FA2384-26-S-B002 Solicitation.docx

Contents

Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring, and Sustaining (CHEERS) Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA) Call 1, Two-Step BAA

1.0 Overview Information

Restoring, and Sustaining (CHEERS)

Supplements (FAR(S))/ FAR 35 Part 35.016 (Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs))

Solicitation Number & Title

Solicitation # FA2384-26-S-B002, Call 1, Optical Radiation Bioeffects and Safety (ORBS)

Capt. Ashalana Modygo, ashalana.modygo@us.af.mil

Primary Contracting Officer (PCO):

Alex LaVelle, alex.lavelle.4@us.af.mil

Contract Specialist:

Bryce Garrett, bryce.garrett@us.af.mil

Address general BAA questions to Capt. Ashalana Modygo

Note: to preserve the integrity of competition, a moratorium on white paper acceptance under Open Period solicitations will be issued in cases where a Call for Proposal is released covering the same topic areas as the Open period. The Open Period Moratorium will last 6 months and go into effect upon the closing date for proposal receipt under Call for Proposals. (See MAA Industry Guide Chapter 1).

2.0 Full Text Announcement

Notice: All terms of The CHEERS MAA and CHEERS MAA Industry Guide apply unless specifically addressed in the Call

2.1 Program Description:

Air Force Research Laboratory/Human Effectiveness Directorate (RH) is soliciting white papers (and later technical and cost proposals) on the following research effort.

2.2 Communication Between Prospective Offerors and Government Representatives:

Please direct all questions to the PCO listed in paragraph 1.0.

2.3 Statement of Objective/Description of Technical Area(s):

See attachment 7, Statement of Objectives

2.4 Deliverable Items:

a. Data Items: See CDRL Attachment 6

b. Software: Yes. To include Modeling and Simulation software, RF hazard evaluation software, etc.

c. Hardware: Yes. To includespecialized test equipment and apparatus to meet research objectives, Custom High Power Amplifiers, Special high end RF measurement instruments. Unique Identification (UID) will be required on delivered hardware with an estimated value of 5K or more.

d. Other: TBD

*Note on CDRLS: if an offeror intends to assert any restrictions on the DoD’s ability to use, release, or disclose a CDRL to non-Government employees, that offeror must (1) identify the lowest level of indenture wherein that item will reside; (2) identify what text in that CDRL requires delivery of the item of technical data or computer software that describes its technical baseline to which the asserted restriction pertains; and (3) for technical data, explain why that item does not fit within any of the statutory or regulatory provisions that entitle the DoD to acquire unlimited/unrestricted rights in that technical data irrespective of whether that technical data was developed exclusively at private expenses.

2.5 Schedule:

The government intends to award with a technical effort period of performance between 5 November 2026 – 4 November 2029. Option year 1 from 5 November 2029 – 4 November 2030. Option year 2 from 5 November 2030 – 4 November 2031. An additional three months administrative performance will be included for final reports.

2.6 Other Requirements:

a. Program Security Classification: See DD254 Atch 5. Offerors must verify their Cognizant Security Office information is current with Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) at www.dcsa.mil.

b. Export Control: Export Control applies, a Certified DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, will be required to be submitted with proposal. Refer to CHEERS MAA, para. 2.7.d for additional information

c. Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS): It is anticipated that CPARS will See CHEERS BAA Industry Guide, Chapter 6 for additional details.

2.7 Science and Technology (S&T) Protection:

S&T Protection requirements are governed by Air Force Research Laboratory Instruction (AFRLI) 61-113, “Science and Technology (S&T) Protection for the Air Force Research Laboratory” See Attachment 8: Security Risk Review – AFRLI 61-113, and associated attachments. The Government may require the offeror to submit additional information &/or a mitigation plan for any identified S&T protection risks. If the Government determines the offeror failed to provide adequate additional information; or an acceptable mitigation plan; or it is determined the offeror’s S&T protection approach is high risk & does not provide adequate protection of S&T information, the Government may reject the proposal & withdraw it from consideration for award.

2.7.1 Available Equipment:

Reference Attachment 4, Available Equipment List for available equipment.

2.7.2 Base Support/ Network Access:

Available Base Facilities: All base support is provided at: 711 HPW/RHD, 4141 Petroleum Dr. Bldg 3260, JBSA-Ft. Sam Houston, TX.

Office space, research laboratory space, office/research equipment, specialized research/test facilities, data storage facilities include IT infrastructure: PCs, servers, and/or data storage and retrieval systems.

Contractor identification badges, building access and/or security cards/passes required.

Class "C" telephones, Defense Switched Network (DSN) accessibility, Unclassified but Sensitive Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRnet), Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRnet) and email access.

2.7.3 Multiple awards subject to Fair Opportunity:

Not applicable.

2.7.4 Data Rights Desired:

This is a Research and Development contract where the government anticipates funding the development of the data in which the government desires the following data rights:

(1) Other Than Commercial Technical Data: Unlimited Rights

(2) Other Than Commercial Computer Software: Unlimited Rights

(3) Other Than Commercial Software Documentation: Unlimited Rights

(4) Commercial Computer Software Rights: Customary Commercial License consistent with Federal statutes and regulations. When modifications thereof rise to the level of “development” Government asserts Unlimited rights.

Refer to MAA Industry Guide Chapter 3.3 for further information.

*Note on Government Evaluation of proposals: Government will evaluate the extent to which (1) the information provided by the offeror supports its position and (2) the offeror’s proposed IPrights/licenses will satisfy the Government’s minimum needs.

**Note on Proposals: Contractors selected for submitting a proposal should disclose all licenses ((non)commercial, S/W, and open source) in the Technical Volume. Assertions of rights should utilize the tables found at DFARS 252.227-7017 Identification and Assertion of Use, Release, or Disclosure Restrictions.

2.7.5 Military Equipment Valuation:

Not anticipated, however TBD dependent upon the approach proposed.

2.7.6 Human or Animal Subject Use:

Animal Subject Use is anticipated. Human Subject Use is not anticipated. See SOO for details.

2.7.7 Hazardous or Radioactive Materials:

Not anticipated, however TBD dependent upon the approach proposed.

2.7.8 Ozone Depleting Substances:

Not anticipated, however TBD dependent upon the approach proposed.

2.7.9 Ground or Flight Testing:

Not Applicable.

2.8 Other Information

3.0 Award Information

See Table under Paragraph 1.0.

4.0 Cost Sharing or Matching:

Cost Sharing is not required.

4.1 Other:

4.1.1 Foreign Participation:

Notice to Foreign-Owned Firms: Such firms are asked to immediately notify the Contracting Officer identified in the Solicitation before deciding to respond. Foreign contractors should be aware that restrictions might apply which could preclude their participation.

4.1.2 White Paper Limits:

There are no limits on the number of white papers an offeror may submit. If an offeror submits multiple white papers, each white paper must provide unique approaches.

4.1.3 Eligible Offeror:

This is an unrestricted solicitation. Small businesses are encouraged to propose.

4.1.4 Ineligibility:

You may be ineligible for award if all requirements of this solicitation are not met on the white paper (and later proposal) due date as identified above.

5.0 White Paper / Proposal and Submission Information

Refer to CHEERS MAA Industry Guide (attch 2) Chapter 4

5.1 Overview:

This Solicitation consists of a Two-Step Process described in detail below. White Papers/Proposals submitted shall be in accordance with the CHEERS MAA, the CHEERS MAA Industry Guide, and this Solicitation. The Government intends to review whitepapers/proposals and award some, all, or none of the proposals received without negotiation/discussion; however, the Government reserves the right to negotiate with the offeror(s) whose proposal is selected for funding.

ONLY WHITE PAPERS ARE BEING SOLICITED AT THIS TIME.

Offerors should be alert for any MAA amendments that may permit extensions to the white paper submission date.

For additional information, a copy of the Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA) Industry Guide is included as Attachment 2.

5.2 First Step (White Paper) Instructions:

See CHEERS MAA, Industry Guide Chapter 4.

5.2.1 Variation from CHEERS MAA Industry Guide, Chapter 4:

The White Paper shall be limited to 10 pages single spaced.

The White Paper shall be sent to the Primary Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist.

A total rough order of magnitude (ROM) is required. ROMs for high-level cost categories for purposes of illustration may be included at the contractor's discretion but are not required. Only the total ROM will be used for purposes of cost evaluation at this stage. White papers should not include a detailed cost break-out.

5.3 Second Step (Proposal) Instructions:

See CHEERS MAA, Industry Guide Chapter 4. Any deviations from the CHEERS MAA Industry Guide will be identified in the Request for Proposal (RFP) issued to those offerors who have submitted White Papers identified as further interest to AFRL. Refer to the Model Contract (attch 1) for potential format and clauses that may be applicable to any future awards and Section K (see Attch 3) may be required to be completed with any proposal submittals (2nd step process).

6.0 White Paper / Proposal Review Information

See CHEERS MAA, Industry Guide Chapter 5

7.0 Award Administration Information

7.1 Award Notices:

Offerors will be notified whether their proposal is recommended for award after full review of all proposals. The notification is not to be construed to mean that any contract award is assured, as availability of funds and successful negotiations are prerequisites to any award.8.0 Other Information

8.1 Acquisition of Commercial Items:

See CHEERS MAA, para. 8.1 – This Call does not intend to use the policies contained in Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items. However, in any case, interested offerors may identify to the CO their interest and capability to satisfy the Government’s requirement with a commercial item within 15 days of solicitation release

8.2 Support Contractors:

See CHEERS MAA, para 8.2.

8.3 Feedback Sessions:

See CHEERS MAA, para 8.3.

8.4 Item Unique Identification and Valuation:

See CHEERS MAA Industry Guide para 6.2.

8.5 Pre-Award Clearance:

See CHEERS MAA, Industry Guide para 6.3.

8.6 Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters:

See CHEERS MAA, Industry Guide para 6.4.

8.7 Proposal Adequacy Checklist

Adequate Price Competition (APC) – APC is anticipated for this Call.

8.8 Other

8.8.1 Associate Contractor Agreements (ACAs)

See CHEERS MAA Industry Guide, Chapter 4, para. 8.c. and refer to the SOO, para. 9.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Model Contract

2. MAA Industry Guide

3. Section K- Representations and Certifications

4. Available Equipment List

5. DD254

6. CDRLs

7. Statement of Objectives

8. Security Risk Review – AFRLI 61-113

9. Appendix 1 – SF 424, RR Key Persons

10. Appendix 2 – Security Program Questionnaire

11. Appendix 3 – Research and Related Senior Key Person Profile Worksheet

12. Appendix 4 – AFRL Privacy Act for Covered Individuals

As of 12 January 2026