DLA SUBNET BAA 2021 Final.pdf

Subsistence Network

Broad Agency Announcement

BAA-0004-21

Published: July XX, 2021

Document Type: Combined BAA/Synopsis

Solicitation Number: BAA-0004-21

Posted Date: XXXXX

Classification Code: A—Research and Development

Set Asides: N/A NAICS Code: 541715 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

PART: U.S. Government Procurements

SUBPART: Services

Office Address: 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5092

CLASS CODE: A—Research and Development

SUBJECT: A-Subsistence Network (SUBNET)

POC: Andrea E. Nicolucci, Andrea.Nicolucci@dla.mil and Gary Carson, Gary.Carson@dla.mil

Alternate Repository: DCSO R&D Mailbox RandD.DCSO@dla.mil

(https://safe.apps.mil/) mailto:Andrea.Nicolucci@dla.mil mailto:Gary.Carson@dla.mil mailto:RandD.DCSO@dla.mil https://safe.apps.mil/

Subsistence Network (SUBNET) Research & Development Broad Agency Announcement

Source Selection Information—See FAR 2.101 and 3.104.

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*Note: Please copy ALL of the following recipients: Andrea.Nicolucci@dla.mil, Gary.Carson@dla.mil, RandD.DCSO@dla.mil

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. Overview

A.1. Introduction

A.2. Background

B. General Information

B.1. Competitive Procedures

B.2. Preparation Cost

B.3. Eligibility Information

B.4. BAA Response Submission

B.5. Additional Information Requests

B.6. Notifications

B.7. Representations and Certifications

B.8. Contract Type

C. Subsistence Network Areas of Interest

D. White Papers

D.1. White Paper Information

D.2. White Paper Selection

E. Technical Proposals

E.1. Technical Proposal Information

E.2. Technical Proposal Format

E.3. Technical Proposal Evaluation

E.4 Technical Proposal Selection

F. Cost Proposal Information

F.1 Cost Proposal Format

F.2. Cost Realism Analysis

G. Award Decision

G.1 Basis for Contract Award

G.2. Basis for Award without Discussion

G.3 Basis for No Award

Appendix: Proposal Adequacy Checklist 24 mailto:Andrea.Nicolucci@dla.mil mailto:Gary.Carson@dla.mil

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A. Overview

Please note: This BAA constitutes a 3 step process to possible award:

STEP I: Submission of White Papers

STEP II: Submission of Technical Proposal by Invitation Only

STEP III: Submission of Cost Proposal by Invitation after submission of Tech Proposal

A.1 Introduction

This notice constitutes a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for the acquisition of research and development in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 35.016, Broad Agency

Announcement (BAA) as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. No other solicitation will be issued. Only the information provided in this notice is available. Requests for other solicitations shall be disregarded.

Subject to availability of funds, the Government plans to invest approximately $35 million during Fiscal

Years 2022-2027 for funding research in response to this BAA.

This Subsistence Research and Development (R&D) BAA will remain open for five (5) years. During this time, the Government may accept white papers from any interested respondent. A SUBNET white paper is an abbreviated document (limited to 7 pages) in which the respondent describes a project concept that is within the scope of one of the technical Areas of Interest set forth in Section C, Areas of Interest, in this

BAA. A vendor may propose separate white papers on more than one area of interest. Offerors should focus on one requirement per paper. There is no limit to the number of white papers that an offeror may submit. The purpose of the white paper is to preclude respondents from incurring substantial technical proposal preparation costs on proposed research that is not of interest to DLA. Respondents are encouraged to submit white papers as a way to determine DLA’s interest prior to investing in technical proposal development. DLA will select white papers that are most promising for further consideration and once selected then request technical proposals from the respondents. Requests for proposals are by invitation only. A request for a technical proposal does not guarantee contract award.

NOTE: Neither submission of a white paper nor an invitation to submit a proposal is an authorization to begin work.

The Government anticipates making, but is not obligated to make, multiple contract awards under this

BAA. The Government reserves the right to select for award all, some, or none of the proposals requested. The primary basis for selecting proposals for acceptance shall be technical merit, importance to agency programs, and funds availability. The proposals will also be evaluated based on research management and organizational structure, past performance, capabilities, and related experiences, as specified in the Technical Proposal, Section E. Cost realism and reasonableness will also be considered.

Awards will be subject to funds availability.

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Offerors responding to this BAA will propose a R&D short-term project in the form of a white paper related to the Subsistence Supply Chain that addresses one or more of the Areas of Interest in Section C.

Offerors are encouraged to propose innovative solutions within the scope of the SUBNET Program as outlined herein. Equal consideration will be given to all approaches that enable improved military subsistence and combat rations products and processes in terms of shorter lead times, higher throughput, reduced inventory and overhead cost, and improved quality.

SUBNET white papers that include a new technology or potential future trend must be vetted through the respective material developer (e.g., the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering

Center (NSRDEC), Combat Feeding Directorate (CFD) for combat rations, field food service equipment and related technologies to determine and assess the maturity of the technology or future trend and readiness for SUBNET involvement. This will be completed via the Program Manager.

A.2. Background

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) seeks interested parties to participate in the Subsistence Network

Research and Development (R&D) Program, (hereinafter referred to as SUBNET). The SUBNET

Program is a DLA-Sponsored DoD Manufacturing Technology Program and is the successor to the previous Combat Rations Network (CORANET) R&D program.

CORANET was established in 1996 to develop and introduce modern manufacturing processes into the

U.S. industrial base to assure timely availability of affordable, high quality, high variety combat rations to the warfighters. The scope of the CORANET program included all of the manufacturing technologies related to the production, storage and distribution of combat rations.

Unlike its predecessor, SUBNET will have a wide-spread focus on solutions to develop and promote manufacturing improvements in the subsistence supply chain. The program goals are to leverage the latest technologies, encourage innovation and modernization, and to maximize capability and capacity in subsistence. The program engages all elements of the supply chain including the DoD combat ration producers, commercial food suppliers, academia, and other industry and federal agencies to research, leverage, implement, and transition improved technologies in the subsistence supply chain. The research seeks the

5 | P a g e identification and test of low-risk, high-impact technology, quality and process improvements of the individual and group combat rations, and improvements in subsistence products or equipment. The

SUBNET short term projects that are awarded from this BAA are anticipated to result in such measures as reduced cost, increased efficiencies, and improved surge demand capabilities. These improvements will transition to industrial base suppliers, military services, and the warfighters. Research projects shall involve current trends related to combat rations, field feeding solutions, food equipment, food footprint, food innovations, food safety and defense; garrison feeding, nutrition and health, storage and packaging solutions, and water security (see Section C).

SUBNET contracts will require participation in the execution of specified research projects. Unlike the previous CORANET program, there will be no “partnership” contracts providing only for participation in program planning activities such as workshops and meetings.

B. General Information

B.1. Competitive Procedures

Selection of projects for award under this BAA fulfills the requirement of full and open competition using

“other competitive procedures” in accordance with FAR 6.102(d)(2)(i) and (ii). White papers and resulting proposals will not be evaluated against each other since they are not submitted in accordance with a common work statement. Evaluation of proposals shall be accomplished through a detailed technical review of each proposal.

B.2. Preparation Cost

DLA shall not be responsible or liable for any costs incurred by any parties in the preparation and submission of any white paper, technical proposal or cost proposal in response to this BAA.

B.3. Eligibility Information

This is an unrestricted acquisition. Any responsible (see FAR Subpart 9.1) source (respondent) capable of satisfying DLA’s needs may participate. All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government's needs may submit a white paper, which will be considered by DLA. Technical Proposals in lieu of white papers, will also be accepted, but are not recommended. DLA encourages industry, educational institutions, small businesses, small disadvantaged business concerns, historically black colleges (HBCU) and universities and minority institutions (MI) to submit white papers under this BAA. Small business teaming is encouraged. However, no portion of this BAA shall be set aside for any type of small business participation due to the impracticality of reserving discrete or severable areas of research in this technology. For purposes of this acquisition, the small business size standard is 1000 employees and the

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541715, Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering and Life Sciences.

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B.4. BAA Response Submission

In accordance with FAR 3.104-4, your company is required to mark all material that may be Source

Selection Information as described at paragraph (10) of the “Source Selection Information” definition in FAR2.101, to include the cover page and each page that may contain source selection information with the legend “Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104”. Although the information in paragraphs (1) through (9) of the definition in 2.101 is considered to be Source

Selection Information whether or not marked, all reasonable efforts must be made to mark such material with the same legend. If you are unsure if particular information is Source Selection

Information as defined in FAR 2.101, consult your Agency Officials.

Note: Source Selection markings are required for all documents submitted in response to this BAA, which includes White Papers and Technical/Price Proposals (when applicable).

Vendors may respond to this BAA by submitting a white paper by e-mail to the Contracting Officer, Andrea E. Nicolucci, andrea.nicolucci@dla.mil and Contract Specialist Gary Carson, gary.carson@dla.mil and cc the DCSO R&D Mailbox at RandD.DCSO@dla.mil as a portable document format (.pdf) file. Because of limitations in the DLA e-mail system, attachments cannot exceed 15 megabytes. No other electronic submissions will be accepted. If a submitter has difficulty submitting through the mail box, submitters may use (https://safe.apps.mil/)and notify the POC’s of so doing.

B.5. Additional Information Requests

Respondents may be contacted to provide additional information required for technical proposal evaluation and cost realism analysis. Respondents may be removed from the proposal evaluation process if the respondent and the contracting officer fail to negotiate mutually agreeable terms within a reasonable period of time.

Offerors may submit formal written general questions to the contracting officer. No telephone questions will be answered.

All relevant BAA clarification question(s) will be posted as an amendment to this solicitation on

Sam.gov . Offerors are advised to monitor Sam.gov for amendments to the solicitation.

B.6. Notifications

All offerors submitting a White Paper in response to this BAA will receive an email message acknowledging receipt.

Full Proposals

Offerors invited to submit full proposals will receive an email providing instructions for the submission of mailto:andrea.nicolucci@dla.mil mailto:gary.carson@dla.mil

7 | P a g e a full technical proposal or an email advising that the White Paper was not selected for invitation. Email notification will also be sent out if the technical proposal is not acceptable.

Cost Proposal

Offerors selected to submit Cost proposals will be so notified by email after Technical proposal submission. Email notification will also be sent out if the cost proposal is not acceptable.

Debriefs

White paper evaluation will not entitle the offeror to a debrief as no award can result from a White Paper.

B.7. Representations and Certifications

Respondents shall have a valid registration with no exclusions in the System for Award Management website at http://www.sam.gov. Annual representations and certifications must be completed via the website and valid for the proposed performance period.

http://www.sam.gov/

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B.8. Contract Type

DLA intends award of cost-reimbursement contracts (FAR Subpart 16.3) resulting from this BAA.

Proposals should be based on the cost-reimbursement contract type: cost-plus-fixed-fee. DLA reserves the right to award a firm fixed price, level of effort term contract (FAR Subpart 16.202) or fixed price level of effort contract (FAR Subpart 16.207), if the Contracting Officer deems it to be in the

Government’s best interests. If DLA awards a firm fixed price level of effort contract, performance standards will be included at that time.

C. Subsistence Network Areas of Interest

C.1 Combat Rations. This refers to operational rations, which are individual or group rations. Individual

Rations are packaged, pre-cooked, shelf stable food items that provide troops a nutritionally balanced diet either in complete individual meals or a daily ration. Group Rations are nutritionally complete, unitized or pre-configured in group modules to support small or large group feeding in 18 or 50 person modules depending on the specific group ration type. Contractor Teaming with one or more combat rations assemblers (also see section 5 last two sentences) on projects in this Area of Interest is encouraged, but is not required.

C.2 Food Equipment. Seeking technology-based solutions that improve the energy efficiency, mobility, maintainability, or usability of current field feeding procedures and operations.

C.3 Field Feeding Solutions. Field Feeding refers to the method or system utilized to provide food to troops training or serving in combat operations. The solutions involved should help improve efficiencies along with reducing production and transportation lead times.

C.4 Food Footprint. Also referred to as “foodprint”, food footprint refers to the greenhouse gas emissions produced by growing, rearing, farming, processing, transporting, storing, cooking and disposing of the food you eat. We seek solutions that will reduce food waste, reduce size, optimize storage capacity, and reduce cost such as lowering current food footprint levels.

C.5 Food Innovations. This refers to making inventive changes to current established food production, products, etc. Innovations may be incremental, involving gradual marked changes to the current food supply system, or disruptive where it almost immediately changes existing food production. Proposals should be focused on existing fielded ration products. Introduction of new food products or technologies must be done in collaboration with the material developer, the Natick Soldier Research Development and

Engineering Center (NSRDEC) Combat Feeding Directorate (CFD). This will be completed via the

Program Manager.

C.6 Food Safety and Defense. Food Safety involves risk-assessment, prevention, and monitoring activities associated with protecting the food supply from incidental contamination from the source ingredients of a product, through production, distribution, and consumption. Food Defense involves activities associated with protecting the nation's food supply from deliberate or intentional acts

9 | P a g e of contamination or tampering. Solutions should address effective and efficient ways to combat food contamination whether incidental or intentional. Solutions should be researched in collaboration with the

U.S. Army Public Health Center and CFD.

C.7 Garrison Feeding. Food service provided to troops at a permanent military installation.

C.8 Nutrition and Health. Advancements to food product that will increase the nutritional value of food products and the accessibility of healthy food options for active duty troops in the field or in garrison.

C.9 Storage and Packaging Solutions. Improvements to the materials used to wrap or protect food or assist in the packing or form of packages. Examples of solutions would be technologies that will extend the product’s shelf life or packaging that will improve the overall food quality.

C.10 Surge and Sustainment Support: Refers to innovations in production of food, operational rations or equipment, which will result in increased output thereby improving support to the warfighter during a surge event.

C.11 Water Security. Refers to technology innovations in water (bottled) or hydration alternatives.

*C.12 Subsistence Supplies Condition Monitoring During Shipments:

This particular area of interest may involve becoming part of a Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification

(CMMC) pilot program. Interested parties should be willing to participate in the CMMC level 1 program and acceptance. Additional information will be provided via formal amendment with the final decision and instructions for submission.

C.13 Additional Topics. Respondents may propose emerging or innovative research efforts that are not within one of the listed areas of research interest, but that fulfill the objectives of this Subsistence

Network BAA, with a clear statement describing the proposed area of research interest.

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D. White Papers

D. 1. White Paper Information

Interested parties are required to submit a white paper as described in this section. The white paper will be reviewed to determine its relevance to the DLA mission, objective, and Area(s) of Interest. It shall include the following: the specific technical Area(s) of Interest (as stated in the BAA), technical description of the effort and identification of risks, project duration, preliminary schedule, and approximate total cost. The period of performance of proposed projects should be from 6 months to 3 years. White paper submissions with a total cost in excess of one million dollars will not be considered. Major equipment purchases, maintenance, and repairs will not be funded by DLA.

To ensure all white papers receive proper consideration, DLA requires all respondents to follow the same format. White papers that do not conform to the format will not be reviewed. White papers shall not exceed seven (7) single-sided pages (NOT including the cover page). The white paper must provide the information listed in each section below.

Cover Page

(1) BAA Number

(2) NAICS Code

(3) BAA Area(s) of Interest from Section C above

(4) Respondent’s Technical Point of Contact, including name, telephone number, e-mail address, and mailing address (no post office box)

(5) Respondent’s Administrative/Contracting Point of Contact, including name, telephone number, e-mail address, and mailing address (no post office box)

(6) Contractor’s business type selected among the following categories: Large Business, Small

Disadvantaged Business (SDB), Other Small Business, HBCU, MI, Other Educational, or Other

Nonprofit.

(7) CAGE Code

(8) Subcontractors participating in the research (if none state “not applicable”)

(9) Small businesses participating in the research (if none state “not applicable”)

(10) Historically Black Colleges and Universities or Minority Institutions participating in the research (if none state “not applicable”)

(11) Performance Period

(12) Contract type selected from one of the cost-reimbursement contract types (cost-plus-award-fee).

(13) Approximate total cost

(14) Project Title

Section 1 – Abstract of the Proposed Project: brief abstract with information explicitly pertinent to the proposed research and development effort.

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Section 2 – Introduction: The introduction section shall include a problem statement, objective, scope, and proposed benefits of the proposed project. This section shall also clearly define how the proposed project relates to one or more Areas of Interest in this BAA and how it will provide a quantifiable benefit to DLA and DoD.

Section 3 – Technical Approach and Scientific Merit: Respondents shall provide a plan for executing the project that includes a detailed description of the scientific merit of the project and the technical maturity of the technology. The technical approach should also clearly define how the proposed project will improve fielded products and current processes in the subsistence supply chain. Each white paper shall describe: (1) the improvement to be established; (2) tasks to be performed; (3) new and creative solutions;

(4) application of the proposed technology; (5) how the technology will address long and short-term needs of DLA; (6) expected benefits and (7) research duration.

Section 4 – Expected Outcomes of the Proposed Project: Respondents shall define benchmarks or milestones and goals of the proposed project. This section should include the deliverables, schedule, transition plan, and the estimated return on investment (ROI) or business case and quantifiable benefits to

DLA and DoD. The project shall also identify risks that could prevent the project from being successful.

Section 5 – Research Management and Organizational Structure: Respondents shall describe (1) how the research will be managed, (2) the organizational structure that will support the research, and (3) key personnel who are qualified to perform the research. Respondents shall also provide how it will ensure performance stability and reliable customer service and commitment to DLA and the program for the duration of the contract performance period. State whether the proposed project includes partnering with one or more combat rations Assemblers (i.e., AmeriQual, Sopakco, or Wornick Foods). If so, describe how the respondent intends to work with the Assembler on the proposed project.

Section 6 – Cost Estimate and Period of Performance: The respondent shall include an estimate of the total cost, period of performance, and an outline of milestones for the proposed project. The respondent shall also include sub-total cost estimates for management, labor, and materials for the proposed project.

This should not be a full cost proposal, since one will only be requested if the full technical proposal is found to be acceptable.

D.2. White Paper Selection.

DLA intends to select white papers that are the most promising for further consideration. Respondents shall assume that DLA has no prior knowledge of the respondent’s facilities and experience, and DLA will base its review exclusively on the merits and content of the information presented in the white paper.

DLA will make a determination of whether the merits and content of the white paper are acceptable or not acceptable. DLA reserves the right to request technical proposals from any, all, some, or none of the respondents submitting white papers. Any such request for technical proposals does not guarantee award.

Respondents may not submit a technical proposal until DLA has received and reviewed their white paper and explicitly requests a technical proposal as provided herein.

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White papers presenting non-innovative, marginal improvements are inappropriate under this BAA and will receive no further consideration. White papers will not be evaluated but will be reviewed to determine whether, based on the Area(s) of Interest, the white papers present research of sufficient interest to DLA to warrant submission of technical proposals.

E. Technical Proposals

E.1. Technical Proposal Information

If DLA requests a technical proposal from a respondent, the respondent shall follow the format detailed in this section. DLA reserves the right to select all, some, or none of the proposals requested and received.

E.2. Technical Proposal Format

To ensure that all technical proposals receive proper consideration, DLA requires all respondents to follow the same format. Technical proposals that do not conform to the format will not be evaluated and will not be eligible for award. Respondents shall submit technical proposals in the following format: (1) up to twenty (20) single-sided pages including, body, appendices, and attachments; (2) 8.5" x 11" page size; (3) a header on each page to identify page content and page number; and (4) type font 12 point

Times New Roman with one inch margins around the page. Any project Gantt charts may be submitted on larger pages (e.g., legal size), as required to be readable. This is included in the total page count. There is no penalty for submitting a technical proposal of less than 20 pages, as long as the technical proposal covers all the required material. Résumés and certifications for technical data and computer software will not be counted as part of the 20-page limit. Technical proposals must be clear and concise, and must include sufficient detail for substantiating the validity of the research. Information deemed by respondent to be proprietary shall be clearly marked as such. Technical proposals must address the evaluation factors provided in Section E. Technical proposals may NOT contain cost or pricing information.

Respondents shall assume that DLA has no prior knowledge of respondent’s facilities and experience, and

DLA will base its evaluation exclusively on the merits and content of the information presented in the technical proposal. The only exception is that DLA reserves the right to evaluate relevant past performance from other sources in addition to information included in the technical proposal.

Proposals must identify all proprietary claims in support of, or required for the use of the research. Each page containing proprietary information shall be marked “proprietary.” If there are no proprietary claims, the proposal shall so state.

Technical proposals shall consist of five parts:

Part 1 - Proposal Cover Sheet

Part 2 - Executive Summary

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Part 3 - Scientific and Technical Merit

Part 4 - Research Management and Organizational Structure

Part 5 - Past Performance, Capabilities and Related Experience

Part 1 – Proposal Cover Sheet: respondents shall provide the following information:

(2) NAICS code

(3) BAA Area of Interest from Section C above

(4) Respondent’s Technical Point of Contact, including name, telephone number, e-mail address, and mailing address (no post office box)

(5) Respondent’s Administrative/Contracting Point of Contact, including name, telephone number, e-mail address, and mailing address (no post office box)

(6) Contractor’s business type selected from the following categories: Large Business, Small

Disadvantaged Business (SDB), Other Small Business, HBCU, MI, Other Educational, or Other

Nonprofit.

(7) CAGE Code

(8) Subcontractors participating in the research (if none state “not applicable”)

(9) Small businesses participating in the research (if none state “not applicable”)

(10) Historically Black Colleges and Universities or Minority Institutions participating in the research (if none state “not applicable”)

(11) Performance Period

(12) Contract type selected from one of the cost-reimbursement contract types (cost-plus-award-fee)

(13) Approximate total cost

(14) Research type (applied research or development)

(15) Research title

(16) Proposal prices and terms and conditions shall remain valid for 180 days from the submission date of the full proposal.

Part 2 – Executive Summary

The Executive Summary will not be evaluated but will be reviewed to gain an understanding of the overall technical proposal content. It shall identify and highlight significant features, summarize innovative claims and unique contribution(s) of the technical proposal, include the salient points of the proposed research, and the expected outcome improvement associated with the research. The respondent shall submit the Executive Summary on one page or less.

Part 3 – Scientific and Technical Merit

Respondents shall provide research plans that explain the scientific and technical merit of the research.

Research plans, using active voice, shall be developed in an orderly progression and presented in

14 | P a g e sufficient detail to establish the methodology and feasibility of accomplishing the research. Respondents shall submit research plans that include, at a minimum, the 21 sections listed below.

Section 1 – Research Description: Respondents shall address one or more BAA Areas of Interest from

Section C above in terms of outcomes that will be a manufacturing technology improvement to DLA’s operations or processes.

Section 2 – Research Background: Respondent shall include any information that is necessary to understand the history and need for the research.

Section 3 – Objective: A description of the goal or anticipated achievement of the research.

Section 4 – Proprietary Data: State whether proprietary data is included in the research plan. If yes, provide a description of all proprietary claims to results, prototypes, or systems supporting and/or necessary to perform the research

Section 5 – Assumptions: State whether assumptions are included in the research plan. If yes, provide a description of any assumptions that were used to develop the research plan.

Section 6 – New and Creative Solutions: Explain what new and creative solutions the research will develop that will be an enhancement to DLA’s operations or processes.

Section 7 – Technology Application: Discuss the application of the proposed technology.

Section 8 – Short-term Needs: Explain how the technology will address short-term needs of DLA.

Section 9 – Long-term Needs: Explain how the technology will address long-term needs of DLA.

Section 10 – Expected Benefit: Explain the expected benefit to DLA.

Section 11 – Research Approach: Provide a detailed description of the approach to conducting the research including a detailed description of all research tasks to be performed during the research. Also provide a detailed description of contractor teaming approach or subcontractor relationship.

Section 12 – Impediments or Risks: Explain the impediments or risks to implementing the research plan and how they will be overcome, including constraints and planned responses for each.

Section 13 – Business Case: Provide a business case with specific metrics for measuring progress and success.

Section 14 – Work Breakdown Structure: Submit a detailed work breakdown structure for all research tasks, not including costs, in a table format.

Section 15 – Performance Period and Schedule: Submit a detailed schedule with milestones that confirms the performance period is realistic. Include a Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) chart, Gantt chart, or other appropriate format that displays all research tasks, their schedule and dependency relations.

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Section 16 – Contract Deliverables: The QASP lists the deliverables, as stated below, that are required, under the terms of any resultant contract for contract performance and payment. The QASP will identify the necessary information needed by the contractor to deliver acceptable deliverables to DLA. QASP will be provided in the resultant contract.

Deliverable Description Due Date

1 Contractor's Progress, Status and Management Report

(Monthly Report)

15th of every Month

2 Contract Funds Status Report (Monthly Report) 15th of every month

3 Scientific and Technical Report (Final Report) 30 calendar days after completion of contract

Section 17 – Resources: Provide a description of resources (personnel involved, labor categories, hours, material, etc.) allocated against all research tasks.

Section 18 – Key Personnel: List the key personnel along with the percentage of effort to be expended by each person to perform each research task. Respondents shall provide a one-page resume for each key person, describing the specific experience and qualifications each individual has to perform their assigned research task(s). Résumés submitted will not be counted as part of the 20 page limit.

The contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment. The contractor shall notify the contracting officer within fifteen (15) calendar days after the occurrence of an event that warrants a substitution. The contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the contracting officer. Proposed substitutes shall have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The contracting officer will notify the contractor within a reasonable time frame of the key personnel acceptance decision. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

Section 19 – Equipment: State whether equipment will be purchased. If yes, provide a description of any equipment to be purchased in order to perform the research. Please note, projects requiring substantial investment in equipment are generally not appropriate under the BAA.

Section 20 – Material: State whether material will be purchased. If yes, provide a description of any material to be purchased in order to perform the research.

Section 21 – Contractor-acquired property: State whether contractor-acquired property will be purchased. If yes, provide a description of the property that will be acquired by the contractor to perform the research.

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Section 22 – Technical Data: State whether technical data will be developed. If yes, state what technical data is to be developed as a result of the research and whether it will be delivered to DLA with unlimited, limited, or government purpose rights, and submit a signed certification per Defense Federal Acquisition

Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.227-7013, Rights in Technical Data – Noncommercial Items, that certifies the identification and delivery of data to be furnished with restrictions on use, release, or disclosure.

Section 22 - Computer Software: State whether computer software will be developed. If yes, state what computer software is to be developed and delivered to DLA with unrestricted and restricted rights as a result of the research and submit a signed certification per DFARS 252.227-7014 Rights in

Noncommercial Computer Software and Noncommercial Computer Software Documentation that certifies the identification and delivery of computer software and computer software documentation to be furnished with restrictions on use, release, or disclosure. Refer to DLAD 39.9001(k)(4)(i) Procedures for

IT procurement if internal use software is developed.

Section 23- Combat Rations Assemblers: State whether the proposed project includes partnering with one or more combat rations Assemblers (i.e., AmeriQual, Sopakco, or Wornick Foods). See also section

5 above last two sentences. If yes, provide details of how the respondent intends to work with the

Assembler on the proposed innovative technology short term project.

Part 4 - Research Management and Organizational Structure

Respondents shall describe how the described research will be managed and show how the proposed organizational structure will ensure performance stability, reliable customer service and commitment to

DLA for the duration of the performance period.

Part 5 - Past Performance, Capabilities and Related Experience

Section 1 - Work Experience: Respondents shall provide information pertaining to prior significant and related research, work experience, and expertise for the proposed research. The information shall include an explanation of how this experience or expertise will be beneficial to the proposed research.

Respondents shall identify not less than 3 but no more than five contracts along with the performance period and a brief performance history for each contract within the last three years for which they have provided services and/or supplies of a nature that is consistent with the Area(s) of Interest and relevant to the proposed research. In addition, to the 3-5 prior contracts submitted, respondents shall provide all contracts terminated for cause or in process of termination within the timeframe. Contract information for all contracts shall include the contract number, the proposed dollar value and the final dollar value;

the period of performance proposed and the final POP. For terminated contracts, provide the reasons for termination.

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Section 2 - Points of Contact: Respondents shall provide point-of-contact information for each contract identified in response to Part 5, Section 1, above, including the company name, point of contact names, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers.

Section 3 – Contracting Teaming Arrangements: State whether respondent is intending to include a teaming partners. The contractor shall advise if they have experience in using teaming arrangements and where the related teaming partner work will be performed. The teaming arrangement monitoring and contractual responsibility remains with the Prime contractor and not the Government. Respondents shall also provide points of contact for team members, including company name, individual names, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers.

Section 4 - Bibliography: Respondents shall include a bibliography of relevant technical papers and research, published and unpublished, which documents the technical ideas upon which the research is based.

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E.3. Technical Proposal Evaluation

DLA will evaluate technical proposals in accordance with this section through a peer or scientific review process. DLA will not evaluate technical proposals against each other since they are not submitted in accordance with a common work statement. Technical proposals will be evaluated for an overall technical capability, which is innovative, logical, well-defined and meaningful, along with a sound research plan that provides a solution to one or more Areas of Interest listed in Section C of this BAA and shows promise to improve manufacturing technologies for fielded products and existing processes for DLA.

Evaluation of proposals shall be accomplished through a detailed review of each proposal, using the following criteria listed in descending order of relative importance:

Technical Factors:

1. Scientific and Technical Merit

2. Research Management and Organizational Structure

3. Past Performance, Capabilities and Related Experience

E.3.1 Factors 1 - Scientific and Technical Merit

Technical proposals will be evaluated on overall technical capability and a sound research plan, which must be innovative, logical, well-defined, and meaningful, that provides a solution in one or more Areas of Interest listed in Section C of this BAA and addresses: (1) the ability of the proposed research to improve DLA’s operations; (2) the degree to which the plan presents new and creative solutions to improve the subsistence supply chain; (3) the degree to which the research will address short and long term operational needs of DLA; (4) the expected benefits to DLA; (5) the likelihood of successfully accomplishing the innovative approaches and achieving the proposed solutions in the research plan; and

(6) the potential contribution and relevance to the DLA mission.

E.3.2 Factor 2 - Research Management and Organizational Structure

Technical proposals will be evaluated on how the proposed research as described in the research plan will be managed and how the organizational structure will ensure performance stability, reliable customer service, and the degree to which the proposed key personnel will successfully accomplish the proposed research.

E.3.3 Factor 3 - Past Performance, Capabilities and Related Experience

Technical proposals will be evaluated on (1) relevant experience and expertise of the respondent; (2) relevant technical papers and research published and unpublished, which document the technical ideas and projects upon which the proposed research is based; and (3) the degree to which current and previous, within the past three years, contracts indicate the probability of the respondent successfully accomplishing the proposed research during the performance period. The recency, relevancy, source, and context of the past performance will be considered. In the case of a respondent without a record of relevant past

19 | P a g e performance or for whom information on past performance is not available, the respondent will not be evaluated either favorably or unfavorably on past performance.

E.4 Technical Proposal Selection

DLA may select technical proposals that are most promising for further consideration. DLA reserves the right to request cost proposals from any, all, some, or none of the respondents submitting technical proposals. Any such request for cost proposals does not guarantee award. Technical proposals for non-innovative, marginal improvements are inappropriate under this BAA and will receive no further consideration and a cost proposal will not be requested. The contracting officer will provide only one of the following three responses to a respondent submitting a technical proposal: (1) a statement that the described research will not be pursued by DLA at this time; (2) a request for additional information, or (3) a request to submit a cost proposal.

Evaluation Rating Scheme

Proposals will be assigned a rating based on the adjectival ratings below.

Factor 1 – Overall Scientific and Technical Merit (Feasibility)

Acceptable (A): Response demonstrates generally satisfactory scientific and technical merit and soundness of the technical concept to advance the state-of-the-art or increase knowledge or understanding in an Area of

Interest related to Metal Casting. Probability of success is reasonable as the offeror’s response includes strengths and weaknesses. Any weaknesses identified in the offeror’s response are not substantial enough to adversely impact respondent’s strengths and may be corrected through negotiations or clarifications. No deficiencies are identified in the response.

Not Acceptable (NA): Response demonstrates generally unsatisfactory scientific and technical merit and soundness of the technical concept to advance the state-of-the-art or increase knowledge or understanding in an Area of Interest related to Metal Casting. Response may contain some strengths, but probability of success is low as the offeror’s response contains significant weaknesses or deficiencies that are unlikely to be corrected through negotiations or clarifications.

Factor 2 – Viability

Acceptable (A): The proposed effort is viable and somewhat likely to transition into an operational capability. The offeror demonstrates a reasonable understanding of working with DLA and DoD and of relevant DLA and DoD policy. Response may contain strengths. Weaknesses of the offeror’s response, 20 | P a g e where and if applicable, are not substantial enough to conversely impact respondent’s strengths. Weaknesses identified may be corrected through negotiations or clarifications. No deficiencies are identified in the response.

Not Acceptable (NA): Viability of the proposed effort is questionable and it is not likely to transition into an operational capability. The offeror demonstrates little or no understanding of working with DLA and

DoD and of relevant DLA and DoD policy. Response may contain some strengths, but identified significant weaknesses and/or deficiencies are determined as having a critical impact on successfully fulfilling the

Government’s requirement.

Factor 3 – Desirability

Acceptable (A): The proposed solution offers some evidence of benefits to DLA and has characteristics such as low barriers to transition, simplicity, ease of use, physical dimensions, etc. that make it somewhat likely to be adopted by DLA and industry. Response may contain strengths. Weaknesses of the offeror’s response, where and if applicable, are not substantial enough to conversely impact respondent’s strengths.

Weaknesses identified may be corrected through negotiations or clarifications. No deficiencies are identified in the response.

Not Acceptable (NA): The proposed solution offers little or no evidence of benefits to DLA and has few or no characteristics such as low barriers to transition, simplicity, ease of use, physical dimensions, etc. that make it somewhat likely to be adopted by DLA and industry. Response may contain some strengths, but identification of significant weaknesses and/or deficiencies are determined as having a critical impact on successfully fulfilling the Government’s requirement.

Factor 4 – Past Performance, Capabilities, and Related Experience

Acceptable (A): Response demonstrates generally satisfactory experience which is relevant to an area of research interest in the BAA. Response demonstrates satisfactory past performance in implementing or sustaining systems or processes which are similar to those being proposed. Response generally demonstrates satisfactory overall past performance as it relates to meeting technical, schedule, cost and/or other objectives/requirements. Reasonable probability of successfully accomplishing the DLA requirement based on experience and past performance.

Not Acceptable (NA): Response demonstrates generally unsatisfactory overall experience which is not relevant in managing and performing tasks pertinent to an area of research interest in the BAA, and unsatisfactory experience in implementing or sustaining systems or processes to those being proposed.

Generally, demonstrates unsatisfactory overall past performance. Low or no probability of successfully accomplishing the DLA requirement based on past performance.

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Neutral: The respondent has no relevant record of past performance. Respondent will not be rated favorably or unfavorably.

Factor 5: Cost Realism

A cost realism analysis will be performed in accordance with FAR 15.404-1(d) Cost realism analysis.

Realism will be based on an evaluation of the respondent’s cost proposal to determine whether the estimated cost elements are realistic for the work to be performed; reflect a clear understanding of the requirements and are consistent with the respondent’s technical proposal (inclusive of cost management techniques). In addition, funds availability will be a basis for selection.

Overall Consensus Ratings

Acceptable (A): Response addresses the minimal level of information requested in the BAA. Respondent's response may contain strengths and weaknesses. Weaknesses in the offeror’s response, where and if applicable, are not substantial enough to adversely impact respondent’s strengths. Weaknesses identified may be corrected through negotiations or clarifications.

Not Acceptable (NA): Response did not address even the minimal level of information requested in the

BAA. The offeror’s response did not demonstrate an understanding of the BAA and ability to meet applicable program objectives and/or performance parameters. It is unlikely that significant weaknesses and/or deficiencies can be corrected through negotiations or clarifications.

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F. Cost Proposal Information

The request for cost proposal instructions and cost proposal format is listed below. Cost proposals shall not be provided until DLA has requested them based on evaluation of the technical proposal.

Once requested, vendors may submit cost proposals to the following by e-mail to the Contracting

Officer, Andrea E. Nicolucci, andrea.nicolucci@dla.mil and Contract Specialist Gary Carson, gary.carson@dla.mil and cc the DCSO R&D Mailbox at RandD.DCSO@dla.mil as a portable document format (.pdf) file. Because of limitations in the DLA e-mail system, attachments cannot exceed 15 megabytes. No other electronic submissions will be accepted. If a submitter has difficulty submitting through the mail box, submitters may use (https://safe.apps.mil/and notify the POC’s of so doing.

F.1 Cost Proposal Format

To ensure all cost proposals receive proper consideration, DLA requires all respondents to follow the same format. Cost proposals that do not conform to the format will not be analyzed and will not be eligible for award. Respondents shall submit cost proposals within 30 calendar days of contracting officer’s request in the following format: (1) 8.5" x 11" page size; (2) a header on each page to identify page content and page number; and (3) type font 12 point Times New Roman with 1 inch margins around the page. No page limits apply to cost proposals. The cost proposal must reflect an understanding of the research, perception of risks, and ability to organize and perform the task(s) stated in the technical proposal. Respondents shall submit the following information:

Part 1 – Overview

Part 2 - Cost or Pricing Data (certified when requested by the Contracting Officer)

Part 3 - Work Breakdown Structure

Part 4 – Proposal Adequacy Checklist (provided at the end of the BAA)

Part 1 – Overview

F1.1 Cost Proposal Cover Sheet: respondents shall provide the following information:

(2) NAICS code

(3) BAA Area(s) of Interest from Section C above

(4) Respondent’s Technical Point of Contact, including name, telephone number, e-mail address, and mailing address (no post office box)

DO NOT submit a cost proposal unless it is requested by DLA.

Any cost proposal submitted without being requested by DLA will be discarded without review.

mailto:andrea.nicolucci@dla.mil mailto:gary.carson@dla.mil

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