Final_BAA_HypersonicDefenseComponentTech.docx

Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA)

MDA BAA SPECIAL TOPIC Announcement HQ0147-18-S-0002

HYPERSONIC DEFENSE COMPONENT TECHNOLOGY

Missile Defense Agency 5222 Martin Road Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898

This SPECIAL TOPIC 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 ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT FOR THE ACQUISITION OF TECHNICAL, ENGINEERING, OR OTHER TYPES OF SUPPORT SERVICES.

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT: A Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Approved for Public Release 18-MDA-9594 (18 Apr 18)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ANNEX 7: INDUSTRY DAY REGISTRATION FORM

ANNEX 8: INDUSTRY DAY ONE ON ONE REGISTRATION FORM

ADVANCED RESEARCH

SECTION I: INTRODUCTION

This publication constitutes a “SPECIAL TOPIC” Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) issued under the provisions of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.102(d) (2), providing for the competitive selection of basic and applied research and that part of development not related to the development of a specific system or hardware procurement. This posting fulfills the requirement for full and open competition. Any contracts awarded from this BAA must comply with the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulation (EAR).

The National Defense Strategy (NDS), released in January 2018, lists a number of Department of Defense priorities, including hypersonics. Dr. Griffin, Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)), has repeatedly emphasized hypersonics as the first priority for the Department of Defense, "...there has to be a first, and hypersonics is my first" (quote from Dr. Griffin USD(R&E) as stated by Congressman Whittman House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Testimony, 17 April, 2018).

MDA has been given the mission by USD(R&E) to address hypersonic defense. Lt. Gen. Greaves (Director, Missile Defense Agency) fully supports this mission. Accordingly, Lt. Gen. Greaves stated at the 11 April 2018 Senate Appropriations Committee - Defense (SAC-D) hearing the following regarding the urgency of the hypersonic threat: "...it's just a matter of time before they have developed the capability and operationalized it. I assess the risk as extremely high. I don’t see what will prevent it from happening. And that is why, with my boss, Dr Mike Griffin, I believe that the hypersonic threat is something that we need to address expediently."

In addition to the focus on hypersonics, the Department of Defense is looking for highly innovative approaches that can be fielded at a much faster pace. Dr. Griffin said, "Greater speed in translating technology into fielded capability is where we can achieve and maintain our technological edge. ... we're not out of innovators, we're not out of innovations, we're out of time. ... it is about pace. ... One of my key priorities is to enable the Department to drive the military innovation cycle faster than any adversary to sustain technological superiority." (House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Testimony, 17 April, 2018). This Broad Agency Announcement seeks innovative component technologies and weapon system concepts that can address the hypersonic threat at a pace that will enable the United States to maintain military superiority against an advancing threat.

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) will not issue paper copies of this announcement. MDA reserves the right to select for award all, some, or none of the white papers in response to this announcement. The cost of responding to this BAA is not an allocable and allowable cost as set forth in accordance with Part 31 of the FAR such costs shall be excluded from any billing, claim, or proposal applicable to a Government contract. 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. The issuance of this BAA does not commit the Government to any contractual agreement or arrangements. Furthermore, this BAA shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government for any procurement of supplies or services nor does it constitute a solicitation or a promise of a solicitation in the future.

SECTION II: SUMMARY INFORMATION

A. Agency Name Missile Defense Agency, Advanced Technology (DV), Program Executive Office

B. Program Name Advanced Research

C. Broad Agency Announcement Title Hypersonic Defense Component Technology (HDCT)

D. Broad Agency Announcement Number

HQ0147-18-S-0002

E. North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code/Title 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

F. Response Date

This announcement shall remain open until June 14, 2018. White papers may be submitted at any time during the BAA open period (April 30, 2018 to June 14, 2018).

MDA may issue Requests for (pricing) Proposals (RFPs) up to six months (December 14, 2018) following the closing date for this BAA announcement only for white papers submitted during the BAA open period.

G. Anticipated Awards

Multiple awards are anticipated under this BAA. However, 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.

H. Total Funding Availability for Award(s)

MDA does not have a specified amount of funding available for BAA awards. However, funding may be provided throughout the open period of this BAA to pursue promising and innovative concepts of interest with any and all qualified sources.

Funding of research within MDA areas of interest has been determined by funding constraints and priorities set during the fiscal year 2018 (FY18) and FY19 budget cycles. Anticipated timeline for this special topic BAA is:

· April 30, 2018 – Release HDCT BAA Special Topic

· April 30 thru May 8, 2018 – Industry Day registration

· April 30 thru June 14, 2018 – Submit white papers/BAA Open Period

· May 14, 2018 – Industry Day

I. Types of Instruments that May Be Awarded

Award(s) as a result of this announcement, will take the form of a cost reimbursement contract, although the Government reserves the right to use other types of contractual instruments if deemed more appropriate for the proposed work. Any contract award(s) resulting from this BAA will incorporate the appropriate FAR, Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) and local MDA clauses.

J. Points of Contact (POCs)

1. Technical Questions:

Dr. George Mantis UNCLASSIFIED E-mail: George.Mantis@mda.mil CLASSIFIED E-mail: George.Mantis@mda.smil.mil

2. Contracts Questions and All Unclassified Contract Communications:

Ms. Janalee Mathy, Contracting Officer UNCLASSIFIED E-mail: Janalee.Mathy@mda.mil CLASSIFIED E-mail: Janalee.Mathy@mda.smil.mil

BAA Program Administration Group UNCLASSIFIED E-mail: advancedresearch@mda.mil

3. Security Questions:

Mr. Casey Walton UNCLASSIFIED E-mail: Casey.Walton@mda.mil CLASSIFIED E-mail: Casey.Walton@mda.smil.mil

K. Other Information

Any research conducted on or resulting from contract(s) awarded from this BAA must comply with United States Laws and regulations on “Export Control,” including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). MDA approval is required prior to any non-U.S. citizen performing classified or unclassified work on a BAA contract.

SECTION III: RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Background

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is responsible for developing a Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS), integrating land, sea, air, and space-based assets to defend the United States, friends and allies, and deployed forces from ballistic missile attack of all ranges and in all phases of flight. MDA is also responsible for development and integration of systems to defeat future threat types, in fact, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2017 states that the Director of the Missile Defense Agency shall serve as the executive agent for the Department of Defense for the development of a capability by the U.S. to counter hypersonic boost-glide vehicle capabilities and conventional prompt strike capabilities that may be employed against the United States, the allies of the United States, and the deployed forces of the United States. In January 2017, MDA issued a Request for Information (RFI) to conduct market research to assist in the identification of innovative weapon concepts and technologies for defense against future threats. The RFI responses indicate that there are feasible concepts and technology opportunities for defeating future threats that require more detailed definition and assessment to inform MDA path forward for acquiring weapon capabilities.

B. Synopsis

MDA requests white papers from U.S. industry, accredited colleges and universities, and nonprofit organizations. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and 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. Other interested organizations and Government agencies should contact the technical POC, Dr. George Mantis at George.Mantis@mda.mil.

Describe Hypersonic Defense (HD) specific component technology maturation opportunities that can address the detection, tracking, engagement planning and execution, and assessment challenges described in the classified annex. MDA is seeking advanced technologies across the Hypersonic Defense ‘kill chain’ including early identification and persistent sensor technologies, low-latency communication and processing technologies, and advanced technologies supporting future components for weapon systems. See Figure 1 for examples of component technologies of interest. Both kinetic and non-kinetic technologies are desired. Identify technologies that are not sufficiently mature for near term system integration, but will support revolutionary HD capability when matured. The goal is to achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5+ at the component or subsystem level as soon as 2023, ready for technology development and integration into parts of the HD architecture.

Figure 1. Examples of HD Component Technology Areas of Interest

MDA envisions contract award(s) in 1st quarter FY19 for technology maturation efforts. If funding becomes available in the 4th quarter of FY18, awards may be accelerated. Offerors will fully describe technology applicability to HD, current technology maturity level, maturation activities and milestones, achievable TRL, and how this technology advances the current state-of-the-art. The offeror will provide schedule and cost estimates for technology maturation and demonstration. An offeror can submit more than one component technology however each component technology must be a separate white paper.

White papers may be submitted UNCLASSIFIED, at the collateral SECRET, or higher levels. Offerors must have a valid U.S. security clearance of Secret or higher in order to respond to this Announcement, because the Announcement includes an annex (information) classified at the Secret level which will be released only to offerors possessing the appropriate clearance. All classified material must be handled in accordance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) (DoD 5220-22-M) and Industrial Security Regulation (DoD5220.22-R).

C. Description

Provide a white paper describing the offeror’s technology maturation opportunities to meet the detection, engagement planning, and engagement execution challenges as described in the classified annex. Describe the offeror’s estimated schedule and rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost to implement and execute technology maturation tasks described.

Describe the offeror’s capability to execute the plan and produce results including demonstrated capability to design, fabricate, and test prototype technology components and subsystems. Describe the modeling and simulation capability necessary to analyze a technology concept and mature it to the prototyping phase. Describe the manufacturing capability necessary to realize a prototype design and create hardware test articles as applicable. Describe the testing necessary to achieve intended TRL level and the recommended availability of those facilities for testing.

For each technology proposed, describe how the offeror will accomplish:

1. Technology Definition, Prototype Design, and Demonstration

· Identify specific challenges of HD and proposed component technology.

· Define the analysis and design approach for technology prototypes, as appropriate, that links prototype characteristics to HD needs.

· Describe the relevant environments necessary to demonstrate technology readiness.

· Describe the application of open systems and modularity to maximize technology applicability across potential users.

· Identify specific development activities and tests necessary to increase technology maturity to TRL 5.

· Describe within which HD architecture element the component technology applies (e.g., sensor, communication, weapon, command and control) and where it fits in the kill chain, or describe the new architecture element.

· Describe if the component technology makes the current industry standard obsolete.

· Identify performance benefits to HD architecture.

2. Modeling, Simulation, and Test

· Describe models and simulation capability appropriate to the component technology, including the heritage of re-used models and new models required.

· Describe component testing, limitations, and plans for mitigation and/or improvement. Examples of testing may include, but are not limited to:

· Component testing, such as material coupons, scene generation

· Subscale testing, such as wind tunnel testing

· Flight testing

3. Technology Maturity and Risk Assessment

· Describe your risk management process to include identifying, assessing, and developing mitigation strategies for program risks.

· Present risk assessments.

· Define the key technology risks.

· Assess the technical maturity of proposed component technology in accordance with TRL definitions in Annex 1. Provide the data justifying the assessed TRL.

· Outline key aspects of transitioning technology into HD architecture.

4. Program Planning

· Develop a technology component schedule for all tasks associated with the technology maturation, development, test, and transition.

· Describe in detail the approach, technical objectives, and how the schedule will be executed. Milestones should indicate when specific technology objectives are expected to be met and should identify the specific accomplishments necessary to proceed to the next task.

D. White Paper Responses

White papers may be submitted UNCLASSIFIED, at the collateral SECRET, or higher levels.

· UNCLASSIFIED white papers and questions shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer, Ms. Janalee Mathy at Janalee.Mathy@mda.mil and the BAA Program Administration Group at advancedresearch@mda.mil.

· For CLASSIFIED submissions, contact Mr. Casey Walton at Casey.Walton@mda.mil and Ms. Janalee Mathy at Janalee.Mathy@mda.mil, and cc Dr. George Mantis at George.Mantis@mda.mil to make necessary arrangements (these email addresses for coordination only - not classified documents).

If desired, classified information may be segregated into a separate annex, and submitted separately; or the white paper may be submitted as one document at the appropriate classification level.

The appropriate security classification guide (SCG) or derivative classified source document must be followed by those interested parties submitting white papers. Contact the MDA Security POC listed below for specific classification instructions for any situation where no clear SCG direction is available or known, and the offeror believes the work would merit classification due to either technical and/or quantitative performance or capabilities. Offerors must possess all required personnel security clearances, facility clearances, and other infrastructure requirements necessary to conduct or perform such classified work.

An offeror (if selected) requiring additional Government Furnished Information (GFI) for contract performance is requested to identify the GFI in their white papers, to include title, description, rationale, date required, and impact if not received.

All models, algorithms, simulations, and/or software modified or developed for this contract (if selected) will be delivered with no less than Government purpose rights as defined in the DFARS 227.7103-5. Exceptions are expected for commercial-off-the-shelf software (e.g., MATLAB).

E. Marking

White paper submissions must comply with the instructions set forth in this document. Offerors are responsible for adequately marking information contained in their response. Offerors SHALL mark any technical data, computer software and computer software documentation that is associated with existing Government data rights accordingly and mark in accordance with the DFARS as such on a page-by-page basis. Classified documents must be marked, protected, transmitted, and handled per applicable National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) requirements.

F. Industry Day Announcement

The Government is planning a combined Industry Day on May 14, 2018, at the MDA facilities, Von Braun III Complex, Redstone Arsenal, AL. The combined Industry Day will support the Special Topic Broad Agency Announcement Hypersonic Defense Weapon System as well as this announcement. The event begins at 0800 Central Time with security check-in beginning at 0715. During the afternoon the Government will conduct 15-minute one-on-one meetings with vendors interested in providing an offer as a prime contractor for this effort. One-on-one meetings for the two (2) BAAs will be held separately, a company team may attend both. Registration for the one-on-one sessions will be on a first-come, first-served basis and a request for a time slot must be submitted with the Industry Day registration request (See Annexes 7 and 8).

Industry Day will be classified at the collateral SECRET level; therefore, only U.S. citizens having at least a SECRET clearance may attend. No person will be allowed to attend without a Visit Authorization Request (VAR) on file. All attendees must submit a VAR at least 72 hours in advance of Industry Day. Please see Annex 2 for the MDA VAR process.

The Government will limit the May 14th attendance to five (5) attendees per company and one-on-one sessions to five (5) individuals per team. NOTE: Companies interested in attending should only send in one registration form for the combined Industry Day. (Companies should NOT send in two separate forms with 10 different names.) Registration to the event will close at 1600 Central Time on May 8, 2018 or when capacity has been reached. All Industry Day and One-on-One registration requests (See Annexes 7 and 8) must be submitted in writing via e-mail to Matt Pensa at matthew.pensa.ctr@mda.mil and cc Stacy Kelsay at stacy.kelsay.ctr@mda.mil. If your company wishes to attend both one-on-ones please register via the form in each BAA. Verbal or telephone requests will not be accepted.

Submit unclassified technical questions about this special topic to the Contracting Officer, Janalee Mathy at Janalee.Mathy@mda.mil, the BAA Program Administration Group at advancedresearch@mda.mil, and Dr. George Mantis at George.Mantis@mda.mil. Submit classified technical questions to the Contracting Officer, Janalee Mathy at Janalee.Mathy@mda.smil.mil and George.Mantis@mda.smil.mil or submit via FedEx. All questions shall be in writing. The Government may address these questions at Industry Day.

G. Government Furnished Information (GFI)

GFI will be provided, upon request, to aid in the preparation of white papers. Any technical data furnished by the Government in response to topic inquiries, is in an "as is" condition without warranty as to its accuracy, completeness, or adequacy.

The offerors shall use this technical data at their own risk. The Government assumes no responsibility for such furnished data/documentation, nor will the Government have any liability for a respondent's response should such data/documentation prove to be inaccurate, incomplete, or otherwise defective.

The following documents are available for white paper preparation upon request:

· BMDS Security Classification Guide (SCG)

· MDA Core Standards

· MDA Mission Assurance Provisions

· MDA Parts, Materials, and Processes

· Risk Management Instructions

The Hypersonic Defense Component Technology Special Topic Broad Agency Announcement Annex and some of the GFI are classified collateral SECRET. In order to receive the classified annex or GFI, the respondent requires a facility security clearance and classified storage authorization of no less than SECRET. All requests must be submitted to the Security POC, Mr. Casey Walton at Casey.Walton@mda.mil using the Document Access Agreement/Request Form, Annex 3. By signing the Document Access Agreement/Request Form, the facility security officer obligates the offeror to comply with all National Industrial Security Program (NISP) requirements for safeguarding and handling classified information. The offeror will also include the Contracting Officer, Janalee Mathy at Janalee.Mathy@mda.mil and the BAA Program Administration Group at advancedresearch@mda.mil on GFI requests.

H. Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI)

OCIs can deprive MDA of the independent, objective advice of its supporting contractors. OCIs occur when a contractor may be unable to provide impartial advice or assistance, when its objectivity in performing a contract is impaired, or when it may obtain an unfair competitive advantage. A contractor can obtain an unfair competitive advantage by obtaining access to non-public information or when it is in a position to favor its own products or services. See Annex 4 for more information.

MDA maintains a strict OCI policy adhering to the FAR Subpart 9.5. As a matter of general policy, contractors which provide advisory and assistance services to MDA, particularly in the systems engineering and technical assistance (SETA), acquisition support, management support, and quality assurance functional areas, cannot develop or support the development of MDA's research and development efforts. This separation of contractual responsibilities is critical to ensuring MDA obtains the independent, objective advice it requires, particularly in establishing requirements for our major research and development efforts and in evaluating contractor performance of those requirements.

All offerors and proposed subcontractors shall disclose in their white paper submittal, whether they are providing any of the above mentioned advisory and assistance services or similar support to any MDA-funded contracts or subcontracts; BMDS-related contracts or subcontracts; and any non-BMDS related business relationships with firms doing business with or in support of MDA. All facts relevant to the existence or potential existence of an OCI (FAR 9.5) shall be disclosed. All disclosures shall state which office(s) the offeror supports, identify the prime contract numbers, provide a description of the services being performed and a preliminary non-binding OCI assessment addressing if an actual and/or potential OCI exists. White papers that fail to fully disclose existing and/or potential OCIs will be rejected without evaluation and withdrawn from further consideration for an award.

If a prospective offeror believes that an OCI exists and/or may exist, the offeror should promptly raise the issue with MDA by e-mailing their contact information and a summary of the potential conflict to the BAA Contracting Officer in paragraph I below for a formal assessment, prior to expending time and effort preparing a white paper submittal.

1. MDA Technical, Engineering, Advisory, and Management Support (TEAMS) Potential OCIs between TEAMS and other MDA acquisitions are highlighted in the MDA TEAMS OCI Memorandum incorporated into each TEAMS draft and final solicitation. Questions related to OCI issues or restrictions specific to a TEAMS solicitation/contract should be forwarded to the applicable TEAMS Contracting Officer by the prime contractor. Subcontractors supporting TEAMS are required to contact their applicable TEAMS prime contractor for any OCI issues or restrictions specific to a TEAMS subcontract.

DFARS clause 252.209-7009, Organizational Conflict of Interest—Major Defense Acquisition Program, is included in all TEAMS SETA solicitations/contracts. For the purposes of applying the prohibitions identified in DFARS 252.209-7009, efforts for HDCT BAA should be considered part of research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E).

The MDA TEAMS contracts require attention by the HDCT BAA Contracting Officer with respect to potential or actual OCIs. Each potential OCI must be examined individually on the basis of its particular facts, so please refer to paragraph 2 of this subsection for instructions regarding a preliminary, non-binding OCI assessment for HDCT BAA white paper submittals.

2. Preliminary, Non-Binding OCI Assessments Individual contractors and contractor teams are invited to submit a request for preliminary, non-binding OCI assessments from date of this notice through submission of a white paper under the HD Component Technology BAA. Please complete Annex 5 of this notice (HDCT BAA OCI Analysis/Disclosure Form) and submit to the applicable POC per the submittal instructions provided in this announcement. The HDCT BAA OCI Analysis/Disclosure Form once filled in by the contractor will be treated as For Official Use Only (FOUO). Include a proposed Mitigation Plan, if applicable.

Note: It is responsibility of the contractors and contractor teams to ensure OCI analysis and disclosure forms are current, accurate, and updated to reflect any changes or new contract awards that may result in an actual or potential OCI for the HDCT BAA competitions.

I. HDCT BAA OCI POC

Submit all OCI questions/comments concerning this notice and any requests for a preliminary, non-binding OCI assessment to the Contracting Officer, Janalee Mathy at Janalee.Mathy@mda.mil and the BAA Program Administration Group at advancedresearch@mda.mil. As part of the OCI assessment request, complete and submit Annex 5 (see Annex 6 for form instructions), and include a Mitigation Plan, if applicable. Please note the BAA and applicable topic area in the subject line of the e-mail. OCI questions and comments must be received not later than the date the white papers are due June 14, 2018.

J. Cybersecurity

Please state in your White Paper whether your company is NIST 800-171 r1 compliant at the time of submission and/or when it will be compliant if awarded any follow on contracts from the White Paper.

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 offer selected.

Award(s) may occur anytime during the open BAA period as well as six months after the BAA closing date. 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 award(s) without discussions based upon its evaluation of white papers; however, the Government reserves the right to hold discussions if deemed necessary. Discussions with the POCs do 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.

This effort requires the lead Principal Investigator (PI) and/or Program Manager (PM) and team members of offerors submitting a proposal under this program hold U.S. citizenship. Approval is required from MDA for any non-U.S. citizen to perform work on MDA research contracts.

The BAA Special Topic covers 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 here under. 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 Special Topic BAA are private industry, large and small business concerns, and accredited colleges and universities. FFRDCs and 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. Other interested organizations and Government agencies should contact the technical POC, Dr. George Mantis at George.Mantis@mda.mil. No portion of this BAA will be set-aside due to the impracticality of reserving discrete or severable items of this research.

Teaming partnerships are encouraged and teams may submit white papers in any and all areas. However, the Contractors are responsible for negotiating appropriate Associate Contractor Agreements (ACAs) and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) with other contractors as necessary to implement the exchanges of technical data and other information required, ensure total system end-to-end performance, and also to protect technical data and other information from unauthorized disclosure or use. These agreements must not restrict any of the Government’s rights established pursuant to this or any other contract. The 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.

Each Prime and Subcontractor will be required to meet National Institute of Standards and Technology SP 800-171 R1 requirements to develop a System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM) resulting in the implementation of cybersecurity controls on their contractor owned and operated network. The overall responsibility for protecting controlled unclassified information (CUI) and limiting its distribution within the supply chain remains with the prime contractor. Contractors are advised that should they be selected to proceed to the next phase of this process the Government will request their SSP and POAM for evaluation and may require the development of an Information Management and Control Plan (IMCP) to further protect CUI throughout the supply chain. These and any additional cybersecurity requirements will be clearly defined in the follow on solicitation documents. Any vendor not meeting or unable to meet the requirements for Cybersecurity MAY not be eligible for award.

SECTION VI: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. Submission Process

This Special Topic 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 as they are non-conforming with FAR 6.102(d) (2).

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.

MDA intends to use e-mail for all correspondence concerning HQ0147-18-S-0002. Unclassified electronic (e-mail) questions concerning this announcement shall be sent to the attention of the Contracting Officer Janalee Mathy at Janalee.Mathy@mda.mil and the BAA Program Administration Group at advancedresearch@mda.mil. The subject line of the e-mail shall read “HQ0147-18-S-0002 Special Topic White Paper Submission.” The white paper must be a Microsoft Word compatible or PDF format attachment to the e-mail. There is an e-mail size limit of 10MB per e-mail.

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

· A white paper of 12 pages, which succinctly describes the proposed technical approach, as well as its rationale and objectives, methodology, knowledge points, expected results, risk assessments, and potential contribution to the HD architecture.

· White paper rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost estimate.

· A suggested program plan.

· A description of the offerors technical capabilities, relevant experience, and facilities.

Note: DO NOT SEND THE FOLLOWING:

· Hardcopies of unclassified white papers (including facsimiles). Only electronic submissions of unclassified white papers will be accepted and reviewed. Hardcopies of classified white papers will be accepted ONLY IF the offeror does not have access to SIPRNET or JWICS.

· ZIP files.

· Password protected files.

B. Requirements of White Papers

White papers shall address the entire suggested period of performance. The Executive Summary and Program Description as described below shall not exceed the 12 page limit and anything beyond that limit will not be evaluated. The document shall have one-inch margins on all sides and use Times New Roman 12 point font. White papers must be valid for a period of not less than 180 days after the submission date.

Offerors may mark their white papers with the restrictive language that is stated in FAR 52.215-1(Alt. 1). It is the offeror’s responsibility to clearly define to the Government what is considered restrictive data in accordance with DFARS 252.227-7016.

2. Executive Summary (included in page count): 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 (included in page count): 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.

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. Refer to Section III.C for program areas to address. 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 the risk mitigation plan.

5. Resumes (not included in page count): Include only the PI, PM, and key personnel resumes.

6. Description of Relevant Prior Work (not included in page count): Include a list of in-house efforts funded by internal research funds and contracts funded by others for the past five years. For each effort, provide the title of effort, contract number, funding organization (customer), and a brief summary of results.

C. Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) Cost

Provide 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.

Note: ROM cost is not included in total page count.

TABLE 1: Proposed Effort ROM Cost Element Summary

Total Direct Labor (TDL) Cost

Total Direct Materials (TDM) Costs

Total Other Direct Costs (TODC)

Total Indirect Costs (TIDC)

Fee or Profit

TOTAL ESTIMATED PRICE

TABLE 2: Subcontract/Inter-organizational Transfers and 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.

SECTION VII: EVALUATION 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

The evaluation factors of the white paper include Technical Merit, Capabilities, Management, and Relevance to MDA as described below. These four factors are significantly more important than cost or price. Technical Merit is equally as important as Capabilities and Management combined. Capabilities are slightly more important than Management. Relevance to MDA is final basis for award.

1. Technical Merit. Does the white paper represent quality research by adequately addressing objectives, scientific methods or engineering practices, expected results and validation of results? Does the proposed research have applicability to the existing/emerging BMDS? Does the proposed research have a clear potential to mitigate critical performance gaps or greatly enhance current capabilities or the affordability of the system? Does the proposed research extend beyond state-of-the-art or represent an innovative game changing technology? (Pertains to performance and cost)

2. Capabilities. Does the white paper adequately justify the PI’s and/or key personnel’s qualifications, capabilities, and experience critical to achieving the research objectives? Does the offering institution provide adequate techniques and facilities to complete the proposed task? If the task is sensitive (e.g., CUI/Export Control) or classified, do research personnel have the necessary status/clearances and appropriate access-control/cleared facilities? Does the proposed team include individuals, groups, or institutions recognized as leaders in their field with a strong record of accomplishment in the area of proposed research (e.g., patents, papers, citation, and products) or have a one-of-a-kind capability?

3. Management. Does the white paper provide a set of clearly defined tasks and objectives, a logical schedule with appropriate flow between activities, and a list of products? Does the rough order of magnitude cost appear reasonable? Does the white paper demonstrate program management capabilities; e.g., shows the critical path of activities for the entire research project (base plus option years if applicable); provides resource loaded milestone schedules (base plus option years if applicable); defines areas of risk and risk mitigation strategies; and lists products with associated metrics?

4. Relevance to MDA & Priority. 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 Team

White papers submitted under this Special Topic 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 FFRDCs, UARCs, 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 6 months from receipt of white paper to notice of selection or non-selection for award. If selected for award, the MDA/DV Contracts office will request a full technical volume and detailed cost proposal in a formal Request for (pricing) Proposal (RFP). Specific proposal instructions will be included in the RFP pricing package. DO NOT SUBMIT THE TECHNICAL AND COST PROPOSALS UNTIL YOU RECEIVE A REQUEST FROM THE CONTRACTING OFFICER FOR THIS INFORMATION.

ANNEX 1: TECHNOLOGY READINESS LEVELS

This is the lowest level of technology readiness. Scientific research begins to be translated into applied research and development. Examples might include paper studies of a technology’s basic properties.

Invention begins. Once basic principles are observed, practical applications can be invented. Applications are speculative and there may be no proof or detailed analysis to support the assumptions. Examples are limited to analytic studies.

Active research and development is initiated. This includes analytical studies and laboratory studies to physically validate analytical predictions of separate elements of the technology. Examples include components that are not yet integrated or representative.

Basic technological components are integrated to establish that they will work together. This is relatively “low fidelity” compared to the eventual system. Examples include integration of “ad hoc” hardware in the laboratory.

Fidelity of breadboard technology increases significantly. The basic technological components are integrated with reasonably realistic supporting elements so it can be tested in a simulated environment. Examples include “high-fidelity” laboratory integration of components.

Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in simulated operational environment.

The prototype is near, or at, planned operational system. Represents a major step up from TRL 6, requiring demonstration of an actual system prototype in an operational environment such as an aircraft, vehicle, or space. Examples include testing the prototype in a testbed aircraft.

Technology has been proven to work in its final form and under expected conditions. In almost all cases, this TRL represents the end of true system development. Examples include developmental test and evaluation of the system in its intended weapon system to determine if it meets design specifications.

The actual application of the technology in its final form and under mission conditions, such as those encountered in Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E). Examples include using the system under operational mission conditions.

The above matrix, taken from the DoD Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA) Deskbook, lists the various technology readiness levels and descriptions from a systems approach for both hardware and software. DoD components may provide additional clarifications for software.

ANNEX 2: MDA HUNTSVILLE VISITOR ACCESS REQUEST PROCESS

All non-MDA visitors must be badged in order to have access to MDA Huntsville facilities. Visitors must have a Visitor Access Request (VARs/VALs) on file in the MDA Visitor Database, Diamond II, indicating the visitor has at least a US SECRET or INTERIM SECRET level or higher security clearance. Visitors without at least a current US INTERIM SECRET clearance on file will receive an Escort Only Visitor Badge and must be escorted at all times while in MDA facilities.

VARs must be sent in 72 hours in advance of a visit to ensure no last-minute access problems to classified meetings. All MDA and non-MDA VARs are sent by the company or organization requesting their assigned personnel (listed individually by name) admittance to MDA.

Please use the following numbers for VAR submittal information:

256-450-3214 256-450-3215 256-450-3222 (FAX)

Email: mdaaccesscontrolhsv@mda.mil JPAS SMO Code: DDAAUH

All VARs/VALs must include at least the following information:

ANNEX 3: DOCUMENT ACCESS AGREEMENT/REQUEST FORM

ANNEX 4: ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST (Jun 2012)

A. Purpose: The primary purpose of this clause is to aid in ensuring that:

1) The Contractor's objectivity and judgment are not biased because of its present or planned interests which relate to work under this contract;

2) The Contractor does not obtain unfair competitive advantage by virtue of its access to non-public information regarding the Government's program plans and actual or anticipated resources; and

3) The Contractor does not obtain unfair competitive advantage by virtue of its access to proprietary information belonging to others.

B. Scope: Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) rules, procedures, and responsibilities as described in FAR Subpart 9.5 shall be applicable to this contract and any resulting subcontracts.

1) The general rules in FAR 9.505-1 through 9.505-4 and the…