G03 HQ003423NFOEASD19 Mantech EWD NFO Grants.gov.pdf

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DoD)

OSD ManTech Program, Manufacturing Education and Workforce Development (M-

EWD)

Announcement Type: Initial Announcement Funding Opportunity Number: HQ003423NFOEASD19

Assistance Listing: 12.333 Advanced Manufacturing Technology - Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program

Authority: 10 USC 4841 Manufacturing Technology Program

Key Dates: This announcement will be open to receive an application until the time included in Section IV, “Application and Submission Information.”

The target award-date is 1 December 2023. Decisions are expected to be announced via email.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Department of Defense (DoD) Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program (hereinafter referred to as “OSD ManTech”) furthers national security objectives through the development and application of advanced manufacturing technologies and processes. OSD ManTech is one effective mechanism for maintaining the technological edge of the United States by promoting innovative manufacturing capabilities and an industrial base that can deliver them. To ensure technological advantage over our adversaries, OSD ManTech provides an innovative, agile, resilient, responsive, and affordable industrial base by:

• serving as the Department’s investment mechanism for identifying, developing, and maturing manufacturing processes that enable affordable production and repair of defense systems and equipment;

• disseminating results to the defense industrial base (DIB);

• striving to enhance the resilience of the supply chain; and

• promoting education and training of the domestic manufacturing workforce.

OSD ManTech carries out this mission by focusing on a diverse set of identified joint, defense-critical, and sometimes high-risk manufacturing technology areas. In coordination with the branches of the military services and the nine Department of Defense Manufacturing Innovation Institutes (MIIs), OSD ManTech works on cross-cutting national security manufacturing needs to stimulate the early development of manufacturing processes concurrent with technology development and workforce training.

The DoD has a responsibility to maintain a strong and capable military to protect the nation. A highly skilled and educated defense manufacturing workforce is critical to the development and maintenance of advanced defense technologies and systems that ensure that national security. The Defense Industrial Base is also an important contributor to both the national and numerous regional economies, in terms of creating jobs and driving innovation. By promoting education and training of the defense manufacturing workforce, the DoD can help ensure a steady supply of skilled workers who can contribute to the growth of the industry and maintenance of the U.S. technological edge.

The M-EWD Program proactively addresses issues limiting the affordability and availability of education and workforce training capabilities and infrastructure associated with advanced manufacturing technology in the Defense Industrial Base. Its activities focus around three broad areas:

• Building regional and state ecosystems for defense manufacturing;

• Upscaling solutions developed by the MIIs across networks; and

• Leveraging interagency relationships to support education and workforce development efforts

1. OVERVIEW OF FUNDING PRIORITITES

The purpose of this NFO is to facilitate the OSD ManTech mission broadly and specifically to deliver the public benefit inherent in the promotion of education and training of the defense manufacturing workforce. OSD ManTech seeks applications from organizations regarding mechanisms and organizational structures needed to identify and categorize the advanced manufacturing workforce, implement and research the effectiveness of advanced manufacturing education and training programs and/or methods, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, outreach, and/or workforce development initiatives specific to defense advanced manufacturing. These activities may include, but are not limited to:

• Activities aligned to the DOD ManTech Strategic Plan0F

• Research related to the state of the U.S. defense manufacturing workforce

• Education and workforce development activities aligned to the DoD Critical Technology Areas (CTAs)

1https://www.dodmantech.mil/Portals/107/DoDManTech_StratPlan_2022_FINAL.pdf?ver=sZIRZnneshHkcd3asNkTOw%3 D%3D

• Alignment of existing or planned Regional Initiatives to DoD Manufacturing Priorities

• Strategic Partnerships

• Program Evaluations and Assessments

• Data Analytics and Visualizations

• Manufacturing Education and Outreach

• Other Congressional Initiatives and Programs

Initial Stand-up Phase (from date of award through 6-months of performance): OSD ManTech envisions establishing a collaborative relationship for the award and administration of a a cooperative agreement (2 CFR § 200.24). The policies will include but are not limited to administering activities including the ideation, selection, and execution of projects that support DoD manufacturing educational workforce technology objectives.

The award made under this announcement will be governed by the general terms and conditions in effect at the time of the award that conform to DoD’s implementation of OMB guidance applicable to financial assistance in 2 CFR 200, “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.” Additionally, the requirements of the DoD Grant and Agreement Regulations at 32 CFR Subchapter C are applicable to this award. These terms and conditions are incorporated by reference in this announcement.

2. BACKGROUND

OSD ManTech is a vital component of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering's (OUSD(RE)) efforts to ensure that the United States maintains its technological edge in defense manufacturing. OSD ManTech is focused on advancing the state-of-the-art in defense manufacturing processes, equipment, and materials, and supporting the development of a robust, resilient, and responsive defense industrial base.

OSD ManTech works in close collaboration with industry, academia, and government partners to identify dual-use technologies and critical manufacturing technology needs, and develop solutions to address them. The program focuses on a wide range of technology areas, including but not limited to: advanced materials, digital manufacturing, robotics and automation, advanced tooling, and additive manufacturing.

OSD ManTech also supports the development and deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies across the defense industrial base through a variety of initiatives, including but not limited to: technology demonstrations, technology transition programs, and collaborative research and development efforts. OSD ManTech facilitates the needs for DoD and works closely with other non-DoD customers/ agencies, such as the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to leverage existing capabilities and resources and to ensure that defense manufacturing technology development efforts are aligned with broader national priorities.

These national priorities were most recently refined in The National Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing. The document notes that, “It is…imperative for the United States to develop and implement strategies to regain American leadership through investments in advanced manufacturing. Furthermore, the nation's manufacturing and industrial base underpins the U.S. military capabilities using advanced technologies to secure our democracy.”1F

2 Globally, the pace of innovation is accelerating and with it the competition for scientific and technical talent. Securing, training, and employing this talent is a critical national security imperative. The National Defense Strategy has also called for the Department of Defense to make significant investments in critical technology areas to meet key capability and capacity needs, and a broad, deep, and diverse technical talent pool is essential in completing this mission.2F

3 It is anticipated that new initiatives and technologies will be considered, as the OSD ManTech portfolio of programs expands, which may include the creation and establishment of additional MIIs.

3. FUNDING PRIORITIES

In accordance with 10 USC §4841, Manufacturing Technology Program, OUSD(R&E), OSD ManTech is seeking a broad range of programs to support its manufacturing education and workforce development mission to, “to sustain and enhance the skills and capabilities of the manufacturing work force; promote high-performance work systems (with development and dissemination of production technologies that build upon the skills and capabilities of the work force), high levels of worker education and training, and to ensure appropriate coordination between the manufacturing technology programs and industrial preparedness programs of the Department of Defense and similar programs undertaken by other departments and agencies of the Federal Government or by the private sector.”

OSD ManTech seeks to complement its portfolio of programs (https://www.dodmantech.mil) while maintaining and/or increasing its focus on advancing the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies in the defense industrial base and organic industrial base. This announcement explicitly encourages projects that improve the capacity of education and training systems, communities and regional economies to create needed training, curricula, support, and implementation activities to prepare the 21st century technical workforce. These activities may be carried out by, but not limited to, states and communities, community colleges, universities, research institutes, military depots, arsenals, and shipyards, or in the private sector. Funding will ultimately be targeted towards programs or projects that are most directly aligned with the ManTech Strategic Plan, the USD(R&E) Strategic Vision and Critical Technology Areas3F

4, and The National Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing.

Specific initiatives to be supported through this NFO may include, but are not limited to, 2 The National Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing, https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/National- Strategy-for-Advanced-Manufacturing-10072022.pdf 3 https://media.defense.gov/2022/Oct/27/2003103845/-1/-1/1/2022-NATIONAL-DEFENSE-STRATEGY-NPR-MDR.PDF

4 https://www.cto.mil/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/usdre_strategic_vision_critical_tech_areas.pdf https://www.dodmantech.mil/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/National-Strategy-for-Advanced-Manufacturing-10072022.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/National-Strategy-for-Advanced-Manufacturing-10072022.pdf https://media.defense.gov/2022/Oct/27/2003103845/-1/-1/1/2022-NATIONAL-DEFENSE-STRATEGY-NPR-MDR.PDF https://www.cto.mil/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/usdre_strategic_vision_critical_tech_areas.pdf topics outlined below:

1. Activities Aligned to the DOD ManTech Strategic Plan4F

As the primary technology office for OUSD(R&E) ManTech has established a distinct strategy, vision, and mission for the OSD ManTech Program. The strategy is implemented through four thrust areas that support the joint ManTech enterprise. Any activities proposed under this NFO should focus on Thrust Areas 3 (Expand Outreach and Communication) and 4 (Educate and Develop Manufacturing Workforce).

Under Thrust Area 3 ManTech will foster alignment with external stakeholders to address manufacturing gaps and bolster supply chain resiliency (Goal 3.1); and disseminate program results throughout the industrial base to enable transition (Goal 3.2). Under Thrust Area 4 ManTech intends to identify current and future education and workforce requirements for the DoD organic and industrial base (Goal 4.1); and strengthen the educational pipeline and develop a next-generation manufacturing workforce (Goal 4.2).

Given the broad scope of these thrust areas, ManTech expects resulting proposed scopes of effort to vary greatly in size and complexity. Projects may have a national reach or be regionally focused, limited to one technology area or offer overarching solutions sets common to all manufacturing sectors and/or technologies.

2. Research related to state of the U.S. defense manufacturing workforce

Defense manufacturing is a critical component of the U.S. economy, with a significant impact on national security. It is imperative that ManTech have a strong understanding of the current state of this workforce, its size, composition, available skills, location, and density, to be able to identify and develop workforce development initiatives in advance of need. Research on the current and likely future states of the defense manufacturing workforce will provide valuable insights into areas where skills training and development are necessary to maintain a national security advantage.

Of special interest is identifying systemic challenges which could affect the nation’s ability to meet future defense manufacturing needs. This includes examining the availability of skilled workers and identifying potential workforce gaps and shortages on a weapons system, technology, process, or on a regional basis.

OSD ManTech also seeks programs that emphasize areas that support the future mission of the broader-DoD and other federal agencies. These include, but are not limited to, DoD critical technology areas, such as biotechnology, cyber, microelectronics, and autonomy, from the research and development phase through advanced manufacturing5F

6 (see also

5https://www.dodmantech.mil/Portals/107/DoDManTech_StratPlan_2022_FINAL.pdf?ver=sZIRZnneshHkcd3asNkTOw%3 D%3D 6 https://www.cto.mil/modernization-priorities/ https://www.cto.mil/modernization-priorities/ paragraph 6 in this section).

3. Strategic Partnerships

OSD ManTech seeks to fund programs and initiatives that support strategic partnerships with state, regional, and/or non-profit organizations, awardees, collaborators, and stakeholders across academia, the defense industrial base, the organic industrial base, non-profit entities, the Federal Government, and others, in alignment with the ManTech strategic vision and mission. ManTech seeks to foster partnerships which hold the potential to address skill shortages in advanced manufacturing, support national security objectives, realize cost savings in training and education programs, and expand the talent pipeline for defense manufacturing careers.

These strategic partnerships may also be developed and fostered through regional manufacturing ecosystems. Through engaging with and leveraging strategic partnerships, the DoD aims to create more effective and efficient workforce development interventions, and to amplify awareness of advanced manufacturing education and career opportunities.

Benefits of collaborating through strategic partnerships and manufacturing ecosystems includes, but are not limited to, common articulation of manufacturing workforce shortfalls, common approach to collecting metrics and evaluating programs, sharing of best practices, and communicating opportunities to engage both students and incumbent workers in pathways to emerging or high need defense manufacturing careers.

4. Program Evaluations and Assessments

Program evaluation results may be used to assess a program’s effectiveness, identify how to improve performance, or guide resource allocation. All evaluation efforts should complement and add to current evaluation efforts, both at the portfolio and individual program level. Evaluations may be commissioned to improve outcomes of the workforce development programs of the DoD-aligned Manufacturing Innovation Institutes (MII), or local efforts which hold promise of developing into national models.

Evaluation efforts of interest may include, but are not limited to, those programs which seek to improve efficiency in defense manufacturing processes in order to identify training or re-training requirements for new or incumbent workers; those projects or programs which can help identify skills gaps more quickly; those programs which propose to address workforce shortages directly; those programs which may contribute to the readiness of the defense manufacturing workforce; and those project which will monitor progress of existing or newly funded efforts. And/or regional-level evaluations on the health, efficiency, and effectiveness of manufacturing workforce ecosystems.

5. Data Analytics and Visualizations

OSD ManTech seeks to fund data analytic and visualization efforts and initiatives. These efforts may increase effective monitoring and reporting on progress towards program objectives, provide resources that show the availability of manufacturing education, training, and outreach programs and resources throughout the nation, and/or communicate and demonstrate the value of manufacturing and advanced manufacturing programs.

Through data analytics and visualizations, OSD ManTech internal and external stakeholders may gain a better understanding of the breadth, depth, and reach of collaborative efforts across DoD manufacturing education, training, and workforce development programs, and OSD ManTech may be better positioned at the forefront of public dissemination efforts for program performance and outcome data.

6. Education and Workforce Development Aligned to the DoD Critical Technology Areas

To ensure enduring US leadership in science and technology, it is critical to support education and training in DoD critical technology areas to develop a robust technical workforce. OSD ManTech is focusing on activities aligned to critical technology areas by explicitly encouraging proposals that improve capability of workforce development and education systems and communities to create impactful educational experiences for students and teachers and prepare the 21st century technical workforce. Current critical technology areas include:6F

• Human-Machine Interfaces

• Advanced Computing and Software

• Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems

• Microelectronics

• Space Technology

• Renewable Energy Generation and Storage

• Trusted AI and Autonomy

• Directed Energy

• Hypersonics

• Integrated Sensing and Cyber

Funding efforts will be targeted primarily towards programs which most directly contribute to the needs of the defense manufacturing workforce in these critical interest areas. These efforts may be directed at governmental or non-profit organizations near or associated with military shipyards, depots, and arsenals, and/or DoD-affiliated Manufacturing Innovation Institutes. Organizations which work to develop the workforce in these technology areas, should address how any proposed workforce development efforts most directly connect to the technologies in this section.

7. Manufacturing Education and Outreach

Manufacturing is a crucial driver of economic development, job creation, and innovation.

As manufacturing, and especially defense manufacturing, continues to evolve with technological advancements, the industry requires a highly skilled workforce that can adapt to these changes. Education and outreach initiatives help create a pipeline of skilled workers by inspiring and preparing students for manufacturing careers.

7 https://www.cto.mil/ct/

However, much of the public still has outdated perceptions of manufacturing as dirty, dangerous, and low-skilled work. Education and outreach programs help change these misconceptions and demonstrate the exciting and innovative opportunities available in modern manufacturing. For DoD such outreach is a critical component of loading the talent pipeline in order to create a workforce that is agile, innovative, skilled, and security clearance eligible.

DoD may fund some education and outreach efforts for the following populations:

• Incumbent defense manufacturing workers

• Incumbent manufacturing workers

• Underserved or underrepresented populations

• Transitioning veterans

• 2-Year College students

• K-12 (focus on secondary education)

Proposals may consider how to create and deliver full spectrum communications efforts, (e.g. web, social media, video, e-mail, etc.) and messaging specific to each targeted group.

8. Alignment of regional Initiatives to DoD Manufacturing Priorities

The DoD may seek to fund activities in regional economies or ecosystems aligned to the OSD ManTech’s strategic vision and mission, and/or support the strategic goals of the USD(R&E). This strategic vision, mission, and goals are subject to change as USD(R&E) guidance is updated and the ManTech Strategic Plan is revised.

The vision and mission of the ManTech Strategic Plan (November 2022) is below:

• ManTech Vision: A responsive, world-class manufacturing capability to affordably and rapidly meet warfighter needs throughout the defense system life cycle, within the Defense Industrial and Organic Base; and

• ManTech Mission: Anticipate and close gaps in manufacturing capabilities for affordable, timely, and low-risk development, production, and sustainment of defense systems through technology development and adoption and training.

The corresponding goals outlined in the ManTech Vision and Mission are7F

8:

• Advance Manufacturing technology

• Strengthen Joint Planning and Coordination

• Expand Outreach and Communication

• Educate and Develop the Manufacturing Workforce

8 https://www.dodmantech.mil/Portals/107/DoDManTech_StratPlan_2022_FINAL.pdf?ver=sZIRZnneshHkcd3asNkTOw%3D%3D https://www.dodmantech.mil/Portals/107/DoDManTech_StratPlan_2022_FINAL.pdf?ver=sZIRZnneshHkcd3asNkTOw%3D%3D

9. Other Congressional Initiatives and Programs

From time-to-time Congress may fund programs or projects within ManTech’s statutory authority or direct the execution of programs or projects related to manufacturing technology or the defense manufacturing workforce. These programs or projects may or may not occur during normal program and budget cycles.

Additionally, the DoD may seek to fund OSD ManTech educational initiatives, programs, and activities in addition to any M-EWD designated annually appropriated amount(s).

AUTHORIZATION

The authorization to make awards under this NFO may be found via the Assistance Listing (formerly, the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance [CFDA] Number) 12.333 at https://sam.gov/content/assistance-listings.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Type of Contract/Instrument: The Government intends to award a cooperative agreement. The anticipated substantial government involvement includes collaboration, participation, or intervention in the program or activity to be performed under the award. The Government reserves the right to award other assistance instruments, if deemed in the best interests of the Government.

Estimated Program Funding: The Federal Government (DoD) anticipates funding $18,000,000.00 towards the agreement, distributed across two fiscal years (basic award) and three, 1-year options (if exercised). The anticipated federal program funding, broken out by Fiscal Year (FY), is:

Fiscal Year FY24 FY25 FY26 (Option 1)

FY27

(Option 2)

FY28

(Option 3)

Total Estimated Amount

Federal Contribution/ Funding

$2M $4M $4M $4M $4M $18M

Subject to the availability of funds, the total value of this effort may also be augmented by Congress or by other federal government agencies.

Anticipated Number of Awards: The Government reserves the right to make a single or no award as a result of this NFO. Only one (1) award is anticipated.

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. ELIGIBLE OFFEROR/OFFERORS

Eligible offerors include non-profit institutions, institutions of higher education, state and/or local educational agencies, or consortia of such institutions and/or industry. Must have national reach capabilities that enable engagement across and in support of the U.S.

domestic manufacturing base. Foreign entities will not be considered.

https://sam.gov/content/assistance-listings

Defense laboratories, military universities, and warfare centers, as well as other DoD and civilian agency laboratories, are not eligible to receive awards under this NFO. If any such organization is interested in the program described herein, the organization may contact the ManTech Deputy Director at: keith.a.devries2.civ@mail.mil to discuss potential projects.

The subject line of the email shall read “OSD M-EWD NFO Project Proposal (Insert Name of Entity).”

Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs), including Department of Energy National Laboratories, are not eligible to receive awards under this NFO.

However, teaming arrangements between FFRDCs and eligible principal offerors are allowed so long as they are permitted under the sponsoring agreement between the Government and the specific FFRDC.

University Affiliated Research Centers (UARC) are eligible to submit applications under this NFO, unless precluded from doing so by their Department of Defense UARC contract.

Religious organizations are entitled to compete on equal footing with secular organizations for Federal financial assistance as described in Executive Order (EO) 13798, “Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty.” ADAP Form 209.506-1. Silence on this topic in an application will be understood to mean there is no OCI with the Offeror.

2. COST SHARING OR MATCHING

Per 10 USC 4841, the Government will evaluate:

the extent to which that proposed transaction provides for the proposed recipient to share in the cost of the project. For a project for which the Government receives an offer from only one offeror, the contracting officer shall negotiate the ratio of contract recipient cost to Government cost that represents the best value to the Government.

3. CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The organization must disclose any potential or actual scientific or nonscientific conflict of interest(s) and must also disclose any potential or actual conflict(s) of interest for any identified sub recipient included in the application. The Government may follow-up with questions.

Depending on the circumstances, the Government may request a conflict of interest mitigation plan. The plan must be approved by the Government. Conflicts of interest which are unable to be mitigated will deem the applicant ineligible for award.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Proposals submitted shall be in accordance with this announcement. Offerors may submit only one proposal. Proposed sub-recipients or formal collaborators may, however, team on multiple proposals.

The proposal must be valid for at least 180 days. All proposals must reference this announcement number. Offerors should be alert for any amendments to this NFO that may adjust submission dates or mailto:keith.a.devries2.civ@mail.mil other submission requirements. All submissions must be unclassified. The Government will not reimburse any cost associated with participation in the proposal process.

The Government reminds offerors that only warranted Grants Officers could bind or otherwise commit contractually the Government. The cost of preparing proposals in response to this announcement is not an allowable direct charge to any resulting agreement (or any other federal award/contract).

1) SUBMISSION DATE AND TIME

The DoD will only accept applications submitted on or before the date specified in this NFO announcement. Read the instructions in https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/grantors/grantor-standard- language.html about registering to apply for DoD funds. If the offeror experiences difficulties with their submission, Grants.gov provides support via the toll-free number 1-800-518-4726 and email at support@grants.gov. This ticket number will allow the DoD to verify the issue if it cannot be resolved by the application date.

The application package for this NFO is available on Grants.gov. Amendments to this NFO will be posted to the above website when they occur. Interested parties are encouraged to periodically check the above website for updates and amendments.

2) APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS

This NFO competition is implemented in a single stage. The Government only seeks proposals that are relevant and responsive to the Topics of Interest listed above. Applications that fail to address the areas listed in the Topics of Interest may be rejected and not considered further.

Applications will be submitted through Grants.gov. The narrative portion of the application will be submitted in .pdf format. NOTE: If using Excel for any portion of the application, ensure the document is converted to .pdf format prior to uploading to Grants.gov.

DO NOT SEND: Hardcopies (including facsimiles) DO NOT SEND: ZIP files DO NOT SEND: Adobe Acrobat files in portfolio mode DO NOT SEND: Password protected files.

Applications received after the due date and time specified in this NFO, or any amendments thereto will not be considered under any circumstance. Time of receipt will be determined by the date and time the email is by Grants.gov. Early submission is encouraged.

2. UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER (UEI), ACTIVE SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

(SAM)

Applications will only be accepted if submitted through Grants.gov. Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), active System for Award Management (SAM) registration, and Grants.gov account to apply for grants and cooperative agreements.

Please see “Attachment A - Registration and Submission Instructions” for details on how https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/grantors/grantor-standard-language.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/grantors/grantor-standard-language.html mailto:support@grants.gov to go through this process.

The Government may not make a Federal award until the applicant has complied with all unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

The Federal Assistance Certifications Report is an attestation that the entity will abide by the requirements of the various laws and regulations; therefore, as applicable, you are still required to submit any documentation, including the SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable), and informing DoD of unpaid delinquent tax liability or a felony conviction under any Federal law.

Any attachment containing additional certifications should be prefaced by the following statement:

“By checking “I Agree” on the SF-424 Block 21 you agree to abide by the following statement: “By signing this application, I certify (1) to the statements contained in the list of certifications and (2) that the statements herein are true, complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I also provide the required assurances and agree to comply with any resulting terms if I accept an award. I am aware that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or claims may subject me to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties. (U.S. Code, Title 218, Section 1001)”

Offerors are responsible for submitting their applications in sufficient time to allow them to reach Grants.gov by the date and time specified in this announcement. It is strongly recommended that applications be uploaded at least two days before the closing date and time. This will help avoid problems caused by high system usage or any potential technical and/or input problems involving the offeror’s own equipment. It will also allow any application errors detected by Grants.gov to be corrected in time for the application to be resubmitted. If the application is received by Grants.gov after the exact time and date specified as the deadline for receipt, it will be considered “late” and may not be considered for review.

3) APPLICATION WITHDRAWAL

An offeror may withdraw an application at any time before award by written notice or by email. Notice of withdrawal shall be sent to the grants officer identified in this announcement. Withdrawals are effective upon receipt of notice by the grants officer.

4) APPLICATION FORMS

The below chart specifies which forms and attachments are required and specifies the maximum page lengths for attachments to be submitted along with the completed form.

Required Forms SF424 Mandatory Form (V3.0)

Assurances for Non-construction Programs (SF-424B) (V1.1)

Budget Information for Non-construction Programs (SF-424A) (V1.0)

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) (V2.0) (Optional)

Project Abstract Summary (V2.0) (Suggested length no more than two pages)

Project Narrative Attachment Form (V1.2) (Suggested length no more than 20 pages)

The application consists of a narrative with supporting documentation, and required forms. Both are explained below.

The Narrative is a twenty-five (25) page document consisting of the following items:

Written Application Breakout Section Page Limit Counts Against

Page Limit

Project Narrative Content

Cover Page 1 NO

Table of Contents 1 NO

Executive Summary 1 YES

Technical Approach and Justification 12 YES

Management Approach 2 YES

Metrics and Evaluation 2 YES

Project Schedule and Milestones 1 YES

Budget Justification 3 YES

Qualifications/Past Performance 1 YES

Responsibility 2 YES

Reports .5-1 YES

Letters of Support Letters of Support 10 NO

Required Content

Data Management Plan As needed NO

Principal Investigator Qualifications/CV 2 NO

Initial Work Plan 6 NO

Current and Pending Project and Application None NO

Technical Applications exceeding the overall 25-page limit may not be evaluated.

EXCLUDED from the Project Narrative page limit are resumes, curricula vitae (limited to two pages each), references, Initial Work Plan, letters of support (limited to 10 pages), current and pending projects, and data management plan. These may be included in the same document as appendices, after the page limit.

** Current and Pending Support (required; no page restrictions; not counted in the project scope restrictions):

• A list of all current projects the individual is working on, in addition to any future support the individual has applied to receive, regardless of the source.

• Title and objectives of the other research projects.

• The percentage per year to be devoted to the other projects.

• The total amount of support the individual is receiving in connection to each of the other research projects or will receive if other applications are awarded.

• Name and address of the agencies and/or other parties supporting the other research projects.

• Period of performance for the other research projects.

The electronic file name for all documents submitted under this NFO must not exceed 68 characters in length, including the file name extension.

5. PROJECT NARRATIVE CONTENT

A complete application must include all components in the following section which will be the criteria for how the application will be evaluated (Section V). The application must describe the effort by the following:

Cover Page – This must include the words “Cooperative Agreement Application.” Using the format below, the following information must be included:

1. Funding Opportunity Number:

2. Title of Application;

3. Identity of Lead Organization and complete list of sub-awardees / Consortium Members;

4. Technical contact (name, address, phone/fax, electronic mail address);

5. Administrative/business contact (name, address, phone/fax, electronic mail address);

6. Principle Investigator (name, address, phone/fax, electronic mail address);

7. Proposed period of performance (identify both the base period and any options, if included); and

8. Total proposed budget.

Table of Contents – A listing of the sections within the application, including corresponding page numbers.

Technical Approach and Justification – The application must consist of a clear description of the approach being proposed. The potential M-EWD relevance and the focus and impact on the Topic(s) of Interest (Section I.C) must be clearly identified and explained. The application should expound on the technical concept and in particular:

1. Describe how you will carry out activities under each Topic of Interest area noted above

2. Discuss merits of the approach you will use for each Interest Area.

3. Discuss the potential to achieve the objectives of the M-EWD program, including the extent to which the proposed effort would augment or enhance current capabilities;

4. Propose (if appropriate) new approaches or projects under each interest area;

5. Discuss increased or enhanced opportunities to disseminate information on advanced manufacturing programs, workforce development efforts and careers;

6. Describe a strategy for program sustainability, such that following the completion of ManTech’s award under this funding opportunity, the effort might have a clear financial path for scalability or program sustainment and leave enduring organization capability.

Note: Because Other Congressional Initiatives and Programs (Topic of Interest item 9 above) are not immediately known, and because they will usually relate to other ManTech portfolio areas, a separate discussion of this item is not necessary.

Management Approach – Describe the overall management approach and provide rationale for participation of key team members. Describe the planned relationships with any sub- awardees or collaborators. Discuss how the program and budget will be executed according to schedule, and how the recipient will monitor the progress of program and budget execution.

Metrics and Evaluation – Discuss how the program will be evaluated, specifically what metrics will be collected, and evaluation method(s) used. Metrics and evaluation components must include but not be limited to:

• Logic models or learning agenda, and program operating guidelines;

• Anticipated data collection and results; and

• Data instruments as feasible.

Project Schedule and Milestones – A summary of the schedule of events and milestones.

Financial Breakdown – The application must include a cost proposal detailing direct labor, administrative and clerical labor, fringe benefits and indirect costs, travel, sub-awards, subcontracts, consultants, materials and supplies, recipient acquired equipment of facilities, and other direct costs.

The cost proposal, which is a narrative explaining and justifying budget figures in enough detail so the government can determine reasonableness. It must include all figures, calculations, and supporting documentation for determining cost allowability, allocability, and reasonableness. Justifications for costs must be explicitly stated.

Additional information may be requested, if needed. If composite rates are used, provide the calculations used in deriving the composite rates. A Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) may be required in order for an awardee to invoice for indirect costs.

If the Offeror does not currently hold a NICRA, describe the current status of the organization’s request for such an agreement with its cognizant agency.

IAW 2 CFR §200.414(f), any non-Federal entity that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, except for those non-Federal entities described in Appendix VII to 2 CFR §200, may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely.

If subject to Federal Single Audit coverage requirements, the offeror must submit the latest Single Audit with the application.

NOTE: Failure to adequately provide detailed cost data will require the Grants Officer to contact the proposing organization for the requisite information. All Offerors are required to submit a thoroughly detailed cost breakdown. The Grants Officer must be able to determine that all proposed costs are allowable and reasonable. A detailed budget will facilitate this cost analysis.

Letter(s) of Support – There is no specified format or content required for the letter(s) of support other than being authored by the appropriate representative on organizational leterhead, and supporting commitment to the offeror and his or her project. Commitment may include (but is not limited to) funding, related materials and/or computer investments, technical advisement, and organizational or infrastructure support. The letter(s) can include any and all commitments and investments made by the representative towards the offeror and the overall statement about the relevance of the project to DoD ManTech and/or DoD Manufacturing Innovation Institute goals.

Current and Pending Project and Application Submissions (as needed)– Offerors are required to provide information on all current and pending support for ongoing projects and applications, including subsequent funding in the case of continuing contracts, grants, and other assistance agreements. Concurrent submission of an application to other organizations will not prejudice its review by the DoD. Offerors shall provide the following information of any related or complementary application submissions from whatever sources (e.g., DoD, Federal, State, local or foreign government agencies, public or private foundations, industrial or other commercial organizations):

1. Title of Application and Summary;

2. Source and amount of funding (annual direct costs; provide contract and/or grant or assistance agreement numbers for current contracts and/ or grants/assistance agreements);

3. Percentage effort devoted to each project;

4. Identity of prime Offerors and complete list of sub-awards, if applicable;

5. Technical contact (name, address, phone/fax, electronic mail address);

6. Administrative/business contact (name, address, phone/fax, electronic mail address);

7. Period of performance;

8. The proposed project and all other projects or activities requiring a portion of time of the Project Director/Principal Investigator and other senior personnel must be included, even if they receive no salary support from the project(s);

9. The total award amount for the entire award period covered (including indirect costs) must be shown as well as the number of person-months or labor hours per year to be devoted to the project, regardless of source of support; and

10. State how projects are related to the proposed effort and indicate degree of overlap.

Principal Investigator Qualifications – A discussion of the qualifications of the proposed Project Director/Principal Investigator and any other key personnel. Include resumes or curricula vitae for the Project Director/Principal Investigator and other key personnel. The resumes/curricula vitae shall be attached to the application and must be limited to two (2) pages each.

Responsibility – Offerors must provide the following information to the DoD in order to assist in the DoD’s evaluation of the offeror’s responsibility:

1. Describe how you have adequate resources or the ability to obtain such capability as required to complete the activities proposed;

2. Describe how you have the ability to comply with the agreement conditions, taking into account all existing and currently prospective commitments of the offeror, nongovernmental and governmental;

3. Describe your performance history; specifically, your record in managing Federal awards and the extent to which any previously awarded amounts will be expended prior to future awards;

4. Describe your record of integrity and business ethics;

5. Describe qualifications and eligibility to receive an award under applicable laws and regulations; and

6. Describe your organization, experience, accounting, and operational controls and technical skills, or the ability to obtain them (including as appropriate such elements as property control systems, quality assurance measures, and safety programs applicable to the services to be performed).

Facilities & Equipment – Describe facilities available for performing the proposed effort and any additional facilities or equipment the organization proposes to acquire at its own expense. Indicate government-owned facilities or equipment already possessed that will be used. Justify the need for each equipment item. (Additional facilities and equipment will not be provided unless the proposed effort cannot be completed by any other practical means.)

Initial Work Plan – Offerors must submit an Initial Work Plan. The Work Plan will become part of the resulting award if the application is selected to be funded. Please fill in the information for the blank portions and include all of the verbiage from these sections:

Acknowledgement of Support, Review for Sensitive Information, Copies for USD(R&E), and Reporting Requirements. A completed Work Plan is required for selected application to receive funding.

Budget Justification – A separate Adobe.pdf document should be included in the application that provides appropriate justification and/or supporting documentation for each element of cost proposed. This document shall be attached under Section K. “Budget Justification” of the Research and Related Budget form. Click “Add Attachment” to attach. This document may be prepared in Excel, but must be converted to Adobe .pdf format when submitted.

The itemized budget should include direct and indirect costs, including rates and quantities. This may include the following:

1. Direct Labor – Individual labor categories or persons, with associated labor hours and unburdened direct labor rates. Provide escalation rates for out years.

a. Administrative and Clerical Labor – Salaries of administrative and clerical staff are normally indirect costs (and included in an indirect cost rate). Direct charging of these costs may be appropriate when a major project requires an extensive amount of administrative or clerical support significantly greater than normal and routine levels of support. Budgets proposing direct charging of administrative or clerical salaries must be supported with a budget justification which adequately describes the major project and the administrative and/or clerical work to be performed.

b. Fringe Benefits and Indirect Costs (F&A, Overhead, G&A, etc.) – The application should show the rates and calculation of the costs for each rate category. If the rates have been approved/negotiated by a government agency, provide a copy of the memorandum/agreement. If the rates have not been approved/negotiated, provide sufficient detail to enable a determination of allowability, allocability and reasonableness of the allocation bases, and how the rates are calculated. Additional information may be requested, if needed. If composite rates are used, provide the calculations used in deriving the composite rates.

c. Travel – The proposed travel costs must include the following for each trip:

the purpose of the trip, origin and destination if known, approximate duration, the number of travelers, and the estimated cost per trip must be justified based on the organizations historical average cost per trip or other reasonable basis for estimation. Such estimates and the resultant costs claimed must conform to the applicable Federal cost principals.

d. Sub-awards/Subcontracts – Provide a description of the work to be performed by the subrecipient/subcontractor. For each sub-award, a detailed budget is required to be submitted by the subrecipient(s). An application and any supporting documentation must be received and reviewed before the Government can complete its cost analysis of the application. The DoD’s preferred method of receiving subcontract information is for this information to be included with the Prime’s application. The email should identify the application title, the prime Offeror and that the attached application is a subcontract.

2. Consultants – Provide a breakdown of the consultant’s hours, the hourly rate proposed, any other proposed consultant costs, a copy of the signed Consulting Agreement or other documentation supporting the proposed consultant rate/cost, and a copy of the consultant’s proposed statement of work if it is not already separately identified in the prime contractor’s application.

3. Materials & Supplies – Provide an itemized list of all proposed materials and supplies including quantities, unit prices, and the basis for the estimate (e.g., quotes, prior purchases, catalog price lists).

4. Recipient Acquired Equipment or Facilities – Equipment and/or facilities are normally furnished by the Recipient. If acquisition of equipment and/or facilities is proposed, a justification for the purchase of the items must be provided.

Provide an itemized list of all equipment and/or facilities costs and the basis for the estimate (e.g., quotes, prior purchases, catalog price lists). Allowable items normally are limited to research equipment not already available for the project.

General purpose equipment (i.e., equipment not used exclusively for research, scientific or other technical activities, such as personal computers, laptops, office equipment) should not be requested unless they will be used primarily or exclusively for the project. For computer/laptop purchases and other general purpose equipment, if proposed, include a statement indicating how each item of equipment will be integrated into the program or used as an integral part of the research effort.

5. Other Direct Costs – Provide an itemized list of all other proposed other direct costs such as Graduate Assistant tuition, laboratory fees, report and publication costs, and the basis for the estimate (e.g., quotes, prior purchases, catalog price lists).

6. Fee/Profit – Fee/profit is unallowable under assistance agreements at either the prime or sub-award level but may be permitted on subcontracts issued by the prime awardee.

Per 2 CFR § 200.216, funds may not be used to procure telecommunications equipment or video surveillance services or equipment produced by:

• Huawei Technologies Company,

• ZTE Corporation Hytera Communications Corporation,

• Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company,

• Dahua Technology Company

• any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities

Data Management Plan – The Data Management Plan will describe…