MUST III BAA FINAL.pdf

Military Unique Sustainment Technology III (MUST-III) Broad Agency Announcement

SP4701-26-B-0001

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Research and Development

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION …………………………………………….……….…….…..……..…..4

SECTION 1: General Information ...……………………….………….….……………… 4

SECTION 2: Background ..…………….………….…………………….……..….……

SECTION 3: SCOPE ………………………..………………………….……..…….…….. 7

SECTION 4: PROGRAM INFORMATION……………..…………………….…..…….. 7

Technical Areas of Interest………………………………………………………….7

Working Group Activities………………………………………………………….9

Meetings…………………………………………………………………………….9

Projects……………………………………………………………………………...9

Project Transition………………………………………………………………….9

SECTION 5: GENERAL PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INFORMATION………………10

IDIQ/Working Group…..…………………………………………………………...11

All other proposals…………………………………………………………………..11

SECTION 6: PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS………..……………………………….… 13

TECHNICAL AND COST PROPOSAL FORMATS……………………………13

Volume I – Technical Proposals:…………………………………………………………..13

Proprietary Markings……………………………………………………………...15

Part 1: Proposal Cover Sheet…………………………...……………………………. 16

Part 2: Executive Summary……………………………………………………………16

Part 3: Feasibility, Viability, and Desirability…………………………………………16

Part 4: Past Performance, Capabilities, and Related Experience……………………17

Volume II – Cost/Price Proposal:……………………………………………………….…17

Cost Proposal Format……………………………………………………………………

Part 1 – Overview………………………………………………………………………...18 Part 2 – Certified Cost or Pricing Data and Data Other Than Certified Cost or

Pricing Data…………………………………………………………………19 Part 3 – Work Breakdown Structure………………………………………………… Part 4 – Proposal Adequacy Checklist regarding Cost and Pricing Information…….20

Cost Realism Analysis……………………………………………………………………….20

SECTION 7: Evaluation Criteria for Awards …………………………………………….21 Factor #1: Feasibility (Overall Scientific and Technical Merit)…………………..22 Factor #2: Viability………………………………………………………………….22 Factor #3: Desirability………………………………………………………………22 Factor #4: Past Performance, Capabilities, and Related Experience…………….22 Factor #5: Cost and Price…………………………………………………………...23

Evaluation Rating Scheme…………………………………………………………………..23

SECTION 8: AWARD DECISION………………………………………………………

SECTION 9: WHITE PAPER INSTRUCTIONS AND FORMAT (this pertains to the White Papers to be received after BAA reopening)…………………………………27

WHITE PAPER DEBRIEFS…………………………………………………………………28

SECTION 10: PREPROPOSAL INFORMATION…………………………………………28

SECTION 11: CLAUSES……………………………………………………………………..29

SECTION 12: ATTACHMENTS…………………………………………………………….59

ATTACHMENT A: WHITE PAPER TEMPLATE………………………………..59

ATTACHMENT B: SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN………….62

ATTACHMENT C: PROPOSAL ADEQUACY CHECKLIST……………………64

PART: U.S. Government Procurements

SUBPART: Services

OFFICE ADDRESS:

DLA Contract Service Office – Philadelphia Attn: Andrea Nicolucci, Bldg. 6, Station 6D413 700 Robbins Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19111-5092

CLASS CODE: A--Research and Development

SUBJECT: A-- Military Unique Sustainment Technology III

POSTING DATE: 12/2/2025

INITIAL CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF SHORT TERM PROJECTS: (45 DAYS) BAA

will re-open afterwards for receipt of White Papers

NAICS CODE: 541715 -- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

SET ASIDES: N/A

SOL: SP4701-26-B-0001

POINT OF CONTACT (POC): Andrea Nicolucci, Sara Cepeda, Alexandra Bocito

CONTACT INFORMATION : Email Andrea.Nicolucci@dla.mil; Phone: 215-737-2698 ;

Sara.Cepeda@dla.mil, Alexandra.Bocito@dla.mil & DCSO-P R&D Mail box RandD.DCSO@dla.mil

SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

This notice constitutes a combined synopsis and Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for the acquisition of research and development (R&D) in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 35.016, “Broad agency announcement,” as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. No other solicitation will be issued. Only the information provided in this notice is available. Requests for other forms of solicitation shall be disregarded.

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) seeks interested parties to become partners in the Military Unique Sustainment Technology III program (herein referred to as MUST III). MUST III is a DLA sponsored Department of Defense (DoD) Manufacturing Technology Program.

The commercial clothing and textile industry is experiencing a period of unprecedented transformation, driven by rapid fashion cycles, the authority of digital design and data, and the implementation of mailto:Andrea.Nicolucci@dla.mil mailto:Sara.Cepeda@dla.mil mailto:Alexandra.Bocito@dla.mil mailto:RandD.DCSO@dla.mil

Industry 4.0 and 5.0 technologies. To effectively and affordably meet its evolving needs, the Department of Defense (DOD) must explore how to leverage these advancements across design, engineering, and manufacturing. Specifically, the DOD needs to adopt commercial manufacturing technologies that are agile and digitally driven, as Advanced Clothing and Individual Equipment (CIE) and other textile-based applications increasingly rely on modern, digital technical data to enable efficient and effective manufacturing. By embracing these shifts, the DOD can achieve rapid prototyping, scalable production, and cost-effective solutions that keep pace with operational requirements.

The DLA Research and Development (R&D) Program Office is seeking efforts that support any of the MUST III Technical Areas of Interest outlined in the scope of this BAA (see Section 3: Scope).

This BAA will remain open for five (5) years and will have a one-time initial closing date for receipt of cost & technical proposals for IDIQ consideration under Short Term Projects (45 days after initial posting).

Please note that Cost and technical proposals shall be submitted separately. After the initial 45-day period the BAA will temporarily close, for evaluation of cost & technical proposals received.

During the initial BAA response period (45-day window), vendors must submit full cost & technical proposals (omitting the White Paper submission) in order to be considered for an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract (see Section 6: Proposal Instructions). Cost and technical proposals submitted under this BAA for IDIQ consideration shall describe a potential Short Term Project (STP) that aligns with one of the MUST III Technical Areas of Interest as outlined in Section 3. Initial offerors are encouraged to propose innovative solutions, highlighting any relevant DLA/DoD acquisition lifecycle experience. Consideration will be given to all approaches that enable improved processes aligning with both DoD and DLA Strategic Initiatives. Only selected Offerors will be awarded an IDIQ contract under the initial BAA.

Although initial projects proposed in response to this BAA may result in the award of an IDIQ, a task order to execute the initial STP may or may not be issued. Each vendor who receives an IDIQ contract will, if found eligible, be part of a working group whose purpose is to collaborate with the Program office, relevant DLA stakeholders and/or other vendors to identify problems and achieve improvements with measurable results in the business processes that support the MUST III program. An optional CLIN will be included in resulting task orders or contract awards for working group activities, including travel.

After evaluation of initial proposals, the BAA window will re-open. At that time, the government intends to accept White Papers from potential vendors who did not receive an IDIQ contract in the initial round.

Vendors may suggest ideas for projects by submitting a White Paper, an abbreviated document (limited to 6 pages) in which a submitter shall describe a technical R&D concept (see Section 5: White Paper Instructions and Format). Successful White Papers will identify problems and present achievable Short Term Proposals with measurable results in support of the MUST III program. White Papers will only be accepted after the BAA is reopened. Offerors should check the SAM.gov website for the current status of the BAA. If such a technical concept is deemed by the Government to be of interest, the Government may request a full cost and technical proposal (see Section 6: Proposal Instructions).

The Government reserves the right to select all, some, or none of the submitted proposals for award. The primary basis for selecting proposals for acceptance will be technical merit, relevance to agency programs, and fund availability. Cost realism and reasonableness will also be considered.

Contract Type

The Government intends to award cost-type working group IDIQ contracts under this BAA and cost-type definitive contracts for vendors who are not awarded IDIQs. Cost-type contracts include cost-reimbursement (FAR 16.302), Cost-sharing (FAR 16.303), or cost-plus fixed fee (FAR 16.306). The Government reserves the right to award another type of contract at its sole discretion. Once proposal evaluations are completed, each offeror will be notified if the Government selected their proposal for award.

IDIQ (Working Group) contracts awarded from this BAA will be for a one-year base period and four one-year option periods. These contracts will include three Contract Line Items (CLINs); the first, Short Term Projects (STPs) and third CLINs (Transition, Interim Operational Test, and Evaluation) are optional and will only be utilized on a case-by-case basis:

CLIN 0001 Optional CLIN for Short Term Projects (STPs)

CLIN 0002 CLIN for Working Group Activities

CLIN 0003 Optional CLIN for Transition, Interim Operations, Test, and Evaluation

SECTION 2: BACKGROUND

Building on the success of MUST I and MUST II, the new MUST III program seeks to expand the community of practice and deliver even greater impact through innovation in digital manufacturing, data interoperability, and domestic industrial base resilience.

The MUST III mission will be accomplished through sharply focused STPs, typically ranging from three months to 24 months in duration, that will be executed by the IDIQ awardees and by other contractors selected for individual STPs.

The intent of utilizing IDIQ Contracts is to create a working group between DLA and applicable contractors with a primary focus on identifying DLA Class II acquisition lifecycle problems and developing solutions that would have measurable results. Subject to availability of funds, a total Government investment not to exceed $50 million for 5 years is planned during Fiscal Years 2026-2030.

This investment will be used to fund all contracts and projects.

SECTION 3: SCOPE

As a Combat Support Agency, DLA’s mission is to provide world-class logistics support to the Warfighter. MUST III will conduct advanced technology development projects focused on the Class II supply chain capability, capacity, and efficiency across the acquisition lifecycle.

Identified Technical Areas of Interest include, but are not limited to:

1) Digital as an authoritative source

2) Supply chain resilience in clothing and individual equipment

3) Innovation in clothing and individual equipment

Additional details regarding the three (3) Technical Areas of Interest are included in Section 4.

It is DLA’s intention that the items as stated above are intended to be amended as needed to add, modify, or delete Technical Areas of Interest.

The process for obtaining an award under this BAA consists of three steps:

• STEP I: Submission of White Paper (See instructions below).

• STEP II: Submission of a technical proposal, only if requested by the DLA Contracting Officer

• STEP III: Submission of a cost proposal, only if requested by the DLA Contracting Officer either concurrently, or after submission of a technical proposal

Interested parties shall submit an initial summary of their plan, referred to as a “White Paper,” describing a specific project related to a Technical Areas of Interest as described above.

If a White Paper is of sufficient interest to the Government, DLA may request technical and cost proposals.

SECTION 4: PROGRAM INFORMATION

Technical Areas of Interest

As noted above, MUST III’s research concentrates on three (3) specific Technical Areas of Interest. The program’s goal is to work closely with DLA’s subject matter experts to improve Class II acquisition lifecycle operations by applying industry best practices (e.g., Digital Engineering, Industry 4.0, Industry 5.0, etc.) and cutting-edge technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotic process automation, blockchain, etc.) Please see below for more detailed information on the Technical Areas of Interest of the program:

1) Digital as an authoritative source: Establishing a single, trusted digital version of clothing and individual equipment specifications, manufacturing data, and sourcing details to reduce errors, increase speed, and enable automation throughout the supply chain.

o This includes transitioning from traditional technical documents to digital data as the primary source of truth, ensuring all design, sourcing, and production information is timely, accurate consistent, accessible, and secure.

o Emphasis should be placed on integrating model-based systems engineering, digital twins, and digital thread technologies. This transformation should rely on IT architectures that support interoperability, cybersecurity, and protection of intellectual property.

o Advanced technologies such as augmented reality, AI, and machine learning could be utilized to bridge business and technical workflows, enhancing accuracy and operational efficiency.

o Establishing secure, “time of need” information sharing capability e.g. Application Program Interfaces to enable distribution of technical data over the product lifecycle.

2) Supply chain resilience in clothing and individual equipment: Developing and demonstrating adaptive manufacturing capabilities and buffer strategies—like material stockpiles or alternate sourcing—that help the industry continue operating during surge requirements, large-scale conflicts, disasters, or disruptions.

o Research in this area could focus on mapping supply chains, identifying critical bottlenecks, or developing models to simulate and respond to various disruptions. Tools like digital twin simulations of the supply chain and predictive analytics could be utilized to proactively address labor shortages, material delays, and capacity issues.

o Researchers might also examine how to incorporate surge readiness, excess capacity strategies, and prepositioned material stockpiles to ensure stability in times of crisis.

o Supplier categorization using digital platforms could support diversified sourcing and highlight alternative production pathways when traditional channels are compromised.

o Develop capabilities to manufacture for low-volume or “made to measure” items, cost effectively with the very short lead-time needed to meet mission requirements (e.g. training goals).

3) Innovation in clothing and individual equipment: Encouraging research and development in novel materials, garment designs, and production methods (e.g. 3D knitting, advanced wearables, automated sewing) to enhance the performance, comfort, and scalability of military clothing and individual equipment.

o Efforts should prioritize interfacing and coordinating with the Military Services on the development of cutting-edge textile technologies, next-generation uniform systems. This includes advanced manufacturing techniques. containerized and point-of-need manufacturing capabilities that allow rapid setup and deployment in remote or austere environments.

o Research to encourage exploration into wearable technologies, self-healing fabrics, and automated production techniques such as 3D knitting and robotics. Digital representations of product lifecycles and materials performance, paired with a workforce trained in AI and digital tools, will ensure that new capabilities are both scalable and resilient.

Each contractor awarded an IDIQ will execute any R&D projects awarded to them in accordance with the Statement of Work included in each task order. During the execution of each STP, the Government PM and their PM Support Team will manage all aspects of planning, execution and reporting of the overall project portfolio, with particular attention to cost, schedule and deliverables. Each individual project will be managed by the contractor who executes that project, while the PM and PM Support Team will perform all coordination and management across projects.

Working Group Activities

The period of performance for each IDIQ contract is intended to be 5 years, structured as a 1-year base period and four 1-year option periods. However, individual IDIQ time periods may vary. Each IDIQ will include a CLIN for Working Group Activities (CLIN 0002); task orders issued against this CLIN will provide funding for authorized travel (as deemed necessary) and related costs to attend and actively participate in MUST meetings and other Government sponsored meetings as coordinated by the MUST Program Office. Each IDIQ awardee will be selected to bring specific technical expertise that lends itself to significant improvements to DLA processes. The purpose of IDIQ contracts is to allow DLA to identify and address a wide range of candidate technologies and business practice innovations. A specialized Statement of Work (SOW) for Working Group Activities will be included in resulting task orders.

Meetings

Each awarded working group vendor will meet multiple times a year, as scheduled by the MUST III Program Office, to collaboratively support the Program Office’s efforts to identify problems and achievable improvements with measurable results in the business processes that support objectives.

Projects

Contractors awarded IDIQ contracts will not be compensated for developing White Papers or proposals for Short Term Projects. MUST III STPs awarded to IDIQ holders will be separate task orders issued under the base IDIQ contract. Task Orders issued against resultant IDIQs will outline tasks to be performed and applicable deliverables; tasks will only be utilized in support of established research projects. All proposals submitted for a STP are required to have a business case that specifies how success will be measured and a delineated path to implementation that addresses a specific DLA or DoD need.

Project Transition

The Research & Development (R&D) Program Management Office (PMO) may elect to transition technically successful R&D projects to the production environment by exercising the option to fund a Transition, Interim Operations, Test, and Evaluation (CLIN 0003) phase. This option decision will be made on a case-by-case basis considering contractor performance, successful demonstration of technical capability, project benefits, and alignment with DLA R&D’s objectives.

Prior to making the determination to transition a project, the DLA PMO will request that the contractor submit a transition plan for review. Upon review by the PMO and Contracting Office of the transition plan, if approved, the Contracting Office will request a technical and cost proposal. At the sole discretion of the Government, Optional CLIN 0003 may be exercised based on an acceptable cost and technical proposal.

SECTION 5: GENERAL PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INFORMATION

IDIQ/Working Group:

The following proposal submission information pertains to initial proposals submitted in response to the BAA for consideration of IDIQ awards.

Offerors may submit a STP proposal for an R&D project of their choosing that they believe is suitable for execution by MUST III as a STP (to be determined by evaluation against the criteria stated below). The Government intends to award IDIQ contracts based upon evaluation of the submitted STP proposals.

Proposals shall demonstrate knowledge, experience, and expertise in the Technical Area of Interest described in Section 4. Proposals must also provide information detailing past performance that demonstrates related efforts, achievements, technological aptitude, management support skill, and potential contribution and relevance to DLA’s mission. The project proposals submitted for evaluation for an IDIQ contract award may or may not be funded as task orders under the resulting contract. Each STP proposal submitted will be evaluated separately using the evaluation criteria in Section 7. Offerors must submit full proposals in Portable Document Format (.pdf) titled “SP4701-26-B-0001” to the Contracting Officer at Andrea.Nicolucci@dla.mil, Sara.Cepeda@dla.mil, Alexandra.Bocito@dla.mil, and to the DCSO-P R&D Mailbox at RandD.DCSO@dla.mil . Instructions will be provided in the https://www.SAM.gov posting.

This is an unrestricted acquisition. All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government’s needs will be considered by DLA. DLA encourages small businesses, small- disadvantaged businesses (SDBs), woman-owned small businesses (WOSBs), historically underutilized business zone (HUB Zone) small businesses, veteran-owned small business (VOSBs), service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs), historically black colleges and universities, and minority institutions, and other concerns subject to socioeconomic considerations through its awards to submit White Papers under this BAA.

However, no portion of this BAA will be set-aside due to the impracticality of reserving discrete or severable areas of research in this technology. For purposes of this acquisition, the small business size standard is 1000 employees, and the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541715, Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering and Life Sciences. All correspondence and questions on this BAA should be directed to the Contracting Officer POC at the top of the BAA; e-mail is preferred. Other than small business concerns will be required to submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan in accordance with the most recent version of FAR clause 52.219-9 at the time of proposal submission if proposal cost exceeds the $900,000.00 threshold. Proposals must remain valid 180 days from the date of submission.

Note: Small businesses are exempt from submitting a subcontracting plan (see subcontracting plan information in attachment B).

mailto:Andrea.Nicolucci@dla.mil mailto:Sara.Cepeda@dla.mil

Businesses unfamiliar with doing business with the government and that require assistance may contact the state-specific Department of Defense (DOD) APEX Accelerators.

DOD APEX Accelerators. serve as a resource for businesses pursuing and performing under contracts with DOD, other federal agencies, state, and local governments and with government prime contractors. Assistance provided by the APEX Accelerators. are usually free of charge. APEX Accelerator support includes registration in systems such as SAM, identification of contract opportunities, understanding requirements and preparing and supporting proposals. The APEX Accelerators have a presence in each state, Puerto Rico, and Guam.

To locate a local APEX Accelerator visit:

https://www.apexaccelerators.us/#/

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for award, all prospective offerors must meet certain minimum standards pertaining to contractor/ subcontractor foreign affiliations, financial resources, adequacy of accounting systems, ability to comply with performance schedules, prior record of past performance, integrity, organization structure, experience, operational controls, technical skills facilities, and equipment. For additional information and guidance concerning qualifications and standards for responsibility of prospective contractors, please refer to Part 9 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

All other proposals:

The following proposal submission information pertains to proposals after the BAA reopens and vendors are asked to submit proposals after the review of submitted White Papers.

Offerors may submit a STP proposal for an R&D project of their choosing that they believe is suitable for execution by MUST III as a STP (to be determined by evaluation against the criteria stated below). The Government intends to award contracts based upon evaluation of the submitted STP proposals. Proposals shall demonstrate knowledge, experience, and expertise in the Technical Area of Interest described in Section 4. Proposals must also provide information detailing past performance that demonstrates related efforts, achievements, technological aptitude, management support skill, and potential contribution and relevance to DLA’s mission. The project proposals submitted for evaluation for an IDIQ contract award may or may not be funded as task orders under the resulting contract. Each STP proposal submitted will be evaluated separately using the evaluation criteria in Section 7. Offerors must submit full proposals in Portable Document Format (.pdf) titled “SP4701-26-B-0001” to the Contracting Officer at Andrea.Nicolucci@dla.mil, Sara.Cepeda@dla.mil, Alexandra.Bocito@dla.mil , and to the DCSO-P R&D Mailbox at RandD.DCSO@dla.mil . Instructions will be provided in the https://www.SAM.gov posting.

This is an unrestricted acquisition. All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government’s needs may submit a White Paper, which will be considered by DLA. DLA encourages small businesses, small-disadvantaged businesses (SDBs), woman-owned small businesses (WOSBs), historically underutilized https://www.apexaccelerators.us/#/ mailto:Andrea.Nicolucci@dla.mil mailto:Sara.Cepeda@dla.mil business zone (HUB Zone) small businesses, veteran-owned small business (VOSBs), service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs), historically black colleges and universities, and minority institutions, and other concerns subject to socioeconomic considerations through its awards to submit White Papers under this BAA. However, no portion of this BAA will be set-aside due to the impracticality of reserving discrete or severable areas of research in this technology. For purposes of this acquisition, the small business size standard is 1000 employees, and the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541715, Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering and Life Sciences. All correspondence and questions on this BAA should be directed to the Contracting Officer POC at the top of the BAA; e-mail is preferred. Other than small business concerns will be required to submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan in accordance with the most recent version of FAR clause 52.219-9 at the time of proposal submission if proposal cost exceeds the $900,000.00 threshold. Proposals must remain valid 180 days from the date of submission.

Note: Small businesses are exempt from submitting a subcontracting plan (see subcontracting plan information in attachment B).

Businesses unfamiliar with doing business with the government and that require assistance may contact the state-specific Department of Defense (DOD) APEX Accelerators.

DOD APEX Accelerators. serve as a resource for businesses pursuing and performing under contracts with DOD, other federal agencies, state, and local governments and with government prime contractors. Assistance provided by the APEX Accelerators. are usually free of charge. APEX Accelerator support includes registration in systems such as SAM, identification of contract opportunities, understanding requirements and preparing and supporting proposals. The APEX Accelerators have a presence in each state, Puerto Rico, and Guam.

To locate a local APEX Accelerator visit:

https://www.apexaccelerators.us/#/

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for award, all prospective offerors must meet certain minimum standards pertaining to contractor/ subcontractor foreign affiliations, financial resources, adequacy of accounting systems, ability to comply with performance schedules, prior record of past performance, integrity, organization structure, experience, operational controls, technical skills facilities, and equipment. For additional information and guidance concerning qualifications and standards for responsibility of prospective contractors, please refer to Part 9 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

SECTION 6: PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

Proposal prices and all other terms and conditions must remain valid for 180 days from the submission date of the technical proposal. Information in the technical proposal that is deemed by the Respondent to https://www.apexaccelerators.us/#/ be proprietary must be clearly marked as proprietary information. Proposals shall include all proprietary claims to results, prototypes, or systems supporting or necessary for the use of the research, results, or prototypes. If there are no proprietary claims, then the proposal must include a statement to that effect.

To ensure all technical proposals receive proper consideration, DLA requires all offerors to follow the same format. Technical proposals that do not conform to the format will not be evaluated and will not be eligible for award. Offerors shall submit proposals via e-mail to the following addresses:

Andrea.Nicolucci@dla.mil, Sara.Cepeda@dla.mil, Alexandra.Bocito@dla.mil and RandD.DCSO@dla.mil. Instructions will be provided in the SAM.gov posting.

TECHNICAL AND COST PROPOSAL FORMATS

Proposals MUST be submitted in the following format and provide the content requested in Section 7 “Evaluation Criteria for Awards”. Each page of the proposal shall be marked “Source Selection Information—See FAR 2.101 and 3.104.” In addition, all material that may be procurement sensitive or defense covered information should be marked with the legend “Controlled Unclassified Information” (CUI). If the information is also source selection information, both markings must be present.

• Two separate volumes consisting of:

o Volume I – Technical Proposal o Volume II – Cost/Price Proposal

• Volume I, Technical Proposal o Shall describe the proposed STP and address the Evaluation Factors for STPs as contained in this BAA.

• Volume II, Cost/Price Proposal o Shall contain cost and pricing information in support of Volume I technical project.

o Cost/Price information shall include breakout of cost elements as provided for in the Cost Realism evaluation factor in Section 6 of this BAA.

• NO pricing information shall be contained in the technical proposal.

Volume I – Technical Proposals:

• Technical proposals shall be submitted in the following format: one electronic copy in “.pdf” format sent to the Contracting Officer at Andrea.Nicolucci@dla.mil, Sara.Cepeda@dla.mil, Alexandra.Bocito@dla.mil and to the DCSO-P R&D Mail box at RandD.DCSO@dla.mil.

Instructions will be provided in the https://www.SAM.gov posting.

mailto:Andrea.Nicolucci@dla.mil mailto:Sara.Cepeda@dla.mil mailto:Alexandra.Bocito@dla.mil mailto:Andrea.Nicolucci@dla.mil mailto:Sara.Cepeda@dla.mil

PROPOSALS THAT DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS DETAILED IN THIS

SECTION MAY NOT BE EVALUATED OR AWARDED. TECHNICAL PROPOSALS THAT

EXCEED 20 PAGES MAY BE EXCLUDED FROM CONSIDERATION.

To ensure all technical proposals receive proper consideration, DLA requires all offerors to follow the same format. Technical proposals must meet the following format requirements:

(1) Document files must be written in English and in .pdf formats.

(2) No more than twenty (20) single-sided pages including, body, appendices, and attachments.

(3) Formatting for printing on 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins and font size not smaller than 12-point Times New Roman font (8 or 10-point font may be used for figures, tables, and charts).; and

(4) Header on each page to identify page content and page number.

Any project Gantt charts may be submitted on larger pages (e.g., legal size), as required to be readable.

There is no penalty for submitting a technical proposal of less than 20 pages if the technical proposal covers all the required material. Resumes and certifications for technical data and computer software will not be counted as part of the 20-page limit. Technical proposals must be clear and concise and must include sufficient detail to substantiate the validity of the research. Technical proposals must address the evaluation factors provided in Section 7, Evaluation Criteria For Awards No cost or pricing information may be contained in the technical proposal.

Offerors must assume that DLA has no prior knowledge of their facilities and experience, and DLA will base its evaluation exclusively on the merits and content of the information presented in the technical proposal, except that DLA reserves the right to evaluate relevant past performance that is not included in the technical proposal.

CUI Markings for Proposals

Information in the technical proposal that is deemed by the offeror to be proprietary must be clearly marked as proprietary information. Research and Development is considered CUI. In accordance with the Department of Defense (DoD) phased CUI Program, any form of communication or documentation containing CUI must carry the appropriate markings, i.e., header and footer identifying the document as “CUI” and a completed CUI Designation Indicator.

CUI marking to be centered as header on page 1 of Offeror’s proposal:

CUI

Information to be placed on page two, lower right side of Offeror’s proposal:

Controlled by: Offeror’s Name CUI Category: SSEL

Distribution/Dissemination Controls: Offeror’s Name POC: Offeror’s POC Information (Email address, and phone number

Information to place as footer on Offeror’s proposal:

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104

Proprietary Markings

Proposals shall include all proprietary claims to results, prototypes, or systems supporting or necessary for the use of the research, results, or prototypes. If there are no proprietary claims, then the proposal must include a statement to that effect. Do not put proprietary data or markings in the Statement of Work (SOW). Proposals containing data that is not to be disclosed to the public for any purpose or used by the Government except for review purposes shall include the following sentences in accordance with FAR 52.215- 1e(1) and (2) on the cover page) Mark the title page with the following legend:

This proposal includes data that shall not be disclosed outside the Government and shall not be duplicated, used, or disclosed-in whole or in part-for any purpose other than to evaluate this proposal. If, however, a contract is awarded to this offeror as a result of-or in connection with-the submission of this data, the Government shall have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose the data to the extent provided in the resulting contract. This restriction does not limit the Government's right to use information contained in this data if it is obtained from another source without restriction. The data subject to this restriction are contained in sheets [insert numbers or other identification of sheets]; and

(2) Mark each sheet of data it wishes to restrict with the following legend:

Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the restriction on the title page of this proposal.

In accordance with FAR 3.104-4, your company is required to mark all material that may be Source Selection Information as described at paragraph (10) of the “Source Selection Information” definition in FAR 2.101, to include the cover page and each page that may contain source selection information, with the legend “Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104”. Although the information in paragraphs (1) through (9) of the definition in 2.101 is considered to be Source Selection Information whether or not marked, all reasonable efforts must be made to mark such material with the same legend.

If you're uncertain whether any information mentioned here constitutes Source Selection Information as defined in FAR 2.101, please consult with your Contracting Officer before proceeding. In addition, your company is required to mark all material that may be procurement sensitive, or defense covered information with the legend “Controlled Unclassified Information” (CUI). If the information is also source selection information both markings must be present.

Note: Source Selection markings are required for all documents submitted in response to this BAA, which includes White Papers and Technical/Price Proposals (when applicable).

Technical proposals shall consist of four parts:

Part 1 — Proposal Cover Sheet Part 2 — Executive Summary Part 3 — Feasibility, Viability, and Desirability Part 4 — Past Performance, Capabilities, and Related Experience

Part 1: Proposal Cover Sheet

(1) BAA number; (2) Proposal Title; (3) Technical Point of Contact, including name, telephone number, , email address, and mailing address; (4) Administrative/Contracting Point of Contact, including name, telephone number, , email address, and mailing address; and (5) Contractor's business type selected among the following categories: Large Business, Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), Other Small Business, HBCU, MI, Other Educational, or Other Nonprofit.

Part 2: Executive Summary An Executive Summary of the Respondent's entire technical proposal in one page or less is required. This summary shall be used to gain an understanding of the overall proposal contents. It should identify and highlight significant features, summarize innovative claims and unique contribution(s) of the proposal, and include the salient points of the proposed project, and the expected outcome improvement associated with the project.

Part 3: Feasibility, Viability, and Desirability Offerors must explain the proposed research project and methodology in sufficient detail to establish the feasibility, viability, and desirability of accomplishing the research.

Feasibility (Overall Scientific and Technical Merit) - Offeror’s must explain the proposed research project and methodology in sufficient detail to establish that the proposed technical approach is innovative, feasible, and comprehensive. Also, that the proposed technical team has the expertise and experience to accomplish the proposed tasks. Task descriptions and associated technical elements must be complete and in a logical sequence with all proposed deliverables clearly defined and directed toward a final outcome that achieves the proposed goal(s). The proposal must identify major technical risks and present clearly defined and feasible mitigation efforts.

Viability – Offerors must show that proposed effort is viable and likely to transition into an operational capability. The offeror demonstrates an understanding of working with DLA and DoD and of relevant DLA and DoD policy. Information technology included in the proposed effort shall address cybersecurity requirements and show awareness of specific requirements (e.g., FedRAMP) for Information Technology (IT) in the Federal Government, DoD and DLA.

Desirability – Proposals must show that the adoption of the proposed solution offers clear benefits to DLA and has characteristics such as low barriers to transition, simplicity, ease of use, physical dimensions, etc., that make it likely to be adopted.

Part 4: Past Performance, Capabilities, and Related Experience

Section–1 - Work Experience (see also section 7: Evaluation Criteria for Awards below):

Offerors must provide information pertaining to prior significant and related research, work experience, or expertise for the proposed research. The information must include an explanation of how this experience or expertise will be beneficial to the proposed research. Offerors must identify no more than five contracts along with the performance period and a brief performance history for each contract within the last three years for which they have provided services and/or supplies of a nature that is consistent with the Area of Interest and relevant to the proposed research. Contractors must also list any previous contracts that have been terminated for cause and the reasons. When reporting contract information please include the proposed award dollar value of the contract and the dollar value at completion.

Section–2 - Points of Contact: Offerors must provide point of contact information for each of the contracts identified in response to Part 4, Section 1 above including the company name, points of contact names, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers.

Section 3 – Contractor Teaming Arrangements: State whether contractor teaming arrangement experience relevant to the proposal exists. Where related work was performed with teaming partners, Offerors must also provide points of contact of team members, including company name, individual names, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers.

Section–4 - Bibliography: Offerors must include a bibliography of relevant technical papers and research, published and unpublished, which documents the technical ideas upon which the research is based.

Volume II – Cost/Price Proposal:

No page limits apply to the Cost Proposal. The cost proposal shall include total project cost by month. The offeror shall also give a detailed breakdown of the total project costs by each task listed in the technical proposal. If subcontracts are contemplated, the offeror must estimate the total amount of effort to be subcontracted and specify the “burden” or “pass through rate” that will be applied to those subcontracts.

Offerors are required to submit certification of current cost or pricing data in accordance with FAR 15.406- 2 (Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing Data). The total cost of each major cost element and the make-up of those costs shall be presented in the offeror's proposal. A statement related to the latest DCAA audit and whether the offeror’s accounting system has been approved by the DCAA shall be included in the Cost Proposal. State whether there are currently negotiated DCAA rates or forward pricing rate agreements and factors being used in the proposal. Include a detailed breakdown of costs by cost category by offeror's calendar or fiscal year:

• Direct Labor - Individual labor categories or person with associated labor hours and unburdened direct labor rates

• Indirect Costs - Fringe benefit, Overhead, G&A, Cost of Money, etc. (must show base amount and rate)

• Travel - Number of trips, destinations, durations, purpose, etc.

• Subcontracts - A cost proposal is required to be submitted by any proposed subcontractor and

“burden” or “pass through rate” shall be clearly stated.

• Materials - Specifically itemized with estimated (or actual) costs.

• Lease Items - Fair market value of lease items and the method used for making such evaluations

Sufficient information shall be provided in supporting documents to evaluate the reasonableness and realism of these proposed costs. Additionally, a completed Cost Proposal Adequacy Checklist (Attachment C) shall be included with each proposal submission.

Cost Proposal Format

To ensure all cost proposals receive proper consideration, DLA requires all offerors to follow the same format. Cost proposals that do not conform to the format may not be evaluated or be eligible for award. Offerors shall submit cost proposals within 30 calendar days of contracting officer’s request in the following format: (1) 8.5" x 11”-page size; (2) a header on each page to identify page content and page number; and (3) type font 12-point Times New Roman with 1-inch margins around the page. No page limits apply to cost proposals. The cost proposal must reflect an understanding of the research, perception of risks, and ability to organize and perform the task(s) stated in the technical proposal. Offerors shall submit the following information:

Part 1 – Overview Part 2 - Cost or Pricing Data (certified when requested by the Contracting Officer) Part 3 - Work Breakdown Structure Part 4 – Proposal Adequacy Checklist (Attachment A)

Part 1 – Overview

a. Cost Proposal Cover Sheet: Offerors shall provide the following information:

(1) BAA Number

(2) NAICS code

(3) BAA Area(s) of Interest from Section 4 above

(4) Offeror’s Technical Point of Contact, including name, telephone number, e-mail address, and mailing address (no post office box)

(5) Offeror’s Administrative/Contracting Point of Contact, including name, telephone number, e-mail address, and mailing address (no post office box)

(6) Contractor’s business type selected among the following categories: Large

Business, Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), Other Small Business, HBCU, MI, Other Educational, or Other Nonprofit.

(7) CAGE Code

(8) Subcontractors participating in the research and estimated cost (if none state “not applicable”)

(9) Small businesses participating in the research and estimated cost (if none state “not applicable”)

(10) Historically Black Colleges and Universities or Minority Institutions participating in the research (if none state “not applicable”) Performance Period

(11) Contract type selected from one of the cost-reimbursement contract types.

(12) Research title

(13) Brief research description

(14) Total Estimated Cost

(15) Fixed Fee Amount - the fee shall not exceed 10% of the estimated cost (if proposal is for a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract).

b. Accounting System

Offerors shall provide a description of the accounting system proposed for this research and a copy of accounting system approval from Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA)

c. Approved Rates

Offerors shall provide a statement regarding current negotiated DCAA, factors, forward pricing agreements, and/or other related cost factors and considerations being used in the cost proposal.

d. Audit or Forward Pricing Agreement

Offerors shall provide a copy of the latest audit or forward pricing agreement from DCAA.

Part 2 – Certified Cost or Pricing Data and Data Other Than Certified Cost or Pricing Data

Offerors shall submit certified cost or pricing data when requested by the contracting officer to support a determination of cost realism for cost proposals with a total estimated value of $2,500,000.00 or more in accordance with FAR 15.403-4. If the total estimated value is under $2,500,000.00, offerors shall submit data other than certified cost or pricing data to support a determination of cost realism in accordance with FAR 15.403-3. Offerors shall submit data in accordance with FAR 52.215-20 Requirements for Certified Cost or Pricing Data and Data Other Than Certified Cost or Pricing Data.

Offerors shall submit certified cost or pricing data, data other than certified cost or pricing data, and supporting attachments in accordance with the instructions contained in Table 15-2 of FAR 15.408.

Offerors shall submit subcontractors’ certified cost or pricing data, data other than certified cost or pricing data, and supporting attachments. If the subcontractor will not submit this information to the offeror, this information must be submitted directly to the contracting officer for cost realism analysis.

Part 3 – Work Breakdown Structure

Offerors shall submit a detailed work breakdown structure including all costs in a table format for all research tasks. Respondent shall include at a minimum, the costs cited above.

Part 4 – Proposal Adequacy Checklist regarding Cost and Pricing Information

Sufficient information should be provided in supporting documents to evaluate the reasonableness and realism of the proposed costs. A cost proposal adequacy checklist from DFARS 252-215-7009, has been included an Attachment to the BAA for guidance (See Attachment C).

Cost Realism Analysis

DLA will perform a cost realism analysis on cost proposals in accordance with FAR 15.404- 1(d), Cost Realism Analysis. Realism determination will be based on an evaluation of the cost proposal to determine whether the estimated cost elements are realistic for the proposed research; reflect a clear understanding of the applicable BAA Technical Areas of Interest and are consistent with the proposal research plan.

a. Labor Mix and Indirect Costs

Offerors are required to provide their proposed labor rates and total cost for each labor category. In addition, offerors are required to provide applicable indirect cost rates, which should include, but may not be limited to, G&A, Fringe, Overhead, and Sub-contractor “burden” or “pass through rate.” Offerors are additionally required to provide labor category descriptions that include minimum education, experience, and certification requirements.

• Direct Labor: Individual labor categories or person with associated labor hours and unburdened direct labor rates.

• Indirect Costs: Fringe benefit, Overhead, G&A, etc. (must show base amount and rate)

• Travel: Estimated number of trips, destinations, durations, etc.

• Subcontracts: A cost proposal is required to be submitted for any proposed subcontractor, and “burden” or “pass through rate” shall be clearly stated.

• Materials: Specifically itemize and identify as estimated or actual costs.

Cost proposals shall include the following summary tables in addition to the vendor’s other cost proposal information:

Labor Category (identify)

Hours Unburdened Labor Rate

Overhead G&A Burdened Labor Rate

Totals:

Indirect Costs (%) Indirect Cost Rate

1. G&A

2. Overhead

3. Fringe

4. Subcontractor Burden Rate

SECTION 7: EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR AWARDS

In evaluating technical proposals, the non-price factors are considered significantly more important than price. In evaluating, Technical Factors 1, 2 and 3, are equally weighted and, when combined are more important than Factors 4 and 5, either separately or combined. Between Factors 4 and 5, Factor 4 is more important.

The Government will evaluate technical proposals in accordance with this section through a peer or scientific review process. Technical proposals will be evaluated for an overall technical capability that is feasible, viable, and desirable and describes a project that provides a solution in an Area of Interest listed in Section 4. Technical evaluation factors are as follows:

Factor #1: Feasibility (Overall Scientific and Technical Merit). How technically feasible is the proposed solution to an Area of Interest listed in Section 4, given the state of technology and science.