FA2385-24-S-9760 E-Gon Solicitation.docx

NOTES:

Contents

Rapid Advanced Capability Transition (ReACT) Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA) Closed Call for Proposals

To access hyperlinks from this electronic solicitation – Hit CTRL and click on the link.

1.0 Overview Information

Technical Area 1: $3.25M (base) $11.75 (Opt 1) $1M (Opt 2) Technical Area 2: $3.25M (base) $8.75 (Opt 1) $1M (Opt 2) Technical Area 3: $3.25M (base) $4.75 (Opt 1) $1M (Opt 2) Technical Area 4: $3.25M (base) $4.25 (Opt 1) $0.5M (Opt 2) Technical Area 5: $3.25M (base) $3.25 (Opt 1) $0.5M (Opt 2)

Contracting Officer: Colleen McDonald, AFRL/RSKDC, colleen.mcdonald@us.af.mil

Address general MAA questions to: AFRL.PZLD.ReACTmaa@us.af.mil

2.0 Full Text Announcement

2.1 Program Description:

The Air Force Research Laboratory, Integrated Capabilities Directorate, Transformational Capabilities Office (AFRL/RST) is soliciting white papers (and later technical and cost proposals) on the following research effort:

Ephemeral Paragon (E-Gon) is an advanced software suite of tactical single-ship Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities for the warfighter. The combined software suite provides an enhanced understanding of the Electromagnetic Operating Environment (EMOE) with a focus on algorithm adaptation, EW system management, and data management of the EMOE. The software will be developed, accelerated, integrated, and tested with Big Iron, Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA), and Open Mission systems (OMS) compliant hardware.

The overall E-Gon effort consists of baseline tasks, consistent across five (5) Technical Areas, which are outlined in the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Statement of Objectives (SOO). Differentiation in the technical requirements and taskings of each Technical Area are outlined in classified appendices for each Technical Area (see paragraph 2.2 below). It is anticipated that a single award will be made under each Technical Area, with the potential for up to two (2) Technical Areas under a single award, if appropriate.

Each Technical Area has a requirement to mature existing government-owned algorithms (or in specific cases, develop new algorithms) to a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6. Each performer will develop software that meets the technical requirements of each Technical Area. To be delivered first, the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) will consist of each Technical Area meeting specific minimum-viable performance metrics plus the establishment of data input/output (I/O) standards between each of the Technical Areas. Stable releases of software will be iteratively evaluated utilizing the government-owned modeling and simulation (M&S) Advanced Research Concepts for Electronic Measures (ARCEM) toolset, Hardware in The Loop (HiTL), and chamber testing infrastructure, resulting in the delivery of an MVP. Following a successful MVP, AFRL/RST may elect to exercise an OPTION to deliver an objective product that improves on the technical performance characteristics of the E-Gon MVP system. A capstone test will adjudicate the performance capability of the final E-Gon system. E-Gon will be delivered so that, under a separate effort, a single integrator can accept, transition, and integrate the software suite, or components of the software suite, onto E-Gon’s tactical platform partnerships. A second OPTION may be exercised for an Exemplar Product if funding and schedule exists to achieve the Exemplar.

2.2 Statement of Objective/Description of Technical Areas:

Due to the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) nature of the Technical Requirements, vendors MUST have an active Unique Entity ID (UID) and approved DD2345, MILITARILY CRITICAL TECHNICAL DATA AGREEMENT, in order to receive any detailed technical information, including a full description of the CUI Technical Areas and CUI Technical Area Statement of Objectives (SOO) Addendums.

Requests to obtain the detailed technical information associated with this solicitation, including the full SOO, shall go through the Technical POC listed below. Please include a courtesy copy to the Contracting POC listed below.

If after review of the additional technical information, a potential offeror wishes to submit a White Paper response, they must also request a copy of the applicable classified appendix for the Technical Area(s) of interest by following the procedures outlined in Attachment 2, Classified Appendix Request Instructions.

All communication other than questions submitted in response to Attachment 2, and requesting a copy of the Classified Appendices shall go through the Contracting POC.

Address technical questions to the Technical POC: Paul Repasky, AFRL/RST, paul.repasky@us.af.mil.

Address contracting questions to the Contracting POC: Colleen McDonald, AFRL/RSKDC, colleen.mcdonald@us.af.mil.

2.3 Deliverable Items:

a. Data Items: See Attachment 3, DD-1423, Contract Data Requirements List (CDRLs). Please note: Attachment 3 is a representative list of anticipated CDRLs. Final required CDRLs will be dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, Contract Type selected.

b. Software: A suite of software and algorithms capable of executing functions outlined for each Technical Area, as well as Digital Engineering Model(s).

c. Hardware: None anticipated.

d. Other: None anticipated.

2.4 Schedule:

a. Overall Period of Performance: Base period: 15 months, Option 1: 24 months (consecutive to Base Period), Option 2: 6 months (concurrent with end of Option 1), Reporting Period: 3 months.

b. Data Item Delivery: See Attachment 3

c. Software Delivery: Models delivered as required; MVP: MAR 2026; Objective/Final: MAR 2028 (OPTIONS)

2.5 Other Requirements:

a. Program Security Classification: Top Secret/SCI. See Attachment 4, Solicitation DD254. Offerors must verify their Cognizant Security Office information is current with Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) at www.dcsa.mil.

b. Export Control: Information involved in this research effort may be subject to Export Control (International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) 22 CFR 120-130, or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 15 CFR 710-774). A Certified DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, will be required to be submitted with proposal. Only contractors who are registered and certified with the Defense Logistics Agency and have a legitimate business purpose may participate in this solicitation. Contact the U.S./Canada Joint Certification Program Office, Defense Logistics Agency, Logistics Information Services J34, HDI Federal Center, 74 Washington Avenue N., Battle Creek, Michigan 49037-3084, (1-877-352-2255) or the Joint Certification Program Office (JCO) at JCP-ADMIN@DLA.MIL for further information on the certification process. You must submit a copy of your approved DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, with your proposal, if required by the solicitation.

c. Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS): May apply to FAR-based awards resulting from this Solicitation. See ReACT MAA Industry Guide, Chapter 6 for additional details.

2.6 Science and Technology (S&T) Protection:

In accordance with Air Force Research Laboratory Instruction (AFRLI) 61-113, “Science and Technology (S&T) Protection for the Air Force Research Laboratory”, offerors are required to submit the following as part of their proposal:

2.6.1 SF 424:

A completed initial Standard Form (SF) 424, Research and Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Form, (Attachment 5) for all Senior/Key Personnel proposed in support of the AFRLI 61-113

2.6.2 Personnel Risk Assessment Requirement:

Documentation of a Security Program Plan in support of the AFRLI 61-113 Initial Institution S&T Protection Program Review requirement. This must include, at a minimum, a completed Security Program Questionnaire (Attachment 6).

2.6.3 Pre-Existing Plan:

Submittal may also include a pre-existing plan that that the offeror uses as a matter of course or plan developed specifically for this acquisition. The purpose of requesting the plan is to assess the offeror’s capacity for protection of the Government’s S&T. Failure to demonstrate a plan adequate to meet the needs of the requirements, as determined by the Government in its sole discretion, may be grounds for considering the proposal unawardable.

2.6.4 Government Procedures:

The Government will review the submitted S&T protection documentation only for those proposals categorized as Selectable and selected for funding and negotiations.

The Government may require the offeror to submit additional information and/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 and does not provide adequate protection of S&T information, the Government may reject the proposal and withdraw it from consideration for award.

2.6.5 S&T Protection Annual Risk Review:

In accordance with Attachment 7 (SOW Supplemental Requirements), the Contractor shall provide an SF 424 with the following information: 1) an initial report of all Senior/Key Personnel at the time of award; 2) an annual report of all Senior/Key Personnel providing support; and 3) a report for any new Senior/Key Personnel who join the contract, agreement, grant, or OT. Any updated SF 424s for new Senior/Key Personnel supporting the award require coordination from the Government prior to the contractor employee receiving access to S&T information. The purpose of this report is oversight and should not be construed as relieving the contractor/recipient of any S&T Protection requirements within the contract, grant, agreement, or OT.

2.7 Other Information:

2.7.1 Government Furnished Property (GFP) / Government Furnished Information (GFI) Availability:

GFP/GFI may be made available for use during performance of this effort. Some GFI will be provided to potential offerors to aid in technical approach development. This GFI is intended to inform offerors on work that has already been accomplished in the relevant technical areas, and should NOT be construed as an attempt to dictate a specific technical approach.

To request access to the CUI GFP/GFI List, offerors must submit a request via email to the technical POC listed in paragraph 2.2. For CLASSIFIED GFI, follow the procedures outlined in Attachment 2, Classified Appendix Request Instructions. The GFP/GFI list will distinguish between what GFP/GFI is available for use during performance and what is intended to aid in proposal preparation.

In accordance with FAR 45.201(b), the contractor is responsible for all costs related to making the property available for use, such as payment of all transportation, installation or rehabilitation costs.

2.7.2 Base Support/ Network Access:

Not Anticipated.

2.7.3 Multiple awards subject to Fair Opportunity:

Not anticipated.

2.7.4 Data Rights Desired:

See ReACT MAA Industry Guide, Chapter 3 for additional details. Potential Offerors are advised that Attachment 8, Data Rights Assertion Table will be required to be returned with a full proposal if one is requested. This attachment is provided for informational purposes.

3.0 Award Information

3.1 Anticipated funding:

For the program (not per contract): 3600 Budget Activity 6.3

This funding profile is an estimate only and not a contractual obligation for funding. All funding is subject to change due to Government discretion and availability. Potential offerors should be aware that due to unanticipated budget fluctuations funding in any or all areas may change with little or no notice.

4.0 Cost Sharing or Matching:

Cost Sharing is not required.

4.1 Other:

4.1.1 Foreign Participation:

Foreign participation is not authorized at the prime contractor level.

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. White papers must identify the applicable technical area, and in order to receive consideration for one, some or all of the technical areas, white papers unique to that technical area must be submitted separately.

5.0 White Paper / Proposal and Submission Information

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 ReACT MAA, the ReACT MAA Industry Guide, and this Solicitation. There will be no other solicitation issued in regard to this requirement. The Government intends to review white papers and then proposals and award some, all, or none of the proposals received without negotiation/discussion; however, the Government reserves the right to negotiate with those offeror(s) whose proposal is selected for funding.

ONLY WHITE PAPERS ARE BEING SOLICITED AT THIS TIME.

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

5.2 First Step (White Paper) Instructions:

See ReACT MAA Industry Guide Chapter 4.

5.2.1 DEVIATION from ReACT MAA Industry Guide, Chapter 4, Paragraph 5(b)(1):

The White Paper shall be limited to 5 pages, prepared and submitted in Word format. Of the 5 pages allowed, up to 3 pages may be segregated into a classified addendum. If the offeror chooses not to submit a classified addendum, they may use the additional 3 pages at the unclassified level. The total White Paper submission, including any classified addendum shall not exceed 5 pages. NOTE: Any information contained in the White Paper that relates to information derived from any Classified Appendix received must remain classified and should be included in the classified addendum.

5.2.2 White Paper Delivery Instructions

If the offeror chooses to submit a classified addendum, the submission shall be parceled out through classified channels. Please refer to Attachment 2, Classified Appendix Request Instructions for delivery information specific to the classified addendum. Unclassified portion(s) of the White Paper shall be submitted via email to the Contracting POC listed in paragraph 2.2 above and should clearly identify if a classified addendum was submitted under separate cover. BOTH THE CLASSIFIED AND UNCLASSIFIED PORTIONS OF THE WHITE PAPER MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE DATE AND TIME IDENTIFIED IN THE TABLE IN SECTION 1.0 ABOVE AND BY THE APPLICABLE POC(S) IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED.

5.3 Second Step (Proposal) Instructions:

See ReACT MAA Industry Guide Chapter 4. Any deviations from the ReACT 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.

6.0 White Paper / Proposal Review Information

See ReACT 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 on or about 30 August 2024. The notification is not to be construed to mean that any contract or agreement is assured, as availability of funds and successful negotiations are prerequisites to any award.

8.0 Other Information

8.1 Acquisition of Commercial Items:

Based upon market research, the Government is not using the policies contained in Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items, in this solicitation. However, interested offerors may identify to the Contracting Officer their interest and capability to satisfy the Government’s requirement with a commercial item within 15 days of this notice.

8.2 Representative List of Clauses

Attachment 9, Representative List of Provisions and Clauses is provided for informational purposes. Individual Representations and Certifications may be requested as part of an RFP issued to those offerors who submitted White Papers determined to be of further interest to AFRL. The FAR(S) clauses referenced in the attachment may not apply to awards made pursuant to Non-FAR authorities, however those efforts may utilize the attachment as a starting point for negotiation of articles.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Ephemeral Paragon (E-Gon) Statement of Objectives (SOO)

2. Classified Appendix Request Instructions

3. DD-1423

4. Solicitation DD254

5. Standard Form (SF) 424, Research and Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Form

6. Security Program Questionnaire

7. Statement of Work (SOW) Supplemental Requirements

8. Data Rights Assertion Table

9. Representative List of Provisions and Clauses

As of 1 Nov 2022