DRAFT_OTA RFI (28 Oct 22).docx

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Propulsion Directorate (AFLCMC/LP) Consortium Initiative Description

This Request for Information (RFI) is to gather industrial input regarding potential methods for effectively establishing and managing a consortium whose members will execute prototyping projects that address AFLCMC/LP mission areas to include but not limited to: hypersonic, digital engineering, artificial intelligence (AI), engine health monitoring, manufacturing base, small engines, aircraft platforms, systems, components, or materials and any integration therein. Additionally, prototyping projects could include platform electrical power systems (EPS) and thermal management systems. The scope of this effort will include Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), platform specific and common architecture studies, along with component/systems qualification and integration efforts for smart power management, higher density/higher capacity common generators, common aircraft lithium-ion batteries, flightworthy auxiliary or supplement power units, and upgraded conversion electronics. AFLCMC/LP is exploring options for competitive award of an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) to an eligible new or existing consortium of large and small entities representing traditional and non-traditional Defense contractors, as well as academic institutions. AFLCMC/LP is releasing this request for information to inform interested parties of, and seek comments and questions concerning, a forthcoming solicitation, post draft solicitation documents, and describe the U.S. Government's (USG) interest in establishing an OT Agreement for prototyping, per 10 USC 4022. The mission of the consortium must include performing research, development, and test and evaluation within prototyping projects that address requirements presented by, or of interest to, AFLCMC/LP.

As a practical matter, bidding consortia must be represented by consortium managers with means and authority to speak for the members, organize their activities, and make binding agreements on their behalf. USG would award an OT agreement to the winning consortium via its consortium manager.

After establishing an “umbrella” OT with a consortium, the USG would consider making solicitations and awarding funds to consortium members across an indefinite number of prototyping projects. It is likely that the consortium manager would receive a percentage of these award amounts as a service fee.

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This RFI is issued solely for informational and planning purposes – it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This request for information does not commit the USG to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Further, the US Air Force is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Respondents are advised that the USG will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party’s expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if issued. If a solicitation or RFP is released, it will be synopsized on the System for Award Management (SAM) website (https://www.sam.gov). It is the responsibility of the potential offerors to familiarize themselves with the SAM website, successfully complete of any registration requirements, and monitor the site for additional information pertaining to this requirement.

The USG is considering applying the following authorities regarding options for award, which are enumerated in 10 USC 4022:

$95M cumulative funding ceiling may be apportioned across a five (5) year period of performance (One (1) year base, one (1) year option, three (3) year option).

At least one third of the total cost of each prototype project is to be paid out of funds provided by sources other than the USG unless one of the following applies:

there is at least one nontraditional defense contractor or nonprofit research institution participating to a significant extent in the prototype project;

all significant participants in the transaction other than the Federal Government are small businesses (including small businesses participating in a program described under section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638)) or nontraditional defense contractors; or t the senior procurement executive for the agency determines in writing that exceptional circumstances justify the use of a transaction that provides for innovative business arrangements or structures that would not be feasible or appropriate under a contract, or would provide an opportunity to expand the defense supply base in a manner that would not be practical or feasible under a contract.

The intent of this RFI is to evolve as industry questions and concerns are addressed and will be considered a “Rolling RFI.” These sessions may or may not lead to follow on one-on-one communication. See section 5.0 for detail. When the USG deems that it has gained the necessary information required to make an informed decision, the USG may decide to release an RFP.

Requested Information

To provide context for and credibility to the submitted feedback on the draft documents, and from the perspective of consortium manager, please provide the following information:

Feedback on attached Draft Solicitation and T&Cs.

Narrative describing how the objectives would be addressed and performance against objectives would be measured.

Sample consortium charter that describes the following:

Consortium bylaws.

Consortium membership joining process.

Proposed consortium membership fees and requirements.

Corporate competencies and past performance with respect to USG objectives and source selection criteria. Explain experience regarding consortium management in context with USG and/or commercial applications.

Describe experience gained by working on projects across the services and the other defense agencies, as well as affiliations, associations, and specific involvement in and with the federal and non-federal research and development, testing and engineering community, sufficient to demonstrate a well-established presence in that community.

Describe any experience gained by working on projects outside the Federal Government, and how that experience may help achieve USG objectives.

Industry Discussions

The USG representatives may or may not choose to meet with potential RFI respondents. Such meetings and discussions would only be intended to obtain further understanding of potential capability, especially any development and certification risks.

Questions

Questions regarding this announcement may be submitted in writing by e-mail to the Agreements Officer, Ms. Jennifer Baxter, jennifer.baxter.2@us.af.mil and to Mr. Michael Hay, Contract Specialist, michael.hay.5@us.af.mil. Verbal questions will be accepted during informational teleconferences. A summary of all questions with answers will be posted to https://www.sam.gov for all potential respondents to see. The USG does not guarantee that questions received after 2 December 2022 will be answered.

Summary

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY to identify sources that can provide AFLCMC consortium services. The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the USG. The US Air Force has not made a commitment to procure any of the items or services discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as a commitment or authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. All submissions become USG property and will not be returned.

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