FY2014_DoD_RIF_BAA_FINAL.pdf

DEFENSE-WIDE RIF BAA

The Washington Headquarters Services, Acquisition Directorate on behalf of the Department of Defense releases the

FY 2014 Rapid Innovation Fund Broad Agency Announcement

Announcement Number: HQ0034-14-BAA-RIF-0001

Pre-Release: May 23, 2014

Issue Date: June 24, 2014

Participating Department of Defense (DoD) Components:

• Department of the Army

• Department of the Navy

• Department of the Air Force

• Chief Information Officer / Defense Information Systems Agency

• Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office

• Defense Health Program

• Defense Intelligence Agency

• Defense Logistics Agency

• Defense Threat Reduction Agency

• Joint Science and Technology Office for Chemical and Biological Defense

• Missile Defense Agency

• National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

• National Reconnaissance Office

• North American Aerospace Defense Command / United States Northern Command

• Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Emerging Capabilities and

Prototyping (Rapid Reaction Technology Office)

• Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manufacturing & Industrial Base

Policy

• United States Pacific Command

• United States Special Operations Command

• United States Transportation Command

DEFENSE-WIDE RIF BAA

IMPORTANT

THIS WILL BE A TWO-STEP SOLICITATION:

STEP 1 - WHITE PAPERS,

STEP 2 – FULL PROPOSALS

White Paper Submission: DoD begins accepting White Papers June 24, 2014.

Deadline for Receipt: White Papers must be completely submitted by 3:00 p.m.

ET August 8, 2014. The due date for full proposals can be found in Section 1.7.

Classified White Papers are not accepted under the DoD RIF Program.

Solicitation Changes: Please read the entire solicitation carefully prior to submitting your White Paper.

Updates and Notices:

Help Desk: If you have questions about the Defense Department's RIF Program, please submit to questions@dodrif.com.

mailto:questions@dodrif.com

DoD FY2014 Rapid Innovation Fund

HQ0034-14-BAA-RIF-0001

Table of Contents

1.0 General Introduction

1.0 General Information

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Agency Name

1.3 Research Opportunity Title

1.4 Program Name

1.5 Research Opportunity Number

1.6 Submission / Locations

1.7 Key Dates

1.8 Submission of Late White Papers

1.9 Research Opportunity Description

1.10 Instrument Type

1.11 Questions about this Solicitation

1.12 Amendments

2.0 Award Information

2.1 Basis of Award

2.2 Notifications

2.3 Debriefings

2.4 Award Value

2.5 Period of Performance

3.0 Eligibility

3.1 Eligible Sources

3.2 Foreign Participants

3.3 Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs)

3.4 Department of Defense Laboratories

3.5 University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs)

3.6 Teaming

4.0 White Paper Package Preparation & Submission Instructions

4.1 White Papers

4.2 Format of White Papers

4.2.1 Number of Pages:

4.2.2 Number of Copies & Format:

4.2.3 Text & Font Format

4.2.4 Headers

4.2.5 Virus Check

4.2.6 Security

4.3 White Paper Package Structure

4.3.1 Volume One – Cover Sheet (Online Form)

4.3.2 Volume Two – White Paper (3-page PDF file upload)

4.3.3 Volume Three – Quad Chart (1-page PDF file upload)

4.4 Submission of White Paper Packages

4.5 Notification of White Paper Package Receipt

4.6 Validity of White Paper Packages

5.0 Proposal Preparation Instructions

5.1 Proposal Overview

5.2 Format of Proposals

5.3 Submission of Late Proposals (Full Proposals)

5.4 Proposal Evaluation and Notification

5.5 DCAA-Approved Accounting System

5.6 Commitment to Small Business

6.0 Evaluation Information

6.1 White Paper Package Evaluations

6.2 Proposal Evaluations / Negotiations

6.3 Adjectival Ratings Definitions

6.4 Selection Preferences

6.5 Selection

6.6 Negotiation

7.0 Award Administration Information

7.1 Information on White Paper & Proposal Status

7.2 Email Addresses

7.3 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code

7.4 System for Award Management (SAM)

8.0 Other Information

8.1 Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI)

8.1.1 Purpose

8.1.2 Scope

8.2 False Statements

8.3 Export Control

8.4 Publication Approval

8.5 Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF)

8.6 Employment Eligibility Verification

8.7 Essentially Equivalent Work

8.8 Security Classification

8.9 Use of Animals and Human Subjects in Research

8.10 Recombinant DNA

8.11 Department of Defense High Performance Computing Program

8.12 Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Reporting

8.13 Subcontracting

8.14 Limitations on Other Transactions

8.15 Technical and Administrative Support by Non-Government Personnel

8.16 Foreign Participants (also known as Foreign Persons)

8.17 Data Rights Desired

8.17.1 Technical Data

8.17.2 Non-Commercial Software (NCS): Unlimited

8.17.3 NCS Documentation: Unlimited Rights

8.17.4. Commercial Computer Software Rights: Customary License

9.0 COMPONENT INSTRUCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

9.1 Introduction

Department of Defense Rapid Innovation Fund

1.0 General Information

1.1 Introduction

This publication constitutes a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) as contemplated in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 35.016 and FAR 6.102(d)(2). A formal Request for Proposal (RFP), solicitation or additional information regarding this announcement will not be issued. This BAA is issued by Washington Headquarters Services, Acquisition Directorate (WHS/AD) on behalf of the DoD Components.

WHS/AD will not issue paper copies of this announcement. WHS/AD reserves the right to fund all, some or none of the proposals in response to this announcement.

WHS/AD provides no funding for direct reimbursement of proposal development costs. White Papers, technical and cost or price proposals (or any other material) submitted in response to this BAA will not be returned. All proposals will be treated as sensitive competitive information and their contents will be disclosed only for the purposes of evaluation.

1.2 Agency Name

Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) Acquisition Directorate (AD), 1155 Defense Pentagon Washington, DC 20301-1155

1.3 Research Opportunity Title

Department of Defense FY 2014 Rapid Innovation Fund (RIF)

1.4 Program Name

RIF is also known as the Rapid Innovation Program (RIP), as defined by statute.

1.5 Research Opportunity Number

HQ0034-14-BAA-RIF-0001

1.6 Submission / Locations

Offerors may submit to more than one Defense activity, but each White Paper must address specific DoD Component requirements. White Paper packages are to be submitted electronically via the Internet at the following respective DoD RIF websites:

• DoD RIF Main Page (All) - http://www.dodrif.com/

• Army - http://www.dodrif.com/

• Navy - https://www.navysbirprogram.com/NavyRIF/ http://www.dodrif.com/ http://www.dodrif.com/ https://www.navysbirprogram.com/NavyRIF/

• Air Force - http://www.AFRapidInnovationFund.com/

• Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) / Defense Agencies -http://www.dodrif.com/

1.7 Key Dates

Final due date for White Paper packages to be considered under this BAA is no later than 3:00 PM EST on August 8, 2014.

If an Offeror does not submit a White Paper package by the specified due date and time, it is not eligible to participate in the remaining Full Proposal submission process and is not eligible for funding. The anticipated due date for Full Proposals is 30 days after the Government extends an invitation to those Offerors who have submitted a White Paper package and have been selected to submit a Full Proposal.

See Section 2.2 for Notification details.

Event Date Time

BAA is released on Federal Business Opportunities

(FEDBIZOPPS)

May 23, 2014 N/A

Websites Open for White Paper Submission June 24, 2014 N/A

Due Date for Questions July 9, 2014 3:00 p.m. EST

BAA Closes for White Papers August 8, 2014 3:00 p.m. EST *These dates are estimates as of the date of this announcement.

THIS WILL BE A TWO-STEP SOLICITATION:

First Step: WHITE PAPER DUE DATE AND TIME: NLT August 8, 2014, 3:00 p.m. ET. Only White Papers are due at this time. White Papers must be received through the appropriate DoD RIF submission website NLT 3:00 p.m. ET, August 8, 2014. It will not be possible to submit White Papers after the due date/time. All White Paper submissions must comply with the submission guidelines/templates provided on the respective websites. Failure to comply may result in the rejection of the White Paper during the review.

Second Step: FULL PROPOSAL DUE DATE AND TIME: Proposals will only be accepted in response to invitations for full proposals sent from respective DoD Component Contracting Officers to Offerors with White Papers determined to be technically acceptable as evaluated against criteria published in this BAA. Full Proposals due date is 30 days after the Government extends an invitation to those Offerors who have been selected to submit a Full Proposal.

http://www.afrapidinnovationfund.com/ http://www.dodrif.com/

1.8 Submission of Late White Papers

(Applicable to White Paper Packages) Offerors are responsible for access to the respective DoD RIF submission website and for submitting electronic White Papers as specified in Section 1.6. When sending electronic files, the Offeror shall account for potential delays in file transfer from the originator’s computer server to the respective DoD RIF submission website. Offerors are encouraged to submit their responses early to avoid potential file transfer delays due to high demand or problems encountered in the course of the submission.

Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt includes electronic evidence of receipt. Offerors should print and maintain for their records the electronic date/time stamped receipt appearing on the final screen following each submission. All submissions shall be fully uploaded and submitted before the due date and time in order to be considered. There will be no exceptions.

Any proposal, modification, or revision received at the respective DoD RIF submission website after the exact time specified for receipt of offers is “late” and will not be considered.

If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that White Paper packages cannot be received at the site designated for receipt by the date and time specified, then the date and time specified for receipt will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the BAA on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

White Paper packages may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before award. Withdrawals are effective upon receipt of notice by the Contracting Officer.

1.9 Research Opportunity Description

1.9.1 Authority. Enacted by Congress in section 1073 of the fiscal year (FY) 2011 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) as the Rapid Innovation Program, the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014” provides DoD with the authority to fund programs that facilitate the rapid insertion of innovative technologies into military systems or programs that meet critical national security needs.

1.9.2 Requirements. Efforts awarded under this BAA should resolve operational challenges or other critical national security needs characterized by the defense component requirements as described in section 9.0.

• 1.9.3 Participants. The DoD Components participating in this BAA include the Department of the Army; Department of the Navy; Department of the Air Force;

Chief Information Officer / Defense Information Systems Agency (CIO / DISA);

Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO); Defense Health Program (DHP); Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); Defense Logistics Agency (DLA);

Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA); Joint Science and Technology Office for Chemical and Biological Defense (CBD); Missile Defense Agency (MDA);

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA); National Reconnaissance Office (NRO); North American Aerospace Defense Command / United States Northern Command (NORAD / USNORTHCOM); Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Emerging Capabilities and Prototyping (Rapid Reaction Technology Office (RRTO)); Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manufacturing & Industrial Base Policy (MIBP); United States Pacific Command (USPACOM); United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM); and United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM). These agencies are herein referred to as the DoD Components.

1.9.4 Types of Projects. This BAA is primarily for the validation and transition of technologies developed by small businesses, including those resulting from the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and DoD reimbursed Independent Research and Development (IR&D). IR&D does not include R&D performed under a grant or contract from the Government. IR&D is defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 31.205-18(a).

1.9.5 Goals. The goals of the RIF reflect DoD’s emphasis on rapid, responsive acquisition and the engagement of small, innovative businesses in solving defense needs. These include the technology transition of innovative technology into defense acquisition programs, primarily from small businesses (including Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) projects), that resolve operational challenges or other critical national security needs.

1.10 Instrument Type

The type of award selected by the Government will be a firm fixed price contract, or a cost type contract, in accordance with FAR Part 16, Contract Types. If the Government entity's policies allow, a cooperative agreement or other transaction may be considered. If a cooperative agreement is selected, the award will be in accordance with DoD 3210.6-R, Department of Defense Grant and Agreement Regulations. Other transactional authority will be in accordance with 10 U.S.C 2371 (Section 845) to execute research, design, development, prototype, testing and/or product improvement that are directly relevant to weapons or weapon systems proposed to be acquired or developed by the Department of Defense.

Instruments for prototype projects such as Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) are awarded pursuant to this authority and generally are not subject to federal laws and regulations limited in applicability to procurement contracts. Awards may be made consistent with 10 U.S.C. 2358, 10 U.S.C. 2361, and 10 U.S.C. 2374(a).

Instrument type and funding arrangements are at the discretion of the Government.

1.11 Questions about this Solicitation

1.11.1 General Questions about a DoD Component. General questions pertaining to a particular DoD Component should be submitted in accordance with the instructions given at the beginning of that Component's requirement, in Section 9.0 of this solicitation.

1.11.2 Direct Contact with Topic Authors. From May 23 through June 23, 2014, this solicitation is issued for Pre-Release with the names of the topic authors and their point of contact information. During the pre-release period, proposing firms have an opportunity to contact topic authors to ask technical questions about specific requirements. Questions should be limited to specific information related to improving the understanding of a particular requirement. Proposing firms may not ask for advice or guidance on solution approach and you may not submit any material to the topic author. If information provided during an exchange with the topic author is deemed necessary for proposal preparation that information will be made available to all parties through an amendment to the solicitation. After June 23, 2014, questions must be submitted to questions@dodrif.com.

1.11.3 BAA Open Period: Once DoD begins accepting White Papers no further direct contact or communication of any kind between proposers and topic authors is allowed. However, proposers may submit formal written questions to questions@dodrif.com, Subject: FY2014 RIF Question for [DoD Component or Agency / Requirement #], beginning June 24, 2014 and ending July 9, 2014. The questioner and respondent shall remain anonymous and all questions and answers will be posted in the form of an amendment to this solicitation on FEDBIZOPPS by July 18, 2014. Questions are limited to technical information related to improving the understanding of a particular requirement. Any other questions, such as those asking for advice or guidance on solution approach, will not receive a response.

Questions submitted after the deadline date of July 9, 2014, will not be answered, and the due date for submission of the White Paper package will not be extended.

Proposing firms are advised to monitor FEDBIZOPPS during the solicitation period for questions and answers.

Note: All communications shall be submitted UNCLASSIFIED via e-mail.

1.12 Amendments

Amendments or links to amendments will be posted to the FEDBIZOPPS – https://www.fbo.gov/

Although other web pages may repost these amendments, Offerors are advised that the FEDBIZOPPS web page is the only official record.

2.0 Award Information

2.1 Basis of Award

Awards will be based on the best full proposals that are determined to be most beneficial to the Government with appropriate consideration given to the evaluation factors, order of importance, and selection preferences. Award will be made to the Offerors whose submission is determined to advance the best ideas or concepts, has the highest competence in the specific field of science, technical merit, or importance to agency programs based on the factors and preferences of this BAA.

This may not necessarily be the proposal offering the lowest cost/price or receiving the highest evaluated rating.

2.2 Notifications

The evaluation status of White Paper packages and full proposals will be provided at two points. An e-mail will be sent to each offeror after completion of White Paper package evaluations. The e-mail will either inform the offeror that their White Paper is no longer under consideration or provide instructions for the submission of a full proposal (i.e., Request For Proposal). In a similar manner, offerors that submit a full proposal will receive an email informing them that their proposal is either no longer under consideration or they will receive an award document.

2.3 Debriefings

Debriefings will not be provided after any Government evaluation or selection decision.

2.4 Award Value

The target award value for contracts is $3 million (M) or less. White papers or proposals submitted for greater than $3M may be eliminated from further consideration. Awards for greater than $3M require OSD AT&L waiver and congressional notification.

2.5 Period of Performance

The performance period shall not exceed 24 months from date of contract award.

3.0 Eligibility

3.1 Eligible Sources

All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government's needs may submit a White Paper under this BAA. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) are encouraged to submit White Papers and join others in submitting White Papers; however, no portion of this announcement will be set aside for HBCU and MI participation.

3.2 Foreign Participants

Foreign participants and/or individuals may participate to the extent that such participants comply with any necessary Non-Disclosure Agreements, Security Regulations, and any other applicable statutes. Some requirements may cover export-controlled technologies. Research in these areas is limited to “U.S. persons” as defined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR §1201.1.

3.3 Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs)

Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs), including Department of Energy National Laboratories, are not eligible to receive awards under this BAA. However, teaming arrangements between FFRDCs and eligible principal bidders are allowed to the extent that such an arrangement is permitted under the sponsoring agreement between the Government and the FFRDC.

3.4 Department of Defense Laboratories

Department of Defense laboratories are not eligible to receive awards under this BAA and should not submit White Papers in response to this BAA. As with FFRDCs, these organizations may team with responsible sources from academia and industry that are submitting proposals under this BAA.

3.5 University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs)

University Affiliated Research Centers are eligible to submit proposals under this BAA unless precluded from doing so by their Department of Defense UARC contracts.

3.6 Teaming

Teams are also encouraged and may submit proposals in any and all areas.

However, Offerors must be willing to cooperate and exchange software, data and other information in an integrated program with other contractors.

4.0 White Paper Package Preparation & Submission Instructions

4.1 White Papers

White Papers shall address one of the requirements listed in Section 9.0 of this announcement. Only UNCLASSIFIED White Papers will be accepted. If an Offeror does not submit a White Paper before the specified closing date and time in Section 1.7, the Offeror will not be eligible to submit a full proposal. The Government’s decision to invite a full proposal will be based upon the evaluation results of the White Paper submission. White Papers should focus on one requirement per paper. There is no limit on the number of White Papers an Offeror may submit in response to this BAA.

4.2 Format of White Papers

4.2.1 Number of Pages: The White Paper is limited to three pages. The White Paper cover sheet and quad chart are not included in the page limit. Pages submitted in excess of the White Paper page limit will not be read or evaluated.

4.2.2 Number of Copies & Format: One electronic copy of the White Paper, in Portable Document Format (PDF), shall be uploaded and submitted online through the respective DoD RIF submission website.

4.2.3 Text & Font Format: Text shall be at least single-spaced, on 8½ x 11 inch paper, with a minimum of one-inch margin all around. Pages shall be numbered consecutively. Font size shall be of minimum 10-point font and preferably Times New Roman. Bolding, underlining, and italics may be used to identify topic demarcations or points of emphasis. Graphic presentations, including tables, while not subject to the same font size and spacing requirements, shall have spacing and text that is easily readable.

4.2.4 Headers: The Offeror's name and applicable requirement number shall be in the header of each page. The header may be included in the one-inch margins.

4.2.5 Virus Check: Perform a virus check before uploading the White Paper. If a virus is detected, it may cause rejection of the file.

4.2.6 Security: Do not lock or encrypt any files uploaded as part of your White Paper submission.

4.3 White Paper Package Structure

A complete White Paper package submission will consist of three volumes. The cover sheet is Volume One, the White Paper is Volume Two, and the quad chart is Volume Three.

4.3.1 Volume One – Cover Sheet (Online Form)

The cover sheet shall be prepared on the respective DoD RIF submission website.

The cover sheet must be prepared before Volume Two and Volume Three can be uploaded. Offerors shall be prepared to submit the following information on the cover sheet form on the respective DoD RIF submission website:

• Organization Information: Name, Website, Mailing Address, Federal

Tax ID. CAGE code, DUNS Number and NAICS Code o Technical POC, Phone Number, Email address o Business POC, Phone Number, and Email Address

• White Paper Information: Requirement Number and Title o White Paper Title o Duration of Effort o Estimated Cost of Effort o Organization Type: (select one)

Small business Large business Academic institution Other (Specify):__________________

• Applicant Information:

o Has the submitter done business with DoD before? (select

Yes/No) o Is the submitter a non-traditional defense contractor? (select

Yes/No) o Was DoD-reimbursed IR&D technology a foundation for the proposed approach? (select Yes/No) o Does the proposed approach derive from, extend, or complete efforts from prior DoD-funded SBIR or STTR projects? (select Yes/No) If yes, identify the SBIR/STTR topic number, agency and resulting contract number: ______________________ o Has this approach been proposed to or funded by the DoD or another Federal Agency (see Section 8.7)? (select Yes/No) If yes, identify the agency, solicitation, and contract/grant number o Are you proposing to use foreign participants for work under the proposed effort? (select Yes/No) o Identify the estimated percentage of effort to be performed by the

Offeror and percentage of work by other team members (e.g.

prime contractor, subcontractor, consultants):

Offeror: _____% Team members: _____% o Recommended Funding Instrument: (select one) Firm Fixed-Price Contract Cost-Type Contract Cooperative Agreement Other Transaction

The DoD component website cover sheets may have additional questions beyond those listed in the DoD BAA. Offeror should answer all cover sheet questions when making a submission.

4.3.2 Volume Two – White Paper (3-page PDF file upload)

The White Paper shall be prepared outside of the respective DoD RIF submission website and then uploaded to the submission site as a PDF attachment. The decision to request a Full Proposal will be based upon the White Paper submission.

Ensure your White Paper adequately describes the proposed approach and resulting contributions. The White Paper shall include the following sections in the order given below, as applicable:

(1) Contribution to the Requirement: Provide a high-level project overview describing:

• Provide a 3-5 sentence description of how this contribution addresses 1 or more of the goals listed below:

o Enhanced Military Capability – Describe how your proposed project significantly increases or improves the military capabilities in relationship to requirements identified in Section 9 and/or acquisition program needs.

o Accelerated Military Development Capability – Describe how your proposed project accelerates the development and ability to deploy military capabilities required for use by the Department of the Defense.

o Reduces Costs - Describe how your proposed project reduces the development, acquisition, sustainment, demilitarization, or total ownership costs of the identified fielded system or acquisition program.

(2) Technical Approach: Describe how the proposed technical approach is innovative, feasible, achievable, complete, and supported by a technical team that has the expertise and experience to accomplish the proposed tasks, including:

• Project objectives and scope.

• Overview of tasks and methods planned to achieve each objective.

• The final product to be delivered.

• Key Personnel (including subcontractors and consultants).

• Facilities/Equipment necessary to carry out the proposed effort.

• Related Prior or Current Work, including SBIR/STTR contracts and

IR&D Projects.

• The current TRL of the technology and/or product and how it will transition to military systems or programs. DoD seeks a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) goal of 5 - 6 for entry and goal of 7 - 9 for exit (for descriptions of TRL, see http://www.acq.osd.mil/ddre/publications/docs/TRA2011.pdf). In circumstances of exceptional technical merit, proposals with a lower TRL rating will be considered for award, as warranted by the Source Selection Authority.

• Potential and strategy for transition of deliverables to Government acquisition program, including any restrictions on Government use, release, or disclosure of technical data or computer software presenting http://www.acq.osd.mil/ddre/publications/docs/TRA2011.pdf transition difficulty and/or increased risk/cost to the Government.

(3) Schedule: Describe how the proposed schedule is achievable for the proposed technical approach. Technologies should transition to a military system or program within 24 months of contract award and deploy or be fielded within 36 months of contract award. Discuss and/or use a Gantt Chart or similar master planning to describe:

• Major activities/milestones.

• Deliverables.

• Metrics/measures of success

• Potential risks and risk mitigation plans.

(4) Costs: Name and describe the estimated costs for the proposed technical approach, including:

• The methods (e.g., expert judgment, analogous estimating, parametric estimating) used to ensure that the proposed costs are realistic for the technical approach proposed

• Any other (additional) funds, if any, expected to complete the project including the timing, source, amount, and planned use of the funds. Describe funding dependencies, if any or known, such as a firm commitment from a government organization, and/or Internal Research and Development, which may be critical to the completion of a task.

4.3.3 Volume Three – Quad Chart (1-page PDF file upload)

The unclassified Quad Chart shall be prepared outside of the respective DoD RIF submission website in portrait orientation and then uploaded to the submission site as a PDF attachment. A fully functional (editable) Quad Chart template can be found on the respective DoD RIF submission website and should include the following information:

• Heading (Arial 24pt Bold) o Title of Project o Company o Requirement #

• Upper Left Quadrant:

o Picture or graphic illustrating proposed technology development

• Lower Left Quadrant (Arial 12pt Normal):

o Project objectives and scope o Key personnel, facilities/equipment o Related prior or current work

• Upper Right Quadrant (Arial 12pt Normal):

o How the technology contributes and addresses the requirement o How the technology will transition to existing military systems or programs o Technical Readiness Level (current level and anticipated level at project completion)

• Lower Right Quadrant: (Arial 12pt Normal):

o Estimated costs o Major activities/milestones o Deliverables, metrics/measures of success o Potential risks

4.4 Submission of White Paper Packages

White Papers must be submitted electronically via the internet at the respective DoD RIF website identified in Section 1.6. For each DoD RIF website, Offerors must register to submit White Papers packages, White Paper packages sent by any other means (e.g. hand-carried, postal service mail, commercial carrier, fax or e-mail) will not be considered.

Offerors that intend to submit multiple White Paper packages must prepare a separate cover sheet for each package. Upon completion of the cover sheet, the Offeror will be instructed to upload the PDF White Paper and quad chart, and then submit the White Paper package. Offerors are responsible for ensuring that all volumes have been submitted and accepted by the website. Detailed submission instructions are available on the website.

4.5 Notification of White Paper Package Receipt

White Paper packages will be considered “works in progress” until the Offeror submits the complete White Paper package meeting the requirements in Section 4.3.

The respective DoD RIF submission website will provide Offerors a printable confirmation of successful White Paper package submission upon upload and submit completion. White Paper packages in the system after the due date that have not been finalized will not be evaluated.

4.6 Validity of White Paper Packages

Offerors agree to hold the terms of their White Paper package valid for 180 days from the date of submission.

5.0 Proposal Preparation Instructions

5.1 Proposal Overview

Offerors that receive an invitation to submit Full Proposals shall provide sufficient information to persuade the Government the proposed project represents an innovative approach to accelerating the transition of defense-related technologies.

The Component Contracting Officer requesting the proposal has the right to deviate from the proposal format and content described herein. Deviations from the information provided in this announcement will be detailed in the proposal invitation letter. Only unclassified proposals will be accepted. Specific due date and time will be included in the proposal invitation.

Offerors are advised only properly warranted Government Contracting Officers are legally authorized to contractually bind or otherwise commit the Government. The cost of preparing submissions 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 a normal B&P indirect cost as specified in FAR 31.205-18.

5.2 Format of Proposals

Specific DoD Component information on Full Proposal preparation instructions is more fully described in Section 9.0 DoD Component Instructions and Requirements.

Do not lock or encrypt any files uploaded as part of the proposal submission.

Proposal prices and terms and conditions shall remain valid for 180 days from the submission date. Perform a virus check before uploading any files to the submission websites. If a virus is detected, it may cause rejection of the file.

5.3 Submission of Late Proposals (Full Proposals)

Offerors are responsible for submitting electronic proposals to the respective DoD RIF submission website to be received no later than the date and time specified.

When sending electronic files, the offeror shall account for potential delays in file transfer from the originator’s computer server to the Government website/computer server. Offerors are encouraged to submit early to avoid potential file transfer delays due to high demand or problems encountered in the course of the submission.

Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt includes electronic evidence of receipt. Offerors should print and maintain for their records the electronic date/time stamped receipt appearing on the final screen following each submission. All submissions shall be fully uploaded and submitted before the due date and time in order to be considered. There will be no exceptions.

Any proposal, modification, or revision received at the respective government office after the exact time specified for receipt of offers is “late” and will not be considered.

If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that proposals cannot be received at the site designated for receipt by the date and time specified, then the date and time specified for receipt will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the BAA on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before award.

Withdrawals are effective upon receipt of notice by the Contracting Officer.

5.4 Proposal Evaluation and Notification

It is anticipated that final selections will be made within four to six weeks after full proposal submission. As soon as the final full proposal evaluation process is completed, Offerers will be notified via email of their project’s selection or non-selection for funding. The Government reserves the right to request any additional, necessary documentation once it makes the award instrument determination.

Offerors may be removed from award consideration should the parties fail to reach agreement on award terms, conditions and cost/price within a reasonable time, or if the Offeror fails to timely provide requested additional information.

5.5 DCAA-Approved Accounting System

Offerors selected for a cost-type award must have a Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA)-approved accounting system. Guidance is available at http://www.dcaa.mil. Offerors are encouraged to obtain DCAA accounting system approval prior to the award timeframe. Lack of a DCAA approved accounting system will delay and possibly prevent a cost-type or any other award. Questions may be addressed to the Component POC listed in Annex Section 9.0.

5.6 Commitment to Small Business

The DoD is strongly committed to providing meaningful subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, woman-owned small businesses, HUBZone small businesses, veteran-owned small business, service disabled veteran-owned small businesses, historically black colleges and universities, and minority institutions through its awards.

For proposed awards to be made as contracts that exceed $650,000 to other than small businesses, the Offeror is required to submit a Subcontracting Plan in accordance with FAR 52.219-9. As such, Subcontracting Plans will be evaluated to ensure that submissions are compliant with FAR Subpart 19.7.

For proposed awards made as contracts to small businesses at any value or to other than Small Businesses that are less than $650,000, the Offeror shall provide a statement which demonstrates how it intends to provide meaningful subcontracting opportunities to support this policy.

http://www.dcaa.mil/

6.0 Evaluation Information

The evaluation process will be conducted using a technical subject matter expert review as described in FAR 6.102(d)(2) and 35.016. Each White Paper package will be evaluated based on the merit and relevance of the specific White Paper as it relates to the RIF program rather than against other White Papers for requirements in the same general area. Each proposal will be evaluated based on the merit, relevance and cost of the specific proposal as it relates to the RIF program rather than against other proposals for requirements in the same general area. All documents necessary for the review and evaluation of White Paper packages and proposal submissions shall be provided as described in this BAA.

6.1 White Paper Package Evaluations

6.1.1 Evaluation Criteria

White Paper packages will be evaluated using four criteria. All factors will be evaluated using a “Go” or “No Go” decision making process. Packages that are deemed “No Go” in either Factor #1 or Factor # 2 will not be considered for further review. Some Components may use the Adjectival Ratings in Section 6.3 to determine which white papers are recommended for the “Go” or “No Go” determination.

• Factor #1 – Contribution to the Requirement The degree to which the technical approach is relevant to the proposed requirement.

• Factor #2 – Technical Approach/Qualifications

The degree to which the technical approach is innovative, feasible, achievable, complete and supported by a technical team that has the expertise and experience to accomplish the proposed tasks. This includes an evaluation of the strategy and probability for transition of this effort into an acquisition program or fielded prototype to include level of support, knowledge of the steps and factors that would be required to achieve successful transition (i.e. production of deliverables), and validity of an insertion funding commitment at the conclusion of the Rapid Innovation Fund project. Technology maturity will be evaluated to assess technical risks for candidate proposals in direct support of major defense acquisition programs, programs of record, or the next phase of research and development.

• Factor #3 – Schedule

The degree to which the proposed schedule is achievable within 24 months from contract award.

• Factor #4 – Cost The degree to which the proposed cost or price is realistic for the proposed technical approach and does not exceed $3 million.

6.1.2 Order of Importance

Factor #1 and Factor #2 are equally important. Factor #3 and Factor #4 are equally important. Factors #1 and #2 when combined are significantly more important than Factors #3 and #4. The government is more concerned with obtaining superior technical capabilities than with making awards at a lower cost to the government.

6.2 Proposal Evaluations / Negotiations

6.2.1 Evaluation Criteria

Full Proposals will be evaluated using four criteria: The non-price criteria will be evaluated using the following adjectival ratings: Outstanding (O), Good (G), Acceptable (A), Marginal (M), or Unacceptable (U). Proposals that are deemed “Unacceptable” in any factor will not be considered for further review.

• Factor #1 – Contribution to the Requirement The degree to which the technical approach is relevant to the proposed requirement.

• Factor #2 – Technical Approach/Qualifications

The degree to which the technical approach is innovative, feasible, achievable, complete and supported by a technical team that has the expertise and experience to accomplish the proposed tasks. This includes an evaluation of the strategy and probability for transition of this effort into an acquisition program or fielded prototype to include level of support, knowledge of the steps and factors that would be required to achieve successful transition (i.e. production of deliverables), and validity of an insertion funding commitment at the conclusion of the Rapid Innovation Fund project.

• Factor #3 – Schedule

The degree to which the proposed schedule is achievable within 24 months from award.

• Factor #4 – Cost

Cost realism including the Project’s cost effectiveness and the ability to complete the total project within estimated cost.

6.2.2 Order of Importance

Factor #1 and Factor #2 are equally important. Factor #3 and Factor #4 are equally important. Factors #1 and #2 when combined are significantly more important than Factors #3 and #4. The government is more concerned with obtaining superior technical capabilities than with making awards at a lower cost to the government.

6.3 Adjectival Ratings Definitions

The following adjectival ratings will be used for non-price factors during the evaluation of proposals.

• Outstanding (O) – The proposal meets requirements and indicates an exceptional approach and understanding of the requirement. Strengths far outweigh any weaknesses. Risk of unsuccessful performance is very low.

• Good (G) – The proposal meets requirements and indicates a thorough approach and understanding of the requirement. Proposal contains strengths which outweigh any weaknesses. Risk of unsuccessful performance is low.

• Acceptable (A) – The proposal meets requirements and indicates an adequate approach and understanding of the requirement. Strengths and weaknesses are offsetting or will have little or no impact on contract performance. Risk of unsuccessful performance is no worse than moderate.

• Marginal (M) – The proposal does not clearly meet requirements and has not demonstrated an adequate approach and understanding of the requirement. The proposal has one or more weaknesses which are not offset by strengths. Risk of unsuccessful performance is high.

• Unacceptable (U) – The proposal does not meet requirements and contains one or more deficiencies. Proposal does not merit an award.

6.4 Selection Preferences

Selection preference shall be given to small business proposals addressing the above evaluation criteria. Awards to other than small business Offerors are allowed but ONLY after the award selection approval authority determines the award is superior to proposals received from a small business.

If a small business (prime) proposer is partnering with a non-small business on the effort, the small business must perform 51 percent of the cost of the work or greater for qualification as a "small business proposal.”

6.5 Selection

The Government intends to make awards resulting from this announcement. The awards will be made based on the best proposals that are determined to be most beneficial to the Government with appropriate consideration given to the evaluation factors, order of importance, and selection preferences. Awards will be made to the Offerors whose offer is determined to provide the “best value” to the Government based on the factors/preferences, this may not necessarily be the proposal offering the lowest cost/price or receiving the highest evaluated rating.

6.6 Negotiation

The Government will negotiate awards with those Offerors whose proposals are determined to provide the “best value” to the Government and intends to award without negotiations. However, it reserves the right to conduct negotiations if necessary. The DoD Component Contracting Officer will make the determination if negotiations will be conducted.

7.0 Award Administration Information

7.1 Information on White Paper & Proposal Status

Notifications will be provided in accordance with Section 2.2. However, Contracting Officers may contact any and all qualified Offerors at any time.

Offerors will be notified by the DoD Component to which they submitted their response if their proposal has been selected for award. Notification of White Paper and proposal selection is not an authorization to begin work. Offerors that submitted White Paper packages or proposals that are not selected for award will be notified.

7.2 Email Addresses

Offerors must be aware that it is their responsibility to ensure: (1) correct e-mail addresses are provided at the time of submission, (2) e-mail notifications reach the intended recipient(s), and (3) the e-mail is not blocked by the use of ‘spam blocker’ software or other means that the recipient’s Internet Service Provider may have implemented as a means to block the receipt of certain e-mail messages.

7.3 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code The NAICS codes for this announcement are 541712 and 541711. A small business under these NAICS codes is defined by a size standard of 500 employees.

7.4 System for Award Management (SAM)

All Offerors submitting proposals must have an active registration in SAM at https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/ prior to the BAAA close date. Failure to indicate whether your entity is a small business for the NAICS codes listed in Section 7.3 in www.SAM.gov prior to the BAA close date may result in your white paper being removed from further consideration.

8.0 Other Information

Upon award of a funding instrument, the Offeror will be required to make certain legal commitments through acceptance of a contract, cooperative agreement, or other transaction. The outline that follows is illustrative of the types of terms that may be included in the funding instrument. This is not a complete list of terms and conditions to be included in the funding instrument.

8.1 Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI)

8.1.1 Purpose: The primary purpose of this provision is to aid in ensuring that: the Contractor’s objectivity and judgment are not biased because of its present, or currently planned interests (financial, contractual, organizational, or otherwise) which relate to work under a contract; the Contractor does not obtain an unfair competitive advantage by virtue of its access to non-public Government information regarding the Government’s program plans and actual or anticipated resources; and the Contractor does not obtain any unfair competitive advantage by virtue of its access to proprietary information belonging to others.

8.1.2 Scope: The restrictions described herein shall apply to performance or participation by the Contractor and any of its affiliates or their successors in interest (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Contractor”) in the activities covered by this clause as prime contractor, subcontractor, co-sponsor, joint venture, consultant, or in any similar capacity. The term “proprietary information” for the purposes of this clause is any information considered to be so valuable by its owner that it is held in secret by them and their licensees. Information furnished voluntarily by the owner without limitations on its use, or which is available without restrictions from other sources, is not considered proprietary.

8.1.2.1 Access To and Use of Government Information: If the Contractor, in the performance of this contract, obtains access to information such as plans, policies, reports, studies, financial plans, or data which has not been released or otherwise made available to the public, the Contractor agrees that without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer, it shall not: (a) use such information for any private purpose unless the information has been lawfully released or otherwise made available to the public, (b) compete for work based on such information after the completion of this contract, (c) submit an unsolicited proposal to the Government which is based on such https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/ information after such information is released, or (d) release such information unless such information has previously been lawfully released or otherwise made available to the public by the Government.

8.1.2.2 Access To and Protection of Propriety Information: The Contractor agrees that, to the extent it receives or is given access to proprietary data, trade secrets, or other confidential or privileged technical, business, or financial information (hereinafter referred to as “proprietary data”) under this contract, it shall treat such information in accordance with any restrictions imposed on such information. The Contractor further agrees to enter into a written agreement for the protection of the proprietary data of others and to exercise diligent effort to protect such proprietary data from unauthorized use or disclosure. In addition, the Contractor shall obtain from each employee who has access to proprietary data under this contract, a written agreement which shall in substance provide that such employee shall not, during his/her employment by the Contractor or thereafter, disclose to others or use for their benefit, proprietary data received in connection with the work under this contract. The Contractor will educate its employees regarding the philosophy of Part 9.505-4 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation so that they will not use or disclose proprietary information or data generated or acquired in the performance of this contract except as provided herein.

8.1.2.3 Subcontracts: The Contractor shall include this or substantially the same clause, including this paragraph, in consulting agreements and subcontracts of all tiers. The terms “Contract”, “Contractor”, and “Contracting Officer”, will be appropriately modified to preserve the Government’s rights.

8.1.2.4 Disclosures: If the Contractor discovers an organizational conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest after award, a prompt and full disclosure shall be made in writing to the Contracting Officer. This disclosure shall be made on the OCI Analysis/ Disclosure Form provided as an Attachment to this contract, and shall include a description of the action the Contractor has taken or proposes to take in order to avoid or mitigate such conflicts.

8.1.2.5 Remedies and Waiver: For breach of any of the above restrictions…