FA8650-18-S-5008_Amendment 6.pdf

May 2025

Open Two-Step Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) Overview Information

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NAICS Code: The NAICS Code for this acquisition is 541715 and the small business size is 1,000 employees.

Federal Agency Name: Air Force Research Laboratory, AFRL/RX Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, AFRL/RXMZ, the AFRL Energy Office

ARA Title: The AFRL Energy Office – Government Requirement for Advanced Power and Energy (GRAPE)

ARA Type: This is an open ARA; AMENDMENT 06

ARA Number: FA8650-18-S-5008

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

This is an Open ARA announcement pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C. §4023 Procurement for Experimental Purposes. AFRL is interested in receiving white papers related to the AFRL Energy Office’s mission to lead the discovery, development, delivery, and integration of energy science, technology, and innovation. The AFRL Energy Office’s intent is to decouple mission effectiveness from energy, water, and other resource and supply chain vulnerabilities through the identification, development, and demonstration of critical technologies for the Department of Air Force (DAF).

Technologies that offer key benefits to users (e.g. increased combat capability, readiness, energy resiliency/reliability, increased cost–effectiveness, etc.) in the areas of Operational Energy, Advanced Agile Combat Equipment, and Installation Energy. The AFRL Energy Office’s mission spans applied and advanced research and development through advanced technology demonstrations, including the required technology validation and risk reduction to facilitate technology transition. Dialogue between prospective Offerors and Government representatives is strongly encouraged.

BACKGROUND:

Proposed solutions should be innovative and substantially improve national defense capabilities. While the Government describes discrete topic areas below, it also anticipates that certain comprehensive technology solutions, processes, methodologies, and prototypes may require multidisciplinary approaches that address two or more topic areas. The topic areas covered under this announcement may be used in any combination. The Government reserves the right to add, delete or modify the topic areas as necessary.

Industry-Government Communication: Dialogue between prospective Offerors and Government

This amendment will replace all prior versions. White papers are still being accepted for this ARA. This ARA is being modified IAW Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 35.015(b). Please read the ARA in its entirety for specific details on white paper and proposal submissions.

representatives is strongly encouraged throughout the life of this ARA. However, communication shall be limited to the Contracting/Agreement Officer once full proposals are submitted for evaluation/review.

Discussions should focus on understanding Government objectives and requirements, feasibility of prospective offeror approach, and prospective offeror prior similar efforts. Discussions 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. Offerors are advised that only Contracting or Agreement Officers are legally authorized to contractually bind or otherwise commit the Government.

ANNOUNCEMENT DETAILS:

This is a HYBRID ANNOUNCEMENT. This announcement includes an open request for white papers as described below. Additionally, individual solicitations for white papers (Two-Step solicitation) and/or proposals (One-Step solicitation) related to discrete requirements may be issued. AFRL reserves the right to collapse a white paper (Two-Step solicitation) into a One-Step if the situation warrants and the white paper contains sufficient technical detail to do full technical proposal evaluation instead of white paper evaluation.

Open Announcement Request: AFRL/RXKMS is soliciting white papers on the research effort described in the below topic areas pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C. §4023, Procurement for Experimental Purposes. White papers submitted pursuant to the open announcement request follow the two-step procedures described below. White papers submitted under the open announcement request may be retained for 12 months.

Individual Solicitation Request: Individual Solicitations, except for Limited Solicitations, for white papers and proposals will be issued under this announcement via the Government Point of Entry (GPE) at https://sam.gov. Notification of Individual Solicitations may be announced on other platforms (i.e.

www.grants.gov) and will direct Offerors to the GPE for full solicitation details.

Individual Solicitation Submissions: Submission requirements for Individual Solicitations will be specified in the solicitation details of each Individual Solicitation.

Individual Solicitation Variations: Variations of the ARA Individual Solicitation process are available for use. The following types are commonly used but are not considered all inclusive.

Individual Solicitation Variations: Variations of the ARA Individual Solicitation process are available for use. The following types are commonly used but are not considered all inclusive.

One-Step: The one-step process is used to request full technical and cost proposals from each Offeror.

The proposals are reviewed in accordance with the solicitation criteria and typically all, part, or none of a proposal may be selected for award.

Two-Step: The two-step process is used to request white papers and Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) costs. The Individual Solicitation must state whether an unfavorable white paper review will bar the Offeror from further consideration. The Government may retain unselected white papers for a specific period, which will be identified in the individual solicitation. White papers submitted under the open announcement request may be retained for 12 months. Full proposals are requested from those Offerors selected in the white paper review process. After proposals are received, they are processed and reviewed in accordance with the One-Step process.

Limited Individual Solicitations: This approach allows for solicitation to a limited group of potential https://sam.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ offerors. Request for Proposals (RFP) or Requests for white papers will be issued directly to potential offerors without a requirement to publish to the GPE. The Government may issue solicitations that combine one or more of the above approaches.

Announcement Modifications: Offerors are highly encouraged to continually monitor https://sam.gov to ensure they receive the latest guidance for this announcement. The Government shall provide updates to this announcement no less than annually. Updates may include changes to topic areas, submission requirements, administrative changes, evaluation criteria, solicitation methods, etc. (not an inclusive list).

Type of Contract/Instrument: The Government reserves the right to award the instrument best suited to the nature of the research proposed. Accordingly, the Government may award any appropriate contract, agreement or assistance instrument type under the authorities below:

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 10 U.S.C. §4021 "Other Transaction for Research” 10 U.S.C. §4022 "Other Transaction for Prototype" 10 U.S.C. §4023 "Procurement for Experimental Purposes" 15 U.S.C §3710a – Cooperative Research and Developments Agreements 15 U.S.C §3715 – Partnership Intermediaries 32 C.F.R. §22.215 – Grants and Cooperative Agreements

The Government anticipates that a mix of contract/ instrument types will be used throughout the life of this announcement. Generally, awards under this announcement or any Individual Solicitations may be Cost-Plus-Fixed Fee (Completion and Term), Cost Reimbursement, Firm Fixed Price, Cost Sharing, and Incentive.

NOTE: If a Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) type contract is recommended as the award type authority, then the FAR clauses will be referenced at the Individual Solicitation level or within the Request for Proposal. The FAR and FAR supplement provisions and clauses will be incorporated by reference. The full text of these provisions and clauses can be found at https://www.acquisition.gov.

If an assistance instrument (grants or cooperative agreements) is recommended as the award type, then articles and guidance found under DoDGARS, 200 CFR, OMB/DoD Policy shall be used and followed as appropriate.

If an Other Transaction (OT) is recommended as the award type, then the FAR references and clauses will not apply. The terms and conditions of an OT agreement shall be developed and negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

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 grants, agreements, other transactions, or contracts for all, some or none of the solicited effort based on the Offeror’s ability to perform desired work and funding availability. There is no limit on the number of awards that may be made to an individual Offeror.

Award Schedule: The anticipated period of performance will be determined through dialogue between prospective Offerors and Government representatives for each topic area and specified in each individual award. Individual Solicitations may elect to provide a desired technical execution schedule https://sam.gov/ https://www.acquisition.gov/ for planning purposes.

Deliverables: Hardware and software deliverables will be specified within a separately priced contract/award line items and data deliverables will be specified on individual Contract Data Requirements List(s) (CDRLs) in any resultant contract or an OT article.

Within Scope Award Modifications: 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/award ceiling amount.

System for Award Management (SAM) Registration: Before the Government can issue an award, an Offeror must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). If an Offeror was previously registered in Central Contractor Registration (CCR), the information has been transferred to SAM.

However, it is in the Offeror’s interest to visit SAM and ensure that all their data is up to date from SAM and other databases to avoid delay in award. SAM replaced CCR, Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA), and the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS). SAM allows firms interested in conducting business with the federal government to provide basic information on business capabilities and financial information. To register, visit https://www.sam.gov.

Science & Technology (S&T) Program Protection: Offerors that are submitting PROPOSAL RESPONSES ONLY (Not required for submission of white papers) shall submit as a part of the proposal submission 1.) a completed Standard Form (SF) 424, Research and Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Form for all Senior/Key Personnel proposed; and 2.) A Completed Security Program Questionnaire. Offerors may be asked to provide a mitigation plan for any identified S&T Protection risks. The Government reserves the right to determine if an offer is unawardable on the grounds of unacceptable S&T Protection risk based on its review of the SF 424 and Security Program Questionnaire.

By submitting a proposal, the offeror certifies that it is in compliance with Section 223(a) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 which requires that: (a) the Principal Investigator (PI) and other key personnel certify that the current and pending support provided on the proposal is current, accurate and complete; (b) agree to update such disclosure at the request of the agency prior to the award of support and at any subsequent time the agency determines appropriate during the term of the award; (c) the PI and other key personnel have been made aware of the requirements under Section 223(a)(1) of this Act; and (d) certification includes the following statement: “I am aware that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or claims may subject me to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties. (U.S. code, Title 218, Section 1001)”.

WHITE PAPERS: WILL BE A TWO-STEP SOLICITATION:

First Step: WHITE PAPER DUE DATE AND TIME: This ARA is open and effective from 3 May 2018 until 31 December 2027. White Papers will be considered if received any time prior to 31 December 2027 at 3:00 p.m. local time, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.

Whitepapers shall be submitted electronically to the Contracting POC.

https://www.sam.gov/

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.

FUTURE CALLS WILL BE ISSUED AS AMENDMENTS TO THIS ARA. CALLS

WILL BE ONE OR TWO STEP SOLICITATIONS AND CAN BE OPEN OR CLOSED

**Note The Government will suspend white paper submission for project areas identified in any active Call and this will be stated in the Call announcement. If the Government receives a white paper tied to an active Call, the white paper will not be reviewed.

ONE STEP CALL (Closed): Periodically over the period of this ARA, Call announcements (Calls) may be issued under FA8650-18-S-5008 to request proposals for specific needs within the Technical Areas described in Section I.1 below. Offerors should monitor the official U.S.

government website for federal awards at https://SAM.gov in the event this announcement is amended or Calls are issued. CLOSED CALLS will be issued with a specified period for submitting proposals. The proposals are due NLT the date and time specified within the CALL.

ONE STEP CALL (open): Periodically over the period of this ARA, Call announcements (Calls) may be issued under FA8650-18-S-5008 to request proposals for specific needs within the Technical Areas described in Section I.1. Offerors should monitor the official U.S.

government website for federal awards at https://SAM.gov in the event this announcement is amended or Calls are issued. OPEN CALLS will be issued and remain active for an unspecified period of time and cancelled upon the discretion of the program office.

TWO STEP CALL(Closed): Periodically over the period of this ARA, Call announcements (Calls) may be issued under FA8650-18-S-5008 to request proposals for specific needs within the Technical Areas described in Section I.1.

Step One: Offerors are invited to submit white papers and a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) on their proposed project (which must fall within the Technical Area(s) identified in the CALL”). The white papers are due NLT the date and time specified within the CALL.

Step Two: If a white paper is reviewed favorably with respect to the Government Review Criteria and funding is available, AFRL/RXKM may request a formal technical and cost proposal from the offeror. Due dates and times will be specified in each Request for Proposal (RFP).

Submitted proposals will be evaluated IAW the proposal review information and may be selected for negotiations and award.

Offerors should monitor the official U.S. government website for federal awards at https://SAM.gov in the event this announcement is amended.

TWO STEP CALL (open): Periodically over the period of this ARA, Call announcements (Calls) may be issued under FA8650-18-S-5008 to request proposals for specific needs within the Technical Areas described in Section I.1 .

Step One: Offerors are invited to submit white papers and a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) on their proposed project (which must fall within the technical area(s) identified in the call) any time while the CALL remains active IAW the instructions stated in this ARA.

CALLS will be issued and remain active for an unspecified period of time and cancelled upon the discretion of the program office. The period for submitting white papers will remain open as long as the CALL remains active.

Step Two: If a white paper is reviewed favorably with respect to the Government Review Criteria and funding is available, AFRL/RXKM may request a formal technical and cost proposal from the offeror. Due dates and times will be specified in each Request for Proposal (RFP).

Submitted proposals will be evaluated IAW the proposal review information and may be selected for negotiations and award.

Offerors should monitor the official U.S. government website for federal awards at https://SAM.gov in the event this announcement is amended.

NOTE: Any white paper or proposal received at the Government Office designated in this ARA after the exact time specified for receipt of offers is “late” and will not be considered except at the Contracting Point of Contract’s discretion. 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 and CALLS must be submitted via e-mail to the Contracting Point of Contact (POC): Charlotte Chumack, Contracting Officer, AFRL/RXKMS, Bldg 45, 2130 8th St., Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7541; email:

charlotte.chumack@us.af.mil.

Annual Updates: It is noted that for ease of reference this ARA will be republished at yearly intervals for updates.

Solicitation Request: Air Force Research Laboratory, AFRL/RX Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, AFRL/RXMZ, the AFRL Energy Office is soliciting white papers on the research effort described below.

Type of Contract/Instrument: The Air Force reserves the right to award Contract(s) and/or Other Transaction(s) pursuant to 10 U.S.C. §4023 based on the instrument deemed most appropriate. It is anticipated that awards under this ARA will generally be Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) or Firm Fixed Price (FFP). REMINDER: Cost reimbursement contracts require successful offerors to have an accounting system considered adequate for tracking costs applicable to the contract.

NOTE: If proposing a Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) based contract, the FAR clause references in this ARA shall apply. This announcement incorporates FAR and supplement provisions and clauses by reference. The full text of these provisions and clauses can be found at http://acquisition.gov If proposing an Other Transaction (OT) pursuant to 10 U.S.C. §4021-4023, these FAR references and clauses would not apply. The terms and conditions of an OT agreement should be developed and negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

Estimated Program Cost: The total estimated program value is $197,840,000 with multiple awards ranging from $100,000.00 to $5,000,000.00 (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 agreements and/or contracts, for all, some or none of the solicited effort based on the offeror’s ability to perform desired work and funding fluctuations. There is no limit on the number of agreements or contracts that may be awarded to an individual offeror.

Brief Program Summary: Air Force Research Laboratory, AFRL/RX Materials & Manufacturing Directorate is soliciting white papers and potentially technical and cost proposals under this announcement that support the needs of the AFRL Energy Office. The AFRL Energy Office’s mission is to lead the discovery, development, delivery, and integration of energy science, technology, and innovation. The AFRL Energy Office’s intent is to decouple mission effectiveness from energy, water, and other resource and supply chain vulnerabilities through the identification, development, and demonstration of critical technologies for the Department of Air Force (DAF). Technologies that offer key benefits to users (e.g. increased combat capability, readiness, energy resiliency/reliability, increased cost–effectiveness, etc.)

in the areas of Operational Energy, Advanced Agile Combat Equipment, and Installation Energy. The AFRL Energy Office’s mission spans applied and advanced research and development through advanced technology demonstrations, including the performance of the required technology validation and risk reduction to facilitation technology transition.

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 publicly via an amendment to this ARA on SAM.gov for all contractors to review. For those white papers not selected to provide a full proposal, notification and feedback will be managed by the Contracting POCs.

Address technical questions to the Technical POC: Eric Griesenbrock, Lead, AFRL Energy Office: eric.griesenbrock.1@us.af.mil

Address contracting questions to the Contracting POC: Charlotte Chumack, Contracting Officer, e-mail address: charlotte.chumack@us.af.mil

System for Award Management (SAM) Registration: SAM is the primary Government repository for prospective federal awardee information and the centralized Government system for awards. It replaces CCR/FedReg, On-line Representations and Certifications (ORCA) and http://acquisition.gov/ mailto:eric.griesenbrock.1@us.af.mil mailto:charlotte.chumack@us.af.mil the Excluded Parties Lists System (EPLS). Offerors shall be registered in the SAM database prior to submitting an invoice and through final payment of any award resulting from this ARA.

Offerors may obtain information on registration and annual confirmation requirements via the SAM accessed through https://www.acquisition.gov or by calling 866-606-8220.

https://www.acquisition.gov/

Full Text Announcement

I. Program Description: The AFRL Energy Office (AFRL/RXMZ), located in the Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (AFRL/RX), is soliciting white papers (and later technical and cost proposals if after the Government’s review of the white paper it is determined that the white paper has the potential to best meet the Air Force’s needs) on the following research effort:

1. Statement of Objective/Description of Technical Area(s): The purpose of the ARA is to research and explore advanced energy, water, and other critical resource technologies to provide increased capabilities and benefits to DAF weapon systems, platforms, installations, and equipment. This program shall identify new and emerging advanced power generation, energy resilience, and energy efficiency technologies to be further developed and transitioned to meet military needs across the Department of the Air Force. Emphasis will be on technologies that provide capability improvements, readiness improvements, cost reductions, reliability improvements, and other enhancements to the performance of Department of the Air Force (DAF) Aviation, Expeditionary, Installation, Space, and Agile Combat Equipment missions. Descriptors of technology interests are presented below in the context of applications which focus on enabling innovative solutions, methods, and understanding to meet specific performance goals. The following technical areas are of interest.

a. Operational Energy (Aviation) Innovative solutions that create an energy-optimized force that maximizes combat capability: increases in weapon system capabilities (range, endurance, number of sorties refueled, etc.), supply chain risk mitigation, improved readiness through reduced maintenance, and other expansion/enhancement of system capabilities via potential approaches not limited to: lightweight modern materials, drag reduction, electrical and/or lighting modifications, software enhancements, digital engineering for new platforms and systems.

b. Expeditionary Energy Innovative solutions that improve warfighter capabilities in austere environments, self-sufficiency in resource poor, inhospitable, austere world-wide operations by reducing energy, water, logistical and operational footprints and risk.

c. Installation Energy Innovative solutions that provide assured and resilient energy for mission assurance or optimize energy used in processes common to air base operations, maintenance depots, research laboratories, and test centers.

d. Space Power and Energy Innovative solutions that provide increased capabilities for space applications including maneuverability, power generation, power transfer, energy storage and conversion technologies.

e. Agile Combat Equipment Innovative solutions that improve combat capability and readiness through optimized energy usage, autonomy, combat agility during CONUS / OCONUS operations, and operator health and safety conditions.

2. Security REQUIREMENTS

OPERATIONS SECURITY (OPSEC)

The contractor shall participate in all activities associated with the disciplines of the organization’s Industrial Security, Information Security, Personnel Security, Operations Security (OPSEC), and Antiterrorism programs, following appropriate measures in each program as required for this particular contract.

Security measures are required to reduce program vulnerability from successful adversary collection, exploitation of critical information, and violations of export control requirements. The prime contractor shall ensure all subcontractors, if applicable, conform to these requirements as required by the prime contractor.

PROGRAM PROTECTION PLAN (PPP) REQUIREMENTS

Any potential critical program information (CPI) generated as part of this effort will be reviewed to determine the need for a PPP or to be included as part of an existing

PPP.

3. 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.

4. Deliverable Items:

a. Data items, DD Form 1423-1 CDRLs will be utilized on contract awards. Other

Transactions will specify data items on a case-by-case basis.

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

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

d. Other: To be determined for each award.

5. Schedule: Each award is anticipated to be between 12 to 24 months; however Period of Performance will be tailored to each award.

6. Other Requirements:

a. Program security classification: It is anticipated that the majority of the awards will be unclassified. However, there may be instances when a secret facility clearance and secret safeguarding capability will be necessary depending on the white paper received. Actual Classification will be established on award-by-award basis. If a DD254 is applicable, offerors must verify their Cognizant Security Office information is current with Defense Security Service (DSS) at www.dss.mil.

b. OPSEC: see Statement of Objectives.

c. 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.

d. 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.

e. Safety: The following safety requirements will be incorporated into the award:

Must comply with all Air Force, federal, state and local safety and environmental regulations. Must comply with system safety requirements contained in MIL-STD 882E, Section 4 “Other Requirements” for any deliverable systems or hardware.

f. Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) may apply to contract awards resulting from this BAA. Interim and final evaluations of contractor performance for contract awards will be prepared in accordance with AFFARS

5342.1503. The final performance evaluation will be prepared at the time of completion of work. In addition to the final evaluation, interim evaluation(s) will be prepared annually. Awardees will be requested to provide a POC to receive notifications of the opportunity to provide feedback. The contractor will be permitted 14 days to review the document and to submit additional information or a rebutting statement. If agreement cannot be reached between the parties, the matter will be referred to an individual one level above the Contracting Officer, whose decision regarding the CPARS submission will be final. Copies of the assessments, contractor responses, and review comments, if any, will be retained as part of the contract file, and may be used to support future award decisions for other procurements.

7. Other Information:

a. Government Furnished Property (GFP) Availability: to be determined for each award. Access to appropriate government facilities and platforms will be provided by the government as appropriate and necessary to conduct experimentation.

Additional GFP use may be considered if proposed and found to be in the best interest of the Government.

In accordance with FAR 45.201(b), the contractor is responsible for all costs related to making the property available for use, such as payment of all transportation, installation or rehabilitation costs.

http://www.dss.mil/

If GFP is requested in a proposal, the following clauses/provisions apply:

i. FAR 52.245-1 Government Property or FAR 52.245-1, Alt II if the resulting contract is with a nonprofit organization or applied research at nonprofit organizations (SEP 2021);

ii. FAR 52.245-9 Use and Charges (Apr 2012);

iii. DFARS 252.211-7007, Reporting of Government Furnished Property (Aug

2012);

iv. DFARS 252.245-7001, Tagging, Labeling and Marking of

Government Furnished Property (Apr 2012);

v. DFARS 252.245-7002, Reporting Loss of Government Property (JAN 2021);

vi. DFARS 252.245-7003, Contractor Property Management System

Administration (Apr 2012);

vii. DFARS 252.245-7004, Reporting, Reutilization, and Disposal (Dec 2017).

b. Base Support/Network Access: Base Support/Network Access will be determined for each contract/agreement. 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 unless proposed. If it is determined to apply, language will be in the SOW supplemental Requirements Document.

c. Data Rights Desired:

(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 31 December 2027.

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

FY25 FY26 FY27 FY28 TOTAL

$26.735M $28.951M $31.425M $12.879M $99.99M

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. Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to propose on all or any part of this solicitation.

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, the AFRL Energy Office must make a determination that the work proposed would not place the FFRDC in direct competition with domestic private industry. Only after these determinations are made, would a determination be made concerning the FFRDC’s eligibility to receive an award.

4. Government Agencies: If a Government agency is interested in performing work, contact the Program Manager identified in the ARA. 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 will be considered on a case- by-case basis. If it is determined that Foreign Participation is not allowed, the US Prime Contractor and/or Subcontractor may hire foreign national with prior FDO approval;

however, Foreign Nationals will be limited to public domain information only.

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 may involve 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 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 contains a Two-Step Open 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 INITIALLY. WHITE

PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM 3 MAY 2018 TO 31 DECEMBER 2027

In addition to the Two-Step Open Process, ARA CALL Announcements (CALLS) may be periodically issued under FA8650-18-S-5008 during this period.

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

2. First Step (White Paper) Instructions:

a. General: The FIRST STEP requests a white paper and a rough order of magnitude

(ROM) cost. The white paper shall include a discussion of the nature and scope of the research and the offeror’s proposed technical approach. The Government will review the white papers in accordance with the FIRST STEP Peer or Scientific Review criteria, set forth in Section V below. Based on this review, the Government will determine 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 but may, however, still elect to submit a technical and cost proposal. An offeror submitting a proposal without first submitting a white paper will not be eligible for an award. The cost of preparing white papers in response to this Solicitation is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting or any other contract; however, it may be an allowable expense to the http://www.dlis.dla.mil/jcp/ http://www.dlis.dla.mil/jcp/ 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), 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 the Contracting POC.

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

(1) Section A:

• ARA Number (FA8650-18-S-5008)

• Title of Program (Government Requirement for Advanced Power and

Energy (GRAPE))

• Title of your white paper

• Which research area the white paper fits under (Operational Energy

(Aviation), Expeditionary Energy, Installation Energy, Space Power and Energy, or Agile Combat Equipment)

• 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

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

(3) Section C: Technical Summary and Proposed Deliverables (if any); 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. The offeror shall explicitly describe the innovative nature of the research. 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 reviewed in accordance with the award criteria in Section V.

below. Proposals will be categorized and subsequently selected for negotiations.

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

(3) Proposals must reference the announcement number FA8650-18-S-5008 and relevant research area(s).

(4) Offerors must submit one-original and 1 hard copies of their proposals to the Contracting POC.

(5) Offerors must include 1 CD in Microsoft Office or Adobe format containing all electronic versions of required submittals. All electronic versions must match the hard copies.

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

b) The CDs should be labeled with the company name and proposal title.

(6) Offerors are advised that only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to contractually bind or otherwise commit the Government. The cost of preparing proposals in response to this ARA 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.

(7) 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 20 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 20. The page limitation covers all information including indices, photographs, foldouts (counted as 1 page for each 8.5 by 11 portion) tables, charts, appendices, attachments, resumes, etc.

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

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

(2) The Technical/Management proposal(s) shall include a…