BAA-21-R-NCFT.pdf

Short Title: BAA Network -CFT Solicitation Number: BAA-21-R-NCFT

The Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG)

On behalf of the Army Futures Command, Network Cross-Functional Team (Network-CFT) releases the Network-CFT

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA) 2021

Announcement Number: BAA-21-R-NCFT

Original Issue Date: 30 OCTOBER 2020

Important Please assess the entire announcement carefully prior to any response.

The Network-CFT BAA utilizes a two-phase process to solicit offers and select a source for award.

• Phase One – Step One: Submission of White Papers Step Two: Technological Demonstration (By Invitation Only)

• Phase Two – Submission of Proposals (By Invitation Only)

White Paper Submission: 1. Prospective Offerors must first register with Joint Communications Marketplace (JCM) Joint Tactical Networking Center (JTNC) site, via https://jtnc.force.com/ prior to the submission of WP.

See individual Call for White Paper (WP) for submissions due date. WP shall be submitted via email to the Network-CFT Mailbox, usarmy.apg.futures-cmd.list.ncft-market-research@mail.mil and via the JCM Joint Tactical Networking Center (JTNC) site, via https://jtnc.force.com/ include on the subject line Network-CFT BAA (i.e. Call for WP Number & Topic/Subtopic Number)

Type of Contract/Instrument: The Army reserves the right to award the instrument best suited to the nature of research proposed. Accordingly, the Government may award any appropriate contract type under the FAR or Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype, cooperative agreement, or OT for Research.

Note: Cost reimbursement contracts require successful Offerors to have an accounting system considered adequate for tracking costs applicable to the contract.

mailto:usarmy.apg.futures-cmd.list.ncft-market-research@mail.mil https://jtnc.force.com/

Contents

CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION

A. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Basic Research

2. Applied Research

B. BAA ELEMENTS AND OVERVIEW

C. POINTS OF CONTACT

II. SCOPE AND RESEARCH INTEREST INTRODUCTION FOR TOPICS

TOPIC NUMBER: N2001

TOPIC NUMBER: N2002

TOPIC NUMBER: N2003

TOPIC NUMBER: N2004

III. WHITE PAPER AND PROPOSAL INFORMATION

A. GENERAL WHITE PAPER AND PROPOSAL INFORMATION

B. WHITE PAPER PREPARATION, SUBMISSION, AND EVALUATION

1. Preparation

2. Submission

3. Evaluation

C. PROPOSAL PREPARATION, SUBMISSION, AND EVALUATION

1. Preparation

2. Submission

3. Evaluation

IV. OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION

CERTIFICATE OF CURRENT COST AND PRICING DATA

TYPE OF CONTRACT

COST-SHARING

AWARDS

RESTRICTIVE MARKING ON PROPOSALS

REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

I. INTRODUCTION

The BAA, announcement number BAA-21-R-NCFT, is sponsored by the U.S. AFC, Network-CFT and will be open for five (5) years from the date of original issue. This BAA will be valid through 29 October 2025, unless terminated sooner. This BAA includes research interests from the Network-CFT/PEO C3T (located at APG, Maryland and or other Government agencies).

U.S. AFC leads a continuous transformation of Army modernization in order to provide future warfighters with the concepts, capabilities, and organizational structures needed to dominate a future battlefield. The Network- CFT was established to address the most pressing challenges to the tactical network that our soldiers use on the battlefield. The Network-CFT brings the Warfighters, developers and testers to the center of the acquisition process through focused integration and disciplined innovation, enabling the Army to deliver leader-approved technology capabilities to warfighters. The Network-CFT is focused on integration of tactical network efforts and ensures disciplined innovation as it works with speed and precision. The Network-CFT is conducting experimentations and demonstrations of proven joint and special operations solutions, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technology, and Non-developmental items (NDIs) with operational units to inform future requirements.

The Network-CFT is promoting research to assist the Army with modernizing network with technology currently available. The plan is to deploy new network tools every two years as part of continuous network modernization plan.

A. GENERAL INFORMATION

This BAA is issued under the provisions of Parts 35.016 and 6.102(d)(2)(i) of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), which provides for the competitive selection of R&D proposals submitted in response to this announcement. FAR 35.016 provides for the issuance of a BAA as a means of requesting proposals for basic and applied research and that part of development not related to the development of a specific system or Hardware (HW) procurement. To be eligible for consideration and possible contract award, the technology or methodology shall be either basic research, applied research, advanced technology development not for a specific system/HW, or demonstration and validation. This BAA may be used by agencies to fulfill their requirements for scientific study and experimentation directed toward advancing the state-of-the-art or increasing knowledge or understanding rather than focusing on a specific system or HW solution; however, this BAA shall only be used when meaningful proposals with varying technical/scientific approaches can be reasonably anticipated.

1. Basic Research

Defined as research directed toward increasing knowledge in science with the primary aim being a fuller knowledge or understanding of the subject under study, rather than any practical application of that knowledge.

2. Applied Research

Is an effort that normally follows basic research, but may not be severable from the related basic research; attempts to determine and exploit the potential of scientific discoveries or improvements in technology, materials, processes, methods, devices, or techniques; and attempts to advance the state-of-the-art.

3. Development Defined as the systematic use of scientific and technical knowledge in the design, development, testing, or evaluation of a potential, new product or service (or of an improvement in an existing product or service) to meet specific performance requirements or objectives. It includes the functions of design engineering, prototyping, and engineering testing; it excludes subcontracted technical effort that is for the sole purpose of developing an additional source for an existing product.

B. BAA ELEMENTS AND OVERVIEW

1. This BAA is a hybrid combining elements of an open, two-phase, and with Calls for White Paper

(WP), offering maximum flexibility to the organization and opportunities for respondents.

An open BAA allows for WP submittals at any time until the expiration of this BAA. The Government reserves the right to not evaluate a WP submitted for topics other than the one identified in this BAA and based on funding availability and if the topic is not related to any area of this BAA. WP’s and proposals will be evaluated according to the instruction described herein.

The BAA utilizes a two-phase process to solicit offers and select a source for award.

• Phase One (1):

o Step One (1) - Submission of WP

Based on the WP evaluation, the Government shall make a decision to select Offeror (s) to participate in a no-cost technological demonstration or go directly to Phase two (2) Submission of Proposals.

o Step two (2) – Technological Demonstration (By Invitation Only)

• Phase Two (2): Submission of Proposals (By Invitation Only)

A two-phase BAA will invite potential Offerors to submit brief descriptive WP’s in lieu of full proposals. Full proposals are then requested from those potential Offerors selected in the Phase one (1) evaluation process. When proposals are received, they are evaluated and selected according the procedures described herein.

While this BAA will remain open, allowing WP submission at any time, the Government might also issue requests transmitted via “calls for WP,” using the beta SAM site, via https://beta.sam.gov/ and JCM (Joint Tactical Networking Center) site, via https://jtnc.force.com/ bringing attention to one or more areas of interest requesting potential Offerors to submit a WP. The “calls for WP” might further define the technology/Government needs etc., or will simply request a WP for a specific topic.

2. WP’s may be submitted at any time while this BAA remains open, as well as in direct response to a call. The Government may award a contract or other transaction at any time while this BAA remains open. An award may also be made after the BAA expiration date if the WP is received before the expiration date occurs. This award may occur no later than six (6) months after the BAA expiration date. Offerors that submit a proposal without first submitting a WP and receiving an invitation from the Government to submit a proposal will not be eligible for award.

3. This announcement must be general in nature, identify the areas of research interest, include criteria for submitting and evaluating WP’s, and solicit the participation of all Offerors capable of satisfying the Government's needs. Proposals that are selected for award are considered to be the result of full and open competition and in full compliance with the provisions of PL 98-369, the Competition in Contracting Act of 1984. Resulting agreements may be in the form of purchase orders, contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements depending upon the specifics of the effort, such as extent of Government involvement, actual scope of work, and cost.

4. N-CFT encourages industry interested in conducting scientific research, educational institutions, small businesses, and small disadvantaged business concerns, historically black colleges, university and minority business enterprises and institutions to submit WP’s.

5. The Government will consider Contractor Teaming Arrangements, as set forth in FAR Subpart 9.6, or Defense R&D Pools as set forth in FAR Subpart 9.7.

6. The Offeror, by submission of an offer or execution of a contract in response to this solicitation, certifies that the Offeror is not debarred, suspended, declared ineligible for award of public contracts, or proposed for debarment pursuant to FAR 9.406-2. If the Offeror cannot certify, or if the status of the Offeror changes prior to award, the Offeror must provide detailed information as to its current status.

7. This BAA is an expression of interest only and does not commit the Government to make an award or pay for WP or proposal preparation costs generated in response to this announcement. The cost of WP and proposal preparation for response to a BAA is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resultant contract or any other contract. Any award will be made subject to availability of appropriated funds. The prospective Offeror will be reminded that only a duly warranted Contracting Officer (KO), from the U.S. ACC, may obligate the Government to an agreement involving expenditure of Government funds. The Government reserves the right to fund all, some, one, or none of the WP’s or proposals received under this BAA. The Government anticipates making multiple awards subject to availability of funds.

8. This BAA may be amended to add new topics. Interested parties should be alert for any BAA amendments that may be published on the beta SAM site, via https://beta.sam.gov/ and on the JCM site, via https://jtnc.force.com/.

C. POINTS OF CONTACT

1. All submissions, technical questions, or clarifications shall be submitted via email to the Network-

CFT Mailbox, usarmy.apg.futures-cmd.list.ncft-market-research@mail.mil and via the JCM site, via https://jtnc.force.com/ included on the subject line Network-CFT BAA (i.e. Call for WP Number & Topic/Subtopic Number). No discussions by the technical staff are to be held with Offeror after proposal submission without PRIOR authorization from the KO.

2. Contractual questions shall be directed to the cognizant ACC representative identified in beta SAM.

II. SCOPE AND RESEARCH INTEREST INTRODUCTION FOR TOPICS

This section of the BAA contains statements of the research interests required by Network-CFT. Prior to WP submission, questions on technical matters and availability of project funding relating to a particular research interest should be submitted to the Network-CFT Mailbox, usarmy.apg.futures-cmd.list.ncft-market-research@mail.mil and via the JCM site, via https://jtnc.force.com/ included on the subject line Network- CFT BAA (i.e., Call for WP Number & Topic/Subtopic Number). If development in certain topic areas requires the interaction of several investigators from interdisciplinary areas, WP’s and proposals for comprehensive research programs will be considered. Only a limited number of such large programs can be initiated under this BAA. Inquiries related to comprehensive and interdisciplinary programs within the mission area of this directorate should be submitted to the Network-CFT using the mailbox and Joint Communications Marketplace site above.

NOTE: When responding/inquiring on a specific area of research, refer to the Topic Number listed on the following appropriate pages.

mailto:usarmy.apg.futures-cmd.list.ncft-market-research@mail.mil https://jtnc.force.com/ mailto:usarmy.apg.futures-cmd.list.ncft-market-research@mail.mil

For all the topic areas listed below, the maturity of the proposed technology should be at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or higher. The end state of the effort may be a set of demonstration/proof of concept systems that can be tested in a field environment.

TOPIC NUMBER: N2101

Unified Network

The Unified Network line of effort (LOE) is interested in the means of ensuring an available, reliable and resilient network that ensures seamless connectivity in any operationally contested environment.

TOPIC NUMBER: N2102

Common Operating Environment

The Common Operating Environment LOE is interested in the means of ensuring a simple and intuitive single-mission command suite that is easily operated and maintained by Soldier.

TOPIC NUMBER: N2103

Joint Interoperability/Coalition Accessible

The Joint Interoperability/Coalition Accessible LOE is interested in the means of ensuring Army Forces can more effectively interact (technically and operationally with Joint and Coalition partners.

TOPIC NUMBER: N2104

Command Post Mobility/Survivability

The Command Post Mobility/Survivability LOE is interested in the means of ensuring command posts’ deployability, reliability, mobility and survivability.

III. WHITE PAPER AND PROPOSAL INFORMATION

A. GENERAL WHITE PAPER AND PROPOSAL INFORMATION

1. Prospective Offerors must first register with JCM site, via https://jtnc.force.com/ prior to the submission of WP.

2. The Network-CFT will determine the primary basis for funding selection IAW FAR 35.016, “Broad Agency Announcement”, by evaluation of importance to mission/agency programs, technical merit/challenge, and funds availability. Therefore, those contemplating submission of an unsolicited WP are highly encouraged to contact the Network-CFT using the mailbox, usarmy.apg.futures-cmd.list.ncft-market-research@mail.mil and via the JCM site, https://jtnc.force.com/ for the particular Research Area to determine the level of interest to pursue the intended R&D effort and if funding may be available. This process is designed to limit potential Offerors and Government expenditure of efforts and resources to prepare and review WP’s (and eventually proposals) for projects that may have little or no opportunity to be funded.

3. To be eligible for award of a contract, all prospective Offerors, with the exception of other

Governments, including state and local Government agencies, must meet certain minimum standards pertaining to financial resources, adequacy of accounting systems, ability to comply with performance schedules, prior record of past performance, integrity, organizational structure, experience, operational controls, technical skills, facilities and equipment. For additional information and guidance concerning qualifications and standards for responsibility of prospective Contractors, please refer to FAR Part 9.

4. There are certain post-employment restrictions on former federal officers and employees

(Section 207 of Title 18, United States Code (U.S.C.). If a prospective Offeror believes a potential conflict of interest may exist, the situation must be brought to the attention of the KO before expending time and effort in proposal preparation.

5. Offerors that include data in their WP’s or proposals which they do not want disclosed to the public for any purpose, or used by the Government except for evaluation purposes by Network-CFT, shall be specifically identified in the summary WP or proposal and marked

IAW FAR 52.215-1.

6. Classified submissions, in part or in whole, will not be accepted. All WP/proposal submissions must be Unclassified.

B. WHITE PAPER PREPARATION, SUBMISSION, AND EVALUATION

1. Preparation

a. In preparing WP’s it is important that the Offeror keep the focus on scientific study and experimentation directed toward advancing the state-of-the-art or increasing knowledge or understanding.

b. WP submissions should include all the information specified in this announcement in order to avoid delays in evaluation. Offerors are advised that the quality of the information presented in the WP is significantly more important than the quantity.

c. The following general formatting requirements apply:

• Times New Roman 10 (or larger) single-spaced, single-sided, 21.6 x 27.9 cm (8.5 by 11 inches)

• Smaller type may be used in figures and tables, but must be clearly legible

• Margins on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right) should be at least 2.5 cm (1 inch)

• Page limit is eight (8) pages, which does not include cover and certification pages.

• DO NOT SUBMIT ANY CLASSIFIED INFORMATION.

d. White Paper Structure

A complete white paper will consist of four sections: Section one – Cover Sheet, Section two – Technical Description, Section three – Cost (Rough Order of magnitude (ROM)) and Section four – Affirmation of Business Status Certification:

i. Section One: Cover Sheet White Papers shall include a cover sheet (not counted toward the page limit) that includes:

a) Call for WP number and “Technology Area of Interest” the WP proposes to advance

b) The name of the Offeror and Primary point of contact, including name, address, phone and e-mail contact information

c) TRL

d) Schedule: Period of Performance

e) Total ROM

f) Date of submission

ii. Section Two: Technical Description

Ensure your technical description adequately describes the proposed approach and potential resulting contributions. The technical description shall include the following sections in the order given below, as applicable:

a) Importance to Mission/Agency Program (Contribution to the

“Technology Area(s) of Interest”): provide a high-level project overview describing how this contribution addresses one or more of the goals listed below:

o Enhanced Military or DoD System Capability – Describe how your proposed technology/project solves the capability/gap/problem presented, meets the desired and highly desired capabilities, and the scalability of the solution.

o Discuss the benefits of your product or technology as it applies to the “Technology Area(s) of Interest” addressed and how you would plan to transition deliverables to a Government acquisition program, including any restrictions on Government use, release, or disclosure of technical data or computer software presenting transition difficulty and/or increased risk/cost to the Government.

b) Technical Approach: Describe how the proposed technical approach is innovative or revolutionary (enabling technology), feasible, achievable, complete and supported by a technical team that has the expertise and experience to accomplish the proposed tasks, highlighting (as applicable):

o Clearly defined the technology/project objectives and scope.

o Overview of tasks and methods planned to achieve each objective.

o The final product to be delivered.

o Participants, including description of contributions and significance of each. Key personnel (including subcontractors and consultants).

o Facilities/Equipment necessary to carry out the proposed effort.

o Related to prior or current work, including SBIR/STRR contracts and IR&D projects.

o The current TRL of the technology/project and or product and testing you presume will be required by the Government in order for your technology or product to be incorporated into a defense system or military program.

o Reduces technical risk and mitigation plan: Describe how your proposed approach can reduce the probability of program failure.

o Time to field the technology: Describe how your proposed technology/project contributes to improving fielded timelines.

c) Schedule and Deliverables: Provide a proposed technology/project schedule and describe how the proposed schedule is achievable for the proposed technical approach. Discuss and/or use a Gantt chart or similar master planning tool to describe:

o Major activities/milestones o Deliverable o Metrics/measures of success o Potential risks and mitigation plans

iii. Section Three: Cost

The Government will consider affordability in making its Whitepaper acceptance/evaluation decision; therefore, the WP shall be required to contain cost information suitable for such evaluation.

This section shall include the ROM cost and narrative associated with meeting the technical requirements as described in the WP. ROM submissions shall be broken out by base and option(s) as outlined in the Call for WP and shall be inclusive of estimated costs for Labor, Material/Equipment, Other Direct Costs, Sub-contracts, and Fee/Profit.

Include the following table in this Section.

Cost Element ROM

Base Period

ROM

Option 1 Period Prime Contract Labor $- $-

Material/Equipment $- $-

Other Direct Costs (Travel, Software, Testing, Technical

Documentation, etc.)

Subcontractor/Consultant Labor

Fee/Profit $- $-

Total Solution ROM $- $-

The ROM Narrative shall include, at a minimum, details on the following cost categories for the ROM:

• Labor Rates. The ROM Narrative shall include the basis for which the estimated total labor hours were calculated. (i.e. Generic position titles and estimated rates and hours for those individuals.)

• Material/Equipment. Provide a list of the materials/equipment required to meet the technical approach as described in the White Paper and the estimated cost.

• Indirect Costs. Provide an estimate of the total indirect costs and provide data supporting how the estimate was calculated. This section should include a breakout of any estimated costs other than Labor and Material/Equipment. (i.e., Overhead, General and Administrative (G&A), etc.)

iv. Section four: Affirmation of Business Status Certification

Prime Offeror and its subcontractor/consultant shall complete the certification below. These certifications shall be included as an attachment to the White Paper and will not count toward the page limit.

Affirmation of Business Status Certification

Business Entity Proposed NAICS Code Industry Size Standard (Small / Large) Type of Small

Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) No.

Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code

Active SAM Registration ☐ Yes ☐ No Expiration Date:

Address 1 Address 2 City/State/Zip POC Name/Title POC phone/email

☐ Non-traditional Defense Contractor (NTDC) - A nontraditional defense contractor is an entity that is not currently performing and has not performed, for at least the one-year period preceding the issuance of this Request for White Papers by the Department of Defense, any contract or subcontract for the Department of Defense that is subject to full coverage under the cost accounting standards prescribed pursuant to section 1502 of title 41 of the U.S. Code and the regulations implementing such section. All small businesses are considered NTDCs. A small business is a business concern as defined under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632). To be considered a small business for the purposes of this RWP, a concern must qualify as a small business under the size standard for the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code, as described at 13 C.F.R. 121.201 and the proposed NAICS code above.

☐ Nonprofit research institution -means a nonprofit institution, as defined in 15 U.S.C. 3703, and includes federally funded research and development centers, as identified by the National Scientific Foundation in accordance with the government wide Federal Acquisition Regulation issued in accordance with section 1303(a)(1) of title 41 (or any successor regulation thereto)

☐ Traditional Defense Contractor - A traditional defense contractor is an entity that does not meet the definition of a non-traditional defense contractor (NTDC).

This is to certify that the above is accurate, complete, and current as of ________________________ for Call for White Paper ‘Title’.

Signature Name Title Date

2. Submission

a. Under the Two-Phase BAA process, Offerors will be required to first submit a WP for preliminary consideration. Offerors that submit a proposal without first submitting a WP will not be eligible for award.

b. Each WP shall address one of the “Technology Areas of Interest” as identified in the individual call for WP. WP may be submitted for one or more topics/subtopics. An Offeror may submit separate WP on different topic/subtopics or different WP on the same topic/subtopic. However, each WP response is subject to the page limitation.

The U.S. Government does not guarantee an award in each topic/subtopic areas.

c. WP’s shall be submitted to the Network-CFT Mailbox, usarmy.apg.futures-cmd.list.ncft-market-research@mail.mil and via the Joint Communications Marketplace site, via https://jtnc.force.com/ include on the subject line Network-CFT BAA (i.e. Call for WP Number & Topic/Subtopic Number).

d. Classified submissions, in part or in whole, will not be accepted. All WP/proposal submissions must be Unclassified.

3. White Paper Peer or Scientific Review Process

a. The WP peer or scientific review process will be conducted using technical subject matter expert reviews as described in FAR 6.102(d)(2) and 35.016. Each WP will be evaluated based on the technical merit and relevance of the specific WP as it relates to the evaluation factors stated herein rather than against other WP for requirements in the same topic area.

b. WP Evaluation Process:

In Phase one (1), the Government may utilize a two-step selection process as follows:

• Phase one (1) - Step 1: Submission for White Paper

Based on the WP evaluation, the Government shall make a decision to select Offeror (s) to participate in a no-cost technological demonstration if the WP meets or exceeds or go directly to Phase two (2) Submission of Proposals.

• Phase one (1) – Step 2: Technological Demonstration – (By Invitation Only)

The intended outcome of the no-cost technology demonstration is to identify a solution capable of meeting or exceeding the parameters outlined within the Call for White Papers. Offerors will not be expected to integrate solutions into vehicles or equipment during demonstration. Demonstrations of capabilities not yet ready for practical demonstrations may be provided by an in-person paper or slide show presentation. An evaluation of each technical demonstration will be conducted to determine compliance with all the characteristics listed in the white paper addressing the topic area capabilities. Based the technological demonstration evaluations, the Government may select Offeror(s) to participate in Phase two (2) Submission of Proposal. The technological evaluation process and evaluation criteria will be identified in the individual Call for WP.

c. WP Evaluation Criteria:

The Government intends to evaluate the WP to determine which have the potential to best meet the Network-CFT’s needs utilizing the two-part evaluation criteria below.

Please note that individual “call for white papers” may have evaluation criteria that differ from the below.

• Part one (1): WP will be evaluated using all or some of the “Go” or “No Go” gate criteria as listed below. The specific “Go or “No Go” criteria will be identified in the Call for WP. The WP will receive a “Go” or “No Go” determination as to whether it will receive further consideration. If during the evaluation any of the “Go” or “No Go” requirements is not met, that evaluation will automatically receive a “No Go” determination and will not receive further consideration.

a) Affordability. The Government will review the Offeror’s Rough Order of

Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate for affordability.

b) TRL. The Government will review the Offeror’s TRL to ensure meet the TRL as detailed in the Call for WP.

c) Schedule: The Government will review the Offeror’s proposed schedule to ensure the Offeror meets the period of performance, when the Government specifies a Not-to-Exceed schedule.

• Part two (2): WP will be evaluated using the following factors, which are listed in descending order of importance:

d) Importance to Agency Programs (Relevance (Potential for Impact)). The

Government will review the Offeror’s description of the technology proposed on how it solves the capability/gap/problem presented, the relevance to the Highly Desired/Desired Capabilities (if applicable), scalability of the solution, and assess its worth in relation to the stated “Technology Areas of Interest.”

e) Technical Merit/Challenge (Innovative or Revolutionary Technology (Scientific & Engineering Viability)). The Government will review the Offeror’s technology proposed to satisfy the technical challenges and design objectives by reviewing the Offeror’s enabling technology (innovative, or revolutionary approach); feasibility; technical risk and mitigation plan;

alternatives (other technical data/information conveyed); tech maturation (the ability to achieve technology maturity); and time to field solution.

f) Schedule. If the Offeror’s schedule is not evaluated in the Gate Criteria above, then it will be evaluated based on the reasonable allocation of time to meet major activities/milestones, deliverable, metrics measures of success, potential risks and mitigation plans.

d. WP Selection Process:

Based on the Peer or Scientific Review, WP will be categorized as Selected for Further Consideration, Eligible for Further Consideration, or Not Selected for Further Consideration (see definitions below). The selection of one or more sources to participate in the no-cost technological demonstration and/or submit proposal will be based on the Peer or Scientific Review using the criteria listed above, or as identified in the specific call for white paper and funding availability. WP’s will be reviewed for applicability and potential value to Network-CFT missions. The evaluation team will evaluate the WP to determine its overall technical value and interest to the Government. WP’s considered not to have sufficient scientific merit or relevance to the Directorate or Network-CFT needs, or in areas for which funds are not expected to be available, may be declined without further review.

• Selected for Further Consideration: The submitted WP has been determined to be of technical merit and represents a significant level of innovation and reliance to agency priorities. As such, the Government intends to invite the Offeror to participate in a no-cost technological demonstration and/or request a formal proposal should funding be available.

• Eligible for Further Consideration: The submitted WP has been determined to be of technical merit and represents a significant level of innovation and relevance to agency priorities. As such, the Government may request a formal proposal should funding become available for future contract award.

• Not Selected for Further Consideration: The submitted WP does not represent either the necessary degree of technical merit, technical innovation, or relevance to agency priorities to warrant further proposal effort or consideration.

e. WP’s will be responded to within ninety (90) days after receipt of (ARO) submission by the Offeror.

f. All Offerors submitting a WP in response to this BAA will receive an email indicating if the Offeror has not been selected, or if the offeror has been selected to participate in the no-cost technological demonstration and/or to submit a proposal.

Offerors submitting WP that are determined to be of interest but require more information may be discussed further by the Government and Offeror. Such discussion, however, does not assure a formal technological demonstration and/or proposal invitation or that a contract will be awarded.

g. If the Contracting Officer receives a written request for a debriefing within 3 days after the date on which the Offeror has received notification that it has not been selected to participate in the technological demonstration and or submit a proposal, the Contracting Officer may provide a debriefing. Consistent with the procedure that govern BAA (FAR 35.016), the content of the debriefing will be limited to a description of the Government’s evaluation of the Offeror’s WP.

h. Non-Government Advisors

i. Offerors are advised that employees of the firms identified below may serve as Non-

Government advisors in the source selection process. These individuals will be authorized access only to those portions of the proposal data and discussions that are necessary to enable them to perform their respective duties. The Non- Government advisors will not have access to the non-sanitized cost/price volumes of the proposals.

Such firms are expressly prohibited from competing on the subject acquisition:

• Companies will be identified with each individual Call for White Paper that is released through beta SAM site, via https://beta.SAM.gov and Joint Communications Marketplace site, via https://jtnc.force.com

In accomplishing their duties related to the evaluation process, the aforementioned firms may require access to proprietary information contained in the Offerors proposals. Therefore, pursuant to FAR 9.505-4, these firms must execute an agreement with each Offeror that states that they will (1) protect the Offerors information and (2) refrain from using the information for any purpose other than that for which it was furnished. To expedite the evaluation process, each offeror must contact the above companies to effect execution of such an agreement prior to submissions of proposals. Each offeror shall submit copies of the agreement with their proposal.

The companies identified above in paragraph “h (i)” are prohibited from submitting proposals either as a prime contractor or as subcontractors at any tier or partner and from entering into contractual arrangements as subcontractors at any tier or as consultants or partners in response to the topics listed in Section II.

C. PROPOSAL PREPARATION, SUBMISSION, AND EVALUATION

1. Preparation o In preparing proposals, it is important that the Offeror keep in mind the characteristics of a suitable proposal acceptable for formal evaluation, including the focus on scientific study and experimentation directed toward advancing the state-of-the-art or increasing knowledge or understanding. A proposal should include all the information specified in this announcement in order to avoid delays in evaluation. Offerors are advised that the quality of the information presented in the proposal is significantly more important than the quantity.

o Proposals must reference the topic number for the specific research area and should be valid for at least one- hundred and eighty (180) days.

o The technical and cost aspects of an Offerors submission will be evaluated at the same time. Proposals shall be broken into two (2) volumes, Volume I – Technical, and Volume II – Cost. Offerors are requested to limit their Volume I to sixty (60) pages, with 12-size font; Volume II has no page limit.

The Cover Page, Table of Contents, Subcontracting Plan, and an Acronym List do not count towards the total page count/limitation. Both technical and cost information must be provided for the proposal to be considered.

The proposal is the primary vehicle available to the Offeror for receiving consideration for award. The Offeror’s proposal must stand on its own merit, as the information provided within each submitted proposal will be used in the Technical Evaluation process, leading to an award; as well as outside demonstration(s) and test results, as applicable to the specific Topic.

Proposals should be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward and concise delineation of the Offeror’s scientific and technical merit, necessary capabilities, and overall ability to adequately support the technological challenges identified per Topic, and, achieve the Offeror’s proposed objective(s).

o Format:

o Transmittal Letter, (ii) Summary, (a) Volume I – Technical, and, (b) Volume II – Cost, as identified herein:

i. Transmittal Letter On your organization’s letterhead stationery, provide the following:

a) Legal Name and Address of your Organization;

b) Cage Code;

c) Type of Organization (e.g., Large Business, Small Business, Small

Disadvantage Business, etc.);

d) Applicable BAA Topic No.;

e) Title of the Proposed Research;

f) Proposal Reference No.;

g) Place of Performance;

h) PoP;

i) Estimated Cost;

j) Type of Contract Proposed (e.g., Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), Cost-Plus-Fixed- Fee (CPFF), Cost (no-fee) etc.);

k) Name and Title of the Principal Investigator or Project Director; and,

l) Name, Title and Signature of an Official authorized to legally bind the

Organization.

ii. Summary All proposals shall contain a brief summary describing the proposed program. It should include a concise statement of work (SOW) and a basic approach to be utilized in the effort. This should be unclassified and non-proprietary in nature.

a. Volume I – Technical

The technical portion shall include, but is not limited to details regarding:

a) A detailed background, discussions, and/or descriptions relative to the work proposed. An indication that the Offeror understands the topical area should be exhibited.

b) A clear, concise definition of the program objectives and the approach(s) to meet them.

c) A reasonably complete discussion which details the feasibility and the methodology of the proposed approach(s) and identifies the level of effort to be employed. Technical uncertainties shall be identified.

d) Proposed innovative approaches, unique capabilities, and/or specialized experience should be identified.

In addition, Volume I – Technical shall include the following sections: a) Program Management, b) GFP,

c) Subcontracting Plan, d) Intellectual Property shall be included in Offeror’s proposal submissions:

a) Program Management

The program management portion shall include, but is not limited to:

1) Proposal shall address the areas of personnel, facilities, management, structure of the organization, schedule, milestones, and deliverables proposed.

2) Resumes of key personnel shall be included in this section, including the name and resume of the Principal Investigator. If the Principal Investigator or other key personnel sever their connection with the organization, or become unable to continue active participation, the KO must be immediately notified and the Government has the option to terminate the contract.

3) Identify any potential organizational conflicts of interest, including any prior federal employment of research personnel within two years from the date of proposal submission. If there are no such potential conflicts of interest, this should be so noted in the proposal.

4) In the event organizational or personal conflicts of interest are identified, a conflict of interest mitigation plan shall be submitted as part of the Offerors proposal.

b) GFP Should GFP or Contractor acquired property be sought to perform the research, the Offeror shall provide a list of the property which distinguishes between GFP and Contractor acquired. When possible, the description or title and known or estimated unit and total costs of each item should be shown. When such information is not available, the items should be grouped by class and estimated values indicated.

Generally speaking, the FAR discourage providing Contractors with GFP, this includes facilities and equipment. Offerors must therefore provide supporting rationale for all requests of GFP in the proposal.

c) Subcontracting Plan

If the amount of the proposal exceeds $750,000, and the Offeror is other than a small business concern, the Offeror must agree to prepare, submit, and negotiate for incorporation into the contract, a plan for subcontracting to small business(es) and small disadvantage business(es) for participation in the effort. The subcontracting plan must be submitted IAW FAR 52.219-9 and DFARS 252.219-7003 (or DFARS 252.219-7004 if the Offeror has a comprehensive subcontracting plan). A subcontracting plan is not required for an Other Transaction; however, if a team arrangement is contemplated, then a copy of the arrangement that provides each Contractor's responsibility is requested.

d) Intellectual Property (IP)

The following IP requirements shall be addressed/provided within the Offerors proposal, as applicable:

1) Noncommercial Items (Technical Data and Computer SW)

Proposers shall deliver all SW developed under this effort, including but not limited to waveform code, VHDL code, M&S Basis, and Test SW, including both source and executable codes. Unlimited rights are desired.

Offerors responding to this BAA requesting a procurement contract to be issued under the FAR/DFARS, shall identify all noncommercial technical data, and noncommercial computer SW that it plans to generate, develop, and/or deliver under any proposed award instrument in which the Government will acquire less than unlimited rights, and to assert specific restrictions on those deliverables. Offerors shall follow the format under DFARS 252.227-7017 for this stated purpose. In the event that Offerors do not submit the list, the Government will assume that it automatically has “unlimited rights” to all noncommercial technical data and noncommercial computer SW generated, developed, and/or delivered under any award instrument, unless it is substantiated that development of the noncommercial technical data and noncommercial computer SW occurred with mixed funding. If mixed funding is anticipated in the development of noncommercial technical data, and noncommercial computer SW generated, developed, and/or delivered under any award instrument, then Offerors should identify the data and SW in question, as subject to Government Purpose Rights (GPR).

IAW DFARS 252.227-7013, “Rights in Technical Data - Noncommercial Items”, and DFARS 252.227-7014, “Rights in Noncommercial Computer Software and Noncommercial Computer Software Documentation”, the Government will automatically assume that any such GPR restriction is limited to a period of five (5) years IAW the applicable DFARS clauses, at which time the Government will acquire “unlimited rights” unless the parties agree otherwise. Offerors are advised that the Government will use the list during the source selection evaluation process to evaluate the impact of any identified restrictions, and may request additional information from the proposer, as may be necessary, to evaluate the Offerors assertions. If no restrictions are intended, then the proposer should state “NONE.”

A sample list for complying with this request is as follows:

NONCOMMERCIAL

Technical Data Computer SW To be Furnished With Restrictions

Basis for Assertion

Asserted Rights Category

Name of Person Asserting

Restrictions

(LIST) (LIST) (LIST) (LIST)

2) Items (Technical Data and Computer SW)

Offerors responding to this BAA requesting a procurement contract to be issued under the FAR/DFARS shall identify all commercial technical data and commercial computer SW that may be embedded in any noncommercial deliverables contemplated under the research effort, along with any applicable restrictions on the Government’s use of such commercial technical data and/or commercial computer SW.

In the event that Offerors do not submit the list, the Government will assume that there are no restrictions on the Government’s use of such commercial items. The Government may use the list during the source selection evaluation process to evaluate the impact of any identified restrictions, and may request additional information from the Offeror, as may be necessary, to evaluate the Offeror assertions. If no restrictions are intended, then the proposer should state

“NONE.”

A sample list for complying with this request is as follows:

COMMERCIAL

Technical Data Computer SW To be Furnished With Restrictions

Basis for Assertion

Asserted Rights Category

Name of Person Asserting

Restrictions

(LIST) (LIST) (LIST) (LIST)

3) Patents

Include documentation proving your ownership of or possession of appropriate licensing rights to all patented inventions (or inventions for which a patent application has been filed) that will be utilized under your proposal. If a patent application has been filed for an invention that your proposal utilizes, but the application has not yet been made publicly available and contains proprietary information, you may provide only the patent number, inventor name(s), assignee names (if any), filing date, filing date of any related provisional application, and a summary of the patent title, together with either: 1) a representation that you own the invention, or 2) proof of possession of appropriate licensing rights in the invention.

4) IP Representations

Provide a good faith representation that you either own or possess appropriate licensing rights to all other intellectual property that will be utilized under your proposal.

Offerors shall further provide a short summary for each item asserted with less than unlimited rights that describes the nature of the restriction and the intended use of the intellectual property in the conduct of the proposed research.

b. Volume II – Cost

The Offerors cost proposal shall be prepared in a clear and concise manner that accurately reflects the Offerors cost estimate for accomplishing the proposed technical effort. Cost data shall include all costs expected during the performance of the contract. All details, broken down by cost element, shall be prepared for each major task and labor category (LCAT) along with supporting rationale. Supporting rationale/documentation is as follows:

Supporting Documentation

i. For direct labor rates and indirect rates, all Offerors shall provide the supporting documentation employed in developing the proposed rates used in estimating the proposal. Supporting documentation may include but is not limited to:

1. Copies of current FPRA, FPRR, FPRP, or PBR;

2. Copies of recent DCAA reports;

3. Copies of recent DCMA reports;

4. Narrative on any changes of ownership, significant expansion or contraction of business base, extraordinary events, etc., that have occurred within the past year, or are anticipated to occur prior to award or within the contract PoP;

5. Copies of paystubs to support direct labor rates;

6. Additional information on the selection or activities of your

Subcontractor(s);

7. For services that will be subcontracted, Offeror shall provide the method of subcontracting (i.e., fixed price, cost reimbursement, time & materials). The Offeror shall state if they subcontracted on a competitive or sole source basis. Proposals for subcontract arrangements that are to be procured on a cost reimbursement basis shall include a statement (and documentation) that the Subcontractor’s accounting system has been examined by DCAA or DCMA and found adequate to support the proposed subcontract arrangement. Subcontractors shall be identified at all tiers;

8. All subcontractors must provide the same level of detail as the

Prime, including those awarded on a fixed price or time and materials (T&M) basis.

9. Contractors shall comply with the applicable provisions of

FAR 15.404-3 regarding submission of certified cost or pricing data; and,

10. Provide last three (3) to five (5) years of expense pools (by expense account) and base/rate information if an FPRA and FPRR are not provided in the proposal for indirect rates. The rates reflected in the FPRA, FPRR, FPRP, DCAA/DCMA audit or review, or other statement of current rates should directly match the proposed rates as detailed in the proposal. Offeror and/or its Subcontractor(s) shall provide sufficient detail explaining how the proposed rates are realistic.

ii. Supporting Documentation for subcontractors/consultants:

1. For all service vendors proposed as subcontractors: provide a breakout of costs as detailed below, and in the same level of detail required for the Prime Offeror listed above, when decision by the Prime, or higher level.

2. All hours/ LCATs/ materials/ ODCs shall be clearly identified for

FFP and T&M vendor/subcontractor. Service vendors/subcontractors shall be identified at all tiers. Failure to fully comply with this instruction may result in Offeror’s response being deemed unacceptable and ineligible for further consideration for award.

3. A Subcontractor proposal for cost reimbursement subcontractor/consultant effort must include the same level of detail as required of the Prime Contractor, IAW the cost/price proposal submission instructions identified, herein.

4. A statement that the subcontractor has an adequate accounting system, as determined by the Government IAW Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement (DFARS) 242.75, under a cost-type contract or subcontract.

5. State whether the subcontractor efforts were competed. If subcontractor efforts were competed, provide supporting documentation (e.g., Bids) reflecting such competition.

6. For all non-competitive subcontractor efforts, provide the sole source justification and price reasonableness determination made by the Prime, or higher level subcontractor Offeror.

Subcontractor service vendors may submit information that is proprietary directly to the Government via email.

Note: The Prime Offeror should ensure that the total cost/price for each proposed Subcontractor submitted should match the Subcontractor’s proprietary proposal.

All cost data is subject to…