DLIR_BAA_2026_FINAL.pdf

CUI

Defense Logistics Information Research (DLIR) Research and Development (R&D)

Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) – SP4701-26-B-0004

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCMENT

Defense Logistics Information Research

(DLIR)

Research and Development (R&D)

SP4701-26-B-0004

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION …………………………………………………….…….…..……..………………... 5

SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION ...………………………………….….…………….…….. 6

SECTION 2: TECHNICAL AREAS OF INTEREST ……………………………….……..….……

SECTION 3: BAA WHITE PAPER INSTRUCTIONS AND FORMAT………………….……..…….8

White Paper Debriefs …………………………………………………………….…..…...9

SECTION 4: DLIR PROGRAM INFORMATION……………………………………………………..9

SECTION 5: GENERAL PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INFORMATION ………..…………………..10

SECTION 6: PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS ……………………………….……….…

Technical and Cost Proposal Formats……………………………………….11

Volume I – Technical Proposals ….…………………………………...12 Proprietary Markings for Technical Proposals.………………….12

Technical Proposal Format………………………………………..…..… Part 1: Proposal Cover Sheet.…………………………………………..…….13 Part 2: Executive Summary ……………………………………………....….14 Part 3: Feasibility (Overall Scientific and Technical Merit) ……….….…...14 Part 4: Viability ...……………………………………………………….…….14 Part 5: Desirability ……………………………………………….…………...14 Part 6: Past Performance, Capabilities, and Related Experience………….14

Volume II – Cost/Price Proposals……………………………....…

Cost Proposal Format.…………………………………………………….…..15 Part 1: Overview …………………………………………….………………...15 Part 2: Certified Cost or Pricing Data and Data Other Than Certified Cost or Pricing Data………………………………………………..…16 Part 3: Work Breakdown Structure …………………………………………17 Part 4: Proposed Adequacy Checklist Regarding Cost & Pricing Information …………………………………………………..17 Part 5: Labor Mix and Indirect Costs………………………………………..17

Technical Proposal Content …………………………………………………………….18

SECTION 7: EVALUATION CRITERIA AND EVALUATION RATING SCHEME

TECHNICAL EVALUATION FACTORS ………………………………………….20

Factor 1: Feasibility (Overall Scientific and Technical Merit)…….……………….21 Factor 2: Viability ……………………………………………..………..………… Factor 3: Desirability …………………………………………..……………………..21 Factor 4: Past Performance, Capabilities, and Related Experience ……………

EVALUATION RATING SCHEME ……………………………………….……….21

Factor 1: Feasibility (Overall Scientific and Technical Merit)….….……………...21 Factor 2: Viability ..…………………………………………………….…….…..…. 22 Factor 3: Desirability ..……………………………………………………………… 23 Factor 4: Past Performance, Capabilities, and Related Experience………………23

Overall Consensus Ratings ..……………………………………………………….. 23

Cost Realism Analysis………………………………………………………………..23

SECTION 8: AWARD DECISION.……………………………………………………….23

Basis for Contract Award ……………………………………………………………...24 Basis for Award Without Discussions ………………………………….……………...24 Basis for No Award ……………………………………………………………………. 24

CLAUSES …………………………………………………………………………………. 24

Intellectual Property and Data Rights ……………………………………………….. 24 Additional Clauses Incorporated By Reference……………………………………….25 Clauses Incorporated in Full Text……………………………………………………...26

DFARS 252.227-7992, Identification and Assertion of Use, Release, or Disclosure Restrictions …………………………….………...26

DFARS 252.227-7989 Rights in Technical Data, Computer Software, and Computer Software Documentation—Other Than Commercial Products and Commercial Services…. 29

DFARS 252.245-7005, Management and Reporting of Government Property….. 28 FAR 52.232-18, Availability of Funds……………………………………………….45 FAR 52.222-90, Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors………………………………………………..52

FAR 52.240-90 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications…………………………………………………...53

FAR 52.240-91 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions………………………………57

FAR 52.240-93 Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems……………………………………68

DFARS 252.204-7008 Compliance with Safeguarding Covered Defense Information Controls…………………………...69

DFARS 252.204-7012 Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting……………………………………..70

DFARS 252.204-7016 Covered Defense Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation……………………………75

DFARS 252.204-7017 Prohibition on the Acquisition of Covered Defense Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation…………………………………………76

DFARS 252.204-7018 Prohibition on the Acquisition of Covered Defense Telecommunications Equipment or Services…………

DFARS 252.204-7020 NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Requirements……………

DLAD 4.703 Policy…………………………………………………………………….83

ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment A – Areas of Interests ..…………………………………………………...85 Attachment B – White Paper Template.……………………………………………….87 Attachment C – Small Business Subcontracting Plan ..…………………………… Attachment D – Cost Proposal Adequacy Checklist ..……………………………

INTRODUCTION

PART: U.S. Government Procurements

SUBPART: Services

OFFICE ADDRESS:

DLA Contract Service Office – Philadelphia Attn: Latoya Monroe Coney 700 Robbins Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19111-5092

CLASS CODE: A-Research and Development

SUBJECT: A-Defense Logistics Information Research (DLIR)

POSTING DATE: September 17, 2026

CLOSING DATE: September 16, 2031

NAICS CODE: 541715 -- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

SET ASIDES: N/A

SOL: SP4701-26-B-0004

BAA POINT OF CONTACT (POC) : Latoya Monroe Coney, Contracting Officer DLA Contracting Services Office - Philadelphia Email :Latoya.Monroe@dla.mil Phone : (445) 737-7533

ALTERNATE POINT(S) OF CONTACT :

1. Senthil Arul, DLIR R&D Program Manager

DLA HQ, J68

Email : Senthil.Arul@dla.mil Phone : (571) 767-2991

2. DCSO R&D Mailbox : RandD@DCSO@dla.mil mailto:Latoya.Monroe@dla.mil mailto:Senthil.Arul@dla.mil mailto:RandD@DCSO@dla.mil

SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

This notice constitutes a combined synopsis and Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for the acquisition of research and development (R&D) in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 35.016, “Broad Agency Announcement,” 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 forms of solicitation shall be disregarded. This BAA will remain open for five (5) years and has a ceiling of $50 Million.

The DLA Research and Development (R&D) Program Office is looking for White Papers that support the scope of the BAA as identified in Section 2: Technical Areas of Interest. Offerors are encouraged to propose innovative solutions. Consideration will be given to all approaches that enable improved processes aligning with both DoD and DLA Strategic Initiatives.

A White Paper is an abbreviated document (limited to 8 pages) in which a submitter shall describe a technical R&D concept. If such a technical concept is deemed by the Government to be of interest, the Government may request full cost and technical proposals. Full proposals submitted through this White Paper process may result in contract awards - either Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts or one-time, definitive contracts. The Government reserves the right to select all, some, or none of the proposals submitted for award. The primary basis for selecting proposals for acceptance will be technical, importance to agency programs, and funding availability. Cost realism and reasonableness will be considered to the extent appropriate.

The Government may award cost-type IDIQ contracts under this BAA or cost-type definitive contracts for contractors who are not awarded IDIQ’s. Cost-type contracts include cost-reimbursement (FAR 16.302), Cost- sharing (FAR 16.303), or cost-plus fixed fee (FAR 16.306). Proposals based on any other type of contract may NOT be considered. However, the Government reserves the right to award another type of contract at its sole discretion. Eligibility for a DLIR contract requires prospective offerors to meet the minimum standards of responsibility set forth in Part 9 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

IDIQ contracts awarded from this BAA will be for a total of five years inclusive of a one-year base period and four one-year option periods. These contracts will generally include three Contract Line Items (CLINs) for each year of performance (the base period and each option period, if exercised). The CLIN for Transition and Implementation is optional and will only be utilized on a case-by-case basis:

CLIN 0001* Short Term Projects (STPs)

CLIN 0002* Working Group Activities

CLIN 0003* Optional CLIN for Transition and Implementation

*These CLIN numbers are representative of typical Base Period IDIQ CLINs. Actual CLIN numbers will be assigned accordingly at the time of award for all ordering periods. No funding will be obligated on IDIQ CLINs but under individual task orders executed against the base IDIQ contract.

The period of performance and CLINs for definitive contracts will be assigned based on individual proposals, project work plans, funding amounts, and funding sources.

The process of obtaining an award under this BAA consists of three steps:

• STEP I: Submission of White Paper (See instructions below).

• STEP II: Submission of a technical proposal, only if requested by the Government (See instructions below).

• STEP III: Submission of a cost proposal, only if requested by the Government either concurrently, or after submission of a technical proposal.

SECTION 2: TECHNICAL AREAS OF INTEREST

The Defense Logistics Agency seeks innovative research and development solutions that strengthen the resilience of the defense and organic industrial base to improve readiness. Proposed efforts shall align with DLA Strategic Plan priorities (People, Precision, Posture, Partnerships, Performance) and include a defined transition pathway into operational use within DLA systems. The primary objective of the DLIR program is to develop IT systems that transition the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and its supply base to Industry 4.0 and 5.0 standards. This initiative leverages augmenting technologies, such as real-time sensors, to enhance operational capacity, material identification, and manufacturing process oversight.

The capabilities to be developed from this effort must have beneficial application to one or more Major Subordinate Commands (MSCs) or J-Codes and support industrial base resilience, surge capability, or logistics readiness improvements. Consideration will be given to all innovative approaches that enable improved processes aligning with the DoD and DLA Director’s Strategic Initiatives. It is DLA’s intention that the BAA be amended as needed to add, modify, or delete Areas of Interest in alignment with program needs.

All proposed efforts must include an operational transition plan identifying the use case, measurable success criteria, integration with DLA systems, and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) advancement.

Research without a realistic transition pathway may not be considered.

2.1 Industrial Base Resilience, Surge, and Manufacturing Capability

Research shall enhance the ability of the national industrial base to meet surge demand and address hard-to-source, and low-volume and high-mix items. Efforts shall integrate capabilities across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), Organic Industrial Base (OIB), and non-traditional manufacturing sources to expand capacity, reduce acquisition lead time, and improve readiness. Solutions may include AI-enabled latent manufacturing capacity, supplier capability mapping, automated source qualification, and advanced manufacturing approaches that enable rapid production and alternate sourcing pathways.

2.2 Public-Private Partnerships for Surge and Sustainment

Research shall develop and operationalize public-private partnership (PPP) frameworks to enable rapid activation of commercial manufacturing capability and capacity in support of surge and hard-to-procure requirements. Efforts may include pre-approved contract templates that speed up manufacturer onboarding, secure ways to share technical drawings and specifications with private-sector partners, faster vendor vetting and registration, and standardized data formats so Government and industry systems can exchange information without manual conversion. Solutions shall address integration of commercial partners into DoD logistics environments, protection of intellectual property, and acceleration of production timelines, lower cost, and improve quality during normal and contingency operations.

2.3 Circular Economy and Resource Recovery

Research shall advance circular economy capabilities to improve recovery, reuse, repurposing, and recycling of materials across the DLA enterprise with the goal of generating revenue from recovered assets and lowering the overall cost of recovery operations. Efforts may include AI-driven material identification, automated classification and valuation, and digital platforms that support reclamation, recovery, and resupply processes. Solutions should enhance material traceability, reduce reliance on foreign sources for critical materials, enable the reuse of recovered materials as feedstock for advanced manufacturing and sustainment operations, and demonstrate measurable improvements in recovery rates and revenue returned to the agency.

2.4 Digital Twin of the Organization (DTO) for Enterprise Transformation

Research shall advance Digital Twin of the Organization (DTO) and mission process modeling solutions that enhance DLA’s digital modernization by simulating the complex interactions among people, processes, systems, and policies. Extending beyond existing process-mining capabilities, proposed efforts must leverage artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, and synthetic data to enable dynamic scenario evaluation, resilience analysis, and real-time decision support for enterprise and supply chain operations. Crucially, these technical models - which must account for human behavior and organizational dependencies—must be paired with robust workforce readiness, change management, and strategic communication frameworks to ensure human-centered adoption, strengthen digital competencies, and optimize human-machine teaming across the Agency.

SECTION 3: BAA WHITE PAPER INSTRUCTIONS AND FORMAT

Offerors interested in possible awards under this BAA must first submit a White Paper. Templates containing content descriptions, formatting, and instructions are provided in Attachment B, Page 87. The purpose of requiring a White Paper initially, is to determine DLA’s interest prior to investing in technical proposal development and prevent Offerors from incurring substantial technical proposal preparation costs on proposed research that is not of interest to DLA.

A White Paper is an abbreviated document (limited to 8 pages) in which a submitter will describe a technical R&D concept that may consist of one or more projects or tasks. If the Government deems the White Paper to be of interest, the Government may request a technical proposal and total cost proposal. Successful proposals submitted in response to the White Paper process may be awarded contracts. Offerors may submit White Papers via e-mail to both of the following addresses: Senthil.Arul@dla.mil and Latoya.Monroe@dla.mil.

The White Paper provides a synopsis of the proposed project(s) by briefly answering the following questions:

1. What is the proposed work attempting to accomplish or do?

2. How is it done today, and what are the limitations and challenges?

3. Who will benefit and what will the impact be if the work is successful?

4. How much will it cost, and how long will it take?

White Papers will be reviewed against the topic to determine whether the proposed solution is technically feasible and viable (i.e., compatible with DoD constraints, technical, environments, and other organizational requirements), and whether the White Paper presents research results end users are likely to adopt and that is of sufficient interest to the Government to warrant consideration of a technical proposal.

The Contracting Officer will provide only one of the following two responses to an Offeror submitting a White Paper: (1) a statement that the proposed research is not of interest to the Government with the rationale for this decision, or (2) a request to submit a technical proposal.

The Government reserves the right to request technical proposals from any, all, some, or none of the White Paper Offerors.

A request for technical proposals is not a guarantee that a proposal based on the White Paper will ultimately be selected for award. White Papers for non-innovative, marginal improvements are inappropriate under this BAA and will not result in a technical proposal request.

The Government will attempt to provide feedback to the Offeror regarding the rationale for this decision within thirty calendar days after receipt. These official notifications will be emailed to the Offeror’s Administrative POC identified in the White Paper.

3.1 White Paper Debriefs

No debrief after review of White Papers will be provided as no award can result from a White Paper submission.

SECTION 4: PROGRAM INFORMATION

Each contractor awarded a contract under this BAA will execute any Short-Term Projects (STPs) in accordance with the Statement of Work included in each task order (for IDIQ awardees) or definitive contract award. During the execution of each STP, the Government PM and their PM Support Team will manage all aspects of planning, execution, and reporting of the overall project portfolio, with particular attention to cost, schedule and deliverables. Each individual project will be managed by the contractor who executes that project, while the PM and Support Team will perform all coordination and management across projects.

Working Group

Each contractor who receives an IDIQ may be part of a working group whose purpose is to collaborate with the Government PM and each other to identify problems and achieve improvements with measurable results in the business processes that support the DLIR program. Each IDIQ awardee is required to bring specific technical expertise that lends itself to significant improvements to DLA processes. The purpose of IDIQ contracts is to allow DLA to identify and address a wide range of candidate technologies and business practice innovations.

Meetings

Working Group members will meet multiple times a year, as scheduled by the PM, to collaboratively support the DLIR PM’s efforts to identify problems and achievable improvements with measurable results in the business processes that support objectives.

Projects

DLA will accept white papers for STPs from contractors awarded IDIQ’s, and other contractors who may receive definitive contracts. Contractors, including those awarded IDIQ’s, will not be compensated for developing white papers for proposed STPs. DLIR STPs awarded to IDIQ holders, will be separate task orders issued under the base IDIQ contract. Task orders issued against resultant IDIQ’s will outline tasks to be performed and applicable deliverables; tasks will only be utilized in support of established research projects. All proposals submitted for an STP are required to have a business case that specifies how success will be measured and a delineated path to implementation that addresses a specific DLA or DOD need.

Research & Development Project Transition Information

The Research & Development (R&D) Program Management Office (PMO) may determine to transition an R&D project to the production environment. These determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis considering contractor performance, successful demonstration of technical capability, and alignment with the Defense Logistics Agency’s (DLA) R&D Program objectives. Prior to making the determination to transition a project, the DLA R&D PMO will request that the contractor submit a transition plan for review. Upon review of the transition plan, the contractor will receive further instructions on submission of technical and cost proposal for the transition effort.

SECTION 5: GENERAL PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INFORMATION

The Contracting Officer will request proposals on White Papers that are of interest to the Government. DLA contemplates the award of cost-type contracts (either cost (FAR 16.302), cost-sharing (FAR 16.303) or cost-plus-fixed-fee completion (FAR 16.306)) under this BAA. The technical proposals requested must be for research, generally based on one of the aforementioned contract types. Submittals based on contract types other than cost-type will be evaluated on an individual basis at the sole discretion of the Government.

To be eligible for award, all prospective offerors must meet certain minimum standards upon submission to be eligible for award.

These standards pertain to contractor/ subcontractor foreign affiliations, whether non-US government authorized or green card employees; financial resources; adequacy of accounting systems; the ability to comply with performance schedules; prior record of past performance, integrity; organization structure, experience, operational controls, technical skills facilities, and equipment.

For additional information and guidance concerning qualifications and standards for responsibility of prospective contractors, please refer to Part 9 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

Proposal prices and all other terms and conditions must remain valid for 180 days from the submission date of the technical and cost proposals.

SECTION 6: PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

To ensure that all technical proposals receive proper consideration, DLA requires all Offerors to follow the same format. Technical proposals that do not conform to the required format may not be evaluated and may not be eligible for award. Offerors shall submit proposals to the DLIR Program Manager at Senthil.Arul@dla.mil, the Contracting Officer at Latoya.Monroe@dla.mil, and the DCSO R&D Mailbox at RandD.DCSO@dla.mil.

Instructions will be provided in the https://www.SAM.gov posting.

TECHNICAL AND COST PROPOSAL FORMATS

Proposals should be submitted in the following format and provide the content requested in Section 5 “Evaluation Criteria” of this BAA. Each page of the proposal shall be marked “Source Selection Information—See FAR 2.101 and 3.104.” In addition, all material should be marked with the legend “Controlled Unclassified Information” (CUI).

• Two separate volumes consisting of:

o Volume I – Technical Proposal.

o Volume II – Cost/Price Proposal (to be submitted if requested by the Government).

• Volume I, Technical Proposal.

o Shall describe the proposed research and address the Evaluation Factors as contained in this BAA.

• NO pricing information shall be contained in the technical proposal.

• Volume II, Cost/Price Proposal (to be submitted if requested by the Government).

o Shall contain cost and pricing information in support of Volume I technical project.

mailto:RandD.DCSO@dla.mil https://www.sam.gov/ o Cost/Price information shall include breakout of cost elements as provided in the Cost Realism evaluation factor, Section 4 of this BAA.

VOLUME I – TECHNICAL PROPOSALS:

• Technical proposals shall be submitted in the following format: one electronic copy in “.pdf” format sent to the DLIR Program Manager at Senthil.Arul@dla.mil,the Contracting Officer Latoya.Monroe@dla.mil, and the DCSO R&D Mailbox at: RandD.DCSO@dla.mil.

PROPOSALS THAT DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS DETAILED IN THIS

SECTION MAY NOT BE EVALUATED OR AWARDED. TECHNICAL PROPOSALS THAT

EXCEED 40 PAGES MAY BE EXCLUDED FROM CONSIDERATION.

(1) Document files must be written in English and in Pdf format.

(2) No more than forty (40) single-sided pages including body, appendices, and attachments.

(3) Formatted for printing on 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins and font size not smaller than 12-point (8 or 10 font may be used for figures, tables, and chats).

(4) A header on each page to identify page content and page number.

(5) Header and footer stating CUI/ source selection information and /or proprietary if pertinent. See pages 10/11 below.

Any project Gantt charts may be submitted on larger pages (e.g., legal size), as required to be readable. There is no penalty for submitting a technical proposal of less than 40 pages if the technical proposal covers all the required material. Resumes and certifications for technical data and computer software will not be counted as part of the 40-page limit. Technical proposals must be clear and concise and must include sufficient detail to substantiate the validity of the research. Technical proposals must address the evaluation factors provided in Section 5, Evaluation Criteria for Contracts.

Offerors must assume that DLA has no prior knowledge of the Offeror’s facilities and experience. DLA will base its evaluation exclusively on the merits and content of the information presented in the technical proposal, except that DLA reserves the right to evaluate relevant past performance that is not included in the technical proposal.

PROPRIETARY MARKINGS FOR TECHNICAL PROPOSALS

Information in the technical proposal that is deemed by the offeror to be proprietary must be clearly marked as “proprietary information”. Research & Development is considered CUI. In accordance with the Department of Defense (DoD) phased CUI Program, any form of communication or documentation containing CUI must carry the appropriate markings, i.e., header and footer identifying the document as “CUI” and a completed CUI Designation Indicator. Document as follows:

CUI marking to be centered as header on Page 1 and all other pages of the Offeror’s proposal:

mailto:RandD.DCSO@dla.mil

Information to be placed on page two, lower right side of Offeror’s proposal:

Controlled by: Offeror’s Name CUI Category: SSEL Distribution/Dissemination Controls: Offeror’s Name POC: Offeror’s POC Information (Email address, and phone number

Information to place as footer on Offeror’s proposal:

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104

(1) Proposals shall include all proprietary claims to results, prototypes, or systems supporting or necessary for the use of the research, results, or prototypes. If there are no proprietary claims, then the proposal must include a statement to that effect. Proposals containing data that is not to be disclosed to the public for any purpose or used by the Government except for review purposes shall include the following sentences in accordance with FAR 52.215-1(e) (1) and (2) on the cover page. Mark the title page with the following: proprietary legend:

“This proposal includes data that shall not be disclosed outside the Government and shall not be duplicated, used, or disclosed-in whole or in part-for any purpose other than to evaluate this proposal. If, however, a contract is awarded to this offeror as a result of-or in connection with-the submission of this data, the Government shall have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose the data to the extent provided in the resulting contract. This restriction does not limit the Government's right to use information contained in this data if it is obtained from another source without restriction. The data subject to this restriction are contained in sheets [insert numbers or other identification of sheets].

(2) Mark each sheet of data it wishes to restrict with the following legend:

Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the restriction on the title page of this proposal.

Technical proposal shall consist of six parts:

• Part 1: Proposal Cover Sheet

• Part 2: Executive Summary

• Part 3: Feasibility (Overall Scientific and Technical Merit)

• Part 4: Viability

• Part 5: Desirability

• Part 6: Past Performance, Capabilities, and Related Experience

PART 1: PROPOSAL COVER SHEET

BAA number; (2) Proposal Title; (3) Technical Point of Contact, including name, telephone number, email address, and mailing address; (4) Administrative/Contracting Point of Contact, including name, telephone number, email address, and mailing address; and (5) 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.

PART 2: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

An Executive Summary of the Offeror's entire technical proposal in one page or less is required. This summary shall be used to gain an understanding of the overall proposal contents. It should identify and highlight significant features, summarize innovative claims and unique contribution(s) of the proposal, and include the salient points of the proposed project(s), and the expected outcome/improvement associated with each project.

PART 3: FEASIBILITY (OVERALL SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL MERIT)

Offeror’s must explain the proposed research and methodology in sufficient detail to establish that the proposed technical approach is innovative, feasible, and comprehensive. Also, the proposed technical team has the expertise and experience to accomplish the proposed tasks. Task descriptions and associated technical elements must be complete and in a logical sequence with all proposed deliverables clearly defined and directed toward a final outcome that achieves the proposed goal(s). The proposal must identify major technical risks and present clearly defined and feasible mitigation efforts.

PART 4: VIABILITY

Offerors must show that the proposed effort is viable and likely to transition into an operational capability. The offeror shall demonstrate an understanding of working with DLA and DoD and of relevant DLA and DoD policy. Information technology included in the proposed effort shall address cybersecurity requirements and show awareness of specific requirements (e.g., FedRAMP) for Information Technology (IT) in the Federal Government, DoD and DLA.

PART 5: DESIRABILITY

Proposals must show that the adoption of the proposed solution offers clear benefits to DLA and has characteristics such as low barriers to transition, simplicity, ease of use, physical dimensions, etc., that make it likely to be adopted.

PART 6: PAST PERFORMANCE, CAPABILITIES, AND RELATED EXPERIENCE

Each proposal shall address the offeror’s prior experience, capabilities, and past performance, as well as the recency (within three years) of the experience within the Areas of Interest listed in Attachment B, page 87, and as described in “The Technical Proposal Content” on Page 18.

VOLUME II – COST/PRICE PROPOSAL:

No page limits apply to the Cost Proposal. The cost proposal shall include total project cost by month. The offeror shall also give a detailed breakdown of the total project costs by each task listed in the technical proposal. If subcontracts are contemplated, the offeror must estimate the total amount of effort to be subcontracted and specify the “burden” or “pass through rate” that will be applied to those subcontracts.

Offerors are required to submit certification of current cost or pricing data in accordance with FAR 15.406-2 (Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing Data). The total cost of each major cost element and the make-up of those costs shall be presented in the offeror's proposal. A statement related to the latest DCAA audit and whether the offeror’s accounting system has been approved by the DCAA shall be included in the Cost Proposal. State if the company has current negotiated DCAA rates or forward pricing rate agreements and factors being used in the proposal. Include a detailed breakdown of costs by cost category by offeror's calendar or fiscal year:

• Direct Labor - Individual labor categories or person with associated labor hours and unburdened direct labor rates.

• Indirect Costs - Fringe benefit, Overhead, G&A, Cost of Money, etc. (must show base amount and rate).

• Travel - Number of trips, destinations, durations, purpose, etc.

• Subcontracts - A cost proposal is required to be submitted by any proposed subcontractor and “burden” or

“pass through rate” shall be clearly stated.

• Materials - Specifically itemized with estimated (or actual) costs.

• Lease Items - Fair market value of lease items and the method used for making such evaluations.

Sufficient information shall be provided in supporting documents to evaluate the reasonableness and realism of these proposed costs.

COST PROPOSAL FORMAT

To ensure all cost proposals receive proper consideration, DLA requires all offerors to follow the same format. Cost proposals that do not conform to the format may not be evaluated or be eligible for award.

Offerors 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. Excel spreadsheets are permitted for submission of cost data in addition to the full cost proposal. 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. Offerors 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 (Attachment D, pages 92-100) Part 5 – Labor Mix and Indirect Costs

PART 1 - OVERVIEW

a. COST PROPOSAL COVER SHEET: Offerors shall provide the following information:

(1) BAA Number.

(2) NAICS code.

(3) BAA Area(s) of Interest from Attachment A, page 85, of this BAA.

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

(5) Offeror’s Administrative and /or 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 and estimated cost (if none, state “not applicable”).

(9) Small businesses participating in the research and estimated cost (if none, state “not applicable”).

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

(11) Contract type selected from one of the cost-reimbursement contract types.

(12) Research title.

(13) Brief research description.

(14) Total Estimated Cost.

(15) Fixed Fee Amount - the fee shall not exceed 10% of the estimated cost (if the proposal is for a costplusfixed-fee contract).

b. ACCOUNTING SYSTEM

Offerors shall provide a description of the accounting system proposed for this research and a copy of accounting system approval from Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA)

c. APPROVED RATES

Offerors shall provide a statement regarding current negotiated DCAA rates, factors, forward pricing agreements, and/or other related cost factors and considerations being used in the cost proposal.

d. AUDIT OR FORWARD PRICING AGREEMENT

Offerors shall provide a copy of the latest audit or forward pricing agreement from DCAA

PART 2 – CERTIFIED COST OR PRICING DATA AND DATA OTHER THAN

CERTIFIED COST OR PRICING DATA

Offerors shall submit certified cost or pricing data when requested by the Contracting Officer to support a determination of cost realism for cost proposals with a total estimated value of $2,000,000.00 or more in accordance with FAR 15.403-4. If the total estimated value is under $2,000,000.00, Offerors shall submit data other than certified cost or pricing data to support a determination of cost realism in accordance with FAR 15.403-3. Offerors shall submit data in accordance with FAR 52.215-40 Requirements for Certified Cost or Pricing Data and Data Other Than Certified Cost or Pricing Data.

Offerors shall submit certified cost or pricing data, data other than certified cost or pricing data, and supporting attachments in accordance with the instructions contained in Table 15-2 of FAR 15.408. Offerors shall submit subcontractors’ certified cost or pricing data, data other than certified cost or pricing data, and supporting attachments. If the subcontractor will not submit this information to the offerors, this information must be submitted directly to the contracting officer for cost realism analysis.

PART 3 – WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE

Offerors shall submit a detailed work breakdown structure including all costs in a table format for all research tasks. Respondent shall include at a minimum, the costs cited above.

PART 4 – PROPOSAL ADEQUACY CHECKLIST REGARDING COST AND

PRICING INFORMATION

Sufficient information should be provided in supporting documents to evaluate the reasonableness and realism of the proposed costs. Additionally, a completed Cost Proposal Adequacy Checklist (Attachment D) shall be included with each proposal submission. The template for the cost proposal adequacy checklist from DFARS 252-215-7009 is included as an Attachment to the BAA for guidance (See Attachment D, pages 92- 100 of this BAA).

PART 5 - LABOR MIX AND INDIRECT COSTS

Offerors are required to provide their proposed labor rates and total cost for each labor category. In addition, offerors are required to provide applicable indirect cost rates, which should include, but may not be limited to, G&A, Fringe, Overhead, and Sub-contractor “burden” or “pass through rate.” Offerors are additionally required to provide labor category descriptions that include minimum education, experience, and certification requirements.

• Direct Labor: Individual labor categories or person with associated labor hours and unburdened direct labor rates.

• Indirect Costs: Fringe benefit, Overhead, G&A, etc. (must show base amount and rate)

• Travel: Estimated number of trips, destinations, durations, etc.

• Subcontracts: A cost proposal is required to be submitted for any proposed subcontractor, and “burden” or “pass through rate” shall be clearly stated.

• Materials: Specifically itemize and identify as estimated or actual costs.

Cost proposals shall include the following summary tables in addition to the vendor’s other cost proposal information:

Labor Category (identify)

Hours Unburdened Labor Rate

Overhead G&A Burdened Labor Rate

Totals:

Indirect Costs (%) Indirect Cost Rate

1. G&A

2. Overhead

3. Fringe

4. Subcontractor Burden Rate

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL CONTENT

Offerors may propose one or more R&D projects, as requested by the Contracting Officer after review of White Papers. Proposal shall include:

(a) Areas of Interest – See Attachment A, page 85 of this BAA for Areas of Interest.

(b) Technical Plan as described below.

(c) Detailed technical approach, rationale, and strategy for accomplishing technical goals in support of innovative claims and deliverables.

(d) Deliverables associated with the proposed research, including those listed below, and a clear description of the results, products, and transferable technology to be developed.

(e) Schedule and milestones for each task in the proposed efforts.

Proposals shall include all proprietary claims to results, prototypes, or systems supporting or necessary for the use of the research, results, or prototypes. If there are no proprietary claims, then the proposal must include a statement to that effect.

Proposals shall include a technical plan for each proposed project, using an active voice to describe the tasks to be performed in sufficient detail to establish the methodology and feasibility of accomplishing the technical approach. The technical plan must, at a minimum, include the following:

1. Project: The improved technologies to be established, expressed in terms of outcomes that are important to the Warfighter, DLA, or another DoD Component.

2. Background: Include any information that is necessary to understand the history and need for the research.

3. Objective: Description of the goal or anticipated achievement.

4. Technical Approach: Detailed description of the technical approach, rationale, metrics, potential application to more than one weapon system, benefits, leveraged or shared resources.

5. Task(s): Detailed description of task(s) to be performed.

6. Impediments or Risk: Description of any impediments or risks to implementing the technical approach and how they will be overcome, including constraints (e.g., cost, schedule, etc.) and assumptions and planned responses for each.

7. Proprietary Data: A description of all proprietary claims to results, prototypes, or systems supporting or necessary for the use of the research, results, or prototypes (if none, this must be stated). Proposals shall indicate by specific marking on each page if the data described therein is proprietary.

8. Key Personnel: A list of key personnel along with the approximate percentage of effort to be expended by each person to perform the task(s). Resumes should include description of specific experience and qualifications to perform the task(s) for all key personnel.

9. Specific metrics for measuring progress and success.

10. A brief description of the facilities and equipment that would be used for the project(s).

11. Performance Schedule: Detailed realistic schedule and milestones with confirmation of realism to include a Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) chart, Gantt chart or other appropriate format that displays all major tasks, their schedule and dependency relations.

12. Past Performance, Capabilities, and Related Experience: Each proposal shall address the offeror’s relevant past performance within the past three years, capability to perform proposed projects, and prior experience in relation to the technical areas of interest, by including the following:

a. Information pertaining to prior significant and related research, work experience, or expertise in any of the listed areas of interest, and the offeror’s track record in the related areas. This should include an explanation of how this experience or expertise will be beneficial to this program and DLA.

b. Five (5) accounts/contracts/projects within the last (3) three years for which the offeror has provided services and/or supplies of a nature relevant to the cited areas of interest:

i. All contracts terminated in whole or in part during the previous five years, including those currently in the process of termination, are considered relevant and the offeror shall provide past performance information for those contracts in addition to the five requested. The offeror shall indicate the termination type and reasons.

ii. If no past performance specifically related to the area of interest is available, offerors shall describe their past performance history on projects with comparable major customers and shall include supplemental information similar to that requested above

c. At least two (2) points of contact with contact information for each account/contract/project;

a description of the service or supply which was provided; and a brief performance history on each of those accounts/contracts/projects; Role as prime or subcontractor; if from a past Government contract, the contracting activity name, address, and the Contracting Officers name, telephone number, and email address; Contract type; awarded cost; price; original delivery schedule; final or projected final delivery schedule.

d. If related research was performed in a contractor teaming arrangement (CTA), provide points of contact for teaming partners to include company name, individuals, and phone number(s).

A bibliography of relevant technical papers and research published and unpublished, which documents the technical ideas upon which the proposed project is based.

SECTION 7: EVALUATION CRITERIA AND EVALUATION RATING SCHEME

The Government will evaluate technical proposals in accordance with the adjectival rating criteria identified below. Technical proposals will be evaluated for an overall technical capability that is feasible, viable, and desirable and describes a project that provides a solution in an Area of Interest identified in Attachment A, Page 85.

TECHNICAL EVALUATION FACTORS:

FACTOR 1: FEASIBILITY (OVERALL SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL

MERIT)

How technically feasible is the proposed solution to an Area of Interest listed in Attachment A, page 85 of this BAA given the state of technology and science. The offeror must explain the proposed research project and methodology in sufficient detail to establish that the proposed technical approach is innovative, possible, and comprehensive, and that the proposed qualified personnel proposed for the project/task have the expertise and experience to accomplish the proposed tasks. Task descriptions and associated technical elements must be complete and in a logical sequence with all proposed deliverables clearly defined and directed toward a final outcome that achieves the proposed goal(s). All major technical risks have been identified and clearly outline adequate mitigation plans.

FACTOR 2: VIABILITY

How viable for adoption and production is the proposed solution to an Area of Interest listed in Attachment A, page 85 of this BAA given existing organizational and regulatory constraints and restraints. The offeror must show how effort’s results would likely transition into an operational capability and demonstrate an understanding of working with DLA and DoD and of relevant DLA and DoD policy. The information technology proposed must address cybersecurity requirements and show awareness of specific requirements (e.g., FedRAMP) for IT in the Federal Government, DoD, and DLA.

FACTOR 3: DESIRABILITY

How desirable to the final and eventual end-user is the proposed solution to an Area of Interest listed in the BAA? The offeror must show how likely the DLA end user is to adopt the proposed solution based on the following characteristics: low barriers to transition, simplicity, ease of use, and physical dimensions.

FACTOR 4: PAST PERFORMANCE, CAPABILITIES, AND RELATED EXPERIENCE

Has the offeror adequately documented all recent (within the past 3 years) instances in which they have had contracts with similar proposed work? Have they advised how likely they are to successfully accomplish the proposed work given the offeror’s recent and relevant (within the scope of the BAA Areas of Interest) past performance? In evaluating past performance, the Government may use information gained from any source. In the case of an offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available, the offeror will be evaluated as neutral (not evaluated favorably or unfavorably on the basis of past performance).The evaluation will assess the quality and completeness of the past performance information provided, and the likelihood the proposed structure, processes, and capabilities will be leveraged for successfully achieving the desired outcome.

EVALUATION RATING SCHEME

FACTOR 1: FEASIBILITY (OVERALL SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL

MERIT)

Acceptable (A): Response demonstrates that the proposed technical approach is reasonably innovative, feasible, and complete and that the proposed technical team has adequate expertise and experience to accomplish the proposed tasks. Technical elements are reasonably complete and in a logical sequence and proposed deliverables are directed toward a final outcome that achieves the proposed goals.

Probability of success is reasonable, and the offeror’s response may include strengths. Any weaknesses in the proposal are outweighed by strengths.

Not Acceptable (NA): Response demonstrates generally an unsatisfactory technical approach in terms of innovation, feasibility, and completeness. The technical elements are less complete, and the sequence is less logical, and the proposed deliverables have a low probability to achieve the proposed goals.

Response may contain some strengths, but the 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 likely to be successful and also likely to transition into an operational capability. The offeror demonstrates a reasonable understanding of working with DLA and DoD and relevant DLA and DoD policy. Response may contain strengths. Any weaknesses in the proposal are outweighed by strengths.

Not Acceptable (NA): Viability/ Success 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 that could have a critical impact on successfully fulfilling the Government’s requirement.

FACTOR 3: DESIRABILITY

Acceptable (A): The proposed solution offers evidence of benefits to DLA and has characteristics such as low barriers to transition, simplicity, ease of use, physical dimensions, etc. that make it likely to be adopted by DLA and industry. Response may contain strengths. Any weaknesses in the proposal are outweighed by strengths.

Not Acceptable (NA): The proposed solution offers little or no evidence of benefits to DLA and has few or no characteristics that make it 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.