FA8650-19-S-6003.pdf

1-Step Broad Agency Announcement Overview Information

NAICS Code: The NAICS Code for this acquisition is 541715.

Federal Agency Name: Air Force Research Laboratory, 711th Human Performance Wing, Human Effectiveness Directorate, Warfighter Interface Division

(711HPW/RHC).

Broad Agency Announcement Title: Airman Decision Making and Interface REsearch (ADMIRE) Program

Broad Agency Announcement Type: This is the Initial Announcement.

Broad Agency Announcement Number: FA8650-19-S-6003

Proposal Due Date and Time: 19 February 2019, 3:00 P.M. Wright-Patterson AFB, OH local time. NOTE: 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. Early proposal submission is encouraged.

Submission: Proposals must be submitted to the Contracting Point of Contact (POC): Colleen S. McDonald, AFRL/RQKHA, Bldg 45, 2130 8th St., Wright-Patterson

AFB, OH 45433-7541.

Solicitation Request: The 711HPW/RHC, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, is soliciting technical and cost proposals 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 be Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts with Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) or Cost Reimbursement task orders. Cost reimbursement contracts require successful offerors to have an accounting system considered adequate for tracking costs applicable to the contract.

Estimated Program Cost: The ID/IQ contracts will have a shared ceiling value of $135,000,000. Total anticipated funding for initial awards is $40,270,000 to cover all awarded initial task orders.

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 offerors’ ability to perform desired work and funding fluctuations.

Brief Program Summary: The goal of this effort is to provide basic, applied and advanced research, development and demonstration for the mission of the 711HPW/RHC. The objective of this effort is to solicit research to understand and deliver persistent situation awareness and improved warfighter decision making for integrated and synchronized Air Force operations in five Technical Areas: Battlespace Acoustics, Supervisory Control and Cognition, Aerospace Physiology, Battlespace Visualization, and Applied Neuroscience.

Communication Between Prospective Offerors and Government Representatives: Dialogue between prospective offerors and Government representatives (technical and contracting) is encouraged until Solicitation is issued.

After solicitation release, all questions shall be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer within 21 calendar days after BAA release. The contracting POCs are:

• Primary: Colleen S. McDonald (Contracting Officer); 2130 8th Street, Wright- Patterson AFB, OH, 45433; 937-713-9843; Colleen.McDonald@us.af.mil

• Alternate: Stephanie Auld (Contract Negotiator); 2130 8th Street, Wright- Patterson AFB, OH, 937-713-9871; Stephanie.Auld.1@us.af.mil

All pertinent questions and answers will be posted to FedBizOpps. Discussions with any of the points of contact shall not constitute a commitment by the Government to subsequently fund or award any proposed effort. Only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to commit the Government.

Full Text Announcement

I. Program Description: The 711HPW/RHC is soliciting technical and cost proposals on the following research effort:

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

a. Basic IDIQ: The 711HPW/RHC has identified five basic IDIQ Technical Areas to deliver persistent situation awareness and improved Warfighter decision making for integrated and synchronized Air Force operations: (1) Battlespace Acoustics, (2) Supervisory Control and Cognition, (3) Aerospace Physiology, (4) Battlespace Visualization, and (5) Applied Neuroscience. Within each of these basic IDIQ Technical Areas are a number of 711HPW/RHC laboratories that address various operational issues related to human interface technology. These laboratories may be reconfigured and/or new ones may be created to answer specific issues related to human interface technologies that develop in various operational scenarios. In some cases, the contractor shall be required to go into operational environments to perform human engineering evaluations, field data collection, and/or testing of existing and future weapon systems. The 711HPW/RHC’s goal is to improve Warfighter performance and protection and to develop tests to improve personnel selection and classification.

i. Tasks and Technical Requirements/Objectives The work under this effort will be implemented through an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) ordering process as contracted by specific task orders.

ii. Basic IDIQ Technical Areas/Objectives See Attachments 1-5 for the Basic IDIQ Technical Area Statements of Objectives (SOOs).

b. Task Order #1, Enhanced Tactical Communications Interfaces (ETCI): This Task Order falls under the Battlespace Acoustics Technical Area. See Attachment 6, Task Order #1, Enhanced Tactical Communication Interfaces (ETCI) SOO.

c. Task Order #2, Collaborative Agent-Aided Teaming for Multiple Operators of Multiple Unmanned Vehicles (CAT-MOMU): This Task Order falls under the Supervisory Control and Cognition Technical Area.

See Attachment 7, Task Order #2, Collaborative Agent-Aided Teaming for Multiple Operators of Multiple Unmanned Vehicles (CAT-MOMU) SOO

d. Task Order #3, Aerospace Physiology & Performance Research (APPR): This Task Order falls under the Aerospace Physiology Technical Area. See Attachment 8, Task Order #3, Aerospace Physiology and Performance Research (APPR) SOO.

e. Task Order #4, Battlespace Visualization Research (BVR): This Task Order falls under the Battlespace Visualization Technical Area. See Attachment 9, Task Order #4, Battlespace Visualization Research (BVR)

SOO.

f. Task Order #5, Assessment and Enhancement of Airman and Teams in Operational Environments (AEA-TOE): This Task Order falls under the Applied Neuroscience Technical Area. See Attachment 10, Task Order #5, Assessment and Enhancement of Airman and Teams in Operational Environments (AEA-TOE) SOO.

2. Within Scope Modifications: Potential offerors are advised that due to the inherent uncertainty of research and development efforts, awards resulting from this announcement may be modified during performance to make within scope changes, to include but not limited to, modifications which increase overall contract ceiling amount.

3. Deliverable Items:

a. Data Items: Potential Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs), DD Form

1423, are attached to this solicitation. Applicable CDRL requirements will be identified in each task order SOO. A final report will be required for each task order, but not required under the basic IDIQ.

b. Software: To Be Determined (TBD) on individual Task Orders. Delivery format CD-ROM.

c. Hardware: TBD on individual task orders. All hardware developed or acquired for the task orders, and not consumed or expended, shall be delivered by the end of the technical effort. All hardware deliverables and contractor acquired property will be subject to the requirements of DFARS 252.211-7003, Item Unique Identification and Valuation.

d. Other: Additional data items such as monthly and quarterly reports, presentation materials, project schedules, etc., will be identified for each task order.

4. Schedule:

a. Overall effort: 75 Months with 60 months allotted for ordering.

b. Data Items: See attached DD Form 1423.

c. Software: Determined for individual task orders.

d. Hardware: Determined for individual task orders.

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: Up to Top Secret/SCI as determined by individual task orders. Offerors must verify their Cognizant Security Office information is current with Defense Security Service (DSS) at www.dss.mil.

The DD Form 254 is provided as Attachment 13 and provides the highest security requirements for this program. Only proposals that meet this criteria or have the ability to obtain these security requirements will be considered for contract award.

c. OPSEC: See attached SOOs for OPSEC Guidance.

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

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

f. Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) will apply to task order awards with Budget Activity 6.4+ funds and having a value greater than $1M resulting. Interim and final evaluations of contractor performance for contract awards will be prepared in accordance with AFFARS 5342.1503. The final performance evaluation will be prepared at the time of completion of work. In addition to the final evaluation, interim evaluation(s) will be prepared annually (at a minimum). CPARS will be conducted per task order as applicable. Awardees will be requested to provide a POC to receive notifications of the opportunity to provide feedback. The contractor will be permitted 14 days to review the document and to submit additional information or a rebutting statement. If agreement cannot be reached between the parties, the matter will be referred to an individual one level above the Contracting Officer, whose decision will be final. Copies of the assessments, contractor responses, and review comments, if any, will be retained as part of the contract file, and may be used to support future award decisions for other procurements.

6. Other Information:

a. Government Furnished Property (GFP) availability: Not anticipated but will be determined on a task order basis and included if necessary.

b. Base Support/ Network Access: Is anticipated and will be determined on a task order basis.

i. Available Base Facilities: Access to the 711HPW/RHC facilities will be determined on a task order basis. Base Support can be provided as follows:

• Bldg 33: Rooms B022, B023, 340, 345, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, and 354.

• Bldg 146: Rooms 113, 114, 116, 117, 118, 120, 121, and 122.

• Bldg 248: Rooms 110, 200, 202, 211, 300, 302, 303, 306, 3001, 3003, and 3008.

• Bldg 441: Rooms 0-101, 0-103, 0-104, 0-105, 0-106, 0-108, 0-

109, 0-110, 0-111, 0-116, 0-117, 0-118, 0-119, 0-120, 0-121, 0-122, 0-123, 0-126, 1-08, 1-09, 1-10, 1-11, 1-12, 1-13, 1-14, 1-15, 1-17, 1-18, and 1-19.

• Bldg 824: Rooms 135, 136, 139, 140, 140A, 141, 143, 143-A, 146, 223, 224, 226, and 230.

• Bldg 840: Rooms E200B, E200D, E200E, E200F, E200H, E200K, E200L, W202, W205A, W207H, W207I, W207J, W207K, W207L, W207M, W209, W211, and W221.

• Bldg 838: Rooms 125, 126, and 136.

ii. The Government will provide the following: desks, computers, phone, facsimile, etc. as necessary for the on-site contractor.

iii. Offerors shall refer to the Task Order SOOs for Base Support information.

c. Multiple awards subject to Fair Opportunity are anticipated.

d. Data Rights Desired for all Task Orders:

(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 (see Attachment 11, Model Contract for Basic IDIQ). 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).

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

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

2. The license shall neither restrict the Government from using the product at various sites nor limit use of the product by various Government agencies or third parties performing work on behalf of the Air Force under the ADMIRE Program. In performance of the ADMIRE Program, Government personnel as well as Government contractors may use the software.

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

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

5. The Licensee shall not be restricted from copying or embedding elements of accessible code into other applications (e.g., nesting code, derivative works).

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

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

If the Licensor will not agree to the terms and conditions cited herein and/or as contained in DFARS 227.72, the Contractor shall retain the current license on behalf of and for the benefit of the US Government if permissible under its license and such use will not subject the Government to the terms of the license.

The Contractor shall provide documentation to clearly correlate or map software license(s) to:

a) Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINS);

b) Contract Deliverables (CDRLS);

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

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

II. Award Information

1. Anticipated Award Date: 18 July 2019

2. Anticipated funding for the Program

This funding profile is an estimate only and not a contractual obligation for funding. All funding is subject to change due to Government discretion, needs and/or 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.

Offerors shall refer to the individual task order SOOs for task order funding profiles.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Offeror: This is an unrestricted solicitation. Small businesses are encouraged to propose to any or all of the basic IDIQ Technical Areas described in this announcement.

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

FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 FY 22 FY 23 FY 24 Total $22.5M $22.5M $22.5M $22.5M $22.5M $22.5M $135M

(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 Contracting Officer 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. The US Prime

Contractor and/or Sub-Contractor may hire foreign national with prior FDO approval; however, foreign nationals will be limited to Public Domain information only.

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 proposals an offeror may submit.

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

IV. Proposal and Submission Information

1. Overview: 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 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. Offerors should be alert for any BAA amendments that may change proposal requirements or permit extensions to the proposal 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?

2. Content and Form of Proposal Submission: The paragraphs below identify proposal format and content.

a. General Instructions:

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

ii. Technical/Management and Cost/Business volumes should be submitted in separate volumes and must be valid for 180 days.

iii. Proposals must reference the announcement number FA8650-19-S- 6003.

iv. Offerors must submit one (1) original and two (2) hard copies of their proposals to the Contracting POC (listed on Page 2 of this solicitation).

v. Offerors must include three (3) CDs in Microsoft Office or Adobe format containing all electronic versions of required submittals. All electronic versions must match the hard copies. If there is a discrepancy between hard copies and electronic copies, the hard copies will take precedence.

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.

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

vii. 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.

viii. No classified Technical/Management 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 Contracting Officer for delivery instructions.

b. Offerors must propose using the following instructions in order to be considered for an IDIQ award:

i. Basic IDIQ. Offerors must propose to a minimum of one (1) basic IDIQ

Technical Area and up to the maximum of five (5) basic IDIQ Technical Areas as a part of their Basic IDIQ Proposal submission. Offerors must submit the following documents for the Basic IDIQ:

a) For each basic IDIQ Technical Area proposed, the offeror must submit a Technical/Management Proposal.

b) For each basic IDIQ Technical Area proposed, the offeror must submit a Statement of Work (SOW) in response to the corresponding

SOO.

ii. Task Orders. For each basic IDIQ Technical Area proposed, the offeror must also submit a Task Order proposal in that basic IDIQ Technical Area. An offeror may NOT submit a Task Order proposal in a basic IDIQ Technical Area that was not proposed in the Basic IDIQ. An offeror must be selectable for award in a Basic IDIQ Technical Area and its corresponding Task Order (in that technical area) to be eligible for an IDIQ award. An offeror must be awarded an initial Task Order (in any of the five basic IDIQ Technical Areas) in order to receive an IDIQ award.

a) The relationship between basic IDIQ Technical Areas and Task

Orders is the following:

• Battlespace Acoustics (Technical Area #1): Task Order #1 (ETCI)

• Supervisory Control and Cognition (Technical Area #2): Task

Order #2 (CAT-MOMU)

• Aerospace Physiology (Technical Area #3): Task Order #3 (APPR)

• Battlespace Visualization (Technical Area #4): Task Order #4

(BVR)

• Applied Neuroscience (Technical Area #5): Task Order #5 (AEA-

TOE)

b) Offerors must submit the following documents for each Task Order proposed:

• Task Order #1 (ETCI)

1. Technical/Management Proposal

2. SOW in response to applicable SOO

3. Cost/Business Proposal

• Task Order #2 (CAT-MOMU)

1. Technical/Management Proposal

2. SOW in response to applicable SOO

3. Cost/Business Proposal

• Task Order #3 (APPR)

1. Technical/Management Proposal

2. SOW in response to applicable SOO

3. Cost/Business Proposal

• Task Order #4 (BVR)

1. Technical/Management Proposal

2. SOW in response to applicable SOO

3. Cost/Business Proposal

• Task Order #5 (AEA-TOE)

1. Technical/Management Proposal

2. SOW in response to applicable SOO

3. Cost/Business Proposal

c. BASIC IDIQ PROPOSAL:

i. Technical/Management Proposal(s)

a) A Technical/Management Proposal is required for each basic IDIQ

Technical Area proposed.

b) Page Limitations: The following describes proposal page limitations, which apply to each Basic IDIQ Technical Area Technical/Management proposal submitted:

1. Each Basic IDIQ Technical Area Technical/Management Proposal shall be limited to fifteen (15) pages.

Technical/Management proposal(s) and Statement(s) of Work must be provided in Microsoft Word. Signed pages may be submitted in Adobe.

2. Font shall be standard 10-point business font Arial.

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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Pages shall be numbered starting with the cover page being Page 1, and the last page being no greater than Page 15. The page limitation covers all information including indices, photographs, foldouts (counted as 1 page for each 8.5 by 11 portion) tables, charts appendices, attachments, resumes, etc.

7. The proposal page limit does not include the offeror's proposed SOW(s); however, the same formatting rules apply to the SOW(s), which are limited to ten (10) pages.

8. Please Note: The Government will check the basic IDIQ Technical Area Technical/Management Proposal(s) and the SOW(s) 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.

c) The basic IDIQ Technical Area Technical/Management Proposal(s) shall include a discussion of the nature and scope of the research and the technical approach as it applies to the basic IDIQ Technical

Area(s) proposed by the offeror. Additional information on prior work in the proposed basic IDIQ Technical 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 basic IDIQ Technical Area Technical/Management Proposal(s). This volume shall include SOW(s) detailing the technical tasks proposed to be accomplished under the proposed effort and suitable for contract incorporation. A separate basic IDIQ Technical Area SOW must be submitted for each basic IDIQ Technical Area proposed. Do not include any proprietary information in the basic IDIQ Technical Area SOW(s). Refer to the BAA Guide for Industry referenced above to assist in SOW preparation. In addition to the contractor proposed SOW(s), a Government generated SOW attachment containing additional contracting requirements will be included in any resulting contracts. The SOW attachment is included as part of Attachment 11, Model Contract for the Basic IDIQ.

d) Any questions concerning the basic IDIQ Technical Area Technical/Management Proposal(s) or SOW preparation shall be referred to the Contracting POC.

d. TASK ORDER PROPOSALS (Applies to all Task Orders):

i. Technical/Management Proposal

a) A Technical/Management Proposal is required for each Task Order proposed

b) Page Limitations: The following describes proposal page limitations, which apply to each Task Order Technical/Management proposal submitted:

1. Each Task Order Technical/Management Proposal shall be limited to fifteen (15) pages. Technical/Management proposal(s) and Statement(s) of Work must be provided in Microsoft Word. Signed pages may be submitted in Adobe.

2. Font shall be standard 10-point business font Arial.

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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Pages shall be numbered starting with the cover page being Page 1, and the last page being no greater than Page 15. The page limitation covers all information including indices, photographs, foldouts (counted as 1 page for each 8.5 by 11 portion) tables, charts appendices, attachments, resumes, etc.

7. The proposal page limit does not include the offeror's proposed SOW(s); however, the same formatting rules apply to the SOW(s), which are limited to ten (10) pages.

8. Please Note: The Government will check the Task Order Technical/Management Proposal(s) and the SOW(s) 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.

c) The Task Order Technical/Management Proposal(s) shall include a discussion of the nature and scope of the research and the technical approach specific to the Task Order SOO. 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 Task Order Technical/Management Proposal(s). The Task Order Technical/Management Proposal(s) shall also include a list of hazardous material to be used under the proposed effort, if any, and their application. Additionally, the offeror shall identify any potentially significant environmental issues associated with the proposed effort, if any. For each Task Order proposed, a corresponding SOW must be submitted 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 Task Order SOW(s). Refer to the BAA Guide for Industry referenced above to assist in SOW preparation. In addition to the contractor proposed SOW(s), a Government generated SOW attachment containing additional contracting requirements will be included in any resulting contracts.

The SOW attachment is included as part of Attachment 11, Model Contract for the Basic IDIQ.

d) Any questions concerning the Task Order Technical/Management Proposal(s) or SOW preparation shall be referred to the Contracting

POC.

ii. Cost/Business Proposal

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

Cost/Business proposals have no page limitations. Adequate price competition is anticipated.

b) See Attachment 11 for the Model Contract for the Basic IDIQ. Note that the document awarded may include contract line items (CLINS)/clauses/articles in addition to those in the model, and/or some of the CLINS/clauses/articles in the model may be deleted, depending on the specific circumstances of the individual award. Any additions or deletions will be negotiated with the offeror prior to award.

c) The business section should contain all business aspects to the proposed task order, 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.

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

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

f) Subcontracting Plans: For efforts to exceed $700,000, Subcontracting Plans will be required. 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. If the offeror has a Comprehensive Subcontracting Plan, it should be submitted with the proposal package, if applicable.

Since an IDIQ contract arrangement is anticipated, the basis for the subcontracting plan should reflect the entire ceiling amount. As such, if an Individual Subcontract Plan or Individual/Master Subcontracting Plan will be utilized, that Subcontracting Plan will NOT be required until requested by the Government.

g) 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.

h) Completed Certifications and Representations (Section K) are due with the proposal. Certifications and Representations (Section K) can be found at Attachment 11, Model Contract for Basic IDIQ. Offerors may also be required to submit updated or supplemental Certifications and Representations based on the specifics of their proposal.

i) 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 purposes in accordance with FAR 45.202. Include the following information in the proposal:

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

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

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

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

j) Cost Element Breakdown:

a) 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.

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

Please note that the government does not purchase general purpose (capital) type equipment, but only special test equipment.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

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

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

10.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.

11.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.

12.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.

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

V. Proposal Review Information: Basic IDIQ Peer or Scientific Review is of greater importance than Task Order Peer or Scientific Reviews. Basic IDIQ Technical Area Peer or Scientific Reviews are of equal importance to each other. Task Order Peer or Scientific Reviews are of equal importance to each other. Offerors must have a selected Task Order to be eligible for a Basic IDIQ.

1. Scientific Review Criteria: Technical/Management Proposals will be reviewed using the criteria listed below. The technical aspect, which is ranked as the first order of priority, shall be reviewed based on the following criteria that are of equal order of importance.

a. Basic IDIQ Technical Area Proposals: Basic IDIQ Technical Area Proposals will be reviewed using the criteria listed below. All criteria are of equal order of importance. Each basic IDIQ Technical Area Proposal will be reviewed separately.

i. The unique and innovative nature of the offeror’s technical approach to performing the research and meeting the objectives of the Technical Area.

ii. The offeror’s relevant experience in the Technical Area and how that experience is related to the Technical Approach.

iii. The technical skill sets that will be utilized by the offeror to achieve the Technical Approach.

iv. The offeror’s processes and controls to successfully manage the cost, schedule, performance, and materiel requirements of the Technical Area Task Orders.

b. Task Order Proposals: Task Order Proposals will be reviewed using the criteria listed below. Each Task Order Proposal will be reviewed separately.

i. Technical: The technical aspect, which is ranked as the first order of priority, shall be reviewed based on the following criteria that are of equal importance.

1. The offeror’s understanding of the scope, and the soundness of their approach, to accomplishing the Task Order objectives.

2. The development of appropriate, novel, and/or innovative solutions using appropriate evaluation methods (such as computer simulations, flight test, ground test, laboratory, and/or shop facilities) to advance knowledge and the state-of-the-art while meeting Task Order requirements and objectives.

3. Qualified and available technical personnel with experience and knowledge to successfully meet the Task Order requirements and objectives.

ii. Cost/Price Criteria: The cost/price criterion includes the realism of the proposed cost. Cost/Price is a substantial factor, but ranked as the second order of priority. (If an offeror proposes the use of GFP 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).

2. Review and Selection Process

a. Categories: Based on the Scientific Review, both the basic IDIQ Technical

Area Proposals and the Task Order proposals will be categorized as Selectable or Not Selectable. A combination of an IDIQ contract and one initial task order must both be rated as “selectable” in order to be considered for award. The definitions for each are as follows:

i. For the basic IDIQ Technical Areas (each Technical Area will be evaluated separately):

(a) Selectable: The Technical Area proposal is technically acceptable and the Task Order associated with the Technical Area will be evaluated by the Government review team.

(b) Not Selectable: The Technical Area proposal is not technically acceptable and the Task Order associated with the Technical Area will not be evaluated by the Government review team.

ii. For the Task Orders:

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

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

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

b. No other criteria will be used.

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

3. Future Task Order Awards

a. Future Task Orders will be categorized, based on predominance of work, as basic IDIQ Technical Area (1) Battlespace Acoustics, (2) Supervisory Control and Cognition, (3) Aerospace Physiology, (4) Battlespace Visualization, or (5) Applied Neuroscience. Future Task Orders will be solicited to offerors as detailed below.

b. Only those offerors that have one or more Selectable…