FA8650-23-S-5720_BAA.docx

Closed 2-Step Broad Agency Announcement The 2-Step Process reduces acquisition resources for both the Government and industry. It may be considered when a large number of proposals are anticipated or to determine if further Government interest is warranted. If further interest is not warranted, industry saves unnecessary bid and proposal costs and the Government saves review time.

Overview Information NAICS Code: 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, Manufacturing Technology Directorate Broad Agency Announcement Title: Manufacturing Assessment, Analysis, Demonstrations and Studies (MAADS) Broad Agency Announcement Type: This is the Initial Announcement for a Closed 2-Step Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Broad Agency Announcement Number: FA8650-23-S-5720 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s): 12.800 AIR FORCE DEFENSE RESEARCH SCIENCES PROGRAM

THIS IS A CLOSED TWO-STEP SOLICITATION:

First Step: White paper due date and time: 18 January 2023, 17:00, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH local time. Only white papers are due at this time. White Papers must be submitted electronically to the Contracting Point of Contact (POC).

Second Step: Proposal due date and time: 45 days after contractor receipt of a Request for Proposal. A specific due date will be provided in the Request for Proposal sent to offerors that submit White Papers considered to meet the needs of the Air Force. Proposals must be submitted electronically to the Contracting POC.

NOTE: White Paper/proposal receipt after the due date and time shall be governed by the provisions of FAR 52.215-1(c)(3). Early white paper submission is encouraged. Offerors are encouraged to provide written intent to submit a white paper to the contracting POC at least 2 days before the due date.

Submission: White Papers and proposals must be submitted electronically to the Contracting POC: Robert Keith Tungate, AFRL/RXKMM, at robert.tungate.2@us.af.mil. In the event that file size restricts submission via email, offerors must submit an email request for a DoD SAFE link from the contracting POC by the due date of the White Paper (Step 1) or Proposal (Step 2). After a link is provided, offerors must submit the associated documentation within 24 hours. Any submission after this 24 hour period will be considered late, and will be governed by FAR 52.215-1(c)(3).

Solicitation Request: Air Force Research Laboratory, AFRL/RXM, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is soliciting white papers on the research effort described below.

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 Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ), with Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Task Orders (TO). Cost reimbursement contracts require successful offerors to have an accounting system considered adequate for tracking costs applicable to the contract.

Estimated Program Cost: $40,000,000 Anticipated Number of Awards: The Air Force anticipates awarding a single award for this announcement. However, the Air Force reserves the right to award zero, one, or more contracts for all, some or none of the solicited effort based on the offeror’s ability to perform desired work and funding fluctuations.

Brief Program Summary: Perform scientific studies, research, and development directed toward increasing knowledge and advancing the state-of-the-art of manufacturing technologies that can bridge the gap between military manufacturing requirements and industrial capabilities.

Communication Between Prospective Offerors and Government Representatives: Dialogue between prospective offerors and Government representatives is encouraged until submission of proposals. 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.

Any and all communication with a government representative regarding the BAA, or contractor response to the BAA, shall include the Contracting Officer, regardless of the addressed recipient. Specific communication protocols for Step 2 will be provided at that time by the Contracting Officer.

Address technical questions to the Technical POC:

Address contracting questions to the Contracting POC:

Full Text Announcement I. Program Description: Air Force Research Laboratory, AFRL/RXM, is soliciting white papers (and later technical and cost proposals) for the following research effort described below.

1. Statement of Objective: See attachments for IDIQ SOO (Attachment 5), TO1 SOO (Attachment 6), and TO2 SOO (Attachment 7).

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 contract ceiling amount and modifications under authority of DFARS 235.006-71.

3. Deliverable Items:

a. Data Items: See CDRL Package, Attachment 4; Applicable CDRLs to be specified on individual TOs

b. Software: TBD on individual TOs

c. Hardware: TBD on individual TOs

4. Schedule:

a. Overall effort: Ordering Period of 60 months, total Period of Performance of 84 months

b. TO1 effort: 39 months, 36 for technical effort and 3 for final report

c. TO2 effort: 60 months, 57 for technical effort and 3 for final report

d. Data Items: Specified on individual CDRL(s)

e. Software: TBD on individual TOs

f. Hardware: TBD on individual TOs

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: See DRAFT DD254 Attachment 3. Offerors must verify their Cognizant Security Office information is current with Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) at www.dcsa.mil.

c. OPSEC: See attached SOOs for OPSEC guidance.

d. Export Control: Information involved in this research effort may be 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, 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 contracts.

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” (JUN 2022), offerors are required to implement proper Science & Technology (S&T) controls to ensure protection of Government S&T data and information. This includes contractor identification of capacity for protection of the Government’s S&T, and identification of Senior/Key personnel that will be a part of the project. This information will be reviewed for conflicts of commitment, conflicts of interest, adequate and appropriate measures and controls, and identification of potential risks. This information will be updated and current throughout the contract performance, and is subject to review at the Government’s discretion, but at least annually (see SOW Supplement).

6. Other Information:

a. Government Furnished Property (GFP) is not anticipated to be made available under any resulting contract. IF GFP is requested, the offeror shall clearly delineate the need in the white paper (Step 1) and proposal (Step 2), and the Government will evaluate such a request. If GFP is requested, IAW 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: Base Support is not anticipated. If an offeror determines base support is required to its effort, it must be included as such in the white paper (Step 1) and proposal (Step 2). Use of base support will not be assumed during technical evaluation unless proposed. Network access will be approved on an individual basis, when necessary.

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

d. Data Rights Desired:

i. Noncommercial Technical Data: Unlimited Rights

ii. Noncommercial Computer Software (NCS): Unlimited Rights

iii. NCS Documentation: Unlimited Rights

iv. Commercial Computer Software Rights: Customary Commercial License consistent with Federal statutes and regulations

v. Commercial Technical Data: Unrestricted Rights 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 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 contract, and partially with costs charged directly to a government contract.” Offerors that propose delivery of noncommercial technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation subject to 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 contract will be incorporated, how the incorporation will benefit the program, and address whether those portions or processes are segregable.

Offerors that propose delivery of 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 contract will be incorporated and how the incorporation will benefit the program and whether those portions or processes are segregable.

Offerors shall include the data rights assertions as required by 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 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 252.227-7014(b), which could 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.

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.

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

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

2. 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. The license shall not limit the Government’s use of the software at other Government and Government contractor sites.

4. 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 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:

(1) Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINS);

(2) Contract Deliverables (CDRLS);

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

(4) 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: 20 May 2023

2. Anticipated funding for the program:

IDIQ: FY23/$4M; FY24/$8M; FY25/$8M; FY26/$8M; FY27/$8M; FY28/$4M

TO1: FY23/$100K; FY24/$100K; FY25/$100K

TO2: FY23/$950K; FY24/$1.5M; FY25/$1.6M; FY26/$1.5M; FY27/$1.3M

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.

Notice to Offerors: 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 even the Government cancels this solicitation, the Government has no obligation to reimburse an offeror for any costs. Although not presently available, a reasonable expectation exists that RDT&E funding will be authorized and available upon enactment of the Authorization and Appropriations Acts.

Eligibility Information

3. Eligible Offeror: This is an unrestricted solicitation. Small businesses are encouraged to propose.

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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Other:

a. Foreign Participation: Foreign participation is not authorized at the prime contractor level IAW 13 CFR 121.702.

b. This acquisition is subject to export control laws and regulations. Only contractors who are registered and certified with the Defense Logistics Agency and have a legitimate business purpose may participate in this solicitation. Contact the U.S./Canada Joint Certification Program Office, Defense Logistics Agency, Logistics Information Services J34, HDI Federal Center, 74 Washington Avenue N., Battle Creek, Michigan 49037-3084, (1-800-352-3572) or the Joint Certification Program Office (JCO) at JCP-Helpdesk@dla.mil for further information on the certification process. You must submit a copy of your approved DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, with your proposal.

c. There are no limits on the number of white papers/proposals an offeror may submit.

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

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

ONLY WHITE PAPERS ARE BEING SOLICITED AT THIS TIME.

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

For additional information, a copy of the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Guide for Industry is located at:

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

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(es) for the IDIQ, Task Order 1 (TO1), and Task Order 2 (TO2). Offerors will be notified of the disposition of their white paper. It is anticipated that Government review of the white papers submitted will take 12 working days. Those offerors submitting white papers assessed as meeting Air Force needs will be asked to submit a technical and cost proposal. Those offerors not requested to submit a technical and cost proposal will be notified, and may request and receive a feedback session based on the white paper reviews. 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.

b. Format: The White Paper shall be limited to 15 pages, prepared and submitted in Microsoft Word format. Font shall be standard 10-point business font Arial. Character spacing must be “normal,” not condensed in any manner. Pages shall be minimum 1.5-spaced (use 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 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. Content: The white paper shall contain the following information, at a minimum:

i. Section A: BAA Number, Title of Program, Name of Company, Business Size, Company’s Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) number, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number, Contracting POC and Technical POC with appropriate telephone numbers, fax numbers, and email addresses for the POCs;

ii. Section B: Period of Performance, and Cost of Task (Rough Order of Magnitude). No detailed cost or cost support information should be forwarded; only a time-phased bottom line figure should be provided for the IDIQ; and

iii. Section C: Technical Description; the technical description 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. This section should include Task Objectives, and Proposed Deliverables (do not list CDRLs). Resumes, descriptions of facilities and equipment, and proposed Statement of Work are not required at this point; however discussion should address facilities and personnel generally (where the majority of work will take place, whether subcontracting will be significant, labor mix or ability to hire, etc.).

d. Other Information: You may be ineligible for award if all requirements of this solicitation are not met on the white paper due date. 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).

e. Submission: Offerors shall submit the White Paper via email to the Contracting POC, identified in the Overview Information. If a confirmation receipt is not received from the Contracting POC within one business day, request a confirmation receipt.

3. Second Step (Proposal) Instructions:

Note: If you intend to submit a proposal for an assistance instrument, go to Attachment 1 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:

i. The SECOND STEP consists of offerors submitting a technical and cost proposal within 45 days of the proposal request. 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.

ii. 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 online at: https://www.afrl.af.mil/Portals/90/Documents/HQ/BAA%20Ind%20Guide%202020.pdf?ver=7AivkWvoUoptKgypgCuIvw%3d%3d. This guide is specifically designed to assist the offeror in understanding the BAA proposal process.

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

iv. Proposals must reference the announcement number FA8650-23-S-5720.

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

vi. The cost of preparing proposals in response to this BAA 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.

vii. No classified technical proposals or cost volumes are expected. 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.

viii. Specifics of proposal submission will be provided on a request for proposal.

b. Offerors must propose each of the following to be considered for an IDIQ award:

i. Basic IDIQ A. Basic IDIQ proposal-Technical and Management B. Basic IDIQ Statement of Work (SOW) in response to applicable Statement of Objectives (SOO) C. Basic IDIQ Business Proposal (including Subcontracting Plan, if applicable, in accordance with FAR 19.7)

ii. Task Order 1 A. TO1 Proposal-Technical and Management B. TO1 SOW in response to applicable SOO C. TO1 Cost (TO only) and Business Proposal

iii. Task Order 2 A. TO2 Proposal-Technical and Management B. TO2 SOW in response to applicable SOO C. TO2 Cost (TO only) and Business Proposal

c. Technical/Management Proposal:

i. Format:

A. The Technical/Management Proposal shall be limited to 30 pages for the Basic IDIQ; and the Technical/Management Proposal shall be limited to 30 pages each for TO1 and TO2, prepared and submitted in Microsoft Word format; signed pages may be submitted in .pdf format. Pages shall be numbered starting with the cover page being Page 1, and the last page being no greater than page 30. 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.

B. Font shall be standard 10-point business font Arial. Character spacing must be “normal,” not condensed in any manner. 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.

C. Pages shall be 1.5-spaced (use space function in Microsoft Word), 8.5 by 11 inches, with at least one-inch margins on both sides, top and bottom.

D. The proposal page limit does not include the offeror’s proposed Statement of Work (SOW); for the SOW, formatting rules above apply for font size and type but spacing should follow a logical structure based on number of sections, paragraph size, and charts. Do not include illustrations in the SOW. The page limit for the SOW is 10 pages each for the IDIQ, TO1, and TO2.

E. 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.

ii. Content:

A. The Technical/Management proposal(s) for the IDIQ, TO1, and TO2 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.

B. The SOW(s) shall detail the technical tasks proposed to be accomplished under the proposed effort and suitable for contract incorporation, and shall be included as a separate document to the Technical Volume. 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 attachment containing additional contracting requirements will be included in any resulting contracts. The SOOs on which these SOWs will be based are included as Attachments 5, 6, and 7 to this BAA.

C. Any questions concerning the technical proposal or SOW preparation shall be referred to the Contracting POC.

d. Cost/Business Proposal: Separate this volume into a business section and cost section (cost element breakdown). Cost/Business Proposals have no page limitation.

i. Business Section: The business section should contain all business aspects to the proposed contract, such as type of contract, any exceptions to terms and conditions of the announcement including the model contract, any information not technically related, etc. Provide rationale for exceptions. The following apply to the business section:

A. Adequate price competition is anticipated. If it is later determined APC does not exist, and the threshold for a negotiated contract is equal to or expected to exceed $2,000,000, submission of certified cost or pricing data may be required.

B. See Attachment 2 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. Section L, containing provisions and other instructions, will be included in the request for proposal.

C. Associate Contractor Agreements: Associate Contractor Agreements (ACAs) are agreements between contractors working on Government contracts that require them to share information, data, technical knowledge, expertise, or resources. The Contracting Officer may require ACAs when contractors working on separate Government contracts must cooperate, share resources or otherwise jointly participate in working on contracts or projects. Prime contractor to subcontractor relationships do not constitute ACAs. For each award, the contracting officer will identify associate contractors with whom agreements are required.

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

E. 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.

F. Limitations on Pass-Through Charges: As prescribed in FAR 15.408(n)(1) & 15.408(n)(2), provision 52.215-22, “Limitations on Pass Through Charges-Identification of Subcontract Effort (OCT 2009),” and subsequent clause FAR 52.215-23 “Limitation on Pass-Through Charges (JUN 2020)” apply.

G. Completed Certifications and Representations (Section K) are due with the proposal. Certifications and Representations (Section K) will be provided with the Request for Proposal. Offerors may also be required to submit updated or supplemental Certifications and Representations based on the specifics of their proposal.

H. If an offeror proposes the use of Government Furnished Property (GFP), the offer must specifically identify each piece of GFP in the Cost/Business Proposal and propose and substantiate a rental cost for evaluation purposes in accordance with FAR 45.202. Include the following information in the proposal:

1. 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);

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

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

4. 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.

I. S&T Protection:

1. A completed initial Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Form, (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 (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.

ii. 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 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 contract 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:

1. Identify principal items/services to be subcontracted.

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

3. Identify the type of contractual business arrangement contemplated for the subcontract and provide rationale.

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

5. Identify the cost or pricing data submitted by the subcontractor.

6. 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 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 contract, 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. Forward Pricing Rate Agreements: Offerors should note that if they have Forward Pricing rate Agreements (FPRA’s) or Forward Pricing Rate Recommendations, the Government will utilize them for evaluation purposes. Offerors who have Forward Pricing Rate Proposals or other agreements/audits with the Defense Contract Management Agency or Defense Contract Audit Agency applicable to this effort, should submit them with their proposal.

L. 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.

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

V. White Paper / Proposal Review Information

1. FIRST STEP – White Paper Peer or Scientific Review Criteria: 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 equal order of importance:

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.

d. Affordability (Proposed ROM Cost Estimate).

2. FIRST STEP / WHITE PAPER – Review and Selection Process

a. The white paper must address how the offeror plans to satisfy the requirements of the IDIQ Statement of Objectives (SOO) as well as the TO1 SOO, and TO2 SOO.

b. While the IDIQ, TO1, and TO2 must be addressed, the white paper must satisfy the criteria of the Peer or Scientific Review in V.1. above. In addition, the White Paper must address the program in its totality, not only its components.

c. The Government will review the white paper in accordance with the FIRST STEP Peer or Scientific Review criteria. Based on this review, the Government will determine which of them have the potential to best meet the Air Force’s needs. Each criteria will be assessed as Exceeds, Meets, or Does Not Meet.

3. SECOND STEP – Proposal Peer or Scientific Review Criteria: The IDIQ and TO1 and TO2 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. 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 (TO1 and TO2 only): 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. (If an offeror proposes the use of GFP, 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).

4. SECOND STEP / PROPOSAL - Review and Selection Process

a. Categories: Based on the Peer or Scientific Review, The IDIQ and TO1 and TO2 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.

i. Selectable: Proposals are recommended for acceptance if sufficient funding is available

ii. 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 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.

b. To be considered for award, the proposal must cover the Basic IDIQ, TO1, and TO2. Evaluation weights are as follows: Basic IDIQ is of greater importance then TO1 and TO2. TO1 and TO2 are of equal importance.

c. The IDIQ, TO1, and TO2 will be evaluated against technical criteria above, and each criteria will be assessed as Exceeds, Meets, or Does Not Meet.

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

e. S&T Evaluation: The Government will review the submitted S&T protection documentation only for those proposals categorized as Selectable and selected for funding and negotiations. An S&T Protection Initial Risk Review will be performed based on the following:

i. Personnel Risk Assessment: The Government will review non-government research key/senior performers identified by the offeror on the initial Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Form for conflicts of commitment and conflicts of interest.

ii. Initial Institution S&T Protection Program Review: The Government will review the offeror’s security program information submitted IAW Section IV 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…