BAA-RV-2013-0003.docx

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT

BAA-RV-2013-0003

Air Force Research Laboratory/Space Vehicles Directorate

ANNOUNCEMENT OVERVIEW

NAICS CODE: 541712

FEDERAL AGENCY NAME: Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/RV)

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT TITLE: Power Generation and Storage for Future Space Applications

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: BAA Announcement (closed w/o calls)

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE (CFDA) NUMBER(S): 12.800 AIR FORCE DEFENSE RESEARCH SCIENCES PROGRAM

PROPOSAL DUE DATE AND TIME: Proposals are due by 12:00 Noon, Mountain Standard Time (MST) 25 August 2013 notification and delivered to Det 8 AFRL/RVKVV, ATTN: Pearl Solano, 3550 Aberdeen Ave., Bldg. 472, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776. Proposals received after this 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”. NOTE: If offerors use commercial carriers in for delivery of proposals, carriers may not honor time-of-day delivery guarantees on military installations. Early proposal submission is encouraged.

BRIEF PROGRAM SUMMARY:

This is a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) describing the research areas of interest for the Advanced Energy Conversion program. Multiple cost share awards of a contract and/or assistance instrument(s) are anticipated with a period of performance of 60 months including options. The full BAA announcement can be accessed at the following websites: http://www.fbo.gov and http://grants.gov.

ESTIMATED PROGRAM COST: Anticipated Government funding for the program (not per contract or award) is $5M: FY 13: $1M; FY 14: $1M; FY 15: $1M; FY 16: $1M; FY 17: $1M. This funding profile is an estimate only and will not be a contractual obligation for funding. All funding is subject to change due to government discretion and availability. All potential offerors should be aware that due to unanticipated budget fluctuations, funding in any or all areas may change with little or no notice.

GENERAL INFORMATION: This acquisition is unrestricted. Small businesses are encouraged to propose on all or any part of this BAA announcement. The NAICS code for this acquisition is 541712 for Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology), and the small business size standard is 1,000 employees. This BAA is issued under the provisions of FAR 6.102(d)(2) that provides for the competitive selection of research proposals. Proposals submitted in response to this BAA that are selected for award are considered to be the results of full and open competition and in full compliance with the provisions of Public Law 98-369, the Competition In Contracting Act of 1984. There will be no other announcement issued for this requirement. Offerors should be alert for any BAA amendments that may permit extensions to the proposal submission date or make other changes to the announcement.

TYPE OF CONTRACTS/INSTRUMENTS: 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 Federal Acquisition Regulation 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. Specific instructions for assistance awards are in paragraph 7 of the BAA. It is anticipated that awards under this BAA will be cost share contracts or cooperative agreements. Cost reimbursement contracts require successful offerors to have an accounting system considered adequate for tracking costs applicable to the contract.

SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM): Unless exempted by 2 CFR 25.110 all offerors must (1) Be registered in the System for Award Management prior to submitting an application (for an award) or proposal; (2) Maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or proposal under consideration by an agency; and (3) Provide its DUNS number in each application or proposal it submits to the agency. On-line registration instructions can be accessed from the System for Award Management website at https://www.sam.gov/sam/.

ON-LINE REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (ORCA): Potential offerors are notified to be eligible for an award, they must submit annual Electronic Representations and Certifications, otherwise known as ORCA via the System for Award Management website at https://www.sam.gov/sam/. These FAR and DFARS level representations and certifications are required in addition to the representations and certifications specific to this acquisition. Before submitting the Electronic Representations and Certifications, contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) Database.

ANTICIPATED NUMBER OF AWARDS: The Air Force anticipates awarding a minimum of two contract or assistance instruments per Topic. However, the Air Force reserves the right to make multiple awards or no awards pursuant to this BAA.

“Notice to Offeror(s)/Supplier(s): Funds are not presently available for this effort. No award will be made under this BAA announcement until funds are available. The Government reserves the right to cancel this BAA announcement, either before or after the closing date for receipt of proposals. In the event the Government cancels this BAA announcement, the Government has no obligation to reimburse an offeror for any costs.”

Technical Point of Contact (POC): The technical point of contact for Topic 1, entitled “Advanced Concepts for Ultra-High Efficiency Solar Cells for Space and Near Space Applications – Ultra-High Efficiency >37% photovoltaics” is:

Alex Howard, Program Manager

AFRL/RVSV

3550 Aberdeen Ave. SE Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776 Phone: (505) 853-1889 Email: Alex.Howard@kirtland.af.mil

Technical Point of Contact (POC): The technical point of contact for Topic 2, entitled “Advanced Space Energy Storage Devices” is:

David Chapman, Program Manager

AFRL/RVSV

3550 Aberdeen Ave. SE Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776 Phone: (505) 846-8256 Email: David.Chapman@kirtland.af.mil

Contracting Points of Contact (POC): The contracting point of contact for this BAA is:

Pearl Solano Contract Specialist Det 8 AFRL/RVKVV 3550 Aberdeen Ave. SE, Bldg. 472 Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776 Phone: (505) 846-5011 Email: Pearl.Solano@kirtland.af.mil

Melissa G. Brown Procurement Contracting Officer Det 8 AFRL/RVKVV 3550 Aberdeen Ave. SE, Bldg. 472 Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776 Phone: (505) 853-4755 Email: Melissa.Brown@kirtland.af.mil

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT

BAA-RV-2013-0003

Air Force Research Laboratory/Space Vehicles Directorate

FULL TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT

NAICS CODE: 541712

FEDERAL AGENCY NAME: Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/RV)

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT TITLE: Power Generation and Storage for Future Space Applications

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: BAA Announcement (closed w/o calls)

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE (CFDA) NUMBER(S): 12.800 AIR FORCE DEFENSE RESEARCH SCIENCES PROGRAM

PROPOSAL DUE DATE AND TIME: Proposals are due by 12:00 Noon, Mountain Standard Time (MST) 25 August 2013 and delivered to Det 8 AFRL/RVKVV, ATTN: Pearl Solano, 3550 Aberdeen Ave., Bldg. 472, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776. Proposals received after this 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”. NOTE: If offerors use commercial carriers in for delivery of proposals, carriers may not honor time-of-day delivery guarantees on military installations. Early proposal submission is encouraged.

I. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

a. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate (RV) is soliciting technical and cost proposals from all offerors to advance the state-of-the-art and scientific knowledge in space technology. Proposals that either enable high efficiency photovoltaic conversion efficiency or advanced space energy storage devices are expected.

b. Offerors may propose to both topics, but will be expected to submit an independent and severable proposal for each topic independently.

1. Statement of Objective/Needs:

Topic 1: Advanced Concepts for Ultra-High Efficiency Solar Cells for Space and Near Space Applications – Ultra-High Efficiency >37% photovoltaics.

The development effort will be for ultra-high efficiency solar cells to achieve greater than 37% AM0 efficiency by investigating advanced photovoltaic devices based on crystalline semiconductor chemistry. Next generation ultra-high efficiency solar cells should be developed to ultimately demonstrate the feasibility of >37% photovoltaic devices in the near to mid-term while >40% could be shown far term. The proposed effort should also investigate suitable processing technologies and effects of processing parameters on materials properties and electrical performance of solar cells. Note that thin-film based or polymer based photovoltaics would not be considered responsive to the topic. The performance for the devices investigated under this topic will be reported using AM0 (1366.1 W/m2) measured at 25 oC.

Basic: Fundamental Improvements in materials properties The purpose of the Basic Effort is to perform fundamental research and development activities in advanced photovoltaic technologies primarily of interest for Air Force space applications. Research and development efforts should enable pathways to high efficiency devices (>37%)

Option 1: Technology development Continue development of technology produced in the base effort towards >37%. This option would down select from candidate technologies evaluated or developed in the base effort.

Option 2: Technology maturation Continue development of technology or previous effort towards achieving >37%. Technology being pursued at this point should demonstrate >35% conversion efficiency.

Option 3: Materials and Design Optimization Mature materials processing and fabrication procedures and demonstrate a photovoltaic device capable approaching program objectives.

Option 4: Cell /Device Optimization and Prototyping Design and develop cell prototypes that achieve performance metrics and demonstrate a pathway towards achieving >37%. Demonstrate the feasibility of technology for manufacturability.

The four options proposed should build upon the successful basic effort and any previously exercised options. This should allow for the natural progression of the research and development proposed.

Topic 2: Advanced Space Energy Storage Devices.

The development effort will focus on advanced space energy storage devices with high specific energy (>= 400 Whr/kg at cell level). Proposed next generation energy storage technologies should leverage nanostructured materials and/or coatings, novel electrolytes, and new chemistries or cell architectures that are capable of achieving high specific energy, reasonable specific power, and long cycle life. Energy storage technology should be developed with initial specific energy > 250 Whr/kg, and demonstrate feasibility of >300 Wh/kg in the near-term and >400 Wh/kg in the far-term. Initial specific power should be > 2 kW/kg (maintain at least 2 kW/kg as specific energy is increased over time), and projected cycle life of 3000 at depth of discharge (DOD) >= 80%. Far-term goals for cycle life are > 5000 at >= 80% DOD and 60,000 at 50% DOD. The development effort should be a phased approach with options to achieve a technology readiness level of at least 4 and produce prototype devices that can be concatenated to operate at standard bus voltages and scalable current capability.

Basic: Fundamental Improvements in materials properties The purpose of the Basic Effort is to perform fundamental research and development activities in energy storage technologies primarily of interest for Air Force space applications. Research and development efforts should enable pathways to high specific energy (> 400 Whr/kg) and cycle life (>=5000) and be able to achieve space qualification.

Option 1: Technology development Continue development of technology produced in the base effort to achieve 300 Whr/kg and demonstrate cycle life of 3000 at high DOD.

Option 2: Technology maturation Continue development of technology or previous effort to achieve 350 Whr/kg and demonstrate cycle life of 5000 at a minimum of 80% DOD.

Option 3: Materials and Design Optimization Mature materials processing and fabrication procedures and demonstrate an energy storage device capable of 400 Wh/kg and 2 kW/kg with 5000 cycles at 80% DOD.

Option 4: Cell /Device Optimization and Prototyping Design and develop cell prototypes that achieve performance metrics and demonstrate a pathway towards achieving 60,000 cycles at 50% DOD. Demonstrate the feasibility of technology for manufacturability. Design battery using previously developed cells that can operate at standard spacecraft bus voltages. Develop appropriate control electronics for charge/discharge and health monitoring.

The four options proposed should build upon the successful basic effort and any previously exercised options. This should allow for the natural progression of the research and development proposed.

2. Deliverable Items:

a. Data Items: The following data deliverables are representative of the types of data that may be required: (a) Technical Report; (b) Presentation Material; (c) Quarterly Status Reports; (c) Final Report, draft and final; (d) Contractor Acquired Property (CAP). Refer to Attachment 1 entitled, Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs), DD Form 1423, A001-A005.

b. Hardware: Hardware demonstrating feasibility.

3. Other Requirements:

a. Export Control: Information involved in this research effort will be subject to Export Control (International Traffic in Arm Regulation (ITAR) 22 CFR 120-131, or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 15 CFR 710-774). If effort is subject to export control then a Certified DD Form 2345, Military Critical Technical Data Agreement, will be required to be submitted with proposal.

b. Export-Controlled Items: As prescribed by DFARS 204.7304, DFARS 252.204-7008, Export-Controlled Item (APR 2010) is contained in this BAA announcement (as shown below). This clause shall be contained in ALL BAA announcements and resulting contracts.

EXPORT-CONTROLLED ITEMS (APR 2010)

(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 Administrative 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)

4. Other Information:

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

b. Data Rights Desired: The Government anticipates receiving, as a minimum, “Government Purpose Rights” to technical data developed under contracts awarded based on proposals received in response to this announcement.

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 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 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, developed entirely at Government expense to be delivered with Unlimited Rights.

Technical data developed with mixed funding are expected to be delivered with at least Government Purpose Rights. Offers that propose delivery of technical data subject to Government Purpose Rights should fully explain what technical data developed with costs charged to indirect 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 subject to Government Purpose Rights will fully meet program needs.

Offers that propose delivery of technical data subject to Limited Rights, Restricted Rights, or Specifically Negotiated License Rights will be considered. Proposals should fully explain what technical data developed with costs charged to indirect 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.

Note that DFARS 227.7103-12(b) describes unjustified markings.

(b) Unjustified markings.

(1) An unjustified marking is an authorized marking that does not depict accurately restrictions applicable to the Government’s use, modification, reproduction, release, performance, display, or disclosure of the marked technical data.

(2) Contracting officers have the right to review and challenge the validity of unjustified markings. However, at any time during performance of a contract and notwithstanding existence of a challenge, the contracting officer and the person who has asserted a restrictive marking may agree that the restrictive marking is not justified. Upon such agreement, the contracting officer may, at his or her election, either –

i. Strike or correct the unjustified marking at that person’s expense; or

ii. Return the technical data to the person asserting the restriction for correction at that person’s expense. If the data are returned and that person fails to correct or strike the unjustified marking and return the corrected data to the contracting officer within 60 days following receipt of the data, the unjustified marking shall be corrected or stricken at that person’s expense.

II. AWARD INFORMATION

1. Anticipated Funding: Anticipated Government funding for the program (not per contract or award) is $5M: FY 13: $1M; FY 14: $1M; FY 15: $1M; FY 16: $1M; FY 17: $1M. This funding profile is an estimate only and will not be a contractual obligation for funding. All funding is subject to change due to government discretion and availability. All potential offerors should be aware that due to unanticipated budget fluctuations, funding in any or all areas may change with little or no notice.

2. Anticipated Number of Awards: The Air Force anticipates awarding a minimum of two contract or assistance instruments per Topic. However, the Air Force reserves the right to make multiple awards or no awards pursuant to this BAA.

3. Anticipated Period of Performance: Multiple cost share awards of a contract and/or assistance instrument(s) are anticipated with a period of performance between 12-60 months. This duration includes the Basic and Option Periods, if exercised for both Topic 1 and Topic 2. The period of performance is to be proposed in the format “includes 12 months for the technical effort and 3 months for Final Report preparation.”

“Notice to Offeror(s)/Supplier(s): Funds are not presently available for this effort. No award will be made under this BAA announcement until funds are available. The Government reserves the right to cancel this BAA announcement, either before or after the closing date for receipt of proposals. In the event the Government cancels this BAA announcement, the Government has no obligation to reimburse an offeror for any costs.”

III. ELIGIBILTY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Offeror/Applications: This is an unrestricted BAA announcement. Small businesses are encouraged to propose on all or any part of this BAA announcement.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching: 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 Federal Acquisition Regulation 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. Specific instructions for assistance awards are in paragraph 7 of the BAA. It is anticipated that awards under this BAA will be cost share contracts or cooperative agreements, which require successful offerors to have an accounting system considered adequate for tracking costs applicable to the contract.

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 expectations stated in DFARS 235.017-1(c)(4)). There is no regulation prohibiting an FFRDC from responding to a BAA announcement. 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 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 Manager 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: Since this is a US Science & Technology Program, it is anticipated that foreign participation will not be permitted.

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. This acquisition involves data that are subject to export control laws and regulations. Only contractors who are registered and certified with the Defense Logistics Services Center (DLSC) and have a legitimate business purpose may participate in this BAA announcement. Contact the Defense Logistics Services Center, 74 Washington Ave., Battle Creek MI 49037-3084, (877) 352-2255 for further information on the certification process. You must submit a copy of your approved DD Form 2345, Military Critical Technical Data Agreement, with your proposal.

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

c. You may be ineligible for award if all requirements of this BAA announcement and any amendments are not met on the proposed due date as identified above.

IV. PROPOSAL/APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION:

1. Application Package: THIS BAA CONSTITUTES THE ONLY SOLICIATION.

Proposals submitted shall be in accordance with this BAA. There will be no other BAA announcement issued in regard to this requirement. Offerors MUST monitor FedBizOpps http://www.fbo.gov in the event this announcement is amended. Offerors must monitor this system to ensure they receive the maximum proposal preparation time for subsequent amendments as this is the official notification vehicle to request for proposals. 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 or make other changes.

For additional information, a copy of the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Guide for Industry at https://cs.eis.af.mil/airforcecontracting/afmc_pk_mp_ig/ST/BAA%20Broad%20Area%20Announcements/Forms/AllItems.aspx.

2. Proposals for Grants and Cooperative Agreements

a. Grant Opportunity: Go to http://grants.gov to find the grant opportunity (See “Find Grant Opportunities” section.) 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 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 the 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 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 the System for Award Management (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://grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp.

iii. Your organization’s E-Business POC, identified during SAM 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.

vi. Should you have questions relating to the registration process, system requirements, how an application form works or the submittal process, call Grats.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 Submission for Full Proposals: The paragraphs below identify proposal format and content. Proposals should be addressed and delivered as specified in this announcement.

a. General Instructions: Offerors should apply the restrictive notice prescribed in FAR 52.215-1(e) Instructions to the 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 https://cs.eis.af.mil/airforcecontracting/afmc_pk_mp_ig/ST/BAA%20Broad%20Area%20Announcements/Forms/AllItems.aspx. This guide is specifically designed to assist the offeror in understanding the BAA proposal process. Technical/management and cost volumes should be submitted in separate volumes, and must be valid for 180 days. Proposals must reference the BAA announcement number as well as the topic area proposing to. Offerors must submit one-original and 3 hard copies of their proposals. Offerors are advised that only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to contractually bind or otherwise commit the Government. The cost of preparing proposals in response to 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 costs as specified in FAR 31.205-18.

b. Technical/Management Proposal:

i. Page Limitation: The Proposal shall be limited to 50 pages, prepared and submitted in Microsoft Word format. Font shall be no smaller than standard 10-point font Arial. (You may specify another font, but only one font may be stated in the BAA announcement.) Character spacing must be “normal,” not condensed in any manner. Pages shall be double-spaced, double-sided (each side counts as one page), 8.5 by 11 inches, with at least one-inch margins on all sides. Lines between text lines must also be 10-point. 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 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. 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 10 pages. 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. Please note: The Government will check the proposal and SOW for conformance to the stated requirements. Any pages in excess of the stated page limitation after the format check will not be considered.

ii. 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 the proposed effort and suitable for contract incorporation. Do not include any proprietary information in the SOW. Refer to the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Guide for Industry referenced above to assist in the SOW preparation. If Government Furnished Property is requested you are required to submit the following information with your offer—

a) A list of description of all Government property that the offeror or its subcontractors propose to use. The list shall identify the accountable contract under which the property is held and authorization for its use (for the contracting officer having cognizance of the property);

b) The dates during which the property will be required 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 used in sufficient detail to support prorating the rent;

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

d) 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.

iii. Any questions concerning the technical/management proposal or SOW preparation shall be referred to the Technical POC.

c. Cost/Business Proposal:

i. Separate the proposal into a cost section and business 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, any information not technically related, etc. Provide rational 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 under 75 pages as a goal. The proposal shall be furnished with supporting schedules and shall contain a labor hour breakdown per task. Refer to the BAA Guide for Industry for detailed proposal instructions.

ii. Subcontracting plans, for efforts anticipated to exceed $650,000, shall be submitted along with the technical and costs proposals. Reference FAR 19.704, DFARS 219- 704, and AFFARS 5319.704(a)(1) for subcontracting plan requirements. Small businesses are exempt from this requirement.

d. Proposal Content Summary: You may be ineligible for award if all requirements of this BAA announcemet are not met on the proposal due date. Reference Section VIII for a checklist of the requirements. Proposals received after this due date and time shall be governed by the provisions of FAR 52.215-1(c)(3).

4. Proposal Submission Dates and Times: Proposals are due by 12:00 Noon, Mountain Standard Time (MST) 45 days after publication of the FedBizOpps notification.

5. 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).

6. Other Submission Requirements: Proposal must be submitted to Det 8 AFRL/RVKVV, ATTN: Pearl Solano, 3550 Aberdeen Ave., Bldg. 472, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776.

V. PROPOSAL/APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION:

1. EVALUATION CRITERIA: The following criteria, which are listed in descending order of importance, will be used to determine whether one or more sources will be selected for award. The Government reserves the right to select all, part, or none of the proposals received in response to this announcement, subject to the availability of funds.

a. Technical:

1) Overall scientific and technical merits of the proposal;

2) Importance to AFRL/RV programs;

3) Fund availability/affordability/cost sharing

b. 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.

No further evaluation criteria will be used. Individual proposal evaluations will be performed using these evaluation criteria without regard to other proposals submitted under this BAA. Proposals submitted will be evaluated as they are received.

2. Review and Selection Process: The technical/management and cost/business proposals will be evaluated and categorized as follows:

- HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Proposals are recommended for acceptance if sufficient funding is available, and normally are displaced only by other Highly Recommended proposals.

· Technology proposed potentially exceeds stated program objectives/enables understanding to allow advances in the field.

· Technology / development path is directly applicable to AFRL/RV programs

· Cost/Price is realistic for the level of effort proposed.

· Cost share is proposed and represents an excellent value for the Government.

- SELECTABLE: Proposals are recommended for acceptance if sufficient funding is available, but at a lower priority than Highly Recommended proposals. May require additional development. To ensure a diversity of approaches, a Selectable proposal may be prioritized over a Highly Recommended proposal if the Selectable proposal presents a unique approach unlike any of the Highly Recommended proposals.

· Technology proposed potentially meets stated program objectives

· Technology / development path is directly applicable to AFRL/RV programs

· Cost/Price is realistic for the level of effort proposed.

· Cost share is proposed and represents a good value for the Government.

- NOT SELECTABLE: Even if sufficient funding existed, the proposal should not be funded.

· Technology proposed is not realistic or does not address stated objectives in the BAA.

· Technology / development path is not directly applicable to space environment.

· Cost/Price is unrealistic for the level of effort proposed.

· Cost share not proposed and represents poor value for the Government.

VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION:

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

VII. AGENCY CONTACTS

1. Questions of a technical nature shall be directed to the technical point of contact, as specified below:

Technical Point of Contact: The technical point of contact for Topic 1, entitled “Advanced Concepts for Ultra-High Efficiency Solar Cells for Space and Near Space Applications – Ultra-High Efficiency >37% photovoltaics” is:

Alex Howard, Program Manager

AFRL/RVSV

3550 Aberdeen Ave. SE Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776 Phone: (505) 853-1889 Email: Alex.Howard@kirtland.af.mil

Technical Point of Contact: The technical point of contact for Topic 2, entitled “Advanced Space Energy Storage Devices” is:

David Chapman, Program Manager

AFRL/RVSV

3550 Aberdeen Ave. SE Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776 Phone: (505) 846-8256 Email: David.Chapman@kirtland.af.mil

2. Questions of a contractual/business nature shall be directed to the technical point of contact, as specified below:

Contracting Points of Contact: The contracting point of contact for this BAA is:

Pearl Solano Contract Specialist Det 8 AFRL/RVKVV 3550 Aberdeen Ave. SE, Bldg. 472 Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776 Phone: (505) 846-5011 Email: Pearl.Solano@kirtland.af.mil

Melissa G. Brown Procurement Contracting Officer Det 8 AFRL/RVKVV 3550 Aberdeen Ave. SE, Bldg. 472 Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776 Phone: (505) 853-4755 Email: Melissa.Brown@kirtland.af.mil

Any correspondence must reference the BAA title and number.

3. Ombudsman: The Ombudsman clause, AFFARS 5352.201-9101 Ombudsman (NOV 2012) will be contained in any contracts or agreements resulting from this BAA announcement. The Ombudsman for AFRL is Ms Barbara Gehrs, AFRL/PK, 1864 4th Street, Bldg. 15, Room 225, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, 45433-7130, Phone 937.904.4407, Fax 937.904.7024, E-mail: Barbara.Gehrs@wpafb.af.mil.

VIII. OTHER INFORMATION

1. Acquisition of Commercial Items: Based upon market research, the Government is not using the policies contained in FAR 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items, in its BAA announcement 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 the 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. Any objection to administrative access must be in writing to the Contracting Officer and shall include a detailed statement of the basis for the objection.

3. Communication: 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: The BAA debriefings should follow the procedures set forth in FAR 15.5. When requested, a debriefing will be provided. The debriefing process will follow the 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 contract award resulting from this announcement 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. The clause cites three possible electronic formats through which to submit electronic payment requests. Pursuant to the clause, the Department of Defense uses Wide Area Work Flow-Receipt and Acceptance (WAWF-RA), as the electronic format for submission of electronic payment requests. Any contract resulting from this announcement will establish a requirement to use WAWF-RA for invoicing and receipt/acceptance, and provide coding instructions applicable to this contract. Contractors are encouraged to take advantage of available training (both web-based and through your cognizant DCMA office), and to register in the WAWF-RA system. Information regarding WAWF-RA, including the web-based training and registration, can be found at https://wawf.eb.mil/. Note: WAWF-RA requirement does not apply to Universities that are audited by an agency other than DCAA.

6. Item Identification and Valuation: Any contract award resulting from this announcement may contain the clause at DFARS 252.211-7003, Item Identification and Valuation, (JUN 2011) 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. The contract will also include DFARS 252.211-7007, Reporting of Government-Furnished Equipment in the DoD Item Unique Identification (IUID) Registry (AUG 2012).

7. Forward Pricing Rate Agreements: Offerors who have forward pricing rate agreements (FPRA’s) or forward…