BAA-HPW-RHX-2014-0001.doc

2-Step Broad Agency Announcement Overview Information NAICS Code: 541712 Federal Agency Name: Air Force Research Laboratory, 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW), Human Effectiveness Directorate (AFRL/RH), Human-Centered Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Division (711 HPW/RHX)

Broad Agency Announcement Title: Human-Centered Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) Leveraged Science & Technology (S&T) Program Broad Agency Announcement Type: This is the initial announcement.

Broad Agency Announcement Number: HPW/RHX-2014-0001 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: White Papers will be accepted until Monday, 12 February 2018, 1700 Wright-Patterson AFB, OH local time. Only white papers are due at this time. White Papers must be e-mailed or hand delivered to the Contracting and Technical Points of Contact (POC) stated below in Section VII. Copies sent via facsimile will not be accepted. White papers should NOT be submitted via Grants. gov. Grants.gov is not equipped to accept white papers.

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 meeting 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 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 proposals, they may not honor time-of-day delivery guarantees on military installations. Early white paper/proposal submission is encouraged.

Solicitation Request: Air Force Research Laboratory, Human Performance Directorate (711 HPW/RHX), Wright Research Site is soliciting white papers on the research effort described below. White Papers should be addressed to the Contracting and Technical Points of Contact (POCs) stated in Section VII of the Full Text Announcement. This is an unrestricted solicitation. Small businesses are encouraged to propose on all or any part of this solicitation. The NAICS Code for this acquisition is 541712 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology) and the small business size standard is 500 employees. White Papers/Proposals submitted shall be in accordance with this announcement. There will be no other solicitation issued in regard to this requirement. Offerors should be alert for any BAA amendments that may permit extensions to the white paper submission date.

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) (MAY 2013) 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.

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 contracts (or possibly Cost Reimbursable or Cost-Share contracts or Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) Contract(s) with Cost Type (Cost-Plus Fixed-Fee and possibly Cost Reimbursement and Cost Share) task orders). NOTE: 1) Cost reimbursement contracts require successful offerors to have an accounting system considered adequate for tracking costs applicable to the contract. If you do not have a DCAA approved accounting system this may delay or possibly prevent contract award. 2) Some of the types of instruments, such as OT for Prototype, require special approvals and authorities; therefore, if proposed, those types cannot be accepted without additional reviews and approvals. The Air Force will determine the appropriate instrument type for each individual award.

Estimated Program Cost: $46.4M Anticipated Number of Awards: The Air Force anticipates awarding 3 - 4 awards per year for this announcement. However, the government reserves the right to award zero or more awards. All awards will share the $46.4M estimated program cost.

Brief Program Summary: This effort is an open-ended BAA soliciting innovative research concepts for the overall mission of the Human-Centered Intelligence, Surveillance, & Reconnaissance (ISR) Division (711 HPW/RHX). It is intended to generate research concepts not already defined and planned by RHX as part of its core S&T portfolio.

The core RHX mission is to develop human-centered S&T that (1) enables the Air Force to better identify, locate and track humans within the ISR environment and (2) enhance the performance of ISR analysts. To accomplish this mission, the RHX core S&T portfolio is structured into three major research areas:

(1) Human Signatures - develop technologies to sense and exploit human bio-signatures at the molecular and macro (anthropometric) level,

(2) Human Trust and Interaction – develop technologies to improve human-to-human interactions as well as human-to-machine interactions, and

(3) Human Analyst Augmentation – develop technologies to enhance ISR analyst performance and to test the efficacy of newly developed ISR technologies within a simulated operational environment.

The RHX mission also includes research carried over from the Airman Biosciences and Performance Program. While not directly linked to the core S&T strategic plan, there exists a unique capability resident within RHX to address critical Air Force operational and sustainment needs resulting from chemical and biological hazards. Research areas include contamination detection, hazard assessment and management, individual and collective protection, and restoration and reconstitution of operational capability.

Address technical questions to: Mark Fagan, 2215 1st Street., Bldg. 33, Area B, Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7028; (937) 904-9546; Mark.Fagan@US.AF.MIL Address contracting questions to: Angela Lauofo, 2310 8th Street, Area B, Bldg. 167, Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7801; (937) 255-9880; Angela.Lauofo@US.AF.MIL Full Text Announcement

I. Program Description: Air Force Research Laboratory, 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW), Human Effectiveness Directorate (AFRL/RH), Human-Centered Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Division (711 HPW/RHX) is soliciting white papers (and later, if requested, technical and cost Step Two Proposals) on the following research effort:

1. Statement of Objective/Needs: See Attachment 1, “ Statement of Objectives”.

2. Deliverable Items:

a. Data Items: A Contract Data Requirements List, DD FORM 1423-1, for this program is included as Attachment 2 to this announcement. The attached CDRL package provides sample data items that may be required for research projects. A CDRL will be attached to contracts. For assistance instruments and other transactions, data deliverables will be identified via articles and/or the Statement of Work. Applicable data items or reporting requirements will be identified and determined for each award. A final report will be delivered for all awards.

b. Software: To be identified and determined for each award

c. Hardware: To be identified and determined for each award

d. Other: To be identified and determined for each award

3. Schedule:

a. Overall effort (Award Period of Performance): To be identified and determined for each award.

b. Data Items: To be identified and determined for each award

c. Software: To be identified and determined for each award

d. Hardware: To be identified and determined for each award

4. Other Requirements

a. Program security classification: Depending on the work to be performed on each individual award, the contractor may access or generate classified data up to and including TS/SCI in support of this program. Any extracts or use of classified data will require the contractor to apply derivative classification and markings consistent with the source from which the extracts were made. A TOP SECRET facility clearance and safeguarding capability may be required; therefore, personnel identified for assignment to a classified effort must be cleared for access to TOP SECRET information at the time of award. In addition, the offeror may be required to have, or have access to, a certified and Government-approved facility to support work under this BAA. Offerors planning to propose classified efforts are required to possess the necessary personnel and facilities to support the applicable level of security classification. Offerors must verify their Cognizant Security Office information is current with Defense Security Service (DSS) at www.dss.mil. The security classification will be determined on an award basis. A Sample Contract Security Classification Specification (Top Secret), DD Form 254, is included as Attachment 3 to this announcement.

NOTE: Classified information is NOT anticipated to be included in proposals. Proposals should be unclassified. However, if classified information will be included in the proposal, the information cannot be higher than a secret classification level. Segregate the one proposal into two portions, one portion including classified and one portion without classified information. Send the classified portion of the proposal directly to the Technical Point of Contact (POC) at the following address: 711 HPW/OMS, Building 29, Room 206, WPAFB, OH 45433-7008, with an email notice to the Technical POC to indicate classified information was sent and the date submitted. Send only the unclassified portion of the proposal to the Contracting and Technical POCs stated in Section VII.

b. TEMPEST requirements: Not anticipated, but will be determined on an individual award basis.

c. Export Control: Information involved in this research program is anticipated to be subject to Export Control (International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) 22 CFR 120-131, or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 15 CFR 710-774); however, applicability will be determined on an individual award basis. Only firms holding certification under the US/Canada Joint Certification Program (JCP) (www.dlis.dla.mil/jcp ) are allowed access to data subject to export control constraints. A Certified DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, will be required to be submitted with proposals.

d. Type of Research: Performance of research resulting from this solicitation is not expected to be fundamental, DFARS 252.225-7048 applies.

e. 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.

EXPORT CONTROLLED ITEMS (JUNE 2013)

(a) Definition. “Export-controlled items,” as used in this clause, means items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730-774) or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Parts 120-130). The term includes:

(1) “Defense items,” defined in the Arms Export Control Act, 22 U.S.C. 2778(j)(4)(A), as defense articles, defense services, and related technical data, and further defined in the ITAR, 22 CFR Part 120.

(2) “Items,” defined in the EAR as “commodities”, “software”, and “technology,” terms that are also defined in the EAR, 15 CFR 772.1.

(b) The Contractor shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding export-controlled items, including, but not limited to, the requirement for contractors to register with the Department of State in accordance with the ITAR. The Contractor shall consult with the Department of State regarding any questions relating to compliance with the ITAR and shall consult with the Department of Commerce regarding any questions relating to compliance with the EAR.

(c) The Contractor's responsibility to comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding export-controlled items exists independent of, and is not established or limited by, the information provided by this clause.

(d) Nothing in the terms of this contract adds, changes, supersedes, or waives any of the requirements of applicable Federal laws, Executive orders, and regulations, including but not limited to—

(1) The Export Administration Act of 1979, as amended (50 U.S.C. App. 2401, et seq.);

(2) The Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2751, et seq.);

(3) The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701, et seq.);

(4) The Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR Parts 730-774);

(5) The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (22 CFR Parts 120-130); and

(6) Executive Order 13222, as extended.

(e) The Contractor shall include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (e), in all subcontracts.

(End of clause) For applicable assistance instruments and other transactions, the above clause language will be incorporated via an article.

f. Biological Personnel Reliability Program (BPRP) requirements: Biological Personnel Reliability Program requirements will be determined on an individual award basis. As appropriate and on behalf of the biological surety program, contractor shall comply with the program requirements of DOD INSTRUCTION (DODI) 5210.89_AF10-3901, “Minimum Security Standards for Safeguarding Biological Select Agents and Toxins,” the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) “Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories,” the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), DoD Directives, Air Force and local policies governing these programs. Information, to include AFI10-3901 and any references in the AFI, will be provided post award.

For applicable assistance instruments and other transactions, the above requirements will be incorporated via an article and/or the Statement of Work.

g. Operations Security: OPSEC requirements will apply to all awards and shall be included in all Statements of Work. The contractor shall provide Operations Security (OPSEC) protection for all sensitive/critical information as defined by AFI 10-701 (Operations Security), the 711 HPW OPSEC Plan, and critical information list. The contractor shall participate in the 711 HPW sustained OPSEC awareness training or include OPSEC training as part of their on-going security program. The 711 HPW OPSEC coordinator will evaluate the OPSEC posture of AF contract activities and operations.

5. Other Information:

a. Government Furnished Property (GFP) availability: GFP may be provided for use; however, GFP will be determined and specifics will be established on an individual award basis. If GFP will be provided, the following will be incorporated into the applicable award:

The following GFP is anticipated to be provided under any resulting contract by the date shown below:

Name/ Part Number/Item Description /Manufacturer

Model#/Serial #and National Stock Number

(Indicate Yes or No)

1.

2.

3.

In accordance with FAR 45.201(b), for any contracts for which GFP wil be provided, the contractor is responsible for all costs related to making the property available for use, such as payment of all transportation, installation or rehabilitation costs.

If GFP is included in the Request for Proposal or requested in the proposal the following clauses/provisions will be included in contracts:

i. FAR 52.245-1 Government Property or FAR 52.245-1, Alt II if the resulting contract is with a nonprofit organization or applied research at nonprofit organizations (APR 2012),

ii. FAR 52.245-9 Use and Charges (APR 2012),

iii. DFARS 252.211.7007, Reporting of Government-Furnished Property (AUG 2012),

iv. DFARS 252.245-7001, Tagging, Labeling, and Marking of Government-Furnished Property (APR 2012),

v. DFARS 252.245-7002, Reporting Loss of Government Property (APR 2012).

vi. DFARS 252.245-7003, Contractor Property Management System Administration (APR 2012)

vii. DFARS 252.245-7004, Reporting, Reutilization, and Disposal (MAY 2013)

For assistance instruments and other transactions, Federally Owned Property will be identified via articles and/or the Statement of Work and/or similarly as stated above.

b. Government Furnished Information (GFI): GFI may be provided for use during the program; however, GFI will be determined and specifics established on an individual award basis. For assistance instruments and other transactions, Federally Owned Information will be identified via articles and/or the Statement of Work and/or similarly as stated above.

c. Base Support/ Network Access: Base Support/Network Access may be provided for use during the program; however, Base Support/Network Access will be determined and specifics established on an individual award basis. Base Support may include access to contractor designated work areas (lab facilities and office spaces) in buildings occupied by 711 HPW/RHX at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Base support in these buildings may consist of internet access, appropriate software and computer systems (to include special test equipment), office space and equipment (i.e., desks, chairs, etc.) and telephone and facsimile services for contractor personnel. On-site contractor personnel may be provided computer accounts on the base computer network pending approval of systems access request and completion of the requisite training. Additional base support may be provided by the Government as needed for accomplishment of specific tasks. Applicable requirements, restrictions, and procedures are included in Attachments 4 and 5 of this announcement and will be incorporated into applicable awards.

b. Multiple awards subject to Fair Opportunity are not anticipated. (IDIQ contracts for similar work in which task orders will be competed are not anticipated. )

c. Human Use: Depending on the work to be performed, human subjects may be used in the research studies under this program. Clause 252.235-7004, Protection of Human Subjects, will be included in all applicable contracts awarded under this BAA. For applicable awards, the contractor will be required to comply with the following directives and regulations:

(i) Department of Defense, Title 32, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 219 (32 CFR 219),”Protection of Human Subjects” July 2004;

(ii) DHHS Regulations, Title 45, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 46 (45 CFR 46) “Protection of Human Subjects,” October 2004;

(iii) DoD Directive 3216.2, “Protection of Human Subjects and Adherence to Ethical Standards in DoD Supported Research,” 25 March 2002;

(iv) Air Force Instruction 40-402, “Protection of Human Subjects in Biomedical and Behavioral Research, (Sep 2000);” and (v) AFRL Instruction 40-402, “Using Human Subjects in Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation” (Feb 1999).

Additional information can be found at the Wright-Site IRB Website:

http://www.wpafb.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=7496

*Human Use will be determined on an individual award basis. Applicable Statements of Work (SOW) will include the following language: “Human testing shall not commence until approval form the Air Force IRB has been obtained. If an exemption to the above is granted by the IRB, the provisions are no longer applicable.”

d. Animal Use: Animal use is possible, but not anticipated. Animal subjects may be used in the research studies under this program. DFAR Clause 252.235-7002, Animal Welfare, will be included in all applicable contracts awarded under this BAA. For applicable awards, the contractor will be required to comply with the following directives and regulations:

(i) Air Force Manual 40-401(I), "The Care and Use of Laboratory Animals in DoD Programs", (July 2006);

(ii) DoD Directive 3216.1, "Use of Laboratory Animals in DoD Programs", 17 April 1995;

*Animal Use will be determined on an individual award basis. Applicable Statements of Work (SOW) will include the following language:

“The use of live animals shall not commence until

a. The contractor's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee

(IACUC) has approved the animal protocol.

b. The appropriate DoD/service veterinarian has reviewed and approved the animal protocol.

c. The appropriate DoD/service veterinarian has conducted, if necessary, a site visit to the contractor's facilities.”

e. 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 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 address whether those portions or processes are segregable. The Government expects that delivery of technical data, NCS, and NCS documentation subject to Government Purpose Rights will fully meet program needs.

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.

Offerors are reminded that the Identification and Assertion of Restrictions on the Government’s Use, Release, or Disclosure of Technical Data or Computer Software (the assertions list), required under DFARS 252.227-7013 and DFARS 252.227-7014, is included in Section K and due at time of proposals. Assertions must be completed with specificity with regard to each item, component, or process listed. Nonconforming assertions lists will be rejected.

Note that DFARS 252.227-7014(d) describes requirements for incorporation of third party computer software (commercial and nonconmmercial). Any commercial software to be incorporated into a deliverable must be clearly identified in the proposal. Because many commercial software licenses are not transferrable or may not be acceptable to the Government, commercial software licenses proposed for delivery to the Government must be approved by the contracting officer prior to award.

As used in this subparagraph, the terms Unlimited Rights, Government Purpose Rights, Specifically Negotiated License Rights, and Limited Rights in technical data are as defined in DFARS 252.227-7013. The terms Unlimited Rights, Government Purpose Rights, Specifically Negotiated License Rights, and Restricted Rights in noncommercial computer software and noncommercial software documentation are as defined in DFARS 252.227-7014. The term Commercial Computer Software is as defined in DFARS 252.227-7014.

f. Nuclear Weapons Related Material (NWRM): It is anticipated that this program will not require management, delivery, or use of Nuclear Weapons Related Material (NWRM); however, applicability will be determined and applied on an individual award basis. AFFARS clause 5352.223-9003, Enhanced Security of Products, is hereby incorporated by reference.

i. Environmental Management System (EMS) Requirements: As prescribed in FAR 23.10, FAR Clause 52.223-5 “Pollution Prevention and Right-to-Know Information”, Alternate 1 dated May 2011,” is hereby incorporated by reference in this solicitation. Any contract awarded that will provide for performance, in whole or in part, on a Federal facility shall include this clause. Contractor personnel working on Wright-Patterson AFB will be required to complete Government provided initial EMS Awareness-Level Training. For applicable assistance instruments and other transactions, the above requirements will be incorporated via an article.

j. Hazardous Materials: Use of hazardous material is anticipated, but will be determined on an individual award basis. The Contractor may work with Government-owned hazardous material. All hazardous materials will be disposed of by the government. The government has Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each hazardous material. Complete lists of these materials can be provided post award, if requested. The Government will provide, post any applicable award, a Chemical Hygiene Plan which provides operating instructions for laboratories. The plan establishes responsibilities, policies, and procedures for handling hazardous chemicals in laboratories and implements Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards/regulations. Before ordering any hazardous material through the contract, the contractor shall request approval from the appropriate office. The Contractor shall comply with AF, DoD, state, and city environmental regulations.

DFAR Clause 252.223-7006 “Prohibition on Storage and Disposal of Toxic and Hazardous Materials (APR 2012)” will be incorporated into applicable contracts. For applicable assistance instruments and other transactions, the above requirements will be incorporated via an article.

k. Radioactive Materials: Use of radioactive materials is anticipated, but will be determined on an individual award basis. The Contractor may work with radioactive material during the course of this program. FAR Clause 52.223-7 “Notice of Radioactive Materials” will be incorporated into any applicable contract. The Government will provide upon request, post any applicable award, safety guidelines and protocols.

For applicable assistance instruments and other transactions, the above requirements will be incorporated via an article.

l. Voluntary Protection Program: 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 1000 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 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 office 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. Additional, 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 subcontractors;

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

For applicable awards, requirements will be incorporated via contract clauses, article, and/or SOWs.

II. Award Information

1. Anticipated Award Date: White papers will be accepted until Monday, 12 February 2018, 1700 Wright-Patterson AFB, OH local time. Award dates for individual awards cannot be anticipated at this time.

2. Anticipated funding for the program (not per contract):

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.

The Government anticipates providing funding profiles for each award via the Request For Proposal (for Step Two Proposals).

3. Number of awards anticipated: The Air Force anticipates awarding 3-4 awards per year 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.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost Sharing is not required; however, certain instrument types, if proposed, require some amount of cost share.

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: No.

b. This program may involve 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 Step Two Proposal.

c. There are no limits to the number of white papers/proposals an offeror may submit. Offerors may propose on any or all research objectives stated in Section I.1, Attachment 1, “Statement of Objectives”.

d. Offerors planning to propose classified efforts are required to possess the necessary personnel and facilities to support the applicable level of security classification. The highest applicable level of security supplication for this program is anticipated to be TOP SECRET/Sensitive Compartmentalized Information (SCI).

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

IV. White Paper/Proposal Preparation Instructions:

1. Application Package: 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 to 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 or provide other amendments. The BAA will be updated on an annual basis to incorporate regulatory, statutory requirements changes.

For additional information, a copy of the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Guide for Industry at http://www.wpafb.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-120614-075.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 approximately 30 business days. Those offerors submitting white papers assessed as meeting Air Force needs will be asked to submit a technical and cost proposal. Those offerors submitting white papers assessed as unacceptable will be notified and will not be requested to submit a technical and cost proposal. Those offerors submitting white papers assessed as unacceptable may not elect to submit a technical and cost proposal. A debriefing based on the white paper evaluation may be requested. See VIII.4 below. 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. 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 hard copy of the White Paper via U.S. mail to the Contracting POC identified in Section VII and 1 electronic copy of the White Paper via email to the Contracting and Technical POCs, identified in Section VII.

c. Format: The white paper will be formatted as follows:

i. 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. If the proposed work to be performed would be classified, add the following information: 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).

ii. Section B: Period of Performance and Task Objectives;

iii. Section C: Technical Summary and Proposed Deliverables; and

iv. 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).

a. 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. Reference Section VIII for a Checklist of the requirements.

h. White Paper Due Date and Time: See Overview Information at the beginning of the Solicitation.

3. Second Step (Proposal) Instructions:

a.

General: The SECOND STEP consists of offerors submitting a technical and business/cost proposal within approximately 30 business 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. 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 http://www.wpafb.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-120614-075.pdf . This guide is specifically designed to assist the offeror in understanding the BAA proposal process. Technical/management and cost/business volumes shall be submitted in separate volumes, and must be valid for 180 days. Proposals must reference the announcement number HPW/RHX-2014-0001 and state the specific BAA research objective(s). Offerors must submit one original hard copy of their proposals to the Contracting POC, identified in Section VII. A CD with the Microsoft WORD version of your Technical/Management Proposal and the SOW must be submitted with the hard copy of the proposal, and must match the hard copy. Additionally, offerors must submit one electronic copy via email to the Contracting POC POC identified in Section VII. Faxed copies will not be accepted.

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

b. Page Limitations: The following describes the limitations on the proposal submittal:

i. Proposals shall be limited to: For Contracts/Assistance/Basic IDIQs/OTs: 25 pages (Resumes not included), prepared and submitted in Microsoft Word format. For Task Orders under IDIQs: 15 pages (Resumes not included), prepared and submitted in Microsoft Word format. Resumes can be attached to the technical proposal with no page limitations; however, offerors are requested to keep resumes to less than 30 pages as a goal.

ii. Font shall be standard 10-point business font Arial.

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

iv. 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.

v. 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.

vi. Pages shall be numbered starting with the cover page being Page 1, and the last page being no greater than Page (See b.i above). 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, etc. However, resumes are not included in the page count.

vii. 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 For Contracts/Assistance/Basic IDIQs/OTs: 20 pages. For Task Orders under IDIQs: 10 pages.

viii. A CD with the Microsoft WORD version of your Technical/Management Proposal and the SOW must be submitted with the hard copies of the proposal, and must match the hard copy.

ix. 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.

c.

Technical/Management Section: The proposal 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, data and facilities and resumes of personnel who will be participating in this effort should also be included as attachments to the technical proposal. Submit key technical personnel resumes (as part of the technical proposal, but not included in the page limitation) to include: Name, Title, Security Clearance, Education (include dates, institutions, and professional courses), professional experience summary, number of years in a particular field or area, relevance as it relates to this program, specific experience, current job assignments with dates, past job assignments with dates, professional activities and achievements, awards, significant publications, specific on-the-job meritorious achievements, and the availability and commitment to perform this effort. 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. If Government Furnished Property is requested you are required to submit the following information with your offer—

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.

v. Any questions concerning the technical proposal or SOW preparation shall be referred to the Contracting POC cited in Section VII.

For IDIQ contracts, the above will be required for the basic contract and for each task order.

Any questions concerning the technical proposal or SOW preparations shall be referred to the Technical and Contracting POCs in Section VII.

d.

Cost/Business Section:

i. Separate the cost/business volume proposal into a business section and cost section. Cost and business proposals have no page limitations; however, offerors are requested to keep cost and business proposals to 100 pages as a goal. 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. Identify any technical data that will be delivered with less than unlimited rights. The cost proposal section shall be furnished with supporting schedules and shall contain a person hour breakdown per task (include hours and rates by labor category), material (include any back-up documentation such as vendor quotes, catalog prices, engineering estimates, etc.), indirect rates, travel (include the purpose, length of trip, number of travelers per trip, and origin and destination), subcontractor analysis, if applicable, and any other direct cost associated with the proposed effort. Refer to the BAA Guide for Industry mentioned in paragraph IV.3.a. above for detailed proposal instructions. The cost proposal should provide sufficient detail to support Government cost, reasonableness and realism analysis.

For IDIQ contracts, the basic proposal will include only a business proposal, not cost section. Contract, Task Order, Assistance, and OT proposals will include both business and cost proposal sections.

ii. Adequate price competition is NOT anticipated. Certified Cost or Pricing Data will be required for awards equal to or exceeding $700K. When certified cost or pricing data are required, the offeror shall submit to the contracting officer (and require subcontractor or prospective subcontractors submit to the prime contractor or appropriate…