ATI_BAA_FY_17_FBO_Synopsis_Updated_to_22_Mar_19.docx

Advanced Technology Innovation (ATI) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Advanced Technology

MDA BAA Announcement HQ0147-17-ATI-BAA Effective from March 2, 2017 – March 22, 2019 Posting Date: February 27, 2017

Advanced Research (DVR) Directorate Missile Defense Agency 5222 Martin Road Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is intended to fulfill requirements for scientific study and experimentation directed toward advancing state-of-the-art technologies and/or increasing knowledge and understanding as a means to identify and develop robust innovative concepts, stimulate technology innovation, and exploit breakthroughs in science. This BAA identifies MDA research/exploratory development areas of interest and provides prospective offerors information on the preparation of white papers along with evaluation factors. THIS BAA DOES NOT FOCUS ON SPECIFIC SYSTEMS OR HARDWARE SOLUTIONS.

THIS ANNOUNCMENT IS NOT FOR THE ACQUISITION OF TECHNICAL, ENGINEERING, OR OTHER TYPES OF SUPPORT SERVICES.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents Page

SECTION I: INTRODUCTION:

This publication constitutes a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) issued under the provisions of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.102(d)(2), which provides for the competitive selection of research proposals. Contracts based on responses to this BAA are considered to be the result of full and open competition and in full compliance with the provisions of Public Law 98-369 sec. 2701, "The Competition in Contracting Act of 1984." Any contracts awarded from this BAA must comply with the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulation (EAR).

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) will not issue paper copies of this announcement. MDA reserves the right to select for award and fund all, some, or none of the white papers in response to this announcement. 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. It is the policy of MDA to handle all white papers and proposals submitted under this BAA as sensitive competitive information and to disclose their contents only for the purposes of evaluation.

This announcement replaces HQ0147-15-ATI-BAA. This BAA is intended for proposals related to advanced research technology development and not related to the development of a specific system or hardware procurement. Work funded under this BAA may include applied research and advanced technology development that is not related to the development of a specific system or hardware procurement. This BAA is used to fulfill the MDA’s requirement for scientific study and experimentation directed toward advancing the state-of-the-art or increasing knowledge or understanding rather than focusing on a specific system or hardware solution.

SECTION II: SUMMARY INFORMATION:

A. Agency Name:

Missile Defense Agency, Advanced Research (DVR) Directorate

B. Program Name:

Advanced Research

C. Broad Agency Announcement Title:

Advanced Technology Innovation (ATI)

Broad Agency Announcement Number:

Broad Agency Announcement HQ0147-17-ATI-BAA

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code/Title:

541712 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

Response Date:

This announcement shall remain open until March 22, 2019 unless superseded, extended, canceled or replaced by a successor BAA, whichever first occurs. White papers maybe submitted at any time during the BAA open period (March 1, 2017 through March 22, 2019).

MDA may issue Request for Proposals (RFP) up to six months (September 1, 2019) following the closing date for this BAA announcement only for white papers submitted during the BAA open period.

Anticipated Awards:

Multiple awards are anticipated under this BAA. MDA is under no obligation to make any awards. The number of awards made under this BAA will depend on the quality of the white papers received and the availability of funds.

Total Funding Availability for Award(s):

MDA does not have a specified amount of funding available for BAA awards. No funding has been specifically reserved for this solicitation at this time. However, funding may be provided throughout the open period of this BAA to pursue promising innovation concepts of interest with any and all qualified sources.

Funding of research within MDA areas of interest will be determined by funding constraints and priorities set during each fiscal year budget cycle between June and September. Therefore, offerors are encouraged to submit white papers not-later-than February each fiscal year to increase the chances of being aligned with the budget cycle. Recommended timeline for selections in the MDA budget cycle is:

February – submit papers March through May – Review process June – Source Selection Authority determination and notification of selections November – Contract award

Types of Instruments that may be Awarded:

Awards as a result of this announcement will take the form of a contract, although the government reserves the right to use other types of contractual instruments if deemed more appropriate for the proposed work. Any contract awards resulting from this BAA will incorporate the appropriate FAR, DFARS and local MDA clauses.

Agency Contacts:

All communications should be submitted to the following points of contact:

1) Contract Specialist, Andrea Mitchell Email: andrea.mitchell@mda.mil

3) BAA Program Administration Group advancedresearch@mda.mil

NOTE: All communications should be UNCLASSIFIED and submitted via email to the all of the POCs listed above. DO NOT EMAIL ANY CLASSIFIED QUESTIONS and request assistance if one is required. The above POCs will contact the entity and arrange for any CLASSIFIED questions to be asked through a secure method of communication.

Other Information:

Any research conducted on or resulting from contracts awarded from this BAA must comply with United States Laws and regulations on “Export Control”, including the ITAR and the EAR. MDA approval is required prior to any non-U.S. citizen performing on an ATI BAA contract, excluding classified work.

SECTION III: RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION:

A. Program Overview:

MDA is charged with developing and fielding an integrated, layered Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) to protect the U.S. and its allies from a ballistic missile attack. The MDA Ballistic Missile Defense layered approach includes sensors, kinetic energy systems, directed energy systems, battle management, and command control elements that will engage threat ballistic missiles at all ranges and throughout its trajectory. MDA efforts are focused on making the BMDS more robust against the widening threats, and increasing capabilities to handle a broad range of unknown missiles, warheads, trajectories, and adversaries. MDA must have the ability to detect, track, identify and destroy ballistic missiles.

Technical advancement is essential for continuous improvement in the BMDS. MDA advances technology that enables near-term, evolutionary growth in current systems while adding revolutionary systems to substantially improve the BMDS in the far term. The MDA Advanced Technology Program Executive Office (MDA/DV) is responsible for developing advanced capabilities for the BMDS. This includes planning and executing a broad range of enabling technologies and advanced technology development efforts, developing the technology base for advanced applications, assessing emerging technologies, innovative concepts, and leading the effort to develop advanced algorithms for improving BMDS capability.

MDA/DV instituted the ATI BAA Program to identify and develop innovative concepts, stimulate technology innovation, and exploit breakthroughs in science to offer robust technology improvements to all elements of the BMDS. The ATI BAA is a competitive science and technology research program, which consists of forefront advanced research and development technology, concepts, and approaches acquired through scientific and technological investigation. Potential offerors are urged to learn more about the Agency at the MDA website, http://www.mda.mil.

B. Research Topics:

MDA/DV is interested in receiving white papers in the topic areas listed below. During the open period of this BAA, MDA may publish amendments to this BAA which seek white papers for special topics. Therefore, offerors are encouraged to monitor FedBizOpps for modifications to the BAA.

(1) Radar and Communication Systems: including but not limited to

· Integrated System Concepts

· Threat Signatures

· Measurements

· Transmit/Receive Modules

· Signal Processing

· Data Visualizing

· Data Compression

· Operations in Stressed Environments

· Passive Radio-Frequency Systems Also included are technologies that enhance target acquisition and tracking reliability, and systems for enhanced communication between various elements of the BMDS, including high bandwidth options.

(2) Electro-Optical/Infrared Sensor Systems: including but not limited to

· Telescopes

· Focal Plane Arrays

· Read-Out Electronics

· Optical Signal Processing

· Digital Signal Processing

· Multi-Sensor Data Integration Specific technologies include ideas and concepts for infrared materials and focal plane arrays having some or all of the following desired features: large format size, multicolor capability, manufacturability, affordability, radiation hardening, and concepts for improved testing.

(3) Directed Energy Systems: including but not limited to

· Compact, Efficient High Energy Lasers

· Light-Weight/Scalable Fiber, Solid State, Gas and Liquid Phase Lasers

· Improved Diode Laser Arrays

· High energy Laser Power Supplies and Thermal Control Systems

· Optical Beam Control and Stabilization Technologies

· Large, Light-Weight/High-Altitude Airborne and Space-Qualifiable Optical Telescopes and Beam Control Components

· Optical Beam Combining and Phased Array Concepts

· Fast Beam-Steering Concepts

(4) Computer Science, Signal and Data Processing: including but not limited to

· Digital Electronics and Signal Processing

· Field Programmable Gate Array Exploitation

· Novel Signal and Guidance processing Architectures for High Frame-Rate Seekers

· Machine Implementation of Algorithms

· Analog Circuits and Communications

· Computer Vision

· Distributed Computing

· Decision Systems

· Estimation, Prediction, Homing Navigation, Data Fusion, Pattern Recognition, Identification, Discrimination, Encryption, and Sensor Fusion Technologies

· Cyber Security

(5) Mathematics, Probability and Decision Theory: including but not limited to

· Sensor Resource Management

· Sensor Data Fusion

· Data Encryption

· Target Detection

· Target Characterization and Discrimination

· Battle Engagement Tactics and Shot Doctrine

· Navigation to Target Kill in a Dynamic Environment

· Kill Effectiveness Assessment

· System and System-Of-Systems Performance Measures

· Order-Of-Battle Acquisition Planning, including Near Real-Time Intelligence Processing and Decision Making

(6) Physics, Chemistry, and Materials: including but not limited to

· Phenomenology associated with Threat Missile Infrared, Optical and Radar Signatures

· Rocket Plume Signatures

· Natural and Man-Made Environments and Real-Time Environment Characterization

· Post-Intercept Debris Modeling

· Reentry Physics

· Energy Conversion

(7) Materials: including but not limited to

· High-Strength/Low-Weight Materials

· High-Temperature Environments; Thermal, Electrical, Shock and/or Vibrational Insulation

· Detector and Transmitter Materials

· Electronics Miniaturization

· Radiation Shielding

· Nanostructures

· Propulsion Components

· Power Handling

(8) Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering: including but not limited to

· Advanced Power Systems

· Advanced Solid and Liquid Propulsion Technologies

· Robust, Miniaturized Inertial Measurement Unit Technology

· Space Systems

· Micro- and Nano-Satellites and Satellite Constellations to include: Bus and Payload Designs, Precision Guidance, Navigation and Control

· Precision Propulsion and Constellation Networking

· Missile System Aerodynamics

· High Maneuverability Divert/Axial Propulsion, Liquid and Solid Divert and Attitude Control Systems that focus on reducing size, weight, and power allocations while maximizing performance; guidance and control

· Kill Vehicle Lethality

· Projectile Technology, Secure Avionics Hardware/Software, and Communications Systems and Components

(9) Modeling and Simulation: including but not limited to

· Innovative Methods for Software Emulation, Signal Injection, and Distributed Testing across Multiple Systems and Platforms

· Novel Methods of Analysis across a very large set of Scenario Parameters

· Methods of Incorporating Environmental Conditions and Human Factors into Modeling and Simulation Testing

(10) International BMDS Cooperation: proposals for this area must involve working directly with a foreign company or university that is either a partner or a major subcontractor under the proposal. All research under this area must comply with ITAR and EAR regulations.

(11) Advanced Kill Vehicle (KV) Technology and Architectures: including but not limited to ability to engage multiple threat objects with a single interceptor and innovative component technology that improves KV performance. KV attributes of interest include high reliability, manufacturability, testability, modularity, quality, and safety considerations within the design.

(12) Advanced Concepts: including but not limited to concepts and technology for future architectures, weapons, and sensors to address new and evolving threats.

SECTION IV: AWARD INFORMATION:

The funded amount and period of performance of each white paper selected for award may vary depending on the research area and the technical approach to be pursued by the offeror selected. In general, awards are anticipated to consist of a one (1) year base period of performance with the potential for up to two (2) severable option periods for subsequent performance.

Inclusion of options in any contract is at the discretion of the Government. The Government is also not obligated to exercise any options.

Awards occur anytime during and after the two (2) year BAA period based on the receipt of the white paper. The Government reserves the right to select for award any, all, part, or none of the white papers received in response to this announcement. The Government intends to evaluate and recommend awards without discussions based upon its evaluation of white papers; however, the Government reserves the right to hold discussions if deemed necessary. 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.

All topics require the lead Principal Investigator and/or Program Manager of entities submitting a proposal under this program hold U.S. citizenship. Approval is required from MDA for any non-U.S. citizen to perform on MDA research contracts.

The BAA topics may cover export controlled technologies. Research in these areas is limited to “U.S. persons” as defined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations -22 CFR § 120.1 et seq.

Cost sharing is not expected and will not be used as a factor during the merit review of any white paper hereunder. However, the Government may consider voluntary cost sharing if proposed.

SECTION V: ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION:

Eligible organizations for contract award for research in those areas covered in this BAA are private industry, qualified accredited domestic educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) are encouraged to submit proposals and join others in submitting proposals. No portion of this BAA will be set aside for HBCU and MI participation, due to the impracticality of reserving discrete or severable items of this research.

Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) or University Advanced Research Centers (UARCs) are eligible as a subcontractor as long as they are permitted under the sponsoring agreement or charter between the Government and specific FFRDC or UARC.

Teaming partnerships are encouraged and may submit white papers 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, as well as with system integrators, selected by MDA.

SECTION VI: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION:

A. Submission Process:

This BAA will utilize a two-step process. Step one will be the evaluation of the offeror’s white paper submission. This step will preclude unwarranted efforts on the part of an offeror whose proposed white paper is found to be of no interest to the MDA. Step two will be a request to submit a formal proposal for selected white papers that are found to be consistent with the intent of the BAA and which are of interest to the MDA.

Offerors are reminded that this BAA is for the acquisition of advanced technology for scientific study and experimentation directed toward advancing state-of-the-art technologies, increasing knowledge or understanding rather than focusing on a specific system or hardware solution. White papers related to the development of a specific system will not be accepted since they are non-responsive.

White papers shall be accepted starting from the date of publication of announcement and continue to be accepted the entire period of time that the BAA is open, from March 1, 2017 through February 28, 2019. All white papers under this BAA should be UNCLASSIFIED.

MDA intends to use email for all correspondence concerning HQ0147-17-ATI-BAA. Electronic (email) submissions shall be sent to the attention of each of the following:

1) Contract Specialist, Andrea Mitchell Email: andrea.mitchell@mda.mil

3) BAA Program Administration Group advancedresearch@mda.mil

The subject line of the email shall read “HQ0147-17-ATI-BAA White Paper Submission.” The white paper must be a Microsoft Word compatible or PDF format attachment to the email. There is an email size limit of 10MB.

Unclassified white papers are requested. In the rare situation that a white paper must be CLASSIFIED contact the MDA POCs listed above.

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

(1) A white paper (no more than ten pages), which succinctly illustrates the proposed technical approach, as well as its rationale and objectives, methodology, expected results, and potential contribution to the MDA program.

(2) White paper Rough Order of Magnitude Cost.

(3) A suggested program plan.

(4) A description of the offeror’s technical capabilities, relevant experience, and facilities.

Note: DO NOT SEND –

· Hardcopies of white papers (including facsimiles) as only electronic submissions will be accepted and reviewed.

· ZIP files.

· Password protected files.

B. Requirements of White Papers:

The white paper shall address the entire suggested period of performance, including all options or phases proposed. The Executive Summary and Program Description as described below, shall not exceed the ten page limit and anything beyond that limit will not be evaluated. The document shall have one inch margins on all sides and use 12 point font.

Offerors may mark their white papers with the restrictive language stated in FAR 15.609(a) and (b). It is the offerors responsibility to clearly define to the Government what is considered restrictive data in accordance with DFARS 252.227-7025.

(1) Title Page: (not included in page count)

i. Labeled with “WHITE PAPER” and include BAA Number HQ0147-17-ATI-BAA.

ii. Proposed Title.

iii. Name, title, telephone, fax numbers, and email address of offeror’s technical point of contact.

iv. Name, title, telephone number, email address, official mailing address, and signature of the authorized contracting representative.

v. Date offer is submitted.

vi. Abstract paragraph not to exceed 250 words.

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

(3) 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 technologies. Also, describe any potential for commercial application and the benefits expected to accrue from commercialization. The effort shall be easily decipherable and clearly severable between base periods and subsequent option periods.

(4) Program Plan and Milestone Chart: (not included in page count) Describe in detail the management plan, technical objectives, and how the plan will be executed. 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 proceed on to the next task. Describe in detail the critical path of activities for the entire research project and define areas of risk with a risk mitigation plan.

(5) 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 Program Integrator, Program Manager, and team members resumes should be included as a part of the submission for this area.

C. Rough Order of Magnitude Cost for White Papers: (not included in page count) Furnish Tables 1 and 2 for the entire performance period with white paper submission. Additional information, such as breakout by task, is acceptable but not required.

TABLE 1

White paper cost element summary including each period of performance.

Total Direct Labor (TDL):

Total Direct Materials Costs (TDM):

Total Other Direct Costs (TODC):

Total Indirect Costs (TODC):

Fee or Profit

TOTAL ESTIMATED PRICE:

TABLE 2

Subcontract/inter-organizational transfers & consultants price summary.

TOTALS

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.

SECTION VII: EVALAUTION INFORMATION:

A. Evaluation Process:

The evaluation team will independently evaluate each white paper submitted and provide written recommendations for award or non-award to the BAA Selection Official (BSO) based on a peer or scientific review process in accordance with FAR 35.016(d) and (e). Individual white paper evaluations will be based on acceptability or unacceptability without regard to other white papers and proposals submitted under this BAA. White papers submitted will be evaluated as they are received.

B. Evaluation Criteria:

(1) Factors. The evaluation factors of the whole paper include Technical Merits, Capabilities and Program Management as described below. These three factors are significantly more important than cost or price. Technical Merit is equally as important as Capabilities and Program Management combined. Capabilities are slightly more important than Program Management.

a) 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?

b) 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, U.S. citizenship, U.S. persons)?

c) Program 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?

(2) Relevance to MDA, priority, and available funding. These criteria will provide the final basis for award selections by the BSO and will be determined directly by the BSO. The ROM Cost will be used to determine if there are sufficient funds available for the proposed effort.

C. Evaluation Panel:

White papers submitted under this BAA will be protected from unauthorized disclosure. The cognizant Program Manager and other Government scientific, engineering and technical experts will perform the evaluations and selections of the white papers under this BAA. Restrictive notices notwithstanding, one or more support contractors may be utilized as subject-matter-expert technical consultants.

The Government may use selected FFRDC, UARC, non-government contracted support, and other non-governmental personnel to assist in the evaluation and administrative handling of white papers and proposals submitted in response to this announcement. These persons are bound by appropriate non-disclosure agreements and organizational conflict of interest statements to protect proprietary and source selection information.

Submission of white papers under this BAA constitutes the offeror’s acknowledgment and consent to the use of non-government support contractors during the evaluation process.

SECTION VIII: AWARD SELECTION:

The BSO will make selections for awards or non-awards based on the evaluation criteria noted above and MDA funding and technology priorities. The BSO will forward a list of award or non-award selections to the MDA/DV Contracts office for further action. The MDA/DV Contracts office will then notify selected and non-selected offerors of the evaluation decision and request formal proposals from the selected offerors. However, any notification received from MDA that indicates that the offeror’s white paper has been recommended for award does not ultimately guarantee that the offeror will be awarded a subsequent contract.

Evaluations may take up to six months from receipt of white paper to notice of selection or non-selection for award. If you are selected for award, the MDA/DV Contracts office will request a full technical l instructions will be included in the RFP package. DO NOT SUBMIT THE TECHNICAL AND COST PROPOSALS UNTIL YOU RECEIVE A REQUEST FROM THE CONTRACTING OFFICER FOR THIS INFORMATION.

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited 17-MDA-8971 (6 Jan 17)

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