FA8650-21-S-5001-BAA.pdf

2-Step Broad Agency Announcement

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.

Federal Agency Name: Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Manufacturing and Industrial Technologies Division

(AFRL/RXM)

Broad Agency Announcement Title: Manufacturing Research and Technology Development

Broad Agency Announcement Type: This is the Initial Announcement

Broad Agency Announcement Number: FA8650-21-S-5001

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s):

12.800 AIR FORCE DEFENSE RESEARCH SCIENCES PROGRAM

THIS WILL BE A TWO-STEP SOLICITATION:

First Step: WHITE PAPER DUE DATE: Any time before 60 months (5 years) after the date of this initial publication of the Open BAA.

Only white papers are due at this time.

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

Submission: White Papers must be submitted to the Contracting Point of Contact (POC): Ms. Alda McMullen, AFRL/RXKMT. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, White Papers shall be submitted via email to aldona.mcmullen@us.af.mil or via the DoD SAFE Site. If use of the DoD SAFE site is desired, prior to submission, offerors must email the above POC to ask for a drop-off request for the site (https://safe.apps.mil/). The maximum email file size the Government can receive is 20 MB.

Solicitation Request: Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Manufacturing and Industrial Technologies Division (AFRL/RXM), Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is soliciting ONLY white papers on the research effort described below.

FA8650-21-S-5001

As of 1 Dec 2020

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 or Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype, grant, cooperative agreement, or OT for Research.

The Air Force may also consider award of an appropriate technology transfer mechanism if applicable. It is anticipated that awards under this BAA will generally be Cost Plus Fixed Fee/Completion. Cost reimbursement contracts require successful offerors to have an accounting system considered adequate for tracking costs applicable to the contract.

Estimated Program Cost: Ceiling value of all awards made under this Open BAA is $500,000,000.00. It is anticipated that any individual award will not have a value less than $250,000.00 or exceed $25,000,000.00, however contract values may vary due to individual circumstances.

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 awards for all, some or none of the solicited effort based on the offeror’s ability to perform desired work and funding fluctuations.

Brief Program Summary: The current demand for new Air Force weapons systems is very fast-moving, hard to predict, and requirements change quickly. As the AF moves to meet these requirements, AF procurement offices want to produce their products quickly and at the lowest possible cost to achieve the highest possible quality. The mission of the Manufacturing and Industrial Technologies Division is to lead the Air Force in developing the required technologies to achieve these objectives now and in the future. We will achieve our mission by performing research and development in Advanced Manufacturing technologies, specifically:

inventing the factory of the future; building up the digital manufacturing enterprise;

and exploring additive manufacturing and other Advanced Manufacturing technologies.

Communication Between Prospective Offerors and Government Representatives: Dialogue between prospective offerors and Government representatives is encouraged until submission of a white paper. 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. After submission of a white paper, questions should be addressed to the Contracting POC only.

As of 1 Dec 2020

Address technical questions to the Technical POCs:

Primary: Mr. Scott Pearl, AFRL/RXM, 2977 Hobson Way, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433, 937-904-4588, scott.pearl@us.af.mil.

Alternate: Mr. Thomas Giovingo, AFRL/RXM, 2977 Hobson Way, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433, 937-904-4351, thomas.giovingo.1@us.af.mil.

Address contracting questions to the Contracting POCs:

Primary: Ms. Alda McMullen, AFRL/RXKMT, 2130 8th Street, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433, 937-713-9923, aldona.mcmullen@us.af.mil.

Alternate: Mr. Mark Wade, AFRL/RXKMT, 2130 8th Street, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433, 937-713-9868, mark.wade.1@us.af.mil.

As of 1 Dec 2020

Full Text Announcement

Program Description: Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Manufacturing and Industrial Technologies Division (AFRL/RXM) is soliciting white papers (and later technical and cost proposals, if requested) on the following research effort:

1. Statement of Objective/Description of Technical Area(s): Please see Statement of Objective (SOO) attached.

2. 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 award ceiling amount.

3. Deliverable Items:

a. Data Items: See attached DD Forms 1423-1, Contract Data

Requirements List (CDRL). Not all CDRLs will be required for each award made under this BAA, and additional CDRLs may be added based on the specific circumstances of individual proposals

b. Software: Software may be a deliverable for certain awards. See attached DD Forms 1423-1.

c. Hardware: Manufacturing demonstration articles, test articles/samples, and contractor acquired property may be a deliverable for certain awards.

4. Schedule:

a. Overall effort: Period of performance on each resulting award will vary.

This solicitation will be open for 60 months (5 years) from the date of initial publication of this Open BAA.

b. Data Items: Specified as individual CDRLs on individual awards.

c. Software: Non-commercial, Specified on individual awards.

d. Hardware: Specified on individual awards.

5. Other Requirements:

a. This announcement incorporates FAR and supplement provisions and clauses by reference. The full text of provisions and clauses can be found at Acquisition.gov.

b. Program Security Classification will vary with individual award, but shall not be beyond Secret, see attached DD254. If during the white paper or proposal stage, it is determined that the award must be classified Secret, Offerors must verify their Cognizant Security Office information is current

As of 1 Dec 2020 with Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) at www.dcsa.mil as soon as possible.

c. OPSEC: See attached SOO for OPSEC guidance.

d. Export Control: Information involved in this research effort will, in most cases, be subject to Export Control (International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) 22 CFR 120-131, or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 15 CFR 710-774). If effort may be subject to export control, then a Certified DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, will be required to be submitted with proposal.

e. Export-Controlled Items: As prescribed by DFARS 225.7901-4, DFARS 252.225-7048, “Export-Controlled Item (JUN 2013)” is contained in this solicitation. This clause shall be contained in ALL resulting awards.

f. Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) may apply to contract awards resulting from this BAA. If applicable, interim and final evaluations of contractor performance for contract awards will be prepared in accordance with AFFARS 5342.1503. 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). (If IDIQ, address CPARS will be conducted per task order.) 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.

6. Other Information:

a. Government Furnished Property (GFP) Availability: It is unlikely that GFP will be made available under any award resulting from this BAA, however, it is possible. If GFP is required, in accordance with FAR 45.201(b), the contractor is responsible for all costs related to making the property available for use, such as payment of all transportation, installation or rehabilitation costs.

b. Base Support/ Network Access is not anticipated to be made available under any resulting award.

c. Multiple awards subject to Fair Opportunity are not anticipated.

d. Data Rights Desired:

(1) Noncommercial Technical Data: Unlimited Rights

(2) Noncommercial Computer Software (NCS): Unlimited Rights

(3) NCS Documentation: Unlimited Rights

(4) Commercial Computer Software Rights: Customary Commercial License consistent with Federal statutes and regulations

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 award are 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 DFARS 252.227-7013(b)(1) and 252.227-7014(b)(1), the Government shall receive unlimited rights in all noncommercial technical data and computer software developed exclusively with Government funds.

In accordance with DFARS 252.227-7013(b)(2) and DFARS 252.227- 7014(b)(2), the Government shall receive Government Purpose Rights in all noncommercial technical data 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 award, and partially with costs charged directly to a government award. Offerors that propose delivery of noncommercial technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation subject to Government Purpose Rights 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 award will be incorporated, how the incorporation will benefit the program, and address whether those portions or processes are segregable.

Offerors that propose delivery of noncommercial 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 award 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 DFARS 252.227-7017, 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

As of 1 Dec 2020 the associated item, component, or process developed exclusively or partially at private expense to which it pertains. Nonconforming data rights assertion lists will not be accepted until submitted in accordance with DFARS 252.227-7017.

Terms used in this section are defined in the clauses at 252.227-7013, Rights in Technical Data-Noncommercial Items, and 252.227-7014, Rights in Noncommercial Computer Software and Noncommercial Computer Software Documentation.

THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE (COMMERCIAL AND NONCOMMERCIAL):

If any such software, noncommercial or commercial, is not reasonably identifiable at proposal submission, it must still be approved by the contracting officer prior to incorporation. This obligation to obtain pre-approval by the contracting officer, as described above, continues throughout contract administration.

Noncommercial Computer Software:

DFARS 252.227-7014(d) describes requirements for incorporation of third party noncommercial copyrighted computer software and computer software documentation and is incorporated as follows:

The Contractor shall not, without the written approval of the Contracting Officer, incorporate any copyrighted computer software or computer software documentation in the software or documentation to be delivered under this contract unless the Contractor is the copyright owner or has obtained for the Government the license rights necessary to perfect a license or licenses in the deliverable software or documentation of the appropriate scope set forth in DFARS 252.227- 7014(b), and prior to delivery of such—

(1) Computer software, has provided a statement of the license rights obtained in a form acceptable to the Contracting Officer;

or

(2) Computer software documentation, has affixed to the transmittal document a statement of the license rights obtained.

In addition, all noncommercial computer software will receive the appropriate level rights set forth in DFARS 252-7014(b), which could

As of 1 Dec 2020 include: Unlimited rights, GPR, Restricted Rights, or specifically negotiated license.

Commercial Computer Software:

For commercial computer software, the Government will neither accept nor execute a DD Form 250 for such software deliverables until the Contractor obtains from all third party software suppliers and/or vendors (Licensor) licenses for any commercial computer software to be delivered that are consistent with Federal Statutes, Federal Case Law, and Federal Regulations.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of terms and conditions which are inconsistent with Federal law and shall not be included in the commercial computer software license agreement between the Licensor and the Government:

1. The license shall not subject the Government to a contingent liability or a liability that is indefinite or indeterminate, including but not limited to: indemnification clauses, unilateral price increases, the right to attorney fees, automatic assessment of charges, or automatic renewal provisions. These provisions constitute obligations in advance or in excess of an appropriation and violate the Anti-Deficiency Act.

2. The license shall be governed by Federal Statutes, Federal Case Law, and Federal Regulations, and shall not be subject to the laws or jurisdiction of any municipality, state, or foreign country. The license shall not bind the Government to litigation in a particular forum or venue or require the Government to participate in arbitration.

3. The license shall not include non-substitution language that would preclude or limit the Government from using another vendor/reseller and/or product to fulfill Government requirements.

4. The Licensor shall not have the authority to unilaterally terminate the license. All remedies available shall be consistent with the Disputes and Termination Clauses in the underlying basic contract.

5. The Licensor shall not have the right to enter the premise or monitor Government networks for the purpose of auditing the use of the license.

6. The Licensor shall not have the authority to control or otherwise influence any litigation between a third party and the Government. The United States Department of Justice has the sole authority to represent the Government in all litigation matters.

As of 1 Dec 2020

7. The Licensor shall not use the fact that the Government is using the Licensor's products in any notification or advertisement to the public (e.g., no publicity rights permitted).

8. The license shall not require automatic updates or give Licensor the authority to unilaterally replace the software.

[IF APPLICABLE] Additionally, the Contractor may be required to obtain licenses that comply with the following terms and conditions, based on the Government’s needs:

1. [IF APPLICABLE] The license shall not disclaim all warranties through use of an “as is” provision.

2. [IF APPLICABLE] The license shall neither restrict the Government from using the product at various sites nor limit use of the product by various Government agencies or third parties performing work on behalf of the Air Force under the [PROGRAM NAME]. In performance of the [PROGRAM NAME], Government personnel as well as Government contractors may use the software, subject to any negotiated limits on number of users, as applicable.

3. [IF APPLICABLE] [The license shall not limit the Government’s use of the software at other Government and Government contractor sites.] [The license shall authorize the Government to use the software at the following sites: [list].

4. [IF APPLICABLE] The license shall not restrict the Government from copying or embedding elements of accessible code into other applications (e.g., nesting code, derivative works).

The Contractor may obtain agreement from the Licensor to insert the clause below in its respective software licenses intended to be transferred to the Government:

“In the event that any of the provisions of the [Software License] are determined to be inconsistent with Federal law or do not otherwise satisfy the Government's needs, the parties to the [Software License] hereby agree that such provisions shall be null and void as they pertain to the Government. Specifically, the following sections are hereby deleted from the [Software License] [and/or amended as indicated below]:

[Section X: deleted; Section Y: amended as follows […]”

If the Licensor will not agree to the terms and conditions cited herein and/or as contained in DFARS 227.72, the Contractor shall retain the

As of 1 Dec 2020 current license on behalf of and for the benefit of the US Government if permissible under its license and such use will not subject the Government to the terms of the license. If the software in question is required to be delivered to the Government, the Licensor must grant the Government a sublicense that allows the Government to use the software to meet its requirements.

The Contractor shall provide documentation to clearly correlate or map any commercial computer software to be delivered to:

a) Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINS);

b) Contract Deliverables (CDRLS);

c) Paragraphs in the statement of work (SOW); and

d) Portions of any functional block diagrams and/or system architecture diagrams, so that it can be readily determined where certain commercial computer software corresponding to certain software license agreement(s) are physically located on the system to be delivered under the contract.

II. Award Information

1. Anticipated Award Date: will vary for individual proposals, if they are requested based on the reviewed/evaluated white paper.

2. Anticipated funding for the program (not per award) FY21

$100,000,000.00; FY22 $100,000,000.00; FY23 $100,000,000.00; FY24

$100,000,000.00; FY25 $100,000,000.00. No individual award price shall be awarded for less than $250,000.00 nor more than $25,000,000.00, however contract values may vary due to individual circumstances. Efforts may be performed and funded over multiple fiscal years.

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

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Offeror: This is an unrestricted solicitation. Small businesses, nonprofit, and not-for-profit organizations are encouraged to propose.

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

As of 1 Dec 2020

3. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers: The following guidance is provided for Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) contemplating submitting a proposal, as either a prime or subcontractor. FAR 35.017-1(c)(4) prohibits an FFRDC from competing with any non-FFRDC concern in response to a Federal agency request for proposal for other than the operation of an FFRDC (with exceptions stated in DFARS 235.017-1(c)(4)). There is no regulation prohibiting an FFRDC from responding to a solicitation. However, the FFRDC’s sponsoring agency must first make a determination that the effort being proposed falls within the purpose, mission, general scope of effort, or special competency of the FFRDC, and that determination must be included in the FFRDC’s proposal. In addition, AFRL must make a determination that the work proposed would not place the FFRDC in direct competition with domestic private industry. Only after these determinations are made, would a determination be made concerning the FFRDC’s eligibility to receive an award.

4. Government Agencies: If a Government agency is interested in performing work, contact the Program Manager 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.

5. Other:

a. Foreign Participation: Foreign participation is not authorized at the prime contractor level. Foreign participation at the subcontractor level may be appropriate depending on the requirements of the award.

b. Foreign subcontractors should be aware that restrictions might apply which could preclude their participation in this acquisition.

c. 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. If ITAR is applicable, you must submit a copy of your approved DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, with your proposal.

d. There are no limits on the number of white papers and proposals (if requested) an offeror may submit.

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

IV. White Paper / Proposal and Submission Information

1. Overview: This Announcement 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 and proposals (if requested) and award some, all, or none of the proposals received without negotiation/discussion; however, the Government reserves the right to negotiate with those offeror(s) whose proposal is selected for funding.

ONLY WHITE PAPERS ARE BEING SOLICITED AT THIS TIME.

Offerors should be alert for any BAA amendments that may permit extensions to the white paper submission date or other requirements.

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%2 02020.pdf?ver=7AivkWvoUoptKgypgCuIvw%3d%3d

2. 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 Peer or Scientific Review criteria, set forth in Section V below. Based on this review, the Government will determine if the white paper has the potential to meet the Air Force’s needs. Offerors will be notified of the disposition of their white paper. It is anticipated that Government review of the white papers submitted will take 30 calendar days. Those offerors submitting white papers assessed as meeting Air Force needs and for which funding is available will be asked to submit a technical and cost proposal. Those offerors not requested to submit a technical and cost proposal will be notified. If the white paper was not selected due to a lack of funds, a request for proposal may be issued at a later date if funding becomes available. 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 award; however, it may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect cost as specified in FAR 31.205-18.

As of 1 Dec 2020

b. Format and Page Limitation: The White Paper is composed of three parts:

1) Cover page (page 1);

2) White Paper text (pages 2-5); and

3) Single presentation chart summarizing the White Paper (page 6).

1. The Cover Page shall not contain any technical information, but only basic information such as the date, proposer’s company name, point of contact, proposal title, period of performance, and ROM. BAA Number, Title of Program, business size, company’s commercial and Government entity (CAGE) number, Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, contracting POC and technical POC with appropriate telephone numbers, fax numbers, and email addresses for the POCs. If appropriate, also include classified level at which company is cleared, contactor 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. It shall adhere to the format, font and spacing limitations of the White Paper, with the exception that a larger size font may be used.

The cover page shall be numbered Page 1.

3. The White Paper text shall be prepared and submitted in Word format. Font shall be standard 11-point business font Arial.

Character spacing must be “normal,” not condensed in any manner.

Pages shall be 1-1/2 line-spaced (must use standard line spacing

1.5 lines function in Microsoft Word), double-sided (each side counts as one page), 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, and diagrams.

These exceptions shall not be used to circumvent formatting requirements and page count limitations by including lengthy narratives in such items. The White Paper text shall be no more than 4 pages long. 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 White Paper text shall be numbered Pages 2-5.

4. The 1-page chart summarizing the White Paper shall be provided in PowerPoint or Adobe Acrobat Format. Font shall be no smaller than standard 14-point font Arial. The page shall be one-sided with at least one-inch margins on both sides, top and bottom. Graphics to illustrate the White Paper concepts are encouraged on this presentation chart. Graphics do not have to adhere to the font size limitation, but should be legible. The presentation chart shall be numbered Page 6.

As of 1 Dec 2020

The Government will NOT consider pages in excess of these limitations.

(Note: pages in excess of these limitations will be removed, returned to the offeror, and unread by the tech reviewers). Offerors should submit the White Paper via email or via DoD SAFE Site (https://safe.apps.mil/) to the Contracting POC, identified in the Submission section of the Overview Information above. Email the Contracting POC to request a DOD SAFE drop-off request if desired.

c. 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, a proposed Statement of Work are not required at this point.

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

e. 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 FAR 52.215-1(e).

f. White Paper/Proposal Content Summary: You may be ineligible for award if all requirements of this solicitation are not met at the time of white paper submission.

3. Second Step (Proposal) Instructions:

Note: If you intend to submit a proposal for an assistance instrument, go to Attachment 8 which discusses how to find the assistance opportunity, prepare the cover page, and complete the certification. This section also provides the process for electronic submission of proposals for assistance instruments that may be submitted in addition to BAA Section IV Paragraph 3.a.(5).

a. General Instructions:

(1) The SECOND STEP consists of offerors submitting a technical and cost proposal generally within 45 calendar days of the proposal request from the Government. After receipt, proposals will be reviewed in accordance with the award criteria in Section V. below.

Proposals will be categorized and subsequently selected for negotiations.

(2) Offerors should apply the restrictive notice prescribed in FAR 52.215- 1(e) Instructions to Offerors—Competitive Acquisition. Offerors should consider proposal instructions contained in the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Guide for Industry, which can be accessed on line at:

https://www.afrl.af.mil/Portals/90/Documents/HQ/BAA%20Ind%20G uide%202020.pdf?ver=7AivkWvoUoptKgypgCuIvw%3d%3d.

This guide is specifically designed to assist the offeror in understanding the BAA proposal process.

(3) Technical/management and cost/business volumes should be submitted in separate volumes and must be valid for 180 days.

(4) Proposals must reference the announcement number FA8650-21-S-5001 and relevant research area(s).

(5) Offerors must include the cost file(s) spreadsheets, which must be in Microsoft Excel format and include the formulas for calculating cost element bases (i.e., G&A, O/H, etc.)

(6) Offerors are advised that only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to contractually bind or otherwise commit the Government.

(7) The cost of preparing proposals in response to this BAA is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting or any other award; however, it may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect cost as specified in FAR 31.205-18.

(8) No classified technical proposals or cost volumes are expected, unless otherwise specified during the White Paper phase. Offerors are encouraged to keep all elements of the proposal package unclassified. In the rare case where an offeror has a need to submit a classified appendix, please contact the technical POC for delivery instructions.

b. Technical/Management Proposal:

(1) Page Limitations: The following describes proposal page limitations:

a) The Technical/Management Proposal shall be limited to 25 pages.

Technical/Management proposals and Statements of Work must be provided in Microsoft Word. Signed pages may be submitted in Adobe.

b) Font shall be standard 11-point business font Arial.

c) Character spacing must be “normal,” not condensed in any manner.

d) Pages shall be 1-1/2 line-spaced (must use standard line spacing

1.5 lines function in Microsoft Word), double sided (each side counts as one page), 8.5 by 11 inches, with at least one-inch margins on both sides, top and bottom.

e) 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, and diagrams. These exceptions shall not be used to circumvent formatting requirements and page count limitations by including lengthy narratives in such items.

f) Pages shall be numbered starting with the cover page being Page 1, and the last page being no greater than Page 26. The cover

As of 1 Dec 2020 page shall not contain any technical information, but only basic information such as the date, proposer’s company name, point of contact, proposal title, and ROM. 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.

g) The proposal page limit does not include the offeror’s proposed Statement of Work (SOW); however, the same formatting rules apply to the SOW, which is limited to 10 pages.

h) Please Note: The Government will check the proposal and SOW for conformance to the stated requirements. Any pages in excess of the stated page limitation after the format check will not be considered for review purposes.

(2) The Technical/Management proposal(s) shall include a discussion of the nature and scope of the research and the technical approach.

Additional information on prior work in this area, descriptions of available equipment, use of base support (if desired), data and facilities and resumes of personnel who will be participating in this effort should also be included as attachments to the technical proposal. This volume shall include a SOW detailing the technical tasks proposed to be accomplished under the proposed effort and suitable for award incorporation. Do not include any proprietary information in the SOW. Refer to the BAA Guide for Industry referenced above to assist in SOW preparation. In addition to the contractor proposed SOW, a Government generated SOW Supplemental Requirements attachment containing additional contracting requirements will be included in any resulting awards.

The SOW attachment is included as Attachment 7 to this BAA.

(3) Any questions concerning the technical proposal or SOW preparation shall be referred to the Technical POC.

c. Cost/Business Proposal:

(1) Separate the proposal into a business section and cost section.

a) See Attachment 1 for the Model Contract. Note that the document awarded may include contract line items (CLINs)/clauses/articles in addition to those in the model, and/or some of the CLIN/clauses/articles in the model may be deleted, depending on the specific circumstances of the individual award. Any additions or deletions will be negotiated with the offeror prior to award.

b) The business section should contain all business aspects to the proposed award, such as type of award, any exceptions to terms and conditions of the announcement including the model contract, any information not technically related, etc. Provide rationale for exceptions.

As of 1 Dec 2020

c) Identify any technical data that will be delivered with less than unlimited rights.

d) Subcontracting Plans: For efforts to exceed $750,000, Subcontracting Plans shall be submitted in the cost/business proposal. Reference FAR 19.704 and DFARS 219.704 for subcontracting plan requirements. Small business concerns are exempt from this requirement. If an IDIQ contract arrangement is anticipated, the basis for the subcontracting plan should reflect the entire ceiling amount.

e) Limitations on Pass-Through Charges: As prescribed in FAR 15.408(n)(1) & 15.408(n)(2), provisions 52.215-22, “Limitations on Pass Through Charges- Identification of Subcontract Effort (Oct 2009),” apply.

f) Completed Certifications and Representations (Section K) are due with the proposal. Certifications and Representations (Section K) can be found at Attachment 2. Offerors may also be required to submit updated or supplemental Certifications and Representations based on the specifics of their proposal.

g) If an offeror proposes the use of Government Furnished Property (GFP), other than GFP identified in the BAA, the offer must specifically identify each piece of GFP in the Cost/Business Proposal in accordance with FAR 45.202. Include the following information in the proposal:

(i) A list describing all Government property that the offeror or its subcontractors propose to use on a rent-free basis. The list shall identify the accountable contract under which the property is held and the authorization for its use (from the contracting officer having cognizance of the property);

(ii) The dates during which the property will be used and, for any property that will be used concurrently in performing two or more awards, the amounts of the respective uses in sufficient detail to support prorating the rent;

(iii) The amount of rent that would otherwise be charged in accordance with FAR 52.245-9, Use and Charges; and

(iv) The voluntary consensus standard or industry leading practices and standards to be used in the management of Government property, or existing property management plans, methods, practices, or procedures for accounting for property.

(2) Cost Element Breakdown: Clear, concise, and accurate cost proposals reflect the offeror's financial plan for accomplishing the effort contained in the technical proposal. As a part of its cost proposal, the offeror shall submit the information outlined below, together with supporting breakdowns. All direct costs (labor, material, travel, computer, etc.) as well as labor and overhead rates should be provided by contractor fiscal year (CFY). Detailed cost

As of 1 Dec 2020 element breakdowns by Government Fiscal Year or calendar year are not required. The supporting schedules may include summary level estimating rationale used to generate the proposed costs. The cost element breakdown should include the following if applicable.

a) Direct Labor: Direct labor should be detailed by number of labor hours by category of labor.

b) Labor and Overhead Rates: Direct labor hours, with their applicable rates, must be broken out and the bases used clearly identified. The source of labor and overhead rates and all pricing factors should be identified. For instance, if a Forward Pricing Rate Agreement (FPRA) is in existence, that should be noted, along with the Administrative Contracting Officer’s (ACO's) name and telephone number. If the rates are based on current experience in your organization, provide the historical base used and clearly identify all escalation, by year, applied to derive the proposed rates. If computer usage is determined by a rate, identify the basis used and rationale used to derive the rate.

c) Material/Equipment: List all material/equipment items by type and kind with associated costs and advise if the costs are based on vendor quotes, data and/or engineering estimates; provide copies of vendor quotes and/or catalog pricing data.

d) Subcontractor Costs: Submit all subcontractor proposals and analyses with your cost proposal (See FAR 15.404-3(b)). If the subcontractor will not submit cost and pricing information to the offeror, this information must be submitted directly to the Government for analysis. On all subcontracts and interdivisional transfers, provide the method of selection used to determine the subcontractor and the proposed award type of each subcontract. An explanation shall be provided if the offeror proposes a different amount than that quoted by the subcontractor. The offeror’s proposal must:

(i) Identify principal items/services to be subcontracted.

(ii) Identify prospective subcontractors and the basis on which they were selected. If non-competitive, provide selected source justification.

(iii) Identify the type of contractual business arrangement contemplated for the subcontract and provide rationale

(iv) Identify the basis for the subcontract costs (e.g., firm quote or engineering estimate, etc.).

(v) Identify the cost or pricing data submitted by the subcontractor.

(vi) Provide an analysis of the proposed subcontract in accordance with FAR 15.404-3(b). Provide an analysis concerning the reasonableness, realism and completeness of each subcontractor’s proposal. If the analysis is based on

As of 1 Dec 2020 comparison with prior prices, identify the basis on which the prior prices were determined to be reasonable. The analysis should include, but not be limited to, an analysis of: materials, labor, travel, other direct costs and proposed profit or fee rates.

e) Special Tooling or Test Equipment: When special tooling, and/or test equipment is proposed, attach a brief description of items and indicate if they are solely for the performance of this particular contract or project and if they are or are not already available in the offeror's existing facilities. Indicate quantities, unit prices, whether items are to be purchased or fabricated, whether items are of a severable nature and the basis of the price. These items may be included under Direct Material in the summary format.

f) Consultants: When consultants are proposed to be used in the performance of the award, indicate the specific project or area in which such services are to be used. Identify each consultant, number of hours or days to be used and the consultant's rate per hour or day. State the basis of said rate and give your analysis of the acceptability of the consultant's rate.

g) Travel: Travel costs must be justified and related to the needs of the project. Identify the number of trips, the destination and purpose. Travel costs should be broken out by trip with number of travelers, airfare, per diem, lodging, etc.

h) Computer Use: Detail the amount and kind of computer usage, the cost, and how the costs were derived.

i) Facilities Capital Cost of Money: If Facilities Capital Cost of Money is proposed, a properly executed DD Form 1861 is required.

j) Project Funding Profile: Offerors should include a project funding profile by Government Fiscal Year (GFY) (1 Oct through 30 Sept) for budgetary purposes. This will enable the Government to easily identify program funding needs by GFY.

k) If an offeror takes exceptions to the requirements called out in the announcement (e.g., base support, Government-furnished property (GFP), CDRLs), the exceptions should be clearly stated in the cost proposal.

l) Forward Pricing Rate Agreements: Offerors who have forward pricing rate agreements (FPRA’s) and forward pricing rate recommendations (FPRR’s) should submit them with their proposal.

m) Cost/Business proposals have no page limitations.

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

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3. Funding Restrictions: Some efforts awarded under this Open BAA may have funding restrictions.

V. White Paper / Proposal Review Information

1. FIRST STEP – White Paper Peer or Scientific Review Criteria: The Government will review White Papers to determine if they have the potential to meet the Air Force’s needs based on the following criteria, which are of equal importance:

i. Is the technical approach consistent with the Advanced Manufacturing

Technologies and the AFRL Transformational Capabilities listed in the

BAA SOO?

ii. Is the white paper of interest to AFRL/RXM?

iii. Is appropriate funding available for this effort?

2. SECOND STEP – Proposal Peer or Scientific Review Criteria: Proposals will be reviewed against the criteria listed below. 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.

a. Technical:

i. 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.

ii. The offeror’s understanding of the scope of the technical effort.

iii. 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.

iv. Availability of qualified technical personnel to perform the proposed effort. Availability of facilities (from any appropriate source) to perform the proposed effort.

v. 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.

b. Cost/Price: The cost/price criterion includes the realism of the proposed cost. Cost/Price is a substantial factor, but ranked as the second order of priority.

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3. SECOND STEP / PROPOSAL - Review and Selection Process

a. Categories: Based on the Peer or Scientific Review, proposals will be categorized as Selectable or Not Selectable (see definitions below). The selection of a Peer or Scientific Review, as well as importance to agency programs and funding availability.

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

(2) Not Selectable: Even though funding exists, the proposal should not be funded as submitted based on technical review.

Note: The Government reserves the right to award some, all, or none of the proposal. 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.

b. No other criteria will be used.

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

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices: Offerors will be notified whether their proposal is recommended for award on or about 30 calendar days after receipt of complete proposal. The notification is not to be construed to mean that any contract or assistance award is assured, as availability of funds and successful negotiations are prerequisites to any award.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: See Section I.

Restrictions include: contract potentially security classification of Secret;

OPSEC; and Export Control.

3. Reporting: See attached DD Forms 1423-1 (CDRLs).

VII. Other Information

1. Acquisition of Commercial Items: Based upon market research, the Government is not using the policies contained in Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items, in this solicitation. However, interested offerors may identify to the Contracting Officer their interest and capability to satisfy the

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Government’s requirement with a commercial item within 15 days of this notice.

2. Support Contractors: Only Government employees will participate in Peer or Scientific Reviews. Offerors are advised that employees of commercial firms under award to the Government may be used to administratively process proposals, monitor award performance, or perform other administrative duties requiring access to other contractors' proprietary information. These support awards include nondisclosure agreements prohibiting their contractor employees from disclosing any information submitted by other contractors or using such information for any purpose other than that for which it was furnished.

3. Feedback Sessions:

a. Contracts: When requested, Feedback Sessions will be provided IAW

FAR 35.008(d), but that the procedures will be reasonably modified IAW FAR 15.502. The process will follow the time guidelines outlined in the award notice described in Paragraph VI.1.

that

b. Assistance Instruments: When requested, an informal feedback session will be provided. The process will follow the time guidelines outlined in the award notice described in Paragraph VI.1.

4. Item Unique Identification and Valuation. It is DoD policy that contractors shall be required to identify the Government’s unit acquisition cost for all deliverable end items for which Item Unique Identification applies.

Therefore, proposals must clearly break out the unit acquisition cost for any deliverable items. See DFARS 211.274-3, Policy for Valuation, for more information. (Per DoD, “fully burdened unit costs” to the Government would include all direct, indirect, G&A costs, and an appropriate portion of fee). For more information, see the following website:

http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/pdi/uid/index.html.

5. Pre-Award Clearance: Pursuant to FAR 22.805, a preaward clearance must be obtained from the U.S.