FA9451-21-S-0003 - AHSR BAA Solicitation.pdf

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT

FA9451-21-S-0003

Air Force Research Laboratory

Directed Energy Directorate

ANNOUNCEMENT OVERVIEW

10 March 2021

NAICS CODE: 541715

FEDERAL AGENCY NAME: Air Force Research Laboratory Directed Energy Directorate

(AFRL/RD)

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT TITLE: Advanced High Power Electromagnetic Source Research (AHSR)

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: This is the initial announcement.

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: FA9451-21-S-0003

PROPOSAL DUE DATE AND TIME: Proposals are due by 12:00 p.m., Mountain Daylight Time (MDT), 26 April 2021 and delivered via the DoD SAFE website. Proposals received after the due date and time specified 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.” Note: If offerors use commercial carriers in for delivery of proposals, carriers may not honor time-of-day delivery guarantees on military installations. Early proposal submission is encouraged.

BRIEF PROGRAM SUMMARY: This is a Closed, One-Step Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) (without Calls) to solicit proposals for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Directed Energy Directorate (RD), High Power Electromagnetic Division (RDH), Advanced High Power Electromagnetic Source Research (AHSR) program.

The objective of AHSR is to conduct research addressing the AF and DoD requirements for HPEM technologies - the research phase. It aims to develop successful HPEM source technologies and components required for consideration to address future mission requirements. This program researches the physics of HPEM technologies such as tunable high power oscillators, broad frequency bandwidth high power amplifiers, structures to radiate the generated high power pulse, and ancillary technologies such pulsed power, cathodes, System Engineering and safety. AFRL/RDH’s HPEM Sources has been successful in developing and demonstrating the potential for HPEM systems to provide game-changing capabilities in combat operations.

The Full Text Announcement is included below and is available at beta.SAM.gov under notice number FA9451-21-S-0003. There will be no other announcement issued for this requirement.

Offerors must monitor beta.SAM.gov in the event this BAA is amended.

NOTE: CLASSIFIED MATERIAL SHALL NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSAL AND

SHALL NOT BE SUBMITTED WITH THE PROPOSAL. IF NECESSARY, CLASSIFIED

MATERIAL SHALL BE SUBMITTED AS A SEPARATE ADDENDUM. SPECIFIC

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING A CLASSIFIED ADDENDUM, UP TO SECRET

COLLATERAL, ARE PROVIDED IN SECTION VIII. A. ii. OF THE FULL TEXT

ANNOUNCEMENT.

GENERAL INFORMATION: This acquisition is unrestricted. The NAICS Code for this acquisition is 541715 for Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology), and the small business size standard is 1,000 employees (1,500 employees for Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts, 1,250 employees for Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary, and 1250 employees for Guided Missiles and Space Vehicles, Their Propulsion Units and Propulsion Parts). This BAA is issued under the provisions of FAR 6.102(d)(2) that provides for the competitive selection of research proposals. Proposals submitted in response to this BAA that are selected for award are considered to be the result of full and open competition and in full compliance with the provisions of Public Law 98-369, the Competition in Contracting Act of 1984.

SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT REGISTRATION: FAR 52.204-7 System for Award Management SAM) (OCT 2018) and FAR 52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications (MAR 2020) are hereby incorporated into and will be made a part of any award(s) based on this BAA. If potential offerors are notified to be eligible for an award, they must be registered in SAM and submit annual electronic Representations and Certifications via the System for Award Management (SAM) website at www.sam.gov. These FAR and DFARS level representations and certifications are required in addition to the representations and certifications specific to this BAA. SAM replaces the Central Contractor Registration (CCR)/FedReg, Online Representations and Certifications (ORCA) and the Excluded Parties Lists System (EPLS).

TYPE OF CONTRACTS: The Air Force reserves the right to award the appropriate contract type under the FAR that is best suited to the nature of the research proposed. It is anticipated that an award under this BAA will be a single award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contract with an ordering period of five years (60 months). It is anticipated that Task Order(s) issued under the IDIQ contract will be Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) Completion type.

Cost reimbursement contracts require successful offerors to have an accounting system considered adequate for tracking costs applicable to the contract. No opportunities for assistance instruments, including grants, cooperative agreement, or technology investment agreements exist under this BAA.

ANTICIPATED NUMBER OF AWARDS: The Air Force anticipates awarding one single award IDIQ type contract and one initial Task Order. However, the Air Force does reserve the right to make multiple awards or no awards pursuant to this BAA. The Air Force also reserves the right to award some, all or none of the proposals.

ESTIMATED PROGRAM COST: The estimated ceiling of the IDIQ contract is $49 million with a minimum ordering value of $100,000 and a maximum ordering value of $15M. The estimated value of the initial Task Order is $12M.

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 http://www.sam.gov/ aware that, due to unanticipated budget fluctuations, funding in any or all areas may change with little or no notice.

TECHNICAL POINT OF CONTACT (TPOC):

Mr. Robert Achenbach

AFRL/RDHP

Kirtland AFB, NM Phone: 505-853-6062 Email: robert.achenbach.2@us.af.mil

CONTRACTING POINT OF CONTACT:

Mr. Pedro Oroyan Contract Specialist (Primary POC)

AFRL/RDKP

Kirtland AFB, NM Phone: 505-846-4626 Email: pedro.oroyan.1@us.af.mil

Ms. Jaclyn Torres Contracting Officer (Alternate POC)

AFRL/RDKP

Kirtland AFB, NM Phone: 505-846-1545 Email: jaclyn.torres@us.af.mil mailto:robert.achenbach.2@us.af.mil mailto:pedro.oroyan.1@us.af.mil mailto:jaclyn.torres@us.af.mil

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT

FA9451-21-S-0003

Air Force Research Laboratory

Directed Energy Directorate

FULL TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT

I. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A. Overview: The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Directed Energy Directorate’s (RD), High-Power Electromagnetics Division (RDH) is interested in receiving proposals for innovative and varying approaches to advance the state-of-the-art and scientific knowledge under the Advanced High Power Electromagnetic Source Research (AHSR). Specifically, in the application of High Peak Power, High Average Power, and High Powered Millimeter wave sources and radiating structures.

The HPEM Sources for the Next Generation Program conducts research addressing the Air Force and DoD requirements for HPEM technologies. It aims to develop successful HPEM source technologies and components required for consideration to address future mission requirements. This program researches the Physics of HPEM technologies such as tunable high power oscillators, broad frequency bandwidth high power amplifiers, structures to radiate the generated high power pulse, and ancillary technologies such pulsed power, cathodes, System Engineering and safety.

The effort envisioned herein seeks to research and develop forward-looking technologies, which may transition HPEM technologies to the warfighter community. Likewise, the effort entails the development of source technologies-enabling evaluation at bread board levels equivalent to Technology Readiness Levels 3-4.

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 35.002, Research and Development (R&D) contracts are directed towards objectives for which the work or methods cannot be precisely described in advance. It is difficult to judge the probabilities of success or required effort for technical approaches, some of which offer little or no early assurance of full success. Due to the nature of R&D, improvements in technology and theories may result in possible changes to the contractor’s technical proposal or statement of work, prior to award or after technical performance has commenced. Offerors are advised that additional latitude for changing a contract may exist when the contract is for R&D, noting that the scope of such contracts is often flexible, to all unanticipated changes due to lack of definitiveness of the Government’s objectives.

B. Objectives: The basic IDIQ Statement of Objectives (SOO) is included as Attachment 1 to this BAA.

C. Schedule: It is anticipated for the ordering period of the Basic Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to be five years (60 months). Task Order period of performance will be specified on each individual Task Order.

Anticipated period of performance for individual Task Orders may be five years (60 months).

D. Deliverables: Deliverables will be specified on each individual Task Order.

II. INITIAL TASK ORDER

A. Overview: The effort will pursue innovative HPEM source technologies for counter electronic applications. The HPEM Sources for the Next Generation Program is interested in developing existing and novel HPEM technologies that can be integrated into current and future AF and DoD platforms. The research effort should address the following major areas:

• Increasing the frequency bandwidth of tunable HPEM Oscillators

• Broadband (> 10%) HPEM Amplifiers

• Improved efficiency (>50%) HPEM Sources

• Potential game-changing approaches to HPEM generation such as

Ultra-short Pulsed Laser (USPL) based Sources

• Radiating structures for HPEM pulses

• Required laboratory infrastructure to safely investigate new HPEM technologies including repetitive pulsed power, EMI, ionizing and nonionizing radiation.

The HPEM Source Program will determine the technologies for development and the system engineering efforts that need to be pursued in order to demonstrate the technical capability. This includes developing and demonstrating new technologies and testing brass board components to achieve Technology Readiness Levels 3-4.

B. Objectives: Refer to the initial Task Order SOO, Attachment 3.

C. Schedule: It is intended for the Initial Task Order to be a 45 month technical effort with an additional 3 months allotted for final report preparation.

D. Deliverables: Deliverables for the Initial Task Order are specified in the Task

Order SOO.

III. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Type of Contract: The Air Force reserves the right to award the appropriate contract type under the FAR that is best suited to the nature of research proposed. It is anticipated that an award under this BAA will be a single award IDIQ type contract. It is anticipated that Task Order(s) issued under the IDIQ contract will be Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) Completion type. Cost reimbursement contracts require successful offerors to have an accounting system considered adequate for tracking costs applicable to the contract. No opportunities for assistance instruments, including grants, cooperative agreements, or technology investment agreements exist under this BAA.

B. Anticipated Number of Awards: The Air Force anticipates awarding one single award IDIQ type contract and one initial Task Order. However, the Air Force does reserve the right to make multiple awards or no awards pursuant to this BAA. The Air Force also reserves the right to award some, all or none of the proposals.

C. ESTIMATED PROGRAM COST: The estimated ceiling of the IDIQ contract is

$49 million with a minimum ordering value of $100,000 and a maximum ordering value of $15M. The estimated value of the initial Task Order is $12M.

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.

IV. POINTS OF CONTACT

A. Technical Point of Contact (TPOC):

Mr. Robert Achenbach

AFRL/RDHP

Kirtland AFB, NM Phone: 505-853-6062 Email: robert.achenbach.2@us.af.mil

B. CONTRACTING POINT OF CONTACT:

Mr. Pedro Oroyan Contract Specialist (Primary POC)

AFRL/RDKP

Kirtland AFB, NM Phone: 505-846-4626 Email: pedro.oroyan.1@us.af.mil

Ms. Jaclyn Torres Contracting Officer (Alternate POC)

AFRL/RDKP

Kirtland AFB, NM Phone: 505-846-1545 Email: jaclyn.torres@us.af.mil

C. Ombudsman: The clause at AFFARS 5352.201-9101, Ombudsman, is applicable to this procurement. An Ombudsman has been appointed to address concerns of offeror(s) or potential offerors. The Ombudsman does not diminish the authority of the program manager or contracting office, but communicates the contractor concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations to the appropriate Government personnel. When requested, the Ombudsman shall maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The Ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of the proposals or in the source selection process. Matters of routine or administrative nature concerning this acquisition should not be addressed to the Ombudsman, but rather to the contracting point mailto:robert.achenbach.2@us.af.mil mailto:pedro.oroyan.1@us.af.mil mailto:jaclyn.torres@us.af.mil of contact identified below. The Ombudsman is AFRL Director of Contracting;

Phone: 937-904-9700; email AFRL.PK.OfficeAccount@us.af.mil.

V. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligible Offerors/Applicants: All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government’s needs may submit a proposal. Small Businesses, Historically Black Colleges (HBCU), Minority Institutions (MI), Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDB), Woman-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB), and Service- Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB) are encouraged to submit proposals; however, no part of this BAA is a set-aside.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching: The Government is not considering a cost sharing or matching arrangement.

C. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs): The following guidance is provided for Department of Defense (DoD) and Non-DoD sponsored 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.

D. Government Agencies: If a Government agency is interested in performing work please contact the TPOC identified in this BAA (FA9451-21-S-0003). If those discussions result in a mutual interest to pursue your agency's participation, the effort will be pursued independent of this BAA.

E. Export Control DD Form 2345 (Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement):

Information involved in this research effort is subject to U.S. Export Control laws (International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) 22 CFR 120-131 or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 15 CFR 710-774). Foreign participation is prohibited at the prime contractor level. U.S.-based offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s). Offerors are advised FNs proposed to perform may be restricted under U.S. Export Control Laws due to the nature of the technical data.

Only offerors who are registered and certified with the Defense Logistics Services Center (DLSC) and have a legitimate business purpose may participate in this BAA. For further information on the certification process, contact the DLSC at 74 Washington Avenue N., Battle Creek, MI 40917-3084, 1-800-352-3572.

For questions, contact the Defense Logistics Information Service (DLIS) on-line mailto:AFRL.PK.OfficeAccount@us.af.mil at http://www.dlis.dla.mil/jcp or at DLIS, US/Canada Joint Certification Center, Federal Center, 74 North Washington, Battle Creek, MI 49017-4312, 1-800-352- 3572. Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.225- 7048 Export Controlled Items (JUN 2013) is hereby incorporated into and will be made a part of any award(s) based on this BAA. Offerors are required to submit a Certified DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, in the Business Volume of the Basic IDIQ proposal.

F. Security Requirement: This effort will require access to and processing of classified information at the Secret level. FAR 4.4 Safeguarding Classified Information Within Industry, requires that a DoD Contract Security Classification Specification, DD Form 254, be incorporated in the contract when the contractor may require access to classified information. The DD Form 254 provides the contractor (or subcontractor) the security requirements and the classification guidance necessary to perform on a classified contract. The successful offeror will need Secret facility clearance and Secret safeguarding capability prior to award and throughout the period of performance. Offerors must verify their Cognizant Security Office information is current with Defense Security Service (DSS) at http://www.dss.mil. A DD Form 254 is included as Attachment 5 to this

BAA.

VI. COMMUNICATIONS

A. The acquisition team intends to manage communications in a manner best designed to facilitate the submittal of optimal proposals while not providing any unfair competitive advantages.

B. Dialogue between prospective offerors and Government representatives is encouraged until submission of proposals. Any questions from prospective offerors will be answered via beta.SAM.gov. Dialogue with any of the points of contact shall not constitute a commitment by the Government to subsequently fund or award any proposed effort. Any dialogue that takes place will not be taken into consideration during the evaluation of proposals. Only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to commit the Government.

C. After proposal receipt, all communication will be in writing to the contracting office. Only the Contracting Officer or Contract Specialist will discuss pricing and/or contractual issues.

D. The Government may contact offerors to clarify certain aspects of the proposal.

In the event the Government is unable to conclude negotiations with the apparent successful offeror, it reserves the right to conduct negotiations with another acceptable offeror.

VII. OTHER

A. Government Furnished Property (GFP)/Government Furnished Information

(GFI)/Contractor Acquired Property (CAP):

i. Government Furnished Property (GFP): GFP will be specified on each individual Task Order.

http://www.dlis.dla.mil/jcp http://www.dss.mil/

ii. The Government will provide maximum accommodation possible for requests of GFP, GFI or other permitted assistance that arise during the performance of the contract. 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.

iii. In accordance with FAR 45.201(c), if GFP is requested, offerors shall submit the following information with their offer:

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

b. The dates during which the property will be available for use

(including the first, last, and all intervening months) and, for any property that will be used concurrently in performing two or more contracts, the amounts of the respective uses in sufficient detail to support prorating the rent;

c. The amount of rent that would otherwise be charged in accordance with FAR 52.245-9 Use and Charges (APR 2012);

and

d. A description of the offeror’s property management system, plan, and any customary commercial practices, voluntary consensus standards, or industry-leading practices and standards to be used by the offeror in managing Government property.

iv. Contractor Acquired Property (CAP): The offeror may propose CAP as necessary to fulfill the proposed objectives. Offerors should be aware that the Government will cross-check any CAP proposed with AFRL/RVOI/LMCA for availability.

v. The following clauses will be incorporated into any contract(s) resulting from this BAA: FAR 52.245-1 Government Property (JAN 2017) or Alternate I (APR 2012), FAR 52.245-9 Use and Charges (APR 2012), DFARS 252.211.7007 Reporting of Government-Furnished Property (AUG 2012), DFARS 252.245-7001 Tagging, Labeling, and Marking of Government-Furnished Property (APR 2012), DFARS 252.245-7002 Reporting Loss of Government Property (DEC 2017), DFARS 252.245- 7003 Contractor Property Management System Administration (APR 2012), DFARS 252.245-7004 Reporting, Reutilization, and Disposal (DEC 2017).

B. Available Base Support/Facilities: If requested, AFRL test facilities may be made available and include buildings (space and equipment). Any base support (included necessary space and equipment in Buildings 887, 907, 914, 322, and

909) is available for offerors and shall be proposed in accordance with the HPEM Sources Statement of Work Supplemental Requirements included as Attachment 2 to this BAA. Offerors shall specifically call out elements of the effort proposed to be conducted within the confines of Kirtland AFB, NM, and those that are to be performed off-site. Any differences in on-site versus off-site rates shall be specifically annotated.

C. Data Rights: 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 non-commercial software (NCS) developed or delivered under this contract are of significant important to the Government and the AFRL/RDH HPEM Sources program.

Per DFARS 227.7103-1, DoD policy is to acquire only the technical data and the rights in that data, necessary to satisfy Government needs. Technical data, NCS and NCS documentation developed with mixed funding are expected to be delivered with at least Government Purpose Rights. Offerors that propose delivery of technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation subject to Government Purpose Rights should fully explain what technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation developed with costs charged to indirect cost pools and/or costs not allocated to a Government contract will be incorporated, how the incorporation will benefit the project, and address 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. Proposals should fully explain what technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation developed with costs charged to indirect cost pools and/or costs not allocated to a Government contract will be incorporated and how the incorporation will benefit the project.

Offerors are reminded that completion of DFARS 252.227-7017 Identification and Assertion of Restrictions on the Government’s Use, Release or Disclosure of Technical Data or Computer Software is required under DFARS 252.227-7013 Rights in Technical Data - Noncommercial Items (FEB 2014) and DFARS 252.227-7014 Rights in Noncommercial Computer Software and Noncommercial Computer Software Documentation (FEB 2014). Data rights offered other than “Unlimited Rights,” as defined in DFARS 227.7103-5, should be identified in DFARS 252.227-7017 (refer to Page K 26 of the Section K, included as Attachment 7 to this BAA). If no data rights are being asserted state “none” in the assertions. Assertions must be completed at the Task Order level with specificity with regard to each item, component or process listed. Nonconforming assertions lists will be rejected.

DFARS clause 252.227-7014(d) describes requirements for incorporation of third party computer software (commercial and noncommercial). Any commercial software to be incorporated into a deliverable must be clearly identified in the proposal. Many commercial software licenses may not be acceptable to the Government, therefore commercial software licenses proposed for delivery to the Government must be approved by the Contracting Officer prior to award.

The terms Unlimited Rights, Government Purpose Rights, Specifically Negotiated License Rights, and Limited Rights in technical data are as defined in DFARS 252.227-7013. The terms Unlimited Rights, Government Purpose Rights, Specifically Negotiated License Rights, and Restricted Rights in noncommercial computer software and noncommercial software documentation are as defined in DFARS 252.227-7014. The term Commercial Computer Software is as defined in DFARS clause 252.227-7014.

Data Rights Desired:

Technical Data: Unlimited Rights or Government Purpose Rights Non-Commercial Software (NCS): Unlimited Rights or Government Purpose Rights

NCS Documentation: Unlimited Rights or Government Purpose Rights Commercial Computer Software Rights: Customary License, etc.

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.

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

VIII. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. General Information:

i. PROPOSALS SHOULD BE SUMITTED AGAINST THIS BAA.

Proposals are due by 12:00 p.m., Mountain Daylight Time (MDT), 26 April 2021 and delivered via the DoD SAFE website. Proposals received after the due date and time specified 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.” Note: If offerors use commercial carriers in for delivery of proposals, carriers may not honor time-of-day delivery guarantees on military installations. Early proposal submission is encouraged.

NOTE: CLASSIFIED MATERIAL SHOULD NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE

PROPOSAL AND SHOULD NOT BE SUBMITTED WITH THE

PROPOSAL. IF NECESSARY, CLASSIFIED MATERIAL SHALL BE

SUBMITTED AS A SEPARATE ADDENDUM. SPECIFIC

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING A CLASSIFIED ADDENDUM, UP

TO SECRET COLLATERAL, ARE PROVIDED IN SECTION VIII. A. ii.

OF THE FULL TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT.

ii. The Government anticipates proposals will be unclassified. The Government does not anticipate the submission of a classified addendum that may be required to explain analysis used to estimate system performance (effective range, system trades, etc.). If an offeror determines that the submission of classified information is necessary, they should contact the TPOC identified in this BAA (FA9451-21-S-0003, Full Text Announcement, Section IV. A.) prior to submitting a classified addendum to coordinate the appropriate means of submission. Offerors should notify the Government as early as possible to allow for adequate processing. Any information provided as an addendum to the Technical Volume will count towards the Technical Volume page limits, and is held to the same format, and date/time proposal submission requirements.

iii. Potential offerors are requested to advise the Contracting Officer if they intend to submit a proposal in response to this BAA. Such notification is merely a courtesy and is not a commitment by the offeror to submit a proposal.

iv. This BAA is an expression of interest only and does not commit the

Government to pay for proposal preparation cost. The cost of preparing proposals in response to this BAA is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting contract or to any other contract. However, it may be an allowable indirect expense as specified in FAR 31.205-18 Independent Research and Development and Bid and Proposal Costs.

v. There are no limits to the number of proposals an offeror may submit.

Each proposal will need to have its own unique contractor-generated proposal identification number and must be submitted separately.

vi. Information important to submitting complete and responsive offers to

Phillips Research Site (PRS) contracting opportunities can be found in the BAA Guide for Industry, included as Attachment 10 to this BAA.

vii. Offerors may be ineligible for award if all requirements of this BAA are not met by the proposal due date and time.

B. Proposal Submission:

i. Offerors should apply the restrictive notice prescribed in FAR 52.215-1(e) Instructions to Offerors—Competitive Acquisition (JAN 2017). Properly marked proprietary information will be treated in accordance with DFARS 252.227-7016 Rights in Bid or Proposal Information (JAN 2011).

ii. The Technical and Business/Cost Volumes must be submitted in separate volumes, and shall be valid for 180 days from the proposal due date. Proposals must reference the BAA number and include a unique contractor-generated proposal identification number. Unnecessarily elaborate brochures or presentations beyond that to present a complete and effective proposal are not desired.

iii. Offerors must submit a cover letter, one (1) original electronic copy of the

Basic IDIQ proposal and initial Task Order proposal. The proposal must be submitted via the Department of Defense (DoD) Secure Access File

Exchange (SAFE) Website (https://safe.apps.mil). Submitted responses should be in Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format. Electronic copies of the cost proposal worksheet(s) must be in Microsoft Office Excel and must contain all cell formulas. Proposals sent as a hardcopy will not be accepted. Hand deliveries will not be accepted. If offerors does not have a Common Access Card (CAC) to send files via the DoD SAFE website, contact the Contracting Points of Contact to obtain a passcode.

With the proposal submission, the Proposal Adequacy Checklist should also be submitted and is included as attachment 9.

C. Specific Proposal Preparation Instructions

i. Offerors must propose each of the following to be considered for an

IDIQ award:

a. Basic IDIQ award

1. Technical Volume

2. Contractor’s Statement of Work (CSOW) in response to the Basic SOO

3. Business Volume

b. Initial Task Order

1. Technical Volume

2. CSOW in response to the initial Task Order SOO

3. Business/Cost Volume (separate into Business and Cost

Sections)

ii. Cover Letter: A cover letter shall accompany each proposal. The cover letter should identify the BAA number under which the proposal is submitted, a statement that the proposal is valid for 180 days (from the due date specified in the BAA), provide technical and contracting points of contact, Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code, Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS) number, and a statement indicating if the firm is a small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, 8(a), or women-owned small business concern. The proposal must be signed and dated by an authorized official of the organization.

iii. Technical Volume:

a. Page Limitation: Proposal shall be prepared and submitted in Microsoft or Adobe Acrobat (PDF) form. The Technical Volume shall be limited to twenty (20) pages for the Basic IDIQ and thirty

(30) pages for the initial Task Order.

1. Font shall be standard 12-point font Arial.

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

https://safe.apps.mil/

3. Pages shall be single-spaced, 8.5 by 11 inches, with at least one-inch margins on all sides.

4. Smaller type may be used in figures and tables as long as it is clearly legible.

5. Pages shall be numbered starting with the cover page being Page 1.

6. The page limitation covers all information including indices, photographs, foldouts (counted as one page for each 8.5 by 11 portion) tables, charts, appendices, attachments, resumes, etc. Blank pages, title pages, tables of content, lists, tabs or cover sheets are not included in the page count.

7. Note: The Government will check the Technical

Volume for conformance to the stated requirements.

Any pages in excess of the stated page limitation will not be considered for evaluation purposes.

b. Content: Each Technical Volume shall include a discussion of the nature and scope of the research and the technical approach.

Each Technical Volume must address the problems or limitations of the technical area and the intended application(s). Each Technical Volume shall include (at a minimum) the following items:

1. Executive Summary: Describe the proposed program objectives and approach. A description of the innovation and benefits of the proposed approach and relationship to previous efforts should be discussed. It should summarize the technical issues addressed by the offeror’s proposal without repeating the objectives. This should provide a vision of what will ultimately be achieved and what solution this effort will produce.

2. Program Description: Describe the techniques, methods, materials, or ideas that will be addressed in this proposal, their innovativeness, and to what degree they advance the state-of-the-art. The Program Description should convey to the Government that the offeror has a credible plan and is capable of achieving the SOO(s).

3. Program Plan: Describe in detail the planned approach and how it will be executed. This section should include all technical aspects of the approach. Provide technical detail and analysis necessary to support the technical approach proposed. Clearly identify the core of the intended approach. The “new and creative” solution to the problem(s) should be developed and analyzed in this section. Include a risk assessment of key technical, schedule or cost areas and their potential impact on the program. If subcontractors are involved, identify why the proposed subcontractors are selected and what tasks they are to perform.

4. Milestone Chart: A Milestone Chart should indicate when specific objectives are expected to be met in the overall schedule and should identify the specific accomplishments necessary to proceed to the next task. Provide a schedule of when deliverable items identified in this BAA are to be delivered.

5. Facilities and Equipment description: Describe the facilities that will be used to achieve the goals of the program, in terms of manufacturing capability, testing facilities, and/or any relevant specialized equipment.

Identify any Government facilities which may be utilized.

6. Summary of Relevant Prior Work: Provide a brief summary of the results of related previous or current Government, commercial, or internally funded work performed during the past five (5) years.

7. Management Plan: Offerors should provide an approach that demonstrates the ability to effectively and efficiently manage and administer the research program to a successful conclusion, to include:

i. Schedule, cost, and risk management approach

ii. Subcontractor management and quality control

iii. Safety

iv. Security

v. Proposed level of interaction with the Government

Team

8. Resumes of Key Individuals: Include resumes for all proposed key personnel, consultants or subcontractors.

Include the full time equivalent (FTE) percent (%) of their time commitment to this effort. Suggested key personnel are: Program Manager and Technical-Area Leads (if any).

Provide position descriptions for any positions not filled at the time of proposal submittal. Resumes can be attached to the Technical Volumes, are limited to three (3) pages each, and do not count toward the Technical Volume page limit.

c. Contractor’s Statement of Work (CSOW):

1. Each CSOW (non-proprietary, stand-alone word document) should detail the research to be accomplished under AHSR and should be suitable for incorporation into the awarded document. Do not include any proprietary information in the CSOW. Each proposed CSOW should summarize the technical methodology and the task description, but not to the extent making the awarded instrument inflexible. CSOWs are to be prepared and submitted in Microsoft Word format and are subject to the same format and font guidelines as the Technical Volume.

Each C-SOW should address/include:

i. The anticipated deliverables (data and reports, hardware, software, etc.) and submission dates (Initial Task Order CSOW only)

ii. The Supplemental Requirements included as Attachment 2 to this BAA (Basic CSOW only)

For additional assistance in preparing the CSOWs, refer to the following guidance (paragraphs 2 – 4 below) and the “Guide to Preparing Contractor Statements of Work” included as Attachment 6 to this BAA.

2. The Basic SOO and initial Task Order SOO provide the Government’s objectives for this BAA. Offerors shall use the SOOs, together with other applicable portions of this BAA (including all attachments), as the basis for preparing their proposals. Offerors shall ensure all aspects of the SOOs are addressed. The CSOWs should specify in clear, understandable terms the work to be done in developing or producing the goods to be delivered or services to be performed by the contractor.

3. Preparation of an effective CSOW requires both an understanding of the goods or services that are needed to meet a particular objective and an ability to define what is necessary in specific, performance based and quantitative terms. The offeror’s understanding of both the goods or services and work effort required to accomplish the objectives should be fully demonstrated in the offeror's proposal.

4. The data deliverables listed in the Basic SOO are representative of the type of data that is necessary for the effort. The offeror may propose additional data items. Any additional data items shall be selected from DoD 5010.12- M and specified on DD Form 1423. The Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL), DD Form 1423, A001-A014 is included as Attachment 4 to this BAA.

iv. Business/Cost Volume (for initial Task Order separate into Business and Cost Sections):

a. Business Volume/Section: The Business Volume/Section should contain all business aspects to the proposed contractual arrangement, such as type of contract. The Business Volume/Section should contain any other information not technically related. The Business Volume/Section has no page limitations; however, as a goal, should be kept to 50 pages for the Basic IDIQ and 50 pages for the initial Task Order.

The Business Volume/Section should include the following items as appropriate:

1. Completed Section K Representations and Certifications (Basic IDIQ Business Volume only)

2. For any subcontractors proposed, a subcontractor analysis in accordance with FAR 15.404-3(b) Subcontract Pricing Considerations (Initial Task Order Business Section only)

3. Unless exempt in accordance with FAR 19.702 Statutory Requirements, a small business subcontracting plan

b. Cost Section (applicable to the Task Order only): The Cost section shall be submitted in accordance with the Cost Proposal Instructions included as Attachment 8 to this BAA. Adequate Price Competition (APC) is not anticipated and certified cost or pricing data from the offeror will be required in accordance with FAR 15.403-4. Submit the cost proposal worksheets in Microsoft Office Excel. The file must contain all cell formulas and submit fully disclosed cost spreadsheets, including rate tables for all direct and indirect rates. The Cost Section has no page limitations.

IX. PROPOSAL REVIEW AND EVALUATION PROCEDURES

A. Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated against the criteria listed below in descending order of importance. Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 35.016 and will be evaluated utilizing a peer or scientific review process. Evaluation of the Basic IDIQ proposal is of equal importance to evaluation of the Task Order proposal.

i. Overall scientific and technical merit

ii. Importance to AFRL/RDH programs

iii. Funds availability

Once selected for possible award, price will be analyzed for Cost Realism and Price Reasonableness. Cost/Price is considered, but not an evaluation criterion.

No further evaluation criteria will be used. Individual proposal evaluations will be performed using these evaluation criteria without regard to other proposals submitted under this BAA.

X. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

A. Based on the evaluation, proposals will be categorized as follows:

i. Selectable: Proposals recommended for acceptance if sufficient funding is available.

ii. Not Selectable: Even if sufficient funding exists, proposal should not be funded.

B. When the Government elects to award only part of a proposal, the selected part may be categorized as Selectable, though the proposal as a whole may not merit such a categorization.

XI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. Award Notices: Offerors will be notified whether their proposal is recommended for award in writing by letter from the Contracting Officer. The notification of recommendation for award 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.

B. Debriefings: When requested, a debriefing will be provided. The debriefing process will follow the guidelines set out in FAR 15.505 Pre-award Debriefing of Offerors and 15.506 Post-award Debriefing of Offerors. Debriefing content may vary to be consistent with the procedures that govern BAAs (FAR 35.016).

XII. OTHER INFORMATION

A. Ordering Procedures: In accordance with FAR 16.504(a)(4)(iv), subsequent

Task Orders will be placed as follows:

i. Task Orders will be issued by a Procuring Contracting Officer in accordance with the ordering clauses in the contract. However, the following procedures shall be used for negotiation of orders:

a. The Contracting Officer will provide the contractor with a copy of the notification of each proposed Task Order, which will include a description of the work to be performed, description of expertise required and the desired completion date.

b. The contractor shall then submit to the Contracting Officer: (i) a brief technical discussion describing how the work will be performed; (ii) a cost proposal identifying labor categories and number of hours within each category required for performance of the proposed work; (iii) identification and rationale for all non-labor cost elements required for performance; and (iv) identification of any Government property required for performance.

c. Upon receipt of the proposal, the Contracting Officer and the technical team will analyze the proposal and, if acceptable, issue a Task Order directing the contractor to commence performance.

If the proposal is not fully acceptable as offered, negotiations shall be conducted prior to the issuance of any Task Order. In the event issues pertaining to the proposed work cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the Contracting Officer, the Contracting Officer reserves the right to withdraw and cancel the proposed work. In such event, the contractor shall be notified, via letter, of the Contracting Officer’s decision. This decision shall be final and conclusive and shall not be subject to the Disputes clause or the Contract Disputes Act.

B. Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI): In accordance with FAR 9.5, Organizational and Consultant Conflicts of Interest, the Contracting Officer has analyzed the planned acquisition and determined that no known actual or potential Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) situations exist with respect to this BAA. Offerors shall perform their own OCI analysis (to include potential OCI situations associated with any teammates or subcontractors). Offerors shall describe the methodology used to identify any actual or potential OCI issues. If the offeror identifies any actual or potential OCIs, the offeror shall provide an OCI mitigation plan. The contractor’s mitigation plan will be determined acceptable solely at the discretion of the Contracting Officer. If the Contracting Officer unilaterally determines any such OCI cannot be satisfactorily avoided or mitigated, the Contracting Officer may affect other remedies deemed necessary.

C. Support Contractors: The AFRL Directed Energy (RD) and Space Vehicles (RV) Directorates have contracted for various business and staff support services, some of which require contractors to obtain administrative access to proprietary information submitted by other contractors. Administrative access is defined as "handling or having physical control over information for the sole purpose of accomplishing the administrative functions specified in the administrative support contract, which do not require the review, reading, or comprehension of the content of the information on the part of non-technical professionals assigned to accomplish the specified administrative tasks." These contractors have signed general non-disclosure agreements and organizational conflict of interest statements. The required administrative access will be granted to non-technical professionals. Examples of the administrative tasks performed include: i) Assembling and organizing information for R&D case files; ii) Accessing library files for use by Government personnel; and iii) Handling and administration of proposals, contracts, contract funding and queries. Any objection to administrative access must be provided in writing to the Contracting Officer within ten (10) days of BAA issuance.

D. Wide Area Work Flow Notice: Any award resulting from this BAA will contain the clause at DFARS 252.232-7003, Electronic Submission of Payment Requests and Receiving Reports (DEC 2018), which requires electronic submission of all payment requests. Any contract award(s) resulting from this

BAA will establish a requirement to use WAWF-RA for invoicing and receipt/acceptance, and provide coding instructions applicable to this contract.

Contractors are encouraged to take advantage of available training (both web-based and through the cognizant Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) office), and to register in the WAWF-RA system. Information regarding WAWF-RA, including the web-based training and registration, can be found at https://piee.eb.mil/. Note: WAWF-RA requirement does not apply to offerors that are audited by an agency other than the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA).

E. Item Identification and Valuation: Any contract award resulting from this BAA may contain the clause at DFARS 252.211-7003, Item Unique Identification and Valuation (MAR 2016), which requires unique item identification and valuation of any deliverable item for which the Government’s unit acquisition cost is $5,000 or more; subassemblies, components, and parts embedded within an item valued at $5,000 or more; or items for which the Government’s unit acquisition cost is less than $5,000 when determined necessary by the requiring activity for serially-managed, mission essential, or controlled inventory. Also included are any DoD serially-managed subassembly, component, or parts embedded within a delivered item and the parent item that contains the embedded subassembly, component, or part. Per DFARS 211.274-3 Policy for Valuation, it is DoD policy that contractors shall be required to identify the Government’s unit acquisition cost for any deliverable end items to which item unique identification applies.

Therefore, the offeror must clearly break out the unit acquisition cost for any applicable deliverable items (per DFARS 211.274-3(b) Policy for Valuation, “the Government’s unit acquisition cost is — (2) For cost-type or undefinitized line, subline, or exhibit line items, the contractor’s estimated fully burdened unit cost to the Government at the time of delivery) in their proposal. Per DoD, “fully burdened unit costs” to the Government would include all direct, indirect, general and administrative (G&A) costs, and an appropriate portion of fee. For questions regarding the unique item identification requirements, please contact the contracting point of contact identified in this BAA. For more information, see the following website: http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/uid/.

F. Forward Pricing Rate Agreements: Offerors who have forward pricing rate agreements (FPRAs) and forward pricing rate recommendations (FPRRs) should submit them with the Cost Section.

G. Pre-Award Clearance: Pursuant to FAR 22.805, a pre-award clearance must be obtained from the U.S. Department Of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Office Of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) prior to award of a contract (or subcontract) of $10,000,000 or more unless the contractor is listed in OFCCP’s National Pre-award Registry…