BAA-AFRL-RQKHC-2016-0009.pdf

2-Step Broad Agency Announcements

Overview Information

To access hyperlinks from this electronic solicitation – hit CTRL and click on the hyperlink.

NAICS Code: The NAICS Code for this acquisition is 541712 (Research and Development in the physical, engineering and the life sciences, (except biotechnology)), and the small business size standard is 1,000 employees.

In accordance with Federal Register/Vol. 81, No. 16/26 Jan 2016/Rules and Regulations, Small Business Administration 13 CFR Part 121 Final Rule; changes effective 26 Feb 2016.

Federal Agency Name: Air Force Research Laboratory, 711th Human Performance

Wing

Broad Agency Announcement Title: Aerospace Medicine, Clinical Research, Human Systems Integration Research, and Expeditionary Medicine

Broad Agency Announcement Type: This is the initial announcement.

Broad Agency Announcement Number: BAA AFRL-RQKHC-2016-0009 THIS

BAA REPLACES BAA 11-01-HPW IN ITS ENTIRETY.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s): 12.800_Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program

THIS WILL BE A TWO-STEP SOLICITATION:

First Step: WHITE PAPER DUE DATE AND TIME: This BAA is open and effective through 1 March 2021 at 5:00 pm Local Time, Wright-

Patterson Air Force Base. White papers may be submitted at any time during this period.

Second Step: PROPOSAL DUE DATE AND TIME: To be provided in response to the Requests for Proposals sent to offerors that submit White

Papers considered to meet the needs of the Air Force.

NOTE: White Paper/Proposal receipt after the due date and time shall be governed by the provisions of FAR 52.215-1(c)(3). It should be noted that this installation observes strict security procedures to enter the facility. These security procedures are NOT considered an interruption of normal Government processes, and white papers/proposals received after the above stated date and time as a result of security delays will be considered “late.” Furthermore, note that if offerors utilize commercial carriers in the delivery of white papers/proposals, they may not honor time-of-day delivery guarantees on military installations. Be advised, if the U.S. Postal Service is used, this building only receives U.S. Postal

Mail twice a week and delivery by that means may not meet the proposal due date and time established herein. Early white paper/proposal submission is encouraged.

Submission: White Papers must be submitted to the Contracting Point of Contact (POC): Ms. Kimberly Cerney, Contract Specialist, AFRL/RQKHC, kimberly.cerney@us.af.mil; or Clifford Johnson, Contracting Officer, AFRL/RQKHC, clifford.johnson.4@us.af.mil. Postal Delivery Address: Bldg. 45, 2130 8th Street, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7541.

Solicitation Request: Air Force Research Laboratory, 711th Human Performance

Wing, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is soliciting white papers on the research effort described below.

System for Award Management (SAM) Registration: FAR 52.204-7, System for Award Management (SAM) (JUL 2013), and DFARS 252.204-7004, Alternate A, System for Award Management (SAM) (FEB 2014) are included by reference. SAM is the primary Government repository for prospective federal awardee information and the centralized Government system for certain contracting, grants, and other assistance related processes. It replaces CCR/FedReg, On-line Representations and

Certifications (ORCA) and the Excluded Parties Lists System (EPLS). By submission of an offer, the offeror acknowledges the requirement that a prospective awardee shall be registered in the SAM database prior to award, during performance, and through final payment of any contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchasing agreement resulting from this solicitation. Contractors may obtain information on registration and annual confirmation requirements via the SAM accessed through https://www.acquisition.gov or by calling 866-606-8220.

*Note the size standard change for 541712 effective 26 Feb 2016.

Type of Contract/Instrument: The Air Force reserves the right to award the instrument best suited to the nature of research proposed. Accordingly, the Government may award any appropriate contract type under the FAR or Other

Transaction (OT) for Prototype, Grant, Cooperative Agreement, or OT for Research.

The Air Force may also consider award of an appropriate technology transfer mechanism if applicable. It is anticipated that awards under this BAA will generally be Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) but not limited to Firm Fixed Price, Cost Share, Cost (no fee): Cost reimbursement contracts require successful offerors to have an accounting system considered adequate for tracking costs applicable to the contract.

Estimated Program Cost: The total program value is $40,000,000 with multiple awards ranging from $50,000 to $5,000,000.

Anticipated Number of Awards: The Air Force anticipates awarding multiple awards per year for this announcement. However, the Air Force reserves the right mailto:kimberly.cerney@us.af.mil mailto:clifford.johnson.4@us.af.mil to award zero, one, or more contracts for all, some or none of the solicited effort based on the offeror’s ability to perform desired work and funding fluctuations.

Brief Program Summary: The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) 711 Human Performance Wing in the School of Aerospace Medicine and Human Systems

Integration Directorate conducts basic and applied research, advanced technology development, as well as test and evaluation to: (1) support the health and performance of Airmen performing across dynamic domains of air, space, and cyber operations, (2) bring innovative techniques and technology into the operational environment to improve outcomes and, (3) provide the Air Force with expertise in

Human Systems Integration to ensure weapons systems are designed, developed, or adapted with human capabilities and limitations in mind. 711 HPW solicits innovative research proposals in the following five research areas.

1. Force Health Protection – Focus on research to prevent injury and illness and the early recognition or detection of emerging threats.

2. EN Route Care –Continuum of care during transport of patients from point of injury to point of definitive care.

3. Operational Medicine (OM) – Air Force Medical Service (AFMS) sponsored OM encompasses interest in definitive diagnosis, care and treatment in-garrison, to insure the highest quality of healthcare for active duty members and their families.

4. Expeditionary Medicine - Improving expeditionary medical care during contingency operations including medical countermeasures against combat and operational stressors to maximize warrior health, performance and well-being.

5. Human Performance and Systems Integration - Maximizing operational human performance for a fit and healthy force.

AFRL seeks and encourages small business participation as prime contractors, through teaming arrangements and/or as performers on individual task and subtask research activities

Communication Between Prospective Offerors and Government Representatives: The acquisition team intends to manage communications in a manner best designed to facilitate the submittal of optimal proposals while not providing any unfair competitive advantages. Technical communications will be managed by the Program Manager identified below. Technical questions may be addressed before and after BAA release. Questions determined to provide a competitive advantage will be answered via FedBizOpps. 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.

Address technical questions to: Mr. Charles Dean, 711HPW/XP, charles.dean@us.af.mil, (210) 536-3374. Postal Delivery Address: 2510 Kennedy

Circle, Bldg. 150, Brooks City-Base TX 78235.

Address contracting questions to: Ms. Kimberly Cerney, Contract Specialist, AFRL/RQKHC, kimberly.cerney@us.af.mil; phone (937) 713-9857 or Clifford Johnson, Contracting Officer, AFRL/RQKHC, (937) 713-9922, clifford.johnson.4@us.af.mil. Postal Delivery Address: 2130 Eighth Street, Bldg. 45, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7541.

mailto:charles.dean@us.af.mil mailto:kimberly.cerney@us.af.mil mailto:clifford.johnson.4@us.af.mil

Full Text Announcement

I. Program Description: Air Force Research Laboratory, Aerospace Systems Directorate, 711th Human Performance Wing, Aeromedical Section AFRL/RQKHC is soliciting white papers (and later technical and cost proposals) on the following research effort:

1. Statement of Objectives/Needs: The objective of this BAA is to advance the technology and/or increase knowledge and understanding of:

a. Force Health Protection –Focus on research to prevent injury and illness, and the early recognition or detection of emerging threats.

b. EN Route Care –Continuum of care during transport of patients from point of injury to point of definitive care.

c. Operational Medicine –AFMS sponsored OM encompasses interest in definitive diagnosis, care and treatment in-garrison, to insure the highest quality of healthcare for active duty members and their families.

d. Expeditionary Medicine - Improving expeditionary medical care during contingency operations including medical countermeasures against combat and operational stressors to maximize warrior health, performance and well-being.

e. Human Performance and Systems Integration - Maximizing operational human performance for a fit and healthy force.

The complete Statement of Objective (SOO) is Attachment 7 to this BAA.

2. Within Scope Modifications: Potential offerors are advised that due to the inherent uncertainty of research and development efforts, awards resulting from this announcement may be modified during performance to make within scope changes.

3. Deliverable Items:

a. Data Items: To be determined for each individual award; however, the following reports will be required at a minimum:

(1) Final Report

(2) Funds and Man-hour Reports

(3) Status Reports Reports will be required monthly for Contracts and quarterly for

Assistance Instruments.

b. Software: Deliverables to be determined based on each award.

c. Hardware: Deliverables to be determined based on each award.

d. Other: Interim Reports and Presentation Materials (as required).

4. Schedule:

a. Overall effort: 12-36 months period of performance per award.

b. Data Items: Specified on individual CDRL(s).

c. Software: Will be determined for each individual award.

d. Hardware: Will be determined for each individual award.

5. Other Requirements

a. This announcement incorporates FAR and supplemental provisions and clauses by reference. The full text of provisional and clauses can be found at http://farsite.hill.af.mil/.

b. This effort may require a SECRET facility clearance and SECRET safeguarding capability. Offerors must verify their Cognizant Security

Office information is current with Defense Security Service (DSS) at www.dss.mil.

c. Export Control: Information involved in this research effort may be subject to Export Control (International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR)

22 CFR 120-131, or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 15 CFR 710- 774). If effort is subject to export control then Certified DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, will be required to be submitted with proposal.

d. Export Controlled Items: As prescribed by DFARS 225-7901-4, DFARS 252.225-7048, Export-Controlled Item (JUN 2013) is contained in this solicitation (as shown below). This clause shall be contained in ALL solicitations and resulting contracts.

6. Other Information:

a. Base Support/Network Access: Base Support/Network access is not anticipated to be made available under this contract. If contractor determines use of available base support to be in their best interest, it must be included as such in the proposal.

Use of available base support will not be assumed during technical evaluation unless proposed

(1) Available Base Facilities: Wright-Patterson AFB, OH and Lackland AFB, TX

(2) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP): Wright-Patterson AFB is participating in and is pursuing recognition under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Voluntary Protection

Program (VPP), VPP is a systems approach to identify, evaluate, prevent, and control occupational hazards to prevent injuries/illnesses by promoting effective worksite safety and health protection. VPP is required for applicable contractors defined as “contractors working on an Air Force Installation for more than 1,000 hours per quarter to include construction and services contracts.” Contractors are responsible for managing their own safety and health program (Public

Law 91-596). Contractors are advised to become familiar with VPP and how their performance is linked to the installations pursuit of VPP http://farsite.hill.af.mil/ recognition at the OSHA website, http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/vpp/index.html. Applicable contractors are required to submit three years of Total Case Incidence Rate (TCIR)/Day Away, Restricted and/or Transfer Case Rate (DART) data with their proposal for the government’s evaluation. The TCIR and DART are the number of recordable injuries and illness cases per 100 fulltime employees resulting in days away from work, restricted work activity, and/or job transfer that a site has experienced in a given timeframe. Instructions for computing the TCIR and DART data can be found at the OSHA website. Contractors must also provide a copy of their Safety and Health Plan and corresponding site checklist with their proposal which must be accepted by the installation safety officer prior to contract performance. The contractor’s plan shall include appropriate measures to ensure the contractor reacts promptly to investigate, correct and track alleged safety and health violations and/or uncontrolled hazards in contractor work area. Additionally, installation specific references and policies may be included/attached.

The plan shall:

Demonstrate management commitment to employee safety and health;

Identify the application of the safety and health plan to subcontractor;

Identify the roles and responsibilities of the following individuals: Management, Supervisors, Employees, and Safety

Coordinator;

Identify applicable safety rules and regulations;

Include a worksite hazard analysis to include base-line hazard identification and required control measures;

Identify a job site analysis to include hazards of tasks required to control measures;

Identify employee safety and health training requirements and the documentation process;

Include a workplace inspection frequency, to include identifying the individual conducting the inspections;

Include employee hazard reporting procedures;

Identify individual(s) responsible for corrective actions hazards;

Identify first aid/injury procedures;

Identify procedures for accident investigation and reporting;

Identify emergency response procedures; and

Identify the process for tracking controlled hazards in contractor work areas.

An applicable contractor is responsible for establishing these requirements for all subcontractors who qualify as applicable contractors under the resulting contract. In addition, applicable contractors will be required to submit their TCIR and DART rates and

OSHA Form 300A annually to the contracting office for consolidation and submission as part of the installation’s annual VPP Safety and http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/vpp/index.html

Health Management report. TCIR and DART rates are due by the 15th of January of each year.

b. Multiple awards subject to Fair Opportunity are not anticipated.

c. Human subjects may be used in the research studies under this effort.

Clause 252.235-7004, Protection of Human Subject (Jul 2009), will be included in all contracts awarded under this BAA.

d. Data Rights Desired:

(1) Technical Data: Unlimited Rights

(2) Non-Commercial Software (NCS): Unlimited Rights

(3) NCS Documentation: Unlimited Rights

(4) Commercial Computer Software Rights: Customary License

The Air Force Research Laboratory is engaged in the discovery, development, and integration of warfighting technologies for our air, space, and cyberspace forces. As such, rights in technical data and NCS developed or delivered under this contract are of significant concern to the government. The Government will therefore carefully consider any restrictions on the use of technical data, NCS, and NCS documentation which could result in transition difficulty or less-than full and open competition for subsequent development of this technology.

In exchange for paying for development of the data, the Government expects technical data, NCS, and NCS documentation developed entirely at

Government expense to be delivered with Unlimited Rights.

Technical data, NCS, and NCS documentation developed with mixed funding are expected to be delivered with at least Government Purpose Rights. Offers that propose delivery of technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation subject to Government Purpose Rights should fully explain how the data was developed at private expense. Specifically, offers must explain what technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation developed with costs charged to indirect cost pools and/or costs not allocated to a Government contract will be incorporated, how the incorporation will benefit the program, and whether those portions or processes are segregable.

Offers that propose delivery of technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation subject to Limited Rights, Restricted Rights, or Specifically Negotiated License Rights will be considered. Proposals should fully explain what technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation developed with costs charged to indirect cost pools and/or costs not allocated to a government contract will be incorporated and how the incorporation will benefit the program and whether those portions or processes are segregable.

Offerors shall include data rights assertions as required by DFARS 252.227-7017, Identification and Assertion of Restrictions on the

Government’s Use Release, or Disclosure of Technical Data or Computer Software. The assertions list is included in Section K and due at time of proposals. Assertions must be completed with specificity. Each assertion must identify both the data and each such item, component, or process listed. Nonconforming assertions will be rejected.

Terms used in this section are defined in the clauses at 252.227-7013, Rights in Technical Data–Noncommercial Items, and 252.227-7014, Rights in Noncommercial Computer Software and Noncommercial Computer Software Documentation.

THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE (COMMERCIAL AND NONCOMMERCIAL):

DFARS 252.227-7014(d) describes requirements for incorporation of third party computer software. Any third party software (commercial or noncommercial) to be incorporated into a deliverable must be clearly identified in the proposal. Prior to delivery of any third party software, the contractor will obtain an appropriate license for the Government, and the written approval of the contracting officer.

Any third party software to be delivered to the Government that are not reasonably identifiable at proposal submission, must still be approved by the contracting officer prior to incorporation into a system deliverable.

This obligation to obtain pre-approval by the contracting officer, as described above, continues throughout contract administration.

The Government will neither accept nor execute a DD Form 250 for the software deliverables until the Contractor obtains from all third party software suppliers and/or vendors (Licensor) licenses that comply with the following terms and conditions for the Government (Licensee):

1. The license shall not subject the Government to liability that is indefinite or indeterminate, such as an indemnification clause, as it would constitute an obligation in advance or in excess of an appropriation and violate the Anti-Deficiency Act.

2. The license shall not create a contingent liability for the Government.

This includes, but is not limited to: unilateral price increases, automatic assessment of charges, and automatic renewal of the license.

3. The license shall be governed by Federal Statutes, Case Law, and

Federal Regulations, and shall not be subject to the laws or jurisdiction of any municipality, state, or foreign country.

4. The license shall not include non-substitution language that would preclude or limit the Government from using another vendor/reseller and/or product to fulfill Government requirements.

5. The license shall not comment on entitlement to attorney fees.

6. The Licensor shall not have the authority to unilaterally terminate the license. All remedies available shall be consistent with the Disputes Clause in the underlying basic contract.

7. The Licensor shall not have the right to enter the premise or monitor the networks of Licensee for the purpose of auditing the use of the license.

8. The Licensor shall not use any injunctive relief clauses as the Licensor cannot prevent the Licensee from performing mission operations.

9. The Licensor shall not have the authority to control any litigation between a third party and the Licensee.

10. The Licensor shall not use the fact that the Licensee is using the

Licensor's products in any notification to the public (e.g., no publicity rights permitted).

[IF APPLICABLE] Additionally, the Contractor may be required to obtain licenses that comply with the following terms and conditions, based on the Government’s needs:

1. [IF APPLICABLE] The license shall not disclaim all warranties through use of an “as is” provision.

2. [IF APPLICABLE] The license shall neither restrict the Government from using the product at various sites nor limit use of the product by various Government agencies or third parties performing work on behalf of the Air Force under the [PROGRAM NAME]. In performance of the

[PROGRAM NAME], Government personnel as well as Government contractors may use the software.

3. [IF APPLICABLE] [The license shall not limit the Government’s use of the software at other Government and Government contractor sites.] [The license shall authorize the Government to use the software at the following sites: [list]].

4. [IF APPLICABLE] The license shall not require automatic updates or give Licensor the authority to unilaterally replace the software.

5. [IF APPLICABLE] The Licensee shall not be restricted from copying or embedding elements of accessible code into other applications (e.g., nesting code, derivative works).

The Contractor may obtain agreement from the Licensor to insert the clause below to its respective software licenses intended to be transferred to the Government:

“In the event that any of the provisions of the [Software License] are determined to be inconsistent with Federal law and/or do not otherwise satisfy the Government's needs, the parties to the [Software License] hereby agree that such provisions shall be null and void as they pertain to the Government. Specifically, the following sections are hereby deleted from the [Software License] [and/or amended as indicated below]:

[Section X: deleted; Section Y: amended as follows […]”

If the Licensor will not agree to the terms and conditions cited herein and/or as contained in DFARS 227.72, the Contractor shall retain the current license on behalf of and for the benefit of the US Government if permissible under its license and such use will not subject the Government to the terms of the license.

The Contractor shall provide documentation to clearly correlate or map software license(s) to:

a) Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINS);

b) Contract Deliverables (CDRLS);

c) Paragraphs in the statement of work (SOW); and

d) Portions of any functional block diagrams and/or system architecture diagrams, so that it can be readily determined where certain commercial software corresponding to certain software license agreement(s) are physically located on the system to be delivered under the contract.

II. Award Information

1. Anticipated Award Date: Award dates will vary. White papers will be accepted through 1 March 2021 at 5:00pm Local Time, Wright-

Patterson Air Force Base.

2. Anticipated funding: The table below is for the program, not per award

FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 TOTAL

$7.2M $7.2M $8.2M $8.7M $8.7M $40M

This funding profile is an estimate only and not a contractual obligation for funding. All funding is subject to change due to Government discretion and availability. Potential offerors should be aware that due to unanticipated budget fluctuations funding in any or all areas may change with little or no notice.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Offeror: This is an unrestricted solicitation. Small businesses are encouraged to propose on all or any part of this solicitation. Multiple proposals to the varying 5 objectives are allowed.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost Sharing is not required, but is allowed.

3. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers: The following guidance is provided for Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) contemplating submitting a proposal, as either a prime or subcontractor, against this BAA. FAR 35.017-1(c)(4) prohibits an FFRDC from competing with any non-FFRDC concern in response to a Federal agency request for proposal for other than the operation of an FFRDC (with exceptions stated in DFARS 235.017-1(c)(4)). There is no regulation prohibiting an FFRDC from responding to a solicitation. However, the FFRDC’s sponsoring agency must first make a determination that the effort being proposed falls within the purpose, mission, general scope of effort, or special competency of the FFRDC, and that determination must be included in the

FFRDC’s proposal. In addition, the non-sponsoring agency (in this case AFRL) must make a determination that the work proposed would not place the

FFRDC in direct competition with domestic private industry. Only after these determinations are made would a determination be made concerning the FFRDC’s eligibility to receive an award.

4. Government Agencies: If a Government agency is interested in performing work, contact the Program Office identified in the BAA. If those discussions result in a mutual interest to pursue your agency's participation, the effort will be pursued independent of this announcement.

5. Other:

a. Foreign participation: Foreign participation is not permitted at the prime level. However, foreign participation in basic research at the subcontractor level may be considered based on offerors proposal.

b. Notice to Foreign-Owned Firms: Such firms are asked to immediately notify the Contracting POC before deciding to respond to this announcement. Foreign contractors should be aware that restrictions might apply which could preclude their participation in this acquisition.

c. This acquisition involves data that are subject to export control laws and regulations. Only contractors who are registered and certified with the Defense Logistics Services Center (DLSC) and have a legitimate business purpose may participate in this solicitation. Contact the Defense Logistics Services Center, 74 Washington Avenue N., Battle Creek, Michigan 40917-3084 (1-800-352-3572) for further information on the certification process. You must submit a copy of your approved DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, with your proposal.

http://www.dlis.dla.mil/jcp/

d. There are no limits to the number of white papers/proposals an offeror may submit.

e. You may be ineligible for award if all requirements of this solicitation are not met on the white paper (and later proposal) due date as identified above.

IV. White Paper/Proposal and Submission Information:

1. Overview: This Announcement consists of a Two-Step Process described in detail below. White Papers/Proposals submitted shall be in accordance with this announcement. There will be no other solicitation issued in regard to this requirement. The Government intends to evaluate white papers/proposals and award some, all, or none of the proposals received without negotiation/discussion; however, the Government reserves the right to negotiate with those offeror(s) whose proposal is selected for funding.

ONLY WHITE PAPERS ARE BEING SOLICITED AT THIS TIME.

Offerors should be alert for any BAA amendments that may permit extensions to the white paper submission date.

For additional information, a copy of the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

Guide for Industry is located at http://www.wpafb.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-150518-026.pdf

2. First Step (White Paper) Instructions:

a. General: The FIRST STEP requests a white paper and a rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost. The white paper shall include a discussion of the nature and scope of the research and the offeror’s proposed technical approach. The Government will evaluate the white papers in accordance with the FIRST STEP evaluation criteria, set forth in Section V. below.

Based on this evaluation, the Government will determine which of them have the potential to best meet the Air Force’s needs. Offerors will be notified of the disposition of their white paper. It is anticipated that

Government review of the white papers submitted will take 30 working days. Those offerors submitting white papers assessed as meeting Air

Force needs will be asked to submit a technical and cost proposal. Those offerors not requested to submit a technical and cost proposal will be notified but may, however, still elect to submit a technical and cost proposal. An offeror submitting a proposal without first submitting a white paper will not be eligible for an award. The cost of preparing white papers in response to this Solicitation is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting or any other contract; however, it may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect cost as specified in FAR 31.205-18.

b. Page Limitation: The White Paper shall be limited to 5 pages, prepared and submitted in Word format.

c. Format: Font shall be standard 10-point business font Arial. Character spacing must be “normal,” not condensed in any manner. Pages shall be double-spaced (must use standard double-space function in Microsoft Word), double-sided (each side counts as one page), 8.5 by 11 inches, with at least one-inch margins on both sides, top and bottom. All text, including text in tables and charts, must adhere to all font size and line spacing requirements listed herein. Font and line spacing requirements do not have to be followed for illustrations, flowcharts, drawings, and diagrams. These exceptions shall not be used to circumvent formatting requirements and page count limitations by including lengthy narratives in such items. Pages shall be numbered starting with the cover page being Page 1, and the last page being no greater than Page 5. The page limitation covers all information including indices, photographs, foldouts (counted as 1 page for each 8.5 by 11 portion) tables, charts, appendices, attachments, resumes, etc. The Government will not consider pages in excess of these limitations. Offerors should submit 1 original and 2 hard copies of the White Paper via mail to the Contracting POC.

A CD with the WORD version of your White Paper must be submitted with the hard copies of the White Paper, and must match the hard copy. The white paper will be formatted as follows:

(1) Section A: BAA Number, Title of Program, Name of Company, Business Size, Company’s Commercial and Government Entity

(CAGE) number, Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, Contracting POC and Technical POC with appropriate telephone numbers, fax numbers, and email addresses for the POCs, Classified level at which company is cleared, contactor address for forwarding classified material (name, address, zip code), cognizant security office (name, address, zip code), and offeror’s security officer’s name and telephone number).

Add the following information;

(2) Section B: Period of Performance and Task Objectives;

(3) Section C: Technical Summary and Proposed Deliverables; and

(4) Section D: Cost of Task (Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM)).

d. Technical Portion: The technical portion of the white paper shall include a discussion of the nature and scope of the research and the offeror’s proposed technical approach/solution. It may also include any proposed deliverables. Resumes, descriptions of facilities and equipment, a proposed Statement of Work are not required at this point.

e. Cost Portion: The cost portion of the white paper shall include a ROM cost estimate. No detailed price or cost support information should be forwarded; only a time-phased bottom line figure should be provided.

f. Other Information: Multiple white papers within the purview of this announcement may be submitted by each offeror. If the offeror wishes to restrict its white papers, they must be marked with the restrictive language stated in FAR 52.215-1(e).

g. White Paper/Proposal Content Summary: You may be ineligible for award if all requirements of this solicitation are not met on the proposal due date.

3. Second Step (Proposal) Instructions:

a. General Instructions:

(1) The SECOND STEP consists of offerors submitting a technical and cost proposal within 30 working days of the proposal request.

After receipt, proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the award criteria in Section V. below. Proposals will be categorized and subsequently selected for negotiations.

(2) Offerors should apply the restrictive notice prescribed in the provision of FAR 52.215-1(e) Instructions to Offerors—Competitive Acquisition. Offerors should consider proposal instructions contained in the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Guide for Industry, which can be accessed on line at www.wpafb.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-150518-026.pdf.

This guide is specifically designed to assist the offeror in understanding the BAA proposal process.

(3) Technical/management and cost volumes should be submitted in separate volumes, and must be valid for 180 days.

(4) Proposals must reference the announcement number BAA-AFRL-

RQKHC-2016-0009, and relevant research area(s) or (SOO paragraph).

(5) Offerors should submit 1 original and 2 hard copies of their proposals to the Contracting POC.

(6) Offerors must include 1 CD in Microsoft Office or Adobe format containing all electronic versions of required submittals http://www.afrl.af.mil/contract/default.htm http://www.afrl.af.mil/contract/default.htm

(Technical/Management Proposal/SOW/Cost/Business Proposal). All electronic versions must match the hard copies.

a) Technical/Management proposals, Statements of Work and Subcontracting Plan (if Applicable in accordance with FAR 19.7) must be provided in Microsoft WORD.

b) The cost file(s) spreadsheets must be in Microsoft Excel and include the formulas for calculating cost element bases (i.e., G&A, O/H, etc.) and shall include an overall cost summary along with a breakdown of each cost per year.

c) The CDs should be labeled with the company name and proposal title.

(7) Offerors are advised that only contracting officers are legally authorized to contractually bind or otherwise commit the government.

(8) The cost of preparing proposals in response to the Request for

Proposals is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting or any other contract; however, it may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect cost as specified in

FAR 31.205-18.

(9) Classified Proposals: Offerors are encouraged to keep all elements of the proposal package unclassified. In the rare case where an offeror has a need to submit a classified appendix, please contact the technical POC for delivery instructions.

b. Technical/Management Proposal:

(1) Page Limitations: The following describes the page limitations on the proposal submittal:

a) The Technical/Management Proposal shall be limited to 30 pages. Technical/Management proposals and Statements of

Work must be provided in Microsoft Word format. Signed pages may be submitted in Adobe.

b) Font shall be standard 10-point business font Arial.

c) Character spacing must be “normal,” not condensed in any manner.

d) Pages shall be double-spaced (must use standard double-space function in Microsoft Word), double-sided (each side counts as one page), 8.5 by 11 inches, with at least one-inch margins on both sides, top and bottom.

e) All text, including text in tables and charts, must adhere to all font size and line spacing requirements listed herein. Font and line spacing requirements do not have to be followed for illustrations, flowcharts, drawings, and diagrams. These exceptions shall not be used to circumvent formatting requirements and page count limitations by including lengthy narratives in such items.

f) Pages shall be numbered starting with the cover page being

Page 1, and the last page being no greater than Page 30. The page limitation covers all information including indices, photographs, foldouts (counted as 1 page for each 8.5 by 11 portion) tables, charts, appendices, attachments, resumes, etc.

g) The proposal page limit does not include the offeror’s proposed Statement of Work (SOW); however, the same formatting rules apply to the SOW, which is limited to 5 pages.

h) Please Note: The Government will check the proposal and

SOW for conformance to the stated requirements. Any pages in excess of the stated page limitation after the format check will not be considered for evaluation purposes.

(2) The Technical/Management proposal(s) shall include a discussion of the nature and scope of the research and the technical approach.

Additional information on prior work in this area, descriptions of available equipment, use of base support (if desired), data and facilities and resumes of personnel who will be participating in this effort should also be included as attachments to the technical proposal. This volume shall include a SOW detailing the technical tasks proposed to be accomplished under the proposed effort and suitable for contract incorporation. Do not include any proprietary information in the SOW. Refer to the BAA Guide for

Industry referenced above to assist in SOW preparation. In addition to the contractor proposed SOW, a Government generated SOW

Attachment containing additional contracting requirements will be included in any resulting contract. The SOW attachment is included as Attachment 8 to this BAA.

(3) Any questions concerning the technical proposal or SOW preparation shall be referred to the Contracting POC.

c. Cost/Business Proposal:

(1) Separate the proposal into a business section and cost section.

a) See Attachments 1 and 3 for the Model Contract and Model

Assistance Instrument. Note that the document awarded may include contract line items (CLINs)/clauses/articles in addition to those in the model(s) may be deleted, depending on the specific circumstances of the individual award. Any additions or deletions will be negotiated with the offeror prior to award.

The business section should contain all business aspects to the proposed contract, such as type of contractual instrument, any exceptions to terms and conditions of the announcement model contract, any information not technically related, etc.

Provide rationale for exceptions.

b) Identify any technical data that will be delivered with less than unlimited rights.

c) Subcontracting plans: For efforts anticipated to exceed $700,000, Subcontracting Plans shall be submitted in the cost/business proposal. Reference FAR 19.704, DFARS 219.704, and AFFARS 5319.704(a)(1) for subcontracting plan requirements. Small business concerns are exempt from this requirement.

d) Limitation on Pass-Through Charges: As prescribed in FAR 15.408(n)(1) & 15.408(n)(2), provisions 52.215-22, “Limitations on Pass Through Charges – Identification of Subcontract Effort (Oct 2009),” apply.

e) Completed Certifications and Representations (Section K) are due with the proposal. Certification and Representation (Section

K) can be found at Attachment 4. Offerors may also be required to submit updated or supplemental Certifications and Representations based on the specifics of their proposal.

f) If an Offeror proposes the use of Government Furnished

Property (GFP), other than GFP identified in the BAA, the offeror must specifically identify each piece of GFP in the Cost/Business Proposal and propose and substantiate a rental cost for evaluation purposes in accordance with FAR 45.202. include the following information in the proposal:

(i) A list or description of all Government property that the offeror or its subcontractors propose to use on a rent-free basis. The list shall identify the accountable contract under which the property is held and the authorization for its use

(from the contracting officer having cognizance of the property);

(ii) The dates during which the property will be available for use (including the first, last, and all intervening months) and, for any property that will be used concurrently in performing two or more contracts, the amounts of the respective uses in sufficient detail to support prorating the rent;

(iii) The amount of rent that would otherwise be charged in accordance with FAR 52.245-9, Use and Charges; and

(iv) The voluntary consensus standard or industry leading practices and standards to be used in the management of Government property, or existing property management plans, methods, practices, or procedures for accounting for property.

g) The cost proposal shall be furnished with supporting schedules and shall contain a person hour breakdown per task. Refer to the BAA Guide for Industry mentioned in paragraph IV.3.a. above for detailed proposal instructions.

(2) Cost Element Breakdown: Clear, concise and accurate cost plan for accomplishing the effort contained in the technical proposal. As a part of its cost proposal, the offeror shall submit the information outlined below, together with supporting breakdowns. All direct costs (labor, material, travel, computer, etc.) as well as labor and overhead rates should be provided by Contractor Fiscal Year (CFY).

Detailed cost element breakdowns by Government Fiscal Year or

Calendar Year are not required. The supporting schedules may include summary level estimating rationale used to generate the proposed costs. The cost element breakdown(s) should include the following if applicable.

a) Direct Labor: Direct Labor should be detailed by number of hours by category of labor.

b) Labor and Overhead Rates: Direct labor hours, with their applicable rates, must be broken out and the bases used clearly identified. The source of labor and overhead rates and all pricing factors should be identified. For instance, if a Forward Pricing

Rate Agreement (FPRA) is in existence, that should be noted, along with the Administrative Contracting Officer’s (ACO's) name and telephone number. If the rates are based on current experience in your organization, provide the historical base used and clearly identify all escalation, by year, applied to derive the proposed rates. If computer usage is determined by a rate, identify the basis used and rationale used to derive the rate.

c) Material/Equipment: List all material/equipment items by type and kind with associated costs and advise if the costs are http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/52_237.htm#P814_129251 based on vendor quotes, data and/or engineering estimates;

provide copies of vendor quotes and/or catalog pricing data.

d) Subcontractor Costs: Submit all subcontractor proposals and analyses with your cost proposal (See FAR 15.404-3(b)). If the subcontractor will not submit cost and pricing information to the offeror, this information must be submitted directly to the

Government for analysis. On all subcontracts and interdivisional transfers, provide the method of selection used to determine the subcontractor and the proposed contract type of each subcontract. An explanation shall be provided if the offeror proposes a different amount than that quoted by the subcontractor. The offeror’s proposal must:

i. Identify principal items/services to be subcontracted.

ii. Identify prospective subcontractors and the basis on which they were selected. If non-competitive, provide selected source justification.

iii. Identify the type of contractual business arrangement contemplated for the subcontract and provide rationale.

iv. Identify the basis for the subcontract costs (e.g., firm quote or engineering estimate, etc.).

v. Identify the cost or pricing data submitted by the subcontractor.

vi. Provide an analysis of the proposed subcontract in accordance with FAR 15.404-3(b). Provide an analysis concerning the reasonableness, realism and completeness of each subcontractor’s proposal. If the analysis is based on comparison with prior prices, identify the basis on which the prior prices were determined to be reasonable. The analysis should include, but not be limited to, an analysis of:

materials, labor, travel, other direct costs and proposed profit or fee rates.

e) Special Tooling or Test Equipment: When special tooling, and/or test equipment is proposed, attach a brief description of items and indicate if they are solely for the performance of this particular contract or project and if they are or are not already available in the offeror's existing facilities. Indicate quantities, unit prices, whether items are to be purchased or fabricated, whether items are of a severable nature and the basis of the price. These items may be included under Direct Material in the summary format.

f) Consultants: When consultants are proposed to be used in the performance of the contract, indicate the specific project or area in which such services are to be used. Identify each consultant, number of hours or days to be used and the consultant's rate per hour or day. State the basis of said rate and give your analysis of the acceptability of the consultant's rate.

g) Travel: Travel costs must be justified and related to the needs of the project. Identify the number of trips, the destination and purpose. Travel costs should be broken out by trip with number of travelers, airfare, per diem, lodging, etc.

h) Computer Use: Detail the amount and kind of computer usage, the cost, and how the costs were derived.

i) Facilities Capital Cost of Money: If Facilities Capital Cost of

Money is proposed, a properly executed DD Form 1861 is required.

j) Project Funding Profile: Offerors should include a project funding profile by Government Fiscal Year (GFY) (1 Oct through

30 Sept) for budgetary purposes. This will enable the Government to easily identify program funding needs by GFY.

k) If an offeror takes exceptions to the requirements called out in the announcement (e.g., base support, Government-furnished property (GFP), CDRLs), the exceptions should be clearly stated in the cost proposal.

l) Forward Pricing Rate Agreements: Offerors who have forward pricing rate agreements (FPRA’s) and forward pricing rate recommendations (FPRR’s) should submit them with their proposal.

m) Cost/Business proposals have no page limitations.

d. Proposal Content Summary: You may be ineligible for award if all requirements of this solicitation are not met on the proposal due date.

Please Note: If you intend to submit a grant or assistance instrument, go on to Section IV.4. below which discusses how to find the grant opportunity, prepare the cover page, and complete the certification. This section also provides the process for electronic submission of proposals for grants and cooperative agreements. If however, you intend to propose a contract, skip Section IV.4. of this solicitation.

4. (Second Step) Proposals for Grants and Cooperative Agreements

a. Grant Opportunity: Go to http://Grants.Gov to find the grant opportunity.

The initial screen will provide the synopsis for that specific grant opportunity. To view the entire opportunity open the “Full Announcement” box in the upper center of the synopsis page and select from the documents available under “Announcement Group.” NOTE:

http://Grants.Gov has tools and guiding documents in the left margin under “Applicant Resources” to help you find and apply for grant opportunities. Grants.gov requires Adobe Reader version 8.13 to open, download, save, and submit an application electronically. Adobe Reader version 8.13 is available for free from Grants.gov under “Applicant

Resources,” “Download Software.”

b. Proposal Cover Page – SF 424 (R&R) Form: All proposals for grants or assistance, whether submitted electronically or in hard copy must include an SF 424 (R&R) as the cover page. The SF 424 (R&R) should be downloaded from the “Application” box in the upper right hand corner of the synopsis page. Click on “download” under the column “Instructions and Application.” Select “Download Application Package” and complete the SF 424 (R & R).

c. Certifications: To access the requisite Certifications, select the “Application” box in upper right hand corner of the synopsis page. Click on “Instructions and Application” and select “Download Application Instructions” to view the Certifications. To complete the Certifications you must check Block 18 of the SF 424 (R&R), and by signing it (either by pressing the “submit” button for Grants.gov or by hand if submitting it in hard copy), you are certifying that you have read and agree to abide by the terms in the Certifications. You do not need to submit any additional documentation unless you have lobbying activities to disclose on an SF –

LLL.

d. Proposals for Grants or Assistance Instruments: Proposals for grants or assistance instruments may be submitted either (1) directly with a hard copy to the contracting POC listed in this announcement or (2) electronically through the Grants.gov government-wide electronic portal.

You must notify your contracting POC before the stated proposal due date and time of this notice if you decide to submit your proposal electronically or your proposal will not be considered.

http://grants.gov/

e. For Hard Copy Submission: The…