STAR ARA Ancmnt Updated 18May26.pdf

ADVANCED RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT

FA9453-19-S-0002

Air Force Research Laboratory/Space Vehicle Directorate

ANNOUNCEMENT OVERVIEW

Updated

18 May 2026

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, Space Vehicles Directorate and

Directed Energy, Phillips Research Site

ARA Title: Space Technology Advanced Research (STAR) Announcement, procurement for experimentation of space-flight and space-related signal, energy, and transportation technologies.

ARA Type: This is an Open ARA; initial announcement

ARA Number: FA9453-19-S-0002

THIS WILL BE A TWO-STEP SOLICITATION:

Brief Program Summary:

This is an Open ARA pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 4023. AFRL/RV is interested in receiving white papers and proposals through Two-Step Process to perform research and development (R&D), modeling and simulation (M&S), fabrication, experimentation, characterization, testing, demonstration, prototyping, and analysis related to all aspects of space-flight systems, including space flight, on-orbit servicing, debris management, controlled reentry, associated ground systems, communications links, command and control, advanced spacecraft manufacturing technologies, and space system user equipment. Dialogue between prospective Offerors and

Government representatives is strongly encouraged.

Communication Between Prospective Offerors and Government Representatives: Dialogue between prospective Offerors and Government representatives is strongly encouraged throughout the life of this ARA. However, communication will be limited once full-proposals are submitted during evaluation/review. Prospective Offerors are welcomed to request sit-downs and provide demonstrations of firm’s capabilities. Discussions shall not constitute a commitment by the

Government to subsequently fund or award any proposed effort. No guidance related to technical approach will be given. However, questions related to the objectives of the effort or prior similar efforts may be answered. Offerors are advised that only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to contractually bind or otherwise commit the Government. Potential Offerors are requested to advise the Contracting Officer if they intend to submit a whitepaper in response to a topic area. Such notification is merely a courtesy and is not a commitment by the Offeror to submit a proposal. All communications should be in writing via email or letter correspondence.

Submission: White Papers must be prepared using the provided Template and submitted through the DoD SAFE website at https://safe.apps.mil/. If it is determined that a classified white paper is required, please DO NOT deliver any classified portion of the white paper to the email address listed above, but rather contact the POCs listed in this ARA for specific delivery instructions.

(AMEND 4)

Announcement Request: Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate, Kirtland

Air Force Base is soliciting white papers on the research effort described below pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C. 4023, Procurement for Experimental Purposes.

Announcement Modifications: Due to the dynamically evolving nature of US warfighter space needs, this announcement is potentially subject to include updates, revisions, or additional topic areas. Therefore, Offerors are highly encouraged to continually monitor Contract Opportunities

(https://beta.sam.gov/) to ensure they receive latest guidance to this announcement. [AMEND 2]

Type of Contract/Instrument: The Air Force reserves the right to award the instrument best suited to the nature of the research proposed. Accordingly, the Government may award any appropriate contract type under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) or Non-FAR instruments (i.e., Other Transaction (OT), cooperative agreements for research efforts).

The Government anticipates that a mix of contract types, and other instruments will be used throughout the life of this ARA. Generally, awards under this announcement may be Cost-Plus-

Fixed Fee (Completion and Term), Cost Contract, Firm Fixed Price, Other Transaction

Authority, or Technology Investment Agreements.

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, Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee, and Cost Contracts cannot be awarded.

NOTE: If proposing a Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) based contract, the FAR clause references in this ARA shall apply. This announcement incorporates FAR and supplement provisions and clauses by reference. The full text of these provisions and clauses can be found at www.Acquisition.GOV. [AMEND 2]

If proposing an Other Transaction (OT) Pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 4023, these FAR references and clauses would not apply. The terms and conditions of an OT agreement should be developed and negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

If proposing Assistance Agreements, IAW EO 14303; Gold Standard Science (GSS), is science conducted in a manner that is:

a. reproducible;

b. transparent;

https://safe.apps.mil/ http://farsite.hill.af.mil/

c. communicative of error and uncertainty;

d. collaborative and interdisciplinary;

e. skeptical of its findings and assumptions;

f. structured for falsifiability of hypotheses;

g. subject to unbiased peer review;

h. accepting negative results as positive outcomes; and

i. without conflicts of interest.”

With regards to GSS, applications/proposals shall:

1) include clear benchmarks for measuring success and progress towards relevant goals and a commitment to achieving GSS;

2) identify areas of demonstrating success in implementing GSS; and

3) include a commitment to complying with administration policies, procedures, and guidance respecting GSS. By responding to this NOFO you explicitly agree to the following statement:

• Our institution understands the definition of Gold Standard Science as outlined above.

• Our institution and all personnel involved in the proposed project will adhere to all administration policies, procedures, and guidance respecting Gold Standard Science in the execution of this project if funded. [AMEND 6]

Estimated Program Cost: The total estimated program value is unspecified with multiple awards ranging from $50,000 to $100,000,000 (the Government reserves the right to modify or exceed this amount if necessary).

Anticipated Number of Awards: The Air Force anticipates awarding multiple awards for this announcement. However, the Air Force reserves the right to award zero, one, or more agreements, other transactions or contracts for all, some or none of the solicited effort based on the Offeror's ability to perform desired work and funding fluctuations. There is no limit on the number of agreements or contracts that may be awarded to an individual Offeror.

System for Award Management (SAM) Registration: Before the Government can award a contract, Offeror must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). If you were previously registered in CCR, your information has been transferred to SAM. However, it is in the Offeror’s interest to visit SAM and ensure that all of the Offeror’s data is up to date from

SAM and other databases to avoid delay in award. SAM replaced the Central Contractor

Registration (CCR), Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA), and the

Excluded Parties List System (EPLS). SAM allows firms interested in conducting business with the federal government to provide basic information on business capabilities and financial information. To register, visit www.sam.gov.

Technical Point of Contact:

Program Manager: Mr. Michael P. Lopez, AFRL/RJSW, 505-846-7790, michael.lopez.44@spaceforce.mil [AMEND 2]

Contracting Point of Contact:

Contracting Officer (Primary): Mr. Daniel Alvarado, AFRL/RVKV, (505) 853-4755, daniel.alvarado.12@spaceforce.mil or

Contracting Officer (Alternate): Ms. Caroline Salazar, AFRL/RVKV, (505) 677-3007, caroline.salazar.1@spaceforce.mil

Contracting Officer (Alternate): Ms. Stephanie Harris, AFRL/RJZY, 385-682-4829, stephanie.harris.12@spaceforce.mil [AMEND 6] mailto:michael.lopez.44@spaceforce.mil mailto:daniel.alvarado.12@spaceforce.mil mailto:caroline.salazar.1@spaceforce.mil mailto:stephanie.harris.12@spaceforce.mil

ADVANCED RESEARCH ANNOUNCMENT

FA9453-19-S-0002

Air Force Research Laboratory/Space Vehicle Directorate

FULL TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT

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, Space Vehicles Directorate and

Directed Energy, Phillips Research Site

ARA Title: Space Technology Advanced Research (STAR) Announcement, procurement for experimentation of space-flight and space-related signal, energy, and transportation technologies.

ARA Type: This is an Open ARA; initial announcement

THIS WILL BE A TWO-STEP SOLICITATION:

I. Program Description: Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Space Vehicles Directorate is soliciting white papers on the following research effort: Space Technology Advanced Research

(STAR) Announcement, procurement for experimentation of space-flight and space-related signal, energy, and transportation technologies.

Background: The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate (RV) equips the joint warfighter with a spectrum of agile, effective, resilient, and affordable mission capabilities delivered from, to and through space to ensure the National defense. AFRL/RV is interested in maturing space-domain technologies related to space-flight, signals, transportation, and energy from early functional proof of concept through demonstration of full system or architecture prototypes. The Government’s interests span a broad range of technology maturity levels including performing analytical studies and laboratory studies to physically validate analytical predictions for separate elements of relevant technologies; integrating basic “low fidelity” technological components to establish that they will work together; integrating basic technological components with reasonably realistic supporting elements to test them in a simulated environment; developing representative model, prototype or satellite systems and testing them in a relevant environment; and performing fully functional demonstrations of actual system prototypes and/or satellites to validate their performance in an operational environment.

AFRL/RV is interested in receiving white papers and proposals to perform research and development (R&D), modeling and simulation (M&S), fabrication, experimentation, characterization, testing, demonstration, prototyping, and analysis related to all aspects of space-flight systems, including space flight, on-orbit servicing, debris management, controlled reentry, associated ground systems, communications links, command and control, advanced spacecraft manufacturing technologies, and space system user equipment.

This solicitation intends to use acquisition authorities provided by 10 U.S.C. 4023. This authority applies to acquisition of items related to “…transportation, signal, energy, and space-flight, including parts and accessories, and designs thereof, that are necessary for experimental or test purposes in the development of the best supplies that are needed for the national defense.”

Consequently, white papers and proposals should address how the proposed effort provides benefits to the national defense and a strategy for verifying those intended benefits.

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

1. Statement of Objectives/Description of Technical Areas:

a) Topic Area 1. Space vehicle functionality and logistics: Enhance core spacecraft components and subsystems to enable game-changing improvements in agility, resilience, affordability and performance for DoD spacecraft. Specific areas of technology being sought include: large deployable structures and apertures; thermal control systems;

integrated structural sensing; resilient materials and structures; agile manufacturing; power generation, distribution, management, and storage; command and data handling, including networking within and between spacecraft; survivable and cyber-resistant space-flight electronics; guidance, navigation, and control; agile maneuver; and autonomy. In addition, innovative technologies that enable logistics support to space operations are being sought, such as: reliable and responsive space access; resilient command and control networks; on-orbit manufacturing, assembly, repair, resupply and repurposing; and space debris mitigation. The Government is also interested in novel technologies, concepts, and approaches that enable rapid and affordable fielding of the above space vehicle functionality, to include technologies that enable disaggregated bus and payload concepts, as well as small satellite development and demonstrations.

b) Topic Area 2. Mission effects and capabilities: Provide decisive mission capabilities and reliable space services to enable the joint warfighter to control the space domain and exploit it to support control of other domains. Mission capabilities, supplies and space services of interest include: space-based sensing technologies to detect, track, characterize and warn of rapidly evolving & emerging threats; battlespace awareness; ionospheric specification, forecast and modification techniques to improve radar and communication systems performance by exploiting environmental conditions; space communication hardware (e.g. antennas, feed networks, transmitters, receivers, amplifier/electronics, signal processing, etc.), software and networks to enable access to new band-width and seamlessly interconnect warfighters across multiple domains; affordable or rapidly deployable position, navigation and timing (PNT) payload technologies and concepts;

resilient multi-layer PNT architectures and signals; highly accurate inertial navigation and timing systems that can operate in contested environments; quantum sensing and timing

(including time transfer); efficient transfer of solar power from space-based platforms to transportable remote receivers; novel materials, structures and devices to predict and control reentry of de-orbiting payloads. The Government is also interested in agile and affordable modeling, simulation, and analysis technologies and testbeds to enable live, virtual, and constructive assessments of new mission concepts and capabilities for informing future decisions to develop and procure space-flight supplies.

c) Topic Area 3. Space system/services anomaly detection, attribution, and protection:

Develop analytic tools and sensors to predict, detect, and aid in distinguishing the effects of natural and man-made threats to spacecraft, payloads and space services. The Government is interested in enabling rapid detection, attribution, and mitigation of space-flight systems mission anomalies from either environmental or threat effects through combined physical analysis, experimentation, and modeling & simulation. Specific technology areas being sought include: data exploitation algorithms for timely threat warning characterization of space events and objects; innovative design and operation options to specify, predict, mitigate, and avoid natural and man-made hazards to DoD space systems; cyber threat warning and protection; and passive and active protection options to avoid or mitigate the effect of anomalies or actions to disrupt, deny, degrade, or destroy space-flight systems and services.

d) Topic Area 4. Space Battle Management, Command, and Control: Enable uninterrupted delivery of tactical, operational and strategic space services within a contested environment by providing unprecedented domain awareness; accurate and timely battle management tools; and robust command and control options. Specific areas of technology being sought include: data fusion, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and related methods for rapid threat assessment and response; multi-domain (land, sea, air, and space) net-centric command and control concepts; autonomy and on-board threat assessment algorithms to enhance satellite resiliency; and integration of allied, commercial, and non-traditional capabilities.

2. Announcement Modifications: Due to the dynamically evolving nature of US warfighter space needs, this announcement is subject to updates, revisions, or additional topic areas.

Therefore, Offerors are highly encouraged to continually monitor Contract Opportunities

(https://sam.gov/) to ensure they receive latest guidance to this announcement. [AMEND 2]

3. 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. Other Transactions will specify data on a case by case basis, as necessary.

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.

https://usaf-my.dps.mil/personal/ryan_merrill_12_spaceforce_mil/Documents/Desktop/QUICK%20FILES/STAR%20Solicitation%20Amendments/STAR%20Amend%206/(https:/sam.gov/)

4. Other Requirements:

a. Security: Depending on the nature of individual awards under this solicitation, work may range from Unclassified to Top Secret. Top Secret/ Sensitive Compartmented Information

(TS/SCI) is possible. Special Access Program (SAP) is 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/RV 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 R-DFARS 225.7901-4, R-DFARS 252.225-

7048, "Export-Controlled Items (JUN 2013)" will be contained in ALL resulting contract awards.

5. Other Information:

a. Government Furnished Property (GFP): To be determined for each award. In accordance with RFO 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:

(1) RFO 52.245-1 (SEP 2021) Government Property or RFO 52.245-1, Alt II (APR

2012) if the resulting contract is with a nonprofit organization or applied research at nonprofit organizations [AMEND 6]

(2) RFO 52.245-9 Use and Charges (APR 2012) [AMEND 6]

(3) R-DFARS 252.245-7003, Contractor Property Management System Administration

(JAN 2025) [AMEND 6]

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

c. Available Base Facilities: AFRL/RV facilities/labs (office space and office equipment, including desk and chairs), internet access (Commercial and AFNET), telephone services, access to base computer network, Common Access Card (CAC). If a contractor requires use of available base support, facility visits can be arranged upon request and PCO approval (see section III 5 b for guidance on foreign nationals).

d. 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 contract are of significant concern to the Government. The Government will therefore carefully consider any restrictions on the use of technical data, NCS, and NCS documentation which could result in transition difficulty or less-than full and open competition for subsequent development of this technology.

In exchange for paying for development of the data, the Government expects technical data, NCS, and NCS documentation developed entirely at Government expense to be delivered with Unlimited Rights. Technical data, NCS, and NCS documentation developed with mixed funding are expected to be delivered with at least Government Purpose Rights.

Offers that propose delivery of technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation 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 R-DFARS 252.227-7017, Identification and Assertion of Restrictions on the Government's Use, Release, or

Disclosure of Technical Data or Computer Software. The assertions 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.

THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE (COMMERCIAL AND NONCOMMERCIAL):

R-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. This obligation to obtain preapproval by the contracting officer, as described above, continues throughout contract administration.

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

Government (Licensee):

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

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

(3) The license shall be governed by Federal Statutes, Case Law, and Federal

Regulations, and shall not be subject to the laws or jurisdiction of any municipality, state, or foreign country.

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

Government requirements.

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

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

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

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

(8) The Licensor shall not use any injunctive relief clauses as the Licensor cannot prevent the Licensee from performing mission operations.

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

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

e. Use of hazardous materials, radiological sources, materials or ozone depleting chemicals as part of the research will be considered on a case by case basis to determine merit of their use in furthering development and testing.

II. Award Information

1. Number of awards anticipated: There are no limits to the number of white papers an Offeror may submit. However, the number of awards are TBD.

2. Anticipated Funding: Individual award amounts will vary. However, the estimated award values will range from $50,000 to $100,000,000 (the Government reserves the right to modify or exceed this amount if necessary).

3. Schedule: The anticipated period of performance will be determined through dialogue between prospective Offerors and Government representatives for each topic area and specified in each individual award. Deliverables will be specified on individual CDRL(s) in any resultant contract or in Other Transaction article.

4. Within Scope Award Modifications: Offerors are advised that due to the inherent uncertainty of research and development efforts, awards resulting from this announcement may be modified during performance to make within scope changes, to include but not limited to, modifications which increase overall contract ceiling amount.

5. Points of Contact:

Contracting:

Mr. Daniel J. Alvarado (Primary)

Contracting Officer

AFRL/RJZY

Kirtland AFB, NM 87117

Phone: 505-853-6619

Email: daniel.alvaraado.12@spaceforce.mil

Ms. Caroline Salazar (Alternate)

Contracting Officer

AFRL/RJZY

Kirtland AFB, NM 87117

Phone: (505) 677-3007

Email: caroline.salazar.1@spaceforce.mil

Ms. Stephanie Harris (Alternate)

Contracting Officer AFRL/RJZY

Kirtland AFB, NM 87117

Phone: 385-682-4829

Email: stephanie.harris.12@spaceforce.mil [AMEND 6] mailto:caroline.salazar.1@spaceforce.mil mailto:stephanie.harris.12@spaceforce.mil

Technical:

Mr. Michael P. Lopez (Primary)

Program Manager

AFRL/RJSW

Kirtland AFB, NM 87117

Phone: (505) 846-7790

Email: michael.lopez.44@spaceforce.mil (AMEND 2)

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Offeror: This is an unrestricted solicitation. Businesses of all size are encouraged to propose on all or any part of this announcement.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Pursuant to 10 U.S.C. §4023 Cost Sharing is not required.

However, cost sharing or matching may be considered in accordance with RFO 16.303.

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, against this ARA. RFO 35.403(b)(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 R-DFARS 235.017-l(c)(4)). There is no regulation prohibiting an FFRDC from responding to a solicitation. However, the FFRDC's sponsoring agency must first make a determination that the effort being proposed falls within the purpose, mission, general scope of effort, or special competency of the FFRDC, and that determination must be included in the FFRDC's proposal. In addition, the non-sponsoring agency (in this case AFRL) must make a determination that the work proposed would not place the FFRDC in direct competition with domestic private industry. Only after these determinations are made would a determination be made concerning the FFRDC's eligibility to receive an award.

4. Government Agencies: If a Government agency is interested in performing work, contact the

Technical POC identified in the ARA. If those discussions result in a mutual interest to pursue your agency's participation, the effort will be pursued independent of this announcement.

5. Foreign Participation:

a. Foreign or foreign-owned Offerors are advised that their participation is subject to foreign disclosure procedures. Foreign or foreign-owned Offerors should immediately contact the contracting office focal point identified in Section II for information if they contemplate responding.

b. AFRL Policy on Employment of Non-US Citizen Contractors applies to this ARA.

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”) mailto:michael.lopez.44@spaceforce.mil 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).

c. This acquisition involves data that are subject to export control laws and regulations. Only contractors who are registered and certified with the Defense Logistics 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) for further information on the certification process. You must submit a copy of your approved DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data

Agreement, with your proposal.

6. Export Control: Information involved in this research effort will be subject to Export Control

(International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) 22 CFR 120-130 or 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 proposal.

Export-Controlled Items: As prescribed by R-DFARS 225-7901, R-DFARS 252.225-7048, “Export-Controlled Item (JUN 2013)” is contained in this solicitation (as shown below).

This clause shall be contained in ALL solicitations and resulting contracts.

EXPORT-CONTROLLED ITEMS (JUN 2013)

a. Definition. “Export-controlled items,” as used in this clause, means items subject to the

Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730-774) or the International

Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Parts 120-130). The term includes:

(1) “Defense items,” defined in the Arms Export Control Act, 22 U.S.C. 2778(j)(4)(A), as defense articles, defense services, and related technical data and further defined in the ITAR, 22 CFR Part 120.

(2) “Items,” defined in the EAR as “commodities”, “software”, and “technology,” terms that are also defined in the EAR, 15 CFR 772.1.

b. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding export-controlled items, including, but not limited to, the requirement for contractors to register with the Department of State in accordance with the ITAR. The Contractor shall consult with the Department of State regarding any questions relating to compliance with the ITAR and shall consult with the Department of Commerce regarding any questions relating to compliance with the EAR.

c. The Contractor's responsibility to comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding export-controlled items exists independent of, and is not established or limited by, the information provided by this clause.

d. Nothing in the terms of this contract adds, changes, supersedes, or waives any of the requirements of applicable Federal laws, Executive orders, and regulations, including but not limited to—

(1) The Export Administration Act of 1979, as amended (50 U.S.C.App.2401, et seq.);

(2) The Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2751, et seq.);

(3) The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C.1701, et seq.);

(4) The Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR Parts 730-774);

(5) The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (22 CFR Parts 120-130); and

(6) Executive Order 13222, as extended;

IV. Two-Step Submission Information

1. Overview: This Announcement consists of a Two-Step Process described in detail below.

White Papers–and full proposals if requested by the Government—shall be submitted in accordance with this announcement.

The Government anticipates whitepapers will be unclassified. Special instruction will be provided in the event a classified proposal is required.

Dialogue between prospective Offerors and Government representatives is strongly encouraged. Any Offeror intending to submit a whitepaper in response to a topic area is encouraged to notify the Contracting Officer in advance. This is a Two-Step Process, full proposal will not be accepted or evaluated unless requested by the PCO. All communications should be in writing via email or letter correspondence.

ONLY WHITE PAPERS ARE BEING SOLICITED AT THIS TIME.

Due to the dynamically evolving nature of US warfighter space needs, this announcement is subject to updates, revisions, or additional topic areas. Therefore, Offerors are highly encouraged to continually monitor Contract Opportunities http://www.sam.gov to ensure they receive latest guidance to this announcement. (AMEND 2)

2. First Step (White Paper) Instructions:

a. General: The FIRST STEP requests a white paper and a rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost estimate. All white papers may be kept on file for one year. An Offeror submitting a proposal without first submitting a white paper will not be eligible for an award. The cost of preparing white papers in response to this Solicitation is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting or any other contract; however, it may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect cost as specified in RFO 31.205-18.

b. White Paper Format: White Papers must be prepared using the provided Template and submitted through the DoD SAFE website at https://safe.apps.mil/. If it is determined that a classified white paper is required, please DO NOT deliver any classified portion of the white paper to the email address listed above, but rather contact the POCs listed in this

ARA for specific delivery instructions. The Template may be revised from time to time, so please download a new copy prior to submitting your white paper to ensure that you have the most current version. White papers that do not follow the most current version of the Template will be rejected with no further action from the Government. If it is http://www.sam.gov/ determined that a classified white paper is required, please DO NOT deliver any classified portion of the white paper to the email address listed above, but rather contact the POCs listed in this ARA for specific delivery instructions. Do not submit “zipped” files. If files contain links, the links must be intact and maintained through all revisions. Files shall not be read/write/password protected (i.e., must be unlocked, non-password protected, and/or unprotected). [AMEND 4]

c. White Paper ROM Cost: Provide a ROM cost estimate for planning purposes. The ROM should provide top-level details on major cost items such as labor, special equipment that will need to 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 estimate will be used to assess value and determine if there are sufficient funds available for the proposed effort. Any second step RFPs will require a full cost proposal.

d. Other Information: If the Offeror wishes to restrict its white papers, they must be marked with the restrictive language stated in RFO 52.215-1(e).

e. White Paper/Proposal Content Summary: Your white paper may not be read if all requirements of this announcement are not met.

3. Second Step (Proposal) Instructions: Full proposal Instructions will be provided within the

Request for Proposal Letter from the PCO.

V. Review Information

1. Evaluation Criteria: Evaluations will be conducted by a peer or scientific review process and both white papers and proposals will use the following criteria:

a. Problem Definition

• Problem Being Solved

• Product Summary

b. Relevance to AFRL Needs

• Problem Alignment

• Problem Magnitude

• Operational Impact

• Scale

• Degree of Innovation

c. Scientific and Engineering Viability

• Scientific Feasibility

• Enabling Technologies

• Alternative Technical Approaches

• Technical Personnel

d. Project Plan

• Project Schedule

• ROM Cost Estimate

• Hypothesis, Testing, Measurement

• Appropriateness of Measurement

e. Value/Cost

• Benefit to Air Force

• Funding Available

• Cost Realism (proposal only)

• Cost Reasonableness (proposal only)

Note: Cost realism will assess the likelihood that the proposed technical approach can be successfully accomplished for the cost proposed. Cost reasonableness will consider the cost proposed in conjunction with program objectives and availability of funding. Prior to award of a potential successful offer, the Contracting Officer will make a final determination regarding price reasonableness.

f. Proposal Quality

• Quality of Prose

• Data Quality and Attribution

2. Relative Importance of Evaluation Criteria: Relevance to AFRL Needs, Scientific and

Engineering Viability, and Project Plan are of equal importance and are first in order of priority. Problem Definition and Benefit versus Funding are of equal importance and are second in order of priority. Proposal Quality is the lowest in order of priority.

3. FIRST STEP - White Paper Review and Selection Process: Evaluation of white papers will be conducted by a peer or scientific review process, using the criteria described above. Based on the evaluation, white papers will be categorized as Highly Recommended, Selectable, or

Not Selectable, using the definitions below. White papers that are evaluated as

Selectable/Highly Recommended will be sent a Request for Proposal Letter from the PCO.

The Government’s goal is to notify Offerors of the disposition of their white paper within 30 days of receipt. Unsuccessful Offerors will be notified in writing and will have the opportunity to receive feedback.

4. SECOND STEP - Proposal Review and Selection Process: Proposals will also be reviewed against the criteria described above. Based on the peer or scientific review process, proposals will be categorized as:

a. Highly Recommended: Well-conceived scientifically and technically sound proposal pertinent to accomplish goals and objectives. Proposals are recommended for acceptance

(subject to availability of funds) and normally are displaced only by other Highly

Recommended proposals.

b. Selectable: Scientifically or technically sound proposals that may need additional development. Proposals are recommended for acceptance if sufficient funding is available, but at a lower priority than Highly Recommended proposals. To ensure a diversity of approaches, a Selectable proposal may be prioritized over a Highly Recommended proposal if the Selectable proposal presents a unique approach unlike any of the Highly

Recommended proposals.

c. Not Selectable: Proposal is not technically sound or does not meet agency needs. Even if sufficient funding existed, the proposal will not be funded.

Note 1: The recommendations above will be based on the Government’s evaluation of the technical approach independent of the cost proposal. If recommended for award, the

Contracting Officer will make a final determination regarding price reasonableness.

Note 2: When the Government elects to award only part of a proposal, the selected part may be categorized as Highly Recommended or Selectable although the proposal as a whole may not merit such a categorization.

Note 3: The Government may award some, all, or none of the proposals received, and may award without negotiation/discussion; however, the Government reserves the right to negotiate with any Offeror(s) whose proposal is selected for funding.

Note 4: For the use of Assistance Agreements:

a. Step 1: Initial Screening (Go/No Go Criteria)

i) Proposal demonstrates success in implementing Gold Standard Science in addition to making a commitment to complying with administration policies, procedures, and guidance respecting Gold Standard Science.

ii) Proposal produces immediately demonstrable results.

(1) Selection should consider speed and accountability through demonstration of meaningful performance or deliverable milestones to accelerate the development of emerging technology for timely delivery to the warfighter.

(2) Consider the possibility for potentially longer-term, breakthrough results, in a manner consistent with the funding opportunity announcement.

(3) Proposals should include clear benchmarks for measuring success and progress towards relevant research and development goals.

(4) Proposal demonstrably advances the President’s policy priorities.

(5) Proposal does not promote, encourage subsidize, or facilitate: (a) racial preferences or other forms of racial discrimination by the grant recipient, including activities where race or intentional proxies for race will be used as a selection criterion for employment or program participation; (b) denial by the grant recipient of the sex binary in humans or the notion that sex is a chosen or mutable characteristic; (c) illegal immigration; or (d) any other initiatives that compromise public safety or promote anti-American values.

b. Step 2: Full Evaluation/Review (Selection Criteria):

i) Primary Selection Criteria: Applications/proposals will be reviewed using the criteria listed below (state whether the criteria are equal in importance or in descending/ascending order of importance and refer to scoring rubric below).

These evaluations will entail a “weight of scientific evidence” approach (EO

14303):

(1) Technical merits of the proposed research and development. See below for a scoring rubric example.

(2) Potential relationship of the proposed research and development to DOD missions. See below for a scoring rubric example.

ii) Other Selection Criteria: Cost/Price: While of less importance to the primary criteria above, the realism of the proposed cost (to include cost sharing, consideration of proposed budgets, and funding profiles), will be evaluated.

iii) Risk Assessments are performed prior to award with regards to Science &

Technology (S&T) Protection and assessments IAW 2 CFR 200.206.

Criterion 1: Technical Merits of the

Proposed R&D

This criterion assesses the scientific and technical quality, innovation, and feasibility of the proposed work.

Score Definition

Exceeds The proposal is exceptionally innovative and well-reasoned. It demonstrates a superior understanding of the state-of-the-art, outlines a clear and compelling research plan, including benchmarks for measuring success, and has a very high probability of success and significant impact on the field.

Meets The proposal is technically sound, feasible, and based on established principles. The research plan is logical and complete including benchmarks for measuring success.

The project demonstrates a solid understanding of the subject matter and is likely to achieve its stated objectives.

Does Not Meet The proposal has significant technical flaws, lacks a clear research plan, is not innovative, or is based on unsound principles. The likelihood of success is low.

Criterion 2: Potential Relationship to DoW

Missions

This criterion assesses the relevance and potential contribution of the research to the

DoW needs and mission objectives.

Score Definition

Exceeds The proposal clearly articulates a strong, direct, and significant impact on a specific, high-priority DoW mission or capability gap.

The potential for transition to a real-world application is compelling and well-defined.

Meets The proposal identifies a relevant DoW mission and describes a plausible relationship between the research outcomes and a defense need. The potential applications are logical, though may be less immediate or impactful.

Does Not Meet The proposal fails to identify a clear or relevant connection to any DoW mission, or the stated connection is weak, speculative, and lacks a credible pathway to application.

[AMEND 6]

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices: Offerors will be notified whether their proposal is recommended for award from the Contracting Officer. The notification of recommendation for award is not to be construed to mean the award of a contract is assured, as availability of funds and successful negotiations are prerequisites to any award.

VII. Other Relevant Information

1. Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI): In accordance with RFO 9.5, Organizational

Conflict of Interest, the Offeror will be required to perform its own OCI analysis and submit the results of that analysis as part of its proposal submission. Specifically, the Offeror shall analyze the planned effort for actual or potential OCI situations associated with its or any of its associate organizations’ performance under any contract it or its associated organizations have been or may be awarded by any federal agency or other entity. The Offeror shall describe in detail the methodology used to identify actual or potential OCI issues. If the

Offeror identifies any actual or potential OCI with respect to the performance of itself or its associated organizations, the Offeror shall provide an OCI mitigation plan to be incorporated into any resulting contract. If an award is made to the Offeror, the resulting contract may include an OCI limitation applicable to subsequent Government work, at either a prime contract level, at any subcontract tier, or both. If a prospective Offeror believes a conflict of interest exists or may exist (whether organizational or otherwise) or has questions on what constitutes a conflict of interest, the Offeror should send his/her contact information and a summary of the potential conflict via email to the ARA e-mail address before time and effort are expended in preparing a proposal and mitigation plan. The OCI clause in the ARA may not be modified or deleted.

2. Support contractors: The AFRL Information and Spectrum Warfare (FR) and Space Warfare

Directorate (RJ), formerly Directed Energy (RD) and Space Vehicles (RV) Directorates, respectively, have contracted for various business and staff support services, (e.g. LTD

Global, LLC., and SierTek, Ltd.) some of which require contractors to obtain administrative access to proprietary information submitted by other contractors. Administrative access is defined as "handling or having physical control over information for the sole purpose of accomplishing the administrative functions specified in the administrative support contract, which do not require the review, reading, or comprehension of the content of the information on the part of non-technical professionals assigned to accomplish the specified administrative tasks." These contractors have signed general non-disclosure agreements and organizational conflict of…