REGAL_ARA-Amend 01 11_28_2022.pdf

Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) with Calls Amendment 01

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT REQUESTING PROPOSALS

AT THIS TIME

Overview Information

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

Federal Agency Name: Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) - Transformational Capabilities Office (TCO)

ARA Title: Rocket Experimentation for Global Agile Logistics (REGAL)

ARA Type: This is the initial Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) which will solicit requirements through Call(s) for Proposals. This announcement posts the basic ARA and does not request proposals at this time. The basic ARA will remain open until 1 July 2027.

ARA Number: FA8650-21-S-9307

Proposal Due Date and Time: Proposal due date and time will be specified in each Call for Proposals against this ARA.

Delivery Instructions: Due to COVID 19, the DAF requests electronic proposals be submitted using BOTH DoD SAFE (primary method) and email (backup method) to the following addresses:

AFRL.RS.RocketCargo@us.af.mil

The maximum email file size the Government can receive is 20 MB.

If the contractor needs a DoD SAFE drop-off invite from the DAF, please send that request to AFRL.RS.RocketCargo@us.af.mil no later than 7 days prior to the due date of proposals to ensure a drop off code is provided in a timely manner.

NOTE: Any proposal received at the Government Office designated in this ARA or subsequent Calls after the exact time specified for receipt of offers is “late” and will not be considered except at the discretion of the Government. Early proposal submissions are encouraged.

Solicitation Request: This ARA with Call(s) for Proposals is not requesting proposals at this time. Individual requirements known as “Call(s) for Proposals” will be issued against this ARA. Each Call for Proposals will contain the specific requirements and proposal submission dates. Unless otherwise stated in a specific Call, all other requirements are listed within this ARA. Offerors should be alert for any ARA amendments or future Call(s) for Proposals. This ARA shall remain open mailto:AFRL.RS.RocketCargo@us.af.mil until 1 July 2027.

System for Award Management (SAM) Registration: SAM is now the central repository for common Government-wide financial assistance certifications and representations. Registration in SAM now includes the acceptance of Certifications and Assurances. SAM may be accessed at: https://beta.sam.gov/. The Financial Assistance Certifications Report is an attestation that the entity will abide by the requirements of the various laws and regulations; therefore, as applicable, you are still required to submit any documentation, including the SF LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable), and informing DoD of unpaid delinquent tax liability or a felony conviction under any Federal law.

Type of Contract/Instrument: The Air Force intends to award agreements for Other Transactions and Procurement for Experimental Purposes pursuant to 10 U.S.C. §§ 2371b and 2373, based on the instrument deemed most appropriate by the Air Force. In all cases, the Government agreements officer shall have sole discretion to select award instrument type, regardless of instrument type proposed, and to negotiate all instrument terms and conditions with selectees. It is anticipated that Contract awards under this ARA will generally be Cost Reimbursement 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: For an Other Transaction (OT) or Procurement for Experimental Purposes pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2371b or 2373, the FAR does not apply.

The terms and conditions of an agreement may model the FAR but will be developed and negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

Estimated Program Cost: The total estimated program value is $250,000,000 with multiple awards ranging from $50,000 to $20,000,000 (the Government reserves the right to exceed this amount if necessary).

Anticipated Number of Awards: The Air Force anticipates awarding multiple agreements based on this announcement. However, the Air Force reserves the right to award zero, one, or more agreements 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 that may be awarded to an individual offeror.

Brief Program Summary: The Department of the Air Force (DAF) is exploring point-to-point space transportation capability for DOD logistics. Based on the advertised commercial capability and business objectives for point-to-point space transportation, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is currently assessing emerging commercial rocket capability under the DAF Rocket Cargo Vanguard program, and the potential to quickly transport DOD materiel to ports across the globe. To this end, the Rocket Experimentation for Global Agile Logistics (REGAL) program will explore the use of commercially-advertised rocket launch systems for rapid point-to-point (PTP) space transportation and agile global logistics. The goal is to field a capability that can deliver DoD cargo anywhere on the planet in less than https://beta.sam.gov/ one hour through service-type contracts similar to agreements DoD uses today with commercial airlines. Expected missions include emergency resupply to restore loss of mission capability, humanitarian relief, disaster relief, and ultimately routine and affordable transport of cargo to select DOD ports across the world. No funding will be invested in developing commercial rocket systems.

Communication Between Prospective Offerors and Government Representatives:

Dialogue between prospective offerors and Government representatives is encouraged until submission of proposals. 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. However, questions related to the objectives of the effort or prior similar efforts may be answered. Only agreements officers are legally authorized to commit the Government. If there is any doubt as to whether a particular response provides a competitive advantage to a prospective offeror, the response will be posted publicly via an amendment to this ARA on Beta.Sam.Gov for all prospective offerors to review.

Full Text Announcement

I. Program Description: Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Transformational Capabilities Office (TCO), is announcing its intent to solicit proposals under this ARA with Calls. Solicitations for proposals will be accomplished via Call(s) for Proposals. This announcement does NOT request proposals at this time.

Background: The DAF is exploring point-to-point (PTP) space transportation capability for DOD logistics in the Rocket Cargo Vanguard program. Disruptive innovation in the speed and reach of global logistics has potential to transform the ability to project and sustain the Joint Force at a time and place of the Nation’s choosing. To this end, the Rocket Experimentation for Global Agile Logistics (REGAL) program will explore the use of commercially-advertised rocket launch systems for rapid point-to-point (PTP) space transportation and agile global logistics. The goal is to assess whether commercial rockets can deliver DoD cargo anywhere on the planet in less than one hour. If the Rocket Cargo Vanguard proves that rocket-based transportation is viable, affordable, and advantageous for agile global DOD logistics, a service lease type contract is envisioned, similar to current DOD agreements with the airline industry to transport U.S. troops on commercial aircraft (e.g., CRAF contracts). Expected missions include emergency resupply to restore loss of mission capability, humanitarian relief, disaster relief, and ultimately routine and affordable transport of cargo to select DoD ports across the world.

Rocket transportation concepts have been the subject of theoretical and research efforts for over 50 years. Previous feasibility analyses showed a cost that was too high for the proposed mission sets, which were themselves limited by insufficient payload capacity on the rockets available at the time. In recent years this has changed; the U.S. commercial launch market is building the largest rockets ever, at the lowest prices per pound ever, and with second-stages able reenter the atmosphere and be recovered for multiple uses. These advances in the U.S.

commercial launch market fueled a new assessment of point-to-point space transportation for DOD logistics by the AFRL Rocket Cargo program.

This program seeks to explore the use of commercially developed rockets for rapid PTP space transportation of DOD cargo and agile global logistics, such that the DAF is positioned as an early adopter and first user should the commercial capability reach fruition. This capability may include human PTP space transportation if it is developed as part of a commercial product line. No funding will be invested in developing commercial rocket systems. By taking advantage of commercial rocket developments, the REGAL program will concentrate government efforts and resources on the few areas that are unique to PTP military logistics applications. We will perform development, prototyping and experimentation necessary to effectively use this new commercial capability for military logistics.

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

The requirements, terms and specific deliverables of each Call for Proposals will vary depending on the nature of the challenge being addressed. It is anticipated that Call(s) for Proposals will address challenges in the following technology areas:

Logistics Capability Demonstrations Perform experiments to demonstrate key logistics capabilities and technologies for PTP space transportation to select DoD sites and to austere locations. This may leverage commercial rocket systems in development and test, payloads for PTP applications, and additional operations to enable the military logistics train.

Operational Experimentation Integrate commercial PTP rocket capabilities with the military logistics train and demonstration of end-to-end PTP rocket cargo delivery for emergency resupply, including to select DoD locations and austere sites. This may include demonstrations with operational users and U.S. Transportation Command to assess initial operational capability and suitability of service-type contracts.

Special Purpose Experimentation Conduct special purpose experimentation to address military-unique requirements that may not be otherwise met by commercial PTP space transportation capabilities, including demonstrations of airdrop payloads for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

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 incorporate within scope changes, to include but not limited to, modifications which may increase the overall contract ceiling amount.

3. Deliverable Items:

a. Data Items: Will be identified in each Call for Proposals.

b. Software: If required, applicable Software deliverables will be identified in each Call for Proposals

c. Hardware: If required, applicable Hardware deliverables will be identified in each Call for Proposals.

d. Other: If required, other deliverables will be identified in each Call for

Proposals.

4. Schedule:

a. Overall effort: To be determined on each Call for Proposals.

b. Data Items: To be determined on each Call for Proposals

c. Software: To be determined on each Call for Proposals

d. Hardware: To be determined on each Call for Proposals

5. Other Requirements:

a. Program security classification: Classification will be determined on each Call for Proposals. If a DD254 is applicable, offerors must verify their Cognizant Security Office information is current with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) at www.dcsa.mil.

b. OPSEC: OPSEC requirements will be determined on each Call for Proposals.

c. Export Control: Information involved in this research effort is 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.

d. Export-Controlled Items: An Article similar to DFARS 225.7901-4, DFARS 252.225-7048, “Export-Controlled Item (JUN 2013)” is expected to be contained in all resulting awards.

e. Safety: The following safety requirements will be incorporated into the award, as applicable per Call: 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. Science and Technology (S&T) Protection: In accordance with Air Force Research Laboratory Instruction (AFRLI) 61-113, “Science and Technology (S&T) Protection for the Air Force Research Laboratory”, offerors are required to submit the following as part of their proposal:

1) A completed initial Standard Form (SF) 424, Research and Related

Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Form, (Attachment 1) for all Senior/Key Personnel proposed in support of the AFRLI 61-113 Personnel Risk Assessment requirement.

2) Documentation of a Security Program Plan in support of the AFRLI 61-

113 Initial Institution S&T Protection Program Review requirement.

This must include, at a minimum, a completed Security Program Questionnaire (Attachment 2). Submittal may also include a pre-existing plan that that the offeror uses as a matter of course or plan developed specifically for this acquisition. The purpose of requesting the plan is to assess the offeror’s capacity for protection of the Government’s S&T. Failure to demonstrate a plan adequate to meet the needs of the requirements, as determined by the Government in its sole discretion, may be grounds for considering the proposal unawardable.

Government Procedures

The Government will review the submitted S&T protection documentation only for those proposals categorized as Selectable and selected for funding and negotiations.

S&T Protection Initial Risk Review:

• Personnel Risk Assessment: The Government will review non-government research key/senior performers identified by the offeror on the initial SF 424 for workload conflicts and conflicts of interest.

• Initial Institution S&T Protection Program Review: The Government will review the offeror’s security program information submitted in accordance with paragraph 2 of this section (above) to identify any potential risks and ensure appropriate measures are in place to protect S&T information.

The Government may require the offeror to submit additional information and/or a mitigation plan for any identified S&T protection risks. If the Government determines the offeror failed to provide adequate additional information; or an acceptable mitigation plan; or it is determined the offeror’s S&T protection approach is high risk and does not provide adequate protection of S&T information, the Government may reject the proposal and withdraw it from consideration for award.

S&T Protection Annual Risk Review The Contractor shall be required to provide an SF 424 with the following information: 1) an initial report of all Senior/Key Personnel at the time of award; 2) an annual report of all Senior/Key Personnel providing support; and 3) a report for any new Senior/Key Personnel who join the contract, agreement, grant, or OT. Any updated SF 424s for new Senior/Key Personnel supporting the award require coordination from the Government prior to the contractor employee receiving access to S&T information. The purpose of this report is oversight and should not be construed as relieving the contractor/recipient of any S&T Protection requirements within the contract, grant, agreement, or OT.

6. Other Information:

a. Government Furnished Property (GFP): Availability will be determined on each Call for Proposals. If applicable, each Call for Proposals will contain an attachment detailing the scheduled GFP.

If an applicable Call for Proposals contains the above-referenced GFP attachment, the Air Force expects any resulting agreements to contain a provision similar to FAR 45.201(b), wherein the awardee is responsible for all costs related to making the GFP available for use, such as payment of all transportation, installation or rehabilitation costs.

If GFP is included in a Call for Proposals, or requested in the proposal, Articles similar to the following clauses/provisions may be incorporated:

i. FAR 52.245-1 Government Property or FAR 52.245-1, Alt II if the resulting agreement is with a nonprofit organization or applied research at nonprofit organizations (APR 2012),

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

(APR 2012).

vi. DFARS 252.245-7003, Contractor Property Management System Administration (APR 2012)

vii. DFARS 252.245-7004, Reporting, Reutilization, and Disposal

(MAY 2013)

b. Base Support/ Network Access: Base Support/Network access is not anticipated to be made available. If contractor determines use of available base support to be in their best interest, it must be included as such in the proposal. Use of available base support will not be assumed during technical evaluation unless proposed.

c. Two-Step Proposal Process: If applicable, the use of a two-step proposal process utilizing white papers will be specified on individual Call(s) for Proposals.

d. Data Rights Desired: To be determined on each Call for Proposals. The Government generally desires the following rights:

(1) Technical Data: Unlimited Rights

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

(3) NCS Documentation: Unlimited Rights

(4) Commercial Computer Software Rights: Customary License

Due to the nature of this program, which relies heavily on the use of commercial rocket capabilities that may be developed at private expense, the government anticipates that less than Unlimited Rights may be appropriate in some cases and will be considered where appropriate.

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 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 technology resulting from a Call for Proposals.

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 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. The Government expects that delivery of technical data, NCS, and NCS documentation subject to Government Purpose Rights will fully meet program needs.

Offers 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.

Offerors are reminded that the Identification and Assertion of Restrictions on the Government’s Use, Release, or Disclosure of Technical Data or Computer Software (the assertions list), specified under DFARS 252.227- 7013 and DFARS 252.227-7014, are due at time of proposals. Assertions must be completed with specificity with regard to each item, component, or process listed. Nonconforming assertions lists will be rejected.

Although the FAR/DFARS regulations are not applicable to Other Transactions or Procurement for Experimental Purposes pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2371b or 2373; offerors should follow the guidance and identify and document any data rights assertions and provide them at the time of proposal submission.

Note that DFARS 252.227-7014(d) describes requirements for incorporation of third party computer software (commercial and non-commercial). Any commercial software to be incorporated into a deliverable must be clearly identified in the proposal. Because many commercial software licenses are not transferrable or may not be acceptable to the Government, commercial software licenses proposed for delivery to the Government must be approved by the agreements officer prior to award.

As used in this subparagraph, the terms Unlimited Rights, Government Purpose Rights, Specifically Negotiated License Rights, and Limited Rights in technical data align with the definition in DFARS 252.227-7013. The terms Unlimited Rights, Government Purpose Rights, Specifically Negotiated License Rights, and Restricted Rights in noncommercial computer software and noncommercial software documentation align with the definition in DFARS 252.227-7014. The term Commercial Computer Software aligns with the definition in DFARS 252.227-7014.

II. Award Information

1. Anticipated Award Date: To be determined in Call for Proposals.

2. Anticipated funding: To be determined in Call for Proposals. Funding profiles on future Call(s) for Proposals, if specified, are estimates only and not a contractual obligation for funding.

All funding profiles listed in Call(s) for Proposals are subject to change due to Government discretion and availability. Budgets are subject to unanticipated fluctuations in any or all areas with little or no notice.

3. Number of awards anticipated: To be determined in Call for Proposals.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Offeror: This is an unrestricted solicitation. Small businesses are encouraged to propose on all or any part of this solicitation.

2. Other Transactions for Prototypes: Pursuant to 10 U.S.C. § 2371b, AFRL may award OTs for prototype projects directly relevant to enhancing the mission effectiveness of military personnel and the supporting platforms, systems, components, or materials proposed to be acquired or developed by the Department of Defense, or to improvement of platforms, systems, components, or materials proposed to be acquired or developed by the Department of Defense, or to improvement of platforms, systems, components, or materials in used by the Armed Forces.

Unlike the basic OT authority, OTs for Prototypes have unique additional requirements. 10 U.S.C. § 2371b(d)(1) requires that there be at least one nontraditional defense contractor involved, or all significant participants in the transaction must be small businesses or nontraditional defense contractors. A non-traditional defense contractor is defined as an entity that is not currently performing or has not performed in the last one-year period any contract for the Department of Defense that is subject to full Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) coverage (See 10 U.S.C. § 2302 (9)). If the proposing team is not composed of the required entities listed above, the team will be required to provide at least 1/3 cost share from non-government funds unless a case can be made for a waiver (See 10 U.S.C. § 2371b(d)(1)(C) & (D)). Waivers are not common and will require significant justification. Notwithstanding these requirements, the OT process offers flexibility for open negotiation of many agreement terms and conditions. AFRL is not required to include traditional FAR and DFARS clauses in these agreements but is free to negotiate provisions that are mutually agreeable to both the Government and the entity entering into the agreement, subject to applicable law.

3. Procurement for Experimental Purposes: 10 U.S.C. § 2373 authorizes the Department of Defense to acquire quantities necessary for experimentation, technical evaluation, assessment of operational utility, or to maintain a residual operational capability. This authority currently allows for acquisitions in the following nine areas: Ordnance, Signal, Chemical Activity, Transportation, Energy, Medical, Space-Flight, Aeronautical Supplies and Telecommunications.

4. Other:

a. Foreign participation: Foreign participation is not authorized. Foreign Nationals (FNs) can be employed by the US Prime Contractor or Sub- Contractor; however, FNs will be limited to Public Domain information unless the contractor has obtained the proper License or Technical Assistance Agreement that authorizes disclosure of CMI and/or CUI to foreign entities pursuant to the Department of State’s ITAR or Department of Commerce’s EAR. Public Domain information is defined as information that is releasable to the general public and sometimes referred to as open source material. Examples include but are not limited to newspapers, magazines and information posted on the internet. Any proprietary information will have to be appropriately protected.

b. Future Calls for proposals will involve data that is subject to export control laws and regulations. Participation in the Call will be limited to contractors who are registered and certified with the Defense Logistics Services Center (DLSC) and have a legitimate business purpose. 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 to the number of proposals an offeror may submit.

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

IV. Proposal and Submission Information

1. Overview: Proposals submitted under a Call for Proposals shall be in accordance with the specific Call and this announcement. This solicitation does not request proposals at this time. For individual Call(s) for Proposals the Government intends to evaluate resulting 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 ARA amendments or Call(s) for Proposals.

2. Content and Form of Proposal Submission: The paragraphs below identify proposal format and content applicable when a Call for Proposals is released.

a. General Instructions:

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

ii. Proposals must reference the announcement number.

iii. Proposals will be submitted in accordance with the delivery instructions specified at the beginning of this announcement.

iv. 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.)

v. Offerors are advised that only agreements officers are legally authorized to contractually bind or otherwise commit the government.

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

b. Technical/Management Proposal:

i. Page Limitations: To be determined in Call for Proposals.

(a) Page limitations will be identified in the Call for Proposals.

Proposals are required to be prepared and submitted in Microsoft Word format.

(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 the page limitation specified in the Call for Proposals. 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. SOW page limitations, if applicable, will be specified in each Call for Proposals.

(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.

ii. Proposals solicited via a Call for Proposals shall include a discussion of the nature and scope of the research and the technical approach.

Additional information on prior work in this area, descriptions of available equipment, data and facilities and resumes of personnel who will be participating in this effort should also be included as attachments to the technical proposal. This volume shall include a SOW detailing the technical tasks proposed to be accomplished under the proposed effort and suitable for contract incorporation. Do not include any proprietary information in the SOW. If Government Furnished Property is requested you are required to submit the following information with your offer—

(a) A list or description of 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 agreements officer having cognizance of the property);

(b) The dates during which the property will be available for use (including the first, last, and all intervening months) 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;

(c) The amount of rent that would otherwise be charged in accordance with a provision substantially similar to FAR 52.245-9, Use and Charges; and

(d) 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.

iii. Any questions concerning the technical proposal or SOW preparation shall be referred to the POC identified in the Call for Proposals.

c. Cost/Business Proposal Solicited via Call for Proposals:

i. Separate the proposal into a business section and cost section.

(a) The business section should contain all business aspects to the proposed contract, such as type of contractual instrument, any exceptions to terms and conditions in the Call for Proposals, any information not technically related, etc. Provide rationale for exceptions.

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

(c) Cost proposals have no page limitations; however, offerors are requested to keep cost proposals to 100 pages as a goal. The proposal shall be furnished with supporting schedules and shall contain a person hour breakdown per task.

ii. Cost Element Breakdown: Clear, concise, and accurate cost proposals reflect the offeror's financial plan for accomplishing the effort contained in the technical proposal. As a part of its cost proposal, the offeror shall submit the information outlined below, together with supporting breakdowns. All direct costs (labor, material, travel, computer, etc.) as well as labor and overhead rates should be provided by contractor fiscal year (CFY). Detailed cost element breakdowns by Government Fiscal Year or calendar year are not required. The supporting schedules may include summary level estimating rationale used to generate the proposed costs. The cost element breakdown(s) should include the following if applicable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(vi) Provide an analysis of the proposed subcontract in accordance with FAR 15.404-3(b). Provide an analysis concerning the reasonableness, realism and completeness of each subcontractor’s proposal. If the analysis is based on comparison with prior prices, identify the basis on which the prior prices were determined to be reasonable. The analysis should include, but not be limited to, an analysis of: materials, labor, travel, other direct costs and proposed profit or fee rates.

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

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

State the basis of said rate and give your analysis of the acceptability of the consultant's rate.

g) Travel: Travel costs must be justified and related to the needs of the project. Identify the number of trips, the destination and purpose.

Travel costs should be broken out by trip with number of travelers, airfare, per diem, lodging, etc.

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

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

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

d. Proposal Content Summary: You may be ineligible for award if all requirements of this ARA and a Call for Proposals are not met on the proposal due date. Reference Section VIII for a Checklist of the requirements.

4. Proposal Due Date and Time: To be determined in Call for Proposals.

5. Intergovernmental Review: To be determined in Call for Proposals, if applicable.

6. Funding Restrictions: To be determined in Call for Proposals.

7. Other Submission Requirements: To be determined in Call for Proposals.

V. Proposal Review Information

1. Evaluation Criteria: Evaluation criteria will be established for each Call for

Proposals. In general, the evaluation criteria will encompass technical and cost/price assessments.

2. Review and Selection Process

a. Categories: Technical and Cost proposals submitted in response to a Call for Proposals will be evaluated at the same time and categorized as set forth in the Call for Proposals.

b. Only evaluation criteria defined in the Call for Proposals will be used. The Air Force reserves the right to select for award any, all, part or none of each proposal received.

c. As indicated in Section I.5.f above, the Government will conduct a S&T Protection Initial Risk Review only for those proposals categorized as Selectable and selected for funding and negotiations.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices: To be determined in Call for Proposals.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: Refer to I.5. and

III.4 of the ARA.

3. Reporting: To be determined in Call for Proposals.

VII. Agency Contacts for this ARA with Call(s) for Proposals

1. Address questions to:

AFRL.RS.RocketCargo@us.af.mil

VIII. Other Information

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

2. Communications: Dialogue between prospective offerors and Government representatives is encouraged until submission of proposals. Discussions with any of the points of contact shall not constitute a commitment by the Government to subsequently fund or award any proposed effort. Only Agreements Officers are legally authorized to commit the Government.

3. Informal Feedback Sessions: When requested, an informal feedback session will be provided. The process will follow the time guidelines outlined in the notification letter.

4. Wide Area Work Flow: NOTICE: Any agreement resulting from this solicitation will contain an Article similar to the clause at DFARS 252.232- 7003, Electronic Submission of Payment Requests and Receiving Reports (JUN 2012) which requires electronic submission of all payment requests.

Any award resulting from this solicitation will establish a requirement to use WAWF-RA for invoicing and receipt/acceptance, and provide coding instructions applicable to this contract via the clause at DFARS 252.232- 7006, Wide Area Workflow Payment Instructions (MAY 2013). Contractors are encouraged to take advantage of available training (both web-based and through your local DCMA office), and to register in the WAWF-RA system. Information regarding WAWF-RA, including the web-based training and registration, can be found at https://wawf.eb.mil. Note: This WAWF-RA requirement does not apply to Universities that are audited by an agency other than DCAA.

5. 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.

6. Associate Contractor Agreements: Associate Contractor

Agreements (ACAs) are agreements between contractors working on Government contracts that specify requirements for them to share information, data, technical knowledge, expertise, or resources. The agreements 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 agreement officer will identify associate contractors with whom agreements are required.

7. Ground and Flight Risk: If applicable, Flight and Ground Operations should be conducted, by the Government and the Awardee, in accordance with the applicable sections of the Air Force Instruction 10-220 (AFI 10-220)/Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Awardee Flight and Ground Operations Instruction 8210.1C, Change 1 (DCMA INST 8210.1C Change 1) as it relates to establishing non-crewmember roles and responsibilities for test flight purposes. If required, an Article addressing Flight and Ground Operation procedures will be included in any resulting award.

8. Safeguarding of Unclassified Controlled Technical Information: The contents prescribed in DFARS 204.7303, DFARS 252.204-7012, Safeguarding of Unclassified Controlled Technical Information (NOV 2013), shall be incorporated as an Article in any resulting award.

9. Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video

Surveillance Services or Equipment: Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S.

McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-

232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. Offerors should refer to FAR 52.204-24 and FAR 52.204-25 for additional information regarding this requirement, which shall be incorporated as an Article in any resulting award.

10. Follow-on Production: In accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 2371b(f), the

Government may award a follow-on production contract or Other Transaction (OT) for any OT awarded under this BAA if: (1) that participant in the OT, or a recognized successor in interest to the OT, successfully completed the entire prototype project provided for in the OT, as modified; and (2) the OT provides for the award of a follow-on production contract or OT to the participant, or a recognized successor in interest to the OT.

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

a. Proposals are due to the POC.

b. Proposals are due no later than the due date and time specified in this announcement.

c. Proposal page limits are strictly enforced.

d. If a contract is proposed, completed Certifications and Representations

(Section K) are required. Certifications and Representations (Section K) can be found at www.sam.gov.

e. The Cost/Business Proposal must contain all information described in the Content and Form of Proposal Section.

f. For any subcontracts proposed, the Cost/Business Proposal must contain a subcontractor analysis IAW FAR 15.404-3(b).

g. Proposals must be submitted in the format specified in this ARA and subsequent Calls. .

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

i. If a DD254 is applicable, offerors must verify their Cognizant Security Office information is current with Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) at www.dcsa.mil.

j. Due to this effort being subject to export control, offerors must submit a Certified DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, with proposal.

Attachment(s)

1. Standard Form (SF) 424, Research and Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Form

2. Security Program Questionnaire http://www.sam.gov./