HQ0147-15-MSTAR-BAA.pdf

Solicitation Number: HQ0147-15-MSTAR-BAA

Notice Type: Pre-solicitation

Synopsis:

INTRODUCTION:

The Missile Defense Agency, an arm of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), oversees development of a system to defend the United States, its allies, its deployed military forces, and its friends against ballistic missile attacks. The Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) includes operational elements for sensing, monitoring, and intercepting ballistic missiles during all three phases of flight; boost, mid-course, and terminal. BMDS elements include a network of space, ground, and sea based sensors for detecting and tracking threat missiles; interceptor missiles launched from silos, trucks and ships; and tools for command and control. MDA focuses efforts toward making the BMDS more robust against the widening threats, and increasing capabilities to counter a broad range of missiles, warheads and trajectories. The BMDS must have the ability to detect, track, identify and kill ballistic missiles.

To achieve its mission, MDA funds researchers in industry and academia to develop technology for sustaining and improving the BMDS elements. Every year, MDA invests over $100 million in our Nation’s university and small business communities. The Missile Defense Agency Science and Technology Advanced Research (MSTAR) program funds relevant Advanced Technology research and demonstration work at qualified accredited domestic colleges, universities or institutions of higher learning and to support training of future scientists and engineers in the field of missile defense. Proposals must be for Advanced Research. This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is a recurring, competitive solicitation and contract vehicle enabling MDA to identify and acquire emerging technologies, innovative concepts, and advanced algorithms for improving BMDS capability and filling technology gaps.

MDA issues this BAA under the provisions of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.102(d) (2), which provides for the competitive selection of research proposals. Contract(s) based on responses to this BAA meet requirements for full and open competition and in full compliance with the provisions of PL 98-369, "The Competition in Contracting Act of 1984."

Any activity conducted on or resulting from funding on contracts awarded from this BAA must comply with United States Laws and regulations on “Export Control”, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulation (EAR). All technical documents produced on the contract shall be marked in accordance with Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 5230.24, unless the document is specifically approved by MDA for public release. The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will provide the appropriate

5230.24 distribution statement. Non-U.S. citizen(s) may perform work on an MSTAR BAA contract, excluding classified work, if MDA's Foreign Persons approval is in place and the H-27 clause in the contract cites the limitations of any such approval.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

MDA will review information regarding research conducted under MDA funded actions for possible publication or presentation in open or ITAR-controlled forums. Information regarding classified research shall not be published or presented in any unclassified forum. MDA has final authority on publication or release of any information related to research MDA funds, classified or unclassified, in any forum.

Only domestic accredited colleges, universities or institutions of higher learning registered by the U.S. Department of Education may submit proposals. Federal educational organizations such as the U.S. military academies must use a different application process; please contact the Point of Contact (POC) listed below for details regarding Federal educational organizations. If selected for contract award resulting from this BAA, the offeror must be a qualified education institution at time of award. If a white paper is based on a subcontract or teaming arrangement, the college, university or educational institution submitting the proposal must lead the effort and perform more than 50 percent of the effort by cost.

All contract awards are subject to official fiscal appropriation and availability of funds. For planning purposes, firm-fixed-price or cost reimbursement type contracts, cooperative agreements or grants are anticipated to be awarded for these efforts unless otherwise identified.

We anticipate each MSTAR contract’s funding at a maximum of $400,000 (two year period of performance) or $600,000 (three year period of performance). Funding ceilings are $200,000 a year during a two year base period of performance with a potential option for a third year of performance funded at a maximum of $200,000. Inclusion of options in any contract is at the discretion of the government. The government is also not obligated to exercise any option period included in an awarded contract.

Only domestic accredited colleges, universities or institutions of higher learning registered by the U.S. Department of Education, and federal educational organizations such as the U.S. military academies may submit white papers. If selected for contract award resulting from this BAA, the educational institution submitting the white paper may subcontract to universities or private industry, but must lead the effort and perform greater than 50% of the effort by cost. FFRDCs or UARCs are eligible as a subcontractor when authorized by their sponsoring contracts and charters.

MDA requires all lead Principal Investigators of institutions submitting a proposal under this program hold US citizenship. Approval is required from MDA for any non-US citizens to perform on an MSTAR BAA contract.

REFERENCES:

International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (Code of Federal Regulations Title 22 Chapter 1, Subchapter M). See U.S. Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls website at http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/regulations_laws/itar.html

Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (Code of Federal Regulations Title 15, Chapter VII, Subchapter C). See U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security website at https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/regulations/export-administration-regulations-ear

Department of Defense Directive 5230.24. See DTIC Online website at http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/submit/guidance/distribstatement.html

Ballistic Missile Defense Review (BMDR), February 2010, United States Department of Defense (signed by Secretary Robert M. Gates). See website at http://www.defense.gov/bmdr/docs/BMDR_101_MASTER_2_Feb.pdf

Research Category Definitions: DoD Financial Management Regulation (DoD 7000.14- R, volume 2B, chapter 5 (Research, Development and Evaluation Appropriations), beginning on page 5-4, http://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/documents/fmr/current/02b/Volume_02b.pdf

Military Critical Technical Data Agreement. See website at http://www.dlis.dla.mil/jcp/

RESEARCH TOPICS:

MDA’s interests include development of advanced technology demonstration technologies for each phase of missile defense encompassing the entire engagement sequence, including:

modeling and simulation, surveillance, acquisition and tracking, discrimination, communications, engagement planning, threat engagement, evolving threats and countermeasures, and kill assessment. The following technology research topic areas pertain to the BMDS in all phases of the missile defense threat scenario:

(1) Radar Sensor Systems

(2) Electro-Optical Components and Infrared Sensor Systems

(3) Laser and other Directed Energy Weapon Systems

(4) Computer Science, Signal and Data Processing

(5) Mathematics, Probability, and Decision Theory

(6) Physics, Chemistry and Materials

(7) Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/regulations_laws/itar.html https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/regulations/export-administration-regulations-ear https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/regulations/export-administration-regulations-ear http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/submit/guidance/distribstatement.html http://www.defense.gov/bmdr/docs/BMDR_101_MASTER_2_Feb.pdf http://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/documents/fmr/current/02b/Volume_02b.pdf http://www.dlis.dla.mil/jcp/

(8) Battle Management/Command and Control

(9) Modeling and Simulation

(10) Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Educational Outreach:

Proposals for this area must address development, implementation and execution of programs and activities in support of MDA’s STEM Outreach (White papers for this area will be requested at a later date by separate public announcement.)

In order to facilitate meaningful information exchanges that could contain unclassified technical data disclosing military critical technology with military or space application that is under the control or in the possession of the U,S. Department of Defense (DoD), please submit via email an approved DD Form 2345, Military Critical Technical Data Agreement (Reference http://www.dlis.dla.mil/jcp/ for information regarding this program and form) to Ms. Lori Latham, MDA/DVR. Email is lori.latham.CTR@mda.mil; phone 256-450-4347. If your university/college does not have a certified DD 2345, complete, sign and submit a DD Form 2345 as noted on the form and website. MDA does not certify the DD Form 2345.

RESPONSE:

If you are interested in this opportunity, please respond to MDA with the following:

(1) A summary concept white paper (no more than ten pages), with title and research topic area listed. Succinctly illustrate the proposed technical approach, its rationale and objectives, methodology, expected results, and potential contribution to the MDA program using the White Paper Preparation Instructions listed below.

(2) White Paper Rough Order of Cost Magnitude (ROCM), using the White Paper Preparation Instructions below.

(3) A suggested program plan, per White Paper Preparation Instructions.

(4) A description of the offeror’s capabilities, relevant experience, and facilities per White Paper Preparation Instructions.

Evaluations may take up to six months from receipt of white papers to notice of selection or non-selection. If selected for a possible award, MDA will request a detailed cost proposal. DO NOT

SUBMIT THE FULL COST PROPOSAL UNTIL YOU RECEIVE A REQUEST FROM THE

CONTRACTING OFFICER FOR THIS INFORMATION.

The government may use selected Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC) personnel, University Affiliated Research Centers (UARC) personnel, support contractors, and other non-governmental personnel to assist in the evaluation and administrative handling of proposals submitted in response to this announcement. Appropriate non-disclosure agreements bind these people to protect proprietary and source selection information.

Additionally non-government employees must disclose all applicable corporate organizational conflicts of interest as well as any personal financial conflict. Submission of proposals under this http://www.dlis.dla.mil/jcp/ mailto:lori.latham.CTR@mda.mil

BAA constitutes the offeror’s acknowledgment and consent to the use of contractors during the evaluation process.

The evaluation team will evaluate and recommend for award, based on a peer or scientific review process in accordance with FAR 35.016(d) and (e). The primary basis for selecting white papers will be the listed evaluation factors below.

EVALUATION FACTORS:

MDA will evaluate responses based upon the following criteria. NOTE: Technical Merit is weighted 50% of the aggregate score; Capabilities 30% and Management 20%.

(1) Technical Merit. Does the proposed research exhibit scientific and technical excellence with relevance and importance to MDA goals and programs? Does the proposed research offer innovative concepts, stimulating technology innovation, or exploit breakthroughs in science to offer robust technology improvements to an element of the BMDS? Does the white paper succinctly illustrate and clearly identify the proposed technology as well as, its rationale, objectives, methodology, expected results, and potential contribution to MDA?

(2) Capabilities. Does the offeror’s key Principal Investigator and primary team members have previous experience working with the proposed technology or similar technology? Does the white paper demonstrate the availability of adequate facilities and instrumentation to perform the proposed task successfully? If appropriate, are adequate security measures indicated (e.g., controlled facilities, classified storage, personnel clearances, US citizenship, US persons)?

(3) Management. Does the proposed management plan and project timeline appear reasonable given the level of proposed work? Does the paper show the critical path of activities for the entire research project and define areas of risk with the risk mitigation plan? Are cost projections reasonable as associated to proposal tasks?

The BAA Selection Official will make selections based on the evaluation criteria noted above and MDA funding and technology priorities.

The Rough Order of Magnitude Cost (ROCM) will be used to determine if there are sufficient funds available for the proposed effort.

No further evaluation criteria will be used. The Government intends to evaluate and recommend awards based upon its evaluation of white papers without discussions; however, the Government reserves the right to hold discussions if deemed necessary. The Government reserves the right to select for award any, all, part, or none of the white papers received in response to this announcement.

WHITE PAPER PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS:

(1) General:

a. This timeframe covered by this BAA extends through FY 16. There is no response deadline for technical areas 1 through 9. The BAA will remain open and white papers will be accepted through September 30, 2016. White papers for technical area 10 will be requested at a later date by separate public announcement.

b. White papers shall be submitted as e-mail attachments to Willis Brice, Contracting Officer at e-mail address: AdvancedResearch@mda.mil and copy Mr. Willis Brice at willis.brice@mda.mil and Michelle Dunn at michelle.dunn @mda.mil. White papers are requested to be unclassified. In the rare situation that a white paper must be classified contact MDA Contracting POC for transmittal instructions.

c. If you are selected for further consideration a full technical and cost proposal will be required and specific proposal instructions will be forwarded to you as a Request for Proposal package.

d. Offerors must mark their white papers with the restrictive language stated in FAR 15.609(a). The cost of preparing white papers in response to this BAA is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting contract or to any other contract. However, it may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect costs as specified in FAR 31.205-18.

(2) Additional Information:

Discussions with the points of contact shall not constitute a commitment by the Government to subsequently fund or award any proposed effort. Only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to commit the government.

(3) White Paper:

The White Paper shall be submitted using 12 point proportional type (10 point proportional font for figures and tables), 8.5 by 11 inch pages. The page limitation will be listed in the BAA announcement and includes all information except those noted as not included, including the title page, table of contents, and index. Use at least 1-inch margins on top and bottom and 1 inch side margins. Each printed side of an 8 x 11 sheet counts as a page.

Foldouts printed on one side only will be counted as 2 pages.

The Government will only read and evaluate white papers up to the 10 page limitation. Pages over the page limitation will be removed prior to evaluation.

Typesetting or other techniques to reduce character size or spacing are not permitted.

(4) The White Paper shall address the entire period of performance, including all options or phases, and shall contain the following sections:

a. Title Page:

i. Name, title, mailing address, telephone and email address of offeror’s technical point of contact, and

ii. Name, title, mailing address, telephone, email address and signature of authorized contracting representative,

iii. Date offer is submitted.

iv. Abstract paragraph not to exceed 250 words.

b. Executive Summary: Describe the proposed program, objectives, and approach. A description of the innovation and benefits of the proposed approach and relationship to previous efforts should be discussed.

c. Program Description: Describe the techniques, methods, materials, or ideas that will be addressed in this white paper, their innovation, and to what degree they advance the state-of-the-art. Also, describe any potential for commercial application and the benefits expected to accrue from commercialization.

d. Program Plan and Milestone Chart: (not included in page count) Describe in detail the approach planned and how the plan will be executed to include facilities, etc. This section should include all technical aspects and how the approach will be executed to address each of the technology goals outlined in this announcement. Milestones should indicate when specific objectives are expected to be met in the overall schedule of the program and should identify the specific accomplishments necessary to precede to the next task. With these critical paths identified, include the risks involved and the mitigation plan that reduces these risks.

e. Description of Relevant Prior Work: (not included in page count) Include a list of both in-house efforts funded by internal research funds and contracts funded by others. For each such effort, provide a list that includes the title of effort, contract number, funding organization (customer), and a brief summary of results. The Principal Investigator or Program Manager resume should be included as a part of the submission for this area.

(5) White Paper Rough Order of Cost Magnitude (ROCM)

a. Furnish Tables 1 and 2 for the entire performance period with the White Paper.

TABLE 1

*Submit a White Paper cost element summary including each year of performance.

Subtotal Base Period

Option Period or

Phase

Option Period or Phase

Total Direct Labor (TDL): Subtotal

Total Direct Materials Costs (TDM): Subtotal

Total Other Direct Costs (TODC): Subtotal

Total Indirect Costs (TODC): Subtotal

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST: Total

TABLE 2

Subcontract/inter-organizational transfers & consultants price summary

SUBCONTRACTOR

NAME

SUBCONTRACT

TASKS**

ESTIMATED

PRICE

TOTALS

MDA Points of Contact:

Contracting Officer, Willis Brice Contract Specialist, Michelle Dunn Phone (256) 450-4790 Phone (256) 450-0810 Email: willis.brice@mda.mil Email: michelle.dunn@mda.mil

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A

Approved for Public Release 14-MDA-7833 (29 May 14) mailto:willis.brice@mda.mil mailto:michelle.dunn@mda.mil