Revised_WSCE_Phase_2_BAA_20140114_1000.docx

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT

BAA-RVKV-2014-0002

Air Force Research Laboratory/Space Vehicles Directorate

FULL TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT

14 Jan 2014

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

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT TITLE: W/V-band Satellite Communications Experiment (WSCE) program

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: This is the Initial Announcement. There are no assistance opportunities under this announcement.

PROPOSAL DUE DATE AND TIME: Proposals are due by 12:00 Noon, Mountain Time 14 February 2014 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 for delivery of proposals, carriers may not honor time-of-day delivery guarantees on military installations. Early proposal submission is encouraged.

PROGRAM Description Statement of Objectives/Needs The Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/RV), in collaboration with the Space and Missile Systems Center, Military Satellite Communications Directorate (SMC/MC), and NASA Glenn Research Center, plan to conduct fundamental research to increase knowledge and understanding of atmospheric effects on radio frequency signal propagation. Specifically, the objective is to statistically characterize channel propagation effects in the V (71 – 76 GHz) and W (81 – 86 GHz) frequency bandwidths of the electromagnetic spectrum. Channel propagation effects can include, for example, signal attenuation, phase dispersion, and depolarization. It is necessary to correlate the long-term channel behavior to atmospheric and meteorological parameters. Measured data will be used to develop and validate modeling and design tools that can be used to design and assess future military satellite communication architectures.

The Government is aware that there are many reasonable approaches for the space and ground system configuration with various technical advantages and disadvantages. One approach to statistically characterizing channel propagation effects is through the use of a (1) space system, and (2) a companion ground system. The space system, for instance, could consist of a tonal transmitter hosted on a commercial geostationary satellite. The ground system, for instance, could consist of a signal receiver and the supporting radiometry and meteorology instruments.

The purpose of this BAA is to obtain proposals to develop affordable space and ground system concepts that can accomplish the stated objective (i.e., to statistically characterize channel propagation effects). It is not the Government’s intent to suggest or imply a preferred space or ground system configuration. Meaningful proposals with varying technical and scientific approaches are anticipated in response to this announcement.

The W/V-band Satellite Communications Experiment (WSCE) program intends to procure the necessary flight-qualified space system and validated prototype ground system through this BAA. SMC/MC will identify and provide a satellite host for the WSCE space system. AFRL and NASA Glenn will assemble, install, and operate experiment ground systems.

Program Strategy The W/V-band Satellite Communications Experiment (WSCE) program will be separated into discrete tasks (i.e., task orders) to better manage technical and programmatic risks. Table 1 describes the planned program tasks. A notional estimate (from Phase 1) of the duration and cost of each task is provided, but is, dependent on the particular technical approach selected.

Table 1. Planned Program Tasks

During task 1, the contractor will develop the space and ground system concepts to the Critical Design Review (CDR) milestone. At CDR, the contractor should demonstrate readiness to begin fabrication of the ground system prototype and the space system. At CDR, the proposed concept should be (at minimum) TRL-4 (Technology Readiness Level). Integrated sub-systems must have been successfully demonstrated (i.e., functionally tested) at least in a laboratory environment. The technical period of performance for task 1 is not anticipated to exceed 9 months.

Specific objectives for task 1 include:

Modeling and simulation to demonstrate that the proposed system design accomplishes technical objectives;

Technology risk mitigation through laboratory testing of key risk items;

Risk identification and management;

System and sub-system design specification (space segment, ground segment, hardware, software) (includes released drawings);

Completion of the experiment plan and concept of operations;

Completion of interface specifications and control documents;

Completion of spacecraft integration and test plan;

Identify long-lead parts and procurements;

Develop a software development and test plan; and Critical Design Review (tailored).

Task 1 data deliverables are described in the Contracts Data Requirements List (Attachment 4).

The task 1 hardware deliverable is the laboratory breadboard test unit of the space and ground system (tailored according to technical risk of the proposed concept in order to mitigate “technology readiness” risks).

Software deliverables include the modeling and simulation source code, and laboratory breadboard test unit source code.

During task 2, the contractor will develop and deliver the flight-qualified space system and the prototype ground system. An Engineering Demonstration Unit (EDU) may be developed as an intermediate step to demonstrate form, fit, and function of the payload design (i.e., a brass-board) prior to fabrication and assembly of the flight hardware as risk mitigation. The EDU could be used to validate interfaces (e.g., mechanical, electrical, software), to demonstrate functionality, and validate design models. The EDU could be used to assess space qualification test readiness, a “dry-run” prior to testing the actual flight unit. Successful testing of an EDU should establish TRL-5. The flight unit will be flight-qualified as required by the host spacecraft provider (to be determined by SMC/MC) and shipped to the host spacecraft integration and test facility (to be determined by SMC/MC). Successful flight qualification of the flight unit will establish TRL-6. The ground system (hardware and software) will be developed, tested and delivered to AFRL/RI (Information Directorate). The technical period of performance for task 2 is notionally 24 months.

Specific objectives for task 2 will be tailored by the Government prior to task 2 award in consideration of the particular space and ground system configuration being proposed.

Specific data deliverables for task 2 will be tailored by the Government prior to task 2 award.

Task 2 hardware deliverables include the flight-qualified system and the prototype ground system.

Task 2 software deliverables include revised modeling and simulation source code, space system source code, ground system source code, and data analysis tools.

During task 3, the contractor will support integration and testing of the WSCE space system with the host spacecraft (to be determined by SMC/MC), and integration of the spacecraft to the launch vehicle. This includes functional testing and verification of the payload during the phases of pre-launch preparation. This includes payload support through launch and orbit insertion. The duration of this task will be dependent upon the schedule for the host spacecraft.

Specific objectives for task 3 will be tailored by the Government prior to task 3 award.

Specific data deliverables for task 3 will be tailored by the Government prior to task 3 award.

During task 4, AFRL, NASA, and SMC/MC personnel will collect and analyze data. The contractor will support hardware and software maintenance as required. This includes resolution of on-orbit payload anomalies.

Specific objectives for task 4 will be tailored by the Government prior to task 4 award.

Specific data deliverables for task 4 will be tailored by the Government prior to task 4 award.

Design Criteria and Assumptions Preliminary research by the Government suggests that system design criteria listed in Table 2 should be considered as a starting point for the space and ground systems. Clear-day link margins must provide ample signal strength (dynamic range) to enable rain-fade measurements. Analysis conducted under Phase 1 suggests that 36 dB should be the threshold clear-day link margin. Table 3 lists additional information and assumptions that will be updated as the program moves forward.

Table 2. Experiment Design Criteria

· Objective: 60 months

· Objective: 40 dB

· Objective: Multiple tones in both frequency bands

Table 3. Experiment Design Assumptions

Other Requirements 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). Therefore, a Certified DD Form 2345, Military Critical Technical Data Agreement, will be required to be submitted with proposal. Include this document in the business volume of the proposal.

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.

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:

“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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (22 CFR Parts 120-130); and Executive Order 13222, as extended;

The Contractor shall include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (e), in all subcontracts. (End of Clause) Other Information Government Furnished Property (GFP) availability: GFP is not anticipated to be made available under any resulting contract.

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 (Attachment 1) 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:

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.

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

Award Information Anticipated Funding Cost of the overall WSCE program is estimated not to exceed $30M. The initial task order is estimated not to exceed $2M. These funding levels are estimates only and are not a contractual obligation for funding. The minimum ordering amount for this contract is $300K. 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 may change with little or no notice.

Anticipated Number of Awards The Air Force anticipates awarding a minimum of one contract. However, the Air Force reserves the right to make multiple awards or no awards pursuant to this BAA. 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.

Anticipated Contract Type A single indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (ID/IQ) contract is anticipated with an ordering period of 5 years. The minimum quantity will be $300K. The maximum quantity will be $30M.

Notice to Offeror(s)/Supplier(s): No award will be made under this BAA announcement unless 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.

Eligibility Information Eligible Offerors and Applicants This is an unrestricted announcement.

Cost Sharing or Matching The Government is not requiring a cost sharing arrangement.

Federally Funded Research and Development Centers The following guidance is provided for other DoD sponsored and Non-DoD sponsored 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 this BAA. 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.

Government Agencies If a Government agency is interested in participating, please 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 broad agency announcement.

Other Foreign Participation: Since this is a US Science & Technology Program, foreign participation will not be permitted. This includes foreign owned companies and employees of American owned companies.

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

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.

PROPOSAL/APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Application Package:

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 http://www.wpafb.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-120614-075.pdf.

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.

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 http://www.wpafb.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-120614-075.pdf. This guide is specifically designed to assist the offeror in understanding the BAA proposal process. Technical/management and cost volumes should be submitted in separate volumes, and must be valid for 180 days. Proposals must reference the BAA announcement number. 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.

Technical/Management Proposal 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. 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 overarching Contractor’s Statement of Work (CSOW), or the offeror’s proposed Task Order 1 Contractor’s Statement of Work (CSOW). However, the same formatting rules apply to both CSOWs, which are each limited to 10 pages. No CSOW is required for Sample Task Orders. A CD with the Microsoft Word version of your Technical/Management Proposal and the CSOWs 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 CSOWs for conformance to the stated requirements. Any pages in excess of the stated page limitation after the format check will not be considered.

Content - The Technical/Management Proposal should be comprised of five (5) sections: (1) an overarching technical and management description; (2) specific description of work to be accomplished during Task Order 1; (3) a description of work that you anticipate to be accomplished during Task Order 2 (i.e., Sample Task Order 2); (4) a description of work that you anticipate to be accomplished during Task Order 3 (i.e., Sample Task Order 3); and (5) a description of work that you anticipate to be accomplished during Task Order 4 (i.e., Sample Task Order 4).

OVERARCHING TECHNICAL / MANAGEMENT DESCRIPTION: Describe your overarching technical and management approach to meeting the W/V-band Satellite Communications Experiment program technical objective.

This would include your interpretation of the objective, your strategy to achieve the objective, anticipated data requirements, description of the space system, and a description of the ground system.

You should include any systems engineering that you have accomplished that supports your proposed concept, such as modeling / simulation, trade-studies, and risk assessments.

Clearly note any premises or special considerations.

Assessing program cost and funding requirements is an essential part of program planning. It is critical that you estimate the costs to complete the program (by task) in addition to the anticipated schedule. Costs to accomplish each task should be estimated and the basis for estimates sufficiently explained in subsequent sections to convey your level of understanding and degree of program planning accomplished. The overall program costs that you provide must be consistent with your cost/business proposal.

For the overarching program plan, include a Statement of Work (SOW). The overarching SOW should discuss the methodology to meet the program’s objectives as stated in Section 1. The SOW shall be 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.

TASK ORDER 1: Describe specifically the work that you propose to accomplish during Task Order 1. This discussion should be consistent with the overall program plan, the Basic Contractor’s Statement of Work, and the Cost/Business Proposal.

The Government’s general expectations for Task Order 1 are described in section I.B.ii.

The Contractor Statement of Work (CSOW) is a stand-alone document specific to Task Order 1, and shall list work to be accomplished during Task Order 1. The SOW shall be suitable for contract incorporation. Do not include any proprietary information in the CSOW. Refer to the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Guide for Industry referenced above to assist in the CSOW preparation.

SAMPLE TASK ORDER 2: Describe work that you anticipate to be accomplished during Task Order 2. This discussion should be consistent with the overall program plan and the Cost/Business Proposal.

The Government’s general expectations for Task Order 2 are described in section I.B.iii.

SAMPLE TASK ORDER 3: Describe work that you anticipate to be accomplished during Task Order 3. This discussion should be consistent with the overall program plan and the Cost/Business Proposal.

The Government’s general expectations for Task Order 3 are described in section I.B.iv.

SAMPLE TASK ORDER 4: Describe work that you anticipate to be accomplished during Task Order 4. This discussion should be consistent with the overall program plan and the Cost/Business Proposal.

The Government’s general expectations for Task Order 4 are described in section I.B.v.

If you plan to use sub-contractors, consultants, or partners, identify them.

Additional information on prior work in this area, descriptions of available equipment, data and facilities, management plan, and resumes of key personnel who will be participating in this effort should also be included as attachments to the technical proposal.

If Government Furnished Property is requested you are required to submit the following information with your offer— A list or 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 (from the contracting officer having cognizance of the property);

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 respective use in sufficient detail to support prorating the rent (as applicable);

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

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

Cost/Business Proposal Separate the Cost / Business Proposal into a cost section and business section. Adequate price competition is anticipated. Cost / Business Proposals have no page limitation; however, offerors are requested to keep Cost / Business Proposals under 75 pages as a goal. The cost section shall be furnished with supporting schedules and shall contain a labor hour breakdown per Task Order. Refer to Attachment 3 for detailed instructions.

The business section should contain all business aspects to the proposed contract, any exceptions to terms and conditions of the announcement, any information not technically or cost related, etc. Provide rational for exceptions.

Large Businesses will be required to submit a subcontracting plan in proposals for efforts anticipated to exceed $650,000. Any large business that submits a proposal exceeding $650,000 without a subcontracting plan will be considered ineligible (large businesses participating in the Comprehensive Subcontracting Plan Test Program are exempt). Reference FAR 19.704, DFARS 219-704, and AFFARS 5319.704(a)(1) for subcontracting plan requirements. Small businesses are exempt from this requirement. Since an ID/IQ contract is contemplated, the basis for the subcontracting plan should reflect the entire ceiling amount.

NOTICE TO LARGE BUSINESS ON SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION: The Government anticipates 20% of this effort could be subcontracted to small business in order to meet statutory goals. Large businesses should consider, to the maximum extent practicable, subcontracted opportunities with small businesses. As such, Subcontracting Plans will be evaluated and negotiated to ensure that submissions are compliant with FAR Subpart 19.7. For proposed Subcontracting Plans that are below the statutory goals, the offeror will provide additional information that demonstrates how it intends to provide meaningful subcontracting opportunities and rationale to why the goals were not attainable.

All offerors are required to include a small business participation plan in its proposal, describing its plan to utilize small business in the performance of the effort. Any offerors that do not submit a small business participation plan in its proposal will be considered ineligible for award. Each offerror’s Small Business Participation Plan will include the subcontractor’s name, sub-category of the small business (Hub-Zone, Women Owned, Service Disabled Veteran, Veteran Owned, HBCU/Minority Institutions) address, the estimated dollar amount, and the participation percentage as it relates to the total contract value. Lower tier subcontracting may be included in the plan as part of the participation percentage. Small Businesses are allowed to submit their own participation percentage as the prime in the plan. For Large Businesses, Subcontracting Plans required by FAR Part 52.219-9 need to be consistent with the Small Business Participation Plan.

Proposal Content Summary: You may be ineligible for award if all requirements of this BAA announcement are not met on the proposal due date. Reference Section VIII (O) and attachment 2 for a checklist of the requirements. Proposals received after the due date and time shall be governed by the provisions of FAR 52.215-1(c)(3).

Proposal Submission Dates and Times Proposals are due by 12:00 Noon, Mountain Time on 14 February 2014. Proposals received after the due date and time specified shall be governed by the provision of FAR 52.215-1(c)(3).

PROPOSAL/APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

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.

Technical:

Overall scientific and technical merits of the proposal to meet AFRL/RV requirement.

Funds availability and affordability.

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.

Cost - Only potential awardee(s) proposal(s) will be reviewed for cost/price reasonableness and realism.

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 based on the overall scientific and technical merits that exceed the AFRL/RV requirement and sufficient funding is available and the proposal is affordable. A proposal may be displaced only by other Highly Recommended proposals.

SELECTABLE: Proposals are recommended for acceptance based on the overall scientific and technical merits that meet the AFRL/RV requirement and sufficient funding is available and the proposal is affordable. However, they are at a lower priority than Highly Recommended proposals and may require additional development. 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.

NOT SELECTABLE: Even if sufficient funding existed, the proposal should not be funded because it does not demonstrate technical merit to meet the AFRL/RV requirement.

AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

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.

AGENCY CONTACTS

Technical Points of Contact Steven A. Lane, PhD, Program Manager

AFRL/RVSV

3550 Aberdeen Ave. SE Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776 Phone: (505) 846-9944 Email: Steven.Lane@kirtland.af.mil

William Cook, Principal Investigator

AFRL/RITE

Phone: (315) 330-7439 Email: William.Cook.18@us.af.mil Contracting Points of Contact 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 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.

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.

OTHER INFORMATION

Potential Organizational Conflict of Interest Any contract award resulting from this announcement will contain the clause at AFFARS 5352.209-9001, Potential Organizational Conflict of Interest, (OCT 2010) (TAILORED).

(a) There is potential organizational conflict of interest (see FAR Subpart 9.5, Organizational and Consultant Conflicts of Interest) due to the successful contractor gaining access to proprietary information of other companies. Accordingly:

(1) As a part of the proposal, the offeror shall provide the Contracting Officer with complete information of previous or ongoing work that is in any way associated with the contemplated acquisition.

(b) If award is made to the offeror, the resulting contract may include an organizational conflict of interest limitation applicable to subsequent work, at either a prime contract level, at any subcontract tier, or both. During evaluation of proposals, the Government may, after discussions with the offeror and consideration of ways to avoid the conflict of interest, insert a special provision in the resulting contract which shall disqualify the offeror from further consideration for award of future contracts.

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.

Support Contractors Government employees and the following contractor will serve as advisors during the proposal evaluation phase:

The Aerospace Corporation 2310 E. El Segundo Blvd.

El Segundo, CA 90245-4609 Any objection to utilizing Aerospace as advisors must be in writing to the Contracting Officer and shall include a detailed statement of the basis for the objection. Aerospace will only have access to the Technical volume of the proposal.

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.

Offerors are advised that only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to contractually bind or otherwise commit the Government.

Debriefings The BAA debriefings 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).

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, (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 requirements do not apply to Universities that are audited by an agency other than DCAA.

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 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/uid/. The contract will also include DFARS 252.211-7007, Reporting of Government-Furnished Equipment in the DoD Item Unique Identification (IUID) Registry.

Safeguarding of Unclassified Controlled Technical Information Any contract award resulting from this announcement may contain the clause at DFARS 252.204-7012, Safeguarding of Unclassified Controlled Technical Information (NOV 2013) which requires safeguarding of unclassified controlled technical information resident on or transiting through contractor unclassified information systems.

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

Pre-Award Clearance Pursuant to FAR 22.805, a preaward 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 Preaward 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 preaward clearance from the OFCCP.

Limitation on Pass-through Charges As prescribed in FAR 15.408(n)(1) & 15.408(n)(2), provisions 52.215-22, Limitations on Pass Through Charges – Identification of Subcontract Effort (OCT 2009), and 52.215-23, Limitations on Pass-Through Charges (OCT 2009), are contained in this BAA announcement. 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 BAA announcement, shall contain the Clause at FAR 52.215-23 (or Alt I).

Post-Award Small Business Program Representation As prescribed in FAR 19.309, FAR Clause 52.219-28, Post-Award Small Business Program Representation (JUL 2013), is incorporated by reference in this BAA announcement. This clause will be contained in any contracts resulting from this BAA announcement. This clause requires a contractor to represent its size status when certain conditions apply. The clause provides detail on when the representation must be complete and what the contractor must do when a representation is required.

Employment Eligibility Verification As prescribed by FAR 22.1803, FAR Clause 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification, (AUG 2013) is hereby incorporated by reference in this BAA announcement. Any contract awarded as a result of this BAA that is above the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, and contains a period of performance greater than 120 days, shall include this clause in its contract. This clause provides the requirement of contractors to enroll as a Federal Contractor in the E-Verify program within 30 days after contract award.

Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Sub-Contracts / Sub-Recipient Awards As prescribed by FAR 4.1403(a), FAR 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (JUL 2013), is hereby incorporated by reference in this BAA announcement. Any contract valued at $25,000 or more, excluding classified contracts or contractors with individuals, must contain this clause. Any grant or agreement award resulting from this announcement may contain the award term set forth in 2 CFR, Appendix A to Part 25 found at: http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=c55a4687d6faa13b137a26d0eb436edb&rgn=div5&view=text&node=2:1.1.1.4.1&idno=2#2:1.1.1.4.1.2.1.1

Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters Any contract or assistance award that exceeds $500,000.00; and when an offeror checked “has” in paragraph (b) of the provision FAR 52.209-7, shall contain the clause/article, FAR 52.209-9 Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (JUL 2013).

Contractor Business Systems DFARS 252.242-7005, Contractor Business Systems (FEB 2012), is hereby incorporated by reference.

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment 1 Representations & Certifications (Section K) Attachment 2 Proposal Content Checklist Attachment 3 FAR Cost Proposal Instructions Attachment 4 Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs), DD Form 1423, A001-A010

AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY

SPACE VEHICLES DIRECTORATE

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT, BAA-RVKV-2014-0002

REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Attachment 1 NOTICE: The following solicitation provisions are in addition to the representations and certifications in ORCA.

A. FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION SOLICITATION PROVISIONS BY REFERENCE

52.204-7 –System For Award Management (Jul 2013) 52.215-22 -- Limitations on Pass-Through Charges—Identification of Subcontract Effort (Oct 2009) 52.215-23 -- Limitations on Pass-Through Charges (Oct 2009) 52.225-13 -- Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (June 2008) 52.233-2 -- Service of Protest (Sep 2006) 52.242-1 -- Notice of Intent to Disallow Costs (Apr 1984) 52.252-1 -- Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998)

B. FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION SOLICITATION PROVISIONS IN FULL TEXT

52.204-08 Annual Representations and Certifications (Dec 2013) (a)

(1) The North American Industry classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541712.

(2) The small business size standard is 1,000 employees.

(3) The small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, other than on a construction or service contract, but which proposes to furnish a product which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees.

(b)

(1) If the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management, is included in this solicitation, paragraph (d) of this provision applies.

(2) If the provision at 52.204-7 is not included in this solicitation, and the offeror is currently registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), and has completed the Representations and Certifications section of SAM electronically, the offeror may choose to use paragraph (d) of this provision instead of completing the corresponding individual representations and certification in the solicitation. The offeror shall indicate which option applies by checking one of the following boxes:

[_] (i) Paragraph (d) applies.

[_] (ii) Paragraph (d) does not apply and the offeror has completed the individual representations and certifications in the solicitation.

(c)

(1)…