Emergent IV BAA Final.pdf

EMERGENT IV Research & Development Broad Agency Announcement Source Selection Information—See FAR 2.101 and 3.104.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Research & Development Enterprise Service Activity (J68) Emergent IV Research and Development

Broad Agency Announcement

BAA0001-22

Emergent IV Research & Development Broad Agency Announcement

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. Overview

A.1. Introduction

B. General Information

B.1. Eligibility

B.2. BAA Response Submission

B.3. Contract Type

B.4. White Papers

B.5. Notifications

B.6. Cost Proposals

B.7. Debriefs

B.8. Additional Information Requests

B.9. Subcontracting Plans ……………………………………………………………………………. 7

C. Areas of Interest: See Attachment B

D. Proposal Instructions

D.1. Cover Page

D.2. Executive Summary

D.3. Overall Scientific and Technical Merit…………………………………………………………. 10

D.4. Viability…………………………………………………………………………………………. 11

D.5. Desirability ……………………………………………………………………………………... 11

D.6. Past Performance ………………………………………………………………………………...12

E. Technical Proposal Content………

E.1. Technical Proposal Evaluation

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

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Appendix:

A. BAA Points of Contact

B. Areas of Interest

C. White Paper Template

D. Proposal Adequacy Checklist

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A. Overview

Document Type: Combined BAA / Synopsis

Solicitation Number: BAA0001-22 Posted Date: June 13, 2022 Classification Code: A -- Research & Development Set Asides: N/A NAICS Code: 541715 -- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

PART: U.S. GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENTS

SUBPART: SERVICES

OFFICE ADDRESS: For White Papers: Email: RANDD.DCSO@dla.mil For requested technical and cost proposals: Email:

RANDD.DCSO@dla.mil Files too large to email may be submitted by using: DoD SAFE (https://safe.apps.mil) NOTE: These addresses may be modified by changes made by DLA to the BAA Appendix. Changes to Appendix will be done by amendment.

CLASS CODE: A--Research and Development

SUBJECT: Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Emergent R&D Requirements IV

SOL: BAA0001-22

POINT OF CONTACT (POC): DCSO-P Contracting RANDD.DCSO@dla.mil

CONTACT INFORMATION: Email to the following mailbox: RANDD.DCSO@dla.mil (or as otherwise specified in the BAA Appendix as that attachment may be modified by DLA by amendment).

Please label all correspondence: “Emergent IV BAA.”

A.1. INTRODUCTION

This notice constitutes a combined synopsis and Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for the acquisition of research and development in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 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 solicitations shall be disregarded.

This BAA will remain open for five years. The ceiling on this BAA is $50 Million.

This BAA addresses DLA’s need for scientific study and experimentation directed toward advancing the state-of-the-art or increasing knowledge or understanding in Areas of Interest not anticipated by DLA’s annual R&D program planning and development processes. Interested parties may submit an initial summary of your plan, referred to as a "White Paper," describing a specific project related to an Area of Interest listed in Attachment B to this BAA. If a White Paper is of sufficient interest, DLA may request technical and cost proposals for the effort described by the White Paper.

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It is DLA’s intention for Attachment B to be amended as needed to add, modify, or delete Areas of Interest.

The process for obtaining a possible award under this BAA consists of three steps:

STEP I: Submission of White Paper

STEP II: Submission of a technical proposal only if requested by the DLA Contracting Officer

STEP III: Submission of a cost proposal only if requested by the DLA Contracting Officer either concurrent with or after submission of a technical proposal

B. GENERAL INFORMATION

B.1. Eligibility

To be eligible for award, all prospective offerors must meet certain minimum standards pertaining to financial resources, adequacy of accounting systems, 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).

B.2. BAA Response Submission

Respondents interested in possible awards under this BAA must first submit a White Paper, in the format specified in this BAA, by e-mail to the e-mail address shown in Attachment A. The purpose of requiring White Papers is to prevent Respondents from incurring substantial technical proposal preparation costs on proposed research that is not of interest to DLA. Respondents are required to submit White Papers as a way to determine DLA’s interest prior to investing in technical proposal development.

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. In addition, your company is required to mark all material that may be procurement sensitive, or defense covered information with the legend “Controlled Unclassified Information” (CUI). If the information is also source selection information both markings must be present.

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).

B.3. Contract Type

DLA contemplates 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. White papers and requested technical

6 | Page proposals must be for a single research project and must generally be based on one of the three aforementioned contract types. However, DLA will consider White Papers based and requested proposals on fixed-price contracts (FAR Subpart 16.2) but reserves the right to award fixed-price contracts only when DLA, in its sole discretion, deems such award to be in the best interests of the Government. Submittals based on contract types other than cost-type or fixed-price will be evaluated on an individual basis at the sole discretion of the Government.

B.4. White Papers

As stated above, proposers are required to submit a White Paper in advance of a technical proposal. The White Paper provides a synopsis of the proposed project 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?

Templates containing content descriptions and instructions are provided as attachments to this BAA. Use of these templates is mandatory for all submissions to this BAA. Document files must be in .pdf, .ppt, .pptx, .odx, .doc, .docx, .xls, or .xlsx formats. All submissions must be written in English and all pages shall be 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-point font may be used for figures, tables, and charts).

White Papers will be reviewed, not evaluated, 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 a research project whose results end users are likely to adopt and that is of sufficient interest to DLA to warrant consideration of a technical proposal. The contracting officer will provide only one of the following two responses to a Respondent submitting a White Paper: (1) a statement that the proposed research is not of interest to DLA with the rationale for this decision, or (2) a request to submit a technical proposal. See Paragraph II.E, Notifications.

DLA reserves the right to request technical proposals from any, all, some, or none of the Respondents submitting White Papers. A request for technical proposals is not a guarantee that a proposal based on the White Paper will ultimately be selected for award negotiation. White papers for non-innovative, marginal improvements are inappropriate under this BAA and will not result in a technical proposal request.

B.5. Notifications

White Papers

DLA will notify Respondents submitting a White Paper in response to this BAA by email message acknowledging receipt and a subsequent email message after review of the White Paper either (1) providing instructions for the submission of a technical proposal or (2) advising that DLA does not wish to receive a technical proposal and providing feedback to the Respondent regarding the rationale for this decision.

DLA will attempt to reply to White Papers within thirty calendar days after receipt. These official notifications will be emailed to the Respondent’s Administrative POC identified in the White Paper.

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Technical Proposals As stated above, Respondents invited to submit technical proposals will receive an email providing instructions for the submission of a full technical proposal. Email notification will also be sent if the technical proposal is not acceptable. Any technical proposal submitted other than in response to a request from DLA based on review of a White Paper will be discarded without review.

B.6. Cost Proposals

Respondents selected to submit cost proposals will be notified by email. DLA may request the cost proposal be submitted with the technical proposal or at any time after technical proposal submission. Email notification will also be sent if the cost proposal is not acceptable. Any cost proposal submitted other than in response to a request from DLA will be discarded without review. 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. The cost proposal shall be submitted to the address specified in Attachment A hereof.

B.7. Debriefs

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

B.8. Additional Information Requests

DLA may contact Respondents to provide additional information required for White Paper review, 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.

B.9. Subcontracting Plans

Note: Small business are exempt from submitting a subcontracting plan.

The Defense Logistics Agency is strongly committed to providing meaningful prime and subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs), woman-owned small businesses (WOSBs), historically underutilized business zone (HUB Zone) small businesses, veteran-owned small business (VOSBs), service disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs), historically black colleges and universities, and minority institutions, and other concerns subject to socioeconomic considerations through its awards.

Businesses unfamiliar with doing business with the government and that require assistance may contact the state-specific Department of Defense (DoD) Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC).

DoD PTACs serve as a resource for businesses pursuing and performing under contracts with DoD, other federal agencies, state and local governments and with government prime contractors. Assistance provided by the PTACs is usually free of charge. PTAC support includes registration in systems such as SAM, identification of contract opportunities, understanding requirements and preparing and submitting proposals. The PTACs have a presence in each state, Puerto Rico and Guam.

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To locate a local PTAC visit:

http://www.dla.mil/HQ/SmallBusiness/PTAC.aspx or http://www.aptac-us.org/new/.

i. Subcontracting Plan

For proposed contract awards exceeding $750,000,00 large businesses and non-profits (including educational institutions) shall provide a Subcontracting Plan (hereafter known as ‘the Plan) that contains all elements required by FAR 19.704, FAR 52.219-9 and as supplemented by DFARS 252-219-7003. The Plan must be submitted as an attachment to the “Proposal Checklist” and will not be included in the page count. If a company has a Master or Individual Subcontracting Plan, as described in FAR 19.701 or a Comprehensive Subcontracting Plan, as described in DFARS 219.702, a copy of the Plan shall also be submitted as an attachment to the “Proposal Checklist”.

Plans will be reviewed for adequacy, ensuring that the required information, goals, and assurances are included. FAR 19.702 requires an apparent successful offeror to submit an acceptable Plan. If the apparent successful offeror fails to negotiate a Plan acceptable to the contracting officer within the time limit prescribed by the contracting officer, the offeror will be ineligible for award.

Offerors shall propose a plan that ensures small businesses (inclusive of SDBs, WOSBs, HUBZone, VOSBs and SDVOSBs) will have the maximum practicable opportunity to participate in contract performance consistent with efficient performance.

As a baseline, Offerors shall, to the best extent possible, propose realistic goals to ensure small business participation in accordance with the current or most recent fiscal year subcontracting goals found on the DoD Office of Small Business Program website at: https://business.defense.gov/. If proposed goals are below the statutory requirements, then the offeror shall include in the Plan a viable written explanation as to why small businesses are unable to be utilized and what attempts were taken to ensure that small business were given the opportunity to participate in the effort to the maximum extent practicable.

ii. Subcontracting Resources -

Subcontracting to a prime contractor can be a good way to participate in the contracting process. The following is a list of potential resources that may assist in locating potential subcontracting partners/opportunities/resources:

*Companies Participating in DoD Subcontracting Program Report *DAU Small Business Community of Practice (SB COP) *DefenseLink ≥ $7.0 M Award Notices *DoD OSBP Prime Contractors and Subcontractors with Subcontracting Plans *Dynamic Small Business Search *Electronic Subcontracting Reporting System (eSRS) *DLA SBIR/STTR Search – Website or Brochure *DoD Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC)

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*U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Subcontracting Opportunities Directory *U.S. SBA Subnet

In accordance with FAR 5.206 Notices of Subcontracting Opportunities, the following entities may transmit a notice to the GPE to seek competition for subcontracts, to increase participation by qualified HUBZone small business, small, small disadvantaged, women-owned small business, veteran-owned small business and service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns, and to meet established subcontracting plan goals:

(1) A contractor awarded a contract exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold that is likely to result in the award of any subcontracts.

(2) A subcontractor or supplier, at any tier, under a contract exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, that has a subcontracting opportunity exceeding $15,000.

(b) The notices must describe-

(1) The business opportunity;

(2) Any prequalification requirements; and

(3) Where to obtain technical data needed to respond to the requirement

In addition, another example of a place in which prime contractors may post solicitations or sources sought notices for small business is the U.S. SBA SUB-Net: https://eweb.sba.gov/gls/dsp_sbabanner.cfm. The SUB- Net database provides a listing of subcontracting solicitations and opportunities posted by large prime contractors and other non-federal organizations.

C. AREAS OF INTEREST

The Areas of Interest for this BAA are listed in Attachment B. DLA may amend Attachment B as needed to add, modify, or remove Areas of Interest. Amendments modifying Attachment B will be posted to the government-wide Contract Opportunities portal at https://www. SAM.gov.

D. PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

Proposal prices and all other terms and conditions must remain valid for 180 days from the submission date of the technical proposal. Information in the technical proposal that is deemed by the Respondent to be proprietary must be clearly marked as proprietary information on each page containing the information.

DO NOT submit a technical proposal unless it is requested by DLA after review of a submitted White Paper.

Any technical proposal submitted without such a request will be discarded without review.

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To ensure 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. Technical proposals must meet the following format requirements:

A. Document files must be written in English and in .pdf, .ppt, .pptx, .odx, .doc, .docx, .xls, or .xlsx formats;

B. No more than twenty (20) single-sided pages including, body, appendices, and attachments;

C. 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-point font may be used for figures, tables, and charts).; and

D. A header on each page to identify page content and page number;

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 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 to substantiate the validity of the research. Technical proposals must address the evaluation factors provided in Section IV, Technical Proposal Evaluation, of this BAA. No cost or pricing information may be contained in the technical proposal.

Respondents must 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, except that DLA reserves the right to evaluate relevant past performance that is not included in the technical proposal.

Technical proposals shall consist of six parts:

Part 1 — Proposal Cover Sheet Part 2 — Executive Summary Part 3 — Overall Scientific and Technical Merit (Feasibility) Part 4 — Viability Part 5 — Desirability Part 6 — Past Performance

D.1. Cover Page

(1) BAA number; (2) Proposal Title; (3) Technical Point of Contact, including name, telephone number, FAX 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

D.2. Executive Summary

An Executive Summary of the Respondent'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, and the expected outcome improvement associated

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D.3. Overall Scientific and Technical Merit (Feasibility)

D.4. Viability

Respondents must show that proposed effort is viable and likely to transition into an operational capability.

The offeror demonstrates an understanding of working with DLA and DoD and of relevant DLA and DoD policy. Information technology included in the proposed effort addresses cybersecurity requirements and show awareness of specific requirements (e.g., FedRAMP) for IT in the Federal Government, DoD, and

DLA.

D.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.

D.6 Past Performance

Each proposal shall address the offeror’s prior experience, capabilities, and past performance as described in Section E below.

E. Technical Proposal Contents

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

(a) Area of Interest- SEE ATTACHMENT A 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.

Respondents must explain the proposed research project and methodology in sufficient detail to establish that the proposed technical approach is innovative, feasible, and comprehensive and that 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.

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Proposals shall include a technical plan for each proposed project, using 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 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)

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. Résumés: Description of the specific experience and qualifications to perform the task(s) for all key personnel.

13. Past Performance, Capabilities, and Related Experience - Each proposal shall address the offeror’s prior experience, capabilities, and past performance by including the following:

a. Information pertaining to prior significant and related research or 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 casting technologies. In addition, any and all contracts terminated in whole or in part during the previous five (5) years, including

13 | Page 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.

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. Where related research was performed in a contractor teaming arrangement (CTA), provide points of contact for teaming members or partners to include company name, individuals and phone numbers.

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

If no past performance specifically related to the area of interest is available, respondents shall describe their past performance history on projects with comparable major customers and shall include supplemental information similar to that requested in sections 13 (a) through 13(e) above.

Proposals shall include a detailed description of how the contract will be managed and show how the proposed organizational structure will ensure performance stability, reliable customer service, industry relevance, and commitment to DLA and project progression for the duration of the performance period.

The contractor shall perform functions on approved projects including, but not limited to: appropriate resource application, awarding necessary subcontracts, and ensuring technical excellence, cost control, and schedule adherence. Quarterly Interim Progress Reviews (IPRs) and a final review shall be provided for each Project at times and locations as required by the Government. The contractor shall notify the Information and Communications Technology Program Manager of problems and issues as they arise.

Deliverables for individual Projects will include:

1. Study Plans that update and add detail to the effort described in the technical proposal

2. Monthly technical progress and financial reports

3. Interim progress briefings or reports as required

4. Minutes of meetings as required

5. Presentation materials as required

6. Final summary briefing or report

7. Any software, algorithms and associated documentation that may have been developed during the project

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E.1. Technical Proposal Evaluation

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 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 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 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. Any weaknesses in the proposal are outweighed by strengths.

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 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

15 | Page 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. 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.

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

Overall Consensus Ratings

Acceptable (A): Response addresses the minimal level of information requested in the BAA. The Response is acceptable for all evaluation factors. Respondent's response may contain strengthsand any weaknesses in the proposal are outweighed by strengths. The offeror’s response demonstrates an understanding of the BAA and ability to meet applicable program objectives and/or performance parameters.

Not Acceptable (NA): Response did not address 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.

Price Evaluation Factor:

Factor 1: Cost Realism A cost realism analysis shall 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. In addition, funds availability will be a basis for selection.

F. Cost Proposal

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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

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

(1) BAA Number

(2) NAICS code

(3) BAA Area(s) of Interest from Attachment B

(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 and estimated cost along with percentage of work anticipated to be done by the sub(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

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.

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

(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 of the contract, not including the fee (if proposal is for a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract).

B. Accounting System

Respondent 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) or the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

C. Approved Rates

Respondents shall provide a statement regarding current negotiated DCAA or HHS 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

Respondents shall provide a copy of the latest audit or forward pricing agreement from DCAA or HHS.

Part 2 – Certified Cost or Pricing Data and Data Other Than Certified Cost or Pricing Data

Respondents 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, respondents shall submit data other than certified cost or pricing data to support a determination of cost realism in accordance with FAR 15.403-3. Respondents shall submit data in accordance with FAR 52.215-20 Requirements for Certified Cost or Pricing Data and Data Other Than Certified Cost or Pricing Data.

Respondents 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.

Respondents 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 respondent, this information must be submitted directly to the contracting officer for cost realism analysis.

Part 3 – Work Breakdown Structure

Respondents 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 provided above

Part 4 – Proposal Adequacy Checklist regarding Cost and Pricing Information

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Sufficient information should be provided in supporting documents to evaluate the reasonableness and realism of the proposed costs. A cost proposal adequacy checklist from DFARS 252-215-7009, has been included at the end of this BAA for guidance.

F.2 Cost Realism Analysis

DLA will perform a cost realism analysis on cost proposals in accordance with FAR 15.404-1(d), Cost Realism Analysis. Realism determination will be based on an evaluation of the cost proposal to determine whether the estimated cost elements are realistic for the proposed research; reflect a clear understanding of the applicable BAA Area(s) of Interest, and are consistent with the proposal research plan.

F2.1 Labor Mix and Other Direct 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 other direct cost (ODC) 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:

ODCs – Other Direct Costs (%) ODC Rate

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1. G&A

2. Overhead

3. Fringe

4. Subcontractor Burden Rate

G. Award Decision

G.1. Basis for Contract Award

The Government anticipates making, but is not obligated to make, more than one award under the BAA. The primary basis for selecting proposals for acceptance shall be technical importance to agency programs and funds availability. Cost realism and reasonableness will also be considered.

Award(s) may be made to one or more responsible vendors when the following conditions apply:

1. The proposal conforms to the requirements of the BAA.

2. The proposal is evaluated as acceptable for the factors listed at Section E.1.

3. The award is determined to be in the best interest of the Government.

4. The proposal offers fair and reasonable pricing.

5. Funding is available.

A cost/price analysis will be performed that confirms/verifies that the proposed estimated cost elements are realistic for the work proposed, reflect a clear understanding of the requirements, and are consistent with the offeror’s technical proposal.

NOTE: Acceptable ratings for BAA evaluation factors does not guarantee an award. Award may only be made when all factors listed above are met. As noted in BAA section G.1., the Government reserves the right to select for award all, some, or none of the proposals submitted under this BAA.

G.2. Basis for Award without Discussion

DLA may evaluate technical proposals and conduct cost realism analysis on cost proposals and make award without discussions. Proposals should contain the offeror’s best terms. Additionally, DLA reserves the right to conduct discussions and request revisions to proposals if it is determined by DLA to be necessary. Offerors may be removed from the proposal evaluation process if the offeror and the contracting officer fail to negotiate mutually agreeable terms within a reasonable period of time.

G.3. Basis for No Award

DLA reserves the right not to make an award as a result of this BAA if such award is determined to be contrary to the best interest of DLA.

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ATTACHMENT A: BAA POINTS OF CONTACT

Questions related to this BAA should be labeled “Emergent III BAA Questions” and directed to the R&D mailbox: RANDD.DCSO@dla.mil. Questions shall be in submitted in writing to the POCs at the mailbox included. No telephone questions will be entertained.

White papers are to be submitted only by e-mail to: RANDD.DCSO@dla.mil

Technical and cost proposals requested by DLA after review of a White Paper must be submitted by email to the R& D mailbox at: RANDD.DCSO@dla.mil unless they exceed the file size accepted by the DLA e-mail system. Oversized proposals may be delivered using the following: https://safe.apps.mil Points of Contact for this BAA are Heather Houtz, heather.houtz@dla.mil; Michelle Harrison, Michelle.Harrison@dla.mil; and Emily Linico, Emily.Linico@dla.mil.

ATTACHMENT B: AREAS OF INTEREST

As of this BAA’s posting date, DLA will consider White Papers submitted in response to this BAA in the following Areas of Interest:

A. Medical Logistics

Research shall focus on solutions to identify and resolve medical logistics support challenges at low cost.

The research may leverage existing commercial capabilities that will integrate commercial supply chain best practices and help forge strategic partnerships with critical customers, manufacturers, suppliers, and other Federal government stakeholders and industry groups. The research must enhance medical logistics capabilities in both peacetime and operational environments. Research is limited to non-pharmaceutical classes and shall be directed to the following subtopics: (i) Data analytics and operational intelligence capabilities (ii) Fair and reasonable pricing of products in the supply chain (iii) Clinical standardization of medical products.

B. Distribution

DLA Distribution seeks research efforts focused on integration of new ideas, new business practices, and innovative commercial technologies into the DLA Distribution operational environment, particularly – but not exclusively – solutions that apply autonomous equipment, robotics, network- linked devices, etc.

Solutions should focus on improvements to one or more of (i) inventory management, (ii) materiel distribution, or (ii) asset visibility. Solutions should include (i) testing and evaluation of the use of commercial technologies with an application to DLA Distribution, (ii) verification that the technologies perform as expected, and (iii) validating whether the technology meets the operational needs of the user.

C. Advanced Manufacturing

DLA seeks innovative ideas in several areas related to the use of advanced manufacturing – including additive manufacturing (AM) – in the DLA supply chain.

Suitable projects under this Area of Interest may include:

1. AM projects that address (a) the costs, transfer, and the use of intellectual property for AM

22 | Page technical data management in acquisition, sustainment, and maintenance; (b) digital verification and validation (including measures of effectiveness and key performance parameters) of AM technical data and first article testing that compare polymers and metals, and critical and non-critical items; or (c) use of digital thread to maintain a consistent AM product from design through qualification and acceptance.

2. Advanced manufacturing R&D projects that address new paradigms, methods, processes, or equipment for new or existing manufacturing products, materials, or supply chain components and that provide an advantage over existing techniques or tools. In this context, advantages include reduced time to market, enabling new performance attributes, improving small-batch production, cost savings, energy savings, or reduced environmental impact from the manufacturing of products.

D. Emerging Technologies to Enhance Part, Component and Logistical Product Data Granularity, Availability and Interoperability

Research must focus on developing solutions that support DoD’s Digital Engineering Strategy and Digital Modernization efforts for DLA by:

1. using digital data in place of documents as the authoritative source of technical data;

2. extending the model-based approach by incorporating digital engineering technologies and practices that connect business and technical data such as artificial intelligence, augmented realities, digital twin, and machine learning;

3. providing a standards-based open system IT infrastructure that enables the digital thread, distributed manufacturing, advanced methods for cybersecurity, and protection of intellectual property; and

4. preparing the workforce for change management and strategic communications necessary to transform DLA use of digital data.

E. Smart Connected Logistics

The Internet of Things (IoT) is often viewed as a network of linked devices. Each device is a smart, connected product characterized by its “awareness” of its state and its ability to communicate with other important “things” in its environment. Connectivity amplifies the awareness and enables the device to be connected to many other devices and sources of data. DLA seeks projects that address connecting devices and users or systems to the data necessary to provide "cradle to grave" logistical sustainment; for example, the technology to acquire and organize the vast amount of data that will be supplied by these devices. The data must be transformed so it is coherent, relevant, and actionable by humans and machine-to-machine or system-to-system interfaces. To accomplish this, DLA expects a standard or open source protocol solution that addresses a specific challenge that DLA currently faces. The data acquired from IoT device swill be independent from the constraints of the device suppliers or any singular data aggregator.

F. Anti-counterfeiting Technical Solution

Numerous reports and investigations have documented that there are counterfeit parts in DOD’s Supply Chain. In response to the threat, DLA is seeking research that focuses on providing a single low-cost anti-counterfeiting technical solution that can authenticate items in multiple Federal Supply Classes (FSCs) supporting various DLA supply chains. At a minimum, the single low-cost anti-counterfeiting technical

23 | Page solution must be effective in preventing counterfeits by authenticating items in all of the following FSCs:

1. FSC 5961 Semiconductor Devices

2. FSC 5962 Microcircuits

3. FSC 5935 Electrical Connectors

4. FSC 4730 Fittings Hose, Pipe and Tube

5. FSC 3110 Bearings, Anti-friction, Unmounted

6. FSC 3120 Bearings, Plain, Unmounted

7. FSC 2530 Vehicle Brake, Steer Axle, Wheel and Track Components

8. FSC 2940 Engine Air and Oil Filters, Non-Aircraft

9. FSC 2910 Engine Fuel System Components Non-Aircraft

10. FSC 1680 Miscellaneous Aircraft Accessories and Components

11. FSC 5330 Gaskets

12. FSC 5331 O-Rings

The research must also detail how the technical solution will be integrated into the supply chains of DLA suppliers (i.e., manufacturers, authorized distributions and independent distributors), the impact on the supply chains of implementing the technical solution, and the probability that DLA suppliers will adopt the technical solution.

G. Energy Research Program

Research shall focus on developing improvements to the DoD Class III Bulk Fuel Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants (POL) supply system. The research may include areas addressing, but not limited to, the following:

improvements to military acquisition specifications for POL, aerospace fuels/propellants and related products (e.g. additives);

develo…