Full Text Announcement_001-24S_PRECIOUS.pdf

As of 1 Nov 2022

Pervasive Research & Evaluation for Complex-solutions In Operational & Urgent Systems (PRECIOUS)

Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA) Closed Call for Proposals

1.0 Overview Information

Federal Agency Name

Air Force Research Laboratory, AFRL/RX, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate

MAA Number and Title

FA2394-24-R-B003, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (RX) Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA)

Applicable MAA Technical Area

Integrated Electronic Warfare

Solicitation Authority

10 U.S.C 4023, Procurement for Experimental Purposes

Solicitation Number and Title

001-24S, Pervasive Research & Evaluation for Complex-solutions In Operational & Urgent Systems (PRECIOUS)

Solicitation Type This is the Initial Solicitation Solicitation Format The 2-Step Closed Call for Proposals Step 1 White Paper Submission Due Date

WHITE PAPER DUE DATE AND TIME: 06 Sept 2024, 2:00pm EDT Wright-Patterson AFB, OH local time. Only white papers are due at this time.

Step 2 Proposal Due Date

PROPOSAL DUE DATE AND TIME: TBD

Anticipated Award Date January 2025

Estimated Program Cost

Total Program Estimated Cost is $500M: Initial Task Orders are anticipated as follows:

Task Order 1: $200m Task Order 2: $75m

Anticipated Number of Awards

The Air Force anticipates awarding a Mulitiple Award IDIQ with 2 initial Task Orders. However, the Air Force reserves the right to award zero, one, or more contracts for all, some or none of the solicited effort based on the offeror’s ability to perform desired work and funding fluctuations.

Contract/Instrument Types

The Air Force anticipates awarding FAR-based C-type contracts.

However, the Air Force reserves the right to award the instrument best suited to the nature of research proposed, such as any appropriate contract type under the FAR or Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype, grant, cooperative agreement, or OT for Research

Agency Contacts

Program Engineer: Josh Forbes, AFRL/RXE, joshua.forbes.4@us.af.mil

Contracting Officer: David Hall, AFRL/RXKMS, david.hall.63@us.af.mil

Contracting Specialist: Phillip Drayton, AFRL/RXKMC, phillip.drayton@us.af.mil

001-24S mailto:joshua.forbes.4@us.af.mil mailto:david.hall.63@us.af.mil mailto:phillip.drayton@us.af.mil

2.0 Full Text Announcement

2.1 Program Description:

The Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, (AFRL/RX) is soliciting white papers (and later technical and cost proposals) on the following research effort:

The PRECIOUS program goals are to transition materials and process (M&P) technology solutions and innovative testing protocols with the goals of improving mission readiness, reducing cost (both production and life cycle sustainment), improving manufacturing, maximizing systems safety, reducing adverse environmental impact, and creating/preventing technological surprise. This program will span across research (foundational, applied, advanced), quick reaction activities, prototyping, demonstration, and transition of technology and process solutions to meet Department of Air Force (DAF) needs. This program will include (but not be limited to) specialty materials, composite & polymer systems, metals & mechanical systems, electrical & electronics materials, nondestructive evaluation, chemical analysis, other nonmetallic aerospace materials, manufacturing technologies, energy & resource technologies, and biomaterials/biomanufacturing.

PRECIOUS consists of ten Technical Areas. These Technical Areas are grouped into two Task Orders, 0001 and 0002. Task Order 0001 will cover key technical areas 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, and

10. Task Order 0002 will cover key technical area 9.

This new ID/IQ contract with Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) completion type task orders will research, assess, develop, test, evaluate, prototype, demonstrate, and transition materials and processes (M&P) related to the following key technical areas: 1) Specialty Materials, 2) Composite & Polymer Systems, 3) Metals & Mechanical Systems, 4) Electrical & Electronics Materials, 5) Nondestructive Evaluation, 6) Chemical Analysis, 7) other Nonmetallic Aerospace Materials, 8) Manufacturing Technologies, 9) Energy & Resource Technologies, and 10) Biomaterials /Biomanufacturing. This program requires M&P knowledge, as well as an understanding of manufacturing, depot, and operational environments. It relies on strong in-house capability and teaming with outside technical specialists.

2.2 Statement of Objective/Description of Technical Areas:

See Attachments 1, 2, and 3

Address technical or contracting questions to: AFRL.RX.MAA@us.af.mil

2.3 Deliverable Items:

The deliverables under this contract shall include the following: data items, test samples, any acquired or modified special test equipment, residual materials from manufactured products, material characterization measurements, test data, activity reports, written evaluation reports, and scientific and technical papers.

2.4 Schedule:

a. Overall Period of Performance: 87 months (84 months technical + 3 months reporting period)

b. Ordering Period: 60 months

c. Data Item Delivery: See Attachment 6

001-24S

2.5 Other Requirements:

a. Program Security Classification: Top Secret/SCI – SAP. See Attachment

6, DD254. Offerors must verify their Cognizant Security Office information is current with Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) at www.dcsa.mil.

b. Export Control: Information involved in this research effort may be subject to Export Control (International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) 22 CFR 120-130, or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 15 CFR 710-774). A Certified DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, will be required to be submitted with proposal. Only contractors who are registered and certified with the Defense Logistics Agency and have a legitimate business purpose may participate in this solicitation. Contact the U.S./Canada Joint Certification Program Office, Defense Logistics Agency, Logistics Information Services J34, HDI Federal Center, 74 Washington Avenue N., Battle Creek, Michigan 49037- 3084, (1-877-352-2255) or the Joint Certification Program Office (JCO) at JCP- ADMIN@DLA.MIL 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, if required by the solicitation.

c. Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS): May apply to FAR-based awards resulting from this Solicitation. See ReACT MAA Industry Guide, Chapter 6 for additional details.

2.6 Science and Technology (S&T) Protection:

In accordance with Air Force Research Laboratory Instruction (AFRLI) 61-113, “Science and Technology (S&T) Protection for the Air Force Research Laboratory”, offerors are required to submit the following as part of their proposal:

2.6.1 SF 424:

A completed initial Standard Form (SF) 424, Research and Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Form, (Attachment 8) for all Senior/Key Personnel proposed in support of the

AFRLI 61-113

2.6.2 Personnel Risk Assessment Requirement:

Documentation of a Security Program Plan in support of the AFRLI 61-113 Initial Institution S&T Protection Program Review requirement. This must include, at a minimum, a completed Security Program Questionnaire (Attachment 9).

2.6.3 Pre-Existing Plan:

Submittal may also include a pre-existing plan that that the offeror uses as a matter of course or plan developed specifically for this acquisition. The purpose of requesting the plan is to assess the offeror’s capacity for protection of the Government’s S&T. Failure to demonstrate a plan adequate to meet the needs of the requirements, as determined by the Government in its sole discretion, may be grounds for considering the proposal unawardable.

2.6.4 Government Procedures:

The Government will review the submitted S&T protection documentation only for those proposals categorized as Selectable and selected for funding and negotiations.

http://www.dcsa.mil/ mailto:JCP-ADMIN@DLA.MIL mailto:JCP-ADMIN@DLA.MIL

The Government may require the offeror to submit additional information and/or a mitigation plan for any identified S&T protection risks. If the Government determines the offeror failed to provide adequate additional information; or an acceptable mitigation plan;

or it is determined the offeror’s S&T protection approach is high risk and does not provide adequate protection of S&T information, the Government may reject the proposal and withdraw it from consideration for award.

2.6.5 S&T Protection Annual Risk Review:

In accordance with Attachment 10 (SOW Supplemental Requirements), the Contractor shall provide an SF 424 with the following information: 1) an initial report of all Senior/Key Personnel at the time of award; 2) an annual report of all Senior/Key Personnel providing support; and 3) a report for any new Senior/Key Personnel who join the contract, agreement, grant, or OT. Any updated SF 424s for new Senior/Key Personnel supporting the award require coordination from the Government prior to the contractor employee receiving access to S&T information. The purpose of this report is oversight and should not be construed as relieving the contractor/recipient of any S&T Protection requirements within the contract, grant, agreement, or OT.

2.9 Other Information:

2.9.1 Government Furnished Property (GFP) Availability:

Government Furnished Property (GFP) currently accountable under several concluding contracts will be made available to this new effort once the previous contracts close out. If necessary, accommodations shall be made for GFP access on a non-interference basis. 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.

2.9.2 Base Support/ Network Access:

Base support is anticipated for this contract. The contractor will have access to AFRL/RX office facilities, equipment and laboratory facilities used for AFRL/RX in-house efforts in the Bldg. 65X complex and Bldg. 1661/127, WPAFB, OH 45433.

2.9.3 Multiple awards subject to Fair Opportunity:

Multiple awards are anticipated.

2.11 Data Rights Desired:

See RX MAA Industry Guide, Chapter 3 for additional details. Potential Offerors are advised that Attachment 10, Data Rights Assertion Table will be required to be returned with a full proposal if one is requested. This attachment is provided for informational purposes.

3.0 Award Information

3.1 Anticipated funding:

See Attachment 4: Funding Profile

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

4.0 Cost Sharing or Matching:

Cost Sharing is not required.

4.1 Other:

4.1.1 Foreign Participation:

Foreign participation is not authorized at the prime contractor level.

4.1.2 White Paper Limits:

There are no limits on the number of white papers an offeror may submit. If an offeror submits multiple white papers, each white paper must provide unique approaches.

5.0 White Paper / Proposal and Submission Information

5.1 Overview:

This Solicitation consists of a Two-Step Process described in detail below. White Papers/Proposals submitted shall be in accordance with the RX MAA, the RX MAA Industry Guide, and this Solicitation. There will be no other solicitation issued in regard to this requirement. The Government intends to review white papers/proposals and award some, all, or none of the proposals received without negotiation/discussion; however, the Government reserves the right to negotiate with those offeror(s) whose proposal is selected for funding.

ONLY WHITE PAPERS ARE BEING SOLICITED AT THIS TIME.

Offerors should be alert for any Solicitation amendments that may permit extensions to the white paper submission date.

5.2 First Step (White Paper) Instructions:

See Attachment 5: RX MAA Industry Guide, Chapter 4.

5.2.1 DEVIATION from RX MAA Industry Guide, Chapter 4, Paragraph 5(b)(1):

White Paper shall be limited to 10 pages for the Basic IDIQ; and the White Paper(s) shall be limited to 20 pages each for T.O. 0001 and T.O. 0002 with the pages, prepared and submitted in Microsoft Word format.

5.2.2 White Paper Delivery Instructions

White Papers shall be delivered via email by 06 Sept 2024, 2:00pm EDT to the following contracting office points-of-contact:

Contracting Officer: David Hall, AFRL/RXKMS, david.hall.63@us.af.mil

Contracting Specialist: Phillip Drayton, AFRL/RXKMC, phillip.drayton@us.af.mil

5.3 Second Step (Proposal) Instructions:

See RX MAA Industry Guide Chapter 4. Any deviations from the RX MAA Industry Guide will be identified in the Request for Proposal (RFP) issued to those offerors who have submitted White Papers identified as further interest to AFRL.

mailto:david.hall.63@us.af.mil mailto:phillip.drayton@us.af.mil

6.0 White Paper / Proposal Review Information

DEVIATION from RX MAA Industry Guide, Chapter 5, Paragraph 1:

The following criteria are to be used in lieu of the standard White Paper Criteria outlined in Chapter 5, of the RX MAA Industry Guide. The Government will Review White Papers to determine which of them have the potential to best meet the Air Force’s needs based on the following review criteria, and are of equal of importance:

1. Consistency between the offeror’s technical approach and the technologies listed in the SOOs.

2. The offeror’s understanding, capability, and experience in the scope of the key technical areas outlined in the SOO(s).

3. Soundness of the offeror’s technical approach.

4. Availability, from any source, of necessary research, test, laboratory, or shop facilities.

5. The offeror’s ability, at a minimum to provide expertise that is NAS 410 Level 3

Certified (Nondestructive Testing Personnel Qualification and Certification), in the following five basic inspection methods: magnetic particle inspection, penetrant inspection (fluorescent and visual), eddy-current inspection, radiography inspection, and ultrasonic inspection. (Task Order 0001 Only)

6. The offeror’s personnel and facility capabilities to receive and generate classified materials both onsite and off-site for – up to and including the TOP SECRET, Special Compartmented Information (SCI) and Special Access Program (SAP) data. (Task Order 0001 Only)

7. The offeror’s quality management standards and procedures; specifically detail its laboratory certifications for managing the quality and technical competency.

Specifically for competencies involving elastomers and specialty materials, the program requires certification and accreditation to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 at time of proposal. (Task Order 0001 Only)

8. The offeror’s ability to execute Proprietary Information Agreements with all aircraft systems, equipment, and material manufacturers, as required by onsite laboratory activities.

7.0 Award Administration Information

7.1 Award Notices:

Offerors will be notified whether their proposal is recommended for award on or about (Insert date). The notification is not to be construed to mean that any contract or agreement is assured, as availability of funds and successful negotiations are prerequisites to any award.

8.0 Other Information

8.1 Acquisition of Commercial Items:

Based upon market research, the Government is not using the policies contained in Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items, in this solicitation. However, interested offerors may identify to the Contracting Officer their interest and capability to satisfy the Government’s requirement with a commercial item within 15 days of this notice.

8.2 Representative List of Clauses

Attachment 12, Representative List of Provisions and Clauses is provided for informational purposes. Individual Representations and Certifications may be requested as part of an RFP issued to those offerors who submitted White Papers determined to be of further interest to AFRL. The FAR(S) clauses referenced in the attachment may not apply to awards made pursuant to Non-FAR authorities, however those efforts may utilize the attachment as a starting point for negotiation of articles.

ATTACHMENTS

ONLY ITEMS 1-5 ARE ATTACHED TO THIS SOLICIATION. ITEMS 6-12 WILL BE

PROVIDED IN THE RFP ISSUED TO THOSE OFFERORS WHO HAVE SUBMITTED WHITE

PAPERS IDENTIFIED AS FURTHER INTEREST TO AFRL.

1. PRECIOUS IDIQ Statement of Objectives (SOO)

2. T.O.1 SOO

3. T.O.2 SOO

4. Funding profile

5. MAA Industry Guide

6. DD-1423

7. Solicitiaton DD254

8. Standard Form (SF) 424, Research and Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded)

Form

9. Security Program Questionnaire

10. Statement of Work (SOW) Supplemental Requirements

11. Data Rights Assertion Table

12. Representative List of Provisions and Clauses