CALL for HSAPS dated 17 June 2026.pdf

FA2391-23-S-2403

HSAPS Call

Broad Agency Announcement: FA2391-23-S-2403 Pioneering Aerospace Capabilities, Engineering and Research (PACER)

CALL Name: High-Speed Aero-Propulsion Scythe (HSAPS)

17 JUNE 2026

OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Broad Agency Announcement Type: This is a Two-Step Call against the PACER BAA FA2391-23-S-2403. The First Step is a Call for White Papers only. Offerors should monitor SAM.gov for any additional notices or modifications to this Call announcement.

NAICS Code: The NAICS Code for this acquisition is 541715 (Research and Technology in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (with Aircraft, Aircraft Engine, and Engine Parts exception), and the small business size standard is 1,500 employees.

Federal Agency Name: Air Force Research Laboratory, Aerospace Systems Directorate, AFRL/RQ

Moratorium on White Papers: Beginning from the date of publication of this Call and continuing until three months after the due date for Proposals, no White Papers submitted during the PACER BAA Open Period covering the topic specified in this Call, "Topic RQH-25- 2- Multi-Mach Operations" will be reviewed.

DUE DATE AND TIME:

First Step: WHITE PAPER DUE DATE AND TIME: 28 July 2026, 3:00 P.M.

local time, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. Only White Papers are due at this time.

NOTE: White Paper receipt after the due date and time shall be governed by the provisions of FAR 52.215-1(c)(3). Early proposal submission is encouraged.

Second Step: PROPOSAL DUE DATE AND TIME: To be provided in the Request for Proposal (RFP) sent to offerors that submit White Papers considered to meet the needs of the Air Force.

Submission: Electronic submission is required. White Papers and subsequent proposals must be submitted using DoD SAFE to the Primary Contracting Point of Contacts (POCs): Joseph Cook Contracting Officer, AFRL/RQKPA, joseph.cook.39@us.af.mil; Brandon Tracer, Contract Specialist, AFRL/RQKPA, brandon.tracer.2@us.af.mil

Offerors should request a DoD SAFE Drop-Off link from the POCs named above by email at least 4 calendar days prior to White Paper due date.

The maximum email file size the Government can receive is 8 GB. Multiple submissions may be needed to facilitate delivery of the entire proposal. DOD SAFE Drop-Offs should be made with sufficient time for transmittal. Submissions can take up to 4 hours for delivery (recommend submission 24 hours prior to due date to ensure timely delivery).

Type of Contract/Instrument: The Air Force reserves the right to award the instrument best suited to the nature of research proposed. Accordingly, the Government may award any appropriate contract type under the FAR. The Air Force may also consider award of an appropriate technology transfer mechanism if applicable. It is anticipated that awards under this Call will likely be Multiple Award Fair Opportunity (MAFO) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contracts with Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), Cost Reimbursement, Cost Share (at the discretion of the offeror) and/or Firm Fixed Price (FFP) task orders. If a cost share type contract is proposed a detailed cost share plan should be provided. Cost reimbursement contracts require successful offerors to have an accounting system considered adequate for tracking costs applicable to the contract. The IDIQ minimum guarantee required by FAR 16.504(a)(1) will be the initial Task Order solicited with this CALL. We anticipate that the initial task order will be CPFF type task order or Cost Share.

Estimated Total Program Cost: Shared IDIQ ceiling of $490M.

Anticipated Number of Awards: The Air Force anticipates two or more Multiple Award IDIQ awards for this Call. 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 availability.

Brief Program Summary – HSAPS IDIQ: The objective of the HSAPS IDIQ is to conduct research and development on technologies relevant to high-speed propulsion systems that enable high-speed flight. This effort will focus on propulsion solutions such as: Scramjet, ramjet, combined cycle, advanced propulsion concepts, innovative propulsion concepts and propulsion control strategies. These propulsion solutions will enable expendable and/or reusable systems. Task Orders shall be used to conduct basic, applied, advanced, and demonstration/validation research and technology areas for high-speed propulsion.

Brief Program Summary – Initial Task Order (POETICS): The initial Task Order will be Performance and Operability Enhancement Through Intelligent Combustion Strategies (POETICS) Task. The objective of POETICS is to design, fabricate, and direct-connect test a regeneratively fuel-cooled, flight-like engine that meets defined thrust, specific impulse (Isp), and durability metrics across a broad simulated flight Mach number and altitude range. Task Order 1 will be to reach a Conceptual Design Review (CoDR) for a high-speed engine that meets the defined requirements with options to reach Critical Design Review (CDR), build, and test engine.

Communication Between Prospective Offerors and Government Representatives: All communication prior to and after the Proposal deadline shall be directed to the Contracting POCs listed below.

Contracting POCs:

Joseph Cook

Contracting Officer, AFRL/RQKPA E-mail address: joseph.cook.39@us.af.mil

Brandon Tracer Contract Specialist, AFRL/RQKPA E-mail address: brandon.tracer.2@us.af.mil mailto:peter.seiley@us.af.mil

FULL TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT

I. Program Description: Air Force Research Laboratory, AFRL/RQH, High-Speed Systems Division, is soliciting a n IDIQ and Task Order Proposals on the following research effort: High-Speed Aero-Propulsion Scythe (HSAPS)

1. Statement of Objectives: The following HSAPS requirements documents are Controlled Unclassified

Information (CUI) and as a result cannot be attached directly to this Call:

Attachment 1: HSAPS IDIQ Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) Attachment 2: HSAPS IDIQ Statement of Work (SOW) Attachment 3: POETICS Initial Task Order Statement of Objectives (SOO) Attachment 4: Reusable Aero Propulsion (ReAPr) Program Key Performance Parameters

(KPP)

This effort falls within the PACER BAA (FA2391-23-S-2403), Technical Objective Area RQH-25-2 Multi-Mach Operations.

Topic: RQH-25-2-Multi-Mach Operations: 2– Research and development in propulsion system cycles, components, and integration approaches and both low and high-speed aerodynamic optimization to enable long-range responsive systems performing across a broad range of flight speeds. Research efforts should address enabling processes such as materials and manufacturing, military utility analysis, digital engineering/digital material management, and test.

a. Requesting SOW, SOO & KPP attachments:

Offerors should submit requests for CUI documents from the Government Contracting POCs (identified above) within 2 weeks of the Call posting date. Please submit a copy of your approved DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, with the request. The Government will then send the requested CUI documents via DoD SAFE to the approved potential offeror(s). Offerors are encouraged to ensure the security parameters for the project are fully understood prior to submitting any documentation/proposals to the government.

2. Within Scope Modification: 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.

3. Deliverable Items:

a. Data Items: Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL):

HSAPS IDIQ CDRL List

CDRL Title Subtitle Frequency DID

A001 Scientific and Technical Reports Interim / Final Report End of Tech Effort DI-MISC-80711A/T

A002 Funds and Man-hour Expenditure Report Monthly DI-FNCL-80331A/T

A003 Contractor Spend and Expenditure Plan Monthly DI-MGMT-82355/T

A004 Status Report Technical and Cost Status Report Monthly DI-MGMT-80368A/T

A005 Presentation Material As Generated DI-ADMN-81373/T

A006 Computer Software Product As Generated DI-IPSC-81488/T

A007 Test Plan/Test Procedures As Required DI-NDTI-80566A

A008 System/Subsystem Design Description As Generated DI-IPSC-81432A/T

A009 Technical Data Package As Generated DI-SESS-80776B/T

A010 Developmental Design Drawings/Models and Associated Lists As Generated DI-SESS-81002E/T

A011 Interface Control Document (ICD) As Required DI-SESS-81248B/T

A012 System Engineering Management Plan

(SEMP)

System Engineering Mgmt Plan As Generated DI-MGMT-81024/T

A013 Test/Inspection Report Test Report As Required DI-NDTI-80809

A014 Test/Inspection Report Acceptance Test Report As Required DI-NDTI-80809

A015 Interface Requirements Specification As Generated DI-IPSC-81434A/T

A016 Contract Work Breakdown Structure As Generated DI-MGMT-81334D/T

A017 Operations Security (OPSEC) Plan As Generated DI-MGMT-80934/T

A018 Scientific and Technical Reports R&R Annual Update As Required DI-MISC-80711A/T

A019 Scientific and Technical Reports Security Plan As Generated DI-MISC-80711A/T

A020 Science & Technologies Protection Implementation Plan S&TPIP As Generated DI-SCRE-82484

A021 Software Test Description (STD) As Required DI-IPSC-81439A/T

A022 Software Test Plan (STP) As Required DI-IPSC-81438A/T

A023 Software Test Report (STR) As Required DI-IPSC-81440A/T

A024 Management Plan As Required DI-MGMT-80004A/T

A025 Report, Record of Meetings/Minutes As Required DI-ADMN-81505/T

A026 Scientific and Technical Reports: Critical Technologies Identification Assessment

Critical Technologies Identification Assessment As Required DI-MISC-80048

A027 Scientific and Technical Reports Detail Research Plan As Required DI-MISC-80711A/T

A028 Integrated Program Management Report (IPMR) As Required DI-MGMT-81861A/T

A029 Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) As Required DI-SESS-82380\

A030 DOD Standard Practice Technical Data Package As Required MIL-STD-31000B

A031 Data Accession List (DAL) As Required DI-MGMT-81453B/T A032 Open System Management Plan As Required DI-MGMT-82099A A033 System/Subsystem Specification (SSS) As Required DI-IPSC-81431A/T

A034 Systems Architecture Deliverable As Required DI-SESS-82304

A035 System Architecture Model (SAM) As Required DI-SESS-82400

A036 Contractor Data Management Plan As Required DI-MGMT-82228

A037 Data management Plan As Required DI-SESS-82448

Reference Attachment 1 of this HSAPS Call for the complete CDRL package for the IDIQ and Attachment 3 POETICS SOO for CDRLs applicable to Task Order 1.

b. Hardware: Engine design, engine reviews, modeling and simulation, test articles, tooling, geometry data, etc. Hardware will be managed with a contract line-item number.

c. Software: Closed loop active control software. Software will be managed with a contract line-item number.

d. Final Report: A Final report will be required to be deliverable at the end of the TO.

4. Period of Performance (PoP):

• Basic IDIQ PoP:

o Overall PoP: 120 months o Ordering Period: 120 months

• Initial TO PoP:

o Overall PoP: 40 months o Technical PoP: 37 months (Base: 7 months; Option 1: 26 months; Option 2: 20 months; Option

3: 17 months; Option 4: 24 months). Some options are expected to run concurrently.

o Reporting: 3 months (if an option is exercised, a draft report will be required for the base effort and then included with the final report from the option period)

*The no later than (NLT) award dates listed above are an estimate of when the Options may be exercised. However, AFRL reserved the right to exercise the Options at any time during the active Baseline technical period of performance.

5. Other Requirements:

a. Program Security Classification: CUI expected, up to Secret permitted (Ref.

Attachment 4 for the DD Form 254.

b. OPSEC: Operations Security (OPSEC) requirements, per the PACER BAA, FA2391-

23-S-2403, I. (page 9), will be incorporated into the Statements of Work.

c. Export Control: Information involved in this research effort is subject to Export Control (International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) 22 CFR 120-131, or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 15 CFR 710-774). A Certified DD Form 2345, Military Critical Technical Data Agreement, is required to be submitted with the Proposal (Second Step).

POETICS (Task Order 1) Overall PoP Technical PoP Final Reporting Anticipated No

Later Than (NLT) Award

Foundational Baseline 40 months 37 months 3 months

Phase 1 10 7 3 months (Delivered with CLIN 0001) At Contract Award

Phase 2 (Option 1) 29 26 3 months (Delivered with CLIN 0001)

NLT 10 Months After

Contract Award

Phase 3 (Option 2) 23 20 3 months (Delivered with CLIN 0001)

NLT 10 Months After

Contract Award

Phase 4 (Option 3) 20 17 3 months (Delivered with CLIN 0001)

NLT 20 Months After

Contract Award

Phase 1a (Option 4) 27 24 3 months (Delivered with CLIN 0001)

NLT 2 Months After Contract Award

d. Export-Controlled Items: As prescribed by DFARS 225.7901-4, DFARS 252.225- 7048, "Export-Controlled Items (JUN 2013)" shall be contained in ALL resulting contracts.

e. Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS): Not Applicable.

f. 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", selectable offerors are required to submit the following as part of their Proposal (Second Step):

1) A completed initial Standard Form (SF) 424, Research and Related Senior/Key

Person Profile (Expanded) Form, (PACER BAA Attachment 9) for all Senior/Key Personnel proposed in support of the AFRLI 61-113 Personnel Risk Assessment requirement.

2) 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 (PACER BAA Attachment 10). Submittal may also include a pre-existing plan 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.

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.

S&T Protection Initial Risk Review:

• Personnel Risk Assessment: The Government will review non-government research key/senior performers identified by the offeror on the initial SF 424 for workload conflicts and conflicts of interest.

• Initial Institution S&T Protection Program Review: The Government will review the offeror's security program information submitted in accordance with paragraph 2 of this section (above) to identify any potential risks and ensure appropriate measures are in place to protect S&T information.

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.

S&T Protection Annual Risk Review: In accordance with PACER BAA Attachment 8 (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; 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.

6. The provisions/clauses below shall be included, but not limited to the following:

• RFO 52.222-90 Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors (APR 2026) (DEVIATION APR 2026) (Full Text)

• R-DFARS 252.204-7008 Compliance with Safeguarding Covered Defense Information Controls (oct 2016) (Full Text)

• R-DFARS Clause 252.204-7012 Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting (May 2024) (Full Text)

• R-DFARS 252.240-7997, NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Requirements (Deviation 2026‑O0025) (Feb 2026)

• R-DFARS 252.204-7021, Contractor Compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Level Requirements (Nov 2025).

• R-DFARS 252.204-7025, Notice of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Level Requirements (Nov 2025). The CMMC level required by this solicitation is: CMMC Level 2 (Self)

• DFARS 252.215-7009 Proposal Adequacy Checklist (Mar 2023)

• R-DFARS 252.225-7013 Duty Free Entry (Aug 2025) (Full Text)

• DFARS 252.228-7001 Ground and Flight Risk (Mar 2023) (Full Text)

• DFARS 252.225-7967, Prohibition Regarding Russian Fossil Fuel Business Operations (Deviation 2024-O0006, Revision 1) (Mar 2024)

• H0023 Air Force Research Laboratory – Wright Research Site Security Requirements (JUN 2023) (Full Text)

7. Other Information:

a. Government Research Facilities GFP is anticipated for some Task Orders. The available GFP will be defined in detail at the Task Order level. The contractor is responsible for coordinating all GFP facilities with the facility manager for that given Task Order.

b. Base Support/Network Access: Base support not Applicable. If required, must be identified in Proposal. Network access - All classified communication and dissemination will occur via S-VISION. S-VISION terminals will be provided/deployed as GFE.

c. Data Rights:

1) Technical Data: Unlimited Rights

2) Non-Commercial Software (NCS): N/A

3) NCS Documentation: N/A

4) Commercial Computer Software Rights: N/A

Unlimited rights are desired and will be determined at the Task Order level. In accordance with DFARS 252.227-7013(c)(1), the government shall have unlimited rights for all form, fit, and function data. “Form, fit, and function data” means technical data that describe the required overall physical, functional, and performance characteristics (along with the qualification requirements, if applicable) of an item, component, or process to the extent necessary to permit identification of physically and functionally interchangeable items. Other than unlimited rights, must be identified in the Proposal (Second Step) in accordance with PACER BAA and as required by DFARS 252.227-7017, Identification and Assertion of Restrictions on the Government's Use, Release, or Disclosure of Technical Data or Computer Software. See PACER BAA 1.6.c.

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 noncommercial technical data and NCS developed or delivered under this contract are of significant concern to the Government. The Government will therefore evaluate any restrictions on the use of non-commercial 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.

II. Award Information

1. Anticipated Award Date: Anticipated contract award date is approximately April 2027.

2. Anticipated Value: AFRL anticipates that the cost for the POETICS Task Order should fall within a range of $12,000,000.00 - $18,400,000.00 including options. This is an estimate only and proposals are not restricted to this range.

III. Eligibility Information: See PACER BAA FA2391-23-S-2403, Section III.

IV. White Paper/Proposal Submission Information

Overview: This Call is a Two-Step Call. For a Two-Step Call, White Papers will be solicited, and subsequent RFPs may follow Peer and Scientific Reviews.

1. FIRST STEP - White Paper Instructions

a. 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.3.a. below. Based on this review, the Government will determine whether the White Paper has the potential to best meet the Air Force’s needs. Those offerors submitting White Papers assessed as meeting Air Force needs will be asked to submit a Technical and Business/Cost 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 FAR 31.205-18.

Electronic submission is required. White Papers must be submitted electronically through DoD SAFE in accordance with the submission instructions on page 1 of this Call. mailto:adrian.lucero.1@us.af.mil.

b. Page Limitation: The White Paper shall be limited to 15 pages. White Papers shall be prepared and submitted in MS 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 15. The page limitation mailto:adrian.lucero.1@us.af.mil.

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.

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

1) Section A: BAA Number, Title of Program, Topic Number, Name of Company, Business Size, Company’s Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) number, Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number, Contracting POC and 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).

2) Section B: Period of Performance and Task Objectives;

3) Section C: Technical Summary and Proposed Deliverables;

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

5) Section E: A Certified DD Form 2345, Military Critical Technical Data

Agreement. This does not count towards page count limitations.

d. 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 at both the IDIQ and Task Order level. 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.

e. Cost Portion: The cost portion of the White Paper shall include a ceiling ROM for the

IDIQ and a ROM cost estimate broken out into base + option periods for the Task Order.

No detailed price or cost support information should be included; only a time-phased bottom-line figure should be provided.

f. Other Information: If the offeror wishes to restrict its White Papers, they must be marked with the restrictive language stated in FAR 52.215-1(e).

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

2. SECOND STEP - Proposal Instructions

a. If the offeror’s white paper is determined to be of futher interest to the Government, then they will be contacted with an RFP Letter with specific instructions on how to submit a full proposal and those instructions will mirror what is in the PACER BAA.

3. White Paper/ Proposal Review Information

a. FIRST STEP - White Paper Peer or Scientific Review Criteria: Those offerors submitting White Papers as assessed as meeting Air Force needs will be asked to submit a Proposal (Second Step). Offerors not selected to proceed will be notified of the disposition of their White Paper. The Government will review White Papers to determine which of them have the potential to best meet the Air Force’s needs based on the following criteria, which are listed in descending order of importance:

1) Unique and innovative approach proposed to accomplish the technical objectives.

New and creative solutions and/or advances in knowledge, understanding, technology, and the state of the art.

2) The offeror’s understanding of the scope of the technical effort.

3) Soundness of the offeror’s technical approach.

4) Affordability (Proposed ROM Cost Estimate).

b. SECOND STEP - Proposal Peer or Scientific Review Criteria: Proposals will be reviewed through a Peer or Scientific Review process.

The following are the standard Proposal Peer or Scientific Review Criteria. The technical aspect, which is ranked as the first order of priority, shall be reviewed based on the following criteria that are of descending order of importance:

(1) Technical:

(a) Unique and innovative approach proposed to accomplish the technical objectives. New and creative solutions and/or advances in knowledge, understanding, technology, and the state of the art.

(b) The offeror’s understanding of the scope of the technical effort.

(c) Soundness of the offeror’s technical approach including whether the proposal identifies major technical risks, clearly defines feasible mitigation efforts, and demonstrates related experience and qualifications of technical personnel.

(d) The potential to transition the research and development deliverables to future Government needs. Any proposed restriction on technical data or computer software will be considered.

(2) COST/Price: The cost evaluation includes the realism of the proposed cost. Cost/Price is a substantial factor but ranked as the second order of priority. (If an offeror proposes the use of GFP other than any GFP identified in this BAA, and that proposed GFP provides the offeror an unfair competitive advantage, then FAR 45.202 requires rental equivalent be applied to the Cost Factor for evaluation purposes only).

c. SECOND STEP – Proposal Review and Selection Process

1) Categories: Based on the Peer or Scientific Review, Proposals will be categorized as Selectable, or Not Selectable (see definitions below). The selection of one or more sources for award will be based on the Peer or Scientific Review, as well as importance to agency programs and funding availability.

(a) Selectable: Proposals are recommended for acceptance if sufficient funding is available.

(b) Not Selectable: Even if sufficient funding existed, the proposal should not be funded.

Note: The Government reserves the right to award some, all, or none of the proposals. When the Government elects to award only a part of a proposal, the selected part may be categorized as Selectable, though the proposal as a whole may not merit such a categorization.

2) No other evaluation criteria will be used.

3) Prior to award of a potentially successful offer, the Contracting Officer will make a determination regarding price reasonableness.

4) As indicated in Section I.5.f. above, the Government will conduct a S&T Protection Initial Risk Review only for those Proposals categorized as Selectable and selected for funding and negotiations.

5) DD Form 254: The resultant contract may contain some classified information and then a DD Form 254 will be required (please see Attachment 5). Additional terms, conditions, and instructions applicable to the Second Step – Proposal will be sent with the RFP.

6) Section K: A completed Section K will be required to be completed with the

Proposal requested in the Second Step.

7) Model Contract: The BAA contains a model contract as an example only.

Applicable Clauses, terms, and conditions may vary per contractor and per proposal and will be addressed during potential negotiations.

4. Award Administration Information

1) Award Notices: Offerors will be notified whether their Proposal is recommended for award by e-mail. The notification is not to be construed to mean the award of a contract is assured, as availability of funds and if necessary, successful negotiations are prerequisites to any award.

V. Other Information

1. BAA terms, conditions, and instructions: All BAA terms, conditions, and instructions contained in BAA FA2391-23-S-2403 shall be considered applicable to this Call and Two Step - Proposals shall be in accordance with the BAA, unless deviations are authorized in this call. Any perceived conflicts between the BAA and Call should be addressed with the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer. The following requirements are incorporated into this Call, which will be included in the next BAA Update:

a. Gold Standard Science (GSS): IAW EO 14303; GSS is science conducted in a manner that is:

1) reproducible;

2) transparent;

3) communicative of error and uncertainty;

4) collaborative and interdisciplinary;

5) skeptical of its findings and assumptions;

6) structured for falsifiability of hypotheses;

7) subject to unbiased peer review;

8) accepting negative results as positive outcomes; and

9) without conflicts of interest.”

With regards to GSS, applications/proposals shall:

1) include clear benchmarks for measuring success and progress towards relevant goals and a commitment to achieving GSS;

2) identify areas of demonstrating success in implementing GSS; and

3) include a commitment to complying with administration policies, procedures, and guidance respecting GSS. By responding to this NOFO you explicitly agree to the following statement:

• Our institution understands the definition of Gold Standard Science as outlined above.

• Our institution and all personnel involved in the proposed project will adhere to all administration policies, procedures, and guidance respecting Gold Standard Science in the execution of this project, if funded.

b. Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking, IAW EO 14332, Sec. 6, the most recent DOD R&D

General Terms and Conditions are hereby incorporated by reference, specifically the termination articles.

https://www.onr.navy.mil/work-with-us/manage-your-award/manage-grant-award/grants-terms-conditions

c. Reference PACER BAA, Paragraph VI(5): the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Program (OFCCP) pre-Award clearance is no longer required. The PACER BAA will be updated to reflect these changes during the next annual update.

2. Availability of Funds: Notice to Offeror(s): Funds are not presently available for this effort. No award will be made under this solicitation until funds are available. The Government reserves the right to cancel this solicitation, either before or after the closing date. In the event the Government cancels this solicitation, the Government has no obligation to reimburse an offeror for any costs.

3. White Paper/Proposal Reminders: You may be ineligible for award if all requirements of this solicitation are not met.

a. White Papers are due no later than the due date and time specified in the Call.

b. If selected to provide a Proposal, Proposals are due no later than the due date and time specified in the

RFP.

c. White Paper and Proposal Page limits are strictly enforced.

d. White Papers and Proposals must be submitted in the format specified.

e. White Papers are due to the Contracting POCs identified in the Call.

f. Offerors other than small businesses must include a subcontracting plan.

g. Selectable Offerors must submit with their Proposals (Second Step) a completed Section K, Standard Form 424, and Security Program Questionnaire.

VI. Attachments

1. Contract Data Requirements List (CDRLs) 03 December 2025

2. Statement of Work (HSAPS IDIQ)(CUI) dated 24 February 2026

3. Statement of Objectives (POETICS, Task Order 1)(CUI) dated 06 April 2026

4. DD Form 254 (CUI)

5. Section H Clause- H0023- Wright Research Site Security Requirement

DD FORM 1423-1, FEB 2001

CONTRACT DATA REQUIREMENTS LIST

(1 Data Item)

PREVIOUS EDITION MAY BE USED.

Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188

The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 110 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to the Department of Defense, Executive Services and Communications Directorate (0704-0188). Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. Please do not return your form to the above organization. Send completed form to the Government Issuing Contracting Officer for the Contract/PR No. listed in Block E.

A. CONTRACT LINE ITEM NO. B. EXHIBIT C. CATEGORY:

TDP ________ TM _______ OTHER

D. SYSTEM/ITEM E. CONTRACT/PR NO. F. CONTRACTOR

1. DATA ITEM NO. 2. TITLE OF DATA ITEM 3. SUBTITLE

4. AUTHORITY (Data Acquisition Document No.) 5. CONTRACT REFERENCE 6. REQUIRING OFFICE

7. DD 250 REQ

8. APP CODE

9. DIST STATEMENT

REQUIRED

10. FREQUENCY

11. AS OF DATE

12. DATE OF FIRST SUBMISSION

13. DATE OF SUBSEQUENT

SUBMISSION

14. DISTRIBUTION

a. ADDRESSEE

b. COPIES

Draft Final

Reg Repro

15. TOTAL

16. REMARKS

17. PRICE GROUP

18. ESTIMATED

TOTAL PRICE

G. PREPARED BY H. DATE I. APPROVED BY J. DATE

Page of Pages

(1 Data Item)

A. CONTRACT LINE ITEM NO. B. EXHIBIT C. CATEGORY:

TDP ________ TM _______ OTHER

D. SYSTEM/ITEM E. CONTRACT/PR NO. F. CONTRACTOR

16. REMARKS (Continued)

DD FORM 1423-1, FEB 2001 Page of Pages

(1 Data Item)

PREVIOUS EDITION MAY BE USED.

Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188

The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 110 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to the Department of Defense, Executive Services and Communications Directorate (0704-0188). Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. Please do not return your form to the above organization. Send completed form to the Government Issuing Contracting Officer for the Contract/PR No. listed in Block E.

A. CONTRACT LINE ITEM NO. B. EXHIBIT C. CATEGORY:

TDP ________ TM _______ OTHER

D. SYSTEM/ITEM E. CONTRACT/PR NO. F. CONTRACTOR

1. DATA ITEM NO. 2. TITLE OF DATA ITEM 3. SUBTITLE

4. AUTHORITY (Data Acquisition Document No.) 5. CONTRACT REFERENCE 6. REQUIRING OFFICE

7. DD 250 REQ

8. APP CODE

9. DIST STATEMENT

REQUIRED

10. FREQUENCY

11. AS OF DATE

12. DATE OF FIRST SUBMISSION

13. DATE OF SUBSEQUENT

SUBMISSION

14. DISTRIBUTION

a. ADDRESSEE

b. COPIES

Draft Final

Reg Repro

15. TOTAL

16. REMARKS

17. PRICE GROUP

18. ESTIMATED

TOTAL PRICE

(1 Data Item)

PREVIOUS EDITION MAY BE USED.

Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188

The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 110 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to the Department of Defense, Executive Services and Communications Directorate (0704-0188). Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. Please do not return your form to the above organization. Send completed form to the Government Issuing Contracting Officer for the Contract/PR No. listed in Block E.

A. CONTRACT LINE ITEM NO. B. EXHIBIT C. CATEGORY:

TDP ________ TM _______ OTHER

D. SYSTEM/ITEM E. CONTRACT/PR NO. F. CONTRACTOR

1. DATA ITEM NO. 2. TITLE OF DATA ITEM 3. SUBTITLE

4. AUTHORITY (Data Acquisition Document No.) 5. CONTRACT REFERENCE 6. REQUIRING OFFICE

7. DD 250 REQ

8. APP CODE

9. DIST STATEMENT

REQUIRED

10. FREQUENCY

11. AS OF DATE

12. DATE OF FIRST SUBMISSION

13. DATE OF SUBSEQUENT

SUBMISSION

14. DISTRIBUTION

a. ADDRESSEE

b. COPIES

Draft Final

Reg Repro

15. TOTAL

16. REMARKS

17. PRICE GROUP

18. ESTIMATED

TOTAL PRICE

(1 Data Item)

PREVIOUS EDITION MAY BE USED.

Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188

The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 110 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to the Department of Defense, Executive Services and Communications Directorate (0704-0188). Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. Please do not return your form to the above organization. Send completed form to the Government Issuing Contracting Officer for the Contract/PR No. listed in Block E.

A. CONTRACT LINE ITEM NO. B. EXHIBIT C. CATEGORY:

TDP ________ TM _______ OTHER

D. SYSTEM/ITEM E. CONTRACT/PR NO. F. CONTRACTOR

1. DATA ITEM NO. 2. TITLE OF DATA ITEM 3. SUBTITLE

4. AUTHORITY (Data Acquisition Document No.) 5. CONTRACT REFERENCE 6. REQUIRING OFFICE

7. DD 250 REQ

8. APP CODE

9. DIST STATEMENT

REQUIRED

10. FREQUENCY

11. AS OF DATE

12. DATE OF FIRST SUBMISSION

13. DATE OF SUBSEQUENT

SUBMISSION

14. DISTRIBUTION

a. ADDRESSEE

b. COPIES

Draft Final

Reg Repro

15. TOTAL

16. REMARKS

17. PRICE GROUP

18. ESTIMATED

TOTAL PRICE

(1 Data Item)

PREVIOUS EDITION MAY BE USED.

Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188

The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 110 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to the Department of Defense, Executive Services and Communications Directorate (0704-0188). Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. Please do not return your form to the above organization. Send completed form to the Government Issuing Contracting Officer for the Contract/PR No. listed in Block E.

A. CONTRACT LINE ITEM NO. B. EXHIBIT C. CATEGORY:

TDP ________ TM _______ OTHER

D. SYSTEM/ITEM E. CONTRACT/PR NO. F. CONTRACTOR

1. DATA ITEM NO. 2. TITLE OF DATA ITEM 3. SUBTITLE

4. AUTHORITY (Data Acquisition Document No.) 5. CONTRACT REFERENCE 6. REQUIRING OFFICE

7. DD 250 REQ

8. APP CODE

9. DIST STATEMENT

REQUIRED

10. FREQUENCY

11. AS OF DATE

12. DATE OF FIRST SUBMISSION

13. DATE OF SUBSEQUENT

SUBMISSION

14. DISTRIBUTION

a. ADDRESSEE

b. COPIES

Draft Final

Reg Repro

15. TOTAL

16. REMARKS

17. PRICE GROUP

18. ESTIMATED

TOTAL PRICE

(1 Data Item)

PREVIOUS EDITION MAY BE USED.

Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188

The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 110 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to the Department of Defense, Executive Services and Communications Directorate (0704-0188). Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. Please do not return your form to the above organization. Send completed form to the Government Issuing Contracting Officer for the Contract/PR No. listed in Block E.

A. CONTRACT LINE ITEM NO. B. EXHIBIT C. CATEGORY:

TDP ________ TM _______ OTHER

D. SYSTEM/ITEM E. CONTRACT/PR NO. F. CONTRACTOR

1. DATA ITEM NO. 2. TITLE OF DATA ITEM 3. SUBTITLE

4. AUTHORITY (Data Acquisition Document No.) 5. CONTRACT REFERENCE 6. REQUIRING OFFICE

7. DD 250 REQ

8. APP CODE

9. DIST STATEMENT

REQUIRED

10. FREQUENCY

11. AS OF DATE

12. DATE OF FIRST SUBMISSION

13. DATE OF SUBSEQUENT

SUBMISSION

14. DISTRIBUTION

a. ADDRESSEE

b. COPIES

Draft Final

Reg Repro

15. TOTAL

16. REMARKS

17. PRICE GROUP

18. ESTIMATED

TOTAL PRICE

(1 Data Item)

PREVIOUS EDITION MAY BE USED.

Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188

The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 110 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to the Department of Defense, Executive Services and Communications Directorate (0704-0188). Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. Please do not return your form to the above organization. Send completed form to the Government Issuing Contracting Officer for the Contract/PR No. listed in Block E.

A. CONTRACT LINE ITEM NO. B. EXHIBIT C. CATEGORY:

TDP ________ TM _______ OTHER

D. SYSTEM/ITEM E. CONTRACT/PR NO. F. CONTRACTOR

1. DATA ITEM NO. 2. TITLE OF DATA ITEM 3. SUBTITLE

4. AUTHORITY (Data Acquisition Document No.) 5. CONTRACT REFERENCE 6. REQUIRING OFFICE

7. DD 250 REQ

8. APP CODE

9. DIST STATEMENT

REQUIRED

10. FREQUENCY

11. AS OF DATE

12. DATE OF FIRST SUBMISSION

13. DATE OF SUBSEQUENT

SUBMISSION

14. DISTRIBUTION

a. ADDRESSEE

b. COPIES

Draft Final

Reg Repro

15. TOTAL

16. REMARKS

17. PRICE GROUP

18. ESTIMATED

TOTAL PRICE

(1 Data Item)

PREVIOUS EDITION MAY BE USED.

Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188

The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 110 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to the Department of Defense, Executive Services and Communications Directorate (0704-0188). Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. Please do not return your form to the above organization. Send completed form to the Government Issuing Contracting Officer for the Contract/PR No. listed in Block E.

A. CONTRACT LINE ITEM NO. B. EXHIBIT C. CATEGORY:

TDP ________ TM _______ OTHER

D. SYSTEM/ITEM E. CONTRACT/PR NO. F. CONTRACTOR

1. DATA ITEM NO. 2. TITLE OF DATA ITEM 3. SUBTITLE

4. AUTHORITY (Data Acquisition Document No.) 5. CONTRACT REFERENCE 6. REQUIRING OFFICE

7. DD 250 REQ

8. APP CODE

9. DIST STATEMENT

REQUIRED

10. FREQUENCY

11. AS OF DATE

12. DATE OF FIRST SUBMISSION

13. DATE OF SUBSEQUENT

SUBMISSION

14. DISTRIBUTION

a. ADDRESSEE

b. COPIES

Draft Final

Reg Repro

15. TOTAL

16. REMARKS

17. PRICE GROUP

18. ESTIMATED

TOTAL PRICE

(1 Data Item)

PREVIOUS EDITION MAY BE USED.

Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188

The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 110 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to the Department of Defense, Executive Services and Communications Directorate (0704-0188). Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. Please do not return your form to the above organization. Send completed form to the Government Issuing Contracting Officer for the Contract/PR No. listed in Block E.

A. CONTRACT LINE ITEM NO. B. EXHIBIT C. CATEGORY:

TDP ________ TM _______ OTHER

D. SYSTEM/ITEM E. CONTRACT/PR NO. F. CONTRACTOR

1. DATA ITEM NO. 2. TITLE OF DATA ITEM 3. SUBTITLE

4. AUTHORITY (Data Acquisition Document No.) 5. CONTRACT REFERENCE 6. REQUIRING OFFICE

7. DD 250 REQ

8. APP CODE

9. DIST STATEMENT

REQUIRED

10. FREQUENCY

11. AS OF DATE

12. DATE OF FIRST SUBMISSION

13. DATE OF SUBSEQUENT

SUBMISSION

14. DISTRIBUTION

a. ADDRESSEE

b. COPIES

Draft Final

Reg Repro

15. TOTAL

16. REMARKS

17. PRICE GROUP

18. ESTIMATED

TOTAL PRICE

(1 Data Item)

PREVIOUS EDITION MAY BE USED.

Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188

The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 110 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to the Department of Defense, Executive Services and Communications Directorate (0704-0188). Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. Please do not return your form to the above organization. Send completed form to the Government Issuing Contracting Officer for the Contract/PR No. listed in Block E.

A. CONTRACT LINE ITEM NO. B. EXHIBIT C. CATEGORY:

TDP ________ TM _______ OTHER

D. SYSTEM/ITEM E. CONTRACT/PR NO. F. CONTRACTOR

1. DATA ITEM NO. 2. TITLE OF DATA ITEM 3. SUBTITLE

4. AUTHORITY (Data Acquisition Document No.) 5. CONTRACT REFERENCE 6. REQUIRING OFFICE

7. DD 250 REQ

8. APP CODE

9. DIST STATEMENT

REQUIRED

10. FREQUENCY

11. AS OF DATE

12. DATE OF FIRST SUBMISSION

13. DATE OF SUBSEQUENT

SUBMISSION

14. DISTRIBUTION

a. ADDRESSEE

b. COPIES

Draft Final

Reg Repro

15. TOTAL

16. REMARKS

17. PRICE GROUP

18. ESTIMATED

TOTAL PRICE

(1 Data Item)

PREVIOUS EDITION MAY BE USED.

Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188

The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 110 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to the Department of Defense, Executive Services and Communications Directorate (0704-0188). Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. Please do not return your form to the above organization. Send completed form to the Government Issuing Contracting Officer for the Contract/PR No. listed in Block E.

A. CONTRACT LINE ITEM NO. B. EXHIBIT C. CATEGORY:

TDP ________ TM _______ OTHER

D. SYSTEM/ITEM E. CONTRACT/PR NO. F.