70RSAT21RB00000003 Amendment 5.pdf

BAA 70RSAT21RB00000003

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA)

Mass Rescue Operations Device

BAA 70RSAT21RB00000003 Amendment 5

Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate

Published: November 30, 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents

1. General Information

1.1. Introduction

1.2. Activity Description

1.3. Agency Name

1.4. Program Name

1.5. Research Opportunity Number

1.6. Government Representatives

2. Research Opportunity Description

2.1. Background

2.2. Scope

2.3. Phase 1 Technology Design Scope

2.4. Phase 1 Controlled Environment Prototype Testing

2.5. Phase 2 Open Water Prototype Testing

3. Additional Information

3.1. Government Furnished Information (GFI)

4. BAA Information

5. Award Information

6. Eligibility Information

7. Awarded Administration Information

7.1 Organizational Conflict of Interest

8. Other Information

8.1 Registration Requirements

8.2 White Paper Submission Requirements and Evaluation Process

8.3 Full Proposal Package Application and Submission Process

8.4 Format and Content of Full Proposals

8.5 Protection of Information Emailed to the Government

8.6 Full Proposal Due Date and Time

8.7 Submission of Late Full Proposals

8.8 BAA Contractual and Technical Questions

9. Evaluation Information

9.1 Technical Evaluation Criteria

9.2 Cost/Price Criteria

9.3 Evaluation Panel

9.4 Notification to Offerors of Evaluation Findings

10. Award Administration Information

11. Other Information

11.1 Information for Full Proposal Respondents

11.2 Government Property, Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) and Facilities

11.3 SAFETY Act

11.4 Export Control Considerations

11.5 Security Classification

11.6 Information for Full Proposal Respondents

11.7 Subcontracting Plan

11.8 Reporting

11.9 Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing Data

11.10 Test and Evaluation Facilities

11.11 Hazardous Materials

11.12 Authorities

11.13 General Terms and Conditions

11.14 Place of Performance

11.15 Period of Performance

11.16 Travel

11.17 Invoices

11.18 Security Requirements

11.19 Press Releases

1. General Information

1.1. Introduction

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science & Technology Directorate (S&T) is announcing to businesses and academia its intent to solicit white papers and full proposals under this Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). This BAA is contemplated in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.102(d)(2) and 35.016.

S&T takes advantage of the BAA process to solicit innovative solution approaches to new and ongoing requirements, as DHS Components work to complete their missions. This BAA addresses a requirement by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to support search and rescue activities attendant upon a mass-casualty event at sea.

1.2. Activity Description

The S&T Office of Mission and Capability Support (MCS) objective is to lead the development of external-facing research and development (R&D) solutions that meet the mission and goals of DHS Components and other S&T customers.

Components work with dedicated S&T portfolio managers, who develop mission needs into actionable requirements for MCS. MCS program and project managers explore all available avenues to fulfill those requirements.

1.3. Agency Name

Science & Technology Directorate Office of Mission and Capability Support DHS S&T CBD – Mail Stop 0201 245 Murray Lane Washington, DC 20528-0201

1.4. Program Name

Mass Rescue Operations

1.5. Research Opportunity Number

1.6. Government Representatives

Jennifer K. Koons Contracting Officer Science & Technology Acquisitions Division Office of Procurement Operations Department of Homeland Security Washington, DC 20528

Astrine Etheridge Contract Specialist Science & Technology Acquisitions Division Office of Procurement Operations

Washington, DC 20528

2. Research Opportunity Description

2.1. Background

Mass Rescue Operations (MRO) at sea are Search and Rescue (SAR) operations characterized by the need to provide immediate assistance to large numbers of persons in distress in a situation that exceeds the capabilities normally available to SAR authorities.

An MRO example is a catastrophic passenger vessel emergency in a remote area which requires personnel to leave the vessel with no or limited access to the vessel’s inherent lifesaving apparatus. Mass rescue response options in off-shore scenarios are limited to vessels, which could have a response time of hours to days depending on the location, or fixed wing aircraft, which have limited capability to relieve an off-shore MRO event. (This could be exacerbated should the MRO occur in polar regions.)

Mass rescue scenarios are low probability, high consequence events. These incidents are considered low probability because passenger vessels and aircraft are equipped with redundant safety features which have, to a large extent, prevented MRO scenarios. MRO events are, however, high consequence events and thus demand conscientious investment of time and effort in advance planning to mitigate loss of life.

This procurement is the first step in the process of developing a non-standard, innovative, large capacity, ultra-lightweight floating device that could be deployed from air and surface assets during a MRO. The desired large capacity floating devices are not required to meet standard Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requirements for life saving apparatus or domestic life saving apparatus requirements under 46 Code of Federal Regulation. The device should be able to be safely handled, transported and deployed by crewmembers aboard USCG aircraft or vessels with minimal risk (e.g., inadvertent activation, durable during handling, etc.). The purpose of a large capacity floating device is to solely keep survivors out of the water during a MRO. The Government will consider scalable designs, where more than one device can be linked/tethered together to meet or surpass the requirements. (e.g., two 50-person devices for a total of 100 lbs.).

The desired large capacity floating device will differ from existing off-the-shelf USCG/SOLAS compliant "life saving devices" by its lighter weight, increased portability and limited functionality (e.g., only keeping people out of the water for a limited time, no survival supplies or equipment, etc.).

2.2. Scope

The scope of this BAA includes Phase I (Design Concept, Prototype Development and Controlled Environment Testing of Prototype) and a Phase II Option (Final Design Selection and Open Water Testing).

2.3. Phase I Technology Design Scope

The contractor shall develop a design concept for a large capacity floating device. The design concept may include engineering drawings, mock-ups or scaled models to demonstrate the device can meet the Government’s requirements. Table 1 lists the requirements thresholds and objectives.

The Government has ranked the desired capabilities by order of importance.

Table 1. Thresholds and Objectives

Requirements Threshold Objective Person Capacity 100 150 Total Weight (lbs.) 150 100 Functions as a life saving device (hrs.) 24 36

Size of packaged system (cu-ft.) - 7

Shelf life (years) 5 10

Maintenance Requirements

Minimal Maintenance (i.e., 3 to 5 years)

No maintenance

Standard capabilities that the device shall meet:

1. Allows safe egress from the water

2. Ability to be deployed from a helicopter, fixed wing aircraft without a cargo ramp, or boat

3. Ability to operate in up to a maximum Sea State 5 condition

4. Ability to operate in water temperatures between 35 - 85°F

5. Ability to operate in air temperatures between 0 - 120°F

6. Redundant inflation capabilities (e.g., not one single point of failure)

7. Ability to be safely handled, transported, and deployed by crewmembers aboard USCG aircraft or vessels with minimal risk (e.g., inadvertent activation, damage to raft during handling, snag hazards, etc.)

The design concept shall include:

1) A description of the device, including materials used, inflation components, dimensions, weight;

2) The background and level of development of device (e.g., new, adapted from other application, used operationally before, used in test before, etc.);

3) A description of the operation of the device (how the components work together, how it is deployed) and any limitations of the device (e.g., weight, space, weather, temperature);

4) Specific developmental activities that are needed to complete final design;

5) Any unique requirement or limitation of the equipment (e.g., space needed, maintenance, storage, etc.);

6) Proposed schedule and costs for Prototype Development;

7) Maintenance requirements (e.g., service intervals) 8.) Any expected costs of ownership or maintenance over device’s useable life cycle.

2.4. Phase I Controlled Environment Prototype Testing

The contractor shall deliver a prototype life saving device for controlled environment testing. Testing will occur in a to be determined (TBD) DHS, USCG or partner facility. The test bed will be a controlled environment facility (i.e., test pool). The test shall address the capabilities listed below:

1) Inflates or expands at appropriate time (i.e., when contacting the water)

2) Stays afloat for required hours

3) Holds the required amount of people (i.e., sandbags, dummies, etc. simulating weight of people)

4) Retains shape in water

5) Is puncture resistant

6) Is leak proof

7) Fully packaged size does not exceed space requirements

Testing will be supervised by S&T and USCG personnel. Each contractor will be responsible for shipping the equipment to the test facility and demonstrating the prototype’s capabilities that meet the above capabilities. A maximum of four (4) days is anticipated to fully demonstrate the prototype and resolve any shipping/start-up issues that may occur.

2.5. Phase II Open Water Prototype Testing

The contractor shall deliver three prototype life saving devices for open water testing. Testing will occur in a TBD location. The open water test shall assess the capabilities of the device listed below:

1) Test deliverability from USCG aircraft (rotary or fixed) and/or vessel

2) Stability of device (i.e., empty, while loading passengers, and fully loaded with passengers)

3) Ability to right device in water if required (i.e., device flipped upside down)

4) Test packing and portability aboard USCG aircraft and/or vessels

5) Durability of device

6) Inflates or expands at appropriate time (i.e., when contacting the water)

7) Stays afloat for required hours

8) Holds the required amount of people (i.e., sandbags, dummies simulating weight of 100+ people)

9) Retains shape in water

10) Is puncture resistant

11) Is leak proof

12) Fully packaged size does not exceed space requirements

13) Withstands environmental conditions present during test, up to the maximum weather thresholds defined in section 2.3:

a. Ability to operate in up to a maximum Sea State 5 condition

b. Ability to operate in water temperatures between 35 - 85°F

c. Ability to operate in air temperatures between 0 - 120°F

DHS and USCG personnel will supervise testing. Each contractor will be responsible for shipping the equipment to the test facility and demonstrating the prototype’s capabilities that meet the above capabilities. A maximum of four (4) days is anticipated to fully demonstrate the prototype and resolve any shipping/start-up issues that may occur.

3. Additional Information

All questions must be in writing addressed to the Contracting Officer. Only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to commit the Government.

3.1. Government Furnished Information (GFI)

All background reports and presentations can be provided via an email ZIP file. This request must be emailed to the BAA email box at BAA_MassRescue@hq.dhs.gov. The request must include the BAA number, point of contact, company name, address, and telephone number.

4. BAA Information

Awards made under this BAA are for scientific study and experimentation directed towards developing a life saving device for MROs. The design concepts proposed under Phase I shall not change under Phase II. Phase II is open water testing of Phase I technologies.

5. Award Information

Award(s) will be made to the Offeror(s) whose proposals are considered to have the highest technical importance to the Government in accordance with the evaluation criteria, taking into consideration the available funding. It is anticipated that cost reimbursement contracts will be awarded.

The period of performance of the awards will typically be:

mailto:BAA_MassRescue@hq.dhs.gov

Phase I - Base award (18 months) Phase II - Option (4 months)

S&T plans to fully fund up to $300,000 for up to three Phase I contracts that will most likely range from $50,000 to $100,000 per award for the base Phase I effort. The anticipated date of award is approximately the second or third quarter of Fiscal Year 2022, subject to the availability of funds.

It is anticipated that one of the Phase I contractors will have the Phase II option exercised on their contract. The Phase II option period award will most likely range from $150-$200K. The anticipated date of exercising the Phase II Option Period is approximately 18 months after the Phase I base effort is awarded, subject to the availability of funds. There is no guarantee that any Phase II Options will be exercised.

6. Eligibility Information

All responsible sources may submit a white paper, which will be considered by the Government.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) are encouraged to submit white papers and join others in submitting white papers. However, no portion of this BAA will be set aside for HBCU and MI participation due to the impracticality of reserving discrete or severable areas of technology of this proposal for exclusive competition among those entities.

7. Awarded Administration Information

7.1 Organizational Conflict of Interest

Organizational Conflict of Interest issues will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, as outlined below. Offerors who have existing contract(s) to provide scientific, engineering, technical and/or administrative support directly to DHS S&T will receive particular scrutiny.

(a) Determination. The Government has determined that this effort may result in an actual or potential conflict of interest or may provide one or more Offerors with the potential to attain an unfair competitive advantage.

(b) If any such conflict of interest is found to exist, the Contracting Officer may: (1) disqualify the Offeror; or (2) determine that it is otherwise in the best interest of the United States to contract with the Offeror and include the appropriate provisions to mitigate or avoid such conflict in the contract awarded. After discussion with the Offeror, the Contracting Officer may determine that the actual conflict cannot be avoided, neutralized, mitigated, or otherwise resolved to the satisfaction of the Government, and the Offeror may be found ineligible for award.

(c) Disclosure: The Offeror must represent, as part of its full proposal and to the best of its knowledge that: (1) It is not aware of any facts which create any actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest relating to the award of this contract; or (2) It has included information in its full proposal, providing all current information bearing on the existence of any actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest, and has included the mitigation plan in accordance with paragraph (d) of this provision.

(d) Mitigation/Waiver. If an Offeror with a potential or actual conflict of interest or unfair competitive advantage believes it can be mitigated, neutralized, or avoided, the Offeror shall submit a mitigation plan to the Contracting Officer for review. Award of a contract where an actual or potential conflict of interest exists shall not occur before Government approval of the mitigation plan.

(e) Other Relevant Information. In addition to the mitigation plan, the Contracting Officer may require further relevant information from the Offeror. The Contracting Officer will use all information submitted by the Offeror, and any other relevant information known to DHS, to determine whether an award to the Offeror may take place, and whether the mitigation plan adequately neutralizes or mitigates the conflict.

(f) Corporation Change. The successful Offeror shall inform the Contracting Officer within thirty (30) calendar days of the effective date of any corporate mergers, acquisitions, and/or divestures that may affect this provision.

(g) Flow-down. The contractor shall insert the substance of this clause in each first tier subcontract that exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold.

8. Other Information

Prospective offerors are required to submit White Papers. The purpose of requesting White Papers is to minimize the labor and cost associated with the production of detailed proposals that have little chance of being selected for funding. Based on assessment of the White Papers, feedback will be provided to the Offerors to encourage or discourage submission of full proposals. Regardless of the Government response to a White Paper, Offerors may submit a full proposal.

White papers should emphasize how the proposed device would either meet or what trade-offs would be needed to approach the desired objectives outlined in section 2.3; what maintenance and life cycle requirements the device has; and what methods should be used to demonstrate the capabilities of the technology during prototype development and field demonstration of the device.

NOTE: If an Offeror is discouraged from providing a full proposal after the review of the White Paper, the Offeror should understand that the proposed research has such a negligible chance of being funded as to be considered a poor use of resources to submit a full proposal.

8.1 Registration Requirements

Registration is not required to download the BAA package; however, a registration in the DHS BAA Program Portal https://oip.dhs.gov/baa/public/login-page is required to upload a https://oip.dhs.gov/baa/public/login-page response to the BAA, including a white paper and/or a full proposal submission.

(a) Company/Organization Registration:

IMPORTANT: Before submitting a white paper or full proposal for the first time, you must first register your company/organization in the system. Note, this registration takes some time; therefore, it is prudent to ensure company registration is completed well before the closing time for either white paper or full proposal submissions. It is recommended that the Business Official or an authorized representative designated by the Business Official be the first person to register for your company. Your company’s Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is required during registration. (If your company is registered, other new users may register and associate their information with the company’s existing record.) When registration is completed, users can submit and manage their white papers and full proposals.

• After the company/organization is registered, new users must register by associating their information with the company/organization’s existing record.

• When registration is complete, users can submit and manage white papers and full proposals.

• To access the log in/registration page of the DHS S&T BAA Portal:

o Go to the DHS S&T BAA Portal at https://oip.dhs.gov/baa/public/login-page;

o On the home page, click on the Profile Login link, located at top-right corner of the page.

o To begin the registration process, click the New User? link in the middle of the page.

• For additional step-by-step information regarding registration and submission of white papers and full proposals, on the DHS S&T BAA Portal home page (https://oip.dhs.gov/), in the link bar on the far right, click on Resources. Once on the Resources page, click on the link to the Portal Registration and LRBAA Submissions Guide.

(b) White Paper and Full Proposal Registration:

• Each white paper, if requested, and full proposal to be uploaded in the DHS S&T BAA Portal will be assigned a white paper and full proposal registration number in the portal.

• To upload a white paper or full proposal, after logging into the portal at (https://oip.dhs.gov/baa/public/login-page), see Section 4.2 of the Portal Registration and Submissions Guide (access information provided in paragraph a above.)

(c) DHS S&T BAA Portal Help Desk:

For additional assistance with the DHS S&T BAA Portal, you can contact the DHS S&T BAA Portal Help Desk at dhsbaahelpdesk@ttsiglobal.com or by phone at (571) 446-4869.

This contact information is provided in the “Help Desk” portion of the bottom of the screen of any page in the portal. Offerors may also contact BAA_MassRescue@hq.dhs.gov.

8.2 White Paper Submission Requirements and Evaluation Process

Submitting a Response to this BAA:

https://oip.dhs.gov/

No Classified White Papers (or portions thereof) will be accepted.

White paper submissions will be protected from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with FAR 15.207, applicable law, and DHS regulations.

Offerors must submit a white paper in order to be considered for participation in the submission of full proposals.

Offerors will have 52 calendar days from the official Call for white papers before the submission deadline of August 12, 2021 at 2:00 PM Eastern.

White papers shall provide technical and managerial approach information and will be assessed based on the capabilities listed in Section 2.3 which are listed in descending order of relative importance. DHS is not requiring mock-ups or scaled models for white paper submissions.

Offerors will complete the below table, highlighting the parameters of their proposed solution as part of their white paper submission:

Requirements Threshold Objective Proposed

Total Weight (lbs.) 150 100 Functions as a life saving device (hrs.) 24 36

Size of packaged system (cu-ft.) - 7 Shelf life (years) 5 10

Maintenance Requirements Minimal

Maintenance (i.e. 3 to 5 years)

White papers cannot exceed a total number of 10 single-sided pages with the following stipulations:

• Paper Size – 8.5-by-11-inch paper

• Margins – 1 inch

• Spacing – Single- spaced

• Font – Times New Roman, 12 point

• No more than 10 single-sided pages. White papers exceeding the page limit will not be evaluated. The Official Transmittal Letter, as well as the cover page are not subject to the page limitation. DHS is not requiring mock-ups or scaled models for white paper submissions.

• Copies - Electronic files will be in portable document format (PDF), readable by IBM-compatible PCs. Each file size must be no more than 10 MB.

After an evaluation of the white papers, the Contracting Officer (CO) will either encourage or discourage the submission of a full proposal based on the selections of the Source Selection Authority (SSA). The SSA will make these selections based on a finding of whether a white paper is selectable or not selectable. If the SSA determines that a full proposal should be discouraged, the Offeror will be informed in writing by the CO. No additional feedback will be provided to Offerors when full proposals are discouraged.

Offerors are not restricted from submitting a full proposal even when notified in writing that the SSA is discouraging a full proposal. If the SSA determines that a full proposal should be encouraged, the Offeror will be informed in writing by the CO.

8.3 Full Proposal Submission Process

No Classified Full Proposals (or portions thereof) will be accepted.

Offerors receiving an “Encouraged” rating on their White Paper submission will be asked to submit a full proposal. Offerors who do not receive an “Encouraged” rating may still submit a full proposal.

Offerors choosing to submit a full proposal after receiving a “Not Encouraged” rating must contact BAA_MassRescue@hq.dhs.gov at least two weeks in advance of the full proposal submission deadline in order to facilitate their submission via the BAA portal.

The full proposal submissions will be protected from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with FAR 15.207, applicable law, and DHS regulations.

Offerors are expected to appropriately mark each page of their submission that contains proprietary information.

8.4 Format and Content of Full Proposals

Proposal Format

Full proposals will consist of two volumes:

8.4.1 Volume 1 - Technical Proposal

8.4.2 Volume 2 - Cost Proposal

For each volume, the following format shall apply:

8.4.3 Paper Size – 8.5-by-11-inch paper

8.4.4 Margins – 1 inch

8.4.5 Spacing – Single-spaced

8.4.6 Font – Times New Roman, 12 point. Text embedded within graphics or tables in the body of the Project Description Form shall be legible and not smaller than 8 point.

8.4.7 Number of Pages –

8.4.7.1 Volume 1 (Technical Proposal): No more than 20 single-sided pages.

Proposals exceeding the page limit will not be evaluated. The Official Transmittal Letter, as well as the cover page, table of contents, and resumes/biographical information about potential performers in the proposal are not subject to the page limitation.

8.4.7.2 Volume 2: (Cost Proposal): No page limit.

• Copies – A full proposal shall consist of one electronic file for the Technical Proposal volume and one electronic file for the Cost Proposal volume. Electronic files will be in portable document format (PDF), readable by IBM-compatible PCs. Each file size must be no more than 10 MB.

Proprietary or Export Control Marking: Offerors are expected to appropriately mark proprietary and/or export-controlled information contained in their full proposals. For additional information regarding export-controlled information, refer to bullet “Export Control” identified in 11.4 below.

Proposal Content

Volume 1: Technical Proposal

Volume I of the full proposal shall be in the form of a Technical Proposal format.

Responsiveness to the order and content of sections listed in Volume I is important to assure thorough and fair evaluation of full proposals. Nonconforming proposals may be rejected without review. The Technical Proposal must cover the following points in more detail:

• Official Transmittal Letter: This is an official transmittal letter with authorizing official signature. For an electronic submission, the letter can be scanned into the electronic full proposal. The letter of transmittal shall state whether the full proposal has been submitted to another government agency, other than DHS S&T, and if so, which one and when. The transmittal letter does not count toward the 20-page limit.

• Cover Page: This shall include the words “Technical Proposal” and the following:

1) BAA number;

2) Title of Full Proposal;

3) Identity of prime Offeror and complete list of subcontractors, if applicable;

4) Technical point of contact (name, address, phone/fax, electronic mail address);

5) Administrative/business point of contact (name, address, phone/fax, electronic mail address);

6) Duration of effort (separately identify the basic effort and any options);

7) In accordance with FAR 4.1201, prospective Offerors for contracts and for

OTAs involving prototypes (Section 845), shall state the certifications in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov have been completed and shall provide the Certification Validity period; and

8) The signature and title of an authorized representative of the entity submitting the full proposal. If multiple organizations are participating, one signature from https://www.sam.gov/ the principal/leading organization is acceptable.

• Table of Contents: The table of contents does not count toward the 20-page limit.

• Executive Summary: Summarize the full proposal and the expected benefits of the solution.

• Proposal: Describe the proposed work and the associated technical and management issues.

• Performance Goals: Describe the overall methodology and how it will meet the program objectives and the specific technical requirements.

Detailed Technical Approach: The Offeror shall clearly and completely describe the technical approach that will be used for the proposed mass rescue life saving device Design Concept and Prototype Development (Phase I) and Final Design Selection and Open Water Testing (Phase II).

The technical approach shall demonstrate a clear understanding of the intended outcome of this solicitation. The technical approach should be described in as much detail as necessary to establish confidence in successful completion of Phase I and Phase II. The technical approach should plainly show how the proposed system will meet (or not meet) the capabilities identified in section 2.3. The technical approach shall also identify the technology readiness/risk of the proposed system and its key components.

Offerors will complete the below table, highlighting the parameters of their proposed solution as part of their full proposal submission:

Requirements Threshold Objective Proposed

Total Weight (lbs.) 150 100 Functions as a life saving device (hrs.) 24 36

Size of packaged system (cu-ft.) - 7 Shelf life (years) 5 10

Maintenance Requirements Minimal

Maintenance (i.e. 3 to 5 years)

• Statement of Work (SOW), Schedule, and Milestones: Provide an integrated display for the proposed research, showing each task with major milestones.

Include a proposed schedule for the effort (estimated dates of tasks, milestones and deliverables). Describe how each task will be performed and identify sub-tasks, if appropriate. Include a section clearly marked as the SOW you propose to undertake.

A sample SOW is provided to show the formatting required. Offerors must provide a SOW that matches their technical proposal and the SOW must be detailed enough to support the contract type.

The SOW shall clearly detail the scope and objective of Phase I (Base Period) and Phase II (Option Period) efforts. The SOW must include the technical approach and the schedule of technical tasks, subtasks, events, and milestones. Ensure that the SOW clearly separates Phase I and Phase II tasking, with Phase II marked as an Option Period.

The Statement of Work must include the following in Phase I – Design Concept and Prototype Development:

1. Kickoff Meeting: In a teleconference meeting with USCG personnel, the Offeror is to provide details on how all the Phase I and Phase II capabilities will be handled by the technologies being proposed.

2. Progress Meetings: Teleconference meetings shall be held at regular intervals with USCG personnel to discuss progress and issues to date. Approximately half-way through the design process, one of the progress meetings shall be held at the offeror’s site.

3. Final Report: The Offeror shall prepare a report documenting the proposed design.

4. Monthly Progress Report and Archive: The Offeror shall prepare Monthly

Progress/Expenditure Report and at the end of the period of performance, shall provide an electronic archive containing all submitted deliverables.

5. Prototype Development – The Offeror shall develop and design the prototype.

6. Controlled Environment Prototype Testing – The Offeror shall conduct controlled environment testing. Testing will occur in a to be determined (TBD) DHS, USCG or partner facility. The test bed will be a controlled environment facility (i.e., test pool).

Continuation to Phase II and open water testing is pending the outcome of the controlled environment testing. The purpose of the controlled environment prototype testing is to demonstrate that the as-built prototype device:

a. Inflates or expands at appropriate time (i.e., when contacting the water)

b. Stays afloat for required hours

c. Holds the required amount of people (i.e., sandbags, dummies, etc. simulating weight of people)

d. Retains shape in water

e. Is puncture resistant

f. Is leak proof

g. Fully packaged size does not exceed space requirements

The Statement of Work must include the following in Phase II – Design Selection and Open Water Testing:

1. Kickoff Meeting: In a teleconference meeting with USCG personnel, the Offeror is to provide details on how the Phase II capabilities will be handled by the technologies being proposed.

2. Progress and Design Review Meeting: Teleconference meetings shall be held at regular intervals with USCG personnel to discuss progress and issues to date. No later than halfway through the Phase II effort, a design review meeting with USCG personnel shall be held at the Offeror’s worksite. The Offeror shall provide details on how the design has progressed. The Offeror shall also again address how capabilities will be handled by the technologies being proposed.

3. Prototype Demonstration: The offeror must recommend how best to test the technologies proposed to demonstrate that the prototype meets the operational conditions identified in section 2.3. All requirements shall be addressed in the proposal by describing the design or previous testing performed. The Government will consider the Offeror’s recommendations when the Government develops a test plan.

4. Prototype Demonstration Date: Specify a test date for testing the prototype.

5. Prototype Demonstration Testing: Testing of the prototype shall be witnessed by the

Offeror and accomplished during four days at a DHS, USCG or partner facility location

(TBD).

6. Prototype Demonstration Report: The Offeror shall prepare a report of the prototype test, documenting the results and identifying tasks needed to be accomplished for successful full-scale deployment. The report shall be included within the SOW as a deliverable and shall be due 30 days after test completion.

7. Special Requirements: The SOW shall identify any specialized requirements needed to successfully accomplish prototype testing (e.g., special shipping requirements or handling).

8. Monthly Progress Report and Archive: The Offeror shall prepare Monthly Progress/Expenditure Report and at the end of the period of performance, shall provide an electronic archive containing all submitted deliverables.

It is the intent of the Government to use the Offeror’s SOW, as written, provided that the Offeror’s SOW accurately describes the work to be performed. If in the Government’s opinion the Offeror’s SOW does not reflect the requirements, the Government will prepare a SOW using information available in the Offeror’s proposal or have the Offeror rewrite the SOW to reflect their technical approach.

It is anticipated that the proposed SOW will be incorporated as an attachment to the resultant award instrument. To this end, such proposals must include a severable self-standing SOW without any proprietary restrictions, which can be attached to the contract or agreement award.

• Deliverables: Provide a brief summary of all deliverables proposed under this effort, including data, and reports consistent with the objectives of the work; along with suggested due dates (calendar days after the effective date of award). This section shall be severable, i.e., it will begin on a new page and the following section shall begin on a new page. It is anticipated that the proposed detailed list and description of all deliverables will be incorporated as an attachment to the resultant award instrument. To this end, such proposals must include a severable self-standing detailed list and description of all deliverables without any proprietary restrictions, which can be attached to the contract or agreement award.

Anticipated Schedule of Events Release BAA June 2021 White Papers Due Date August 12, 2021 Notification of Evaluation of White Papers

September 2021

Full Proposals Requested September/October 2021 Full Proposal Due Date December 7, 2021

Base Contract Award(s)* February/March 2022 Kickoff Meeting Approximately 14 Days after Contract Award(s) Phase I Events Technical Design Review Meeting* February/March 2022 Mid-term Progress Review* November 2022 Phase I Final Report* August 2023 Phase II Events Technical Design Review Meeting* September 2023 Open Water Testing with DHS/USCG* November 2023 Final Report Submittal 30 Days after completion of Testing.

*These dates and times are estimates as of the date of this announcement.

• Management Plan: Provide a brief summary of the management plan, including an explicit description of what role each participant or team member will play in the project, and their past experience in technical areas related to this proposal.

• Facilities: List the location(s) where the work will be performed, and the facilities to be used. Describe any specialized or unique facilities which directly affect the effort.

• Government-Furnished Resources: Provide a brief summary of required information and data which must be provided by the Government to support the proposed work, if any.

• Cost Summary: Summarize the projected total costs for each task in the initial period of performance and any proposed option period of the effort, including a summary of subcontracts, man hours, and consumables.

• Resumes for Key Personnel: In Appendix A, provide resumes or curriculum vitae

(CVs) for each of the key personnel. These resumes do not count toward the 20-page limit.

• Other DHS Support: As an appendix, provide a list of any current or pending awards or proposals with DHS that pertain to the work, submitted either as a prime contractor, subcontractor/consultant, or teaming partner. This section will not count towards the 20-page limit.

• Assertion of Data Rights: Include here a summary of any assertions to any technical data or computer software that will be developed or delivered under any resultant award. This includes any assertions to pre-existing results, prototypes, or systems supporting and/or necessary for the use of the research, results, and/or prototype. Any rights asserted in other parts of the full proposal that would impact the rights in this section must be cross-referenced. If less than unlimited rights in any data delivered under the resultant award are asserted, the Offeror must explain how these rights in the data will affect its ability to deliver research data, subsystems, and toolkits for integration as set forth below. Additionally, the Offeror must explain how the program goals are achievable considering these proprietary and/or restrictive limitations. If there are no claims of proprietary rights in pre-existing data, this section shall consist of a statement to that effect.

Full proposals submitted in response to this BAA shall identify all technical data or computer software that the Offeror asserts will be furnished to the Government with restrictions on access, use, modification, reproduction, release, performance, display, or disclosure. Offeror’s pre-award identification shall be submitted as an attachment to its offer and shall contain the following information:

(1) Statement of Assertion. Include the following statement: “The Offeror asserts for itself, or the persons identified below, that the Government’s rights to access, use, modify, reproduce, release, perform, display, or disclose only the following technical data or computer software should be restricted”.

(2) Identification of the technical data or computer software to be furnished with restrictions. For technical data (other than computer software documentation) pertaining to items, components, or processes developed at private expense, identify both the deliverable technical data and each such item, component, or process as specifically as possible (e.g., by referencing specific sections of the full proposal or specific technology or components). For computer software or computer software documentation, identify the software or documentation by specific name or module or item number.

(3) Detailed description of the asserted restrictions. For each of the technical data or computer software identified above in paragraph (2), identify the following information:

(i) Asserted rights. Identify the asserted rights for the technical data or computer software.

(ii) Copies of negotiated, commercial, and other non-standard licenses.

Offeror shall attach to its offer for each listed item copies of all proposed negotiated license(s), Offeror’s standard commercial license(s), and any other asserted restrictions other than Government purpose rights; limited rights;

restricted rights; rights under prior Government contracts, including Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) data rights for which the protection period has not expired; or Government’s minimum rights.

(iii) Specific basis for assertion. Identify the specific basis for the assertion. For example:

(a) Development at private expense. For technical data, development refers to development of the item, component, or process to which the data pertains. For computer software, development refers to the development of the software. Indicate whether development was accomplished exclusively or partially at private expense.

(b) Rights under a prior Government contract, including SBIR data rights for which the protection period has not expired.

(c) Standard commercial license customarily provided to the public.

(d) Negotiated license rights.

(iv) Entity asserting restrictions. Identify the corporation, partnership, individual or other person, as appropriate, asserting the restrictions.

(4) Previously delivered technical data or computer software. The Offeror shall identify the technical data or computer software that are identical or substantially similar to technical data or computer software that the Offeror has produced for, delivered to, or is obligated to deliver to the Government under any contract or subcontract. The Offeror need not identify commercial technical data or computer software delivered subject to a standard commercial license.

(5) Supplemental information. When requested by the Contracting Officer, the Offeror shall provide sufficient information to enable the Contracting Officer to evaluate the Offeror’s assertions. Sufficient information must include, but is not limited to, the following:

(i) The contract number under which the data or software were produced;

(ii) The contract number under which, and the name and address of the organization to whom, the data or software were most recently delivered or will be delivered; and

(iii) Identification of the expiration date for any limitations on the Government’s rights to access, use, modify, reproduce, release, perform, display, or disclose the data or software, when applicable.

Ineligibility for award. An Offeror’s failure to submit or complete the identifications and assertions required by this provision with its offer may render the offeror ineligible for award.

It is anticipated that the proposed Assertion of Data Rights will be incorporated as an attachment to the resultant award instrument. To this end, full proposals must include a severable self-standing Assertion of Data Rights without any proprietary restrictions, which can be attached to the contract or agreement award.

Volume 2: Price/Cost Proposal

The Price/Cost Proposal shall consist of a cover page and two parts, Part 1 and Part 2. Part 1 will provide a detailed cost breakdown of all costs by cost category and Part 2 will provide a Cost breakdown by task/sub-task using the same task numbers in the Statement of Work. Options must be separately priced. All costs must be provided in United States dollars (USD). Another currency may be used in supporting details, such as quotes, but the exchange rate must be detailed and the ultimate breakdown of costs be given in USD.

Cover Page: The use of the SF 1411 is optional. The words “Price/Cost Proposal” shall appear on the cover page in addition to the following information:

1) BAA number;

2) Call number;

3) Technical Topic Area;

4) Title of Full Proposal;

5) Contract type;

6) Identity of prime Offeror and complete list of subcontractors, if applicable;

7) Technical point of contact (name, address, phone/fax, electronic mail address);

8) Administrative/business point of contact (name, address, phone/fax, electronic mail address);

9) Duration of effort (separately identify the basic effort and any options);

10) In accordance with FAR 4.1201, prospective Offerors for contracts and for

OTAs involving prototypes shall state the certifications in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov have been completed and shall provide the Certification Validity period; and

11) The signature and title of an authorized representative of the entity submitting the full proposal. If multiple organizations are participating, one signature from the principal/leading organization is acceptable.

Part 1: Detailed breakdown of all costs by cost category. The Offeror shall provide a total estimated price for major demonstrations and other activities associated with the program, including cost sharing, if any. The Offeror shall provide information as to the adequacy of its accounting system.

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

• Indirect Costs – Fringe Benefits, Overhead, General & Administrative (G&A), Cost of Money (COM), etc. (Must show base amount and rate).

• Travel – Number of trips, destinations, durations, etc.

• Subcontract – A cost proposal as detailed as the Offeror’s cost proposal will be required to be submitted by the subcontractor. The subcontractor’s cost proposal can be provided in a sealed envelope with the Offeror’s cost proposal or will be requested from the subcontractor at a later date.

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

• Materials – Materials shall be specifically itemized with costs or estimated costs. Where possible, indicate purchasing method, (Competition, engineering estimate, market survey, etc.).

• Other Directs 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.

• Fee/Profit – Including fee percentage.

https://www.sam.gov/

Part 2: Cost breakdown by task/sub-task using the same task numbers in the Statement of Work.

The Price/Cost Proposal shall be consistent with your proposed SOW. Activities such as demonstrations required to reduce the various technical risks shall be identified in the SOW and reflected in the Price/Cost Proposal.

8.5 Protection of Information Emailed to the Government

All data emailed to the Government will be protected and access restricted. All submissions will be considered proprietary/source selection sensitive and protected accordingly.

Documents may only be reviewed by the submitter, authorized Government representatives, and assigned evaluators.

8.6 Full Proposal Due Date and Time

The full proposal due date and time is December 7, 2021 at 2:00 PM Eastern.

8.7 Submission of Late Full Proposals

Full Proposals WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED after the published due date at 8.6.

8.8 BAA Contractual and Technical Questions

All contractual and technical questions regarding this BAA including the published requirements and instructions must be directed to the Contracting Officer. The program and technical staff will not acknowledge, forward, or respond to any inquiries received in any other manner concerning this BAA. Contractual questions and answers will be posted via updates to the BAA posting on SAM.

Please submit all questions in response to this solicitation no later than July 6, 2021 at 2:00 PM Eastern.

9. Evaluation Information

The following criteria apply to white paper and full proposal evaluations.

9.1 Technical Evaluation Criteria

Technical Approach, Staffing, and Corporate Experience are weighted in descending order of importance.

1. Technical Approach – Comprised of the following equally weighted subcriteria:

a. Degree to which the proposed system meets the capabilities identified in section

2.3 of the BAA;

b. Offeror’s understanding of the BAA scope and current state of technology associated with mass rescue life saving devices;

c. Technology readiness; and

d. Completeness of Technical Approach.

2. Staffing – The relevant skills, experience, qualifications, and education of proposed technical personnel critical to success.

3. Corporate Experience – The relevance of the Offeror’s submitted experience to the scope of the BAA.

9.2 Cost/Price Criteria

Cost proposals shall be evaluated for completeness and compliance with the solicitation requirements and for cost realism and reasonableness. Cost proposals will not be scored or rated.

Completeness and Compliance - The cost proposal will be reviewed to determine if it complies with the cost proposal preparation instructions and any other applicable directions.

9.3 Evaluation Panel

Technical and cost proposals submitted under this BAA will be protected from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with FAR 3.104-4 and 15.207. The program office and other Government scientific experts will perform the evaluation of technical proposals. Cost proposals will be evaluated by the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist.

NOTE: DHS S&T reserves the right to select for award and fund all, some, or none of the Full Proposals received in response to this BAA.

9.4 Notification to Offerors of Evaluation Findings

Once the full proposal evaluation process is complete, Offerors will be notified in writing of selection or non-selection for an award. Offerors not selected for an award may request feedback regarding the evaluation findings of submitted full proposals. A written request to the Contracting Officer must be received within 3 calendar days of notification of non-selection.

10. Award Administration Information

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code – The NAICS code for this announcement is 541712 with a small business size standard of 500 employees. System for Award Management (SAM) - Offerors will be required to register in SAM prior to award of any contract.

Information on SAM registration is available at http://www.sam.gov.

11. Other Information

11.1 Information for Full Proposal Respondents

BAA 70RSAT21RB00000003 will not be construed as an obligation on the part of the Government to acquire any products or services.

No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of submission of responses to BAA 70RSAT21RB00000003 and the Government’s use of such information.