Broad Agency Announcement_15 Jul 2026.pdf

Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

Open Two-Step BAA and

BAA with Calls (Revised 30 May 2026)

Overview Information

NAICS Code: The NAICS Code for this acquisition is: 541715 (Research and Technology in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology), and the small business size standard is 1,000 employees. The following Small Business Administration (SBA) size standard exceptions may apply: Aircraft, Aircraft Engine and Engine parts is 1,500 employees; Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment is 1,250 employees; and Guided Missiles and Space Vehicles, Their Propulsion Units and Propulsion Parts is 1,300 employees.

Federal Agency Name: Air Force Research laboratory, Air Warfare Directorate

Board Agency Announcement Title: Pioneering Air Warfare Capabilities, Engineering and Research (PACER)

Broad Agency Announcement Type: This is the Initial Announcement

Broad Agency Announcement Number: FA2391-23-S-2403

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s): 12.800 AIR FORCE

DEFENSE RESEARCH SCIENCES PROGRAM

Summary of Changes

- 2026-07-15: captures change from RQ to RA, adds topics, updated language for assistance instruments, revise provision/clauses due to FAR overhaul.

- 2025-04-28: revised topics; implemented new numbering system for topics; reduced “moratorium” period from six to three months; revised Attachment 2, “Model Contract”, to implement Executive Orders and required clause updates; revised Attachment 7, “DD Form 254”.

- 2024-10-24: revised section I.5g., “Science and Technology (S&T) Protection”; revised Attachments 6 and 9, added Attachments 11 and 12.

- 2024-06-20: revised topics.

THIS IS A HYBRID SOLICITATION AGAINST WHICH WHITE PAPERS

MAY BE SUBMITTED AND/OR CALLS WILL BE RELEASED. The BAA will remain open for White Papers and Calls until 10 May 2043.

1. OPEN BAA (Two-Step, see Section IV for instructions):

White papers may be electronically submitted at any time during the open period (other than during the “moratorium”) to the PACER central inbox identified in the “Submission” Paragraph of the Overview Information. For each Call that is announced pursuant to this BAA, there will be a “moratorium” beginning when the Call is published and continuing until one months after the due date for proposals, during which no white papers submitted covering the topic specified in the Call will be accepted. White papers will be reviewed and those selected for further consideration will result in a Request for Proposal (RFP). Due dates and times will be specified in each RFP. There will be no other announcement issued requesting white papers. Offerors should monitor the System for Award Management (SAM) website at https://www.sam.gov in the event this announcement is amended.

First step: WHITE PAPER DUE DATE AND TIME: White papers will be considered if received prior to 1500 EDT on 10 May 2043. Only white papers are due at this time.

Second step: PROPOSAL DUE DATE AND TIME: To be provided in the RFPs sent to offerors that submit White Papers considered to meet the needs of the Air Force (see Section

IV.4.1).

2. CALLS (One-Step or Two-Step, See Section V for instructions):

Over the period of this BAA, Calls may be issued to request white papers or proposals for specific topic areas. It will be determined on a Call-by-Call basis whether or not the announcement is for white papers (two-step) or proposals (one-step). Each Call will contain specific requirements and pertinent information. White Papers/Proposals submitted in response to the Calls will be accepted as specified in the individual Calls and evaluated in accordance with the Proposal Review Information (Section V.4). Offerors should monitor the System for Award management (SAM) website at https://www.sam.gov in the event this announcement is amended or Calls are issued.

NOTE: To facilitate timely and efficient award actions in alignment with Department of the Air Force policy, the Government will prioritize the use of existing enterprise-level contracting vehicles for all awards. White papers selected for award will be executed through an appropriate, existing contract vehicle whenever the submitting organization is an existing holder.

In cases where suitable, existing vehicles are not available, the Government may pursue an alternative award mechanism, such as a new standalone contract or assistance instrument.

This approach ensures the Government leverages streamlined acquisition tools to the maximum extent possible while maintaining a fair opportunity for all eligible respondents under this announcement.

https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/

For ONE-STEP calls

First step: PROPOSAL DUE DATE AND TIME; to be provided in Calls.

For TWO-STEP calls

First step: WHITE PAPER DUE DATE AND TIME: to be provided in Calls.

Second step: PROPOSAL DUE DATE AND TIME: To be provided in the RFPs sent to offerors that submit White Papers considered to meet the needs of the Air Force (see Section V.4.1).

NOTE: White Paper / proposal receipt after the due date and time shall be governed by the provisions of RFO 52.215-1.

Submission: Electronic submission is required. White Papers must be electronically submitted to the PACER central inbox, AFRL.RQ.PACERBAA@us.af.mil. Please contact the PACER central inbox if there are any issues submitting an electronic copy. White Papers submitted directly to AFRL/RA technical and/or Contracting POCs will not be reviewed. For Calls, the Technical and Contracting POCs and instructions for electronic submission will be identified in each individual Call.

Type of Contract/Instrument: The Air Force reserves the right to award the instrument best suited to the nature of the research proposed. The Government will select the most appropriate instrument based on its assessment of the requirement and the primary purpose of the planned effort. Accordingly, the Government may award any appropriate contract type under the RFO or Other Transactions (OT) for Prototype/Research, grants or cooperative agreements. The Air Force may also consider award of an appropriate technology transfer mechanism if applicable. It is anticipated that awards under this BAA may be issued using cost-reimbursement contract types, including Cost Plus Fixed Fee, Cost Reimbursement, or Cost-Sharing arrangements. Cost-reimbursement awards require successful offerors to maintain an accounting system deemed adequate for tracking and reporting all costs applicable to the contract. When appropriate, other contract types such as Firm-Fixed Price may be utilized. The Government will identify the most appropriate instrument in the request for proposal or Call. Awards under this BAA may be completed by DODAAC FA2391 and FA8651.

Estimated Program Cost: $500M ceiling on any individual award resulting from a white paper.

$500M cumulative ceiling on all award(s) resulting from an individual Call.

Anticipated Number of Awards: The Air Force anticipates multiple awards for this announcement. However, the Air Force reserves the right to award zero, one, or more contracts for all, some or none of the solicited efforts based on the offeror’s ability to perform desired work and funding fluctuations.

Brief Program Summary: PACER BAA is a Two-Step Open BAA and BAA with Calls which will enable study efforts on novel concepts, as well as research and development efforts to mature specific technologies to appropriate technology readiness levels (TRL) depending on end use. Efforts under this BAA are intended to further AFRL/RA’s mission in pioneering transformative aerospace technologies for the warfighter’s decisive advantage. Specific award details are described below, but the Government anticipates multiple awards of varying duration mailto:AFRL.RQ.PACERBAA@us.af.mil and value. This BAA allows consideration of White Papers as well as Calls issued by the Government when specific requirements are identified.

Communication Between Prospective Offerors and Government Representatives:

Prospective offerors are encouraged to reach out to Government representatives with questions or clarifications prior to submitting a White Paper. However, please note that technical or contract discussions will not be arranged prior to submission. Instead, offerors should submit a White Paper if they have a topic that they believe matches a research topic. After White Paper submission, all exchanges with offerors after proposal submission shall go through the Contracting POC. Discussions with any of the points of contact shall not constitute a commitment by the Government to subsequently fund or award any proposed effort. Only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to commit the Government.

Address Technical and Contracting questions to: PACER central inbox, AFRL/RQ.PACERBAA@us.af.mil

Full Text Announcement

I. Program Description (applicable to both One Two-Step BAA and Calls; future Calls may be either One-Step or Two-Step Calls): Air Force Research Laboratory, Air Warfare Directorate, AFRL/RA, Wright-Patterson/Eglin Air Force Base is only soliciting white papers (and later technical and cost proposals) under the Open BAA for the following research areas at this time:

A. Statement of Objectives: The PACER BAA will enable study efforts on novel concepts, as well as research and development efforts to mature specific technologies to appropriate technology readiness levels (TRL) depending on end use. Efforts under this BAA are intended to further AFRL/RA’s mission in pioneering transformative aerospace technologies for the warfighter’s decisive advantage.

Research Area 1: Aerodynamics - Discovery, development, validation, and demonstration of integrated aerodynamic technologies that enable revolutionary capability for military air vehicles. This area seeks to discover and understand aerodynamic and fluid dynamic processes using foundations of theory, experiment, simulation, and analysis. This knowledge is then used to support the design, analysis and demonstration of new aerodynamic technologies and components, and their integration on military air vehicles.

Research Area 2: Airframe Structures - Discovery, development, validation, and demonstration of improvements in cost, life, performance, and time to market of tomorrow’s military aircraft structures. Research and develop technologies to enable affordable yet capable limited life structures for attritable aircraft/weapon system concepts, including new approaches to airworthiness certification. Develop innovative structural concepts, materials and manufacturing methods that can dramatically reduce airframe weight and/or manufacturing cost for all classes of air vehicles. Explore concepts for multifunctional structures (electrical, thermal, power, etc.) for all classes of air vehicle. Understand structural aspects of morphing and adaptive structures that can eliminate the use of conventional articulated surfaces and enable multi-state flight performance optimization. For all applications, develop the accompanying models, mailto:AFRL/RQ.PACERBAA@us.af.mil structural test, and analysis methods, particularly with regard to their application to digitally-based aircraft structural design, certification and health monitoring / failure prediction.

Research Area 3: Propulsion - Research, development, demonstration, and validation of technologies, approaches, or systems that will enhance the capability, performance, endurance, cost effectiveness manufacturability or reliability of propulsion systems for military applications.

This could include, but is not limited to, high payoff engine concepts/systems and components with novel architectures, materials, and integrated thermal management. Systems to be considered include but are not limited to turbines, ramjets, scramjets, rotating detonation engines, solid/liquid fueled rockets, and hybrid systems.

Research Area 4: Aerospace Fluids - Research, development, demonstration, and manufacturing that will enhance the capability, performance, endurance, or cost effectiveness of aerospace fluids. This could include but is not limited to fuel development for energy capacity/density, lubrication fluids for higher/lower temperature environments, and increased logistical supportability.

Research Area 5: Power Systems - Technologies for aerospace power generation, energy storage, power distribution and power management, protection, and control. This includes, but not limited to, affordable power generation, high impedance arc fault detection, wide temperature solid state batteries, EMI suppression techniques, and advanced power control to name a few.

Research Area 6: Thermal Systems - Analysis, development, maturation and demonstration of aerospace technology concepts, at the subsystem or system level. Focus on technologies to improve reliability and/or cost and/or performance of electrical to mechanical energy transfer components as well as subsystem/system improvements in thermal acquisition, transport and rejection. Emphasis includes, but is not limited to fundamental thermal sciences, two-phase material applications, heat exchanges, hypersonic thermal systems, adaptive and hybrid thermal cycle systems, and hi-power, low duty cycle thermal management.

Research Area 7: Mission Systems - The objective of this research area is to develop and demonstrate innovative, affordable, and highly-manufacturable kill-chain technologies to enable munitions and attritable uncrewed tactical airborne platforms to Find, Fix, Target, Track, Engage, and Assess (F2T2EA) targets.

Research Area 8: Navigation - Discovery, development, validation, and demonstration of navigation concepts, systems, and technologies including both relative and absolute positioning.

Of interest are position, navigation, and timing architectures terminal weapons guidance, as well as novel navigation modalities.

Research Area 9: Autonomy - Discovery, development, validation, and demonstration of integrated technologies that enable revolutionary capabilities for military air vehicles.

Technologies include, but are not limited to, cooperative control of unmanned aerial vehicles, autonomous air combat tactics, target pairing and operations, optimization under uncertainty, verification and validation of complex systems, weapons, high speed/hypersonic platforms, and aircraft flight control, thermal management, and fault tolerance.

Research Area 10: Ordnance Research - Discovery, development, validation, processing, manufacturing and demonstration of effective ordnance. This includes but is not limited to development of explosive formulations to increase effectiveness & performance, alternate ordnance effects, fuzing technologies and initiation systems, case materials/structure, system integration, high fidelity system modeling & simulation, target lethality modeling and advanced experimentation systems and diagnostics for model validation. Additional topic of interest is the development of advanced scientific methods to leverage data and artificial intelligence for ordnance research.

Research Area 11: Transdisciplinary Analysis and Design Optimization - Discovery, development, validation, and demonstration of methods and processes that integrate a wide range of disciplines at all levels of fidelity—including, but not limited to, aerodynamics, structures, thermal and power management, propulsion, controls, manufacturability, and cost—to optimize for system or system-of-systems military mission effectiveness. The inclusion of Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) methodologies is further desired to systematically identify, characterize, and propagate parametric, model, and numerical uncertainties across these integrated disciplines and design processes.

Research Area 12: Modeling – Discovery, development, validation, demonstration and conduct of multi-level modeling and simulation tools to rapidly evaluate the performance of advanced air superiority concepts, weapons, and aerodynamics in both system evaluation and complex combat scenarios.

Research Area 13: Development and Demonstration of Advanced Military Air Vehicle Capabilities - Analysis, development, maturation and demonstration of advanced technology concepts, at the subsystem or system level. Of interest are both technologies integrated onto existing Air Force weapon systems as capability enhancements and into new systems as new capabilities to address current or projected warfighting shortfalls. Technologies may be applicable to air vehicles of all classes and speed regimes accomplishing any military mission germane to current, emerging or envisioned Air Force missions.

B. Security: It is expected that during the development and demonstration of technologies supporting the AFRL high speed portfolio that information will be used or generated up to the level of Top Secret, Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI).

The contractor shall train personnel in, and follow, appropriate Operations Security (OPSEC) measures during the performance of these research activities.

C. OPSEC: Operations Security (OPSEC) must be an integral part of our daily activities.

As we maintain security on our future technologies that are vital to national interest, we must recognize and prepare for the threat poised against our technology. Department of Defense policies mandate a high degree of security throughout the acquisition process. However, heightened security awareness and threat-based countermeasures are particularly essential during the research and development phase when our technology is most vulnerable to espionage, sabotage, or exploitation. It is the obligation of each employee or person involved on the contract to be constantly aware of and strictly adhere to security requirements designed to protect sensitive unclassified and other information and resources produced by acquisition, research and development, and technological security efforts outlined in this BAA. The contractor shall ensure employees receive training and follow appropriate Operations Security (OPSEC) measures during the performance of the contract.

D. Safety: The contractor shall consider system safety requirements when developing these identified technologies/technical objectives. (Ref: Military Standard (Mil-Std 882E Department of Defense Standard Practice System Safety). The system safety process is to identify and document any system safety hazards introduced during all phases (e.g., planning, design, fabrication and testing) and recommend adequate risk mitigations to either eliminate the identified safety risk or minimize them to acceptable risk level. The design goal shall be to eliminate all hazards.

Any residual hazards and subsequent design risk shall be summarized and provide enough detail to support an informed program management decision regarding the design’s overall safety risk.

The contractor shall conduct an evaluation or assessment of these technologies and recommends appropriate system safety task(s) to be conducted with the appropriate technical objectives.

E. Within Scope Modifications: Potential offerors are advised that due to the inherent uncertainty of research and development efforts, awards resulting from this announcement may be modified during performance to make within scope changes, to include but not limited to, modifications which increase overall contract ceiling amount and modifications.

F. Deliverable Items: Specific deliverables, including applicable Contract Data Requirements List (CDRLs), will be identified in each Request for Proposal (RFP) or Call issued under this BAA. Potential deliverables include, but are not limited to, the data items listed in Attachment 5.

A001 – Scientific and Technical Reports (Final Report) – End of Tech Effort A002 – Funds and Man-hour Expenditure Report – Monthly

A003 – Contractor Spend and Expenditure Plan – Monthly A004 – contract Funds Status Report (CFSR) – Quarterly A005 – Status Report – Monthly A006 – Presentation Material – As Required A007 – Technical Information Report – SF 424 Annual Update – Annually A008 – Computer Software Product – As Generated A009 – Test Plan – As Required A010 – Material and Processing Digital Data Package – As Generated A011 – System/Subsystem Design Description – As Generated A012 – Technical Data Package – As Generated A013 – Technical Information Report (Security) – Annually/as Needed

G. Schedule:

1. Overall effort: It is anticipated that the period of performance for individual awards will vary between 12 and 36 months with an additional 3 months for final report submittal. However, period of performance will be addressed in each RFP submitted during the Open Period and in each Call.

2. Data Items: The contractor shall provide deliverables in compliance with the CDRLs, DD Form 1423-1, as specified in each RFP or Call.

3. Software: the contractor shall meet specific software delivery requirements as specified in each RFP or Call.

4. Hardware: The contractor shall meet specific hardware deliverable requirements as specified in each RFP or Call.

H. Other Requirements:

1. This announcement incorporates RFO and R-DFAR provisions and clauses by reference. The full text of provisions and clauses can be found at https://www.acquisition.gov.

2. Program Security Classification: Technical work will not exceed the TOP SECRET/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) level. If classified work is involved, offerors must possess a TOP SECRET facility and storage clearance, and proposals must explicitly address personnel and facility clearances. Offerors must also verify their Cognizant Security Office information is current with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) at www.dcsa.mil. A sample DD Form 254 is provided as Attachment 6.

3. OPSEC: See I.C. (above) for OPSEC guidance.

4. Export Control: Information involved in this research effort may be subject to Export Control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 22 CFR 120-130, or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 15 CFR 730-774). If the proposed effort involves export controlled technical data or activities, current and certified DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, must be submitted with proposal.

5. Export-Controlled Items: As prescribed by R-DFARS 225.7901-4, R-DFARS 252.225-7048, “Export-Controlled Item (JUN 2013)” shall be contained in ALL resulting contracts. The contractor must maintain:

a. An active DD Form 2345 (Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement), and

b. NIST 800-171 assessment posted in the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS).

6. Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS): To be determined (TBD) per individual Call/Award. In accordance with RFO 42.1102 and R-DFARS 242.1102-70 (and CPARS Guide, Section B, 2.0), past performance evaluations are required for R&D efforts funded with Budget Activity 6.4+ funds and having a value greater than $1M, https://www.acquisition.gov/ http://www.dcsa.mil/ where 6.4+ type effort is the preponderance. If CPARS is required, interim and final evaluations of contractor performance for contract awards will be prepared in accordance with DAF Part 42.

The final performance evaluation will be prepared at the time of completion of work. In addition to the final evaluation, interim evaluation(s) will be prepared annually (at a minimum). Awardees will be requested to provide a POC to receive notifications of the opportunity to provide feedback. The contractor will be permitted 14 days to review the document and to submit additional information or a rebutting statement. If agreement cannot be reached between the parties, the matter will be referred to an individual one level above the Contracting Officer, whose decision will be final. Copies of the assessments, contractor responses, and review comments, if any, will be retained as part of the contract file, and may be used to support future award decisions for other procurements.

7. Security Risk Review: Each proposed submission will be subject to a Security Risk Review prior to selection for award. The Security Risk Review is applied to federally funded research designed to help protect Department of the Air Force Science and Technology (S&T) by identifying possible vendors of undue foreign influence. AFRL will follow all policy and procedures outlined in AFRL Instruction AFRLI 61-113, S&T Protection for AFRL (See Attachment 12) and Department of the Air Force Instruction (DAFI) 63-101/.20-101, Integrated Lifecycle Management.

a. Security risk review for these subject proposals will be developed for all proposed Senior/Key personnel and “Covered Individuals”. These risk reviews will be based on information disclosed in a Research and Related senior and Key Person Profile and Security Questionnaire. In addition, any accompanying or referenced documents, publicly available information, and information contained in internal U.S. Government databases will be utilized in risk reviews. Nationality or citizenship is not a factor in the security risk reviews.

b. When considering all external engagements, AFRL incorporates a holistic decision-making process that encompasses technical and security factors. The security review method implemented by AFRL measures risk factors to identify the appropriate Risk Acceptance Level (RAL) within the organization. The objective analysis of the security risk factors is conducted to empower AFRL’s S&T leaders to make risk-informed decisions. The review process generally looks at five factors, or risk areas, but with authority for expanded review as noted in OSD R&E Memorandum dated 6 Jun 2023. The potential security risk factors are set forth below:

Potential security risk factors:

c. Actions Required by Applicants/Recipients at Proposal Submission

(1) In accordance with AFRLI 61-113, S&T Protection, Applicants/Recipients are required to submit the following documentation with their proposal to the Program Manager; email addresses will be annotated on the request for proposal (RFP) letter(s):

(a) RFO based contract proposals:

i. Research and Related Senior Key Person Profile (See Attachment 8), RFO based AND:

ii. Security Program Questionnaire (See Attachment 11), AND;

iii. Privacy Act Statement” consent form for each Covered Individual that also signed by the Applicants/Recipients as that Individual’s Sponsor. (See “Covered Individual” section below, and Attachment 10).

(b) Grant or Cooperative Agreement (CA) proposals:

i. Standard Form 424, “Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile (Expanded) (See Attachment 9, Non-RFO) AND;

ii. Security Program Questionnaire (See Attachment 11).

iii. “Privacy Act Statement” consent form for each Covered

Individual that is also signed by the Applicants/Recipients as that Individual’s Sponsor (See “Covered Individual” section below, and

(c) Contract or Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) proposals:

I. Research and Related Senior Key Person Profile Worksheet (See Attachment 9, Non-RFO) AND;

ii. Security Program Questionnaire (See Attachment 11) AND:

iii. “Privacy Act Statement” consent form for each Covered

Individual that is also signed by the Applicant/Recipient as that Individual’s Sponsor. (See “Covered Individual” section below and

(2) In the event a security risk is identified, and the Government has determined the security risk exceeds the acceptable threshold, the Applicant/Recipient will be notified and informed of the decline of award. The Government will only provide a general statement of reasoning due to Government OPSEC measures.

(3) By submission of the Research and the Related Senior Key Person Profile and Security Program Questionnaire, the Applicant/Recipient agrees to comply with the following:

(a)To certify that each covered individual who is listed on the application has been made aware: 1)of all relevant disclosure requirements, including the requirements of 42 U.S.C. § 6605; and 2) that false representations may be subject to prosecution and liability pursuant to, but not limited to, 18 U.S.C. § 287, 101, 1031, and 31 U.S.C. § 3729- 3733 and 3802. See national Science and Technology Council Guidance for Implementing National Security Presidential memorandum 33 (NSPM-

33) on National Security Strategy for United States Government- Supported Research and Development (January 2022).

(b) To establish and maintain an internal process or procedure to address foreign talent programs, conflicts of commitment, conflicts of interest, and research integrity.

(c) To exercise due diligence to identify Foreign Components or participation by Senior/Key Personnel in Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs and agree to share such information with the Government upon request.

(4) Actions Required by Covered Individuals

(a) Covered Individual. An individual who contributes to a substantive, meaningful way to the scientific development or execution of a research and development project proposed to be carried out with a research and development award from a federal research agency; and is designated as covered individual by the federal research agency concerned. See 42 U.S.C. § 6605, Definitions. (Note: For purposes of a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA solicitation, “covered individuals” are all Senior/Key Personnel).

(b) Federal law requires that all current and pending research support, as defined by 42.U.S.C. § 6605, must be disclosed at the time of proposal submission, for all covered individuals. The Government may require an updated disclosure during the performance of any research project selected for funding. The Government will require an updated disclosure whenever covered individuals are added to identify as performing under the funded project.

(c) Covered Individuals are also required to sign the “Privacy Act

Statement” and provide such signed statement to the Applicant/Recipient for submission with the proposal. (See Attachment 11).

(d) Any decision to accept a proposal for funding under this announcement will include full reliance on the individual’s statements.

Failure to report fully and completely all sources of project support and outside positions and affiliations may be considered a material statement within the meaning of the False Claims Act, 31. U.S.C. 3729, and constitute a violation of Federal law.

(5) Actions Required by Applicants/Recipients During Period of Performance:

(a) Applicant/Recipient will be required to re-submit the Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile as an annual requirement. In addition, whenever a new covered individual(s) is to be added or identified as performing under the funded project, a new Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile will be required prior to continued performance.

(b) If, at any time during performance of this award, the

Applicant/Recipient learns that its Senior/Key Research Personnel (including any sub awardee personnel who receive this designation) are or are believed to be participants in a Foreign Government Talent Program or have Foreign Components with a strategic competitor or country with a history of targeting U.S. technology for unauthorized transfer, the Applicant/Recipient will notify the Contracting/Grants/Agreements Officer within 5 business days of awareness.

(c) This disclosure must include specific information as to the personnel involved and the nature of the situation and relationship. The Government will review this information and conduct any necessary fact-finding or discussion with the Applicant/Recipient. The Government’s determination on disclosure may include acceptance, mitigation, or termination of the award.

(d) Failure of the Applicant/Recipient to reasonably exercise due diligence to discover or ensure that neither it nor any of its Senior/Key Research Personnel involved in the subject award are participating in a Foreign Government Talent Program or have a Foreign Component with a strategic competitor or country with a history of targeting U.S. technology for unauthorized transfer may result in the Government exercising remedies in accordance with federal law and regulation.

(e) The Applicant/Recipient will be required to flow down this provision to all sub awardees who have personnel designated a Senior/Key Research Personnel as a result of their involvement in the performance of the research.

I. Other Information:

a. Government Furnished Property (GFP) Availability: GFP is not expected to be made available under any resulting contract. It may be requested in the offeror’s White Paper and must clearly be identified in the Proposal. For Calls, any GFP should be clearly identified in the White Paper and/or Proposal.

b. Base Support/Network Access: Base support may be proposed.

(1) Available Base Facilities: Various test facilities at Wright Patterson AFB, Arnold Engineering Development Center, and Eglin AFB.

A list of base facilities is available upon request to the PACER central inbox.

c. Data Right Desired:

(1) Noncommercial Technical Data: To Be Determined.

(2) Noncommercial Computer Software (NCS): To Be Determined.

(3) NCS Documentation: To Be Determined.

(4) Commercial Computer Software Rights: To Be Determined.

The Air Force Research Laboratory is engaged in the discovery, development, and integration of warfighting technologies for our air, space, and cyberspace forces. As such, rights in non-commercial technical data and NCS developed or delivered under this contract is of significant concern to the Government. The Government will therefore, evaluate any restrictions on the use of noncommercial technical data, NCS, and NCS documentation which could result in transition difficulty or less-than full and open competition for subsequent development of this technology.

In accordance with R-DFARS 252.227-7103-3 and R-DFARS 252.227-103-5, the Government shall receive unlimited rights in all non-commercial technical data and computer software developed exclusively with government funds. The Government shall receive Government Purpose Rights (FPR) in all non-commercial technical and computer software developed with mixed funding. “Developed with mixed funding” means, “development was accomplished partially with costs charged to indirect cost pools and/or costs not allocated to a government contract, and partially with costs charged directly to a government contract.” Offerors that propose delivery of noncommercial technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation subject to GPR should fully explain how a portion of the data was developed at private expense. Specifically, offerors must explain what noncommercial technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation developed with costs charged to indirect cost pools and/or costs not allocated to a government contract will be incorporated, how the incorporation will benefit the program, and address whether those portions or processes are segregable. Offerors that propose delivery of non-commercial technical data with Limited Rights, NCS with Restricted Rights, or NCS documentation with Limited Rights will be considered. Proposals should fully explain what noncommercial technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation developed with costs charged to indirect cost pools and/or costs not allocated to a government contract will be incorporated and how the incorporation will benefit the program and whether those portions or processes are segregable.

Offerors shall include the data rights assertions as required by R-DFARS 252.227-7989, Identification and Assertion of Restrictions on the Government’s Use, Release, or Disclosure of Technical Data or Computer Software. The assertions list is included in Section K and due at time of proposals. Assertions must be completed with specificity. Each assertion must identify the technical data or computer software to be delivered, and the associated item, component, or process developed exclusively or partially at private expense to which it pertains.

Nonconforming data assertion lists will not be accepted until submitted in accordance with R-

DFARS 252.227-7989.

THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE (COMMERCIAL AND NONCOMMERCIAL):

The Contractor shall not, without the written approval of the Contracting Officer, incorporate any copyrighted technical data, including computer software documentation, or computer software in the data or software the Contractor must deliver under this contract unless the Contract is the copyright owner or has obtained license rights for the Government of the appropriate scope set forth in paragraph R-DFARS 252.227-7989(c) of this clause, and has affixed a statement of the license or licenses obtained on behalf of the Government and other persons to the data transmittal document.

Noncommercial Computer Software:

R-DFARS 252.227-7989, Rights in Technical Data, Computer Software, and Computer Software Documentation – Other Than Commercial Products and Commercial Services is incorporated.

II. Award Information (applicable to both Open Two-Step BAA and Calls)

A. Anticipated Award Date: this is a 20 (twenty) year BAA. White papers may be submitted at any time during this period (except during Moratorium, if applicable); the white papers may result in the Air Force requesting proposals which would result in awards at any time during this 20-year period. Over the 20-year period, Call announcements may be issued to the System for Award Management (SAM) to request proposals for specific research efforts. Awards are anticipated as a result of these Calls.

B. Anticipated Funding for the Program: Individual awards resulting from a white paper are not anticipated to exceed $500M per effort, and total awards under an individual Call are not anticipated to exceed $500M per Call; however, there is no pre-defined minimum or maximum. Anticipated funding includes future year funding that has not been appropriated as of the release of this BAA. No award will be made under this solicitation until funds are available by appropriate budgeting agencies. The Government reserves the right to cancel this solicitation at any time. The Government has no obligation to reimburse an offeror for any costs related to responses to this solicitation (i.e. white papers or proposals). Each Call will have funding profiles specific to that effort. However, similarly, all offerors should be aware that due to unanticipated budget fluctuations, funding in any or all areas may change with little or no notice.

III. Eligibility Information (applicable to both Open Two-Step BAA and Calls)

A. Eligible Offeror: This is an unrestricted solicitation. Small Businesses are encouraged to propose.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost Sharing is not required.

C. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs): FFRDCs contemplating submission of a proposal must comply with RFO 35.402. There is no regulation prohibiting FFRDC from responding to a solicitation. However, the FFRDC’s sponsoring agency must first determine that the proposed effort falls within the purpose and mission, general scope of work or special competencies of the FFRDC. This determination must be included in the FFRDC’s proposal. In addition, AFRL must determine that the proposed work would not place the FFRDC in direct competition with domestic private industry. Only after these determinations are made will AFRL assess the FFRDC’s eligibility to receive an award. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs):

FFRDCs contemplating submission of a proposal must comply with RFO 35.402. There is no regulation prohibiting FFRDC from responding to a solicitation. However, the FFRDC’s sponsoring agency must first determine that the proposed effort falls within the purpose and mission, general scope of work or special competencies of the FFRDC. This determination must be included in the FFRDC’s proposal. In addition, AFRL must determine that the proposed work would not place the FFRDC in direct competition with domestic private industry. Only after these determinations are made will AFRL assess the FFRDC’s eligibility to receive an award

D. Government Agencies: If a government agency is interested in performing work, contact the PACER central box identified in the BAA. If those discussions result in a mutual interest to pursue your agency’s participation, the effort will be pursued independent of this announcement.

E. Other:

1. Foreign Participation: Foreign Nationals (FNs) can be employed by a US Prime

Contractor (or Recipient) or Sub-contractor (or Sub-awardee); however, FNs will be limited to Public Domain information unless the recipient has obtained the proper License of Technical Assistance Agreement that authorizes disclosure of Controlled Military Information (CMI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) to foreign entities pursuant to the Department of State’s International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Department of Commerce’s Export Administration Regulations.

2. Export Control: This acquisition involves data that are subject to export control laws and regulations. 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, (1-800-352-3572) or the Joint Certification

Program Office (JCO) at JCP-Helpdesk@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.

3. Number of Proposals: There are no limits on the number of white papers/proposals an offeror may submit under this BAA. BAA Call may restrict number of white paper/proposals an offeror may submit.

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

5. The Government will review and rely on the offeror’s SAM.gov registration (including all representations and certifications) at multiple stages of the BAA process, including white paper submission, prior to Request for Proposal (RFP) issuance, or prior to award.

Offerors must maintain an active, accurate, and complete SAM.gov registration. Any inactive status or discrepancies at any stage may disqualify the offeror from further consideration or award. Attachment 3 provides informational provisions applicable to the BAA solicitation; final contracts will incorporate corresponding clauses as applicable.

6. Offerors performing work that involves Covered Defense Information (CDI) or CUI must comply with applicable DoD Cybersecurity maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements. If CDI or CUI will be part of the white paper response and/or final contract the Government must review the offeror’s CMMC level, assessment status. Failure to maintain the required CMMC level may result in removal from further consideration or termination of award.

REF: R-DFARs Part 240.

IV. OPEN TWO-STEP BAA SECTION (this is a Two-Step process)

A. Overview: The Open Period consists of a Two-Step Process described in detail below.

White Papers/Proposals submitted shall be in accordance with this announcement. There will be no other solicitation issued in regard to this requirement. The Government intends to review white papers/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 BAA amendments that may permit extensions to the white paper submission date.

For additional information, a copy of the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Guide for Industry is located at https://www.afrl.af.mil/Portals/90/Documents/HQ/BAA%20Ind%20Guide%202020.pdf?ver +7AivkWvoUoptKgypgCuIvw%3d%3d https://www.afrl.af.mil/Portals/90/Documents/HQ/BAA%20Ind%20Guide%202020.pdf?ver+7AivkWvoUoptKgypgCuIvw%3d%3d https://www.afrl.af.mil/Portals/90/Documents/HQ/BAA%20Ind%20Guide%202020.pdf?ver+7AivkWvoUoptKgypgCuIvw%3d%3d

B. White Paper Instructions (STEP ONE):

1. General: The FIRST STEP requests a white paper and a rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost. The white paper shall include a discussion of the nature and scope of the research and the offeror’s proposed technical approach. The Government will review the white papers in accordance with the FIRST STEP White Paper Review Criteria, set forth in Section IV.4.1 below. Based on this review, the Government will determine whether the white paper has the potential to best meet the Air Force’s needs. Offerors will be notified of the disposition of their white paper. An email response will be sent notifying offerors that their white paper has been received. If an offeror does not receive written communication from the Contracting Officer requesting a proposal within approximately 180 days, the government is not interested in pursuing the white paper. Please note: 180 days is a notional timeframe and could be longer based on the government white paper review cycle. Those offerors submitting white papers assessed as meeting Air Force needs will be asked to submit a technical proposal. An offeror submitting a proposal without first submitting a white paper will not be eligible for an award.

The cost of preparing white papers in response to this Solicitation is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting or any other contract; however, it may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect cost as specified in RFO 31.205-18.

Offerors should submit an electronic copy of the White Paper to the Email address identified in the “submission” Paragraph of the Overview Information. Please reach out to the PACER central inbox identified in the “Submission” Paragraph if there are any issues submitting an electronic copy. White Papers submitted directly to AFRL/RA Technical and/or Contracting POCs will not be reviewed.

For each Call that is announced pursuant to this BAA, there will be a “moratorium” beginning when the call is published and continuing until one month after the due date for proposals, during which no white papers submitted covering the topic specified in the call will be reviewed.

2. Page Limitation: The White Paper shall be limited to 5 pages, prepared and submitted in Word format. Font shall be standard 10-point business font Arial. Character spacing must be “normal,” not condensed in any manner. Pages shall be double-spaced (must use standard double-space function in Microsoft Word), 8.5 by 11 inches, with at least one-inch margins on both sides, top and bottom. All text, including text in tables and charts, must adhere to all font size and line spacing requirements listed herein. Font and line spacing requirements do not have to be followed for illustrations, flowcharts, drawings, diagrams, cover page, table of contents, and restrictive/proprietary markings (in header or footer). These exceptions shall not be used to circumvent formatting requirements and page count limitations by including lengthy narratives in such items. Pages shall be numbered starting with the cover page being Page 1, and the last page being no greater than Page 5. The page limitation covers all information including indices, photographs, foldouts (counted as 1 page for each 8.5 by 11 portion) tables, charts, appendices, attachments, resumes, etc. The Government will not consider pages in excess of these limitations.

3. Format: The white paper will be formatted as follows:

a. Section A: BAA Number, Title Program, Research Area Number, Name of Company

Business Size, Company’s Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) number, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number, Offeror Contracting POC and Offeror Technical POCs with appropriate telephone numbers, and email addresses for the POCs. For submissions that will result in classified work, add the following information: Classified level at which company is cleared, contractor address for forwarding classified material (name, address, zip code), cognizant security office (name, address, zip code), and offeror’s security officer’s name and telephone number).

b. Section B: Period of Performance and Task Objectives;

c. Section C: Technical Summary and Proposed Deliverables; and

d. Section D: Cost of Task (Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM))

4. Technical Portion: The technical portion of the white paper shall include a discussion of the nature and scope of the research and the offeror’s proposed technical approach/solution. It may also include any proposed deliverables. Resumes, descriptions of facilities and equipment, and a proposed Statement of Work are not required at this point.

5. Cost Portion: The cost portion of the white paper shall include a ROM cost estimate. No detailed price or cost support information should be included; only a time-phased bottom line figure should be provided.

6. Other Information: Multiple white papers within the purview of this announcement may be submitted by each offeror. If the offeror wishes to restrict its white papers, they must be marked with the restrictive language stated in RFO52.215-1 (e).

7. White Paper/Proposal Content Summary: You may be ineligible for award if all requirements of this solicitation are not met on the proposal due date.

C. Proposal Instructions (STEP TWO):

Note: Following the Government’s review of the white paer, the request for proposal will identify the contract or instrument type the Government has selected as most appropriate for the effort. (e.g., RFO-based contract, Grant, Cooperative Agreement or Other Transaction).

Instructions within the RFP will be tailored to that specific instrument. If contractor intends to submit a proposal for an assistance instrument, go to Attachment 1 which discusses how to prepare the cover page, and complete the certification. Attachment 2 provides AFRL Addendum and DoD Articles for assistance instruments.

a. General Instructions:

(1) The SECOND STEP consists of offerors…