FA9451-19-S-0007_Full_Text_Announcement_FBO.pdf

FA9451-19-S-0007

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT

AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY

DIRECTED ENERGY DIRECTORATE

FULL TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT

NAICS CODE: 541715 – Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except biotechnology). The NAICS small business size standard is 1,000 employees (1,250 employees for space vehicles and guided missiles, their propulsion units, propulsion unit parts, and auxiliary equipment and parts). Please refer to www.sba.gov for any changes/updates.

FEDERAL AGENCY NAME: Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Directed Energy Directorate

(AFRL/RD)

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT TITLE: Technical Applications for Optical Space Situational Awareness (TAOS)

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: Overarching Announcement This is a hybrid announcement. Solicitations issued against this announcement may include One-Step Calls, Two-Step Calls, and Open Period Notifications.

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE (CFDA) NUMBER(S): Not Applicable. No assistance instruments or CFDA opportunities exist under this announcement.

DO NOT SUBMIT PROPOSALS OR WHITE-PAPERS AGAINST THIS INITIAL OVERARCHING BAA

I. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. Program Background

The Air Force Research Laboratory Directed Energy Directorate, Space-Electro Optics Division (AFRL/RDS), located at Kirtland AFB, NM, is the Air Force's center of expertise for directed energy and optical technologies. The Directorate develops and transitions technologies in four core technical competencies: lasers systems, high power electromagnetics, weapons modeling and simulation, and directed energy and electro-optics for space superiority.

AFRL/RDS is seeking new methods for overcoming space object observing constraints. The goal of the Technical Applications for Optical Space Situational Awareness (TAOS) BAA is to acquire Research & Development (R&D) to advance adaptive optics capabilities for daytime and all-season performance. This BAA will also advance R&D in orbital mechanics, machine learning, and advanced atmospheric turbulence characterization and forecasting with a goal of enabling more effective space object observational planning tools.

2. Requirement Description

AFRL/RDS is seeking to continue the advancement of remote sensing technologies and enhance the state-of-the-art and scientific knowledge in ground-based sensing for space situational awareness through innovative and cost effective solutions. AFRL/RDS is striving for solutions that support the emerging needs of remote sensing with components and subsystems addressing performance, reliability, maintainability, supportability and affordability shortfalls of current capabilities while enhancing performance or significantly reducing cost, schedule or risks inherent in fielding totally new approaches.

This BAA will remain active for a period of five years from the initial date of publication.

Solicitations issued against this announcement may include One-Step Calls, Two Step-Calls, and Open Period Notifications. Solicitations will include details regarding the research efforts to be addressed, anticipated period of performance, the estimated funding profile, and any other pertinent information relevant to the Call or Open Period. This BAA covers eight general AFRL/RDS Technical Areas (TAs). Calls will solicit for solutions regarding more specific/targeted areas of research within one or more TAs. Open Period Notifications will solicit for broader areas of interest covered by one or more TAs.

Technical Area 1: Beam Control Engineering and Analysis:

Technical solutions should address emerging needs for advanced technology development and research into optical beam control in the presence of atmospheric turbulence. Potential efforts may require personnel work closely with the Space Electro-Optics Division of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/RDS), Kirtland AFB NM, using the existing range assets to develop, simulate, analyze and characterize atmospheric compensation and optical acquisition/tracking systems for laser propagation and high-resolution imaging applications.

The scope of this TA includes modeling, analysis, planning, design, and operation of advanced adaptive optical and other beam control concepts, and experiments in laser propagation, optical imaging, and target acquisition, pointing, and tracking. Theory and concept development, computerized modeling and simulation, experiment planning, design, and operation, and data processing and analysis are also of interest.

Technical Area 2: Space Object Detection, Orbit Determination and Characterization:

Technical solutions should address innovative technologies for detection, orbit determination and characterization of resident space objects. These solutions include capabilities to test and/or implement advanced algorithms and techniques; including precision astrodynamics, imaging systems, representative atmospheric turbulence, and controllable source fields.

Software approaches for image processing, near-neighbor ephemeris calculation, matched filtering and hypothesis testing for characterization, and other advanced techniques are also of interest. Hardware solutions that provide the ability to detect/track/image space objects, both passively with reflected or emitted light or actively with laser illumination, either with or without adaptive optics and serve as integration level testbeds for future advanced techniques are of interest. Other technical objectives may require design and build of proposed hardware and software solutions for electro-optical sensors. New approaches are sought for calibration methodologies, such as operationally compatible methods for quantifying and reporting radiometric uncertainty, and for predicting electro-optical (E-O) space signatures to enable efficient data collection. Other subtopics include investigation and development of methods for achieving absolute thermometry from infrared observations, for predicting and exploiting multi-spectral E-O signatures, and active illumination to include methods for inverse synthetic aperture data analysis. Techniques applicable to resolved, partially-resolved, or unresolved space objects in any orbital regime are sought, with emphasis on objects exhibiting rotational motion or the relative motion of objects maneuvering in close proximity.

Technical Area 3: Meteorological Forecasting of Adaptive Optic Parameters (MetFAP):

Technical solutions should address new capabilities to develop and/or improve an atmospheric characterization platform to capture essential meteorological conditions for analyzing and predicting effects on optical beam propagation caused by atmospheric turbulence and chemistry for MetFAP. Solutions should include capabilities to measure standard atmospheric parameters that allow for near-real time impacts and post analysis, including atmospheric polarity using a whole-sky imager. Robust sun photometry with algorithms and codes for measuring sun radiance and boundary layer particles, a laser ceilometer for measuring cloud bases and column aerosols, and multiple high resolution weather measurement devices throughout the Starfire Optical Range complex are also desired capabilities.

Technical Area 4: Quantum Optics:

Technical solutions should address new technologies for quantum optics, to include quantum key distribution, quantum sensors and propagation. Efforts may include designing and providing innovative hardware, algorithms, software and accompanying documentation for measuring the quantized propagating field and also for free space quantum network applications. Potential technical solutions include the ability to establish a free-space optical quantum channel simultaneously with a classical channel for communications and control, when operating in high background noise, turbulent environments.

Technical Area 5: Space Situational Awareness:

Technical solutions should provide novel Adaptive Optics (AO) research and/or technologies to extend the capabilities of ground-based, electro-optical telescopes for Space Situational Awareness (SSA). Potential efforts may require close involvement with AFRL/RDS using existing division assets in one or more of the following areas: algorithm development for image processing, modeling and simulating laser beacon returns, modeling and simulating system performance, designing new algorithms for control systems or data processing, advanced algorithmic development for daytime imaging or daytime techniques, developing Closely Spaced Objects (CSO) observing techniques, equipment, or laboratory research capabilities, developing atmospheric monitoring systems, characterizing atmospheric conditions for relevant constituents, modifying current or developing next generation adaptive optics hardware and software, developing laser and laser beacon technologies, modeling and simulating turbulence, designing and developing sensors or filters, or engineering electronic systems and architectures for the purpose of improving current imaging capabilities of the division’s adaptive optics systems. Additional areas may include researching, modeling, analyzing, planning, designing, building, delivering, improving, maintaining, and/or integrated components or systems.

Technical Area 6: Active Sensing:

Technical solutions should address the development of laser-based active sensing methodologies, such as ladar systems, to characterize Resident Space Objects (RSOs). The overall goal will support the collection, processing, analysis, and presentation of demonstration datasets to existing and potential end users of ladar data products. Solutions should support the development and enhancement of both coherent and direct detection ladar transmitter and sensor systems and their data products in order to meet the requirements of research and development efforts and customer programs. This technical area supports the development, refinement, and validation of methodologies associated with existing and future

AFRL/RDS ladar capabilities, including the development of methods for precision 3-D tracking and real-time maneuver estimation.

Technical Area 7: Astroinformatics via Machine Learning:

Technical solutions should conceive and address the development, training, and deployment of Machine Learning (ML) models to extract useful object information through the acquisition, formatting, and analysis of space object imagery datasets. Specific application domains include, but are not limited to, improved space object detection, enhanced scene simulation, imagery rating, object identification, closely-spaced object detection, unsupervised change detection, and sensor system control enhancement. Development and delivery of complete, encapsulated ML software systems, including benchmark datasets and model training pipeline code, is an area of interest to support model retraining. Government-furnished high-performance computing (HPC) systems will be provided as necessary.

Technical Area 8: Decision Making Tools and Processes:

As part of an emphasis on the physics of electro-optical (E-O) phenomenology and data collection, theory and algorithms for improved data collection techniques are needed for generating actionable SSA information. This involves both the forward and inverse projections of object models and observed imagery. New interpretative approaches for both temporal radiometry and bandpass imagery of reflected and thermally emitted light, and traceability to structural and material properties, are emphasized. The bottom line is to improve understanding on how E-O observables are a function of a space object's structural, functional and electro-optical properties, and identify any unique E-O signatures that can be discovered for specific objects or features to improve their identification process. As part of space battle management and protection initiative, the emphasis is on keeping track of potential on-orbit threats, discovering new threats, and providing timely decision-quality information to enable response options. The threat to satellites from directed energy is also of concern, as is the protection of critical communication information. This area is focused on technologies (associated with dynamic tasking of SSA systems and rapid interpretation of the ensuing data), to enable timely decision support, monitoring of the space environment in the neighborhood of high-value assets, uncorrelated track resolution, orbital propagation theory, and deleterious effects of directed energy on satellite materials and subsystems to allow for protection options.

II. AWARD INFORMATION

1. Anticipated Funding:

Awards made under this BAA will not exceed a combined total value of $49M over the 5-year period. Detailed estimated costs or funding profiles will be included in each solicitation.

Funding is subject to change based on Government discretion and availability.

2. Anticipated Number of Awards:

The Air Force anticipates awarding one or more contracts as a result of this BAA. However, the Air Force does reserve the right to make no awards. Additionally, the Air Forces may award all or some of the solicited effort.

3. Anticipated Award Date:

It is anticipated this BAA will remain active for a period of five years from the date of publication.

This BAA will be reviewed annually. Any updates or possible cancellation will be issued as an amendment to the BAA and posted on FBO. The annual review and subsequent amendment to the BAA shall meet the requirement of FAR 35.016 to publish the BAA no less frequently than annually.

4. Anticipated Period of Performance:

The typical contract period of performance is 60 months with 57 months of technical performance and three months for final reporting. If the period of performance varies from the typical structure, it will be stated in the solicitation.

5. Type of Contracts/Instruments:

The Air Force reserves the right to award the contract type and instrument best suited to the nature of the research proposed. The Government anticipates a mix of contract types will be awarded as a result of solicitations issued against this BAA. Generally, awards resulting from this BAA may be cost-reimbursement (completion and term), firm fixed price, and indefinite delivery indefinite quantity type contracts. No opportunities for Grants, Cooperative Agreements or Assistance Instruments exist under this BAA.

Cost type contracts will require successful offerors to have an accounting system deemed adequate by the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) for tracking costs under a cost reimbursable contract (DFARS 242.7005). If an offeror does NOT have a DCAA-approved accounting system, a cost type contract cannot be awarded.

6. Deliverable Items:

Deliverable items will vary at each solicitation and thus will be described in detail in the solicitation.

The following are general data deliverables representative of the types of data that may be required for any solicitation: (1) program plan with updates as needed; (2) test plans; (3) monthly status/financial reports; (4) technical reports; (5) computer program documentation/software user manuals; (6) computer program/software source code; (7) final scientific and technical reports; (8) presentation materials; (9) patent reports; and (10) prototype designs. Data deliverables are subject to negotiations.

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Offeror/Applicants:

All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government's needs may submit a proposal.

Small Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), Woman-Owned Businesses, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses are encouraged to submit proposals; however, no part of this announcement will be a set-aside. Questions, comments, or concerns regarding eligibility information should be directed to the contracting office focal point identified in the solicitation. All correspondence must reference the BAA number, the BAA title and the solicitation number.

2. System for Award Management (SAM) Registration:

Unless exempted by 2 CFR 25.110 all potential offerors must: (1) be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to submitting an application (for an award) or proposal; (2) maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or proposal under consideration by an agency; and (3) provide its DUNS number in each application or proposal it submits to the agency. On-line registration instructions can be accessed from the SAM home page at www.sam.gov.

Potential offerors that are notified as eligible for an award must 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 that will be attached to each solicitation for proposal. Before submitting the Electronic Representations and Certifications, Contractors must be registered in the Systems for Award Management (SAM) Database.

3. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers:

The following guidance is provided for Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) contemplating submitting a proposal, as either a prime or subcontractor, in response to a solicitation 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 determine whether the proposed effort 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 determine if the work proposed would place the FFRDC in direct competition with domestic private industry. Only after these initial determinations are made will a determination be made concerning the FFRDC’s eligibility to receive an award.

4. Government Agencies:

If a Government agency is interested in performing work, please contact the Program Manager identified in the solicitation. If discussions result in a mutual interest to pursue your agency's participation, the effort will be pursued independently of this BAA.

5. Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI):

Organization Conflict of Interest (OCI), may be applicable and will be determined prior to issuance of solicitations posted under this announcement. All OCI issues and the need for applicable clauses will be resolved prior to award.

6. Security Classification:

Depending on the work to be performed, the offeror may require a classified facility clearance and safeguarding capability; therefore, personnel identified 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 a solicitation. If a DD Form 254 is applicable, it will be specified in the individual solicitation with the applicable FAR clause attached. Offerors must verify their Cognizant Security Office information is current with Defense Security Service (DSS) at www.dss.mil.

Solicitations are anticipated to be unclassified. For solicitations requiring access to classified information, offerors must have a valid U.S. security clearance of SECRET or higher in order to respond. Solicitations including information classified at the SECRET or higher level will be released only to offerors possessing the appropriate clearance. All classified material will be handled in accordance with E.O. 13526, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) DoD 5220.22-M, DoD Industrial Security Program 5200.01 Volume 1 through 4, and AFI 16-1406.

http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.dss.mil./

7. Foreign Participation:

a. Due to the nature of this research effort, foreign participation is not authorized. Foreign or foreign-owned offerors should immediately contact the contracting office focal point identified in Section VII for information if they contemplate responding.

b. AFRL Policy on Employment of Non-US Citizen Contractors applies to this BAA. 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 contract must be U.S. citizens. 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. Any waivers to this requirement must be granted in writing by the Contracting Officer prior to providing access. The above requirements are in addition to any other contract requirements related to obtaining a Common Access Card (CAC).

8. Export Control:

Technical areas covered under this BAA may involve data subject to U.S. Export Control laws which include, but are not limited to: International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) 22 CFR 120- 130, Arms Export Control Act and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 15 CFR 730-774. If the effort is subject to export control, then a Certified DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, will be required to be submitted with the proposal. Additionally, only contractors who are registered and certified with the Defense Logistics Services Center (DLSC) and have a legitimate business purpose may participate in this solicitation. Contact the Defense Logistics Services Center, 74 Washington Avenue N., Battle Creek, Michigan 40937-3084 (1-877-352-2255) or https://www.dlis.dla.mil/jcp for further information on the certification process. DFARS Clause 252.225-7048 Export-Controlled Items (JUN 2013) is incorporated into this announcement and will also be included within any and all resultant awards from this BAA.

9. Government Furnished Property (GFP) availability:

GFP, if applicable, will be identified under each individual solicitation. If applicable, 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 in accordance with FAR 45.201(b).

If GFP is included in the solicitation or requested in the white paper and/or proposal, the following clauses/provisions apply:

a. FAR 52.245-1 Government Property (APR 2012) or FAR 52.245-1, Alt II (JAN 2017) if the resulting contract is for basic or applied research at a nonprofit institution of higher education or at a nonprofit whose primary purpose is the conduct of scientific research.

b. FAR 52.245-9 Use and Charges (APR 2012),

c. DFARS 252.211.7007 Reporting of Government-Furnished Property (AUG 2012),

d. DFARS 252.245-7001 Tagging, Labeling, and Marking of Government-Furnished Property

(APR 2012),

e. DFARS 252.245-7002 Reporting Loss of Government Property (APR 2012)

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

g. DFARS252.245-7004 Reporting, Reutilization, and Disposal (SEP 2016)

10. Government Furnished Information (GFI) availability:

GFI, if applicable, will be identified under the individual solicitation.

https://www.dlis.dla.mil/jcp

If applicable, technical data or computer software provided to the Contractor as GFI under this contract may be subject to restrictions on use, modification, reproduction, release, performance, display, or further disclosure. The Contractor will take all reasonable steps to protect the technical data or computer software against any unauthorized release or disclosure. GFI provided could consist of, but not be limited to, technical specifications, manuals, drawings, test data, and software.

If GFI is included in the solicitation or requested in the proposal the following clauses/provisions apply:

DFARS 252.227-7025 Limitations on the Use or Disclosure of Government-Furnished Information Marked with Restrictive Legends applies.

11. Base Support/Network Access:

Base support/network access may be provided under any resulting contract and will be specified in the individual solicitation.

12. Data Rights:

Data rights will be identified per solicitation; potential data rights requirements per category are:

a. Technical Data: Ranging from Unlimited to Government Purpose Rights

b. Non-Commercial Software (NCS): Ranging from Unlimited to Government Purpose Rights

c. NCS Documentation: Ranging from Unlimited to Government Purpose Rights

d. Commercial Computer Software Rights: Customary License, etc.

e. Third Party Software (Commercial and Noncommercial)

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. Offerors proposing delivery of technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation (subject to Government Purpose Rights) should fully explain what technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation (developed with costs charged to indirect cost pools and/or costs not allocated to a Government contract) will be incorporated, how the incorporation will benefit the program, and address whether those portions or processes are able to be segregated.

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

Offerors proposing delivery of technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation subject to Limited Rights, Restricted Rights, or Specifically Negotiated License Rights will be considered. Proposals should fully explain what technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation developed with costs charged to indirect cost pools and/or costs not allocated to a Government contract will be incorporated and how the incorporation will benefit the program.

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

Note that DFARS 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. 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.

As used in this subparagraph, 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 252.227-7014.

13. Contractor Performance Assessment Reports System (CPARS): The Government reserves the right to report contractor performance in Contractor Performance Assessment Reports System (CPARS) IAW DFARS 246.1502. Information about CPARS can be found at www.cpars.gov.

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. General Information:

This BAA is issued pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) part 6.102(d)(2) – Use of Competitive Procedures, which provides for the competitive selection of research proposals.

Proposals submitted in response to this BAA and selected for award are considered to be the result of full and open competition and in full compliance with the provisions of PL 98-369, the Competition in Contracting Act (CICA) of 1984. Offerors MUST monitor http://www.fbo.gov regularly for the publishing of amendments and solicitations.

2. Future Solicitations:

No proposals or white papers should be submitted against this overarching BAA. Due dates and times for proposal and white papers will be identified under each individual solicitation.

This BAA will remain active for a period of five years from the initial date of publication. The solicitations issued against this announcement may include One-Step Calls, Two Step-Calls, and Open Period Notifications. Each solicitation will identify the procedure to accept and evaluate offeror responses, and specify a date and time for receipt of proposals or white papers. Proposals and/or white-papers received after the due date and time specified in the solicitation shall be governed by FAR 15.208. Kirtland Air Force Base (AFB) adheres to strict security procedures to enter the installation and facilities. These security procedures are NOT considered an interruption of normal Government processes, and proposals received after the stated date and time as a result of security delays will be considered “late”. White papers and/or proposals must be submitted to the Contracting Point of Contact (POC). The POC will be provided in each Call or Open Period Notification. If offerors use commercial carriers for delivery of proposals, carriers may not honor time-of-day delivery guarantees on military installations. Early submissions are encouraged.

http://www.cpars.gov/ http://www.fbo.gov/

There are no limits to the number of proposals/white papers an offeror may submit for any given Call or Open Period Notification (unless otherwise specified in the solicitation).

Below is a description of One-Step Calls, Two Step-Calls, and Open Period Notifications procedures for acceptance and evaluation of offeror responses.

a. Calls (One-Step or Two-Step):

The solicitation of white papers and/or proposals will be transmitted via the publishing of a Call issued through FedBizOpps (http://www.fbo.gov). Calls will be published independently at various times during the five year active period of this BAA and may use either a One-Step or Two-Step process. Calls may be issued to request for white papers (Two-Step Call) or proposals (One-Step Call) for specific technical areas of research. Each Call will contain a specific description of the research effort/technical solution to be addressed, the anticipated period of performance, and any other information pertinent to the specific requested effort.

One-Step Call Procedures One-Step Calls will solicit for the submission of technical and cost/business proposals due at the date and time identified in the Call. When a one-step process is utilized by the Government, proposals submitted in response to the Call should be submitted in accordance with this BAA announcement as well as the individual Call instructions. The Government reserves the right to select all, part, or none of the proposals received in response to a Call, subject to evaluation criteria and the availability of funds and without negotiation/discussion. However, the Government reserves the right to negotiate with those offeror(s) whose proposal is selected for funding.

Two-Step Call Procedures Two-Step Calls will solicit for the submission of white papers due at the date and time identified in the Call and maybe proceeded by a request for proposals. White papers are brief descriptive summaries that can be submitted by offerors for consideration in response to solicitations issued via Two-Step Calls (see Section V for information on white paper evaluation procedures). White papers will be used as a determining factor of the Air Force’s issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP). Offerors whose white papers are evaluated as satisfying the technical merit (Section V, paragraph 2), and are evaluated as affordable, will be issued a RFP asking the offeror to submit a full technical and cost/business proposal.

Due date and time for submission of technical and cost/business proposals will be identified in the RFP. An RFP does not assure an offeror a subsequent contract award. Offerors whose white papers were not selected to submit a technical cost/business proposal will be notified. The timing of white paper evaluations and issuance of non-select notices and RFPs will be described in the Call. White papers not selected for full proposal submission or proposals not selected for immediate funding will be disposed of/destroyed after the indicated holding period identified in the Call.

b. Open Period Notifications (Two-Step Only):

The solicitation of white papers will be transmitted via the publishing of an Open Period Notification on FedBizOpps (http://www.fbo.gov). Open Period Notifications are published independently at various times during the five year active period of this BAA. Open Period Notifications may address larger research areas of interest which cover multiple TAs. The Open Period Notification will state the research area of interest and specify which technical area(s) are included. The notification will also state the timeframe for white paper collection. White papers may be submitted at any time during the collection period. White papers are brief descriptive summaries that can be submitted by offerors for consideration in response to Open Period Notifications (see Section V for information on white paper evaluation procedures). White papers will be used as a determining factor of the Air Force’s issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP). Offerors whose white papers are evaluated as satisfying the technical merit (Section V, paragraph 2) and are evaluated as affordable, will be issued a RFP asking the offeror to submit a full technical and cost/business proposal. Due date and time for submission of technical and cost/business proposals will be identified in the RFP. An RFP does not assure an offeror a subsequent contract award. Offerors whose white papers were not selected to submit a technical cost/business proposal will be notified. The timing of white paper evaluations and issuance of non-select notices and RFPs will be described in the Open Period Notification.

White papers not selected for full proposal submission or proposals not selected for immediate funding will be disposed of/destroyed after the indicated holding period identified in the Open Period Notification.

3. White Paper Submission Process:

Below are specifics regarding white paper format and content. Additional details and instructions may be provided in the solicitation. White paper submissions must follow all format and content criteria provided in both this BAA and the solicitation.

a. General Instructions White Papers (Two-Step Process Only):

White papers including data restricted from public disclosure or used by the Government for any purpose should be marked with the proper disclosure and use of data restrictions.

White paper submissions must reference the BAA number FA9451-19-S-0007 as well as the Call or Open Period Notification number i.e. “Call 0001,” and title.

b. White Paper Format:

Unless otherwise stated in the solicitation, the following format shall be used for submission of white papers in response to both a Two-Step Call and Open Period Notification.

i. Page Size: 8 ½ inches x 11 inches

ii. Single PDF

iii. Margins – 1 inch on each side

iv. Font - Arial 11+ point

v. Spacing: Single

vi. Page Limit: Five pages maximum (One-side only); unless stated otherwise in the solicitation

All text, including text in tables, diagrams, and charts, must adhere to all font size and line spacing requirements listed herein. No hard copies of the white papers are requested unless otherwise stated in the individual solicitation.

c. Instructions for White Paper Content:

i. Cover Page: The white paper cover page shall include at a minimum: Title of the white paper; offeror organization name; organization size; technical and contracting points of contact; telephone number; fax; and email. Additionally, the cover page shall include the BAA number, solicitation number, and solicitation title and/or TA.

ii. Technical Content: The technical content in white papers should capture the following information: innovative and technically sound approach to accomplish the solicited technical objective(s) and/or advances in knowledge, understanding, technology, and state-of-the-art along with importance to agency programs.

iii. Business Content: The Cost/Business content (which includes the ROM) should provide top-level details on major cost items such as labor, special equipment that must be purchased, materials, and any subcontracts or other organizations’ costs (to include Government furnished facilities, equipment, or personnel) for the proposed effort. The ROM cost section shall not exceed one page.

iv. Addendum: Include biographical sketches of the key personnel who will perform the research, highlighting their qualifications and experience.

v. After the review of white papers, the Government will determine whether a formal proposal will be requested based on the evaluation criteria listed in Section V, White Paper Evaluation Criteria. Offerors of those white papers evaluated as satisfying the technical merit factor (Section V, paragraph 2) and for which sufficient funding is determined available, will be sent a Request for Proposal (RFP) letter to submit a formal technical and cost/business proposal to the contracting point of contact. An RFP does not assure an offeror of a subsequent contract award. White papers not selected for full proposal submission or proposals not selected for immediate funding will be disposed of/destroyed after the indicated holding period identified in the solicitation.

vi. Any questions concerning the white paper preparation shall be referred to the Technical or Contracting POCs identified in the solicitation.

d. White Paper Submission Dates and Times

Proposals/White Papers shall be submitted in accordance with this announcement and any instructions in the individual Call or Open Period Notification. Proposals/White Papers received after the due date and time specified in the solicitation shall be governed by the provisions of

FAR 52.208.

4. Full Proposal Submission Process:

Below are specifics regarding proposal format and content. Additional details and instructions may be provided in the solicitation. Proposal submissions must follow all format and content criteria provided in both this BAA and the solicitation (Note: full proposal instructions apply to both One-Step Calls and RFPs issued under the second step of Two-Step Calls and Open Period Notification).

a. General Instructions for Proposals:

Proposals that include data restricted from public disclosure or used by the Government for any purpose should be marked with the proper disclosure and use of data restrictions.

Technical and cost/business volumes should be submitted in separate volumes, and must be valid for a minimum of 180 days. Proposal submissions must reference the BAA number FA9451-19-S-0007 as well as the Call or Open Period Notification number i.e. “Call 0001,” and title.

b. Proposal Format:

i. The technical proposal shall be limited to 30 pages unless otherwise stated in the solicitation and shall be prepared and submitted in Microsoft Word format. The Statement of Work (SOW) does not count against the page limit.

ii. Cost/Business proposals have no page limitations; however, offerors are requested to keep cost proposals under 100 pages (Cost break-outs should be submitted in Microsoft

Excel with the formulas included, all other information should be provided in Microsoft Word).

iii. Paper Size: 8 ½ inches x 11 inches

iv. Margins: 1 inch on each side

v. Font: Arial 11+ point font on all text except as provided below in viii. This includes text in tables, diagrams, and charts.

vi. Spacing: Single spaced

vii. Page Printing: double-sided (however, each side counts as one page)

viii. The Technical proposal page limit does not include the offeror’s proposed SOW;

however, the same formatting rules apply to the SOW, which is limited to ten (10) pages.

ix. Any other information (e.g. captions, restrictive markings) shall not be smaller than Arial

10 point font or equivalent.

Note: The number of hard copies and submission instructions will be stated in the solicitation.

c. Technical Volume:

The technical proposal content shall include a discussion of the innovative and technically sound approach to accomplish the solicited technical objective(s) and/or advances in knowledge, understanding, technology, and state-of-the-art along with importance to agency programs. The proposal must include any information on prior work in the technical areas, descriptions of available equipment, data and facilities as attachments to the technical proposal. This information will be used in the proposal evaluation to help determine the soundness of the technical approach. This volume shall include a SOW detailing the technical tasks proposed to be accomplished under the proposed effort. The SOW must be suitable for contract incorporation into a resulting contract, if any, and thus shall not have any company proprietary information contained within the document. If Government Furnished Property is requested, offerors are required to submit the following information with their offer:

i. A list or description of all Government property the Offeror or its Subcontractors propose to use. 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).

ii. The dates during which the property will be required 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 values of the respective uses in sufficient detail to support prorating the rent.

iii. The amount of rent that would otherwise be charged in accordance with FAR 52.245-9, Use and Charges, and be used in the management of Government property, or existing property management plans, methods, practices, or procedures for accounting for property.

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

Any questions concerning the technical volume or SOW preparation shall be referred to the Technical POC cited in the solicitation.

d. Cost/Business Volume:

i. Separate the volume into a cost section and business section. The business section should contain all business aspects of the proposed contract such as: resumes of personnel who will be participating in this effort; contractual instrument type; any exceptions to terms and conditions of the solicitation along with the rationale; technical data that will be delivered with less than unlimited rights; and any information not technically related. Cost proposals have no page limitations; however, as a goal, offerors are requested to keep cost proposals under 100 pages. The proposal shall be furnished with supporting schedules and shall contain a labor hour breakdown per task.

ii. Subcontracting plans for efforts anticipated to exceed $2 million shall be submitted along with the technical and cost proposals. Reference FAR 19.704, DFARS 219.704, and AFFARS 5319.704(a)(1) for subcontracting plan requirements. Small businesses are exempt from this requirement.

iii. All direct costs (labor, material, travel, computer, etc.) as well as labor and overhead rates should be provided by Contractor Fiscal Year (CFY). A separate breakout by Government Fiscal Year (GFY) is not required.

iv. Submit fully-disclosed electronic cost spreadsheets with formulas. Include rate table for all direct and indirect rates that feed into the cost element summaries.

e. Proposal Content Summary:

You may be ineligible for award if all requirements of this solicitation are not met on the proposal due date. Reference Section VIII for a checklist of the requirements.

5. Proposal Submission Dates and Times:

Proposals/White Papers shall be submitted in accordance with this announcement and any instructions in the individual Call or Open Period Notification. Proposals/White Papers received after the due date and time specified in the solicitation shall be governed by the provisions of FAR 52.215-1(c)(3).

6. Response Costs:

The cost of preparing a response to solicitations issued under this BAA are not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting contract or any other contract; however, it may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect costs as specified in FAR 31.205-18(c), Independent Research and Development and Bid and Proposal Costs.

7. Submitting Classified Information:

DO NOT SUBMIT CLASSIFIED INFORMATION IN THE PROPOSAL. IF NECESSARY,

CLASSIFIED MATERIAL SHALL BE SUBMITTED AS A SEPARATE ADDENDUM. SPECIFIC

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING A CLASSIFIED ADDENDUM, UP TO SECRET, WILL NEED

TO BE COORDINATED AND ARRANGED WITH THE TECHNICAL POCS FOR EACH

SOLICITATION PRIOR TO SUBMISSION.

8. Data Right Assertions:

It is anticipated all data delivered under any resulting award will be delivered with a minimum of Government Purpose Rights; however different rights may be negotiated as appropriate. The

Offeror shall identify data rights assertions, 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. The proposal 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 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.

9. Other Submission Requirements:

Proposals must be submitted to the Contracting Point of Contact identified at the solicitation level.

V. EVALUATION CRITERIA AND APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. General Information:

Evaluations of proposals/white papers will be conducted by a peer or scientific review process using the criteria described below.

2. White Paper Evaluation Criteria (Two-Step process only):

The following criteria will be used to determine if a formal proposal will be requested. The Offeror’s white paper must satisfactorily address the Technical Merit factor identified below in order for the ROM to be evaluated for affordability. Only white papers satisfying both the Technical Merit and Affordability factors will result in a Request for Proposal.

a. Technical Merit:

Innovative and technically sound approaches proposed to accomplish the technical objectives and/or advances in knowledge, understanding, technology, and state-of-the-art and importance to agency programs.

b. Affordability:

Rough Orders of Magnitudes (ROM) will be evaluated to determine if sufficient funding is available. White papers satisfying the technical merit factor, and for which sufficient funding is determined to be available, will be evaluated as affordable.

3. White Paper Selection Process:

The Offeror’s white paper must satisfactorily address the Technical Merit factor and be determined to be affordable to result in a Request for Proposal. White papers that meet the Technical Merit factor, but for which funds are currently not available, may be held for up to one year. Additional information regarding the holding period will be identified in the solicitation.

4. Proposal Evaluation Criteria:

The following evaluation criteria is notional and may vary by solicitation. The evaluation criteria provided in the solicitation will be used to determine whether one or more sources should be recommended for award. The Government reserves the right to select all, part, or none of the proposals received in response to a solicitation for award subject to the availability of funds. The notional evaluation criteria listed below is in descending order of importance:

a. Technical Merit:

Technical Merit is first in order of priority and shall be evaluated based on the following criteria, which are of equal importance:

i. Creative or innovative approach proposed to accomplish the technical objectives and/or advances in knowledge, understanding, technology, and state-of-the-art

ii. Soundness of the Offeror’s technical approach

b. Importance to Agency Programs

c. Funds Availability:

The cost/price is reasonable and realistic. Prior to award of a potential successful offer, the Contracting Officer will make a determination regarding cost/price reasonableness.

5. Proposal Review and Selection Process:

The technical and cost/business proposals will be categorized as follows:

a. Highly Recommended: Well-conceived scientifically and technically sound proposal pertinent to accomplish goals and objectives. Is important to agency programs. Proposal is recommended for acceptance (subject to availability of funds) and normally displaced only by other Highly Recommended proposals.

b. Selectable: Scientifically or…