FA8650-17-S-1006.pdf

As of 29 Aug 2016

2-Step OPEN Broad Agency Announcement

Overview Information

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

NAICS Code: The NAICS Code for this acquisition is 541712 (Research and

Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology), and the small business size standard is 1,000 employees.

Federal Agency Name: Air Force Research Laboratory, AFRL/RQKS Sensors

Directorate

Broad Agency Announcement Title: Spectrum Warfare Enduring Challenges

(SWEC)

Broad Agency Announcement Type: This is the Initial Announcement

Broad Agency Announcement Number: FA8650-17-S-1006

THIS WILL BE A TWO-STEP SOLICITATION:

First Step: WHITE PAPER DUE DATE AND TIME: This BAA is open and effective until 28 February 2021. White papers will be considered if received anytime prior to 28 February 2021 at 5:00PM Wright-Patterson AFB, OH local time. 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.

NOTE: White Paper/proposal receipt after the due date and time shall be governed by the provisions of FAR 52.215-1(c)(3). It should be noted that this installation observes strict security procedures to enter the facility. These security procedures are NOT considered an interruption of normal Government processes, and proposals received after the above stated date and time as a result of security delays will be considered “late.”

Furthermore, note that if offerors utilize commercial carriers in the delivery of proposals, they may not honor time-of-day delivery guarantees on military installations. Be advised, if the U.S. Postal Service is used, this building only receives U.S. Postal Mail twice a week and delivery by that means may not meet the proposal due date and time established herein. Early white paper/proposal submission is encouraged.

Submission: White Papers must be submitted to the Contracting Point of Contact (POC): Trisha Buddelmeyer, AFRL/RQKSE, Trisha.Buddelmeyer@us.af.mil. If the white paper is classified, please contact the POC before deadline to make arrangements for receipt of it.

mailto:Trisha.Buddelmeyer@us.af.mil

Solicitation Request: Air Force Research Laboratory, AFRL/RYW Sensors Directorate, 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 Cost Plus Fixed Fee. Cost reimbursement contracts require successful offerors to have an accounting system considered adequate for tracking costs applicable to the contract.

Estimated Program Cost: The total program value is $20,640,000 with multiple awards ranging from $100,000 to $5,000,000 (the Government reserves the right to exceed this amount if necessary).

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

Brief Program Summary: The United States defense strategy continues to evolve to best position the Department of Defense (DoD) to counter evolving global threats, to provide an effective geopolitical deterrent for the nation, and to maintain a decisive military advantage in light of global technological access. Strategic guidance at all levels emphasizes the need for Science and Technology (S&T) to enable effective military operations in anti-access/area-denied (A2/AD), cyber, and contested environments, where advancements in sensing and countermeasures technology are needed to defeat high-end weaponry such as integrated air defenses, long-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, advanced fighters, and weapons of mass destruction (WMD). As the Air Force evolves to provide core mission capabilities against potential near-peer threats, it continues to play a central role in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations against a range of extremist groups in the Middle East and throughout the world, placing a continued demand on further development of persistent surveillance and other advanced sensing capabilities that provide a substantial warfighter impact. The Sensors Directorate continues to be stretched in multiple directions to address a variety of user needs, and must exhibit a combination of agility and discipline to effectively respond to the evolving Air Force needs while maintaining sufficient focus in key research areas to establish and transition new sensing and countermeasures capabilities.

Effectively addressing these extensive and competing user demands necessitates a research portfolio with appropriately balanced and focused revolutionary, relevant, and responsive components. It must simultaneously provide innovative sensing capabilities to the current warfighter as conflicts continue to evolve; extend Air

Force capabilities for ISR, strike and electronic warfare in contested environments to deter future conflicts; and discover game-changing capabilities that will provide a long term military advantage in a world of proliferated technology. Furthermore, it demands that the directorate become more effective in demonstrating the integration of technology into complex systems-of-systems capabilities, since this is where the Air Force can maintain dominance in a world of rapidly proliferated technology.

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. No guidance related to technical approach will be given. However, questions related to the objectives of the effort or prior similar efforts may be answered. Only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to commit the Government. If there is any doubt as to whether a response provides a competitive advantage, the answer will be posted publically for all contractors to review.

Address technical questions to the Technical POC: Michael Nowak, Spectrum Warfare Technical Advisor, AFRL/RYW, (937) 713-8482, Michael.Nowak.2@us.af.mil

Address contracting questions to the Contracting POC: Trisha Buddelmeyer, Contract Specialist, AFRL/RQKSE, (937) 713-9969, Trisha.Buddelmeyer@us.af.mil and/or Shayla Wray, Contracting Officer, AFRL/RQKSE, (937) 713-9984, Shayla.Wray@us.af.mil.

Full Text Announcement

I. Program Description: Air Force Research Laboratory, AFRL/RQKS Sensors

Directorate is soliciting white papers (and later technical and cost proposals) on the following research effort: Spectrum Warfare Enduring Challenges

1. Statement of Objective/Description of Technical Area(s): See

Statement of Objective (SOO) (Attachment 6). White papers may be submitted addressing any portion of the SOO down to the subtask level.

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.

3. Deliverable Items

a. Data Items: See attached DD Form 1423-1 CDRLS (Attachment 5)

b. Software: Software deliverables to be determined (TBD) based on proposal, if applicable.

mailto:Michael.Nowak.2@us.af.mil mailto:Trisha.Buddelmeyer@us.af.mil mailto:Shayla.Wray@us.af.mil

c. Hardware: Hardware deliverables to be determined (TBD) based on proposal, if applicable.

4. Schedule:

a. Overall effort: Approximately 12-36 months period of performance per contract

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

c. Software: Software deliverables date to be determined (TBD), if applicable.

d. Hardware: Hardware deliverables date to be determined (TBD), if applicable.

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 http://farsite.hill.af.mil/

b. Program Security Classification: This effort may require a SECRET facility clearance and SECRET safeguarding capability. A solicitation-ready DD254 is included as Attachment 4. See DD254 -- Offerors must verify their

Cognizant Security Office information is current with Defense Security Service (DSS) at www.dss.mil.

c. OPSEC: See attached SOO 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). 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 contracts.

6. Other Information:

a. Government Furnished Property (GFP) Availability:

GFP is not anticipated to be made available under any resulting contract.

However, use may be considered if proposed and found to be in best interest of the Government. Appropriate clauses are included in model contract.

b. Base Support/ Network Access: Base Support/Network access is not anticipated to be made available under this contract. If contractor determines use of available base support to be in their best interest, it must be included as such in the white paper and proposal. Use of available base support will not be assumed during technical evaluation http://farsite.hill.af.mil/ http://www.dss.mil/ unless proposed. If it is determined to apply, language is in SOW Supplemental Requirements Document. (Attachment 7)

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

d. Data Rights Desired: Unlimited Rights

(1) Technical Data: Unlimited Rights

(2) Non-Commercial Software (NCS): Unlimited Rights

(3) NCS Documentation: Unlimited Rights

(4) Commercial Computer Software Rights: Customary License

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 technical data and NCS developed or delivered under this contract are of significant concern to the Government. The Government will therefore carefully consider any restrictions on the use of 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 exchange for paying for development of the data, the Government expects technical data, NCS, and NCS documentation developed entirely at Government expense to be delivered with Unlimited Rights.

Technical data, NCS, and NCS documentation developed with mixed funding are expected to be delivered with at least Government Purpose

Rights. Offers that propose delivery of technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation subject to Government Purpose Rights should fully explain how the data was developed at private expense. Specifically, offers must explain what 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 technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation subject to Limited Rights, Restricted Rights, or Specifically Negotiated License Rights will be considered. Proposals should fully explain what 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 both the data and each such item, component, or process listed. Nonconforming assertions lists will be rejected.

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):

DFARS 252.227-7014(d) describes requirements for incorporation of third party computer software. Any third party software (commercial and noncommercial) to be incorporated into a deliverable must be clearly identified in the proposal. Prior to delivery of any third party software, the contractor will obtain an appropriate license for the Government, and the written approval of the contracting officer.

Any third party software to be delivered to the Government that are not reasonably identifiable at proposal submission, must still be approved by the contracting officer prior to incorporation into a system deliverable.

This obligation to obtain pre-approval by the contracting officer, as described above, continues throughout contract administration.

The Government will neither accept nor execute a DD Form 250 for the software deliverables until the Contractor obtains from all third party software suppliers and/or vendors (Licensor) licenses that comply with the following terms and conditions for the Government (Licensee):

1. The license shall not subject the Government to liability that is indefinite or indeterminate, such as an indemnification clause, as it would constitute an obligation in advance or in excess of an appropriation and violate the Anti-Deficiency Act.

2. The license shall not create a contingent liability for the Government.

This includes, but is not limited to: unilateral price increases, automatic assessment of charges, and automatic renewal of the license.

3. The license shall be governed by Federal Statutes, Case Law, and

Federal Regulations, and shall not be subject to the laws or jurisdiction of any municipality, state, or foreign country.

4. 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.

5. The license shall not comment on entitlement to attorney fees.

6. The Licensor shall not have the authority to unilaterally terminate the license. All remedies available shall be consistent with the Disputes

Clause in the underlying basic contract.

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

8. The Licensor shall not use any injunctive relief clauses as the Licensor cannot prevent the Licensee from performing mission operations.

9. The Licensor shall not have the authority to control any litigation between a third party and the Licensee.

10. The Licensor shall not use the fact that the Licensee is using the

Licensor's products in any notification to the public (e.g., no publicity rights permitted).

II. Award Information

1. Anticipated Award Date: Award dates will vary. White papers will be accepted for review through 28 February 2021.

2. Anticipated funding for the program (not per contract):

FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 TOTAL

$5,160K $5,160K $5,160K $5,160K $20,640K

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 are encouraged to propose.

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

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 Technical POC 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. Foreign Nationals (FNs) can be employed by the US Prime Contractor or Sub-

Contractor; however, FNs will be limited to Public Domain information unless the contractor has obtained the proper License or Technical

Assistance Agreement that authorizes disclosure of CMI and/or CUI to foreign entities pursuant to the Department of State’s ITAR or Department of Commerce’s EAR. Public Domain information is defined as information that is releasable to the general public and sometimes referred to as open source material. Examples include but are not limited to newspapers, magazines and information posted on the internet. Any proprietary information will have to be appropriately protected.

b. This acquisition involves data that are subject to export control laws and regulations. Only contractors who are registered and certified with the Defense Logistics Services Center (DLSC) and have a legitimate business purpose may participate in this solicitation. Contact the Defense Logistics Services Center, 74 Washington Avenue N., Battle Creek, Michigan 40917-3084 (1-800-352-3572) 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.

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 http://www.dlis.dla.mil/jcp/ this announcement. There will be no other solicitation issued in regard to this requirement. The Government intends to evaluate 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 http://www.wpafb.af.mil/Portals/60/documents/afrl/AFRL-broad-agency-announcement-guide.pdf?

Note: Assistance Instruments are not anticipated with this BAA. However, if an offeror identifies a public interest within their white paper submission, an

Assistance Instrument may be contemplated. If an offeror’s white paper identifies such a public interest and is of interest to the Government, instructions for the proper submittal of an Assistance Instrument will be provided with the second step Request for Proposal (RFP).

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 evaluate the white papers in accordance with the FIRST STEP evaluation criteria, set forth in Section V below.

Based on this evaluation, the Government will determine which of them have the potential to best 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 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 via email. 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. Page Limitation: The White Paper shall be limited to 6 pages, prepared and submitted in Word format. Font shall be standard 10-point business font Arial. Character spacing must be “normal,” not condensed in any manner. Pages shall be double-spaced (must use standard double-space function in Microsoft Word), double-sided (each side counts as one page), http://www.wpafb.af.mil/Portals/60/documents/afrl/AFRL-broad-agency-announcement-guide.pdf

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. Pages shall be numbered starting with the cover page being Page 1, and the last page being no greater than Page 6. 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.

Offerors should submit their white paper via email in WORD format to Trisha.Buddelmeyer@us.af.mil.

c. Format: (Tailor as needed) The white paper will be formatted as follows:

(1) Section A: BAA Number (FA8650-17-S-1006), Title of Program (Spectrum Warfare Enduring Challenges), Name of Company, 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. Classified level at which company is cleared, contractor address for forwarding classified material (name, address, zip code), cognizant security office (name, address, zip code), and offeror’s security officer’s name and telephone number.

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

(3) Section C: Technical Summary and Proposed Deliverables; and

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

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

e. 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 should be provided.

f. 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).

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

3. Second Step (Proposal) Instructions:

a. General Instructions:

(1) The SECOND STEP consists of offerors submitting a technical and cost proposal within 30 working days of the proposal request. After receipt, proposals will be evaluated 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 http://www.wpafb.af.mil/Portals/60/documents/afrl/AFRL-broad-agency-announcement-guide.pdf? 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 FA8650-17-S- 1006.

(5) Offerors must submit one electronic copy of their proposal to the Contracting POC.

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

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

Government.

(8) 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.

(9) 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.

b. Technical/Management Proposal:

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

a) The Technical/Management Proposal shall be limited to 35 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 10-point business font Arial.

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

d) Pages shall be double-spaced (must use standard double-space 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 35. 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.

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 evaluation 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(s) shall include a SOW(s) detailing the technical tasks proposed to be accomplished under the proposed effort and suitable for contract 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 attachment containing additional contracting requirements will be included in any resulting contracts.

(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(s). Note that the document awarded may include contract line items (CLINs)/clauses/articles in addition to those in the model(s), and/or http://www.afrl.af.mil/contract/default.htm http://www.afrl.af.mil/contract/default.htm some of the CLIN/clauses/articles in the model(s) 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 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.

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

d) Subcontracting Plans: For efforts to exceed $700,000, Subcontracting Plans shall be submitted in the cost/business proposal. Reference FAR 19.704, DFARS 219.704, and AFFARS

5319.704(a)(1) for subcontracting plan requirements. Small business concerns are exempt from this requirement.

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 and propose and substantiate a rental cost for evaluation proposes 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 contracts, 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 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(s) 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:

(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 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) 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.

V. White Paper / Proposal Review Information

1. FIRST STEP – White Paper Evaluation Criteria: The Government will evaluate 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. SECOND STEP – Proposal Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated against the criteria listed below. The technical aspect, which is ranked as the first order of priority, shall be evaluated based on the following criteria that are of descending order of importance.

a. Technical:

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

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

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

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

3. SECOND STEP / PROPOSAL - Review and Selection Process

a. Categories: Based on the evaluation, proposals will be categorized as Highly Recommended, Selectable, or Not Selectable (see definitions below). The selection of one or more sources for award will be based on the evaluation, as well as importance to agency programs and funding availability.

(1) Highly Recommended: Proposals are recommended for acceptance if sufficient funding is available, and normally are displaced only by other Highly Recommended proposals.

(2) Selectable: Proposals are recommended for acceptance if sufficient funding is available, but at a lower priority than Highly Recommended Proposals. May require additional development. To ensure a diversity of approaches, a Selectable proposal may be prioritized over a Highly Recommended proposal if the Selectable proposal presents a unique approach unlike any of the Highly

Recommended proposals.

(3) 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 Highly Recommended or Selectable, though the proposal as a whole may not merit such a categorization.

b. No other evaluation 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 working days from date of proposal.

The notification is not to be construed to mean the award of a contract is assured, as availability of funds and successful negotiations are prerequisites to any award.

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

3. Reporting: For reporting requirements and frequency, refer to attached Contract Data Requirement List (CDRLs), Attachment 5.

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

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

2. Support Contractors: Only Government employees will evaluate proposals for selection. Offerors are advised that employees of commercial firms under contract to the Government may be used to administratively process proposals, monitor contract performance, or perform other administrative duties requiring access to other contractors' proprietary information. These support contracts 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. Debriefings: If a debriefing is requested in accordance with the time guidelines set out in FAR 15.505 and 15.506, a debriefing will be provided, but the debriefing content may vary to be consistent with the procedures that govern BAAs (FAR 35.016).

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. Department Of Labor, Employment Standards

Administration, Office Of Federal Contract Compliance Program’s (OFCCP) prior to award of a contract (or subcontract) of $10,000,000 or more unless the contractor is listed in OFCCP’s National Preaward Registry http://www.dol-esa.gov/preaward. Award may be delayed if you are not currently listed in the registry and the contracting officer must request a preaward clearance from the OFCCP.

http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/pdi/uid/index.html http://www.dol-esa.gov/preaward

6. Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters: Any contract or assistance award that exceeds $550,000; and when offeror checked “has” in paragraph (b) of the provision FAR 52.209-7, shall contain the clause/article, FAR 52.209-9 “Updates of Publicly Available

Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (JUL 2013).”

7. Offerors are required to submit the completed provision at DFARS 252.215-

7009 Proposal Adequacy Checklist with proposals at or above $750,000. See Attachment 3.

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

a. Step One: White Papers are due to the Contracting POC.

b. Step One: White Papers are due no later than the due date and time specified in this announcement.

c. Step One and Step Two: White Paper and Proposal page limits are strictly enforced.

d. Step One and Step Two: White Papers and Proposals must be submitted in the format specified.

e. Step Two: Proposals are due to the Contracting POC.

f. Step Two: The Cost/Business Proposal must contain all information described in the Cost/Business Proposal Submission Section.

g. Step Two: Offerors other than small businesses must include a subcontracting plan.

h. Step Two: Offerors who have Forward Pricing Rate Agreements (FPRA’s) or Forward Pricing Rate Recommendations (FPRR’s) should submit them with their proposal.

i. Step Two: If a DD254 is applicable, offerors must verify their Cognizant

Security Office information is current with Defense Security Service (DSS) at www.dss.mil.

j. Step Two: If effort is subject to export control, offerors must submit a Certified DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, with proposal.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Model Contract

2. Section K- Representations and Certifications

3. Proposal Adequacy Checklist

4. DD 254

5. CDRLs

6. Statement of Objectives

7. Statement of Work (SOW) Supplemental Requirements http://www.dss.mil/

**Please note: The Government is providing a model contract for planning and estimating purposes only. Each award shall be tailored to each specific proposal.

The attached model contract is all encompassing of multiple types of contracts and is provided to identify all provisions and clauses that may be included in subsequent awards.