TACTICAL BAA Announcement_20250328 update.pdf

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA)

FA9451-24-S-0001

Air Force Research Laboratory

Directed Energy Directorate

ANNOUNCEMENT OVERVIEW

Initial 22 November 2023

Revised 21 November 2024

NAICS CODE: 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.

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

(AFRL/RD)

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT TITLE: TACTICAL

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: This is the Initial Announcement of BAA FA9451-24-S-0001, BAA With Closed Calls

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: FA9451-24-S-0001

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

BRIEF PROGRAM SUMMARY:

This is a five (5) year Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) describing the research areas of interest for the Directed Energy Directorate. This BAA approach allows for proposal submittals at a specified date and time, which will be posted through the issuance of Calls at various times against this BAA. This BAA will be reviewed no less frequently than annually and updates will be published in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://sam.gov). Any changes or cancellation of the BAA will be posted as amendments to this BAA. This annual review and subsequent amendment to the BAA shall meet the requirement of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 35.016 to publish the BAA no less frequently than annually. As technical requirements are identified, Calls may be issued in SAM.gov to request proposals for specific research efforts.

These subsequent Calls will contain specific descriptions of the research effort to be addressed, anticipated period of performance, information peculiar to the specific research technical topic area, and the estimated funding profile for the Call.

PROPOSAL DUE DATE AND TIME: NO PROPOSALS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED

AGAINST THIS OVERARCHING BAA. Proposal due dates and times will be specified in each Call announcement. Proposals received after the due date and time specified in the Call shall be governed by the provisions of the 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 due date and time specified in the Call because of security delays will be considered “late”.

Furthermore, note that if offerors utilize commercial carriers in the delivery of proposals, they may not honor time-of-day delivery guarantees on military installations. Early proposal submission is encouraged.

GENERAL INFORMATION: This acquisition is unrestricted. 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 results of full and open competition and in full compliance with the provisions of PL 98-369, the Competition In Contracting Act of 1984. Offerors MUST monitor SAM in the event this announcement is amended, and for the posting of Calls.

ANNOUNCEMENT MODIFICATIONS: Due to the dynamically evolving nature of US warfighter directed energy needs, this announcement is potentially subject to include updates, revisions, or additional topic areas. Therefore, Offerors are highly encouraged to continually monitor SAM to ensure they receive latest guidance to this announcement.

TYPE OF CONTRACTS/INSTRUMENTS: The Air Force reserves the right to award the instrument best suited to the nature of research proposed. Accordingly, the Government may award any appropriate contract type under the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

The Government anticipates that a mix of contract types will be used throughout the life of this BAA. Generally, awards under this announcement may be Cost-Plus-Fixed Fee (Completion and Term), Cost Contract, or Firm Fixed Price. There are no opportunities for Other Transactions, Grants, Cooperative Agreements, or other types of non-FAR instruments under this announcement.

Cost-type contracts will require successful Offerors to have an accounting system deemed adequate by Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) for tracking costs under a cost reimbursable contract (DFARS 242.75). If an Offeror does NOT have a DCAA approved accounting system, a cost-type contract cannot be awarded.

ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS: Potential offerors are notified that effective 01 Jan 2005 to be eligible for an award and in compliance with FAR 52.204-7 and DFARS 252.204-7007 Alternate A, they must submit Annual Representations and Certifications, via SAM.gov. Before submitting the electronic Annual Representations and Certifications, Contractors must be registered in the SAM Database. Online registration instructions can be accessed from the SAM at https://sam.gov. These FAR and DFAR level representations and certifications are required in addition to the representations and certifications that may be attached to each Call.

ESTIMATED PROGRAM COST: Anticipated funding for the program (not per Call, contract, or award):

FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27 FY28 TOTAL

$100M $100M $100M $100M $99M $499M

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

ANTICIPATED NUMBER OF AWARDS: The Air Force anticipates awarding a minimum of one contract per specific Call. However, the Air Force reserves the right to make multiple awards or no awards pursuant to a Call. There is no limit on the number of contracts that may be awarded to an individual Offeror.

SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM) REGISTRATION: Before the Government can award a contract, an Offeror must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). It is in the Offeror’s interest to visit SAM and ensure that all the Offeror’s data is up to date from SAM and other databases to avoid delay in award. SAM allows firms interested in conducting business with the federal government to provide basic information on business capabilities and financial information. To register, visit https://www.sam.gov.

POINT OF CONTACT:

a) Administrative, technical, or contractual questions should be sent via e-mail to afrl.rdlb.tacticalbaa@us.af.mil. All requests must include a name, e-mail address, and phone number of an organizational point of contact.

b) Each Call will include specific contracting points of contact.

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA)

FA9451-24-S-0001

Air Force Research Laboratory Directed Energy Directorate

FULL TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT

Initial

22 November 2023 Revised

21 November 2024

NAICS CODE: 541715

SIZE STANDARD: 1,000 Employees

FEDERAL AGENCY NAME: Air Force Research Laboratory AFRL/RD

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT TITLE: TACTICAL

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: This is the Initial Announcement of BAA FA9451-24-S-0001, BAA With Closed Calls

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: BAA FA9451-24-S-0001

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE (CFDA) NUMBER(S): Not Applicable (N/A). No assistance instrument or CFDA opportunities exist under this

I. REQUIREMENT DESCRIPTION

1) Background: The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Directed Energy Directorate (RD) equips the joint warfighter with next-generation technologies, advanced concepts, and weapon system options across all operational domains to become more agile and increase the commercialization potential of directed energy investments to ensure the National defense.

2) The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Directed Energy Directorate (RD) is seeking proposals from offerors to continue the advancement of laser technologies and enhance the state-of-the-art and scientific knowledge in Directed Energy technology. With the TACTICAL BAA, RD is seeking innovative, cost-effective solutions for computational development and validation, to test various aspects of current and future weapon system components and subsystems; efforts to identify performance, reliability, maintainability, supportability, and affordability goals; and efforts to enhance performance or significantly reduce cost, schedule, or risk inherent in existing technologies.

“Innovative" refers to a sound engineering solution that is new and like nothing conceived or tried before. "Mission at hand" refers to the mission or objective stated in the individual contract or task orders. "Cost effectiveness" refers to the minimization of the costs associated with a solution or set of solutions used to arrive at the desired end-product and fulfill the stated mission or objective. In this scheme, an existing but unused solution can be said to be innovative based upon a cost/benefit analysis. "Existing solution" refers to a solution that is either presently known or has been known in the past. It may be a past known solution that has been proposed but not tested or utilized. "Adequate solution" refers to a sound engineering solution that satisfies, or helps to satisfy, the contract or task orders mission at hand or stated objective in the most timely and cost-effective manner possible.

The proposed solutions should be innovative and substantially improve national defense capabilities across the domains of directed energy. While the Government describes discrete topic areas below, it also anticipated that certain comprehensive technology solutions and prototypes may require multi-discipline approaches that address two or more topic areas. The topic areas below are covered under this announcement, which may be used in any combination.

3) This is a five (5) year Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) describing the research areas of interest for the Directed Energy Directorate. This BAA approach allows for white paper and/or proposal submittals at a specified date and time which will be posted through the issuance of Calls at various times against this BAA. Periodically over the five (5) year period (calculated from the Overarching BAA publication date), Call announcements under the BAA may be issued on SAM.gov (http://sam.gov) to request proposals for specific research efforts as technical requirements are identified. These subsequent Calls will contain specific descriptions of the research effort to be addressed, anticipated period of performance, information peculiar to the specific research technical topic area, and the estimated funding profile for the Call. Each Call will specify a proposal due date and time. Proposals received after the stated due date and time will be governed by FAR 52.215-1(c)(3). Multiple subsequent Calls are anticipated and may be announced sequentially or concurrently on SAM.gov. The Government reserves the right to re-issue a previously announced Call area with a second, subsequent response period. The Government also reserves the right to issue no Calls for any given technology area.

4) There are two (2) distinct types of Call announcements. Subsequent Call announcements will be issued as one of the following types:

a) Standard Call Announcement: Standard Call Announcements seek to maximize the breadth of responses and are issued to ALL eligible Offerors. Standard Call Announcements will be posted to SAM.Gov and will provide specific details regarding research objectives, potential funding, proposal requirements, submission instructions, etc. Standard Calls may be structured as One-Step, Two-Step, and/or Staggered Closed.

b) Topic Area Group (TAG) Call Announcements: TAG Call Announcements will be utilized when it is not practicable to solicit all apparently qualified Offerors (FAR 35.007 (b)), such as when there is an urgent mission requirement. TAG announcements will

ONLY be issued to eligible members of a specific TAG, typically in the form of a letter Request for White Paper (RFWP) or Request for Proposal (RFP).

i) Establishing TAG Membership: An annual Request for Executive Summaries will be issued for inclusion into Topic Area Groups (TAGs). When requested, Offerors may submit Executive Summaries in response to one or more of the Topic Areas described below. It is anticipated that the annual Request for Executive Summaries will be issued as Amendments to this Overarching BAA and will occur in January of each year.

(1) Executive Summaries submitted by offerors will be reviewed, and if determined to be a “technically qualified”, will be included as an eligible member of that specific Topic Area Group.

(2) A separate Executive Summary submission is required for each TAG application (applying for multiple TAGs will require multiple Executive Summary submissions).

(3) All Offerors will be provided written feedback regarding the Executive Summary review.

(4) The Government reserves the right to issue additional, interim Requests for Executive Summaries as necessary.

(5) Requests for Executive Summaries are open to ALL Offerors.

(6) Offerors are encouraged to consider teaming arrangements with other potential

Offerors (partnerships, joint-ventures, subcontracts, etc.) as appropriate.

(7) Executive Summaries and TAG membership ARE NOT required for the

Standard Call process described above under Section 4(i).

ii) TAG Membership:

(1) Once selected for a TAG, an Offeror’s membership will be active for the duration of the BAA, unless voluntarily withdrawn or an Offeror fails to complete the annual recertification process.

(2) TAG members will be required to recertify technical qualifications on an annual basis. This recertification request will be via email and anticipated to occur annually in November/December.

(3) A listing of current and active TAG membership will be published as an attachment to this Overarching BAA.

iii) Solicitating TAG (TAG Call Announcement): As needs arise, particularly urgent mission requirements, the Government may issue letter Request for White Paper (RFWP) and/or Request for Proposal (RFP) to a specific TAG. Periodically over the five (5) year period (calculated from the baseline BAA publication date), RFWPs or RFPs under the BAA TAG process may be issued to request white papers or proposals for specific research efforts as technical requirements are identified. These subsequent requests will contain specific descriptions of the research effort to be addressed, anticipated period of performance, information peculiar to the specific research technical topic area, and the estimated funding profile for the effort.

(1) RFWPs and RFPs utilizing the TAG process will be issued ONLY to eligible members of the specific Topic Area Group.

(2) ALL members of the specific TAG will receive the RFWP/RFP solicitation.

(3) TAG members are notified that TAG Call Announcements may have accelerated award schedules due to mission requirements.

(4) Each RFWP/RFP will specify a proposal due date and time. Proposals received after the stated due date and time will be governed by FAR 52.215-1(c)(3).

5) Technical Topic Areas:

*The following topic areas are not finalized and are subject to change. Topic areas may be removed, or additional topic areas added as necessary*

Topic Area 1: Laser Sources The objective of this topic area is to research, design, model, develop, test, and analyze innovative laser source technologies and associated technologies above and beyond the current state-of-the-art. The areas of interest include, but not limited to:

Fiber Laser technology Solid-State Laser technology Semi-Conductor Laser technology Quantum Cascade Laser technology Gas Laser technology Low-SWaP High-Energy Laser components Beam combination techniques Optical parametric oscillators/amplifiers Laser power and thermal subsystems Chirped laser technology

Topic Area 2: Aero-Effects & Beam Control The objective of this topic area is to research, design, model, develop, test, and analyze innovative solutions to the technical challenges associated with successfully projecting a laser beam to a distant target in various environments, including in-flight. The areas of interest include, but not limited to:

Initial image acquisition of the intended target Active and passive object and feature tracking Precision pointing of the laser-system line-of-sight.

Propagation through the atmosphere Propagation through aero-optic distortions

Typical research activities in this area include developing, preparing, and conducting or supporting laboratory and wind-tunnel experiments. Outdoor experiments, including flight experiments, are also possible.

Topic Area 3: Laser System Technologies, Integration and Demonstration The objective of this topic area is to research, design, model, develop, and test innovative solutions to integrate laser-system components into assemblies, subsystems, or full laser systems and to demonstrate, through testing, the performance of those assemblies, subsystems, or systems. The areas of interest include, but not limited to:

High Energy Laser Acquisition, tracking, pointing, and wavefront compensation.

Power generation and management Thermal management Laser weapon system control Platform or external interface (e.g., C2 interface) Subsystem and system performance diagnostics

Innovations in this technical area are generally expected to improve the packaging, ruggedization, Size Weight and Power (SWaP), operability, suitability, and overall effectiveness of the laser system for a given application. Solutions at any level are expected to include well-defined interfaces between components, assemblies, etc., with a preference for modular open-system approaches/architectures. Activities under this technical area also include:

Test planning and execution Data analysis Reporting Model verification and validation

Topic Area 4: Laser System Modeling & Simulation The objective of this topic area is to develop and conduct computer simulations of all aspects of laser system operation. This spectrum includes models and underlying theory of relevant physical phenomena, component and subsystem performance, and end-to-end laser-system performance in simulated engagements. Combined with vulnerability assessment data from Topic Area 7, these simulations are intended to predict laser system performance against given targets in specific environments.

This Topic Area includes, but is not limited to, development of physics-based models and simulations of current and future laser systems, subsystems, and components. The areas of interest include, but not limited to:

Laser sources, including fiber lasers, solid-state lasers, semiconductor lasers, and gas lasers.

Laser beam combination Laser-system target acquisition and tracking Line-of-sight stabilization, including aero-mechanical jitter.

Laser propagation through the atmosphere and aero-optic distortions Laser system power and thermal management Platform dynamics and their effects on laser system performance

This Topic Area also includes Laser System Engagement modeling which incorporates component and subsystem performance models, environmental models, target vulnerability models and target behavior models to create a realistic simulation of end-to-end laser system lethality in relevant scenarios. Engagement models are subsequently adapted for use in mission-level simulations to predict laser system mission effectiveness and inform military utility assessments. The areas of interest include, but not limited to:

Developing component and subsystem models Integrating multiple components and/or subsystem models into system models Integrating system models, target behavior and vulnerability models, and environmental models into engagement models Conducting simulations to inform laser system research and development.

Conducting model verification and validation Developing and reporting model uncertainty quantification Adapting models and simulations to utilize high-performance computers with maximum parallelization.

Software configuration management

Topic Area 5: Laser Interaction Testing The objective of the Laser Interaction Testing topic area is to plan and conduct laser interaction testing to evaluate laser material interactions, component failures, and target vulnerabilities;

design and implement novel test diagnostic equipment; develop and manage testing capabilities and laboratory functionality; while addressing the need for well controlled experimental procedures to quantify the effects of high energy lasers interacting with individual materials, multi-material subsystems, and/or fully functional targets. The areas of interest include, but not limited to:

Characterize laser parameters and target material or sensor component response with high heating rates.

Characterize target materials or sensor components with measurements of high-heating rate, or optical physical properties.

Plan and conduct well controlled experimental procedures to quantify the effects of high energy lasers interacting with individual materials, multi-material subsystems, and/or fully functional targets.

Conduct failure mode analysis Analyze experimental data and conduct failure mode analysis.

Acquire or design and fabricate representative test articles or surrogates.

Topic Area 6: Laser Interaction Modeling and Simulation (M&S) The objectives for the Laser Interaction Modeling and Simulation topic area are to plan and conduct research leading to the development of advanced computational methods for predicting the physical phenomenology resulting from high energy laser interactions, represent the target response, and simplify physics-based models to an engineering level for integration into engagement and mission level models. The tools are concurrently applied to predict ongoing experiments resulting in data leading to the continued development of credible, verified, and validated methods and innovative physics algorithms. Prediction of the laser interaction must consider a spatially and temporally resolved beam irradiance profile, absorption into the target, localized thermo-structural response, coupled physical phenomena, and resulting damage modes.

The results are applied to infer macro-level structural response. Quantification of uncertainty is essential to determine the appropriate application of the results. Collaboration between the Laser Interaction M&S technical area and the Laser Interaction Testing technical area will occur at all phases of testing to ensure proper code input is obtained and that test design reflects the needs of the modeling technical area. The areas of interest include, but not limited to:

Apply and develop physics-based codes for predicting high-fidelity laser target interaction effects.

Support ongoing laser effects testing with pre-test predictions.

Interpret and utilize post-test data to improve M&S prediction capability.

Improve verification and validation of in-house subroutines as applied in overall models.

Cross-validate and interface with system level engineering and probabilistic models.

Address localized material thermo-mechanical damage with high-fidelity tools that may be applied in a series or fully coupled to address synergistic processes such as combined fluid, structural, and/or energetic interactions.

Topic Area 7: Laser Vulnerability Assessments The objectives for the Laser Vulnerability Assessments topic area are to plan and conduct assessments that combine target vulnerability data from testing, target optical signature measurements, target exploitation intelligence, system level fault tree and failure mode analysis, effects models and computational predictive results into a comprehensive vulnerability assessment to support mission studies. Interpretation of post-test data, calibration into physical quantities, uncertainty, confidence intervals, and regimes of applicability are applied to result in:

End-to-end vulnerability assessment and engagement predictions Probabilistic confidence intervals and uncertainties Improved and validated system level engineering and statistical tools Trade-studies for future laser target interactions

Topic Area 8: Satellite Custody and Characterization (SCC) The objectives for the Satellite Custody and Characterization (SCC) topic area are to develop, mature, and deliver algorithms, software/firmware, materials, supplies, and services necessary to conduct technology maturation for ground-based surveillance of space objects. The areas of interest include, but not limited to:

Closely-spaced object detection and characterization Day/night time detection and custody of satellites Orbit determination techniques and algorithms for satellites with sparse collects as well as when acted upon by various unconventional gravity fields.

Rapid, on-demand orbit determination and Uncorrelated Track (UCT) resolution Techniques, algorithms, architecture designs, etc. for collaborative autonomous telescope networks and tasking optimization Extremely wide field-of-view image exploitation for satellite discovery and custody Sharp imaging of satellites through the atmosphere at low elevation angles Characterization and compensation of atmospheric turbulence for image restoration Novel techniques for Initial Orbit Determination (IOD) and research to characterize and identify objects in Cislunar/XGEO space.

Topic Area 9: Identification (ID) and Characterization Using Alternate Electro-Optics (EO) Phenomenologies

The objectives for the ID and Characterization Using Alternate EO Phenomenologies topic area are to leverage electromagnetic phenomena outside of the visible wavelengths and exploit those phenomena using hardware, algorithms, or novel techniques to collect and provide actionable information for space object information. Areas of interest in this topic include, but are not limited to:

Multi-phenomenology sensor integration (e.g., optical, infrared, radar, passive radiofrequency)

Active optical techniques for satellite ranging and characterization (e.g., LiDAR, LADAR)

Multispectral, hyperspectral, spectroscopic, and polarimetric sensing for characterization of space objects.

Development of tools to improve prediction and characterization of the atmospheric turbulence environment and its effects upon propagation of directed energy as well as methods to mitigate those effects.

Techniques to improve and exploit short- and long-wave infrared characterization of space objects.

Topic Area 10: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Autonomy for Space Domain Awareness

(SDA)

The objectives of the AI and Autonomy for SDA topic area are to leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to exploit electro-optical imagery (resolved and non-resolved), autonomously integrate multiple data sources, and decrease time to obtaining actionable information for SDA tasks. Areas of interest will investigate topics to include, but not limited to:

Machine learning algorithms to advance the state-of-the-art in areas such as:

o Point spread function correction.

o Rapid image processing o Space object image classification using resolved or non-resolved sensor imagery.

o Uncorrelated track association o Space object feature identification, model inference, and attitude regression o Space object detection in noisy image backgrounds o Generation of realistic space scene imagery / discernment of real vs. synthetic o Detection of subtle, unique image artifacts of interest in a large dataset

Topic Area 11: High Power Electromagnetics (HPEM) Modeling and Effects The objective of the HPEM Modeling and Effects topic area is to characterize the effectiveness of potential HPEM weapons systems by developing and running effectiveness tools and generating vulnerability data to feed those tools. The vulnerability data consists of Probability of Effect (Pe) curves for electronic systems when subjected to an HPEM waveform that results in disruption to or failure of normal operation of the systems. In addition, the HPEM Effects Program investigates the fundamental mechanisms resulting in these disruptions or failures, to predict and model the effects. The areas of interest include, but not limited to:

HPEM Effects

Empirical effects testing HPEM weapons effectiveness modelling

Fundamental HPEM Effects Research Battle damage assessment and recuperation time Emerging technologies, including but not limited to HPEM sources, diagnostics, and sensors.

Development of evaluation tools for Effects databases

Numerical Simulation

Development of simulation codes for HPEM systems and components modeling Use of codes in development and optimization of HPEM systems and components Development of simplified high-performance computing and analysis tools Digital Engineering of HPEM systems and components Multi-scale materials modelling Development of HPEM Engagement level codes Engagement and mission level modeling of HPEM systems Validation/verification of all software

Topic Area 12: HPEM Sources and Components The objective of the HPEM Sources and Components topic area is to conduct research and development on advanced compact rep-rate pulsed power, as well as alternatives to high-power vacuum-tube sources. The goal is to explore improved versions of narrowband HPEM sources as well as alternative approaches to developing higher-rep-rate, compact, high-power HPEM devices. In addition, alternative approaches to counter-electronics technologies including ultra-short, pulsed lasers and charged-particle beams are part of this objective. Technologies and efforts considered are significant size reductions for all parts of the HPEM system, materials modeling, prime power, high-energy-density capacitors, permanent magnets, transmission lines, switches, and non-linear transmission lines, as well as high voltage insulators and electron collector/anode materials, and new HPEM materials to enable new sub-system topologies and geometries.

The HPEM Sources program consist of the following areas: materials modeling; basic research on materials for new sources; solid state sources; exploring the use of linear beam tubes for oscillator and amplifier configurations; size reduction of HPEM system components including energy storage technologies, pulse forming line technologies, and switch technologies; high power antennas; compact prime power technology with a focus on decreased size, increased energy density, and repetition rate operation; development of Ultra-short Pulse Lasers (USPL) technology; and metamaterials and new support component technologies that operate at high-power-densities. The areas of interest include, but not limited to:

Basic Source and Component Development Charged Particle Beam Sources Pulsed Power Prime Power USPL – Ultra Short Pulsed Lasers NLTL- Non-Linear Transmission Lines Microwave Advanced Counter-electronic Attack Payload Antenna and Radomes

Materials, reduction in SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) Power Conditioning and Pulsed Power for HPEM Systems

Topic Area 13: HPEM Applications The objective of the HPEM Applications topic area is to design, develop, and demonstrate HPEM technologies for future HPEM systems by addressing key technical barriers. The goal is to develop HPEM technologies that are lightweight, efficient, affordable, and reliable for warfighter applications. Specific technologies being addressed are based on technical gap analysis of Air Force Core Function roadmaps. Technologies and efforts considered are feasibility studies of innovative HPEM applications, military utility assessments, system integration, and demonstration of HPEM capabilities.

The HPEM Applications program consist of the following areas: feasibility studies of innovative HPEM applications; integration of disparate technologies for the fielding of new HPEM systems and weapons; identify and quantify useful RF and HPM effects and develop methods of using HPM sources that have a role in future applications of HPEM; system integration; and demonstration of future HPEM capabilities. The areas of interest include, but not limited to:

1) High Power Electromagnetics (HPEM) Application Studies

Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) Mission planning Target engagement Survivability Cost Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs) Measures of Performance (MOPs)

2) Military Utility Assessments

Concepts of Operations (CONOPs) Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) Doctrine, Organization, Training, Material, Leadership, Personnel, Facilities, and Policy

(DOTMLPF-P)

Transition plan

3) System Integration

Voltage standoff technologies System engineering Mode creation and converter EM energy transportation (waveguides, etc.)

Interfaces between power, source, antenna, etc.

Vacuum creation and sustainment Vehicle mounting Interface with external systems (radar, Air Operations Center (AOC), Base Defense

Operations Center (BDOC), etc.)

4) “Demonstrators (Restrictive or Non-Restrictive: not directly tied/linked to a specific system)”

Compact, high-power HPEM sources Compact, high-gain antennas Compact high-voltage pulsed power, both single shot, high-rep rate, and anywhere in between Compact prime power system Survivability Functionality Maintainability Ease of use

Topic Area 14: Wargaming The objective of the Wargaming topic area is to conduct and improve Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A), Studies, and Wargaming models and processes, for directed energy (DE) weapon systems. This area specifically focuses on campaign-level, engagement-level, and mission-level wargaming. Wargaming also utilizes MS&A to support the creation of test scenarios, assess mission compliance, provide pre-test predictions, and conduct post-test assessments of DE system performance. The areas of interest include, but not limited to:

Development of DE wargaming MS&A software o Fast running engineering codes o Detailed physics modeling codes o Robust test, validation, and verification o Ability to scale to large wargaming and simulation sizes.

o Portability of software for massively parallel computer architectures

Algorithms and process tailored to the Tactics Techniques and Procedures (TTP) for wargaming improvement.

Develop and conduct Military Utility Assessments (MUA), specifically for DE systems.

Enhance and modernize MS&A and wargaming methods with man-in-the-loop capabilities.

Develop and enhance scenarios integrated into the Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration and Modeling (AFSIM), or other M&S tools.

Conduct DE wargame planning, execution, reporting, and analysis.

6) Announcement Modifications: Due to the dynamically evolving nature of US warfighter directed energy needs, this announcement is subject to updates, revisions, or inclusion of additional topic areas. Therefore, Offerors are highly encouraged to continually monitor the SAM.Gov announcement for the latest information and guidance.

7) Deliverable Items:

a) Data: Deliverables will be described within the request for proposal letter. DD Form 1423-1 CDRLs will be utilized on contract awards.

b) Final Report: To be delivered under each award, 3 months after the end of the technical effort.

c) Software: To be determined on each award.

d) Hardware: To be determined on each award.

e) In addition to hardware and software, the following data deliverables are representative of the types of data that may be required: (a) Program Plan with updates as needed; (b) Monthly Status/Financial Reports; (c) Presentation Materials, and (d) Patent Reports.

Data deliverables are subject to negotiations on each individual award.

8) Other Requirements:

a. Security: Depending on the nature of individual awards under this solicitation, work may range from Unclassified to Top Secret. Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Special Access Program (SAP) are also possible.

Accordingly, some awards under this effort may require a TOP SECRET facility clearance and TOP SECRET safeguarding capability. FAR Subpart 4.4 Safeguarding Classified Information within Industry, requires that a Department of Defense (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 to the contractor (or a subcontractor) the security requirements and the classification guidance necessary to perform on a classified contract. If a DD254 is required, Offerors must verify their Cognizant Security Office information is current with Defense Security Service (DSS) at www.dss.mil.

b. OPSEC: The contractor shall provide Operations Security (OPSEC) protection for all sensitive/critical information as defined by AFI 10-701 (Operations Security) and critical information list. The contractor shall include OPSEC training as part of their on-going security program. The AFRL/RD OPSEC coordinator will evaluate the OPSEC posture of AF contract activities and operations. OPSEC requirements will apply to all contract activities.

c. Export Control: Information involved in this research effort is subject to Export Control (International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 22 CFR Parts 120- 130, or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 15 CFR Parts 730-774). A Certified DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, will be required to be submitted with proposal.

d. Export-Controlled Items: As prescribed by DFARS 225.7901-4, DFARS 252.225- 7048, "Export-Controlled Items (JUN 2013)" will be contained in ALL resulting contract awards.

9) Science & Technology (S&T) Program Protection: Offerors are notified that subsequent

Call Announcements shall include a requirement for submission of the documents identified below. Offerors may be asked to provide a mitigation plan for any identified S&T Protection risks.

The Government reserves the right to determine an Offeror unawardable on the grounds of unacceptable S&T Protection risk based on its review of the SF 424 and

Security Program Questionnaire. During the security review process, if it is determined that personnel listed to perform work are identified as potentially having a conflict of interest/commitment, the Government will not award the contract.

a) Security Risk Review. Each proposal submission will be subject to a Security

Risk Review prior to selection for award. The Security Risk Review is applied to federally funded research designed to help protect Department of the Air Force Science and Technology (S&T) by identifying possible vectors of undue foreign influence. AFRL will follow all policy and procedures outlined in Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Instruction AFRLI 61-113, Science and Technology Protection for the Air Force Research Laboratory and Department of the Air Force Instruction DAFI 63-101/20-101, Integrated Lifecycle Management.

b) Security risk review for these subject proposals will be developed for all proposed Senior/Key personnel and “Covered Individuals”. These risk reviews will be based on information disclosed in a Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile and Security Questionnaire. In addition, any accompanying or referenced documents, publicly available information, and information contained in internal U.S. Government databases will be utilized in risk reviews. Nationality or citizenship is not a factor in the security risk reviews.

c) When considering all external engagements, AFRL incorporates a holistic decision-making process that encompasses technical and security factors. The security review method implemented by AFRL measures risk factors to identify the appropriate Risk Acceptance Level (RAL) within the organization. The objective analysis of the security risk factors is conducted to empower AFRL’s S&T leaders to make risk-informed decisions. The review process generally looks at five factors, or risk areas, but with authority for expanded review as noted in OSD R&E Memorandum dated 6 Jun 2023. The potential security risk factors are set forth below:

Potential security risk factors:

Actions Required by Applicants at proposal or white paper submission:

a. In accordance with AFRLI 61-113, S&T Protection, Applicants/Recipients are required to submit the following documentation with their proposal:

(i) Standard Form 424, “Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile (Expanded) AND

(ii) Security Program Questionnaire AND

(iii)“Privacy Act Statement” consent form for each Covered Individual that is also signed by the Applicant as that Individual’s Sponsor.

In the event a security risk is identified, and the Government has determined the security risk exceeds the acceptable threshold, the Applicant/Recipient will be notified and informed of the termination/decline of award. The Government will only provide a general statement of the reasoning due to Government OPSEC measures.

By submission of the Research and Related Senior Key Person Profile and Security Program Questionnaire, the Applicant agrees to comply with the following:

a. To certify that each covered individual who is listed on the application has been made aware: (1) of all relevant disclosure requirements, including the requirements of 42 U.S.C. § 6605; and (2) that false representations may be subject to prosecution and liability pursuant to, but not limited to, 18 U.S.C.

§§287, 1001, 1031 and 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-3733 and 3802. See National Science and Technology Council Guidance for Implementing National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33) on National Security Strategy for United States Government-Supported Research and Development (January 2022).

b. To establish and maintain an internal process or procedure to address foreign talent programs, conflicts of commitment, conflicts of interest, and research integrity.

c. To exercise due diligence to identify Foreign Components or participation by

Senior/Key Personnel in Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs and agree to share such information with the Government upon request.

Actions Required by Covered Individuals:

a. Covered Individual. An individual who contributes in a substantive, meaningful way to the scientific development or execution of a research and development project proposed to be carried out with a research and development award from a Federal research agency; and is designated as a covered individual by the Federal research agency concerned. See 42 U.S.C. § 6605, Definitions. (For purposes of this BAA, “covered individuals” are all Senior/Key Personnel.)

b. Federal law requires that all current and pending research support, as defined by 42 U.S.C. §6605, must be disclosed at the time of proposal submission, for all covered individuals. The Government may require an updated disclosure during the performance of any research project selected for funding. The Government will require an updated disclosure whenever covered individuals are added or identified as performing under the funded project.

c. Covered Individuals are also required to sign the “Privacy Act Statement” and provide such signed statement to the applicant for submission with the proposal.

d. Any decision to accept a proposal for funding under this announcement will include full reliance on the individual’s statements. Failure to report fully and completely all sources of project support and outside positions and affiliations may be considered a material statement within the meaning of the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. 3729, and constitute a violation of Federal law.

Actions required by Performers during period of performance:

a. Applicant/Recipient will be required to re-submit the Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile as an annual requirement. In addition, whenever a new covered individual(s) is to be added or identified as performing under the funded project, a new Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile will be required prior to continued performance.

b. If, at any time, during performance of this award, the Applicant/Recipient learns that its Senior/Key Research Personnel (including any sub awardee personnel who receive this designation) are or are believed to be participants in a Foreign Government Talent Program or have Foreign Components with a strategic competitor or country with a history of targeting U.S. technology for unauthorized transfer, the Applicant/recipient will notify the Contracting/Grants Officer within 5 business days of awareness.

c. This disclosure must include specific information as to the personnel involved and the nature of the situation and relationship. The Government will review this information and conduct any necessary fact-finding or discussion with the Applicant/Recipient. The Government’s determination on disclosure may include acceptance, mitigation, or termination of the award.

d. Failure of the Applicant/Recipient to reasonably exercise due diligence to discover or ensure that neither it nor any of its Senior/Key Research Personnel involved in the subject award are participating in a Foreign Government Talent Program or have a Foreign Component with a strategic competitor or country with a history of targeting U.S. technology for unauthorized transfer may result in the Government exercising remedies in accordance with federal law and regulation.

e. The provisions concerning this disclosure will be included in each award.

f. The Applicant/Recipient will be required to flow down this provision to all sub awardees who have personnel designated as Senior/Key Research Personnel as a result of their involvement in the performance of the research.

10) Other Information:

a) Government Furnished Property (GFP): To be determined for each award. 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. If GFP is requested in a proposal, the following clauses/provisions apply:

(i) FAR 52.245-1 Government Property or FAR 52.245-1, Alt II if the resulting contract is with a nonprofit organization or applied research at nonprofit organizations (SEP 2021)

(ii) FAR 52.245-9 Use and Charges (APR 2012)

(iii) DFARS 252.245-7003, Contractor Property Management System

Administration (APR 2012)

(iv) DFARS 252.245-7005, Management and Reporting of Government

Property (JAN 2024)

b) Base Support/ Network Access: Provision of Base Support/Network access will be determined for each award.

c) Data Rights Desired: The Government desires Unlimited Rights or Government Purpose

Rights for all technical data, non-commercial software (NCS), and NCS documentation developed using Government funds; however, due to the desired use of commercially developed technologies in this program more restrictive data rights are anticipated and will be considered where appropriate.

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

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

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

Offerors shall include the data rights assertions as required by DFARS 252.227- 7017, Identification and Assertion of Restrictions on the Government's Use, Release, or Disclosure of Technical Data or Computer Software (JAN 2011). The assertions are due at time of proposal submission. Assertions must be completed with specificity. Each assertion must identify both the data and each such item, component, or process listed. Nonconforming assertions lists will be rejected.

Terms used in this section are defined in the clauses at 252.227-7013, Rights in Technical Data-Noncommercial Items, and 252.227-7014, Rights in Noncommercial Computer Software and Noncommercial Computer Software Documentation (FEB 2014).

THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE (COMMERCIAL AND NONCOMMERCIAL):

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

Any third-party software to be delivered to the Government that are not reasonably identifiable at proposal submission, must still be approved by the contracting officer prior to incorporation into a system deliverable.