70RWMD24R00000003 CWMD BAA.pdf

CWMD BAA Solicitation Number 70RWMD24R00000003

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BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA)

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

COUNTERING WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION

BAA/Solicitation No. 70RWMD24R00000003

Department of Homeland Security

Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office

Effective: May 7, 2024, through May 6, 2029

Published: May 7, 2024

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Program Mission, Portfolios, Research Areas

1.3 Agency Name

1.4 Program Name

1.5 Research Opportunity Number

1.6 Area of Interest and Process Overview

1.6.1 Single Phased Evaluation Process

1.6.2 Two Phased Evaluation Process

2 AWARD INFORMATION

2.1 Anticipated Award Date

2.2 Anticipated Funding for the Program

2.3 Limitation of Funds

2.4 Type of Contract/Instrument

2.5 Number of Awards Anticipated

2.6 Expected Amount of Individual Awards

2.7 Anticipated Period of Performance for Individual Awards

2.8 Provisions and Contract Clauses………………………………………………………………………..12

3 ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

3.1 Federally Funded Research & Development Centers

3.2 Nonprofit Organizations, Educational Institutions and Small Business Set Aside

3.3 Organizational Conflict of Interest

4 EVALUATION CRITERIA

5 APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

5.1 BAA Package Download

5.2 Oral Presentations

5.2.1 Oral Presentation Medium

5.2.2 Proposer Participants in Oral Presentations

5.2.3 Recording of Oral Presentations and Scientific Engagement Discussions

5.2.4 Exchanges During Oral Presentations

5.3 White Paper Format and Submission Process

5.3.1 White Paper Submission Instructions

5.3.2 Format and Content of White Paper

5.3.2.1 Format and Content of White Paper (Written Submission Only)

5.3.2.2 Format and Content of White Paper (Written and Oral Presentation Submission)

5.3.3 White Paper Review Process

5.4 Proposal Format and Submission Process

5.4.1 Proposal Submission Instructions

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5.4.2 Format and Content of Proposals

5.4.2.1 Volume I, Technical and Management Proposal

5.4.2.2 Volume II, Supplemental Data Proposal

5.4.2.3 Volume III, Cost Proposal

5.5 Further Assistance Needed for this BAA

5.6 AOI Contractual and Technical Questions

5.7 Evaluation Panel

5.8 Notification to Proposers of Contractors Support Services for Proposal Evaluation Process

5.9 Notification to Proposers of Evaluation Findings

5.10 Non-Responsive Proposals

6 BAA ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

6.1 Comments or Concerns

7 OTHER INFORMATION

7.1 Information for Proposers

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

7.3 SAFETY Act

7.4 Export Control Considerations

7.5 Compliance with DHS Policy

7.6 Security Classification

7.7 Information for Prospective Proposers

7.8 Subcontracting Plan

7.9 Additional Deliverables

7.10 Reporting

7.10. 1 Monthly Progress Report

7.10. 2 Performance Reviews

7.10.3 End of Phase Performance Evaluation & Report

7.10.4 Final Performance Evaluation & Report

7.11 Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing Data

7.12 Test and Evaluation Facilities

7.13 Hazardous Materials

8.0 AREAS OF INTEREST (AOIs)

Attachment A Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Definitions

Attachment B White Paper Cover Sheet Format Attachment C Proposal Cover Sheet Format

Attachment D Quad Chart Format

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1 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Introduction

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD) is announcing to business and academia its intent to solicit Research and Development (R&D) proposals under this Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). This BAA is contemplated in Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 6.102(d)(2) and 35.016.

Responses from proposers will be requested in the form of white papers and/or proposals in response to the various Areas of Interest (AOI) under this BAA. From time to time, this BAA will be related to add specific AOIs and their respective Notice IDs on SAM.gov.

Notice IDs for specific AOIs will be posted on SAM.gov and each AOI will outline scope, specific proposal instructions or evaluation criteria, and open/close dates.

The over-arching strategy involves the use of this 5-year BAA to quickly and efficiently execute R&D to identify, explore, and demonstrate new technologies and capabilities that will help enable CWMD and stakeholders to prevent, protect against, respond to, and mitigate nuclear, chemical, radiological, and biological threats and incidents. This strategy will provide DHS an acquisition tool with the flexibility to solicit proposals and make awards to provide innovative solutions to countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), as ever-changing urgent operational issues and capability gaps are identified.

This BAA will remain "open" for 5 years; however, white papers and proposals will only be solicited and accepted during the timeframes specified within the AOIs posted periodically throughout the life of this over-arching BAA. All prospective proposers can learn more about the available AOIs by reading the notice IDs to BAA No.

70RWMD24R00000003, which will detail all open AOIs. More detail on AOIs is provided in Section 8 of this BAA. All AOIs will be posted on SAM.gov. It is expected notice IDs for AOIs will be added regularly, modifications to existing AOI topics, changes in submission details, deadlines, etc. Therefore, proposers will be responsible for reviewing and ensuring submissions adhere to the AOI details. Each AOI will:

(1) Include an individual AOI Number specific to the R&D being solicited;

(2) Contain specific cutoff dates for white paper and/or proposal submissions, if applicable. Any proposal submissions received by the Government after the submission deadline will not be accepted unless receipt of the proposal would not unduly delay the acquisition and it was the only proposal received.

(3) Identify if a single phased evaluation or a two phased evaluation process will be utilized (Section 1.6);

(4) Identify any changes to the standard evaluation criteria or white paper and/or proposal preparation instructions (Section 4 and Section 5);

(5) Identify specific R&D portfolio research areas the AOI aligns with Section 1.2;

(6) Identify the Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) at the beginning and conclusion of the research to be conducted (Attachment A);

(7) Identify anticipated number of selections;

(8) Identify anticipated ceiling & period of performance;

(9) Identify anticipated award type;

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(10) Identify anticipated award dates;

(11) Notify proposers of contractor support services to be utilized for review processes;

and

(12) Provide instructions to proposers and indicate a deadline for submitting questions regarding the AOI.

It is anticipated that this BAA will be unrestricted. Small businesses are encouraged to propose on all of the AOIs. The NAICS code, unless otherwise stated under a specific AOI, shall be 541715 (i.e., Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences except Biotechnology), and the size standard is 1,000 employees. White papers and proposals submitted shall be in accordance with this BAA, Notice IDs for AOIs, and/or applicable, amendment(s).

This announcement is restricted to work relating to the following types of R&D under the following TRLs. For more information on TRLs, see Attachment A:

• Basic Research (TRL 1-2): Includes a systematic study directed toward greater knowledge of understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and/or observable facts which is normally conducted without specific applications toward processes or products in mind. CWMD efforts under this R&D type will lead to a small-scale demonstration of a component prototype technology in a laboratory environment.

• Applied Research (TRL 3-4): Includes a systematic study directed toward greater knowledge of understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and/or observable facts to determine the means by which a recognized and specific operational need may be met. CWMD efforts under this R&D type will lead to a demonstration of a prototype technology in a laboratory environment.

• Technology Development (TRL 4-5): The systematic application of knowledge toward the production of useful materials, devices, and systems or methods that leverage the results of applied research activities to include validation and demonstration of a chosen technology in laboratory, representative, and operational environments and improvement on research prototypes. CWMD efforts under this R&D type will lead to a demonstration of a component or system prototype technology in a laboratory or realistic simulated operational environment.

• Systems Development (TRL 5-6): The systematic application of knowledge toward the production of useful materials, devices, and systems or methods that leverage the results of applied research activities to include integration into systems and subsystems; addressing manufacturing, producibility, and sustainability needs; and independent developmental test and evaluation. CWMD efforts under this R&D type will lead to a demonstration of a system prototype technology in a realistic simulated operational environment.

• Developmental Test & Evaluation (T&E) (TRL 7): A program that is being tested in an operational environment to determine if it works as intended or requires further development should be funded through R&D and is considered to be in TRL 7. CWMD efforts under this R&D type will lead to a demonstration of a system prototype technology in an operational environment.

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The research and development TRLs for this BAA are dependent on the specific CWMD threat being addressed.

AOIs will not be issued under this BAA for hardware procurement or acquisitions but may cover that part of development not related to the development of a specific system or hardware procurement (FAR 35.016(a)). This BAA does not cover contractor support personnel services; such submissions are considered non-compliant with this BAA and will be rejected without evaluation.

1.2 Program Mission, Portfolios, and Research Areas

The mission of CWMD is to counter attempts by terrorists or other threat actors to carry out an attack against the United States or its interests using a weapon of mass destruction. The DHS CWMD R&D appropriation provides resources necessary to identify, explore, and demonstrate new technologies and capabilities that will help enable DHS and its stakeholders to prevent, protect against, respond to, and mitigate nuclear, chemical, radiological, and biological threats and incidents.

Each AOI may denote specific development requirements, portfolio research area the AOI falls under, and TRLs. Therefore, open AOIs may include one or more of the following portfolios: Biological Defense, Chemical Defense, Radiological/ Nuclear, Data Analytics portfolios, and their designated research areas. Portfolios are generally defined below for the purpose of helping interested proposers understand the types of needs and their potential scope:

Biological Defense Portfolio (BDP) A review of the current state of biological detection and mission needs identified the need to improve sensor detection technologies. This includes prioritizing which agents are most likely to be utilized or dispersed, developing technologies that can detect agents faster, identify new, emerging or engineered pathogens autonomously, promoting field-forward technologies with agnostic detection capabilities, and detect pathogens at a reduced cost. BDP may include but is not limited to the following research areas:

1. Reducing time interval between detection and confirmation that a biological attack has occurred.

2. Advancement of autonomous detection/identification/ characterization technologies.

3. Bringing Biological Detection Technologies Field-Forward.

4. Agent Agnostic Detection.

5. Reducing the overall costs of biological detection systems.

6. Develop widespread environmental monitoring and detection capability.

Chemical Defense Portfolio (CDP) CDP has considered chemical threat detection scenarios relevant to DHS operational components, as well as a set of identified deficiencies in currently fielded chemical detection equipment. An assessment of the current state of chemical detection and the research drivers has identified but is not limited to the following research areas:

1. Transportation defense: improved checkpoint and mass transit chemical threat detection.

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2. Wide area monitoring for early Chemical threat warning.

3. Improved fieldable detection and identification for chemical threats.

Radiological/ Nuclear Portfolio (R/N) Based on an assessment of the current state of R/N detection and the research drivers CWMD has identified needs in the following research areas. R/N may include but is not limited to the following research areas:

1. Cost-effective R/N equipment with sufficient performance and reduced operational burden to ensure widespread deployment.

2. Detection of special nuclear material even when heavily shielded.

3. Monitoring along challenging pathways and in between ports of entry for R/N threats.

4. Monitoring threats of interior origin.

5. Cargo container inspection.

Data Analytics Portfolio (DAP) The principal technical aim of CWMD’s investment in data analytics is fourfold: 1) to increase detection sensitivity to threats (radioactive, chemical, and biological); 2) to increase the selectivity of detection systems, minimizing the number of false alarms; 3) to optimize throughputs at checkpoint, chokepoints, or elsewhere; 4) to expand the coverage of possible threats over broad areas. Cost-effective R/N equipment with sufficient performance and reduced operational burden to ensure widespread deployment.

DAP may include but is not limited to the following research areas:

1. Increase Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) detection sensitivity (greater probability of detection)

2. Increase CBRN detection selectivity (fewer false alarms and nuisance alarms)

3. Increase the speeds of scanning and detection (maximizing throughput)

4. Devise sensor networking methodologies (maximizing coverage)

5. Capture sensor and program data (maximizing analytic opportunity)

6. Improve the DHS ability to maintain WMD awareness by developing advanced algorithms. For example, algorithmic improvements that assist the National Biosurveillance Integration Center (NBIC) in performing its mission (maximizing awareness)

NOTE: All prospective proposers can learn more about the available AOIs by reading the prospective Notice IDs related to this BAA, which detail open AOIs. All AOIs and their respective notice IDs are posted on SAM.gov. AOIs are expected to be added regularly to reflect new AOI topics, modifications to existing AOI topics, changes to submission details, deadlines, etc. Therefore, proposers are responsible for reviewing and ensuring submissions adhere to the AOI details.

1.3 Agency Name

Department of Homeland Security Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Research & Development Division

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2707 Martin Luther King Jr. AVE SE Washington, DC 20528

1.4 Program Name

CWMD Research & Development

1.5 Research Opportunity Number

Solicitation Number 70RWMD24R00000003

1.6 Area of Interest and Process Overview

DHS CWMD Office will not issue paper copies of this announcement. DHS CWMD reserves the right to recommend for award and fund all, some, or none of the proposals received in response to this BAA. No funding for direct reimbursement of proposal development costs will be allowed. White papers, Technical and Cost proposals, or any other material submitted in response to AOIs issued under this BAA will not be returned. However, depending on the markings on the proposal, DHS CWMD will adhere to FAR policy on handling source selection information and proprietary information contained in proposals. It is the policy of DHS CWMD to treat all proposals as sensitive competitive information and to disclose their contents only for the purposes of evaluation. Documents containing sensitive information that are not suitable for uncontrolled public dissemination should be marked “For Official Use Only” (FOUO). When transmitted electronically, FOUO proposals should be sent with password protection. Proposal pages with business proprietary information should be marked clearly with header or footer stating: “Business Proprietary Information.”

Hard copy, facsimile, or hand delivered white papers or proposals will not be permitted or accepted.

Awards may take the form of FAR-based contracts. In the event a proposer’s subcontractor is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), Department of Energy National Laboratory, or other Federally funded entity, DHS CWMD will work with the appropriate sponsoring agency to issue an Interagency Agreement (IAA) pursuant to Section 309 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Economy Act (31 U.S.C. 1535) or other appropriate authority. Therefore, the applicable laws and regulations governing the legal vehicle used for award will depend on the legal vehicle chosen by DHS CWMD. In this regard, proposers should propose a preferred vehicle type for DHS CWMD to consider for award.

Depending on the nature of the requirements for each AOI, the following evaluation approaches will be used for purposes of minimizing the costs and efforts for prospective proposers. The single phased process and two phased processes may use oral presentations.

AOIs will denote if oral presentations will be used.

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1.6.1 Single Phased Evaluation Process

The Single Phased Evaluation Process will begin with the AOI announcement, followed by receipt and evaluation of proposals. The Evaluation Process will consist of the evaluation of Volume I (limited to 14 pages, excluding the cover sheet), Volume II, and Volume III. Once the peer/scientific review process has been completed, a proposer will be notified in writing, typically via e-mail, that its proposal has been Recommended for Further Consideration of Award, Recommended for Further Consideration of Award But No Available Funding, or Not Recommended for Further Consideration of Award. See the following figure for a visual representation of the flow of events.

There may be instances when proposers receive a rating of “Recommend for Further Consideration of Award But No Available Funding.” Notification of this rating does not initiate negotiations, but instead informs the proposer that its proposal satisfies the definition of “Acceptable”, however our program team determined that there is insufficient funding.

This rating reserves the right for DHS to enter negotiations with the proposer at a future date but no more than 6 months after the proposer receives this rating notification. The proposer may also be contacted at any time after receiving notice of this rating that DHS will not advance its proposal in this BAA-AOI evaluation process. Note: if the Government enters into negotiations with a proposer, the Government is not obligated to make an award.

Figure 1: Single Phased Evaluation Process

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1.6.2 Two Phased Evaluation Process

The two-phased evaluation process will consist of the AOI then receipt, and evaluation of both white papers and proposals. Under this evaluation process, Phase 1 will begin with the AOI solicitation, followed by receipt and review of the white papers from potential proposers.

Entries in the various sections of the white papers should be concise and conform to the specified formatting and word count limitations as indicated in the BAA. Once the white paper peer/scientific review process has been completed, potential proposers will be notified in writing, typically via e-mail, whether the Government is “Interested” or “Not Interested” in the concept presented in the white paper. Although the Government does not expect to receive proposals from potential proposers whose white papers the Government deemed “Not Interested”, proposers are not prohibited from submitting a proposal.

After the advisory down-selection process is completed for white papers, then Phase 2 will proceed with notification to potential proposers if the Government is “interested” or “not interested.” receipt of proposal; and evaluation of a proposal. Once the proposal peer/scientific evaluation process has been completed, proposers will be notified in writing, typically via e-mail, that its proposal has been Recommended for Further Consideration of Award, Recommended for Further Consideration of Award But No Available Funding, or Not Recommended for Further Consideration of Award.

There may be instances when proposers receive a rating of “Recommend for Further Consideration of Award But No Available Funding.” Notification of this rating does not initiate negotiations, but instead informs the proposer that its proposal satisfies the definition of “Acceptable”, however our program team determined that there is insufficient funding.

This rating reserves the right for DHS to enter negotiations with the proposer at a future date but no more than 6 months after the proposer receives this rating notification. The proposer may also be contacted at any time after receiving notice of this rating that DHS will not advance its proposal in this BAA-AOI evaluation process.

Proposers Not Recommended for Further Consideration of Award will receive a brief written rationale for the decision, however, debriefings will not be conducted. See the following figure for a visual representation of the Two-Phased Evaluation process. Note:

if the Government enters into negotiations with a proposer, the Government is not obligated to make an award.

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Figure 2: Two-Phased Evaluation Process

2 AWARD INFORMATION

2.1 Anticipated Award Date

The anticipated award dates will be specified under each AOI.

2.2 Anticipated Funding for the Program

Estimated Value: The value of this BAA will not exceed $182.3 million dollars over its five-year duration. Multiple awards are anticipated and subject to change, dependent on the mission priorities and funding availability.

2.3 Limitation of Funds

The Government reserves the right to incrementally fund contracts awarded from this BAA.

2.4 Type of Contract/Instrument

It is anticipated that the majority of awards issued under this BAA will be in the form of Cost Reimbursement type contracts. The Government reserves the right to award FAR-based contracts or Interagency Agreements (IAAs) to appropriate parties should the situation warrant.

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2.5 Number of Awards Anticipated

The total projected number of awards under this BAA is unknown at this time. The anticipated number of awards for an AOI will be specified within notice IDs realted to this BAA. DHS CWMD reserves the right to recommend for award and fund all, some, or none of the prospective contracts as a result of the proposals received in response this BAA.

2.6 Expected Amount of Individual Awards

The anticipated value of individual awards will be specified in notice IDs addressing AOIs.

2.7 Anticipated Period of Performance for Individual Awards

The anticipated initial period of performance for each award will not exceed 12 months, with exceptions to non-severable actions where 3-year money is available for use. Awards may include options to extend the period of performance. Specific period of performance guidance will be specified in AOIs, depending on the type of research to be conducted.

2.8 Provisions and Contract Clauses

Contracts from this announcement are awarded under the authority using scientific review through the procedures described in FAR Part 35 and are not controlled by general procedures of FAR Part 15, except if noted by regulation. Given the inherent nature of a BAA, the specific terms, conditions, and contract clauses will largely be determined by the specific nature of the proposed project, as well as the appropriate contract and entity type.

Accordingly, contract clauses will be identified and defined during negotiations prior to an award.

Proposers are advised to review the provisions and clauses relevant to the project being considered for proposal to ensure compliance with all terms and conditions. Unless otherwise authorized, the FAR as well as the Homeland Security Acquisition Regulations (HSAR) will be applicable to any FAR-based contract made under this announcement.

3 ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

This BAA is open to ALL responsible sources unless otherwise stated in the AOI. Proposers may include single entities or teams from academia, private sector organizations, Government laboratories, and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), including Department of Energy National Laboratories and Centers.

To be eligible for award, the proposer must be able to demonstrate the ability to achieve the goals and objectives of the proposed project. Proposers must have the minimum financial and technical capabilities to comply with the proposed performance specifications, schedule, technical controls, facilities, equipment, and other organizational requirements for performance. Duplicate submissions across more than one AOI topic or multiple submissions to the same AOI topic with little-to-no material difference are discouraged and may be rejected. Proposers must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) with the appropriate North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code prior to white paper submission. Registration can be completed on SAM.gov.

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3.1 Federally Funded Research & Development Centers

FFRDCs, including Department of Energy National Laboratories and Centers and Department of Defense Laboratories are eligible to respond to this BAA, individually or as a team member of an eligible principal proposer, as long as such responses are permitted under a sponsoring agreement between the Government and the specific FFRDC. Please refer to notice IDs related to this BAA to see if an AOI has restrictions on FFRDC participation.

3.2 Nonprofit Organizations, Educational Institutions and Small Business Set Aside

The Government encourages Nonprofit Organizations, Educational Institutions, Small Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) concerns, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), Minority Institutions (MI), Women-Owned Businesses (WB), Small Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), and Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) zone enterprises as well as large businesses, academic institutions, and Government laboratories to submit white papers and/or proposals for consideration and/or to join others in submitting proposals. However, no portion of the BAA will be set aside for these special entities pursuant to FAR 19.502-2, because of the impracticality of reserving discrete or severable areas of research and development in any specific requirement area.

3.3 Organizational Conflict of Interest

Organizational Conflict of Interest issues will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, as outlined below. Proposers who have existing contract(s), or contracts within the past year, with Advisory and Assistance Support (A&AS) directly to the DHS CWMD will receive particular scrutiny.

3.3.1 Determination. Prospective proposers should review FAR Subpart 9.5— Organizational Conflicts of Interest. The Contracting Officer may determine that this effort may result in an actual or potential conflict of interest or may provide one or more proposers with the potential to obtain an unfair competitive advantage based on the information provided or based on knowledge of the Contracting Officer.

3.3.2 Nonprofit Organizations, Educational Institutions and Small Business Set Aside.

If any such conflict of interest is found to exist, the Contracting Officer may (1) disqualify the proposer, or (2) determine that it is otherwise in the best interest of the United States to contract with the proposer and include the appropriate provisions to mitigate or avoid such conflict in the contract awarded. 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 proposer may be found ineligible for award.

3.3.3 Disclosure. All members of the proposed team for the project (including any subcontractors or consultants) must certify whether their organization, including its individual team members and proposed subcontractors or consultants, have provided similar support to any U.S. Government agency. If a proposer’s team includes former DHS federal employees or a member who has provided A&AS support to DHS or another U.S.

Government agency with whom DHS engages, it is the responsibility of the proposer to disclose this information and demonstrate that no potential conflict of interest exists. The proposer must represent, as part of its proposal and to the best of its knowledge that:

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3.3.3.1 The proposer is not aware of any facts which create any actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest relating to the award of this contract; or if the proposer represents that it is not aware of any facts which create any actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest relating to the award of this contract, the proposer will nevertheless provide in its proposal a description of the analysis/due diligence it performed that informed its representation. The proposer should discuss what methods it used, such as employee interviews and contract reviews, to determine that no facts appear to exist that create any actual or potential organizational conflict of interest.

3.3.3.2 The proposer has included information in its 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.

3.3.4 Mitigation/Waiver. If a proposer with a potential or actual conflict of interest or unfair competitive advantage believes the conflict can be mitigated, neutralized, or avoided, the proposer may 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. The Government acknowledges that approval of a mitigation plan does not eliminate the possibility of an Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) issue arising. Minimum required contents of a mitigation plan are as follows.

The plan will:

3.3.4.1 Demonstrate an understanding of OCI principles to include the types of harm, both to the Government and to the contractor, that can result from unresolved organizational conflicts of interest;

3.3.4.2 Define company roles, responsibilities, and procedures for screening existing and new business opportunities for actual and potential OCI;

3.3.4.3 Identify any affiliated companies/entities and the procedures for coordinating OCI actions with such affiliated companies/entities;

3.3.4.4 Provide a detailed discussion of the potential or actual conflict(s);

3.3.4.5 Describe how the proposer will require its subcontractor(s) to comply with the mitigation plan and discuss any effect on any subcontractor’s organizational conflicts of interest plans;

3.3.4.6 Describe any firewalling of subcontractors;

3.3.4.7 Describe how it will ensure inputs to the Government are derived from objective judgment;

3.3.4.8 Describe how its recommendations to the Government will not generate more work for itself under another contract;

3.3.4.9 Describe the benefits, as well as risks, of its mitigation plan;

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3.3.4.10 Describe how its mitigation actions will not adversely affect performance of its contract(s);

3.3.4.11 Set forth detailed procedures the performer would follow in order to implement its plan, to include signed certification from performer’s employees who are subject to the mitigation plan;

3.3.4.12 Discuss its plans to review documents for OCI issues regardless of whether those documents are marked as sensitive or proprietary;

3.3.4.13 Address any training the performer will provide to its employees, including anticipated duration, frequency, and content, and exit training, as well as how the performer will enforce attendance/compliance;

3.3.4.14 Require the contractor to notify the Contracting Officer of any conflicts that arise and contain mechanisms to address such conflicts;

3.3.4.15 Provide for compliance verification methods, such as regular contractor-led compliance audits as well as periodic compliance audits by the Contracting Officer;

3.3.4.16 Define which records related to this plan will be made available to the Government upon request; and,

3.3.4.17 Include a requirement that the plan be updated at least annually and as necessary to ensure its continued effectiveness.

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

3.3.6 Corporation Change. The successful performer shall inform the Contracting Officer at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of any corporate mergers, acquisitions, and divestures that may affect this provision.

3.3.7 Flow-down. The successful performer shall insert the substance of this clause in each first- tier subcontract that exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold.

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4 EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria, which are listed in descending order of importance.

4.1 Criterion I Strategic Impact - assess the relevance of the proposed technical effort to agency programs.

4.2 Criterion II Technical Approach and Implementation - assess the feasibility of the proposed technical effort.

4.3 Criterion III Cost/ Price Realism and Reasonableness - assess the proposed costs are reasonable and realistic for the proposed technical effort.

For evaluation criteria content of white papers, please reference Section 5.3.2, Format and Content of White Paper, of the BAA. For the evaluation content of proposals, please reference Section 5.4.2, Format and Content of Proposal, of the BAA.

5 APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

The following submission preparation instructions may apply in total, or in part, to each AOI. Each AOI under this BAA will detail which submission preparation instructions apply. Submissions shall be in accordance with this announcement and any instructions specific to a particular AOI. Submission deadlines are established per AOI and will be communicated through notice IDs for AOIs posted to SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of potential proposers and proposers to monitor SAM.gov for updates (e.g. AOIs that may permit extensions to a submission date communicated via SAM.gov.)

Possible submission types in response to an AOI are outlined in the matrix below:

Submission Type White Paper Full Proposal Oral Presentation

Single Phase Written Proposal N/A

Volume 1: Not to Exceed 14 pages

N/A Volume 2: Not to Exceed 30 pages Volume 3: Unlimited (.xls format)

Single Phase Oral Presentation Proposal N/A

Volume 1: Not to Exceed 10 pages

Proposer may invite up to 6 participants including all

Key Personnel in Microsoft Teams setting

(organized by Government)

Volume 2: Not to Exceed 30 pages

Volume 3: Unlimited (.xls format)

Two-Phase Written White Paper, Written Proposal

Not to Exceed 4 pages

Volume 1: Not to Exceed 14 pages

N/A Volume 2: Not to Exceed 30 pages Volume 3: Unlimited (.xls format)

Two-Phase Oral Presentation White

Not to Exceed 2 pages

Volume 1: Not to Exceed 14 pages

Proposer may invite up to 6 participants including all

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Paper, Written Proposal

Volume 2: Not to Exceed 30 pages

Key Personnel in Microsoft Teams setting

(organized by Government) Volume 3: Unlimited (.xls format)

Two-Phase Written White Paper, Oral Presentation Proposal

Not to Exceed 4 pages

Volume 1: Not to Exceed 10 pages

Proposer may invite up to 6 participants including all

Key Personnel in Microsoft Teams setting

(organized by Government)

Volume 2: Not to Exceed 30 pages

Volume 3: Unlimited (.xls format)

Two-Phase with Written White Paper and Oral Presentation Proposal

Not to Exceed 2 pages

Volume 1: Not to Exceed 10 pages

Proposer may invite up to 6 participants including all

Key Personnel in Microsoft Teams setting

(organized by Government)

Volume 2: Not to Exceed 30 pages Volume 3: Unlimited (.xls format)

5.1 BAA Package Download

This BAA package may be downloaded in its entirety from the Contract Opportunities section of SAM website at http://www.SAM.gov.

5.2 Oral Presentations

The Government may choose to require portions of the white paper and/or proposal be provided as an in-person or virtual oral presentation in lieu of a complete written submission.

The evaluation criteria are found herein (Section 4). White Paper and Proposal Submission Instructions are found herein (Section 5). Each AOI will communicate the Government’s decision on the use of oral presentations.

5.2.1 Oral Presentation Medium

The Government may hold oral presentations virtually via a Microsoft Teams meeting.

However, at the discretion of the Government, oral presentations may take place via another video teleconferencing (VTC) medium or voice-only telephone. Proposers shall not purchase any VTC software in response to this solicitation and will not be reimbursed for any costs associated. By participating in the oral presentations, the Proposer acknowledges that it is in compliance with all BAA and AOI rules and parameters, in accordance with applicable laws and statutes.

5.2.2 Proposer Participants in Oral Presentations

No more than six (6) total proposer’s participants shall attend the oral presentation. At least one (1) individual who will serve as Project Manager shall attend the presentation. The http://www.fedbizopps.gov/

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Government desires that the remaining participants be personnel the proposer deems as Key Personnel and/or the responsible corporate official. Participants must be an employee of the proposer or subcontractor(s).

5.2.3 Recording of Oral Presentations and Scientific Engagement Discussions

Recording of oral presentations by proposers is strictly prohibited, notwithstanding local laws and regulations with regards to virtual meetings or voice-only telephone oral presentations. The Government reserves the right to record oral presentations and scientific engagement discussions. If recorded, the recording will be source selection sensitive and will be handled accordingly.

5.2.4 Exchanges During Oral Presentations

The Government intends to engage in interactive dialogue during the oral presentations. These exchanges are viewed as a component of the oral presentation itself and do not constitute discussions.

The Government reserves the right to take notes and ask clarifying questions.

5.3 White Paper Format and Submission Process

CWMD will not reimburse proposers for any white paper preparation costs.

5.3.1 White Paper Submission Instructions

White papers will only be requested for AOIs issued pursuant to the Two-Phased Process (see Section 1.6). Potential proposers are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the white paper process but are not required to submit a white paper in advance of a proposal. White papers shall be submitted on or before the deadline listed in the AOI (not later than 30 calendar days from AOI posting), in electronic format and emailed to the inbox – CWMDBAA@hq.dhs.gov. White paper submissions consist of one (1) attachment (see Section 5.3.2 for white paper format and content) in the email submission. Specific guidance is provided below regarding the email and white paper file name format.

In the email subject line, please use “CWMD BAA White Paper Submission for <organization>, Solicitation Number 70RWMD24R00000003 Area of Interest ##”

Each white paper file name will include the following: “CWMDBAA-PP-0#-XXXX,” where “0#” = number of white paper submission, and “XXXX” = four letter character shortcut for organization name

Example: Company A, Inc.’s submission for one white paper comprised of one (1) file in the attached email: Subject: CWMD BAA White Paper

Submission for Company A, Inc.

The email submission should at least include the following information:

• Organization: Company A, Inc.

mailto:CWMDBAA@hq.dhs.gov

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• Submitted by: <first last name>, <title>, <email of submitter>

• Area of Interest Number: ##

• Attached file for submission:

1. white paper: CWMDBAA-PP-01-COMA.pdf

• Request for receipt confirmation? (YES or NO)

Hard copy, facsimile, or hand delivered white papers will not be permitted or accepted.

White papers should be submitted well in advance of the deadline for submission, to ensure completion of the electronic submission process by the date and time of the deadline, as stated in the AOI. Any white paper submissions received by the Government after the deadline for submission will not be accepted. It is highly encouraged that proposers do not wait until the last minute to submit their white paper(s). Receipt of white papers will be handled in accordance with FAR 15.208 and FAR 52.215-1.

5.3.2 Format and Content of White Paper

White papers should capture the essence of a complete proposal and are designed to permit potential proposers an opportunity to obtain feedback from CWMD on their proposed project without having to go to the expense and effort of writing a proposal. Such exchanges are to improve the understanding of Government requirements and industry capabilities, thereby allowing the potential proposers to judge whether or how they can satisfy the Government’s requirements and to enhance the Government’s ability to obtain quality supplies and services, at reasonable prices, and increase efficiency in proposal preparation, proposal evaluation, and contract award.

5.3.2.1 Format and Content of White Paper (Written Submission Only)

The white paper shall consist of a maximum of four (4) pages, including all pictures, figures, tables, and charts in legible size. The Quad Chart described below is included in the four-page limit. The cover sheet will not be included in the four-page limit. The AOI may denote a different maximum page limit. In these cases, the AOI will take precedence.

A white paper is a single electronic file in PDF format, viewable by Microsoft Windows 10 compatible machines. The individual white paper file size must be no more than 20 MB.

White papers shall not exceed three pages (standard size: 8.5” by 11”) using 1” margins and 12-point fonts or larger for text and 9-point fonts or larger for pictures, figures, tables and charts. The white paper should contain the following information in the following order:

• Cover Sheet (see Attachment B for format, not included in four-page limit);

• Quad Chart (see Attachment D for format, included in four-page limit);

• Three-page summary capturing information not included in the Quad Chart or Cover

Sheet abstract to include:

o Technical Approach and Implementation: Describe the main research goals, and main tasks and methodologies to be employed to achieve these goals.

Point out the critical research path to the proposed investigation, to include what will specifically be accomplished during the initial phase(s) of the effort to achieve research objectives.

o Team Capability and Experience: List and describe the extent of your team’s past experience and current capabilities to successfully execute the proposed

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o Management Approach: Provide a summary description of the management structure and approach for the effort.

5.3.2.2 Format and Content of White Paper (Written and Oral Presentation Submission)

The Government may choose to require portions of the white paper be provided as an in-person or virtual oral presentation in lieu of written submission. If the Government chooses to use oral presentations for the white paper process, only the Strategic Impact Criteria will be evaluated during oral presentations with a meeting duration that will be determined within the AOI. The oral presentation will be a meeting organized by the Government with the potential proposer in accordance with Section 5.2 of this BAA. The Government may ask the potential proposer to discuss the following but is not limited to:

• Provide additional thoughts on technology transition activities

• Provide clarification(s) on technical, performance or cost risks in achieving CWMD mission objectives

• Discuss the expected performance of the technology or system with respect to the

BAA AOI

Note: The Government may change the questions at the AOI level. The Government does not have to ask all questions and intends to enter into a dialogue with the potential proposer.

The white paper in conjunction with oral presentations shall consist of a maximum of two (2) pages, including all pictures, figures, tables, and charts in legible size. The Quad Chart described below is included in the two-page limit. The cover sheet will not be included in the two-page limit. The AOI may denote a different maximum page limit. In these cases, the AOI will take precedence.

The Technical Approach and Implementation criteria will then be evaluated via written submission. The written white paper will be a single electronic file in PDF format, viewable by Microsoft Windows 10 compatible machines. The individual white paper file size must be no more than 20 MB. White papers shall not exceed two pages (standard size: 8.5” by 11”) using 1” margins and 12-point fonts or larger for text and 9-point fonts or larger for pictures, figures, tables and charts. The white paper should contain the following information in the following order:

• Cover Sheet (see Attachment B for format, not included in two-page limit);

• Quad Chart (see Attachment D for format, included in two-page limit);

• One page summary capturing information not included in the Quad Chart or Cover

Sheet abstract to include:

o Technical Approach and Implementation: Describe the main research goals, and main tasks and methodologies to be employed to achieve these goals.

Point out the critical research path to the proposed investigation, to include what will specifically be accomplished during the initial phase(s) of the effort to achieve research objectives.

o Team Capability and Experience: List and describe the extent of your team’s past experience and current capabilities to successfully execute the proposed research project.

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o Cost: Provide a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost to accomplish the technical approach

5.3.3 White Paper Review Process

White papers will go through an informal review process instead of a formal evaluation as described in Section 5. During this review process, white papers will be reviewed by subject matter experts that are Federal employees. The reviewers can also seek the assistance of A&AS contractors, who have signed appropriate non-disclosure agreements. For additional information about the use of non-federal advisors in the evaluation process, see Section 5.7, Evaluation Panel.

If the white paper is found to be responsive to the AOI, CWMD may schedule a brief (no more than 20 minutes) scientific engagement discussion with the potential proposer. If oral presentations apply to the AOI, the scientific engagement discussion will be held immediately after the oral presentation. The primary purpose of the scientific engagement discussion is for the Government to learn more about the proposed research concept, the proposer, and their capabilities. The Government will not be obligated by these scientific engagement discussions, and nothing discussed will authorize the proposer to work, start work, or bill for work. During these scientific discussion engagement sessions, CWMD:

• Will ask clarifying questions about the information provided in the written white paper and oral presentation, if applicable. This includes questions to get an understanding of the advantages and issues associated with a particular technical approach or business practice.

• Will not attempt to replace the potential proposer’s original ideas with their own.

• Will not share ideas of technical solutions that were provided by another potential source.

• Will not provide information concerning the objectives/requirements of the AOI to one potential proposer without providing the information to all potential proposers.

White papers will be reviewed against two (2) criteria, in descending order of importance:

Strategic Impact and Technical Approach and Implementation, which are described in Section 4, above.

After this review, CWMD will promptly notify potential proposers, that either their white paper was deemed “Interested” and are encouraged to submit a proposal; or deemed “Not Interested” and are not encouraged to submit a proposal. It is anticipated that white paper notifications will be provided no later than 10 days after the white paper deadline. If a white paper was deemed “Not Interested”, feedback will be provided. If a white paper submission is deemed “Interested”, comments and questions regarding the white paper will be provided, which may include comments regarding the potential proposer’s apparent capability and experience and management approach. Although the Government doesn’t expect to receive proposals from potential proposers whose white papers were deemed “Not Interested”, they are not prohibited from submitting a proposal.

5.4 Proposal Format and Submission Process

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CWMD will not reimburse proposers for any proposal preparation costs.

5.4.1 Proposal Submission Instructions

The evaluation of proposals submitted in response to each AOI shall follow either the Single Phased Evaluation Process, or the Two Phased Evaluation Process (see Section 1.6). The terms of each AOI will dictate the evaluation process the Government will use for proposal evaluation.