BATTNET BAA0006-21 Final Updated.pdf

DLA Battery Network III (BATTNET) Research & Development Broad Agency Announcement

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Research & Development Enterprise Service Activity (J68) Battery Network III (BATTNET)

Broad Agency Announcement BAA 0006-21

Table of Contents

I. INTRODUCTION

II. AREAS OF INTEREST

A. Manufacturing and Automation Innovations:

B. Optimization of Design for Manufacturability:

C. Process Improvements:

D. Advancement of Manufacturing Readiness for Alternative Supplies:

E. Improvements to the Domestic Battery Supply Chain:

F. Transfer Commercial Technology for Use in DLA Batteries:

G. Battery Standardization:

H. Supply Chain Management Improvement:

III. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Eligibility

B. BAA Response Submission

C. Contract Type

D. White Papers

E. Notifications

F. Debriefs

G. Additional Information Requests

H. Subcontracting Plans

IV. PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS/TECHNICAL PROPOSAL CONTENTS

V. TECHNICAL PROPOSAL EVALUATION

VI. COST/PRICE PROPOSAL

VII. AWARD DECISION

A. Basis for Contract Award

B. Basis for Award without Discussion

C. Basis for No Award

ATTACHMENT A: BAA POINTS OF CONTACT

ATTACHMENT B: PROPOSAL ADEQUACY CHECKLIST

Document Type: Combined BAA / Synopsis Solicitation Number: BAA 0006-21

Posted Date: 09/02/2021

Classification Code: A -- Research & Development Set Asides: N/A

NAICS Code: 541715 -- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

PART: U.S. GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENTS

SUBPART: SERVICES

OFFICE ADDRESS: 700 Robbins Ave Philadelphia, Pa 19111

CLASS CODE: A--Research and Development

SUBJECT: Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Battery Network (BATTNET) Research & Development.

SOL: BAA 0006-21

POINT OF CONTACT (POC): Michelle Harrison, Michelle.Harrison@dla.mil, RANDD.DCSO@dla.mil (R&D Mailbox)

CONTACT INFORMATION: Phone: 215-737-3415; Email: Michelle.Harrison@dla.mil

I. INTRODUCTION

This notice constitutes a combined synopsis and Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for the acquisition of research and development in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 35.016, Broad Agency Announcement, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. No other solicitation will be issued. Only the information provided in this notice is available. Requests for other forms of solicitations shall be disregarded. This BAA will remain open for five years. The resultant BAA shall have a ceiling of $20 Million, no funds will be issued against the BAA, all funding will be established against individual contracts.

As a Combat Support Agency, DLA’s mission is to provide logistics support to the warfighter. DLA’s BATTNET Manufacturing Technology R&D Program is intended to advance this essential service to our warfighters around the globe. The objective of the Program is to improve Department of Defense (DoD) battery logistics by leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies for the U.S. industrial base.

DLA seeks to provide responsive, best value supplies in a manner that consistently meets customer needs. DLA continually investigates diverse technologies for manufacturing that would lead to the highest level of innovation in battery products supporting fielded weapon systems (many of which were designed in the 1960’s, 1970’s, and 1980’s) with a future impact on both commercial technology and government applications. The types of research and development that are of interest in this BAA include advanced technology demonstrations for affordability, advanced industrial practices to demonstrate the combination of improved battery manufacturing and operation, unit cost reduction, and improved battery product availability. All these areas provide potential avenues toward achieving breakthrough advances.

Technical oversight of the projects awarded under this BAA will be performed by DLA.

mailto:RANDD.DCSO@dla.mil

DLA seeks to develop manufacturing and logistics solutions that improve the industrial capability to deliver batteries to the warfighter in a ready-to-use state with improved performance, quality, safety, and shelf life; and lower cost and lead time. Consistent with the goals of the Department of Defense’s Manufacturing Technology Program and DoD Directive 4200.15, proposed solutions are expected to apply innovation to improve the manufacturing or production of batteries and battery components, reduce costs associated with the battery manufacturing process, advance standardization in the battery supply chain, or reduce the environmental impact of battery manufacturing, logistics, or disposal.

Technology solutions must include advancements in processes or equipment used in the production of batteries or components of existing DLA battery products or qualified prototypes. Examples of these components include the anode, cathode, electrolyte, separator material, cell, and battery management system.

Expected results and benefits from these solutions include battery supply chain security, sustainment, and improvement; unit, acquisition, and life cycle cost reduction; and improvements to battery and cell availability, producibility, performance, safety, and shelf life.

This BAA addresses DLA’s expected need for scientific study and experimentation directed toward advancing the state of the art or increasing knowledge or understanding in Areas of Interest related to batteries and battery technology. Interested parties may submit an initial synopsis, referred to as a "White Paper," describing a specific project related to an Area of Interest listed in Section II of this BAA. If a White Paper is of sufficient interest, DLA may request technical and cost proposals for the effort described by the White Paper.

The process for obtaining a possible award under this BAA consists of three steps:

• STEP I: Submission of White Paper

• STEP II: Submission of a technical proposal only if requested by the DLA Contracting

Officer

• STEP III: Submission of a cost proposal either concurrent with or after submission of a technical proposal only if requested by the DLA Contracting Officer

II. AREAS OF INTEREST

Proposed solutions must address one of the following areas of interest:

A. Manufacturing and Automation Innovations:

Advances in fabrication, assembly, and testing that enhance or automate the manufacturing of cells, batteries, or battery components to reduce manufacturing costs, shorten lead time, or improve quality. Solutions could include, for example, new methods to fabricate battery components, automated testing of battery cells and packs, or industrial control systems to manage the battery manufacturing process.

B. Optimization of Design for Manufacturability:

Battery design optimization that is focused on improving producibility, reducing the number of parts, standardizing components, lowering production costs, or shortening fabrication time, while maintaining or improving battery performance at a cell or battery pack level. Solutions in this area of interest will improve the manufacturing design of military batteries.

C. Process Improvements:

Innovations or modifications that improve the processes associated with producing cells and batteries for military applications. Examples include improvements to quality control, qualification and validation of new processes, and lean manufacturing techniques that can optimize processes and maximize product value to DLA.

D. Advancement of Manufacturing Readiness for Alternative Supplies:

Development of an alternate source of cells and batteries that replace legacy items currently used by the Services in order to reduce procurement costs, improve performance, or increase availability. Examples include the maturation of manufacturing readiness of drop-in replacements for items associated with diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages (e.g., nickel cadmium).

E. Improvements to the Domestic Battery Supply Chain:

Augmentation of current processes and implementation of new processes to ensure DLA’s battery supply chain is economical and available for surge and sustainment periods during peace and conflict. Some focus areas include manufacturing areas with high barriers to entry, creating a domestic base for foreign sourced materials and batteries, and reducing lead-time for battery procurement.

F. Transfer Commercial Technology for Use in DLA Batteries:

Explore and apply relevant solutions from the commercial market to DLA Batteries to achieve dual use benefits. Commercial battery and battery manufacturing technologies, such as those for the electric vehicle market, can be adapted for use in military batteries. These solutions should provide benefits to the DLA battery supply chain, including reduced procurement costs, improved quality and performance, and increased supply chain security.

G. Battery Standardization:

Implementation of standardized parts, cells, electronics, or batteries that will reduce the costs and complexity of the battery supply chain. For example, this could include leveraging a standardized form factor, connector, or a modular system design that can be used across multiple military platforms. These solutions should reduce battery procurement costs, increase supply chain security and readiness, and improve battery commonality across multiple military platforms.

H. Supply Chain Management Improvement:

Innovations that improve the management of the military battery supply chain from procurement and storage to distribution and disposition. Examples include technology to increase the shelf-life of batteries, ensuring fully charged batteries are delivered to the customer, packaging and handling solutions to reduce procurement costs, reduction of unused batteries that expire on the shelf, and improvements to handle the shipping and disposition of hazardous battery materials.

III. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Eligibility

To be eligible for award, respondents 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, organization 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 Part 9 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

B. BAA Response Submission Respondents interested in possible awards under this BAA must first submit a White Paper, in the format specified herein, by e-mail to the e-mail addresses shown on page 2 under POC, or via DoD SAFE if larger than 15 megabytes, as provided in Attachment A. The purpose of the White Paper is to discourage Respondents from incurring substantial technical proposal preparation costs on proposed research that is not of interest to DLA. Respondents are required to submit White Papers as a way to determine DLA’s interest prior to investing in technical proposal development. There is no limit on the number of White Papers or projects that each respondent may submit.

In accordance with FAR 3.104-4, your company is required to mark all material that may be Source Selection Information as described at paragraph (10) of the “Source Selection Information” definition in FAR 2.101, to include the cover page and each page that may contain source selection information with the legend “Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104”. Although the information in paragraphs (1) through (9) of the definition in 2.101 is considered to be Source Selection Information whether or not marked, all reasonable efforts must be made to mark such material with the same legend.

If you are unsure if particular information is Source Selection Information as defined in FAR 2.101, consult your Agency Officials. In addition, your company is required to mark all material that may be procurement sensitive, or defense covered information with the legend “Controlled Unclassified Information” (CUI). If the information is also source selection information both markings must be present.

Note: Source Selection markings are required for all documents submitted in response to this BAA, which includes White Papers and Technical/Price Proposals (when applicable).

C. Contract Type DLA intends to award cost-reimbursement (FAR Subpart 16.3) contracts under this BAA. DLA will consider White Papers and proposals based on cost (cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost (no fee), cost-plus-award-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee completion, or cost-sharing), or fixed-price, including FFP Level of Effort (LOE) (FAR Subpart 16.2) contracts, but reserves the right to award other contract types when DLA in its sole discretion deems such award to be in the best interests of the Government. Submittals based on contract types other than cost-type or fixed-price, will be rejected and discarded and will not be reviewed or evaluated.

D. White Papers As stated above, proposers are required to submit a White Paper in advance of a technical proposal. The period of performance of proposed projects should be 6 to 24 months. White paper submissions with a total cost more than two million dollars will not be considered. Major equipment purchases will not be funded by DLA.

White Papers will not be evaluated but will be reviewed to determine whether the proposed solution is technically feasible and viable (i.e., compatible with DoD constraints, technical environments, and other organizational requirements), and whether the White Paper presents a research project whose results end users are likely to adopt and that is of sufficient interest to DLA to warrant consideration of a technical proposal.

DLA reserves the right to request technical proposals from any, all, some, or none of the Respondents submitting White Papers. A request for technical proposals is not a guarantee that a proposal based on a White Paper will ultimately be selected for award negotiation. White papers for non-innovative, marginal improvements are inappropriate under this BAA and will not result in a technical proposal request.

To ensure all White Papers receive proper consideration, DLA requires all respondents to follow the same format. White papers that do not conform to the format will not be reviewed. White papers shall not exceed seven (7) single-sided pages (NOT including the cover page). Document files must be in .pdf, .ppt, .pptx, .odx, .doc, .docx, .xls, or .xlsx formats. All submissions must be written in English and all pages shall be formatted for printing on 8½ by 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins and font size not smaller than 12-point (8 or 10-point font may be used for figures, tables, and charts).

The White Paper must provide the information listed in each section below.

Cover Page

(1) BAA Number

(2) NAICS Code

(3) BAA Area of Interest from Section II

(4) Respondent’s Technical Point of Contact, including name, telephone number, e-mail address, and mailing address (no post office box)

(5) Respondent’s Administrative/Contracting Point of Contact, including name, telephone number, e-mail address, and mailing address (no post office box)

(6) Contractor’s business type selected among the following categories: Large Business, Small

Disadvantaged Business (SDB), Other Small Business, HBCU, MI, Other Educational, or Other Nonprofit.

(7) CAGE Code

(8) Subcontractors participating in the research (if none state “not applicable”)

(9) Small businesses participating in the research (if none state “not applicable”)

(10) Historically Black Colleges and Universities or Minority Institutions participating in the research

(if none state “not applicable”)

(11) Performance Period

(12) Contract type (cost-sharing, cost-plus-award-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost (no fee) or cost-plus-fixed-fee completion, or fixed-price)

(13) Approximate total cost

(14) Project Title

Section 1 – Abstract of the Proposed Project A brief abstract with information explicitly pertinent to the proposed research and development effort.

Section 2 – Introduction This section shall include a problem statement, objective, scope, and proposed benefits of the proposed project. This section shall also clearly define how the proposed project relates to an area of interest in this BAA and how it will provide a quantifiable benefit to DLA and DoD. The scope shall indicate the battery or batteries and weapon system(s) affected, identified by national stock number (NSN), specification, or part number.

Section 3 – Technical Approach and Scientific Merit Respondents shall provide a technical approach for executing the project that includes a detailed description of the scientific merit of the project and the technical maturity of the technology. The technical approach should also clearly define how the proposed project will augment manufacturing for the military battery supply chain.

Each White Paper shall describe:

(1) The improvement to be established

(2) Tasks to be performed

(3) Performance of new and creative solutions relative to known alternative approaches

(4) Maturity of current technology (e.g., estimated technology readiness level)

(5) Test data that support the proposed solution

(6) Technical data and computer software to be developed and delivered to DLA with unrestricted and restricted rights as a result of the research;

(7) Application of the proposed technology;

(8) How the technology will address long and short-term needs of DLA.

Section 4 – Expected Outcomes of the Proposed Project Respondents shall define benchmarks or milestones and goals of the proposed project. This section should include the deliverables, schedule, transition plan, and the estimated return on investment (ROI) or business case and quantifiable benefits to DLA and DoD. Quantifiable benefits to DLA may include, but not limited to: reduced cost; improved product performance such as cycle life, increased shelf life, increased energy density; supply chain improvements such as increased domestic availability, reduced lead time, and increased surge capacity. Other benefits to DLA may include, but not limited to strengthening readiness and lethality, global preparedness, supply chain assurance, and process excellence. The project shall also identify risks that could prevent the project from being successful.

Respondents shall include quantifiable process and performance metric targets related to the technology development of the proposed project. These metrics shall be selected to reflect the progress achieved during the proposed project.

Section 5 – Qualifications Respondents shall provide information pertaining to prior significant and related work experience, or expertise in any relevant areas of interest and how that expertise shall be beneficial to this project. In addition, the White Paper shall provide evidence of expertise in the execution and experience in the management of research and development projects similar to the work required in the proposed project.

Respondents shall provide evidence of how the contract shall be managed and how it will ensure performance stability and reliable customer service and commitment to DLA and the program for the duration of the contract performance period.

Section 6 – Commercialization Potential If applicable, the respondent shall provide a plan to seek private or public funding commitments along with possible commercialization that have the relevant potential to invest in the technology.

Section 7 – Cost Estimate and Period of Performance The respondent shall include an estimate of the total cost, period of performance, and an outline of milestones for the proposed project. The respondent shall also include sub-total cost estimates for management, labor, and materials for the proposed project.

E. Notifications

White Papers

DLA will notify Respondents submitting a White Paper in response to this BAA by email message acknowledging receipt and a subsequent email message after review of the White Paper either (1) providing instructions for the submission of a technical proposal or (2) advising that DLA does not wish to receive a technical proposal and providing feedback to the Respondent regarding the rationale for this decision. No other notifications will be provided. DLA will attempt to reply to White Papers within thirty calendar days after receipt. These official notifications will be emailed to the Respondent’s Administrative POC identified in the White Paper.

Technical Proposals

As stated above, Respondents invited to submit technical proposals will receive an email providing instructions for the submission of a full technical proposal. A proposal request may include projects from one or more White Papers. Email notification will also be sent if the technical proposal is not acceptable.

Any technical proposal submitted other than in response to a request from DLA based on review of a White Paper will be discarded without review.

Cost/Price Proposals

Respondents selected to submit cost/price proposals will be notified by email. DLA may request the cost/price proposal be submitted with the technical proposal or at any time after technical proposal submission. Email notification will also be sent if the cost/price proposal is not acceptable. Any cost/price proposal submitted other than in response to a request from DLA will be discarded without review. DLA reserves the right to request cost/price proposals from any, all, some, or none of the Respondents submitting technical proposals. Any such request for cost/price proposals does not guarantee award. The request for cost/price proposal will provide delivery (e-mail or via DoD SAFE) instructions.

F. Debriefs No debrief after review of White Papers will be provided as no award can result from a White Paper.

G. Additional Information Requests DLA may contact Respondents to provide additional information required for White Paper review, technical proposal evaluation, and cost realism analysis. Respondents may be removed from the proposal evaluation process if the Respondent and the contracting officer fail to negotiate mutually agreeable terms within a reasonable period of time.

H. Subcontracting Plans

The Defense Logistics Agency is strongly committed to providing meaningful prime and subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs), woman-owned small businesses (WOSBs), historically underutilized business zone (HUB Zone) small businesses, veteran-owned small business (VOSBs), service disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs), historically black colleges and universities, and minority institutions, and other concerns subject to socioeconomic considerations through its awards.

Businesses unfamiliar with doing business with the government and that require assistance may contact the state-specific Department of Defense (DoD) Procurement Technical Assistance Center

(PTAC).

DoD PTACs serve as a resource for businesses pursuing and performing under contracts with DoD, other federal agencies, state and local governments and with government prime contractors.

Assistance provided by the PTACs is usually free of charge. PTAC support includes registration in systems such as SAM, identification of contract opportunities, understanding requirements and preparing and submitting proposals. The PTACs have a presence in each state, Puerto Rico and Guam. To locate a local PTAC visit: http://www.dla.mil/HQ/SmallBusiness/PTAC.aspx or http://www.aptac-us.org/new/.

Note: Small business are exempt from submitting a subcontracting plan.

Subcontracting Plan

For proposed contract awards exceeding $750,000 large businesses and non-profits (including educational institutions) shall provide a Subcontracting Plan (“Plan”) that contains all elements required by FAR 19.704, FAR 52.219-9, and as supplemented by DFARS 252-219-7003. The Plan must be submitted as an attachment to the “Proposal Adequacy Checklist” attached to a requested cost proposal. If a company has a Master or Individual Subcontracting Plan, as described in FAR 19.701 or a Comprehensive Subcontracting Plan, as described in DFARS 219.702, a copy of that Plan shall also be submitted as an attachment to the “Proposal Adequacy Checklist”.

Plans will be reviewed for adequacy, ensuring that the required information, goals, and assurances are included. FAR 19.702 requires an apparent successful offeror to submit an acceptable Plan. If an apparent successful offeror fails to negotiate a Plan acceptable to the contracting officer within the time limit prescribed by the contracting officer, the offeror will be ineligible for award.

Offerors shall propose a plan that ensures small businesses (inclusive of SDBs, WOSBs, HUBZone, VOSBs and SDVOSBs) will have the maximum practicable opportunity to participate in contract performance consistent with efficient performance.

As a baseline, Offerors shall, to the best extent possible, propose realistic goals to ensure small business participation in accordance with the current or most recent fiscal year subcontracting goals found on the DoD Office of Small Business Program website at: https://business.defense.gov/. If proposed goals are below the statutory requirements, then the offeror shall include in the Plan a viable written explanation as to why small businesses are unable to be utilized and what attempts http://www.dla.mil/HQ/SmallBusiness/PTAC.aspx http://www.aptac-us.org/new/ were taken to ensure that small business were given the opportunity to participate in the effort to the maximum extent practicable.

Subcontracting Resources

Subcontracting to a prime contractor can be a good way to participate in the contracting process. The following is a list of potential resources that may assist in locating potential subcontracting partners, opportunities, and resources:

• Companies Participating in DoD Subcontracting Program Report

• DAU Small Business Community of Practice (SB COP)

• DefenseLink ≥ $7.0 M Award Notices

• DoD OSBP Prime Contractors and Subcontractors with Subcontracting Plans

• Dynamic Small Business Search

• Electronic Subcontracting Reporting System (eSRS)

• DLA SBIR/STTR Search – Website or Brochure

• DoD Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC)

• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Subcontracting Opportunities Directory

• U.S. SBA Subnet

In accordance with FAR 5.206 Notices of Subcontracting Opportunities, the following entities may transmit a notice to the Governmentwide Point of Entry (GPE) at https://www.SAM.gov to seek competition for subcontracts, to increase participation by qualified HUBZone small business, small, small disadvantaged, women-owned small business, veteran-owned small business and service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns, and to meet established subcontracting plan goals:

• A contractor awarded a contract exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold that is likely to result in the award of any subcontracts.

• A subcontractor or supplier, at any tier, under a contract exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, that has a subcontracting opportunity exceeding $15,000.

The notices must describe-

1. The business opportunity;

2. Any prequalification requirements; and

3. Where to obtain technical data needed to respond to the requirement

In addition, another example of a place in which prime contractors may post solicitations or sources sought notices for small business is the U.S. SBA SUBNET: https://eweb.sba.gov/gls/dsp_sbabanner.cfm. The SUBNET database provides a listing of subcontracting solicitations and opportunities posted by large prime contractors and other non-federal organizations.

IV. PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS/TECHNICAL PROPOSAL CONTENTS

DO NOT submit a technical proposal unless it is requested by DLA after review of a submitted White Paper.

Any technical proposal submitted without such a request will be discarded without review.

https://www.sam.gov/ https://eweb.sba.gov/gls/dsp_sbabanner.cfm

Proposal prices and all other terms and conditions must remain valid for 180 days from the submission date of the technical proposal. Information in the technical proposal that is deemed by the Respondent to be proprietary must be clearly marked as proprietary information.

To ensure all technical proposals receive proper consideration, DLA requires all Respondents to follow the same format. Technical proposals that do not conform to the format will not be evaluated and will not be eligible for award. Technical proposals must meet the following format requirements:

Document files must be written in English and in .pdf, .ppt, .pptx, .odx, .doc, .docx, .xls, or .xlsx formats;

No more than thirty-five (35) single-sided pages including, body, appendices, and attachments;

Formatted for printing on 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins and font size not smaller than 12-point (8 or 10-point font may be used for figures, tables, and charts).; and A header on each page to identify page content and page number.

Any project Gantt charts may be submitted on larger pages (e.g., legal size), as required to be readable.

There is no penalty for submitting a technical proposal of less than 35 pages as long as the technical proposal covers all the required material. Résumés and certifications for technical data and computer software will not be counted as part of the 35-page limit. Technical proposals must be clear, concise, and must include sufficient detail to substantiate the validity of the research. Technical proposals must address the evaluation factors provided in Section V, Technical Proposal Evaluation, of this BAA. No cost or pricing information may be contained in the technical proposal.

Respondents must assume that DLA has no prior knowledge of Respondent’s facilities and experience, and DLA will base its evaluation exclusively on the merits and content of the information presented in the technical proposal, except that DLA reserves the right to evaluate relevant past performance that is not included in the technical proposal.

Technical proposals shall consist of five parts:

Part 1 — Proposal Cover Page Part 2 — Executive Summary Part 3 — Overall Scientific and Technical Merit (Feasibility) Part 4 — Viability Part 5 — Desirability Part 6 — Past Performance

Part I – Cover Page

(1) BAA number; (2) Proposal Title; (3) Company Name and CAGE Code; (4) Technical Point of Contact, including name, telephone number, email address, and mailing address; (5) Administrative/Contracting Point of Contact, including name, telephone number, email address, and mailing address; and (6) Contractor's business type selected among the following categories: Large Business, Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), Other Small Business, HBCU, MI, Other Educational, or Other Nonprofit.

Part 2: Executive Summary An Executive Summary of the Respondent's entire technical proposal in one page or less is required. This summary shall be used to gain an understanding of the overall proposal contents. It should identify and highlight significant features, summarize innovative claims and unique contribution(s) of the proposal, and include the salient points of the proposed project, and the expected outcome improvement associated with the project.

Part 3: Overall Scientific and Technical Merit (Feasibility) Respondents must explain the proposed research project and methodology in sufficient detail to establish that the proposed technical approach is innovative, feasible, and complete and that the proposed technical team has the expertise and experience to accomplish the proposed tasks. Task descriptions and associated technical elements must be complete and in a logical sequence with all proposed deliverables clearly defined and directed toward a final outcome that achieves the proposed goal(s). The proposal must identify major technical risks and present clearly defined and feasible mitigation efforts.

Part 4: Viability Respondents must show that proposed effort is viable and likely to transition into an operational capability.

The offeror demonstrates an understanding of battery technology, the U.S. military battery industry, working with DLA and DoD, and of relevant DLA and DoD policy.

Part 5: Desirability Proposals must show that the adoption of the proposed solution offers clear benefits to DLA and has characteristics such as low barriers to transition, simplicity, ease of use, physical dimensions, etc. that make it likely to be adopted.

Part 6: Past Performance Each proposal shall address the offeror’s prior experience, capabilities, and past performance as described in Section IV.

Technical Proposal Contents

Offerors will propose one or more R&D projects, as requested by the contracting officer after review of White Papers, that include:

(a) The improved capability to be established, expressed in terms of outcomes that are important to the DLA supply chain;

(b) Technical Plan as described below;

(c) Detailed technical approach, rationale, and strategy for accomplishing technical goals in support of innovative claims and deliverables;

(d) Deliverables associated with the proposed research, including those listed below and a clear description of the results, products, and transferable technology to be developed.

(e) Schedule and milestones for each task in the proposed efforts.

Proposals shall include all proprietary claims to results, prototypes, or systems supporting or necessary for the use of the research, results, or prototypes. If there are no proprietary claims, then the proposal must include a statement to that effect.

Proposals shall include a technical plan for each proposed project, using active voice to describe the tasks to be performed, in sufficient detail to establish the methodology and feasibility of accomplishing the technical approach. The technical plan must, at a minimum, include the following:

1. Project: The improved technologies to be established, expressed in terms of outcomes that are important to the Warfighter, DLA, or another DoD Component.

2. Background: Include any information that is necessary to understand the history and need for the research

3. Objective: Description of the goal or anticipated achievement

4. Technical Approach: Detailed description of the technical approach, rationale, metrics, potential application to more than one weapon system, benefits, leveraged or shared resources

5. Task(s): Detailed description of task(s) to be performed

6. Impediments or Risk: Description of any impediments or risks to implementing the technical approach and how they will be overcome, including constraints (e.g., cost, schedule, etc.) and assumptions and planned responses for each

7. Proprietary Data: A description of all proprietary claims to results, prototypes, or systems supporting or necessary for the use of the research, results, or prototypes (if none, this must be stated). Proposals shall indicate by specific marking on each page if data described therein is proprietary.

8. Key Personnel: A list of key personnel along with the approximate percentage of effort to be expended by each person to perform the task(s)

9. Specific metrics for measuring progress and success

10. A brief description of the facilities and equipment that would be used for the project(s)

11. Performance Schedule: Detailed realistic schedule and milestones with confirmation of realism to include a Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) chart, Gantt chart or other appropriate format that displays all major tasks, their schedule and dependency relations

12. Résumés: Description of the specific experience and qualifications to perform the task(s) of all key personnel.

13. Past Performance, Capabilities and Related Experience - Each proposal shall address the offeror’s prior experience, capabilities, and past performance by including the following:

a. Information pertaining to prior significant and related research or work experience or expertise in any of the listed areas of interest, and the offeror’s track record in related areas. This should include an explanation of how this experience or expertise will be beneficial to this program.

b. Five (5) accounts, contracts, or projects within the last (3) three years for which the offeror has provided services or supplies of a nature relevant to battery technologies. In addition, any and all contracts terminated in whole or in part during the previous five (5) years, including those currently in the process of termination, are considered relevant and the offeror shall provide past performance information for those contracts in addition to the five requested. The offeror shall indicate the termination type and reasons.

c. At least two (2) points of contact with contact information for each account/contract/project; a description of the service or supply which was provided; and a brief performance history on each of those accounts/contracts/projects; Role as prime or subcontractor; if from a past Government contract, the contracting activity name, address, and the Contracting Officer’s name, telephone number, and email address; Contract type;

awarded cost; price; original delivery schedule; final or projected final delivery schedule

d. Where related research was performed in a contractor teaming arrangement (CTA), provide points of contact for teaming members or partners to include company name, individuals, email addresses, and phone numbers.

e. A bibliography of relevant technical papers and research, published and unpublished, which documents the technical ideas upon which the proposed project is based.

If no past performance specifically related to batteries is available, respondents shall describe their past performance history on projects with comparable major customers and shall include supplemental information similar to that requested in 13(a) through 13(e) above.

Proposals shall include a detailed description of how the contract will be managed (inclusive of cost management techniques) and show how the proposed organizational structure will ensure performance stability, reliable customer service, industry relevance, and commitment to DLA and project progression for the duration of the performance period.

The contractor shall perform functions on approved projects including, but not limited to: appropriate resource application, awarding necessary subcontracts, and ensuring technical excellence, cost control, and schedule adherence. Quarterly Interim Progress Reviews (IPRs) and a final review shall be provided for each Project at times and locations as required by the Government. The contractor shall notify the ICT PM of problems and issues as they arise.

Deliverables for individual Projects will include:

1. Study Plans that update and add detail to the effort described in the technical proposal

2. Monthly technical progress and financial reports

3. Interim progress briefings or reports as required, to include an annual technical review usually held in conjunction with the Joint Defense Manufacturing Technology Panel (JDMTP) Metals Subpanel review of ManTech projects.

4. Minutes of meetings as required

5. Presentation materials as required

6. Final summary briefing or report

7. Any software, algorithms and associated documentation that may have been developed during the project

V. TECHNICAL PROPOSAL EVALUATION

Technical Evaluation Factors DLA will evaluate technical proposals in accordance with this section through a peer or scientific review process. Technical proposals will be evaluated for an overall technical capability that has scientific and technical merit, is viable and desirable, and describes a project that provides a solution in an Area of Interest listed in Section II. DLA will not evaluate technical proposals against each other since they are not submitted in accordance with a common work statement.

Technical proposals for non-innovative, marginal improvements are inappropriate under this BAA and will receive no further consideration.

Technical evaluation factors are as follows, listed in descending order of importance:

1. Overall Scientific and Technical Merit (Feasibility) - Technical proposals will be evaluated on overall technical capability and a sound research plan, which must be innovative, logical, well-defined, and meaningful, that provides a solution in an Area of Interest listed in this BAA and addresses: (1) the ability of the proposed research to improve DLA’s operations; (2) the degree to which the plan presents new and creative solutions to improve battery manufacturing; (3) the likelihood of successfully accomplishing the innovative approaches and achieving the proposed solutions in the research plan; and (4) the potential contribution and relevance to the DLA mission.

2. Viability - This factor measures whether DoD could easily adopt the proposed solution. The proposed effort is viable and likely to transition into an operational capability. The offeror demonstrates an understanding of battery technology, the U.S. military battery industry, working with DLA and DoD, and of relevant DLA and DoD policy.

3. Desirability - Adoption of the proposed solution offers clear benefits to DLA and has characteristics such as low barriers to transition, simplicity, ease of use, physical dimensions, etc.

that make it likely to be adopted.

4. Past Performance, Capabilities, and Related Experience - Proposals will be evaluated based on the degree to which they provide information pertaining to prior significant and related work experience or expertise in the technical areas of interest, and how that expertise will be beneficial to this program.

Price Evaluation Factor:

1. Cost Realism - The cost/price proposal shall provide sufficient information to evaluate the reasonableness and realism of proposed costs including:

a. Direct Labor – Individual labor categories or assigned persons with associated labor hours and unburdened direct labor rates

b. Indirect Costs – Fringe benefit, Overhead, G&A, Cost of Money, etc. (must show base amount and rate)

c. Proposed Contractor Acquired Equipment – Capital equipment purchases are not allowable project costs. Acquisition of materials and devices must be justified and approved in advance.

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

e. Subcontracts – A cost proposal is required to be submitted by any proposed subcontractor

f. Materials – Specifically itemized with estimated (or actual) costs.

g. Lease Items - Fair market value of lease items and the method used for making such evaluations

h. Cost Share – The contractor is required to share in overall costs of the project(s).

i. Cost Management Techniques

In addition to the evaluation criteria above, funds availability will be a consideration in the selection of proposals for award.

Adjectival Technical Ratings

Proposals will be assigned a rating on each evaluation factor from the adjectival ratings below.

Factor 1 – Overall Scientific and Technical Merit (Feasibility)

Acceptable (A): Response demonstrates generally satisfactory scientific and technical merit and soundness of the technical concept to advance the state-of-the-art or increase knowledge or understanding in an Area of Interest related to Battery Technology. Probability of success is reasonable and the offeror’s response may include strengths and/or weaknesses. Any weaknesses identified in the offeror’s response are not substantial enough to adversely impact respondent’s strengths and may be corrected through negotiations or clarifications. No deficiencies are identified in the response.

Unacceptable (U): Response demonstrates generally unsatisfactory scientific and technical merit and soundness of the technical concept to advance the state-of-the-art or increase knowledge or understanding in an Area of Interest related to Battery Technology. Response may contain some strengths, but probability of success is low as the offeror’s response contains significant weaknesses or deficiencies that are unlikely to be corrected through negotiations or clarifications.

Factor 2 – Viability

Acceptable (A): The proposed effort is viable and somewhat likely to transition into an operational capability. The offeror demonstrates a reasonable understanding of working with DLA and DoD and of relevant DLA and DoD policy. Response may contain strengths.

Weaknesses of the offeror’s response, where and if applicable, are not substantial enough to conversely impact respondent’s strengths. Weaknesses identified may be corrected through negotiations or clarifications. No deficiencies are identified in the response.

Unacceptable (U): Viability of the proposed effort is questionable and it is not likely to transition into an operational capability. The offeror demonstrates little or no understanding of working with DLA and DoD and of relevant DLA and DoD policy. Response may contain some strengths, but identified significant weaknesses and/or deficiencies are determined as having a critical impact on successfully fulfilling the Government’s requirement.

Factor 3 – Desirability

Acceptable (A): The proposed solution offers some evidence of benefits to DLA and has characteristics such as low barriers to transition, simplicity, ease of use, physical dimensions, etc.

that make it somewhat likely to be adopted by DLA and industry. Response may contain strengths. Weaknesses of the offeror’s response, where and if applicable, are not substantial enough to conversely impact respondent’s strengths. Weaknesses identified may be corrected through negotiations or clarifications. No deficiencies are identified in the response.

Unacceptable (U): The proposed solution offers little or no evidence of benefits to DLA and has few or no characteristics such as low barriers to transition, simplicity, ease of use, physical dimensions, etc. that make it somewhat likely to be adopted by DLA and industry. Response may contain some strengths, but identification of significant weaknesses and/or deficiencies are determined as having a critical impact on successfully fulfilling the Government’s requirement.

Factor 4 – Past Performance, Capabilities, and Related Experience

Acceptable (A): Response demonstrates generally satisfactory experience which is relevant to an area of research interest in the BAA. Response demonstrates satisfactory past performance in implementing or sustaining systems or processes which are similar to those being proposed.

Response generally demonstrates satisfactory overall past performance as it relates to meeting technical, schedule, cost and/or other objectives/requirements. Reasonable probability of successfully accomplishing the DLA requirement based on experience and past performance.

Unacceptable (U): Response demonstrates generally unsatisfactory overall experience which is not relevant in managing and performing tasks pertinent to an area of research interest in the BAA, and unsatisfactory experience in implementing or sustaining systems or processes to those being proposed. Generally, demonstrates unsatisfactory overall past performance. Low or no probability of successfully accomplishing the DLA requirement based on past performance.

Overall Technical Consensus Ratings

Acceptable (A): Response addresses the minimal level of information requested in the BAA.

Respondent's response may contain strengths and weaknesses. Weaknesses in the offeror’s response, where and if applicable, are not substantial enough to adversely impact respondent’s strengths. Weaknesses identified may be corrected through negotiations or clarifications.

Unacceptable (U): Response does not address the minimal level of information requested in the BAA. The offeror’s response did not demonstrate an understanding of the BAA and ability to meet applicable program objectives and/or performance parameters. It is unlikely that significant weaknesses and/or deficiencies can be corrected through negotiations or clarifications.

Price Evaluation Factor:

Factor 1: Cost Realism A cost realism analysis shall be performed in accordance with FAR 15.404-1(d) Cost realism analysis. Realism will be based on an evaluation of the respondent’s cost proposal to determine whether the estimated cost elements are realistic for the work to be performed; reflect a clear understanding of the requirements and are consistent with the respondent’s technical proposal. In addition, funds availability will be a basis for selection.

VI. COST/PRICE PROPOSAL

No page limits apply to a cost proposal. The cost proposal shall include total project cost by month. The offeror will also give a detailed breakdown of the total project costs. If subcontracts are contemplated, the offeror must estimate the total amount of effort to be subcontracted and specify the “burden” or “pass through rate” that will be applied to those subcontracts. Offerors are required to submit certification of current cost or pricing data in accordance with FAR 15.406-2. The total cost of each major cost element and the make-up of those costs shall be presented in the offeror's proposal. A statement related to the latest DCAA audit and whether the offeror’s accounting system has been approved by the DCAA shall be included in the cost proposal. State if there are currently negotiated DCAA rates and factors being used in the proposal. A Proposal Adequacy Checklist is included as Attachment B to this BAA and shall be included with each proposal submission.

Detailed breakdown of costs by cost category by offeror's calendar/fiscal year:

Direct Labor - Individual labor categories or personnel with associated labor hours and unburdened direct labor rates

Indirect Costs - Fringe benefits, Overhead, G&A, Cost of Money, etc. (must show base amount and rate)

Proposed Contractor Acquired Equipment – Capital equipment purchases are not allowable project costs. Acquisition of materials and devices must be justified and approved in advance

Travel - Number of trips, destinations, durations, etc.

Subcontracts - A cost proposal is required to be submitted by any proposed subcontractor and “burden” or “pass through rate” shall be clearly stated.

Materials - Specifically itemized with estimated (or actual) costs. Be sure to include (3) or more quotes and a determination of how prices were determined fair and reasonable.

Lease Items - Fair market value of lease items and the…