BAA-RQKPC-2014-0004.doc

1-Step Broad Agency Announcement

Overview Information To access hyperlinks from this electronic solicitation – Hit CTRL and click on the link.

NAICS Code: 541712 Federal Agency Name: Air Force Research Laboratory, Aerospace Vehicles Division, Aerospace Systems Directorate, AFRL/RQKPC Broad Agency Announcement Title: Aircraft Drag Reduction Program Broad Agency Announcement Type: This is the Initial Announcement Broad Agency Announcement Number: BAA- RQKPC-2014-0004 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s): 12.800 AIR FORCE DEFENSE RESEARCH SCIENCES PROGRAM Proposal Due Date and Time: 27 October 2014, 2:00PM EST NOTE: 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 proposal submission is encouraged.

Solicitation Request: Air Force Research Laboratory/RQ Wright Research Site is soliciting technical and cost proposals on the research effort described below. Proposals 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, and the small business size standard is 1,500 employees. 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 proposal 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. The Government intends to award a Department of Defense Grant and Agreement Regulations (DoDGARs)-based Cooperative Agreement for Research. The Government reserves the right to award other assistance instruments. Cost reimbursement contracts require successful offerors to have an accounting system considered adequate for tracking costs applicable to the contract.

Estimated Program Cost: $8,750,000 Anticipated Number of Awards: The Air Force anticipates awarding only one award for this announcement but reserves the right to make partial, multiple or no award for this announcement.

Definitions for this particular BAA:

· Break-even time: The point in time where the fuel savings resulting from the aircraft modification equal all prior expenditures associated with the mod (non-recurring engineering, modification kits, and kit installation costs).

· Coatings: An aircraft coating is a non-structural surface material overlay applied to prevent or delay degradation of the primary external skin surface structure. If used for aerodynamic performance improvements the coatings would typically be used to modify the characteristics of the boundary layer – the interface of the air with the surface of the aircraft. Examples of coatings include: paint, decals, and appliques.

· Engineered Surfaces: The surface structure and/or surface characteristics implemented by a manufacturing process to the outmost part of an aircraft usually presented to the outside environment designed or created to reduce drag, increase lift, or change aerodynamic performance. Typical aerodynamic performance improvements are achieved via modifying the turbulent and separated flow regions, and occasionally by extending laminar flow region. Examples of engineered surfaces include span wise periodic discrete roughness elements, riblets, bleed holes, plasma actuators/controls, compliant surfaces, vortex generators, and smart structures.

· Legacy Aircraft:

Aircraft currently in the fleet (Military and Commercial).

· Materials: New technology materials which provide a change in engineered surface characteristics (e.g. roughness) compared with original/baseline materials used on aerodynamic surfaces of aircraft. Examples of materials technologies include powdered additives, nanotech materials, micro-electro-mechanical systems, and adaptive structural materials.

· Non-traditional defense contractor: An entity that has not, for a period of at least one year prior to the date of the agreement, entered into or performed on:

· Any contract or subcontract that is subject to full coverage under the cost accounting standards prescribed pursuant to section 26 of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 422) and the regulations implementing such section

· Any other contract in excess of $500,000 under which the contractor is required to submit certified cost or pricing data

· Outer mold line (OML): the outer most surface of an aircraft, the surface in contact with the atmosphere.

· Technology Readiness Level (TRL): measures used to assess the maturity of evolving technologies during their development.

Brief Program Summary:

The Aircraft Drag Reduction Program seeks to mature and transition technologies to reduce the fuel burn of legacy and future fleet aircraft by employing engineered surfaces, materials, and coatings (ESMC). Aircraft drag reduction by means of ESMC may address any element of aircraft drag. A prime target will most likely be reducing skin friction drag since it comprises about ½ of the total drag of modern tube and wing transport aircraft. While it is envisioned the primary focus will be on turbulent boundary layer (BL) skin friction reduction other means of drag reduction by means of ESMC are acceptable, for example reducing wave drag or interference drag. As they relate to the legacy fleet, ESMC are applied to the outer mold line (OML) of the aircraft but do not change the OML in any substantive way.

The desired outcome is accelerated development, demonstration, and transitioning of ESMC technology to reduce drag of the legacy fleet. It is anticipated that the contractor team will be led by a single prime recipient or contractor and supported by sub-recipients or subcontractors. A successful offeror will consist of members with strong experience in: development, performance testing, and qualification of aircraft drag reduction technologies; maturing and transitioning ESMC technologies to aircraft, to include estimating the cost of transitioning the technology, determining ROI, and estimating the break-even time; and fostering collaboration through the open exchange of information among team members which could range from non-traditional defense contractor technology providers to end users (OEMs, aircraft operators, and depots in DoD).

Address technical questions to: Dr. Juan Martinez, Bldg. 24C, Room M104, 2130 8th St., WPAFB, OH 45433, (937) 713-6652, juan.martinez.22@us.af.mil Address contracting questions to: Steven Brumfield, Bldg. 45, 2130 8th St, WPAFB, OH 45433, (937) 713-9934, steven.brumfield.1@us.af.mil and/or Grace Kelly-Burnsworth, Bldg. 45, 2130 8th St., WPAFB, OH 45433, (937) 713-9945, grace.kelly-burnsworth@us.af.mil.

Full Text Announcement

I. Program Description: Air Force Research Laboratory, RQ Branch, Energy Office, is soliciting technical and cost proposals on the following research effort:

Background The United States Air Force consumes over two billion gallons of fuel per year and creates an operational energy expense of approximately eight billion dollars per year. As of 2011, jet fuel comprises 86% of the Air Force energy budget and over 8% of the total Air Force budget. The 2011 National Military Strategy states that a smaller logistical footprint by reducing large fuel and energy demands is essential. In addition, Energy Horizons, the United States Air Force Energy S&T Vision 2011-2026, states that recent war games with constrained energy supplies provide a further, operational imperative to reduce the Air Force’s energy footprint. Since the AF mobility fleet uses 60% (1.35B gallons/yr. - 2012 data) of all AF aviation fuel, reducing the fuel burn of the current (legacy) mobility fleet could provide a huge, near-term impact on operational energy.

Skin friction drag accounts for approximately one-half the drag of a modern1 tube and wing transport aircraft. While the drag components of the USAF’s current mobility fleet aircraft (C-17, C-5, C-130, KC-135, and KC-10) will vary somewhat from that of a modern tube and wing configuration the relative magnitude of the drag components will not. As such reducing the skin friction of the turbulent boundary layer on legacy fleet aircraft is a target of opportunity, but any drag component which could be reduced by employing engineered surfaces, materials, and coatings (ESMC) would be considered.

1. Statement of Objective/Needs:

The Aircraft Drag Reduction Program seeks to mature and transition technologies to reduce the fuel burn of legacy and future fleet aircraft by employing ESMC technologies. Reducing the fuel burn of the current (legacy) mobility fleet is the primary goal of this program. ESMC technologies which reduce drag for the legacy fleet should also apply to the future fleet so the investments made under this program will have long term benefits to DoD. The Government is also interested in ESMC technologies with potential for commercial applications as that could reduce the unit cost of the technology. The proposal shall describe potential commercial applications and economic benefits as the result of planned technology transition pathways, and enhance U.S. competitiveness by transitioning advanced drag reduction technologies into the DoD and commercial supply chains.

Aircraft drag reduction by means of ESMC may address any element of aircraft drag. A prime target will most likely be reducing skin friction drag since it comprises about ½ of the total drag of modern tube and wing transport aircraft. Reducing skin friction drag can be accomplished by either increasing the amount of laminar flow on a surface, by reducing the skin friction of surfaces with turbulent boundary layers, or a combination of both. Since the pressure distributions on the vast majority of surfaces of the legacy mobility fleet are not consistent with laminar flow, the technologies pursued in this program will not be those promoting laminar flow. It is envisioned the program will focus on turbulent BL skin friction reduction, and/or by other means of drag reduction, by means of ESMC are acceptable, for example reducing wave drag or interference drag.

As they relate to the legacy fleet, ESMC are applied to the OML of the aircraft but do not change the OML in any substantive way. The premise is technologies requiring changes to the OML would be expensive, requiring lengthy retrofits and recertification flights, and therefore not have a compelling return on investment (ROI) or a sufficiently fast break-even point. Even modifications that do not ultimately alter the OML, such as replacing existing aircraft skins with new ESMC skins, are extremely unlikely to have persuasive ROI nor a short break-even point.

The desired outcome is accelerated development, demonstration, and transitioning of ESMC technology to reduce drag of the legacy fleet. The proposal should demonstrate 1) aircraft drag reduction technologies, especially turbulent boundary layer skin friction drag reduction; 2) the ability to evaluate the performance (drag reduction) of the technologies – tests ranging from laboratory testing of ESMC coupons, to wind tunnel testing (small- to large-scale), to flight testing of ESMC technologies; 3) an understanding of maturing and transitioning technologies to aircraft, to include qualification testing of new coatings, materials, or surfaces; 4) experience in estimating the cost of transitioning a technology, determining ROI, and estimating the break-even time; 5) experience working with other team members with diverse skill sets and experience – it is envisioned team members could range from non-traditional defense contractor technology providers to end users (OEMs, and aircraft operators and depots in DoD); 6) the ability to fostering collaboration through the open exchange of information among team members while protecting intellectual property - to enable technology users (OEMs, etc.) to understand what technology providers are offering and for technology providers to understand the users’ requirements to transition the technology; and 7) the offeror possess or know where to find existing information related to testing and qualifying ESMC technologies and have that information available to team members, in particular the non-traditional technology suppliers.

The inclusion of non-traditional technology providers is based on the fact there are entities other than military and commercial aviation interested in drag reduction. For example Formula 1 auto racing and Americas Cup sailboat racing pursue drag reduction and could have ESMC technologies applicable to this program. As such the team should have ability to discover, attract, and form streamlined working relationships with non-traditional technology providers.

As described above the program will require a broad range of skill sets and capabilities to mature and transition ESMC technologies to reduce the drag of legacy fleet. It is envisioned performance testing (laboratory, wind tunnel, and flight testing) of ESMC technologies will be required occasionally.

REFERENCES

1. Marec, J-P. Drag Reduction: a Major Task for Research, CEAS/DragNet European Drag Reduction Conference 2000, Potsdam, June 2000

2. I. Jacobi† and B.J. McKeon, “Dynamic roughness perturbation of a turbulent boundary layer”, http://mckeon.caltech.edu/publications/pdfs/aipbjmijas2013.pdf

3. H. Sakaue, et al, “Chemical Flow Control Method using Combination of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Coatings”, AIAA-2008-0632

4. R. Barrett, et al, “Subsonic Aerodynamics and Performance of a Smart Vortex Generator System”, Journal of Aircraft Vol. 33, No. 2, March-April 1996

4. Transonic Shock Mitigation for Drag Reduction with Plasma Heating, Dr. Ming Chang, Lockheed Martin. Briefing charts from invited AIAA SciTech presentation (available on request from the Technical Point of Contract listed on page 4 of this BAA)

5. Tak-Sing Wong, Sung Hoon Kang, Sindy K. Y. Tang, Elizabeth J. Smythe, Benjamin D. Hatton, Alison Grinthal, and Joanna Aizenberg, “Bioinspired Self-Repairing Slippery Surfaces with Pressure-stable Omniphobicity”, Nature, vol. 477, pp. 443 – 447 (2011).

2. Deliverable Items:

a. Funds and Man-Hour Expenditure Report (DI-FNCL-80331A/T)

b. Recipient Progress, Status and Management Report (Quarterly) (DI-MGMT-80227)

c. Presentation Material (DI-ADMN-81373/T)

d. Report, Record of Meeting, Minutes/Meeting Summary, Minutes, Action Items (DI-ADMN-81505/T)

e. Scientific and Technical Reports/Final Report (DI-MISC-80711A/T)

f. Contract Funds Status Report (CFSR) (DI-MGMT-81468/T)

g. Strategic Business and Marketing Plan (One month after award, then annually)

3. Schedule: Overall effort: Sixty (60) months (57 months for technical effort; 3 months for final report)

4. Future Phases: If the program necessitates additional work and if Government funding is available, it is anticipated that future phases may result for any award resulting from this BAA.

5. Other Requirements:

a. Program security classification: Unclassified

b. Export Control: Information involved in this research effort will not be subject to Export Control (International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) 22 CFR 120-131, or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 15 CFR 710-774).

6. Other Information:

a. Government Furnished Property (GFP) is not anticipated to be made available under any resulting award.

b. Base Support/ Network Access are not anticipated.

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

d. Data Rights Desired:

i. Technical Data: Unlimited Rights

ii. Non-Commercial Software (NCS): Unlimited Rights

iii. NCS Documentation: Unlimited Rights

iv. 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 non-commercial). 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: 31 December 2014

2. Anticipated funding for the effort: FY14 $0.43M; FY15 $2.25M; FY16 $3.57M; FY17 $1.25M; FY18 $1.25M 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 reserves the right to make a single award, multiple awards or no award as a result of this BAA. However, the Air Force anticipates making only one award.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Offeror: This is an unrestricted solicitation. Small businesses are encouraged to propose on this solicitation.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost Sharing is not required, but will be evaluated if 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: Yes

b. 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.

c. There are no limits to the number of proposals an offeror may submit.

d. You may be ineligible for award if all requirements of this solicitation are not met on the proposal due date as identified above.

IV. Proposal and Submission Information

1. Overview: 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 proposals and award some, all, or none of the proposals received without negotiation/discussion; however, the Government reserves the right to negotiate with those offeror(s) whose proposal is selected for funding.

Offerors should be alert for any BAA amendments that may permit extensions to the proposal 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.

Please Note: If you intend to submit a grant or assistance instrument, go on to Section 2 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, proceed directly to Section 3 below—“Content and Form for Proposal Submission.”

2. Proposals for Grants and Cooperative Agreements

a. Grant Opportunity: Go to http://Grants.Gov to find the grant opportunity. The initial screen will provide the synopsis for that specific grant opportunity. To view the entire opportunity open the “Full Announcement” box in the upper center of the synopsis page and select from the documents available under “Announcement Group.” NOTE: http://Grants.Gov has tools and guiding documents in the left margin under “Applicant Resources” to help you find and apply for grant opportunities. Grants.gov requires Adobe Reader version 8.13 to open, download, save, and submit an application electronically. Adobe Reader version 8.13 is available for free from Grants.gov under “Applicant Resources,” “Download Software.”

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

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

d. Proposals for Grants or Assistance Instruments: Proposals for grants or assistance instruments may be submitted either (1) directly with a hard copy to the AFRL/RQKPC 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/RQKPC 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. 2.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.

g. Submitting the Electronic Proposal

i. Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov. To access these materials, go to 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.

h.

Section 3 below “Content and Form of Proposal Submission” applies to grants and cooperative agreement (in hard copy or electronic) and contract proposals.”

3. Content and Form of Proposal Submission: The paragraphs below identify proposal format and content. Proposals should be addressed via mail to the Contracting Point of Contact (POC) identified in Section VII.

a.

General Instructions:

i. 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.

ii. Technical/Management and Business/Cost volumes should be submitted in separate volumes and must be valid for 180 days.

iii. Proposals must reference the announcement number: BAA-RQKPC-2014-0004.

iv. Offerors must submit one-original, 5 hard copies, and two electronic copies of their proposals via mail to the Contracting POC, identified in Section VII.

v. Each electronic copy must be submitted on one Compact Disk (CD) and the file format must be readable by Microsoft Word 2010. Offerors are advised that only contracting officers are legally authorized to contractually bind or otherwise commit the government.

vi. The cost of preparing proposals in response to this BAA 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 page limitations on the proposal submittal:

i. Proposal shall be limited to 50 pages, prepared and submitted in Microsoft Word format.

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 50. 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.

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 5 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. 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 Technical POC cited in the Overview Information.

d.

Cost/Business Section:

i. Separate the proposal into a business section and cost section. Adequate price competition is anticipated. 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. Cost proposals have no page limitations; however, offerors are requested to keep cost proposals to 100 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

4. Proposal Due Date and Time: 27 October 2014, 2:00PM, local time. NOTE: Proposal receipt after the due date and time shall be governed by the provisions of FAR 52.215-1(c)(3).

NOTE: Intent to Propose: Offerors that anticipate submitting a proposal are requested to submit an e-mail to Grace Kelly-Burnsworth, at grace.kelly-burnsworth@us.af.mil containing the name of the contractor, the POC, and the contractor’s intent to submit a proposal. This “Intent to Propose” is requested by 22 September 2014, 2:00 p.m. local time.

5. Intergovernmental Review: None.

6. Funding Restrictions: None.

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

Grace Kelly-Burnsworth, AFRL/RQKPC, Bldg. 45, 2130 8th St., WPAFB, OH 45433-7541 as well as grace.kelly-burnsworth@us.af.mil

V. Proposal Review Information

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

a. Technical Plan/Scope

i. Demonstrates understanding of components of aircraft drag and how ESMC technologies could be implemented to reduce drag.

ii. Identifies unique and innovative approaches to accomplish the technical objectives to include new and creative solutions and/or advances in knowledge, understanding, technology, and the state of the art.

iii. Demonstrates an understanding of performance and qualification testing of ESMC technologies.

b. Technology Transition.

i. Demonstrates understanding of relative complexity, cost, and timelines of transitioning ESMC technologies to legacy aircraft, and ability to estimate ROI and break-even point of ESMC technologies if transitioned.

ii. Describes the potential commercial applications, economic benefits if adopted commercially, and impact on DoD costs for the technology if adopted commercially.

c. Business Plan

i. Demonstrates the ability to quickly identify creative solutions and/or advances in knowledge, understanding, and technology; and then generate tech development plans.

ii. Shows the ability to identify, attract, and foster collaboration with team members having diverse skill sets and experience - ranging from non-traditional defense contractor technology providers to end users (OEMs, and aircraft operators and depots in DoD).

d. Personnel.

i. Describes the availability of qualified technical personnel and their experience with the applicable technologies. Demonstrates the knowledge, experience, adequacy, and degree of involvement of key personnel, the degree that the management team understands working with small businesses and non-traditional defense contractors.

e. Infrastructure and Organic Capabilities.

i. Demonstrates the team either possesses or knows where to obtain, on an as needed basis, the broad range of skill sets and capabilities to mature and transition ESMC technologies. The proposal demonstrates an understanding of the balance of cost and schedule of organic capability versus that obtained on an as needed basis.

f. 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).

g. 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.

h. Review and Selection Process

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

(a) 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.

(b) 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.

(c) 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 reasonable or realistic.

v. No other evaluation criteria will be used. The Air Force reserves the right to select for award any, all, part or none of each proposal received.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices: Offerors will be notified whether their proposal is recommended for award, by letter or e-mail, on or about 26 November 2014. The notification is not to be construed to mean the award of a contract is assured, as availability of funds and successful negotiations are prerequisites to any award.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: See Section I.

3. Reporting: Please refer back to paragraph I.2.a., CDRLs.

VII. Agency Contacts

1. Address questions to: Grace Kelly-Burnsworth, AFRL/RQKPC, Bldg. 45, 2130 8th St., WPAFB, OH 45433-7541, (937) 713-9945, grace.kelly-burnsworth@us.af.mil VIII. Other Information

1. Acquisition of Commercial Items: Based upon market research, the Government is not using the policies contained in Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items, in its solicitation for the described supplies or services. However, interested persons may identify to the contracting officer their interest and capability to satisfy the Government’s requirement with a commercial item within 15 days of this notice.

2. Support contractors: Only Government employees will evaluate proposals for selection. Offerors are advised that employees of commercial firms under contract to the Government may be used to administratively process proposals, monitor contract performance, or perform other administrative duties requiring access to other contractors' proprietary information. These support contracts include nondisclosure agreements prohibiting their contractor employees from disclosing any information submitted by other contractors or using such information for any purpose other than that for which it was furnished.

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

4. Debriefings: When requested, a debriefing will be provided. The debriefing process will follow the time guidelines set out in FAR 15.505 and 15.506, but the debriefing content may vary to be consistent with the procedures that govern BAAs (FAR 35.016).

5. Wide Area Work Flow: NOTICE: Any award resulting from this solicitation will contain the clause at DFARS 252.232-7003, Electronic Submission of Payment Requests and Receiving Reports (JUN 2012) which requires electronic submission of all payment requests. Any contract resulting from this solicitation will establish a requirement to use WAWF-RA for invoicing and receipt/acceptance, and provide coding instructions applicable to this contract via the clause at DFARS 252.232-7006, Wide Area Workflow Payment Instructions (MAY 2013). Contractors are encouraged to take advantage of available training (both web-based and through your local DCMA office), and to register in the WAWF-RA system. Information regarding WAWF-RA, including the web-based training and registration, can be found at https://wawf.eb.mil. Note: This WAWF-RA requirement does not apply to Universities that are audited by an agency other than DCAA.

6. Item Unique Identification and Valuation. Any award resulting from this solicitation may contain the clause at DFARS 252.211-7003, Item Unique Identification and Valuation, (DEC 2013) which requires unique item identification and valuation of any deliverable item for which the Government’s unit acquisition cost is $5,000 or more; subassemblies, components, and parts embedded within an item valued at $5,000 or more; or items for which the Government’s unit acquisition cost is less than $5,000 when determined necessary by the requiring activity for serially managed, mission essential, or controlled inventory. Also included are any DoD serially managed subassembly, component, or part embedded within a delivered item and the parent item that contains the embedded subassembly, component, or part. Per DFARS 211.274-3 Policy for Valuation, it is DoD policy that contractors shall be required to identify the Government’s unit acquisition cost for all items delivered, even if none of the criteria for placing a unique item identification mark applies. Therefore, your proposal must clearly break out the unit acquisition cost for any deliverable items. Per DFARS 211.274-3 Policy for Valuation, “The Government’s unit acquisition cost is the Contractor’s estimated fully burdened unit cost at time of delivery to the Government for cost type or undefinitized line, subline, or exhibit line items” (Per DoD, “fully burdened unit costs” to the Government would include all direct, indirect, G&A costs, and an appropriate portion of fee). If you have questions regarding the Unique Item Identification requirements, please contact the Contracting Point of Contact listed above. For more information, see the following website: http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/pdi/uid/index.html. The contract will also include DFARS 252.211-7007, Reporting of Government-Furnished Property (AUG 2012).

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

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

9. Limitations on Pass-Through Charges. As prescribed in FAR 15.408(n)(1) & 15.408(n)(2), provisions 52.215-22, “Limitations on Pass Through Charges – Identification of Subcontract Effort (OCT 2009),” and 52.215-23, “Limitations on Pass-Through Charges (OCT 2009),” are contained in this solicitation by reference. Any contract valued greater than the threshold for cost or pricing data threshold, except fixed price contracts awarded on the basis of adequate price competition, resulting from this solicitation, shall contain the Clause at FAR 52.215-23 (or Alt I).

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

11. Post-Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation: As prescribed in FAR 19.309(d), FAR Clause 52.219-28, “Post-Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (JUL 2013),” is incorporated by reference in this solicitation.