BAA-RQKH-2015-0001.doc

2-Step Broad Agency Announcement

Overview Information NAICS Code: 541712 Federal Agency Name: 711th Human Performance Wing, Human Effectiveness Directorate, Warfighter Readiness Research Division (RHAS) Broad Agency Announcement Title: Methods and Technologies for Personalized Learning, Modeling and Assessment Broad Agency Announcement Type: This is the initial announcement.

Broad Agency Announcement Number: BAA-RQKH-2015-0001 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 17 Nov 2019, 5 PM Wright-Patterson AFB Local Time. Only white papers are due at this time.

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 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. 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 submission is encouraged.

Solicitation Request: Air Force Research Laboratory, Human Performance Directorate (711 HPW/RHA), Wright Research Site is soliciting white papers on the research effort described below. White Papers should be addressed to the Contracting Point of Contact (POC) 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) (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.

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 Cooperative Agreements (but could also be Cost Reimbursable Contracts, Cost-Share Contracts, Firm-Fixed Price Contracts or Grants). 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. 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: $49 Million Anticipated Number of Awards: The Air Force anticipates making multiple awards during the 5-year period. However, the government reserves the right to make no awards. The Air Force anticipates a minimum award value of $100,000, but will entertain white papers with Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) less than that if of significant interest to the Air Force.

Brief Program Summary: This effort is an open-ended BAA soliciting innovative research concepts in the development, test, and validation of training approaches to learning and performance. It includes modeling and the design and execution of laboratory and field studies to evaluate alternative live, virtual, and constructive approaches, solutions, and practices in military and civilian mission areas such as autonomous operations, manned and unmanned air and ground operations, command and control, cyber operations, emergency response, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, tactical air combat, and integrated air, land, sea and space operations.

This effort shall include work in any or all of the following technical areas:

Area 1. Competency-Based Approaches for Training and Performance Requirements Analysis

Area 2, Criterion Development and Readiness Standards Definition for Non-Traditional Work Applications

Area 3, Ontology Development for Representing Subject Matter Knowledge and Skills

Area 4, Approaches for Using Real World Performance Data to Improve the Efficiency and Validity of Constructive Models and Agents in Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) Environments

Area 5, Modeling for Learning and Agent Development

Area 6, Complimentary Family of Trainer Development and Validation

Address technical questions to: Winston “Wink” Bennett, 711 HPW/RHA, 2620 Q Street, Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7905, 937-938-2550, winston.bennett@us.af.mil.

Address contracting questions to: Helen Williams, 2130 8th Street, Bldg 45, Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433, 937-713-9871, helen.williams@us.af.mil.

Full Text Announcement

I. Program Description: Air Force Research Laboratory, 711th Human Performance Wing, Human Effectiveness Directorate, Warfighter Readiness Research Division (RHAS) is soliciting white papers (and later technical and cost proposals) on the following research effort:

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

2. Deliverable Items:

a. Data Items: A sample Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL), DD FORM 1423-1, for this program is included as Attachment 2 to this announcement. The attached CDRL provides sample data items that may be required for research projects. A CDRL will be attached to individual contracts awarded if applicable. 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 individual award. A final report will be delivered for all awards.

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

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

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

3. Schedule:

a. Overall effort: To be identified and determined for each individual award.

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

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

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

4. Other Requirements

a. Program security classification: Depending on the work to be performed, 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. A sample DD 254 is attached for information only. The need for a DD 254 will be evaluated for each award. 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 for each individual award

b. TEMPEST requirements: Not anticipated, but will be determined for each individual award.

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 for each individual award. 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 if export control constraints apply.

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)

5. Other Information:

a. Government Furnished Property (GFP) availability: GFP may be provided. If so, the specifics will be established for each individual award. 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), 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 solicitation or requested in the proposal the following clauses/provisions apply:

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)

b. Base Support/ Network Access: Base Support/Network Access is anticipated during the program. Base Support/Network Access will be determined and specifics established for each individual award.

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 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:

(i) Demonstrate management commitment to employee safety and health;

(ii) Identify the application of the safety and health plan to subcontractor;

(iii) Identify the roles and responsibilities of the following individuals: Management, Supervisors, Employees, and Safety Coordinator;

(iv) Identify applicable safety rules and regulations;

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

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

(vii) Identify employee safety and health training requirements and the documentation process;

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

(ix) Include employee hazard reporting procedures;

(x) Identify individual(s) responsible for corrective actions hazards;

(xi) Identify first aid/injury procedures;

(xii) Identify procedures for accident investigation and reporting;

(xiii) Identify emergency response procedures; and

(xiv) 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.

The following clause will be included in the resultant Contract:

VOLUNTARY PROTECTION PROGRAM AND INCORPORATION OF SAFETY AND HEALTH PLAN (JAN 2010)

1. The contractor accepted Safety and Health Plan dated XXX_ is hereby incorporated by reference.

2. Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) applies only to contractors whose employees work more than 1,000 hours per quarter on a government installation. VPP requires that contractors provide their employees safety and health protection equal in quality to that provided to Air Force employees. Contractors are responsible for managing their safety and health program ensuring that the safety and health rules of the installation are followed, and flowing down VPP requirements to all subcontractors whose employees work for more than 1,000 hours per quarter on a government installation under their agreement.

3. Contractors shall provide their Total Case Incidence Rate (TCIR) and Day Away, Restricted, and or Transfer Case Rate (DART) data and OSHA Form 300A annually by the 15th of January to the Contracting Officer to inclusion in the installation’s annual VPP Safety and Health Management Report

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

d. 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.

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 noncommercial). 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.

II. Award Information

1. Anticipated Award Date: Through 31 January 2020

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.

3. Number of awards anticipated: The Air Force anticipates making multiple awards during the 5-year BAA period; however, the AF reserves the right to award zero contracts/assistance instruments, based on the offeror’s ability to perform the desired work.

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, offerors who plan on some kind of cost sharing should identify this in their white paper submission. The Cost share ratio required is in accordance with the type of instrument proposed.

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

b. Export Control: This acquisition may involve data that are subject to export control laws and regulations. Applicability will be determined for each award. If export control applies, 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 if export control requirements apply.

c. There are no limits to the number of white papers/proposals an offeror may submit. Offerors may propose solutions to any or all of the technical areas stated in the Statement of Objectives (SOO), Attachment 1. The Government reserves the right to select the most desirable solutions, in full or in part, from among the white papers/proposals received.

d. 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 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 the right to negotiate with those offeror(s) whose proposals are 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-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 45 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. 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 electronic copy to the Contracting POC, 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.

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 submitted; 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:

i. The SECOND STEP consists of offerors submitting a technical and cost proposal within approximately 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.

ii. 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.

iii. If the proposed work to be performed would be classified, contact the technical POC for delivery instructions and add the following information for classified submissions: A classified appendix, the 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).

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

v. Proposals must reference the announcement number BAA-RQKH-2015-0001 and the relevant BAA research area(s).

vi. Offerors must submit one (1) electronic copy via email to the Contracting POC identified in Section VII as well as two (2) hard copies and two (2) CDs with the Microsoft Word version of the entire proposal. All electronic copies of the white papers and technical and cost proposals must match their respective 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 include the formulas for calculating cost element bases (i.e., G&A, O/H, etc.)

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

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

viii. 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 Format: The following describes the page format on the proposal submittal:

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

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

iii. 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.

iv. 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.

v. Pages shall be numbered starting with the cover page being Page 1.

vi. The same formatting rules apply to the SOW, which is to be submitted as part of the technical/management proposal.

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.

viii. 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. This volume shall be limited to 50 pages (excluding resumes) and shall include a SOW detailing the technical tasks proposed to be accomplished under the proposed effort and suitable for contract incorporation unless otherwise specified in the Request for Proposal. 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 Technical POC cited in Section VII.

d.

Cost/Business Section:

i. Separate the proposal into a business section and cost section. There is no restriction on the number of pages in the cost/business section, but the goal is 50 pages or less. Adequate price competition is not anticipated.

(a) 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) Cost proposals have no page limitations; however, offerors are requested to keep cost proposals to 50 pages as a goal. The 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.

ii. Subcontracting plans, for efforts anticipated to exceed $650,000, shall be submitted along with the technical and cost proposals. 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. If an ID/IQ contract arrangement is anticipated, the basis for the subcontracting plan should reflect the entire ceiling amount.

e. 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

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 two (2) hard copies and two (2) CDs to the AFRL/Det 1 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.

e. For Hard Copy Submission: The original proposal and the number of copies specified in this announcement must be delivered directly to the contracting POC in AFRL at the time and date specified in this announcement.

f. For Electronic Submission:

i. Advance Preparation – Electronic proposals must be submitted through Grants.gov. There are several one-time actions your organization must have completed. Long before the proposal submission deadline, you should verify that the persons authorized to submit proposals for your organization have completed these actions. If not, it may take them up to 21 days to complete the actions before they will be able to submit proposals.

ii. Electronic Submission Process: The process your organization must complete includes obtaining a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, registering with SAM, registering with the credential provider, and registering with Grants.gov. Designating an E-Business Point of Contact (EBiz POC) and obtaining a special password called MPIN are important steps in the registration process. Go to http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp.

iii. Your organization’s E-Business POC, identified during CCR Registration, must authorize someone to become an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). This safeguards your organization from individuals who may attempt to submit proposals without permission. Note: In some organizations, a person may serve as both an E-Business POC and an AOR.

iv. The Grants.gov Organization Registration Checklist is located at http://www.grants.gov/assets/OrganizationRegCheck.pdf to guide you through the process.

v. If a proposal is submitted through Grants.gov, Adobe Reader version 8.13 or later will need to be downloaded. This small, free program will allow you to access, complete, and submit applications electronically and securely. Reference IV. 4.a. above for instructions on how to obtain a free version of the software.

vi. Should you have questions relating to the registration process, system requirements, how an application form works or the submittal process, call Grants.gov at 1-800-518-4726 or support@Grants.gov <mailto:support@Grants.gov> .

g. Submitting the Electronic Proposal

i. Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov. To access these materials, go to http://grants.gov <http://grants.gov> Select “Apply for Grant”, and then select “Download Application Package”. Enter the CFDA number (typically 12.800). You should also enter the BAA number, and then follow the prompts to download the application package.

ii. The applicant will receive a confirmation page upon completing the submission to Grants.gov. This confirmation page is a record of the time and date stamp that is used to determine whether the proposal was submitted by the deadline. A proposal received after the deadline is “late” and will not be considered for an award.

iii. Section 3 above “Second Step (Proposal) Instructions” applies to grants and cooperative agreement (in hard copy or electronic) and contract proposals.

5. Intergovernmental Review: None

6. Funding Restrictions: The cost of preparing proposals in response to this announcement is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting contract or any other contract, but may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect cost specified in FAR 31.205-18. Incurring pre-award costs for ASSISTANCE INSTRUMENTS ONLY is regulated by the DoD Grant and Agreements Regulations (DODGARS).

7. Other Submission Requirements: Proposals must be submitted to:

AFRL/RQKHA (Helen Williams) 2130 Eighth St (Bldg 45), Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7541. Faxed copies will not be accepted.

V. White Paper / Proposal Review Information

1. FIRST STEP – White Paper Evaluation Criteria: The Government will evaluate White Papers to determine which of them have the potential to best meet the Air Force’s needs based on the following criteria. Technical evaluation criteria “a”, “b”, and “c” are of equal importance. Evaluation criteria “d” is less important when compared to the other evaluation criteria.

a. Unique and innovative approach proposed to accomplish the technical objectives. New and creative solutions and/or advances in knowledge, understanding, technology, and the state of the art.

b. The offeror’s understanding of the scope of the technical effort.

c. Soundness of the offeror’s technical approach.

d. Cost/Price Realism (Proposed ROM Cost Estimate).

2.

SECOND STEP – Proposal Evaluation Criteria: The selection of one or more sources for award will be based on an evaluation of each offeror’s proposal (both technical and cost/price aspects) to determine the overall merit of the proposal in response to the announcement. The technical aspect, which is ranked as the first order of priority, shall be evaluated based on the following criteria that are of equal importance, as well as on Agency need and funding availability:

a. Technical:

i.

Unique and innovative approach proposed to accomplish the technical objectives. New and creative solutions and/or advances in knowledge, understanding, technology, and the state of the art.

ii.

The offeror’s understanding of the scope of the technical effort.

iii.

Soundness of the offeror’s technical approach.

iv.

The potential for AFRL to transition the research and development deliverables to future Government needs. Any proposed restriction on technical data or computer software will be considered.

v.

Availability of qualified technical personnel and their experience with the applicable technologies.

vi. Availability, from any source, of necessary research, test, laboratory, or shop facilities.

b. Cost/Price: Cost/Price includes the reasonableness and realism of the proposed cost and fee and consideration of proposed budgets and funding profiles. Cost/Price is a substantial factor, but ranked as the second order of priority. (If an offeror proposes the use of GFP other than any GFP identified in this BAA, and that proposed GFP provides the offeror an unfair competitive advantage, then FAR 45.202 requires rental equivalent be applied to the Cost Factor for evaluation purposes only).

c. Proposal Risk Assessment: Proposal risk for technical, cost, and schedule will be assessed as part of the evaluation of the above evaluation criteria. Proposal risk relates to the identification and assessment of the risks associated with an offeror's proposed approach as it relates to accomplishing the proposed effort. Tradeoffs of the assessed risk will be weighed against the potential payoff.

3. SECOND STEP /PROPOSAL - Review and Selection Process

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

i. Category I: Demonstrates technical merit. Is important to agency programs. The offeror presents relevant experience and access to adequate resources. Risk is acceptable. The cost/price is reasonable and realistic. Proposals in Category I are recommended for acceptance (subject to availability of funds) and normally are displaced only by other Category I proposals.

ii. Category II: Demonstrates technical merit; is important to agency programs; and presents relevant experience and access to adequate resources; but requires further development. Risk is acceptable. The cost/price is reasonable and realistic. Category II proposals are recommended for acceptance, but at a lower priority than Category I.

iii. Category III: Does not demonstrate technical merit; does not meet agency needs; does not present adequate experience or resources; the risk level is unacceptable; or the cost/price is not…