1.__Air_Superiority_Technology_BAA.pdf

Solicitation Number:

FA8651-20-S-0008

Notice Type:

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation

FEDERAL AGENCY NAME:

Air Force Research Laboratory

Munitions Directorate

101 W. Eglin Blvd

Eglin AFB FL 32542-6810

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA) TITLE: Air Superiority Technology

BAA TYPE: Initial Announcement

BAA NUMBER: FA8651-20-S-0008

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE (CFDA) NUMBER(S): 12.800 Air Force Defense

Research Sciences Program

WHITE PAPER DUE DATE AND TIME: This BAA will remain open through 31 October 2024 or until amended or superseded. It may be reissued and/or amended periodically, as needed. This BAA is set up in two parts: (1) Basic Open BAA, in which white papers may be submitted at any time during the open period, and (2) CALL BAA, in which proposal CALL announcements may be issued by the Government in

FedBizOpps or Grants.gov under FA8651-20-S-0008. This BAA is intended to cover Applied Research, Advanced Technology Development and Advanced Component Development & Prototypes. This BAA does NOT cover Basic Research. For white papers, it is recommended prior to submission, each submitter consult with the technical POC to discuss the topic of interest. The two parts of this BAA are explained in greater detail in separate sections below. White papers may be submitted at any time during the open period to afrl.rwk.ast_baaworkflow@us.af.mil IAW the instructions in Section IV.

BASIC OPEN BAA:

OTHER THAN WHITE PAPERS, NO PROPOSALS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED AGAINST THIS BASIC

OPEN BAA. A request for proposal (RFP) will be issued by the Contracting Officer (CO) when needed after a technical review of a white paper. Due dates and times will be specified in each RFP issued by the CO in accordance with the instructions for proposals in response to white papers provided in this document.

There will be no other announcement issued for this requirement. Offerors should monitor the Federal

Business Opportunities website (http://www.fbo.gov) and http://www.Grants.gov in the event this announcement is amended. Oral proposals may be requested on a case by case basis. It is anticipated that the cumulative amount for awards issued under this BAA will not exceed $750,000,000.

CALL BAA:

Periodically over the period of this BAA, proposal CALL announcements (CALLS) may be issued in

FedBizOpps under FA8651-20-S-0008 to request proposals for specific research areas. Proposals in response to the CALLS will be accepted as specified in the individual CALLS and evaluated as specified in the CALL. Offerors should monitor the Federal Business Opportunities website at http://www.fbo.gov in the event this announcement is amended or CALLS are issued.

I. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A. STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVE/ NEEDS: This is a BAA of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Munitions Directorate (AFRL/RW) under the provisions of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) paragraph 6.102(d)(2), which provides for competitive selection of research proposals. Proposals submitted in response to the BAA that are selected for award are considered to be the results of full and open competition and in full compliance with the provisions of PL 98-369, the Competition in Contracting Act of 1984.

This acquisition is unrestricted. Small businesses are encouraged to propose on all or any part of this solicitation. The NAICS Code for this acquisition is 541715 (Research and Development in the

Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology), and the small business size standard is 1250 employees for Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology).

For purposes of this announcement, research is defined to be scientific study and experimentation directed at increasing knowledge and understanding in relation to long term national security needs.

It is an enhancement to related exploratory and advanced development programs. A program should be designed to demonstrate well-defined and substantive research results, should not be overly ambitious or open-ended, and should not be a paper study that inherently requires a substantial testing effort. Any significant testing is unlikely; however, there is a possibility of experimental testing to support battle lab experiments proposed under this BAA. Program to support Team Eglin Technology Demonstration Programs may also be considered under this BAA.

Under some circumstances, the Government expects that narrowly focused proposals for specific research interests under the research areas outlined in this BAA may be required during the time of this open announcement. Under those circumstances, proposal CALL announcements (CALLS) may be issued in FedBizOpps under FA8651-20-S-0008 to request proposals for specific topic areas. These subsequent CALLS will contain specific objectives and descriptions of the specific topic area to be addressed, anticipated period of performance, information peculiar to the specific topic area, and the expected dollar range for proposals received under a CALL, and evaluation criteria specified in the CALL.

AFRL/RW awards to educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and private industry for research in armament technology. This BAA is intended to cover, in general nature, all research areas of interest to the Air Superiority Technology Portfolio. Offerors contemplating a submission to AFRL/RWPI are strongly encouraged to contact the AFRL/RWPI technical Point of Contact

(POC) for the research area to ascertain the extent of interest AFRL/RWPI may have in a specific research project.

AFRL/RW is the primary Air Force organization concerned with conventional munitions technology development. AFRL/RW plans and executes research, development, and test of conventional munitions, and supports conventional munitions Weapons Program Offices. There are three divisions within the Munitions Directorate that conduct research and Development (R&D). They are the Ordnance Division, the Strategic Planning and Integration Division, and the Weapon

Engagement Sciences Division. This BAA provides specifically for the Strategic Planning and

Integration Division, Air Superiority Portfolio.

B. DELIVERABLE ITEMS:

1. Data Items: Will be determined on each effort awarded; however, the following reports are anticipated to be required at a minimum:

a) Final Report

b) Funds and Man-hour Reports (for Cost Contracts only)

c) Status Reports

Reports are anticipated to be required monthly for Contracts and quarterly for

Assistance Instruments.

2. Software: Will be determined on each effort awarded.

3. Hardware: Will be determined on each effort awarded.

4. Other: Interim Reports and Presentation Materials (as required)

C. OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

The announcement incorporates FAR and supplemental provisions and clauses by references. For

Contracts, the full text of provisional and clauses can be found at https://www.acquisition.gov. For

Grants and Agreements, the full text articles can be found at http://www.onr.navy.mil/Contracts-

Grants/submit-proposal/grants-proposal/grants-terms-conditions.aspx.

1. This effort may require a TS/SCI clearance for briefings on Eglin AFB, FL or may require

SECRET facility clearance and SECRET safeguarding capability. Offerors must verify their

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

2. 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 is subject to export control then certified DD

Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, will be required to be submitted with proposal.

3. 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 solicitations and resulting contracts.

D. OTHER INFORMATION:

1. Base Support/Network Access: 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.

2. In accordance with AFRL/CC Policy on Employment of Non-US Citizen Contractors dated

27 June 2018, Contractor employees requiring access to USAF bases, AFRL facilities, and/or access to U.S. Government Information Technology networks in connection with the work on this BAA must be U.S. Citizens. For the purpose of base and network access, possession of a permanent resident card (“Green Card”) does not equate to U.S.

Citizenship. This requirement does not apply to foreign nationals approved by the U.S.

Department of Defense or U.S. State Department under international personnel exchange agreements with foreign governments. It also does not apply to dual citizens who possess

US citizenship, to include Naturalized citizens. Any waivers to this requirement will be granted in writing by the Contracting Officer prior to providing access. Specific format for waiver request will be provided upon request to the Contracting Officer. The above requirements are in addition to any other contract requirements related to obtaining a

Common Access Card (CAC).

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

4. Human subjects may be used in the research studies under this effort. Clause 252.235-

7004, Protection of Human Subject (Jul 2009), will be included in all contracts awarded under this BAA.

5. Data Rights Desired:

a) Technical Data: Unlimited Rights

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

c) NCS Documentation: Unlimited Rights

d) Commercial Computer Software Rights: Customary License

The Air Force Research Laboratory is engaged in the discovery, development, and integration of warfighting technologies for our air, space, and cyberspace forces. As such, rights in technical data and NCS developed or delivered under this contract are of significant concern to the

Government. The Government will therefore carefully consider any restrictions on the use of technical data, NCS, and NCS documentation which could result in transition difficulty or less-than full and open competition for subsequent development of this technology. In exchange for paying for development of the data, the Government expects technical data, NCS, and NCS documentation developed entirely at Government expense to be delivered with Unlimited Rights.

Technical data, NCS, and NCS documentation developed with mixed funding are expected to be delivered with at least Government Purpose Rights. Offers that propose delivery of technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation with other than Government Purpose Rights should fully explain how the data was developed at private expense. Specifically, offers must explain what technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation developed with costs charged to indirect cost pools and/or costs not allocated to a Government contract will be incorporated, how the incorporation will benefit the program, and whether those portions or processes are segregable.

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. White papers or proposal submitted in response to individual calls should fully explain what technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation developed with costs charged to indirect cost pools and/or costs not allocated to a Government contract will be incorporated and how the incorporation will benefit the program and whether those portions or processes are segregable.

Offerors SHALL provide data rights/software assertions, as part of their proposal submittal, as required by DFARS 252.227-7017, Identification and Assertion of Use, Release, or Disclosure

Restrictions (Jan 2011). Assertions must be completed with specificity. Each assertion must identify both the data/software and each such item, component, or process listed. Nonconforming assertions will be rejected and will require resubmission.

Terms used in this section are defined in the clauses at 252.227-7013, Rights in Technical Data–

Noncommercial Items (Feb 2014) and 252.227-7014, Rights in Noncommercial Computer Software and Noncommercial Computer Software Documentation (Feb 2014).

E. THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE (COMMERCIAL AND NONCOMMERCIAL):

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

Any third party software to be delivered to the Government that are not reasonably identifiable at proposal submission, must still be approved by the contracting officer prior to incorporation into a system deliverable. This obligation to obtain pre-approval by the contracting officer, as described above, continues throughout contract administration.

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

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

2. The license shall not create a contingent liability for the Government. This includes, but is not limited to: unilateral price increases, automatic assessment of charges, and automatic renewal of the license.

3. The license shall be governed by Federal Statutes, Case Law, and Federal Regulations, and shall not be subject to the laws or jurisdiction of any municipality, state, or foreign country.

4. The license shall not include non-substitution language that would preclude or limit the

Government from using another vendor/reseller and/or product to fulfill Government requirements.

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

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

7. The Licensor shall not have the right to enter the premise or monitor the networks of

Licensee for the purpose of auditing the use of the license.

8. The Licensor shall not use any injunctive relief clauses as the Licensor cannot prevent the

Licensee from performing mission operations.

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

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

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

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

2. The license shall neither restrict the Government from using the product at various sites nor limit use of the product by various Government agencies or third parties performing work on behalf of the Air Force under Air Superiority Technologies. In performance of Air

Superiority Technologies, Government personnel as well as Government contractors may use the software.

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

Government contractor sites.

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

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

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

“In the event that any of the provisions of the [Software License] are determined to be inconsistent with

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

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

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

a) Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINS);

b) Contract Deliverables (CDRLS);

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

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

RESEARCH AREA 1 – MODELING, SIMULATION, & ANALYSIS (MS&A)

The objective of this work is to develop/modify and employ models used to analyze Air Superiority concepts and their related concepts of employment. The objective is to apply, modify and/or combine engineering, engagement (one-on-one), mission (few-on-few), systems-of-systems, campaign (many-on-many, military worth), level modeling techniques, tools, and analysis methods as well as virtual and constructive digital simulation which lend themselves to the quick and effective evaluation of air superiority concepts. Concepts include, but are not limited to, intercommunicative weapons, novel damage mechanisms, lethal and novel destruct mechanisms, multiple targeting, and time critical delivery. Detailed modeling includes, but is not limited to, sensors, aerodynamics, autopilots, navigation and guidance schemes, propulsion, warheads, fuzes, datalinks, fire control, launcher, suspension, carriage and release, error filters, environment (wind, fog, and dust), lethality, vulnerability, and threats.

Missile Performance MS&A may also include the following topics: dynamic and easy to render simulation output visualization with all entities playing, distributed interactive simulations, rapid pintle nozzle and aerospike modeling, rapid modeling of solid rocket motors quickly using scaling laws and rules of thumb for concept development and rapid trade studies, accurate hypersonic high-angle-of-attack aerodynamics coefficients, aerodynamic derivatives due to body motion, design and modeling of articulated nose, effects of plume on aerodynamic forces and moments, innovative and rapid approaches for wind tunnel aero data reduction and display, modelling of thermal stresses due to high temperature gradients between skin and inside structure, modelling of advanced control systems such as autopilot, modelling of unconventional control surfaces such as wraparound fins or grid fins, efficient lower-order emulations of complex control systems, modelling of products of inertia, modelling of continuous changes in mass and inertia properties.

Scenario development and visualization at each level of MS&A is also sought. Additionally, environmental factors that influence a weapons performance can be considered. This can include but not be limited to collaborative simulation environments and Anti-Access Area-Denial (A2AD) type environments, scenario generation and infrastructure simulation common to environments that weapons may operate in.

Technical POC: Mr. David Hartline Technical POC: Anthony Vivona

AFRL/RWPI AFRL/RWPI

(850) 882-1324 850-882-4369 david.hartline.1@us.af.mil anthony.vivona@us.af.mil

RESEARCH AREA 2 – INNOVATIVE AIRCRAFT INTEGRATION TECHNOLOGIES

The objective of this work is to design, develop, and demonstrate innovative aircraft integration technologies including but not limited to physical, electrical, and logical interfaces; and other aspects of aircraft integration that may be applicable.

Technical POC: Mr. David Hartline Technical POC: Anthony Vivona

AFRL/RWPI AFRL/RWPI

RESEARCH AREA 3 –FIND-FIX-TARGET-TRACK (F2T2) & DATALINK TECHNOLOGIES

The objective of this work is to design, develop, and demonstrate innovative Find, Fix, Target, and Track

(F2T2) technologies for the detection of threats to aircraft. These F2T2 technologies should provide threat warning, threat characteristics, You Are The One (YATO) or You Are Not The One (YANTO) discrimination, highly accurate threat cueing, range and range rate, and other pertinent information required to analyze and coordinate a response to a threat. Additional F2T2 technologies of interest include small data link terminals suitable for air-to-air missiles, conformal data link antennas, alternative waveforms, and applications of data links to support air-to-air missile swarming. Consider each topic from either the perspective of communication to/from a shooter platform, another missile, or other third party information source.

RESEARCH AREA 4 – ENGAGEMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES

The objective of this work is to design, develop, and demonstrate an innovative Engagement Management system to maximize aircraft survivability in increasingly contested environments while mining false positives and engagement costs. These technologies should interface with aircraft and other Find-Fix-Target-Track

(F2T2) systems, determine the optimum counter measure response(s), respect keep-out or no-fire zones, and make other decisions required for aircraft survivability. These technologies may require limited aircrew supervision or may be autonomously operated.

RESEARCH AREA 5 – HIGH VELOCITY FUZING

The objective of this work is to design, develop, and demonstrate high velocity fuzing, including both

Electronic Safe and Arm (ESAF) technologies that can safely initiate a warhead and Target Detection

Devices (TDDs) that can provide miniaturized, fast-responding, highly accurate range and location information for high closure velocity intercepts.

RESEARCH AREA 6 – MISSILE ELECTRONICS

The objective of this work is to investigate all aspects of Missile Power & Electronics as it applies to air-to-air missiles. The following technologies and research areas are of particular interest: Power Conversion and Distribution, Power Generation and Storage Technologies (Advanced Missile Battery Technology and

Ultracapacitors), Guidance Electronics, and Thermal Management.

The challenge with state-of-the-art power management approaches is the large amount of volume required for missile power conversion electronics. RWPI is interested in technologies to enable miniaturization of missile power electronics components, topologies, and associated packaging methods. These technologies can improve performance and internal packaging efficiency for a compact Counter Air (CA) missile.

RWPI is interested in development of technologies to improve the energy density and power density of batteries to meet the challenges posed by the modernization of weapons and the increasing complexity of mission requirements. Increasing power requirements for evolving weapons and missile systems is driving the need for efficient energy storage systems with both high energy and power densities.

RWPI is additionally interested in high energy and power density ultracapacitor technologies for use in weapons and missile systems; affordable high performance missile guidance electronics technology designed to support small form factor medium-range A-A weapons; and active and passive thermal management technologies focused on high density electronic power dissipation with reduced volume and weight allowing increased time-of flight.

RESEARCH AREA 7 – MISSILE GUIDANCE AND CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES

The objective of this work is to investigate Missile Guidance and Control Technologies to include the following: Robust guidance algorithms against maneuvering targets, real time optimal lofting/energy management techniques, integrated guidance and control, reduced latency between seeker measurements and final control fin commands, highly accurate seeker technologies and algorithms, robust and novel target state estimators, third party queuing, optimal body orientation at endgame encounter, (reinforcement learning-adaptive control) approach, simultaneous learning and control, Hybrid (switched) guidance law selection based on the red-target strategy/maneuver, many-on-many engagement guidance laws, optimal pulse delay and propellant allocation, rapid flexible autopilot design process, robust control in aerodynamic cross coupling environments for various airframe designs from canard to tail control, robust control at high angles of attack, innovative autopilot architectures, efficient verification of safe separation over all flight regimes, Non-linear/adaptive control for agile maneuver, and advanced airframe control techniques.

RESEARCH AREA 8 – ADVANCED WARHEAD TECHNOLOGIES

The objective of this work is to investigate all aspects conventional and conceptual munitions warhead technology as it relates to the destruction, damage, defeat, or denial of function of Targets of Interest (TOI).

Technologies and concepts are sought for a robust and affordable capability of air-launched munitions with maximum performance characteristics while complying with insensitive munitions requirements. Advanced weapons systems require that warheads survive under severe mechanical loading conditions and reliable initiation at endgame in order to achieve performance goals. Additionally, there is interest in specialized diagnostics, techniques, and experimental methods for the development and validation of munition warhead capabilities. Technical interests related to warhead effectiveness are blast (internal and external), combined damage (blast and fragment), human casualty, cumulative damage, debris damage, direct hit damage, fire, and fragment. There is also interest in miniature and micro warheads, multifunctional energetic materials and damage mechanisms, directional control and focused effects, selectable effects, and collateral damage control. Approaches in all of these areas are not to be limited to traditional nor classical blast-fragmentation effects. Novel concepts of target defeat are encouraged to augment or replace the more traditional kinetic energy methods. Miniaturized fuzes, electronic safe and arm devices and target detection devices are also of interest.

RESEARCH AREA 9 – ADVANCED MISSILE PROPULSION TECHNOLOGIES

The objective of this work is to investigate Advanced Missile Propulsion Technologies such as the following topics: Propellant Formulations, Grain Structures, Case Technologies, Ignition Safety Devices (ISD)

Concepts, Nozzle Technologies (Non-eroding, Pintle and Aerospike) and Multi-Pulse Motor Barriers. As missile systems get smaller, fitting the same or more complex functionality into these airframes becomes a significant challenge. Existing ignition safety device (ISD) solutions are purpose-built to meet the unique functional and interface requirements for larger air-to-air missile systems. RWPI is interested in an open architecture ISD system designed (IAW MIL-STD-1901A) to support future compact air-to-air missile systems. RWPI is interested in scalable technology in both physical size and ignition power requirements.

Advancements in propellant formulations and grain structures are key to the amount of energy available and the efficient use of that energy. RWPI is interested in high performance propellant formulation that range from no-smoke to fully smoky propellants. To be included are not just the formulation, but also the processing of any advance formulations and grain structure designs. As an example, RWPI is interested in understanding the impacts to both formulation and grain design if traditional USAF standards were relaxed.

RWPI is interested in technologies that are able to maintain the operating pressures of a rocket motor while reducing mass to increase the performance, as well as non-eroding throat technology utilizing advanced material (metallic inserts, ceramics, etc.) able to perform in severe environments such as high stagnation temperatures and pressures, abrasive propellants (high aluminum content) and high stress/strain.

RWPI is additionally interested in pintle technology that would decrease the associated parasitic mass and improve motor performance; aerospike technology that can maximize CAS volume, increase performance and increase TRL; and scalable technology to reduce parasitic weight caused by multi-pulse thermal barriers and associated ignition systems.

RESEARCH AREA 10 – CONTROL ACTUATION SYSTEMS

The objective of this work is to investigate advanced missile flight control systems. Efficient control of the missile flyout reduces the burden on other systems. Topics include miniaturized actuators, high speed actuation systems, low cost control actuation technologies, articulating missile radomes, folding fin concepts suitable for high speed missiles, and advanced airframe control technologies.

RESEARCH AREA 11 – MISSILE CARRIAGE AND RELEASE TECHNOLOGIES

The objective of this work is to investigate high density carriage concepts for weapon bay applications.

Topics of interest include weapon racks that use innovative carriage and ejection technologies capable of carrying and releasing multiple small missiles. Technologies of interest also include high data rate aircraft to weapon communications, pod architecture, and aircraft to weapon power conversion and distribution systems. Other topics of interest include blind mate or recessed aircraft to weapon or rack to weapon connectors.

RESEARCH AREA 12 – MISSILE TEST AND EVALUATION TECHNOLOGIES

The objective of this work is to investigate all technology aspects relevant to Air-to-Air missile test and evaluation (T&E). Interest in this research area ranges from miniaturizing existing technologies that could be used in testing of future generations of small missiles to exploring advanced, breakthrough technologies that could ease missile testing complexities or allow for better data collection. Examples of missile T&E technologies of interest include the following: approaches to encrypted telemetry that reduce the logistic burden of current encrypted telemetry systems; autonomous flight termination systems that eliminate the need for onboard flight termination receivers/antennas (while allowing range safety personnel flexibility regarding day-of-test limitations); miniaturized and/or higher power missile tracking beacons; miniaturized explosive initiation modules; dual missile tracking technologies capable of providing independent tracking sources to range safety personnel for air-to-air missiles; and warhead compatible, range safety compliant, telemetry/flight termination systems.

II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Anticipated Funding: Note there is no funding associated with this Basic Open BAA. All funding is subject to change due to Government discretion and availability. Each CALL will have funding profiles specific to that effort. However, similarly, all offerors should be aware that due to unanticipated budget fluctuations, funding in any or all areas may change with little or no notice.

B. Anticipated Type of Awards: 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) but may include other contract types. Cost reimbursement contracts require successful offerors to have an accounting system considered adequate for tracking costs applicable to the contract.

C. Evaluation and Award (Applicable to Both Basic Open BAA and BAA CALL): Proposals are intended to be evaluated, and awards made, without discussions unless discussions are determined to be necessary.

However, the Government may obtain clarifications to determine proposal acceptability. Discussions may be held with prospective awardees prior to award if needed. Offerors are cautioned that only Contracting

Officers are legally authorized to obligate funds and commit the Government.

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligible Offeror/Applicants: This is an unrestricted solicitation. Small businesses are encouraged to propose on all or any part of this solicitation. Multiple White Paper submittals to the varying 12 Research

Areas are allowed.

B. Foreign-owned Firms: Foreign participation is not allowed.

C. 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, against this BAA. FAR 35.017-1(c)(4) prohibits an FFRDC from competing with any non-FFRDC concern in response to a Federal agency request for proposal for other than the operation of an FFRDC (with exceptions stated in DFARS 235.017-1(c)(4)). There is no regulation prohibiting an FFRDC from responding to a solicitation. However, the FFRDC's sponsoring agency must first make a determination that the effort being proposed falls within the purpose, mission, general scope of effort, or special competency of the FFRDC, and that determination must be included in the FFRDC's proposal. In addition, the non-sponsoring agency 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.

C. Government Agencies: If a Government agency is interested in performing work, offerors should immediately contact the contracting office focal point identified in Section VII for information if they contemplate responding. If those discussions result in a mutual interest to pursue your agency's participation, the effort will be pursued independent of this announcement.

D. Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost sharing is not a requirement, but is allowed.

IV. BASIC OPEN BAA SECTION

A. WHITE PAPER SUBMISSION INFORMATION:

1. Application Package: THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONSTITUTES THE ONLY SOLICITATION and THE

GOVERNMENT IS SOLICITING WHITE PAPERS ONLY. DO NOT SUBMIT A FORMAL PROPOSAL AT

THIS TIME. Those offerors whose white papers are found to be consistent with the intent of this BAA may later be invited to submit a technical and cost proposal. See Section VI of this announcement for further details. Offerors with white papers not selected for proposal invitation may contact the technical POC for feedback on their submission. Debriefings will not be offered for white papers. An unfavorable white paper evaluation will bar the offeror from further consideration unless the white paper is subsequently revised and resubmitted. Revised white paper submissions will be reevaluated in accordance with the white paper evaluation criteria.

2. Content and Form of Submission of White Papers: Offerors are required to submit one (1) electronic copy, via e-mail, that is 10 pages or less summarizing their proposed approach/solution. Any pages over the stated 10 page maximum will not be evaluated. The purpose of the white paper is to preclude unwarranted effort on the part of an offeror whose proposed work is not of interest to the Government. The format for the white paper is as follows:

a. Page Format:

Paper Size - 8.5 inch x 11 inch

Margins on every page shall be one-inch on top, bottom, left and right sides

Font size shall be standard 12 point Times New Roman. Character spacing must be "normal," not condensed in any manner. All text, including text in tables, references, 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 double-spaced (must use standard double-space function in Microsoft Word)

b. Document Format:

Section A: Title, White Paper in response to BAA FA8651-20-S-0008, Research Area Number (identify #), name listed as the Technical POC for that Research Area, Period of Performance, Estimated Cost, Name/Address of Company, Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) number, Dunn & Bradstreet Data

Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, Technical and Contracting Points of Contact (phone and email). NOTE: This section is NOT included in the page count.

Section B: Task Objective.

Section C: Technical Summary and Proposed Deliverables.

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

c. Multiple white papers within the purview of this announcement may be submitted by an offeror. If an offeror wishes to restrict access to his/her white paper, it must be marked with the restrictive language stated in FAR 52.215-1(e).

3. Funding Restrictions: The cost of preparing white papers/subsequent proposals in response to this announcement is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting contract or any other contract, but may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect cost specified in FAR 31.205-18.

Incurring pre-award costs for ASSISTANCE INSTRUMENT ONLY are regulated by 2 CFR 200.458.

4. Classified Proposals: Offerors are encouraged to keep all elements of the proposal package and White

Paper Submission UNCLASSIFIED. In the case where an offeror has a need to submit a classified appendix, please contact the technical POC for delivery instructions.

B. WHITE PAPER / PROPOSAL EVALUATION

1. White Paper Evaluation Criteria: Two evaluation criteria will be used to determine whether full proposals will be requested based on the white paper submission. The following evaluation criteria are listed in descending order of importance.

1: An integrated, comprehensive and unbiased assessment of the proposed technical approach to include scientific and/or technical merits/feasibility and the potential contributions of the effort to extend the scientific understanding associated with the technologies being pursued by the Air

Superiority portfolios described in the 12 research areas of the BAA.

2: Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) and schedule commensurate with technical approach.

2. Proposal Evaluation Criteria of White Paper: Proposals requested as a result of favorable White

Paper evaluations will be evaluated as specified below in descending order of importance.

A. Technical Evaluation Criteria:

1: A comprehensive understanding of the scope of the technical effort and capabilities to meet the requirements. Soundness of technical approach to meet program objective, to include identification of schedule, technical risks and mitigation strategies.

2: A unique and innovate approach proposed to accomplish technical objectives. New and creative solutions and/or advances in knowledge, understanding, technology, and the state of the art.

3: Potential to transition the R&D deliverables to future Government needs. (Any proposed restrictions on technical data/computer software will be considered).

B. Cost/Price Evaluation Criteria:

1: The reasonableness and realism of proposed cost and fees if any, the proposed cost share (for

Cooperative Agreements and Technology Investment Agreements) by the offeror if any, and the offeror’s progress to the desired solution within the parameters of available funding.

C. Proposal Risk Assessment:

Proposal risk for technical, cost, and schedule will be assessed for formal proposals, should they be requested, as part of the evaluation of the above evaluation criteria. Proposal risk relates to the identification and assessment of the risks associated with an offeror's proposed approach as it relates to accomplishing the proposed effort. Tradeoffs of the assessed risk will be weighed against the potential scientific benefit. Proposal risk for schedule relates to an assessment of the risks associated with the offeror's proposed number of hours, labor categories, materials, or other cost elements as it relates to meeting the proposed period of performance.

3. Review and Selection Process: The evaluation described above will generally result in proposals being placed in one of the three categories below:

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

b. Selectable: Proposals are recommended for acceptance if sufficient funding is available, but at a lower priority than Highly Recommended proposals. May require additional development. To ensure a diversity of approaches, a Selectable proposal may be prioritized over a Highly

Recommended proposal if the Selectable proposal presents a unique approach unlike any of the

Highly Recommended proposals.

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

NOTE: The Government reserves the right to award some, all, or none of proposals. When the

Government elects to award only part of a proposal, the selected part may be categorized as Highly

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

C. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION:

1. Award Notices (White Papers): Offerors of those white papers found to be consistent with the intent of this Basic Open BAA may be invited to submit a technical and cost proposal. Notification by email or letter will be sent by the Contracting Officer. Such invitation does not assure that the submitting offeror will be awarded a contract. Offerors of those white papers not selected for further consideration will be notified in the same manner. Prospective offerors are advised that only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to commit the Government. Offerors may request status of their white paper no earlier than 60 calendar days after submission.

2. Award Notices (full proposals): Offerors will be notified whether their proposal is recommended for award after evaluation of the proposal. The notification is not to be construed to mean the award of a contract is assured, as availability of funds and successful negotiations are prerequisites to any award.

V. CALLS BAA SECTION

Periodically, proposal CALL announcements (CALLs) may be issued in FedBizOpps under FA8651-20-S-

0008 to request proposals for Air Superiority Technology topic areas. This is a one-step process and NO

WHITE PAPER will be requested, PROPOSALS ONLY. These subsequent CALLs will contain specific objectives and descriptions of the specific research area to be addressed, anticipated period of performance, and the expected dollar range for proposals received under the CALL. Proposals in response to the CALL BAA will be accepted as specified in the actual CALL. Offeror’s are advised that Adequate

Price Competition may be applicable to CALLs issued against the BAA. Evaluation criteria will be issued with each CALL.

A. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Content and Form of Submission of Proposals: Proposal format, due dates and times will be specified in each CALL. Proposals received after the due date and time specified in the CALL shall be governed by the provisions of FAR 52.215-1(c)(3). Offerors MUST monitor FedBizOpps https://www.fbo.gov in the event this announcement is amended or CALLs are issued. Offerors must monitor these systems to ensure they receive the maximum proposal preparation time for subsequent amendments as this is the official notification vehicle to request proposals.

2. Communications: Prospective offerors may contact the technical points of contact to verify interest in the effort to be proposed PRIOR to committing any resources to the preparation of any proposals in response to a CALL under this announcement. Discussions shall not include content or rating information of other offeror's proposals or White Papers. Discussions with the points of contact shall not constitute a commitment by the Government to subsequently fund or award any proposed effort. Questions outside the scope of the technical focal point, such as contract terms or conditions, or projected award schedule, should be referred to the Contracting Officer. Only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to commit the

Government.

3. Funding Restrictions: The cost of preparing proposals in response to this announcement is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting contract or any other contract, but may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect cost specified in FAR 31.205-18. Incurring pre-award costs for ASSISTANCE INSTRUMENTS ONLY are regulated by 2 CFR 200.458.

B. PROPOSAL REVIEW INFORMATION:

The technical, schedule, and cost/price evaluation criteria will be specific to each CALL and issued with the

CALL.

Proprietary Proposal Information Protection: It is the policy of AFRL/RW to treat all proposals as privileged information, and to disclose the contents only for the purposes of evaluation. Those selected as a result of initial review will be subject to an extensive evaluation by highly qualified Government scientists. Offerors must indicate limitations, if any, to be placed on disclosure of proposal information. Offerors should note, proposal information incorporated into a resulting contract, if any, may be subject to release under the

Freedom of Information Act.

VI. TERMS APPLICABLE TO ALL BAA AWARDS:

A. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: Depending on the work to be performed, the offeror may require a classified facility clearance and safeguarding capability; therefore, personnel identified for assignment to a classified effort must be cleared for access to information at the equivalent level of security at the time of award. In addition, the offeror may be required to have, or have access to, a certified and

Government-approved facility to support work under this BAA. Data subject to export control constraints may be involved and only firms holding certification under the US/Canada Joint Certification Program (JCP)

(www.dlis.dla.mil/jcp) are allowed access to such data.

B. Reporting: Contractors should expect any contract or assistance instrument resulting from this BAA would contain the requirement to provide various types of periodic and final technical reports, and possibly cost and other reports.

C. Data Rights/Software Assertions: It is anticipated that all data/software delivered under any resulting award will be delivered with unlimited rights; however different rights may be negotiated as appropriate.

The contractor shall identify data rights/software assertions IAW DFARS 227.7103-3 and/or 227.7203-3, licenses, patents, etc. that apply to any proprietary materials, technical data, products, software, or processes to be used by the prime or subcontractor(s) in the performance of this program; and shall address acquisition of data rights or licenses, or expected recoupment of development costs for those proprietary items that will be integral to any contracts awarded under this BAA. Any data/software delivered or anticipated to be delivered with less than unlimited rights must be reported in a separate, appropriately marked appendix to the final report of any awarded contract resulting from this BAA.

D. Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA): If required as a part of a resulting contract from this BAA, AFFARS 5352.223-9001, Health and Safety on Government Installations (Nov 2012) mandates that adequate health and safety requirements be identified in the contract. Contractors can gain more information regarding OSHA at http://www.osha.gov/.

VII. AGENCY CONTACTS

A. Questions of a technical nature shall be directed to the technical point of contact listed in each applicable

Research Area.

B. Questions of a contractual/business nature shall be directed to the contract specialist:

PRIMARY:

Catherine D. Gray

101 W. Eglin Blvd, Bldg 13, Rm 327

Eglin AFB, FL 32542-6810

Phone: 850-882-3018

Email: catherine.gray.2@us.af.mil

ALTERNATE:

Yakemi McKinnis

101 W. Eglin Blvd, Bldg 13, Rm 327

Eglin AFB, FL 32542-6810

Phone: (850) 883-2681

Email: yakemi.mckinnis.1@us.af.mil

Note: Any correspondence should reference the BAA title, number, and research area in the Subject Line.

C. In accordance with AFFARS 5301.9103, an Ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition announcement.

Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the Contracting Officer listed above for resolution. AFFARS

5352.201-9101, Ombudsman (Jun 2016) will be incorporated into all contracts awarded under this BAA.

The Ombudsman is as follows:

Steven L. Ewers

AFRL/PK

Phone: (312) 785-5235

Email: steven.ewers@us.af.mil

D. The BAA Guide for Industry is located at:

https://www.wpafb.af.mil/Portals/60/documents/afrl/AFRL-broad-agency-announcement-guide.pdf?ver=2016-07-08-141724-390

VIII. OTHER INFORMATION PERTINENT TO AWARD OF CONTRACTS

A. Support Contractors: Only Government employees will evaluate the white papers/proposals for selection.

The AFRL Munitions Directorate has contracted for various business and staff support services, some of which require contractors to obtain administrative access…