PHMSA Contracting Officer.

4. Eligibility Information

Any responsible source (excluding foreign entities, federal, state, and local governments) may submit a White Paper for consideration. Eligible entities include, but are not limited to, universities or institutions of higher education, hospitals, non-profit organizations, private individuals, corporations, and businesses or commercial organizations. All offerors must be registered in the Federal Government’s System for Award Management (SAM) prior to submitting a white paper (www.sam.gov).

Small Disadvantaged (SD), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Concerns, Veteran-Owned (VO), Woman-Owned (WO), Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned, and Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Small Business Concerns, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) are encouraged to submit White Papers on their own and/or in collaboration with others. However, no portion of this BAA will be set aside or reserved exclusively for any of the groups identified above.

5. Submission Information

The process consists of two steps described below. Teaming arrangements such as prime contractor/subcontractor, joint ventures, limited partnerships, or collaboration and consortium arrangements are permitted and encouraged.

http://www.fbo.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/

5.1 White Papers (Step 1)

In preparing White Papers you are required to adhere to the guidelines outlined in the following paragraphs in order to be accepted for evaluation. An Offeror may submit multiple White Papers in response to this BAA.

White Papers must be prepared using single-spaced text in 12-point Times New Roman font, and feature margins that are at least one-inch wide on the top, bottom and sides, to allow for printing on 8.5 x 11-inch paper. Points of emphasis may be indicated using bolding, underlining and italics. The header of each page must feature the Offeror’s name, the applicable BAA number, and the area of research (as identified in Attachment #1). When including graphic presentations, you do not have to adhere to the same font and spacing stipulations as the text.

The submittal must be no more than five single-sided pages excluding the cover page, and Rough Order of Magnitude Estimate (ROM estimate) cost, which is only a "ballpark" cost estimate including labor, and travel (if applicable).

The white paper must be in the following format:

A- Cover Page (Does not count toward the page limit)

The cover page (not to exceed one page) of the White Paper must include the following information:

• Working title of the proposed project;

• BAA research topic area and reference number;

• Name, phone number, mailing, and email address for the principal technical and contractual points of contact;

• Business Type (Small, Large, etc)

• Confirmation of a current SAM.gov registration for your organization

• Name and organization addresses for project partners, if applicable;

• Date of submittal; and,

• Proprietary data restrictions, if any.

B- Proposed Technical Approach

B-1 Background Include a description of the problem that the technology is designed to solve and a statement that conveys the Offeror’s vision for the fully developed proposed technology.

A description of what makes the proposed technology innovative must be included. In addition, the Offeror should estimate the probability that the HM transportation industry will adopt the technology, along with a rationale for that estimate.

B-2 Scope of Work

Describe proposed major research, testing, and analysis activities with enough detail to portray the range of proposed activities. However, a detailed work breakdown is not necessary. Major progress milestones and associated deliverables are not required.

B-3 Project’s relative importance State the short, medium- and long-term effects and importance of the proposed project along with the project’s impact on safety and the environment within the HM transportation community. Describe the importance of these outcomes in the context of the technical readiness level, as well as how these outcomes address the goals outlined in the description of the research topic (Attachment #1).

C- Schedule and Price Estimate Major milestones for the project must be included, in terms of weeks, from the project’s start.

A brief summary of the ROM (ballpark) price estimate, including labor, and travel (if applicable) must be included in this section.

C-1 Schedule

The period of performance will be for up to 3 years.

C-2 Price Estimate

A preliminary and summary level cost estimate to accomplish the technical approach described. Awards may be of any dollar value between $500,000 and $3,000,000. It is anticipated that Fixed Price contracts will be awarded to successful Offerors.

5.2 Full Proposals (Step 2) (ONLY IF REQUESTED BY PHMSA)

In accordance with the evaluation methodology procedures outlined in Section 6 of this BAA, if a White Paper is evaluated and determined to have technical merit, the Government will request the Offeror submit a Full Proposal. The full proposal must build on the contents of the associated White Paper and include any modifications agreed upon during discussions between the Offeror and PHMSA. Full proposals must include additional content and greater detail than what was provided within the White Paper. All proposals submitted in accordance with the terms and conditions of the BAA will be evaluated. PHMSA reserves the right to return unevaluated, or evaluate as is, any submissions that are incomplete or fail to respond to the technical requirements of the BAA.

The Full Proposal must be no more than 15 single-sided pages (excluding the cover page) and submitted as follows:

A- Cover Page (Does not count toward the page limit) Full proposals are required to include a cover page containing the following information:

• Title of the proposed project;

• BAA research topic title and reference number (see BAA Attachment #1);

• The words “Full Proposal” written below the project title;

• DUNS;

• TIN;

• Proposal Validity Period;

• Exceptions Taken;

• Points of Contact (Name, Email Address, Phone Number);

• Organization addresses for project partners;

• Date of submittal; and,

• Proprietary data restrictions, if any.

B- Technical Proposal

B-1 Background

Provide information about how the proposal enhances the ability to meet project goals and how it would be incorporated into the equipment, infrastructure, and operations of existing HM transportation.

Identify any relevant past research. Describe capabilities, work, and significant accomplishments in areas associated with the proposed research area or closely related areas.

Include, in the background portion of the proposal, the following:

• Mission Statement – Describes the Offeror’s vision for the fully developed technology and its intended impact on the HM transportation industry.

• Description of Need – Outlines the specific problem that the proposed technology will address and the groups expected to use the technology. It should also describe the projected probability that the HM transportation industry will adopt the technology, along with a rationale for the probability.

• Development Framework – The technological risk assessment for the future development of the technology should also be included.

B-2 Statement of Work The Offeror’s proposed Statement of Work (SOW), if accepted, will become contractually binding. It must clearly describe the scope and objectives of the proposal, as well as the specific research that will be performed. It should be prepared as a separate document contained within the submittal.

The SOW must include the following:

• Work Scope – Describes the work that will be completed as part of the research project. Include the goals of the effort, major milestones and expected outcomes.

• Requirements – Separates the work effort into major tasks and subtasks. All project reviews, tests, demonstrations and deliverables should also be identified.

Tasks must be realistic.

• Deliverables – Describe and list all project deliverables. All proposals must contain deliverables, including a payment milestone deliverable(s) and a research report.

B-3 Technical Approach

The Offeror is required to provide a detailed description of the work that will be performed, in chronological order. The technical approach should include activities designed to integrate the HM transportation industry, either through participation in the technology development and/or testing support. It should describe the steps, tasks, and activities that are critical for achieving the anticipated results. The Offeror is required to describe all deliverables, presentations, demonstrations, tests, and periodic reports.

The technical approach should also outline the procedures that will be deployed to ensure quality.

B-4 Project Management Plan

The Offeror is required to provide a general management plan for the project. This plan should answer questions similar to the following (but tailored to your specific proposal):

• Will you perform travel for the project?

• Will you need to subcontract some parts of the project?

• Will you need to purchase materials?

• What are the correct materials to purchase?

• Will you need to conduct testing for validation purposes?

• How will the technology be transferred to the end user?

• And any other information you deem necessary for a complete management plan.

Note that PHMSA R&D funding cannot be used to purchase equipment for conducting work as part of the proposed effort.

B-5 Capabilities and Experience Describe the capabilities and experience of the key personnel and organizations within the project team related to the proposed project. Identify any unique capabilities the Offeror’s team possesses that may reduce risk and project duration or improve financial performance. Include references for two projects of similar size and scope for the one you’re proposing. References must be recent (within the past 5 years) and include the following:

• Name of agency/company;

• Contract/order number;

• Period of performance;

• Contract/order value;

• Agency/company point(s) of contact, including name, e‐mail address and phone number;

• Brief description of how the past performance project/(s) relates to the requirements of this solicitation;

• Outcome/(s) of the referenced past performance project/(s).

C- Price Proposal.

The offeror will provide a breakdown of all costs by cost category.

• Direct Labor – Individual labor category or person, with associated labor hours and unburdened direct labor rates.

• Indirect Costs – Fringe benefits, overheard, G&A, etc. Include base amount and rates.

Include the basis for determining these rates.

• Travel – Detailed information including the number of trips, number of travelers, destinations, duration, etc.

• Subcontractor Costs – A cost proposal as detailed as the offeror’s cost proposal will be required to be submitted for each subcontractor.

• Consultant – Provide consultant agreement or other document which verifies the availability of the consultant and the proposed loaded daily/hourly rate.

• Materials – Materials must be specifically itemized with costs or estimated costs. When possible, indicate purchasing method (completive quotes, engineering estimate, market survey, etc.)

• Other Direct Costs – Particularly any proposed items of equipment or facilities.

Equipment and facilities generally must be furnished by the contractor/recipient.

Justifications must be provided when Government funding for such items is sought.

6. Procurement Instrument and Pricing Arrangement

It is anticipated that Fixed Price contracts, with milestone payments, will be awarded to successful Offerors.

7. Supplemental Information

A. Intellectual Property:

Offerors shall submit information describing the intellectual property that will be used in the performance of the contract, and any proposed restrictions on the Government’s use of the intellectual property.

Offerors must provide a good faith representation, in writing, that they either own or possess appropriate licensing rights to the intellectual property that will be utilized for this project. If offerors are unable to make such a representation concerning the intellectual property, provide a listing of the intellectual property needed, and explain how and when the offeror plans to obtain these rights.

For issued patents or published patent applications, provide the patent number or patent application publication number, a summary of the patent or invention title, and indicate whether the Offeror is the patent or invention owner. If a patent or invention is in-licensed by the Offeror, identify the licensor. If a patent application has been filed for an invention that has not been made publicly available and contains proprietary information, provide the patent application serial number, patent application filing date, a summary of the invention title, and indicate whether the offeror is the invention owner. If the invention is in-licensed by the Offeror, identify the licensor.

Offerors’ proposals must include the following intellectual property text:

“PHMSA considers knowledge management a critical aspect of its ongoing ability to service its end-users. The Contractor grants to PHMSA, and others acting on its behalf, a royalty-free, nonexclusive, irrevocable, worldwide license in all materials (including source code, computer software, and databases) developed in connection with this contract. PHMSA reserves the right to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use these works for Federal purposes, and to authorize others to do so.”

B. Subcontracting Plan:

Any Offeror, other than small businesses, submitting a full proposal (if requested by PHMSA) for an award anticipated to exceed $650,000 must submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan in accordance with FAR 19.704(a) (1) and (2) or, if no subcontracting opportunities exist, a statement to that effect. This information, if applicable, must be included as an attachment to the full proposal (the 10-page limit does not apply). The small business subcontracting plan format is outlined in FAR 19.7. It is the policy of the Government to enable small business concerns to be considered fairly as subcontractors to contractors performing work or rendering services as prime contractors or subcontractors under Government contracts, and to assure that prime contractors and subcontractors carry out this policy.

C. Past Performance The Government reserves the right to perform a past performance review before awarding a contract. Sources for the review may include the U.S. Federal Government’s Past Performance Information Retrieval System, and Government program managers and contracting officers who are familiar with the Offeror’s relevant past performance.

8. White Paper Evaluation Criteria

An interested party must address the evaluation criteria by providing sufficient information and by keeping the entire paper within the five (5) page limit (excluding cover page and ROM).

White papers will be evaluated for:

- Relevance to PHMSA's mission,

- Soundness of project, or program, design and implementation.

Specifics on the evaluation criteria are as follows:

1. Relevance to PHMSA's mission.

• Is the white paper relevant to PHMSA's mission of enhancing safety or fostering innovation?

• How well does the white paper describe the problem and/or state how the approach will resolve the problem?

• Does the white paper identify who is anticipated to use research results (e.g. end users)?

2. Soundness of project, or program, design and implementation.

• How well are project/program goals or objectives defined?

• Does the scope of work, tasks, and milestones support the goals and objectives?

• How likely would this project be successful if awarded?

The two criteria identified above, 1) Relevance to PHMSA’s Mission and 2) Soundness of project will each be evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis. Offerors that receive a “Pass” for both of the criteria will be selected to submit a full proposal. An offeror providing a white paper deemed worthy of further consideration, and meeting the criteria of this BAA, may be notified with possible suggestions for minor changes in scope and detailed guidelines for submitting a full proposal.

9. Full Proposal Evaluation

• Each proposal will be evaluated on its own merit without regard to other proposals submitted under this announcement.

• “Technical” is more important than “Past Performance”. When combined, “Technical” and “Past Performance” are significantly more important than “Price” and.

• All awards will be subject to the availability of funds. Only the Contracting Officer can legally obligate PHMSA to the expenditure of public funds under this BAA.

All Offerors will receive written notification of the final decision regarding their proposal. If selected for award, the Contracting Officer will contact the Offeror with further instructions, including negotiation procedures, if needed.

Evaluation Criteria (for evaluation of the full proposal):

1. Technical A. Responsiveness to BAA Objectives

a. The degree to which the proposal meets the program objectives of the BAA and conforms to the funding ceiling of $3,000,000.00.

B. Technical Approach

a. The degree to which the proposal impacts the realization of the research topic goals (in Attachment #1), including enhancing HM transport safety, performance, and efficiency aspects of HM transport operations, maintenance, and/or design.

b. The proposed technological framework, in terms of analytical science, and HM transport industry application.

c. The degree to which the proposal: provides a reasonable and logical technical approach; applies to the HM transport industry; and provides for appropriate reports documenting progress and outcomes, quality controls, and a realistic project risk assessment.

d. The completeness of the project management plan (as described Section 5.2 B-4).

e. The degree of experience and capability of the project team, including key personnel and team organizational partners (if applicable), as these elements relate to the proposed work and influence the potential for a successful outcome.

2. Past Performance: Consists of a review of past performance information provided by the Offeror, and/or obtained from sources other than those identified by the Offeror.

3. Price: Full proposals will be subject to a price evaluation where the proposed price will be evaluated for realism and reasonableness.

10. Award Administration Information:

o Section 508 compliance Please see attachment #2 Clauses, Terms and Conditions for specific instructions.

o Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Please note that if your proposed project includes information collection, any award issued as a result of this BAA must comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995).

o Reporting Requirements (SAM, Representations and Certifications)

11. Questions:

Questions concerning this BAA will be accepted by the Government through February 14, 2020. Question must be submitted via email to the Agency Contact(s) listed in Section 12.

12. Agency Contact(s):

USDOT, PHMSA Point of Contact:

Ben Patterson Contracting Officer Acquisition Services Division, PHF-20 Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Department of Transportation Phone: (202) 366-5102 E-mail: Ben.Patterson@dot.gov mailto:Ben.Patterson@dot.gov

B-5 Capabilities and Experience