Amendment_01_dtd_25Oct22_FA865022S5002.pdf

2-Step Broad Agency Announcement

Overview Information

NAICS Code: The NAICS Codes for this acquisition are:

541713 (Research and Technology in Nanotechnology), and the small business size standard is 1,000 employees.

or

541714 (Research and Technology in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology), and the small business size standard is 1,000 employees.

541715 (Research and Technology in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology), and the small business size standard is 1,000 employees.

Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) with the Aircraft, Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts exception), and the small business size standard is 1,500 employees.

Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) with the Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment exception), and the small business size standard is 1,250 employees.

Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) with the Guided Missiles and Space Vehicles, Their Propulsion Units and Propulsion Parts exception), and the small business size standard is 1,250 employees.

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

Federal Agency Name: Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Functional Materials Division, AFRL/RXA

Broad Agency Announcement Title: AFRL/RX Functional Materials Open BAA

Broad Agency Announcement Type: This is the Initial Announcement

Broad Agency Announcement Number: FA8650-22-S-5002

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s): 12.800 AIR

FORCE DEFENSE RESEARCH SCIENCES PROGRAM

THIS WILL BE A TWO-STEP SOLICITATION:

First Step: WHITE PAPER DUE DATE AND TIME: White Papers may be submitted at any time upon issuance of this BAA until 28 October 2026 3:00 PM Wright-Patterson AFB, OH Local time. Only white papers are due at this time.

Second Step: PROPOSAL DUE DATE AND TIME: To be provided in the Requests for Proposals sent to offerors that submit White Papers considered to meet the needs of the Air Force.

NOTE: White Paper/proposal receipt after the due date and time shall be governed by the provisions of FAR 52.215-1(c)(3). It should be noted that this installation observes strict security procedures to enter the facility.

These security procedures are NOT considered an interruption of normal Government processes, and proposals received after the above stated date and time as a result of security delays will be considered “late.” Furthermore, note that if offerors utilize commercial carriers in the delivery of proposals, they may not honor time-of-day delivery guarantees on military installations. Be advised, if the U.S. Postal Service is used, this building only receives U.S.

Postal Mail twice a week and delivery by that means may not meet the proposal due date and time established herein. Early white paper/proposal submission is encouraged.

Submission: White Papers must be submitted electronically to the AFRL/RXA Open BAA Mailbox at: AFRL.RXA.OpenBAA@us.af.mil to the attention of the Contracting Point of Contacts (POCs): Lorie Walther and Kathleen Shouse, AFRL/RXKMA.

Solicitation Request: Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials & Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is soliciting white papers on the research effort described below. White Papers should be addressed to the Contracting POCs listed below. This is an unrestricted solicitation. Small businesses are encouraged to propose on all or any part of this solicitation. The NAICS Codes for this acquisition are 541713, 541714, and 541715 and the small business size mailto:AFRL.RXA.OpenBAA@us.af.mil standards are provided above. White Papers/Proposals submitted shall be in accordance with this announcement. There will be no other solicitation issued in regard to this requirement. It is noted that for ease of reference this BAA will be republished at yearly intervals for updates.

Type of Contract/Instrument: The Air Force reserves the right to award the instrument best suited to the nature of research proposed. Accordingly, the Government may award any appropriate contract type under the FAR or Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype, grant, cooperative agreement, or OT for Research.

The Air Force may also consider award of an appropriate technology transfer mechanism if applicable. It is anticipated that awards under this BAA will generally be Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF). Cost reimbursement contracts require successful offerors to have an accounting system considered adequate for tracking costs applicable to the contract.

Estimated Program Cost: $48,000,000

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

Brief Program Summary: Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials & Manufacturing Directorate is soliciting white papers and potentially technical and cost proposals under this announcement that support the needs of the Functional Materials and Applications mission. Functional Materials technologies range from materials and scientific discovery through technology development and transition are of interest. Descriptors of Materials and Manufacturing Directorate technology interests are presented in the context of functional materials core technical competencies and applications.

Communication Between Prospective Offerors and Government Representatives:

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

Address technical questions to the Technical POC: George Orzel, e-mail george.orzel@us.af.mil, telephone 937-904-4354.

Address contracting questions to the Contracting POC: Lorie Walther, Contract Specialist, AFRL/RXKMA via e-mail: lorie.walther.2@us.af.mil or telephone (937) 713-9895, or Kathleen Shouse, Contracting Officer, AFRL/RXKMA via e-mail: kathleen.shouse@us.af.mil or telephone (937) 713- 9875.

mailto:george.orzel@us.af.mil mailto:christina.johnson.32@us.af.mil mailto:mark.merrfield@us.af.mil

Full Text Announcement

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

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

Functional Material Open BAA seeks to exploit innovative functional materials being developed by academia and the defense and commercial industrial base that enable new warfighting capabilities, significantly improve the effectiveness of warfighters and their current and future systems and solve urgent operational needs. Desired improvements include the development of transformative and next generation technologies, reliability and maintainability, life cycle cost, and size, weight and power (SWaP). The maturity of the material technologies range from scientific discovery through the development, maturation, demonstrations and transition of these materials into components, subsystems and systems. The work may include studies, research, experiments, characterization, processing and development of proof-of-concepts and prototype hardware and software including models, tools and methodologies. The following research areas are of interest.

a. Photonic Materials Core Competencies:

(i) Optical Materials and Processes (OM&P) Research: The OM&P research area involves the exploration, development and maturation of optical materials and processing that produce, convert, and move photons to enhance electromagnetic (EM) capabilities with improved size weight and power (SWaP) characteristics. It is of interest to manipulate photons via interaction with bulk, plasmonic, electro-optic and structured optical materials in order to derive new or improved responses in efficiency, power, frequency conversion and modulation speed. This research leverages the materials and processes competencies of photonic materials characterization, active optical materials development, structured novel materials and electromagnetic characterization of thin films, to provide materials solutions to imaging, sensing, communication and electronic warfare (EW) challenges. Specific research thrusts include, but are not limited to: 1) Additive functional electromagnetic. 2) Dynamic plasmonics and metamaterials 3) Ceramic active optics. Specific projects of interest include: 1) Materials to enable novel distributed sensing schemes 2) Additive manufacturing of photonic systems 3) High rate laser processing of ceramic optical materials 4) Design/Optimization of structured materials through computational electromagnetic and 5) Nano-to-macro optical characterization.

(ii) Hardened Materials and Processing (HM&P) Research:

The HM&P research area involves the development of new and improved materials by scientific investigation, fabrication, understanding, prediction (through experiments and modeling) and laser characterization. The research leverages materials and processes competencies for controlling/manipulating light that include electro-optic materials, nonlinear optical materials, thin film optical coatings, structural hardening materials, laser characterization/interaction with materials and coupled theoretical/experimental materials design to develop new and improved materials and technologies. The incorporation of a multiscale integrated computation materials science and engineering approach, using Schrodinger's (atomistic approaches) and Maxwell's equations (Beam Propagation Methods) enables an understanding of the interaction of light with materials on micro- and macroscopic levels and enables assistance in materials design. Specific projects of interest include: 1) Investigation of structure property relationships of photonic material systems, 2) Fabrication, modeling and characterization of materials for development of fixed wavelength filters that utilize refractive and absorption interactions, 3) Development of responsive liquid crystal spectral filters, 4) Development, fabrication, characterization and testing of materials for thermal mitigation and, 5) Development of improved organic and inorganic nonlinear optical materials.

(iii) Photonic Materials Advanced Development: Evaluate and assess photonic materials technologies, interactions, and applications using unique and innovative solutions to improve survivability of sensors, structures, systems, and aircrew members for the national defense. Some of the key technical areas of interest include optical materials and processing, hardening materials and processing, Electro- Optic/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor protection, fixed and agile protection for the warfighter, structural protection, optical technology, and materials technology for lasers. This technology development may involve structural material testing, EO/IR materials development, sensor component characterization and testing, and space environment testing on sensors, components, and high energy laser materials interaction in a wide variety of configurations and materials which are designed for many different applications and performance parameters to include laboratory conditions, field or range conditions external to the laboratory, and simulated atmospheric, flight and space environments. The interaction of materials, structures, and sensor components and configurations of interest to the Department of the Air Force and DoD with external sources and environments is integral to the development of materials technologies appropriate for these applications.

Materials of interest may include materials for structures, segmented/switchable technologies, integrated optics, and detector technologies, as well as materials and component configurations for sensing or imaging applications.

b. Nanoelectronic Materials Core Competencies:

(i) Nanoscale Transport Materials and Processes (NTM&P): The NTM&P research area develops, explores, improves and matures nanoscale transport materials and their synthesis processes for use in a variety of electronics-based Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) applications. These applications are currently limited by low carrier concentration, low mobility, size, weight, and thermal management issues. The materials and processes associated with electronic materials are leveraged to achieve nanoscale engineered electron and phonon transport in radio frequency (RF) devices and sensors. Research and development projects that leverage the materials and processes competencies of nanostructured material synthesis, processing, integration and characterization and energy devices fabrication and characterization to enable the development of high performance, lightweight, low cost energy conversion and storage devices and advanced flexible device concepts are also of interest within this core competency. These materials would be developed and evaluated for a variety of potential applications, including but not limited to RF, power management, encryption, and novel processing. Specific areas of interest in materials and processes include, but are not limited to magnetoelectric materials, ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors, memristor materials, 2D materials, engineered contacts, epitaxial lift-off techniques and heterogenous integration of dissimilar materials.

(ii) Quantum Semiconductor Materials and Processes (QSM&P): The QSM&P research area explores, develops, and matures inorganic materials and processes that exploit quantum effects for use in sensors and electronics.

Applications for these enabling materials include, but are not limited to, enhanced long-range and multispectral infrared sensing, high-resolution infrared detection, next-generation hyperspectral imaging, optical communication, photonic-enabled systems, secure communications, electronic warfare, and computational materials such as quantum memory or transduction systems. Materials and processes are developed for fabricating novel materials based on exploiting electron, photon, and phonon confinement effects found in nanoscale materials with particular emphasis on precisely controlling of the size, composition, and location of the nanoparticles or layers. The range of materials to be investigated in this area includes, but is not limited to semiconductor materials, optical and electro-optical materials, dielectric materials and their heterostructures, nanomaterials, and quantum materials. Research and Development could include the design, synthesis, material growth, device fabrication/processing, and evaluation of new and/or modified material systems and new/improved laboratory test procedures, analytical, characterization, and modeling techniques to evaluate materials and device performance.

Developing theoretical models and computational tools to guide experimental work of materials may cover a broad range of physical lengths from an atomistic level to a macro device level for integrated computational materials science and engineering (ICMSE) approaches in material research.

c. Soft Matter Materials Core Competencies:

(i) Polymer and Responsive Materials and Processing (PRM&P) Research: The PRM&P research area focuses on the development of stimuli responsive materials and devices for hybrid electronic, sensing, and computing applications for human and AF systems integration. It leverages competencies in soft matter and nanostructured material synthesis, processing, integration, characterization and device fabrication techniques coupled with autonomous research and design tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and additive manufacturing. Specific research thrusts include, but are not limited to: autonomous research and design tools to enable rapid materials discovery and optimization; architected and responsive materials capable of yielding responses to environmental or applied stimuli; and the development of strain-tolerant materials and devices for flexible/stretchable electronics, sensors, and devices that are mechanically reliable in AF unique extreme environments. This research is expected to lead to flexible/stretchable/wearable electrode materials and sensors, novel manufacturing approaches that enable integration of multifunctional materials elements onto non-traditional substrates, and novel multifunctional responsive materials systems and architectures. Computational tools are utilized to guide material and device design and to predict material and device performance in efforts to accelerate or support understanding, development and delivery of flexible and soft matter material solutions to current and future AF systems. Specific projects of interest could include, but are not limited to, the following: 1) New materials chemistries, device architectures, and mechanical characterization of flexible/stretchable electronics, chemical and biological sensors, and tunable mechanical metamaterials; 2) Automated/autonomous research and design tools for materials synthesis (AI, ML, topology optimization, continuous flow chemistry, inline data acquisition and processing with real-time feedback); 3) Reservoir computing and materials for computing applications; 4) Structure/property relationships in stimuli responsive polymeric systems, flexible/stretchable electronic materials and devices, and 2D sensors; and 5) Integration approaches for electronic materials and 2D sensors into wearable and reliable devices.

(ii) Biomaterials Materials and Processes (BM&P)

Research: The BM&P research area seeks to accelerate materials development, protect assets from the environment, and enable airman performance. This research area harnesses materials and processes competencies in soft matter materials characterization, molecular and synthetic biology, microbiology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, machine learning, multiscale modeling, bioelectronics, bio-functionalization, and biological engineering to create materials not easily achievable through traditional chemical synthesis or additive manufacturing. The BM&P also utilizes bioinformatics of microbiomes to assess degradative capacity and risk to materials. Specific efforts include: 1) Development of high throughput screening tools to determine structure-property-processing relationships of biomaterials; 2) Study of biological-materiel interactions and interfaces; 3) Development of modeling and processing tools to predict and characterize biomaterial performance and material degradation; 4) Understanding and predicting biological degradation in AF-relevant environments; 5)

Development of novel biodegradable materials; 6) The use of synthetic biology to enable manufacturing improvements, and 6) Engineering biological consortia for infrastructure creation; 7) characterization and prediction of biotic-abiotic interactions for sensing applications in Airman performance and environmental monitoring. Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to: hierarchical and multi-functional materials, biosensors, biofilms, biodegradation, biomanufacturing, high throughput screening platforms and automated research.

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: DD Form 1423-1, Contract Data Requirements

List (CDRL) will be utilized for contract awards. CDRL deliverables shall be determined on an award-by-award basis

a. Data Items: Refer to Attachment 5 in the List of Attachments.

b. Software: Computational/modeling code, Data management plan, materials and processing digital data package as required.

c. Hardware: Prototypes and demonstration components/systems as required; UIDs will be required if the hardware acquisition cost exceeds $5,000.

d. Other: Material and chemical samples as required.

4. Schedule:

a. Each award is anticipated to be between 12 to 60 months for the technical effort plus an additional 3 months for reporting; however Period of Performance will be tailored to each award.

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

c. Software: To be determined on individual contract award

d. Hardware: To be determined on individual contract award

5. Other Requirements:

a. This announcement incorporates FAR and supplement provisions and clauses by reference. The full text of provisions and clauses can be found at Acquisition.gov.

b. Program Security Classification: Up to and including SECRET shall be required depending on the white papers received (refer to Attachment 4 – DD Form 254). 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.

c. OPSEC: All contractors shall participate in all activities associated with the disciplines of the organization’s Industrial Security, Information Security, Personnel Security, Operations Security (OPSEC), Antiterrorism, and Program Protection programs, following appropriate measures in each program as required for this particular contract. These are required in an effort to reduce program vulnerability from successful adversary collection, exploitation of critical information, and violations of export control requirements. The prime contractor will ensure that all subcontractors, if required, conform to these requirements as required by the prime contractor. Guidance can be provided by AFRL/RX Security as needed.

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

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

f. Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) will apply to contract awards resulting from this BAA. Interim and final evaluations of contractor performance for contract awards will be prepared in accordance with AFFARS 5342.1503. The final performance evaluation will be prepared at the time of completion of work. In addition to the final evaluation, interim evaluation(s) will be prepared annually. Awardees will be requested to provide a POC to receive notifications of the opportunity to provide feedback.

The contractor will be permitted 14 days to review the document and to submit additional information or a rebutting statement. If agreement cannot be reached between the parties, the matter will be referred to an individual one level above the Contracting Officer, whose decision 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.

g. 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, Application for Federal

Assistance Form, using the most current version found at http://www.dcsa.mil/ www.grants.gov. The SF 424 shall list 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 7). 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 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.

http://www.grants.gov/

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: GFP is not anticipated to be provided on any resulting contract award. Should GFP be requested in a white paper, in accordance with FAR 45.201(b), the contractor is responsible for all costs related to making the property available for use, such as payment of all transportation, installation or rehabilitation costs.

b. Base Support/ Network Access: Base Support is not anticipated to be made available under any resulting contract/assistance instrument. However, it may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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

d. Data Rights Desired:

(1) Noncommercial Technical Data: Unlimited Rights

(2) Noncommercial Computer Software (NCS): Unlimited Rights

(3) NCS Documentation: Unlimited Rights

(4) Commercial Computer Software Rights: Customary Commercial License consistent with Federal statutes and regulations

The Air Force Research Laboratory is engaged in the discovery, development, and integration of warfighting technologies for our air, space, and cyberspace forces. As such, rights in noncommercial technical data and NCS developed or delivered under this contract are of significant concern to the Government. The Government will therefore evaluate any restrictions on the use of noncommercial technical data, NCS, and NCS documentation which could result in transition difficulty or less-than full and open competition for subsequent development of this technology.

In accordance with DFARS 252.227-7013(b)(1) and 252.227- 7014(b)(1), the Government shall receive unlimited rights in all noncommercial technical data and computer software developed exclusively with Government funds.

In accordance with DFARS 252.227-7013(b)(2) and DFARS 252.227- 7014(b)(2), the Government shall receive Government Purpose Rights in all noncommercial technical data and computer software developed with mixed funding. “Developed with mixed funding” means, “development was accomplished partially with costs charged to indirect cost pools and/or costs not allocated to a government contract, and partially with costs charged directly to a government contract. Offerors that propose delivery of noncommercial technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation subject to Government Purpose Rights should fully explain how a portion of the data was developed at private expense. Specifically, offerors must explain what noncommercial technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation developed with costs charged to indirect cost pools and/or costs not allocated to a Government contract will be incorporated, how the incorporation will benefit the program, and address whether those portions or processes are segregable.

Offerors that propose delivery of noncommercial technical data with Limited Rights, NCS with Restricted Rights, or NCS documentation with Limited Rights will be considered. Proposals should fully explain what noncommercial technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation developed with costs charged to indirect cost pools and/or costs not allocated to a Government contract will be incorporated and how the incorporation will benefit the program and whether those portions or processes are segregable.

Offerors shall include the data rights assertions as required by DFARS 252.227-7017, Identification and Assertion of Restrictions on the Government’s Use, Release, or Disclosure of Technical Data or Computer Software. The assertions list is included in Section K and due at time of proposals. Assertions must be completed with specificity. Each assertion must identify the technical data or computer software to be delivered and the associated item, component, or process developed exclusively or partially at private expense to which it pertains. Nonconforming data rights assertion lists will not be accepted until submitted in accordance with DFARS 252.227-7017.

Terms used in this section are defined in the clauses at 252.227- 7013, Rights in Technical Data-Noncommercial Items, and 252.227- 7014, Rights in Noncommercial Computer Software and Noncommercial Computer Software Documentation.

THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE (COMMERCIAL AND NONCOMMERCIAL):

If any such software, noncommercial or commercial, is not reasonably identifiable at proposal submission, it must still be approved by the contracting officer prior to incorporation. This obligation to obtain pre-approval by the contracting officer, as described above, continues throughout contract administration.

Noncommercial Computer Software:

DFARS 252.227-7014(d) describes requirements for incorporation of third party noncommercial copyrighted computer software and computer software documentation and is incorporated as follows:

The Contractor shall not, without the written approval of the Contracting Officer, incorporate any copyrighted computer software or computer software documentation in the software or documentation to be delivered under this contract unless the Contractor is the copyright owner or has obtained for the Government the license rights necessary to perfect a license or licenses in the deliverable software or documentation of the appropriate scope set forth in DFARS 252.227- 7014(b), and prior to delivery of such—

(1) Computer software, has provided a statement of the license rights obtained in a form acceptable to the Contracting Officer;

or

(2) Computer software documentation, has affixed to the transmittal document a statement of the license rights obtained.

In addition, all noncommercial computer software will receive the appropriate level rights set forth in DFARS 252-7014(b), which could include: Unlimited rights, GPR, Restricted Rights, or specifically negotiated license.

Commercial Computer Software:

For commercial computer software, the Government will neither accept nor execute a DD Form 250 for such software deliverables until the Contractor obtains from all third party software suppliers and/or vendors (Licensor) licenses for any commercial computer software to be delivered that are consistent with Federal Statutes, Federal Case Law, and Federal Regulations.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of terms and conditions which are inconsistent with Federal law and shall not be included in the commercial computer software license agreement between the Licensor and the Government:

1. The license shall not subject the Government to a contingent liability or a liability that is indefinite or indeterminate, including but not limited to: indemnification clauses, unilateral price increases, the right to attorney fees, automatic assessment of charges, or automatic renewal provisions. These provisions constitute obligations in advance or in excess of an appropriation and violate the Anti-Deficiency Act.

2. The license shall be governed by Federal Statutes, Federal Case Law, and Federal Regulations, and shall not be subject to the laws or jurisdiction of any municipality, state, or foreign country. The license shall not bind the Government to litigation in a particular forum or venue or require the Government to participate in arbitration.

3. The license shall not include non-substitution language that would preclude or limit the Government from using another vendor/reseller and/or product to fulfill Government requirements.

4. The Licensor shall not have the authority to unilaterally terminate the license. All remedies available shall be consistent with the Disputes and Termination Clauses in the underlying basic contract.

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

6. The Licensor shall not have the authority to control or otherwise influence any litigation between a third party and the Government. The United States Department of Justice has the sole authority to represent the Government in all litigation matters.

7. The Licensor shall not use the fact that the Government is using the Licensor's products in any notification or advertisement to the public (e.g., no publicity rights permitted).

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

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

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

2. [IF APPLICABLE] The license shall neither restrict the Government from using the product at various sites nor limit use of the product by various Government agencies or third parties performing work on behalf of the Air Force under the [PROGRAM NAME]. In performance of the [PROGRAM NAME], Government personnel as well as Government contractors may use the software, subject to any negotiated limits on number of users, as applicable.

3. [IF APPLICABLE] [The license shall not limit the Government’s use of the software at other Government and Government contractor sites.] [The license shall authorize the Government to use the software at the following sites: [list].

4. [IF APPLICABLE] The license shall not restrict the Government from copying or embedding elements of accessible code into other applications (e.g., nesting code, derivative works).

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

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

[Section X: deleted; Section Y: amended as follows […]”

If the Licensor will not agree to the terms and conditions cited herein and/or as contained in DFARS 227.72, the Contractor shall retain the current license on behalf of and for the benefit of the US Government if permissible under its license and such use will not subject the Government to the terms of the license. If the software in question is required to be delivered to the Government, the Licensor must grant the Government a sublicense that allows the Government to use the software to meet its requirements.

The Contractor shall provide documentation to clearly correlate or map any commercial computer software to be delivered to:

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 computer software corresponding to certain software license agreement(s) are physically located on the system to be delivered under the contract.

II. Award Information

1. BAA Open Period: This BAA is Open and effective until 28 October 2026.

Offerors should be alert for any BAA amendments.

2. Anticipated funding for the program (not per contract): Total funding for this BAA is approximately $48M. The anticipated funding to be obligated under this BAA is broken out by fiscal year as follows: FY 22 approximately $9.5M; FY 23 approximately $10M; FY 24 approximately $10M; FY 25 approximately $10M; FY 26 approximately $8.5M.

This funding profile is an estimate only and not a contractual obligation for funding. All funding is subject to change due to Government discretion and availability. Potential offerors should be aware that due to unanticipated budget fluctuations funding in any or all areas may change with little or no notice.

III. Eligibility Information

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

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

3. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers: The following guidance is provided for Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) contemplating submitting a proposal, as either a prime or subcontractor. FAR 35.017-1(c)(4) prohibits an FFRDC from competing with any non-FFRDC concern in response to a Federal agency request for proposal for other than the operation of an FFRDC (with exceptions stated in DFARS 235.017-1(c)(4)). There is no regulation prohibiting an FFRDC from responding to a solicitation. However, the FFRDC’s sponsoring agency must first make a determination that the effort being proposed falls within the purpose, mission, general scope of effort, or special competency of the FFRDC, and that determination must be included in the FFRDC’s proposal. In addition, AFRL must make a determination that the work proposed would not place the FFRDC in direct competition with domestic private industry. Only after these determinations are made, would a determination be made concerning the FFRDC’s eligibility to receive an award.

4. Government Agencies: If a Government agency is interested in performing work, contact the Program Manager identified in the BAA. If those discussions result in a mutual interest to pursue your agency's participation, the effort will be pursued independent of this announcement.

5. Other:

a. Foreign Participation: AFRL is authorized to exclude all foreign participation at the prime contractor level for the subject procurement.

Foreign participation will be addressed for each white paper that have the potential to best meet the Air Force’s needs based on the white paper evaluation information in Section V.

b. Notice to Foreign-Owned Firms: Such firms are asked to immediately notify the Contracting Officer before deciding to respond to this announcement. Foreign contractors should be aware that restrictions might apply which could preclude their participation in this acquisition.

c. This acquisition involves data that are subject to export control laws and regulations. Only contractors who are registered and certified with the Defense Logistics Agency and have a legitimate business purpose may participate in this solicitation. Contact the U.S./Canada Joint Certification

Program Office, Defense Logistics Agency, Logistics Information Services J34, HDI Federal Center, 74 Washington Avenue N., Battle Creek, Michigan 49037-3084, (1-800-352-3572) or the Joint Certification Program Office (JCO) at JCP-Helpdesk@dla.mil for further information on the certification process. You must submit a copy of your approved DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, with your proposal.

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

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

IV. White Paper / Proposal and Submission Information

1. Overview: This Announcement consists of a Two-Step Process described in detail below. White Papers/Proposals submitted shall be in accordance with this announcement. There will be no other solicitation issued in regard to this requirement. The Government intends to review white papers/proposals and award some, all, or none of the proposals received without negotiation/discussion; however, the Government reserves the right to negotiate with those offeror(s) whose proposal is selected for funding.

ONLY WHITE PAPERS ARE BEING SOLICITED AT THIS TIME.

For additional information, a copy of the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Guide for Industry is located at https://www.afrl.af.mil/Portals/90/Documents/HQ/BAA%20Ind%20Guide%2 02020.pdf?ver=7AivkWvoUoptKgypgCuIvw%3d%3d

2. First Step (White Paper) Instructions:

a. General: The FIRST STEP requests a white paper (to include a Quad

Chart) and a rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost. The white paper shall include a discussion of the nature and scope of the research and the offeror’s proposed technical approach. The Government will review the white papers in accordance with the FIRST STEP Peer or Scientific Review criteria, set forth in Section V below. Based on this review, the Government will determine which of them have the potential to best meet the Air Force’s needs. Offerors will be notified of the disposition of their white paper. It is anticipated that Government review of the white papers submitted will take 30 working days. Those offerors submitting white papers assessed as meeting Air Force needs will be asked to submit a technical and cost proposal. Those offerors not requested to submit a technical and cost proposal will be notified but may, however, still elect to submit a technical and cost proposal. An offeror submitting a proposal without first submitting a white paper will not be eligible for an award.

mailto:JCP-Helpdesk@dla.mil http://www.afrl.af.mil/Portals/90/Documents/HQ/BAA%20Ind%20Guide%252

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

b. Page Limitation: The White Paper shall be limited to 4 pages plus 1 page for the Quad Chart for a total submission of 5 pages, prepared and submitted in Word format. Font shall be standard 10-point business font Arial. Character spacing must be “normal,” not condensed in any manner. Pages shall be double-spaced (must use standard double-space function in Microsoft Word), double-sided (each side counts as one page),

8.5 by 11 inches, with at least one-inch margins on both sides, top and bottom. All text, including text in tables and charts, must adhere to all font size and line spacing requirements listed herein. Font and line spacing requirements do not have to be followed for illustrations, flowcharts, drawings, and diagrams. These exceptions shall not be used to circumvent formatting requirements and page count limitations by including lengthy narratives in such items. Pages shall be numbered starting with the cover page being Page 1, and the last page being no greater than Page 5. The page limitation covers all information including indices, photographs, foldouts (counted as 1 page for each 8.5 by 11 portion) tables, charts, appendices, attachments, resumes, etc. The Government will not consider pages in excess of these limitations.

Offerors should submit the White Paper to location specified in the Overview Information above.

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

(1) Section A: BAA Number, Title of Program/White Paper, Name of

Company, Business Size, Company’s Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) number, Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, Company Contracting POC and Technical POC with appropriate telephone numbers, fax numbers, and email addresses for the POCs. Add the following information for classified submissions: Classified level at which company is cleared, contactor address for forwarding classified material (name, address, zip code), cognizant security office (name, address, zip code), and offeror’s security officer’s name and telephone number;

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

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

(4) Section D: Quad Chart including Cost of Task (Rough Order of

Magnitude (ROM)).

d. Technical Portion: The technical portion of the white paper shall include a discussion of the nature and scope of the research and the offeror’s proposed technical approach/solution. It may also include any proposed deliverables. Resumes, descriptions of facilities and equipment, a proposed Statement of Work are not required at this point. Instructions for populating the Quad Chart template are below and additional guidance is attached to the BAA (refer to Attachment 2).

(1) Enter Project Title (use Arial 24 point), Principal Investigator (PI), intended functional material competency need and intended Air Force application need at the top center of the Quad Chart.

(2) Complete all the sections of the Quad Chart.

(3) Upper Left: Objective, Description of Effort

(4) Lower Left: Program/Technical Approach, Challenges, Benefits of

Proposed Technology

(5) Upper Right: List accomplishments, research efforts and contracts related to the proposed effort

(6) Lower Right: Major Goals/Milestones by FY, Cost by FY, Contact

Information (PI name, organization, phone & e-mail address)

(7) Provide an estimate of annual cost in thousands of dollars ($K) per proposed year of effort. Programs/Projects can range from 1 to 5 years.

(8) Except for the title, all text should be Arial 12 point.

(9) Submit the Quad Chart with the White Paper. If the White Paper is selected for a full proposal, you will be asked to modify the Quad Chart to better reflect the proposal content.

e. Cost Portion: The cost portion of the white paper shall include a ROM cost estimate. No detailed price or cost support information should be forwarded; only a time-phased bottom line figure should be provided.

f. Other Information: Multiple white papers within the purview of this announcement may be submitted by each offeror. If the offeror wishes to restrict its white papers, they must be marked with the restrictive language stated in FAR 52.215-1(e).

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

h. White Paper Due Date and Time: See Overview Information at the beginning of the Announcement.

3. Second Step (Proposal) Instructions:

Note: If you intend to submit a proposal for an assistance instrument, go to Attachment 1 which discusses how to find the assistance opportunity, prepare the cover page, and complete the certification. This section also provides the process for electronic submission of proposals for assistance instruments that may be submitted in addition to BAA Section IV Paragraph 3.a.(5).

a. General Instructions:

(1) The SECOND STEP consists of offerors submitting a technical and cost proposal within 30 working days of the proposal request. After receipt, proposals will be reviewed in accordance with the award criteria in Section V. below. Proposals will be categorized and subsequently selected for negotiations.

(2) Offerors should apply the restrictive notice prescribed in FAR 52.215- 1(e) Instructions to Offerors—Competitive Acquisition. Offerors should consider proposal instructions contained in the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Guide for Industry, which can be accessed on line at https://www.afrl.af.mil/Portals/90/Documents/HQ/BAA%20Ind%20G uide%202020.pdf?ver=7AivkWvoUoptKgypgCuIvw%3d%3d. This guide is specifically designed to assist the offeror in understanding the BAA proposal process.

(3) Technical/management and…