BAA 07-DE-08 Annual Notice.doc

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT

BAA-07-DE-08

Air Force Research Laboratory Directed Energy Directorate

ANNOUNCEMENT OVERVIEW

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT TITLE: Directed Energy Laser Effects Branch Open 5 Year Broad Agency Announcement

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: BAA-07-DE-08

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE (CFDA) NUMBER(S): 12.800 AIRFORCE DEFENSE RESEARCH SCIENCES PROGRAM and 12.910 RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT BRIEF PROGRAM SUMMARY: This is a 5-year, opened-ended Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to solicit research proposals for the United States Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Directed Energy Laser Effects Branch, Laser Effects Vulnerability Research Program (LEVR), which is looking to conduct research and development of laser vulnerability assessments on space, tactical/ground, and missile, systems, subsystems, and components to accurately predict the consequences of lasers’ interaction with these targets. This effort shall balance both analytical modeling and experimental tasks to accurately predict the effects of lasers on various threat targets. The objective is to mature and enhance current capabilities by developing and improving AFRL’s Missile Assessment Center Codes and databases, research the vulnerability of the aforementioned systems and subsystems, and assess the lethality of potential laser weapon concepts against these systems. Multiple awards of contracts of various values are anticipated with a period of performance ranging from 6 to 60 months. Periodically over the 5-year period, proposal call announcements (CALLS) may be issued in the FedBizOps/EPS to request proposals for specific research efforts under technical topic areas. These subsequent CALLS will contain specific descriptions of the research effort to be addressed, anticipated period of performance, information peculiar to the specific research technical topic area, and the expected dollar range for proposals received under the CALL.

PROPOSAL DUE DATE AND TIME: This BAA will remain open for a period of 5 years from the date of publication. NO PROPOSALS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED AGAINST THIS BASELINE BAA. Proposal due dates and times will be specified in each CALL. Proposals received after the due date and time specified in the CALL shall be governed by the provisions of FAR 52.215-1(c)(3).

ESTIMATED PROGRAM COST: Anticipated funding for the program (not per contract or award): is $10 M each fiscal year from FY 08 through FY 12. This funding profile is an estimate only and will not be a contractual obligation for funding. All funding is subject to change due to government discretion and availability. Each CALL will contain funding profiles specific to that effort. All potential offerors should be aware that due to unanticipated budget fluctuations, funding in any or all areas may change with little or no notice.

GENERAL INFORMATION: The applicable NAICS code for this announcement is 541712 with a size standard of 500 employees. This acquisition is unrestricted. This BAA is issued under the provisions of Federal Acquisition Regulation paragraph 6.102(d)(2) that provides for the competitive selection of research proposals. Proposals submitted in response to CALLS issued pursuant to this BAA that are selected for award are considered to be the results of full and open competition and in full compliance with the provisions of PL 98-369, the Competition In Contracting Act of 1984. There will be no other announcement issued for this requirement. Offerors MUST monitor FedBizOps/EPS http://www.fbo.gov in the event this announcement is amended or CALLS are issued.

TYPE OF CONTRACTS/INSTRUMENTS: The Government may award any appropriate contract type under the Federal Acquisition Regulation. It is anticipated that awards under this BAA will generally be cost plus fixed fee, completion form contracts, which require successful offerors to have an accounting system considered adequate for tracking costs applicable to the contract.

ANTICIPATED NUMBER OF AWARDS: The Air Force anticipates awarding a minimum of one contract per specific CALL. However, the Air Force does reserve the right to make multiple awards or no awards pursuant to a CALL.

Technical Point of Contact: The technical point of contact for the baseline BAA is Dr. Nicholas Morley, AFRL/RDLE, Kirtland AFB, NM, Phone 505-846-0805, Fax 505-846-1625, E-mail nicholas.morley@kirtland.af.mil.

Contracting Points of Contact: The contracting points of contact for the baseline BAA are: Contract Specialist: Ms. Katie Schuman, Det 8 AFRL/RDKP, Kirtland AFB, NM, Phone 505-846-2037, Fax 505-853-3398, E-mail katie.schuman@kirtland.af.mil or Contracting Officer: Ms Deborah McGrath, Det 8 AFRL/RDKP, Kirtland AFB, NM, Phone 505-853-4338, Fax 505-853-3398, E-mail deb.mcgrath@kirtland.af.mil.

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT

BAA-07-DE-08

Air Force Research Laboratory Directed Energy Directorate

FULL TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT

1. REQUIREMENT DESCRIPTION

A. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Directed Energy Laser Effects Branch is interested in receiving proposals from all offerors to conduct research and development to perform innovative experimental, analytical, and modeling research in the following areas: 1) the phenomenology of laser interaction and the effects of directed energy weapons on military targets of interest to DoD; 2) the underlying physics principles of laser threat environment; 3) extension and/or enhancement of existing vulnerability assessment modeling and simulation capabilities for assessing laser effects, and for performing damage assessments on military systems; and 4) evaluating the effectiveness of lethality enhancements, counter-countermeasures and countermeasure techniques. This scope is to include program planning, intelligence coordination, modeling and simulation, analysis, assessments, target fabrication, test planning, test design/instrumentation development, test execution, and documentation. This effort shall balance both analytical modeling and experimental tasks to accurately predict the effects of lasers on various threat targets. Laser vulnerability assessments on space, tactical/ground, and missile, systems, subsystems, and components shall be completed to accurately predict the consequences of lasers interaction with these targets. This effort shall mature and enhance current capabilities by developing and improving AFRL’s Missile Assessment Center Codes and databases, research the vulnerability of the aforementioned systems and subsystems, and assess the lethality of potential laser weapon concepts against these systems.

B. This is a 5-year, opened-ended Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) describing the research areas of interest for the AFRL’s Laser Effects Branch, which is pursuing innovative technology development that balances both analytical modeling and experimental tasks to accurately predict the effects of lasers on various threat targets. Multiple awards of contracts of various values are anticipated with a period of performance ranging from 6 to 60 months. The 5 year Directed Energy Laser Effects Branch Broad Agency Announcement is being initiated via release of this baseline BAA 07-DE-08. Periodically over the 5-year period (calculated from the baseline BAA publication date), proposal call announcements (CALLS) under the BAA may be issued in the FedBizOps/EPS to request proposals for specific research efforts under technical topic areas. These subsequent CALLS will contain specific descriptions of the research effort to be addressed, anticipated period of performance, information peculiar to the specific research technical topic area, and the expected dollar range for proposals received under the CALL. Each CALL will specify a proposal due date and time. Proposals received after the stated due date and time will be governed by FAR 52.215-1(c)(3). Multiple subsequent CALLS are anticipated and may be announced sequentially or concurrently in the FedBizOps/EPS. The Government reserves the right to re-issue a previously announced CALL area with a second, subsequent proposal period. The Government also reserves the right to issue no CALLS for any given technology area.

C. TECHNOLOGY AREA DESCRIPTIONS

· (1) laser interaction Experimental and Modeling research The overall goal of this topic is to conduct measurements and modeling research to enhance AFRL/DELE’s understanding of the physics of laser target interaction. The objectives are to (1) Develop/extend state-of-the-art analytical methodologies for understanding, assessing, and predicting the interaction of lasers on materials, sub-components, components, and sub-systems; (2) Execute experimental research programs on the effects of laser energy on materials, sub-components, components, subsystems, and systems of interest; and (3) Perform research on new effects or concepts to counter countermeasure techniques. The task area will require an understanding of the physics of interactions and identification of all critical components of each of selected target systems. The task area shall require a target failure mode analysis which follows a structured vulnerability methodology capable of predicting system failure and performing damage/degradation assessment., This effort will also include an analysis of critical components to determine the point or points during mission performance when and where specific components are most vulnerable and mission essential. Example failure modes include failure induced by weakening/degrading of critical members, catastrophic failures melt-through of multiple components, and failure of mission essential systems/subsystems.

Work in this area shall also provide distinct, specialized products. These products may include unique diagnostic methods and approaches to testing and analyzing target assets including: (1) Unique target fabrication; (2) Special diagnostics; (3) Target structural response phenomenology; (4) Investigation of rep-pulse effects; (5) Contingency planning; (6) Self-protection concepts; and (7) Other innovative projects.

· (2) Target Vulnerability Assessment, Laser weapon system lethality Assessments, and Target Folder Development The overall goal of this topic area is to improve the criteria used for target vulnerability assessments, to assess laser weapon system lethality, and to identify lethality enhancement techniques and counter-countermeasure techniques for defeating all classes of targets. The objectives are to (1) Formulate vulnerability criteria for major weapon systems; (2) Assess potential applications and effects of laser concepts for various DoD missions; (3) Perform laser lethality assessments of weapon system capabilities; and (4) Develop and maintain target folders to document results of vulnerability assessments. This effort shall include laser target vulnerability assessment studies and assessment of the effectiveness of specific weapon concepts against various engagement scenarios and adjunct missions. This includes threat assessment, interaction, and target response of Missile defense class targets, Tactical, Ground, EO/IR systems, and Space assets. Efforts shall also include: (1) Innovative methods and approaches to enhance current vulnerability effects and assessment capabilities; (2) Innovative methods and approaches for the understanding of the physics of interactions of lasers with composite and novel materials, including the lethality assessment against EO/IR, TBM’s, MRBM’s, SRBM’s, Tactical Air and Ground, and Space systems/subsystems down to the component/subcomponent level; and (3) Identification of lethality enhancement techniques and counter-countermeasure techniques.

· (3) High Energy Laser Modeling, Simulation, and Special Test & Studies

The goals of this topic are to develop improved numerical modeling and simulation capabilities for laser effects on threat systems, and evaluate the effectiveness of hardening techniques of target systems. The effort includes modifying existing models where available and appropriate, developing, as required, modeling codes and software to demonstrate a validated predictive capability of the probability of kill for target sets designated by Government direction. This effort shall also include laser lethality demonstration to validate the lethality assessment models/algorithms. Efforts shall include innovative methods and approaches to improve the understanding of the laser interaction phenomenology on threat targets through modeling and simulation under high and low irradiance.

Work in this area shall also provide distinct, specialized products. These products may include unique methods and approaches to analyze target response including: (1) Shot line models; (2) novel numerical solvers; (3) Uncertainty analysis; (4) Target structural response phenomenology; (5) Investigation of rep-pulse effects; (6) Self-protection concepts (7) Range Safety requirements; and (7) Other innovative projects.

· (4) TARGET OPTICAL SIGNATURE MEASUREMENT AND ANALYSIS

The goals of this topic are to carry out the measurements and analysis necessary for characterizing the complete optical signature of pristine as well as progressively damaged targets. The specific objectives are to conduct measurements and analysis to develop a traceable methodology from coupon through scaled systems. These activities include: 1) Directional-hemispherical reflectance (DHR) and Bidirectional Reflectance (scattering) Distribution Function (BRDF/BSDF) measurements on pristine and damaged coupons; 2) Developing both physics and engineering level models and data extraction codes to account for the nature of the scattered energy; 3) Perform large scale laser cross section experiments; and 4) improve M&S tools to appropriately capture the system level optical behavior. The effort shall include measurements and analysis necessary for characterizing the complete optical signature of pristine as well as progressively damaged targets. Target optical signature will include the laser cross section as measured in a controlled environment such as the Advanced Measurements Optical Range (AMOR). In addition, optical signature characterization of a target includes the measurement of coupon-level scatterometry and hemispherical reflectance for predictive modeling in an appropriate optical signature code. Facilities that should be considered include the AFRL/DELE Target Material Angular Resolved Scatterometer (TMARS) and the Transmittance, Reflectance, and Absorptance Measurements (TRAM) Laboratory. The optical scatter measurement data will be used to develop corresponding BRDF/BSDF models for use in appropriate signature codes. Measurements will be conducted to determine the response of progressively damaged targets and advanced physics and empirical models will be developed to capture this response. In order to address a progressively damaged target, additional measurements such as polarimetric, ellipsometric, or atomic force microscopy will be carried out as needed. The optical signature characterization will also include assessments of uncertainty in the measures and modeled parameters.

D. The following data deliverables are representative of the types of data that may be required:

Computer Software Product End Items

Test Plan

Developmental Design Drawing and Associated Lists

Presentation Materials, Program Management Review/Technical Interchange Meetings

Computer Programming Manual

Software User Manual

Technical Report – Studies/Services, Interim and Final Patent Reports – DD Forms 882

Status Report

Technical Report – Study/Services, Task Order Scientific & Technical Reports

Scientific and Technical Report, DTIC Published Report

Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) draft of data deliverables will be listed as Attachment 1 to BAA 07-DE-08 and are subject to negotiations on each individual CALL.

2. ANTICIPATED FUNDING

Anticipated funding for the program (not per contract or award) is $10M per fiscal year from FY 08 through FY 12.

This funding profile is an estimate only and will not be a contractual obligation for funding.

All funding is subject to change due to government discretion and availability. Each CALL will contain funding profiles specific to that effort. All potential offerors should be aware that due to unanticipated budget fluctuations, funding in any or all areas may change with little or no notice.

3. POINTS OF CONTACT

A. TECHNICAL POINTS OF CONTACT (TPOC).

1) The technical point of contact for the baseline BAA 07-DE-08 BAA is Dr. Nicholas Morley, AFRL/RDLE, Kirtland AFB, NM, Phone 505-846-0805, Fax 505-846-1625, Email: nicholas.morley@kirtland.af.mil

2) Each CALL will include a specific technical area point of contact.

B. CONTRACTING POINTS OF CONTACT:

1) The contracting points of contact for the baseline BAA are:

a) Contract Specialist: Katie Schuman, Det 8 AFRL/RDKP, Kirtland AFB, NM, Phone 505-846-2037, Fax 505-853-3398, Email: Katie.schuman@kirtland.af.mil

b) Contracting Officer: Ms Deborah McGrath, Det 8 AFRL/RDKP, Kirtland AFB, NM, Phone 505-853-4338, Fax 505-853-3398, Email: deb.mcgrath@kirtland.af.mil

2) Each CALL will include specific contracting points of contact.

C. OMBUDSMAN:

AFFARS CLAUSE 5352.201-9101 Ombudsman (AUG 2005) is hereby incorporated into this BAA and will be made a part of any awards based on this solicitation. The ombudsman for AFRL is Ms. Sue Hunter, AFRL/PK, 1864 4th Street, Ste 1, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, 45433-7171, Phone 937.255.0432, Facsimile 937.255.5036, Email sue.hunter@wpafb.af.mil .

4. COMMUNICATIONS

A. Prospective offerors are reminded to contact the technical point of contact to verify interest in the effort to be proposed and the funding availability PRIOR to committing any resources to the preparation of any proposals in response to this announcement/CALL. Foreign owned firms are advised they may be precluded from proposing. These firms are advised to contact the Contracting Point of Contact or TPOC before submitting a proposal to determine whether there are restrictions on receiving an award.

B. Dialogue between prospective offerors and Government representatives is encouraged until submission of proposals. Discussions with any of the points of contact shall not constitute a commitment by the Government to subsequently fund or award any proposed effort. Only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to commit the Government.

C. NO PROPOSALS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED AGAINST THIS BASELINE BAA. Proposal due dates and times will be specified in each CALL. Proposals received after the due date and time specified in the CALL shall be governed by the provisions of FAR 52.215-1(c)(3).

D. There will be no other announcement issued for this requirement. Offerors MUST monitor FedBizOps/EPS http://www.fbo.gov in the event this announcement is amended or CALLs are issued. Offerors must monitor this system to ensure they receive the maximum proposal preparation time for subsequent amendments as this is the official notification vehicle to request proposals.

E. Potential offerors are requested to advise the contracting officer if they intend to submit a proposal in response to a CALL. Such notification is merely a courtesy and is not a commitment by the offeror to submit a proposal.

5. GENERAL INFORMATION

Potential offerors are advised of the following:

A. The applicable NAICS code for this announcement and any CALLS issued pursuant to this BAA is 541712 with a size standard of 500.

B. This acquisition is unrestricted. This BAA is issued under the provisions of Federal Acquisition Regulation paragraph 6.102(d)(2) that provides for the competitive selection of research proposals. Proposals submitted in response to CALLS issued pursuant to this BAA that are selected for award are considered to be the results of full and open competition and in full compliance with the provisions of PL 98-369, the Competition In Contracting Act of 1984.

C. AFMC 5352.209-9002, Organizational Conflict of Interest may be applicable to this action but cannot be definitively determined prior to issuance of this announcement or subsequent CALLS. Previous experience indicates the probable inclusion of Alternates III, IV, and VI. This issue and the need for applicable clauses will be resolved during each Call and prior to the award of any contract resulting from an offeror’s proposal.

D. An “Administrative Access to Proprietary Information” consent provision is applicable to this announcement with anticipation of incorporation of the provision by reference into any resulting contract award. The provision is available at http://www.kirtland.af.mil/prs. It must be either signed and submitted with the proposal or objections must be submitted as indicated on the consent form.

E. Department of Defense (DOD) Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) (C31 Lab, Lincoln Laboratory, or Software Engineering Institute) may submit proposals in response to CALLS issued pursuant to this BAA. Other FFRDCs or contractors that propose using FFRDCs not discussed herein shall provide rationale in its proposal that the research is within the purpose, mission, general scope of effort or special competency of the FFRDC and that research to be performed would not place the FFRDC in direct competition with the private sector. The Government does not intend that FFRDCs use privileged information or access to facilities to compete with the private sector. If a contractor proposes using a FFRDC as a subcontractor, other than DOD-sponsored FFRDCs in the capacities discussed in DFARS 235.017-1, it must provide rationale in its proposal that supports the unique capability of the FFRDC. Also, the contractor’s proposal must demonstrate that the FFRDC can accept work from other than the sponsor.

F. Research areas may involve technology that is subject to U.S. Export Control Laws. The contract award(s) is/are anticipated to be unclassified with limited access. Therefore, only offerors who are certified by the Defense Logistics Information Service (DLIS) may submit proposals. For questions, contact DLIS on-line at http://www.dlis.dla.mil/jcp or at DLIS, US/Canada Joint Certification Center, Federal Center, 74 North Washington, Battle Creek MI 49017-4312, (800) 352-3572.

The majority of the work performed under any resulting contract(s) will be classified up to the Top Secret and/or Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) level. The contractor(s) who is/are selected for an award under a CALL will be required to obtain the appropriate facility clearances.

It is anticipated a DD Form 254, Contract Security Classification Specification, with a classification level of Top Secret will be required during the performance of this contract. A draft is at attachment 2 to this BAA.

6. AWARD INFORMATION

A. It is anticipated that this BAA will remain open for a period of 5 years from the date of publication. This BAA will be reviewed annually. Any updates or possible cancellation will be issued as an amendment to the BAA. This annual review and subsequent amendment to the BAA shall meet the requirement of FAR 35.016 to publish the BAA no less frequently than annually.

B. TYPE OF CONTRACT: The Government may award any appropriate contract type under the Federal Acquisition Regulation. The anticipated type of contract will be issued in each CALL. Prospective offerors are encouraged to discuss the type of contract proposed with the appropriate contracting point of contact prior to preparing a proposal.

It is anticipated that a mix of contract types will be used throughout the life of this BAA. Generally awards under this BAA will be cost plus fixed fee, completion form, contracts, which require successful offerors to have an accounting system considered adequate for tracking costs applicable to the contract. Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) with Cost Plus Fixed Fee (Completion) Task Orders are also anticipated. In the event an ID/IQ type of contract is anticipated, potential offerors are advised that during the course of the contract, the maximum dollar amount of the contract is subject to adjustments that may be appropriate for the Government to take full advantage of the contract ordering period.

C. ANTICIPATED NUMBER OF AWARDS: The Air Force anticipates awarding a minimum of one contract per specific CALL. However, the Air Force does reserve the right to make multiple awards or no awards pursuant to a CALL.

D. Proposals are intended to be evaluated, and award made without discussions, unless discussions are determined to be necessary. However, the Government may obtain clarifications to determine proposal acceptability. Discussions may be held with prospective awardees prior to award if needed. In the event the Government is unable to resolve outstanding issues with the apparent successful offeror(s), it reserves the right to consider award(s) to other acceptable offeror(s).

7. PROPOSAL PREPARATION

A. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:

1. This BAA and associated CALLS are expressions of interest only and do not commit the Government to pay for proposal preparation cost. The cost of preparing proposals in response to CALLS placed pursuant to this BAA is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting contract or to any other contract. However, it may be an allowable indirect expense as specified in FAR 31.205-18.

2. Proposals must reference this BAA number, the CALL number, and include a unique contractor generated proposal identification number. Unnecessarily elaborate brochures or presentations beyond that sufficient to present a complete and effective proposal are not desired.

3. Offerors must identify proposal information considered proprietary by marking their proposals with the restrictive language contained in FAR 52.215-1(e), Instructions to Offerors—Competitive Acquisition.

4. DoD policy, per DFARS 227.7103-1, is to acquire only the technical data and the rights in that data, necessary to satisfy government needs. The Government anticipates receiving, as a minimum, “Government Purpose Rights” to technical data developed under contracts awarded based on proposals received in response to this announcement. Data rights offered other than “Unlimited Rights,” as defined in DFARS 227.7103-5, should be identified in DFARS clause 252.227-7017, Identification and Assertion of Use, Release, or Disclosure Restrictions, and addressed in the business section of the cost proposal.

5. There are no limits to the number of proposals an offeror may submit for any given CALL unless otherwise specified in the CALL.

6. You may be ineligible for award if all requirements of this announcement are not met by the proposal due date and time as identified in each CALL.

B. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

1. Submit with a cover letter, an original, three paper copies, and one electronic copy of the technical proposal and an original, one paper copy, and one electronic copy of the cost/business proposal. The original and paper copies of technical and cost/business proposals must be in separate volumes. The electronic copy must be submitted on a compact disk (CD) in a PC compatible file format and must be readable by Microsoft Office. The electronic copy of the cost proposal worksheets must be in Microsoft Office Excel 2003 or later version and must contain all cell formulas.

2. Proposals for FAR type contracts should be submitted to Det 8 AFRL/RDKP Attn: Ms. Deborah McGrath, 2251 Maxwell St SE, Bldg 499, Kirtland AFB NM 87117-5773. Proposals sent to any inappropriate address are ineligible for award. Proposals for FAR contracts sent via facsimile or electronic means will not be accepted.

3. Prospective offerors are to submit annual representations and certifications via the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA). Offerors can complete electronic annual representations and certifications at http://www.bpn.gov in conjunction with the required registration in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database. Offerors must complete other required representations and certifications at http://www.kirtland.af.mil/prs. Offerors may be required to provide proposal specific representations and certifications identified and requested by the cognizant contracting officer.

C. SPECIFIC PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cover letter

A cover letter shall accompany each proposal. The cover letter should identify the BAA number, CALL number, and technology area under which the proposal is submitted, a statement that the proposal is valid for 120 days from the due date specified in the CALL, provide technical and contracting points of contact, CAGE code, and include statement indicating if the firm is a small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, 8(a), or women-owned small business concern. The proposal must be signed and dated by an authorized official of the organization.

2. Technical Proposal

a. Content. The technical proposal must convey an understanding of the problems or limitations of the general technology area and the intended application(s). The technical proposal shall include the following items.

(1) Executive Summary: Describe the proposed program, objectives, and approach. A description of the innovation and benefits of the proposed approach and relationship to previous efforts should be discussed. It should summarize the technical issues addressed by the offeror’s proposal without repeating the requirements. This should provide a vision of what will ultimately be achieved and what solution this effort will produce.

(2) Program Description: Describe the techniques, methods, materials, or ideas that will be addressed in this proposal, their innovation, and to what degree they advance the state-of-the-art.

(3) Program Plan: Describe in detail the planned approach and how the plan will be executed. This section should include all technical aspects of the approach. Provide technical detail and analysis necessary to support the technical approach proposed. Clearly identify the core of the intended approach. The “new and creative” solution to the problem(s) should be developed and analyzed in this section. Include a risk assessment of key technical, schedule or cost areas and their potential impact on the program. Identify why proposed subcontractors were selected and what tasks they are to perform.

(4) Contractor’s Statement of Work (C-SOW):

(A) The C-SOW, a stand-alone document, should detail the research to be accomplished under the technical area and should be suitable for incorporation into the awarded document. The proposed C-SOW should summarize the technical methodology and the task description, but not to the extent to make the awarded instrument inflexible. Do not include any proprietary information in the C-SOW. Contractors may request copies of our contracts under the Freedom of Information Act. Consequently, it is imperative that no company-sensitive information be included in the C-SOW. The C-SOW should include the anticipated deliverables (hardware, software, reports, etc.).

(B) The following is offered as a recommended format for the C-SOW. The C-SOW should be structured in three sections; Scope, Applicable Documents, And Requirements.

SCOPE: This section includes a statement of what the program covers. This should include the technology area to be investigated, objectives/goals, and major milestones for the effort. It defines the breadth and limitations of the work to be done.

APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS: This section includes reference documents needed to identify or clarify the work to be performed.

REQUIREMENTS: This section identifies the specific work to be performed. The work effort should be arranged into major tasks and identified in separately numbered paragraphs. Each numbered major task should delineate by subtask the work to be performed and should follow an outline numbering scheme. The C-SOW must identify all reviews and when/where (identify by milestone or task) that will be conducted. It must also identify any and all items (hardware, software, reports, etc.) to be delivered to the Government as a result of the program.

(5) Milestone Chart: A Milestone Chart should indicate when specific objectives are expected to be met in the overall program schedule and should identify the specific accomplishments necessary to proceed to the next task. Provide a schedule of when the deliverable items identified in the CALL are to be delivered.

(6) Resumes of Key Individuals: Include brief summaries of resumes of relevant key individuals including any consultants or subcontractors that might be proposed.

b. Page Limitations. The technical proposal page limitation will be specified in each CALL. Technical proposals will be single spaced, double-sided, 8.5 by 11-inch pages. Select an easy to read font no smaller than 12 pitch fixed or proportional font size 10 or larger. Smaller type may be used in figures and tables as long as it is clearly legible. The page limitation includes all information i.e., indices, photographs, foldouts (2 page), appendices, attachments, resumes, C-SOW, etc. Each printed side counts as one page. Blank pages, title pages, tables of content, lists, tabs or cover sheets are not included in the page count. The Government will not consider pages in excess of the limitation.

3. Cost/Business Proposal

Separate this proposal into a cost section and a business section.

a. Cost Section. The cost proposal containing other than cost or pricing data shall be submitted in the format provided in the announcement and is necessary for the Government to perform a cost realism analysis. Adequate price competition is anticipated for each CALL issued unless stated otherwise in the announcement. A determination as to the existence of adequate price competition will be made by the cognizant Procuring Contracting Officer on a case by case basis. If adequate price competition is determined not to exist, the Government reserves the right to obtain certified cost or pricing data from the offeror. Based on the type of contract proposed, use the appropriate cost proposal instructions, which can be found at the following AFRL website, http://www.kirtland.af.mil/prs/cpi.aspx to prepare the cost proposal. Submit the electronic copy of the cost proposal worksheets on a compact disk in a PC compatible file format in Microsoft Office Excel 2003 or later version. The file must contain all cell formulas. Cost proposals have no page limitations but offerors are requested to keep cost proposals to 75 pages as a goal.

Offerors who have forward pricing rate agreements (FPRA’s) and forward pricing rate recommendations (FPRR’s) should submit them with their proposal.

b. Business Section. The business section should contain all business aspects to the proposed contractual arrangement, such as type of contract/instrument, any unique terms and conditions, any exceptions to terms and conditions of the announcement or CALL, and any information not technically related. Provide rationale for exceptions. As a goal, offerors are requested to keep the business section to 20 pages. This section should include the following items as appropriate. Referenced documents are available at http://www.kirtland.af.mil/prs/ .

(1) Signed “Administrative Access to Proprietary Information” consent provision or a detailed statement outlining the basis for the objection.

(2) Completed representations and certifications and any specific representations and certifications identified in a CALL.

(3) Sample Model Contracts should be reviewed. Include a statement as to acceptance of the terms and conditions contained in the model contracts.

(4) Completed Proposal Content Checklist. Failure to provide a complete proposal may result in a determination that the proposal is non-responsive and may be eliminated from consideration for award.

(5) Facilities and Equipment description: Describe the facilities that can be used to achieve the goals of the program, in terms of manufacturing capability, testing facilities, and/or any relevant specialized equipment.

(6) Management Plan: Offerors should provide an approach that demonstrates the ability to effectively and efficiently manage and administer the research program to a successful conclusion.

(7) Subcontracting Plans: Small Business Subcontracting Plans are required under FAR 19.702 for efforts anticipated to exceed $550,000. Prospective offerors shall submit applicable subcontracting plans in accordance with the requirements set forth in FAR 19.704 and DFARS 219.704 along with the technical and cost proposals. Small business is exempt from this requirement. If a company has a master subcontracting plan, as described in FAR 19.701 or a comprehensive subcontracting plan, as described in DFARS 219.702, a copy of the plan shall be submitted with the proposal. The subcontracting plan is a part of the cost/business section of the proposal and will not be included in the page count.

8. PROPOSAL REVIEW AND EVALUATION PROCEDURES

A. GENERAL.

The Government reserves the right to select for award to responsible offerors/ contractors any, all, part, or none of the proposals received in response to this announcement, subject to the availability of funds. The technical and cost proposals will be evaluated at the same time. You may be ineligible for award if all requirements of this announcement and subsequent CALLS are not met by the proposal due date and time. At minimum, incomplete proposals may be given lower priority and, although technically acceptable, not awarded due to funding limitations. No further evaluation criteria will be used.

B. EVALUATION CRITERIA.

The selection of one or more sources for award will be based on an evaluation of each offeror’s proposal to determine the overall merit of the proposal in response to this announcement. Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 35.016. The proposals will be evaluated utilizing a peer or scientific review process and shall be evaluated based on the following criteria that are listed in descending order of importance:

Overall scientific and technical merits of the proposal;

Importance to AFRL/DE programs;

Affordability/Funds availability Price will be a substantial consideration in selecting proposals for awards, but will be secondary to technical considerations. Cost realism and reasonableness shall also be considered to the extent appropriate. Price will be evaluated and may be negotiated if necessary on proposals selected for award.

C. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

The technical and cost proposals will be evaluated at the same time and categorized as follows:

1. CATEGORY I: Well conceived scientifically and technically sound proposals important to program goals and objectives. Proposals in Category I are recommended for acceptance subject to funding constraints.

2. CATEGORY II: Scientifically or technically sound proposals that may require further development and may be recommended for acceptance, but are at a lower priority than Category I proposals and are not always funded.

3. CATEGORY III: Proposals not technically sound or do not meet agency needs and may be recommended for rejection.

D. AWARD NOTICES

Contract awards will be published IAW FAR 5.303 on Fed/BizOps/EPS http://www.fbo.gov. All unsuccessful offerors will receive notification in writing.

E. DEBRIEFINGS

When requested, a debriefing will be provided. The debriefing process will follow the time guidelines set out in FAR 15.506, but the debriefing content will vary to be consistent with the procedures set out in FAR 35.016 governing BAAs.

9. OTHER INFORMATION

A. WIDE AREA WORK FLOW NOTICE: Any contract award resulting from this announcement will contain the clause at DFARS 252.232-7003, Electronic Submission Of Payment Requests, which requires electronic submission of all payment requests. The clause cites three possible electronic formats through which to submit electronic payment requests. Effective 01 October 2006, the Department of Defense will adopt Wide Area Work Flow-Receipt and Acceptance (WAWF-RA), as the electronic format for submission of electronic payment requests. Any contract resulting from this announcement will establish a requirement to use WAWF-RA for invoicing and receipt/acceptance, and provide coding instructions applicable to this contract. Contractors are encouraged to take advantage of available training (both web-based and through your cognizant DCMA office), and to register in the WAWF-RA system. Information regarding WAWF-RA, including the web-based training and registration, can be found at https://wawf.eb.mil/ .

B. ASSOCIATE CONTRACTOR AGREEMENTS. Associate Contractor Agreements (ACAs) are agreements between contractors working on government contract projects that specify requirements for them to share information, data, technical knowledge, expertise, or resources. The contracting officer may require ACAs when contractors working on separate government contracts must cooperate, share resources or otherwise jointly participate in working on contracts or projects. Prime contractor to subcontractor relationships do not constitute ACAs. For each award, the contracting officer will identify associate contractors with whom agreements are required.

C. Pursuant to Far 22.805, a pre-award clearance must be obtained from the U.S. Department Of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Office Of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) prior to award of a contract (or subcontract) of $10,000,000 or more unless the contractor is listed in OFCCP’s National Pre-award Registry http://www.dol-esa.gov/preaward . This registry indicates that the contractor has been found to be “in compliance” within the past two years with The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations that the OFCCP is mandated to enforce. The registry is updated nightly and facilities reviewed more than 2 years ago are removed and new ones are added. Award may be delayed if you are not currently listed in the registry and the contracting officer must request a pre-award clearance from the OFCCP.

D . EXCESSIVE PASS-THROUGH CHARGES. Any contract award resulting from this announcement may contain the clause at DFARS 252.215-7004, Excessive Pass-Through Charges, (Apr 2007).

THIS ANNUAL NOTICE IS PUBLISHED PURSUANT TO FAR 35.016(c)