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ONR SPECIAL BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT

(sBAA)

N0001426SB002 Amendment 0001

Accelerating Maritime Modernization:

Innovation in Naval Manufacturing, Sustainment, and Industrial Base Capability

This amendment to sBAA N0001426SB002 integrates Other Transaction Authority (OTA) guidelines to enable the proposal and award of Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs). All revisions made by this amendment are denoted by red text.

The Navy Manufacturing Technology Program (ManTech) is executed under the Department of War (DOW) ManTech Program and is the Navy’s investment mechanism for staying at the forefront of defense-essential manufacturing capability. The Program develops technologies and processes for the affordable and timely production and sustainment of more capable defense systems. The Program impacts all phases of acquisition. It aids in achieving reduced acquisition and total ownership costs, enhanced throughput, and expanded capability by developing, maturing, and transitioning key manufacturing technologies. ONR will focus investments on those that have the most benefit to the warfighter and industrial base.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section A. Overview of the Research and Development Opportunity B. Basic Information

1. Federal Agency Name

2. Funding Opportunity Title

3. Announcement Type

4. Funding Opportunity Number

5. Assistance Listing Number

6. Executive Summary

7. Funding Details

8. Key Dates

9. North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code

10. Agency Contact Information

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Eligibility for Competition

3. Contracted Fundamental Research

4. Cost Sharing or Matching

D. Instrument Type E. Application Contents and Format

1. General Information

2. Non-Proprietary Statement of Work

3. White Paper Format and Content Requirements

4. Full Proposal Format and Content Requirements

F. Submission Requirements and Deadline

1. Address to Request (Access) Application or Proposal Package

2. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)

3. Security Classification

4. White Paper Submission

5. How to Register for the ONR Submission Portal

6. Full Proposal Submission Requirements

7. Submission Dates and Times

8. Intergovernmental Review

G. Application Review Information

1. Review Criteria

2. Review and Selection Process

3. Risk Review iii

H. Award Notices I. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

1. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

2. Reporting

A. OVERVIEW OF THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY

This announcement is issued on behalf of the Navy Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program. The focus of this research and development opportunity is on targeted manufacturing improvements to directly impact speed, throughput, and industrial base resiliency. This is vital for developing the next generation of manufacturing capabilities that will enable the ability to build faster, arm faster, and repair faster. We seek innovations that will fundamentally improve the efficiency of our shipyards, maintenance depots, and supply chain partners. Offerors must clearly articulate how their proposed research will dismantle existing barriers and contribute to a more robust and responsive industrial ecosystem, improving the resilience and competitiveness of the Nation’s shipbuilding enterprise.

This publication constitutes a Special Broad Agency Announcement (sBAA) for awards by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), ONR Code 25 and others approved by Code 25, as specified in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.101(b)(3)(ii) and 35.102 and by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Guide to Research Other Transactions Under 10 U.S.C. 4021 and the Other Transaction Guide version 2.0 dated July 2023. A formal Request for Proposals (RFP), solicitation, and/or additional information regarding this announcement will not be issued.

ONR reserves the right to fund all, some, or none of the proposals received under this sBAA.

ONR provides no funding for direct reimbursement of proposal development costs.

Technical and cost proposals (or any other material) submitted in response to this sBAA will not be returned. It is the policy of ONR to treat all proposals submitted under this sBAA as sensitive competitive information and to disclose their contents only for the purposes of evaluation.

In accordance with 10 U.S.C. §4021(i), as amended, the following information submitted during the solicitation and award process of an Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) are exempt from disclosure requirements of 5 U.S.C. §552, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), for a period of five years from the date the Department receives the information.

Offerors should mark the following documents with a legend asserting that they are submitted on a confidential basis:

• A proposal, proposal abstract, and supporting documents;

• A business plan submitted on a business proprietary basis;

• Technical information submitted on a controlled basis, as outlined in DoDI 5230.24, Distribution Statements on Technical Documents.

BAA Feedback: ONR is seeking feedback on the pre- and post-award process to improve communication and the overall process. Please provide your feedback to the questionnaires below, as appropriate.

Feedback on the pre-award process for an award:

https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/KDHbVQmme7 Feedback on the post-award process for an award:

https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/yq3ZA1ziYQ

B. BASIC INFORMATION

1. Federal Agency Name

Office of Naval Research One Liberty Center 875 N. Randolph Street Arlington, VA 22203-1995

2. Funding Opportunity Title

“Accelerating Maritime Modernization: Innovation in Naval Manufacturing, Sustainment, and Industrial Base Capability”

3. Announcement Type

Initial Announcement

4. Funding Opportunity Number

N0001426SB002

5. Assistance Listing Number

RESERVED

6. Executive Summary

This sBAA solicits proposals for innovations in manufacturing technology aligned with the Navy Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program’s strategic objectives. The overarching goal of Navy ManTech is to develop, mature, and transition advanced manufacturing technologies that will accelerate throughput, affordability, and enhance capability of the Navy’s new construction and sustainment activities. This sBAA seeks to address the most critical challenges facing the naval industrial base by pursuing breakthroughs that enhance manufacturing and repair capabilities across the enterprise.

A key application of these advancements is the Navy’s Golden Fleet Initiative, a focused effort to maximize the readiness, capability, and longevity of our naval assets. This initiative directly supports the strategic imperative to increase shipbuilding speed, industrial throughput, and the operational availability of the fleet. Proposals should demonstrate a clear contribution to the broader ManTech goals, with applicability to the specific challenges https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/KDHbVQmme7 https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/yq3ZA1ziYQ impacting manufacturing the Fleet of the Future.

To ensure rapid development of valuable efforts while maintaining flexibility to address evolving requirements, this sBAA will be executed through two separate phases. Phase I focuses on the speed of developing and transitioning immediate, high-value technological efforts to meet current demands.

Phase II will provide a continuing opportunity to further expand the sBAA, soliciting new and innovative technologies that align with emerging and future Navy needs. Phase II will commence upon closing of the Phase I white paper submission timeframe and will remain open until one (1) year from the date of publication of this sBAA, providing ONR the opportunity to select and fund additional opportunities that address the needs of this sBAA.

Phase II submissions determined to be favorable to the Government may be considered at any time prior to the closing of the sBAA.

All responsible sources from academia, industry, and the research community may submit proposals under this sBAA. All businesses, both small and large, are encouraged to submit proposals and compete for funding consideration.

Navy ManTech is interested in receiving proposals for projects that accelerate throughput, affordability, enhanced capability, demonstrate a clear and quantifiable impact on the production or sustainment lifecycle, and present a credible transition plan to a designated naval platform or industrial facility. Navy ManTech operates under USC Title 10, Section 4841 and DODD 4200.15, which define program requirements and restrictions that should be referenced in ensuring applicability of proposed technology concepts.

Proposals submitted under this sBAA should also seek to address one or more of the following high-level priorities that define the Golden Fleet Initiative. Proposals should have applicability to manufacturing technologies applicable to core Golden Fleet Initiative platforms, including, but not limited to, the recently announced new battleship [BBG(X)/BBGN], next generation frigate [FF(X)], unmanned surface vessels, and associated combat systems. Though Golden Fleet Initiative platforms are a priority of this sBAA, high-quality manufacturing technology improvements applicable for other US Navy platforms may be considered. The following Golden Fleet Initiative priorities represent the desired end-state for the naval shipbuilding and repair enterprise:

Priority Area Description

Speed, Throughput, and Availability

Focuses on reducing the time it takes to construct new vessels, perform maintenance overhauls, and return ships to operational status. This ensures faster shipbuilding, repairs, and aims to enhance fleet readiness.

Advanced Manufacturing

Emphasizes investment in cutting-edge technologies, including robotics, automation, and digital environments, to revolutionize shipbuilding and maintenance processes for higher efficiency and quality.

Sustainment and Repair

Develops innovative technologies and processes for maintenance and repair to extend ship lifespans, improve reliability, reduce maintenance deferments, and maximize operational availability across the naval fleet.

Industrial Base Modernization

Technology enhancements applicable to shipyards and maintenance depots to meet modern demands, incorporating digital tools and advanced manufacturing capabilities to increase operational efficiency and capacity.

Supply Chain Capacity & Logistics

Addresses challenges in ensuring a robust and resilient supply chain capable of supporting accelerated shipbuilding, maintenance, and repairs while minimizing delays and disruptions.

Technology areas that ONR is pursuing for this sBAA are provided below:

6.2 Applied Research Technology Focus Areas

6.2 Applied Research funding supports efforts to translate scientific discoveries and advances (developed under basic research or other sources) into potential solutions for military applications. Applied research explores the novel capability and practicality of new concepts, technologies, or systems, often with a focus on solving specific operational challenges or enhancing current capabilities. Outputs may include advanced prototypes, models, or designs that demonstrate the viability of a technology in a lab or controlled environment. This budget activity or funding category bridges the gap between fundamental science and technology development, emphasizing proof-of-concept work with potential relevance to DoD mission needs. This sBAA seeks 6.2 Applied Research projects that develop new manufacturing processes and/or develop technologies impacting the manufacturability of components or systems. Specific 6.2 Applied Research manufacturing technical areas of interest include but are not limited to:

Novel Materials Scale-up

Investigating new or modified ferrous and nonferrous alloys, and coatings that enhance ship performance, durability, and stealth, contributing to sustainment and repair needs, as well as industrial modernization.

Investigating non-traditional materials, such as composites and advanced polymers, to reduce weight, mitigate corrosion, improve signature management, and lower lifecycle maintenance costs.

Applications include superstructures, masts, and internal components.

Advanced Sensor

Integration Concepts

Developing sensors for improved situational awareness, structural health monitoring, and threat detection, aligning with operational availability and sustainment priorities.

Robotics, Automation &

Advanced Manufacturing

Advancing the application and integration of robotic and advanced manufacturing systems to improve capacity, efficiency, precision, and safety in shipyards.

Digital Tools & Computational

Modeling

Researching foundational elements of digital tools to optimize ship design, construction, and sustainment processes, addressing speed, availability, and industrial base modernization.

Artificial Intelligence /

Machine Learning

(AI/ML)

Developing specialized AI/ML algorithms, taxonomies, and ontologies aligned to shipbuilding use cases to enable enhanced data-driven decision-making.

Novel/Advanced Non-kinetic Capabilities

Developing foundational components and concepts for advanced non-kinetic capabilities, focusing on demonstrating feasibility of novel technologies for Electronic Attack (EA), Electronic Support (ES), and Electronic Protection (EP) designed to disrupt an adversary's situational awareness and mission effectiveness.

6.3 Advanced Technology Development Technology Focus Areas

6.3 Advanced Technology Development funding supports efforts aimed at maturing and demonstrating innovative technologies in operationally relevant environments to bridge the gap between applied research and system acquisition. This funding is critical for advancing prototype development, validating technological concepts through rigorous testing, and ensuring successful transitions into deployment-ready solutions. 6.3 Advanced Technology Development funding focuses on accelerating breakthroughs in advanced manufacturing, enhancing shipyard capabilities, and revolutionizing sustainment processes to maximize the Navy's readiness and fleet availability. This sBAA seeks 6.3 Advanced Technology Development projects that develop new manufacturing processes and/or develop technologies impacting the manufacturability of components or systems. Specific 6.3 Advanced Technology Development manufacturing areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

Digital Tools and Intelligent Planning

Develop and integrate AI/ML-driven tools and digital analytics for informed planning and design optimization.

Create predictive quality tools to anticipate and identify production issues before they occur.

Implement adaptive manufacturing controls that can adjust processes in real-time to maintain quality and efficiency.

Establish systems for creating seamless digital Objective Quality Evidence (OQE) to streamline and accelerate verification and validation.

Develop a standardized, secure, and interoperable data infrastructure that enables seamless data exchange between various manufacturing systems and digital tools.

Digital twin and model-based engineering capabilities for use in connecting digital enterprise solutions for integrated planning, execution, and communications.

Automation and Advanced

Manufacturing Processes

Develop advanced manufacturing processes, including automated unit fabrication, assembly, and material handling to increase production throughput and precision.

Leverage automation and multi-agent robotics to perform coordinated, complex tasks in fabrication, assembly, and material handling.

Advance man-machine teaming by integrating technology like Collaborative Robots (Cobots), designed for safe, direct interaction with human workers in confined and/or shared manufacturing workspaces without requiring significant workspace.

Develop and implement advanced human augmentation systems to enhance the shipyard and maintenance workforce, improving strength, endurance, and precision while enabling personnel to safely and efficiently perform physically demanding tasks, reduce fatigue, and boost productivity in fabrication, assembly, and repair processes.

Autonomous Systems for

Inspection and Maintenance

Enable autonomous and remote inspection & maintenance through advanced sensor platforms and data processing.

Leverage sensor fusion to create a comprehensive, data-rich understanding of an asset’s condition for quality assurance and predictive maintenance. This will support a Condition Based Maintenance Plus (CBM+) strategy, which goes beyond traditional methods by incorporating Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) analysis, prognostics, and enhanced diagnostics to predict failures.

Deploy robotic systems to perform tasks in hazardous or hard-to-reach spaces, improving safety and reducing operational downtime.

Leverage AI/ML tools to create predictive maintenance systems that analyze real-time equipment data, predict failures, and facilitate timely repairs to minimize downtime.

Apply robust maintenance and inspection technologies like automated imaging and sensing systems to identify defects quickly, improve safety, and optimize manufacturing and repair processes within naval manufacturing environments.

Advanced Electronics Design and

Manufacturing

Develop durable, compact, and power-efficient electronics for extreme maritime environments.

Utilize modular designs to enable rapid upgrades and repairs for critical systems such as weapons, sensors, and communications systems/equipment.

Develop advanced packaging techniques to enhance the ruggedness and reliability of electronic systems regarding components, systems, and systems of systems utilizing Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) / Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA).

Develop concepts in counter/directed energy materials, components, systems and systems of systems manufacturing.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and Advanced

Inspection Techniques

Develop and integrate advanced non-destructive testing methods, such as phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT), to enhance inspection accuracy and reliability in shipbuilding, repairs, and maintenance operations.

Develop a framework for rapid verification and validation of advanced inspection techniques and tools.

Introduce portable or automated NDT systems capable of conducting real-time assessments to streamline workflows and reduce downtime during construction or sustainment activities.

Leverage cutting-edge imaging technologies and AI/ML solutions to analyze inspection data, rapidly detect potential defects, and enable predictive maintenance strategies.

Supply Chain and Logistics Integration

Evaluate procurement risks across the industrial base, including the impact of conflicting demand signals and the alignment of material delivery with production schedules (i.e., including alternative materials) Develop and prototype an AI-driven logistics platform that provides real-time, end-to-end visibility of the naval supply chain, from supplier to shipyard.

Integrate and demonstrate a parts procurement system capable of automating orders based on predictive maintenance alerts and inventory analysis.

Mature and validate additive manufacturing processes for producing qualified, non-critical parts on-demand, and develop a "digital library" of certified part designs for fleet-wide distribution.

Cyber-security industrial control systems and operational technologies capable of enhancing connectivity and security across the shipbuilding industrial base.

Non-metallic Materials for Shipbuilding Applications

Development of manufacturing processes applicable to composites, polymers, coatings, and other non-metallic materials to reduce weight, enhance performance, mitigate corrosion, and impact lifecycle maintenance and affordability.

6.3 Advanced Technology Development funding transitions proven concepts into practical subsystems, prototypes, and system-level applications, advancing naval operational and industrial readiness. These efforts ensure the integration of speed, scalability, and technology modernization aligned with the Navy’s Golden Fleet Initiative priorities. 6.3 Advanced Technology Development whitepapers and proposals must clearly articulate a transition path and maturation of the resulting manufacturing technology to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) 6 - 7 enabling near-term implementation following completion of 6.3 Advanced Technology Development focused efforts.

The technology areas described above require deep shipbuilding knowledge and adherence to NAVSEA process qualifications. Navy ManTech recognizes that non-traditional suppliers with deployment-ready solutions are essential to achieve efficiencies expeditiously.

Therefore, Navy ManTech strongly encourages the formation of collaborative, diverse teams that can provide solutions with clearly defined near-term implementation paths and well-defined benefits.

Furthermore, Navy ManTech seeks partners capable of delivering innovative solutions that can measurably enhance shipyard efficiency, safety, quality, and operational resilience. All proposed solutions should demonstrate a clear pathway to implementation, integration, and sustainability within a naval shipyard environment.

7. Funding Details

This sBAA is expected to be conducted in two phases. For Phase I, ONR plans to fund approximately 3 - 5 individual 6.2 project awards with project values of $500K - $3M and 5

- 10 individual 6.3 project awards with a value of $1.5M - $5M. However, lower and higher cost proposals will be considered. The period of performance for projects may range from 1 to 2 years. Phase II funding is subject to the availability of funds, and the Phase II scope may be adjusted via formal amendment to this sBAA to address emerging or urgent Navy requirements. Although ONR expects the above-described funding plan to be executed, ONR reserves the right to make changes.

The Navy ManTech Program seeks innovative projects under both 6.2 Applied Research and

6.3 Advanced Technology Development funding categories. This sBAA is aimed at addressing critical challenges within naval manufacturing, sustainment, and industrial base capability. Proposed solutions should clearly support the Navy’s Golden Fleet Initiative and Navy ManTech goals by accelerating throughput, affordability, and enhanced capability for manufacture and sustainment of naval platforms. Offerors are encouraged to align proposals with specific technical focus areas, outlined below, as they represent priority development areas for improving operational readiness and transitioning advanced technologies into practical applications.

8. Key Dates

White Paper Submissions

Phase I White Papers: The Phase I white paper submission period will remain open for exactly sixty (60) days following the date of sBAA publication.

Phase II White Papers: The Phase II white paper submission period will begin sixty-one

(61) days following the date of sBAA publication and remain open for approximately one (1) year from the date of sBAA publication, subject to funding availability. White papers may be submitted at any time during this Phase II window.

White Paper Late Submissions: The Government reserves the right not to review white papers submitted after the sixty (60) day Phase I deadline, during Phase II, or after the final one-year closing date, whichever occurs first.

Full Proposal Requirements and Evaluation Timelines

Phase I Proposals: Full proposal submission is required within forty-five (45) days from the date of the Government’s selection notification, no later than 5:00 PM EDT. It is anticipated that final award selections will be made within sixty (60) days following full proposal submission. Offerors will be notified via email of their project’s selection or non-selection for FY27 funding as soon as the evaluation process concludes. Full proposals received after the designated due date and time may not be considered for FY27 funding.

Phase II Proposals: Full proposal submission is required within forty-five (45) days from the date of the Government’s selection notification, no later than 5:00 PM EDT. It is anticipated that final award selections will be completed within forty-five (45) days following full proposal submission. Offerors will be notified via email of their project’s selection or non-selection for FY27 funding immediately upon evaluation completion. Full proposals received after the designated due date and time may not be considered for FY27 funding.

9. North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code

The NAICS code for contracts under this announcement is 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.

The ONR Reps and Certs shall include this NAICS and size standard. The Offeror proposal submission must include Section K - ONR Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of offerors, which must include the NAICS code information.

10. Agency Contact Information

All UNCLASSIFIED communications shall be submitted via e-mail to the Technical Point of Contract (TPOC) with a copy to the designated Business POC, as designated below.

The government reserves the right to determine, at its sole discretion, which questions warrant a formal response. If the Business POC determines that a question requires clarification for all potential offerors, a response will be provided via an Amendment to the announcement, which will be posted to the following web pages:

• Sam.gov Webpage – Contract Opportunities – https://sam.gov/

• ONR BAAs, FOAs, and Special Program Announcements Webpage-https://www.onr.navy.mil/work-with-us/funding-opportunities

CLASSIFIED questions shall be handled through the ONR Security POC. Specifically, any entity wanting to ask a CLASSIFIED question shall send an UNCLASSIFIED email to the ONR Security POC with a copy to both the Technical POC and the Business POC stating that the entity would like to ask a CLASSIFIED question. DO NOT EMAIL ANY CLASSIFIED QUESTIONS. The Security POC will contact the entity and arrange for the CLASSIFIED question to be asked through a secure method of communication.

Questions regarding White Papers or Full Proposals should be submitted no later than two weeks before the dates recommended for receipt of White Papers and/or Full Proposals.

Questions after this date may not be answered.

Questions of a technical nature shall be submitted to:

Point of Contact Name: Neil Graf Point of Contact Occupation Title: Program Officer Division Title: ManTech Program Lead Division Code: Code 33 One Liberty Center 875 N. Randolph Street

Email Address: ONR.NCR.NavyManTechBAA@us.navy.mil https://sam.gov/ https://www.onr.navy.mil/work-with-us/funding-opportunities mailto:ONR.NCR.NavyManTechBAA@us.navy.mil

Questions of a Business nature, regarding Contract proposal submissions, or suggestions for improvement, shall be submitted to:

Point of Contact Name: Stephanie Marsh, Contracting Officer.

Office of Naval Research ONR Code 253

One Liberty Center 875 N. Randolph Street

Questions of a Security nature shall be submitted to:

Industrial Security Specialist: Andre Ewing

Security Department, Code 54 One Liberty Center 875 North Randolph St.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

All responsible sources from industry, academia, and the research community may submit proposals under this sBAA. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) are encouraged to submit white papers for evaluation. However, no portion of this sBAA will be set aside for HBCUs/MIs, small businesses, or other socio-economic participation. All businesses, both small and large, are encouraged to submit white papers and compete for funding consideration.

Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs), including Department of Energy National Laboratories, are not eligible to receive awards under this sBAA. However, teaming arrangements between FFRDCs and eligible principal Offerors are allowed so long as such arrangements are permitted under the sponsoring agreement between the Government and the specific FFRDC.

Navy laboratories, military universities, and warfare centers as well as other DOW and civilian agency laboratories are also not eligible to receive awards under this sBAA and should not directly submit either white papers or full proposals in response to this sBAA. If any such organization is interested in one or more of the programs described herein, the organization should contact an appropriate ONR Technical POC to discuss its area of interest.

University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) are eligible to submit white papers and proposals under this sBAA unless precluded from doing so by their DOW UARC contract.

Teams are also encouraged and may submit proposals in any area; however, offerors must be willing to cooperate and exchange software, data, and other information in an integrated project with other contractors, as well as with system integrators, selected by ONR.

Disclosures of current and pending support made in this application may render an applicant ineligible for funding. Prior to award and throughout the period of performance, DOW may continue to request updated continuing and pending support information, which will be reviewed and may result in discontinuation of funding.

2. Eligibility for Competition

Proposals for supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with white papers and proposals for new awards under this sBAA.

3. Contracted Fundamental Research

With regard to any restrictions on the conduct or outcome of work funded under this sBAA, ONR will follow the guidance on and definition of “contracted fundamental research” as provided in the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics) Memorandum of 24 May 2010. The memorandum can be found at https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/pgi/docs/2012- D054%20Tab%20D%20OUSD%20(ATL)%20memorandum%20dated%20May%2024%2020 10.pdf

As defined therein, the definition of “contracted fundamental research,” in a DOW contractual context, includes research performed under contracts that are (a) funded by RDT&E Budget Activity 1 (Basic Research), whether performed by universities or industry or (b) funded by Budget Activity 2 (Applied Research) and performed on campus at a university.

Pursuant to DOW policy, research performed under contracts that are (a) funded by Budget Activity 2 (Applied Research) and NOT performed on campus at a university or (b) funded by Budget Activity 3 (Advanced Technology Development) does not meet the definition of “contracted fundamental research” in accordance with the above-referenced USD (AT&L) guidance and National Security Decision Directive found at https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/pgi/docs/National_Security_Decision_Directive_189.pdf.

ONR will place no restriction on the conduct or reporting of unclassified “contracted fundamental research,” except as otherwise required by statute, regulation, or executive order. The research shall not be considered fundamental in those rare and exceptional circumstances where the applied research effort presents a high likelihood of disclosing performance characteristics of military systems or manufacturing technologies that are unique and critical to defense, and where agreement on restrictions have been recorded in the contract. For certain research projects, it may be possible that although the research being performed by the prime contractor is restricted research, a subcontractor may be conducting “contracted fundamental research.” In those cases, it is the prime contractor’s responsibility https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/pgi/docs/2012-D054%20Tab%20D%20OUSD%20(ATL)%20memorandum%20dated%20May%2024%202010.pdf https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/pgi/docs/2012-D054%20Tab%20D%20OUSD%20(ATL)%20memorandum%20dated%20May%2024%202010.pdf https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/pgi/docs/2012-D054%20Tab%20D%20OUSD%20(ATL)%20memorandum%20dated%20May%2024%202010.pdf https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/pgi/docs/National_Security_Decision_Directive_189.pdf in the proposal to identify and describe the subcontracted unclassified research and include a statement confirming that the work has been scoped, negotiated, and determined to be fundamental research according to the prime contractor and research performer.

Non-fundamental research is normally awarded under contracts and may require restrictions during the conduct of the research and DOW pre-publication review of such research results due to subject matter sensitivity. Potential offerors should consult with the appropriate ONR Technical POCs to determine whether the proposed effort would constitute fundamental or non-fundamental research.

4. Cost Sharing or Matching - Cost sharing is encouraged but not required and will not be used as a factor during the merit review of any proposal hereunder. However, the Government may consider voluntary cost sharing if proposed. Additional guidance can be found at 2 CFR

200.306 and FAR 35.002(b).

D. INSTRUMENT TYPE

Awards will take the form of procurement contracts or other transaction agreements, as appropriate. The following provides brief descriptions of the instrument type:

a. Procurement Contract: A legal instrument, consistent with 31 U.S.C. 6303, which reflects a relationship between the Federal Government and another entity/contractor when the principal purpose of the instrument is to acquire property or services for the direct benefit or use of the Federal Government.

b. Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) for Research.

A legal instrument, consistent with 10 U.S.C. § 4021, which may be used for basic, applied, and advanced research projects. To the maximum extent practicable, an OTA for research shall provide for a 50/50 cost share between the Government and the performer. The effort covered under an OTA shall not be duplicative of effort being conducted under an existing DoW program.

Please refer to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Guide to Research Other Transactions under 10 U.S.C. 4021 and Other Transaction Guide version 2.0 dated July 2023 for additional information. These documents, along with other OTA resources, may be accessed at the following link:

Guide to Research Other Transactions under 10 U.S.C. 4021:

https://www.acq.osd.mil/asda/dpc/cp/policy/docs/guidebook/Guide%20to%2 0Research%20Other%20Transactions.pdf

Other Transaction Guide version 2.0 dated July 2023:

https://www.acq.osd.mil/asda/dpc/cp/policy/docs/guidebook/DoD%20OT%20

Guide_July%202023.pdf https://www.acq.osd.mil/asda/dpc/cp/policy/docs/guidebook/Guide%20to%20Research%20Other%20Transactions.pdf https://www.acq.osd.mil/asda/dpc/cp/policy/docs/guidebook/Guide%20to%20Research%20Other%20Transactions.pdf https://www.acq.osd.mil/asda/dpc/cp/policy/docs/guidebook/DoD%20OT%20Guide_July%202023.pdf

c. Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) for Prototypes. A legal instrument, consistent with 10 U.S.C. 4022, which may be used for prototype projects directly relevant to enhancing the mission effectiveness of military personnel and the supporting platforms, systems, components, or materials proposed to be acquired or developed by the Department of War, or for improvement of platforms, systems, components, or materials in use by the armed forces. The effort covered under an OTA shall not be duplicative of effort being conducted under an existing DoW program. Please refer to the DoD “Other Transactions Guide” dated July 2023, for additional information. This document, along with other OTA resources, may be accessed at the following link:

https://www.acq.osd.mil/asda/dpc/cp/policy/docs/guidebook/DoD%20OT%20

Guide_July%202023.pdf

The model contracts at the links below are only provided as examples. In the event of any conflict between these examples and current FAR, DFARS, NMCARS, 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance, or ONR clauses or terms and conditions, current FAR, DFARS, NMCARS, 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance, or ONR clauses or terms and conditions will govern.

• An example of a cost-plus-fixed-fee model contract can be found on the ONR website at the following link: https://www.onr.navy.mil/work-with-us/how-to-apply/submit-contract-proposal.

• Examples of the System Security Plan (SSP) and Government Property Inventory CDRLs can be found on the ONR website at the following link:

https://www.onr.navy.mil/work-with-us/how-to-apply/submit-contract-proposal. This is not an inclusive list of all CDRLs for an award.

E. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

1. General Information

All submissions will be protected from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with FAR Subpart 15.108, applicable law, and DOW/DoN regulations. Offerors are expected to appropriately mark each page of their submission that contains any proprietary information.

Titles given to the submissions should be descriptive of the work they cover and not be merely a copy of the title of this announcement.

2. Non-Proprietary Statement of Work

For all proposals, a non-proprietary version of the Statement of Work must also https://www.acq.osd.mil/asda/dpc/cp/policy/docs/guidebook/DoD%20OT%20Guide_July%202023.pdf https://www.onr.navy.mil/work-with-us/how-to-apply/submit-contract-proposal https://www.onr.navy.mil/work-with-us/how-to-apply/submit-contract-proposal be submitted. Do not put proprietary data or markings in or on the Statement of Work. For proposals containing data that the offeror does not want disclosed to the public for any purpose, or used by the Government except for evaluation purposes, the contractor shall 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 the 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 is obtained from another source without restriction. The data subject to this restriction are contained in (insert numbers or other identification of sheets).”

Each sheet of data that the offeror wishes to restrict must be marked 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.”

3. White Paper Format and Content Requirements

As the initial step for this special announcement, the submission of a white paper is required.

The Government will evaluate submitted white papers to identify concepts that offer significant value and strategic relevance to the Department of the Navy.

Following this initial appraisal, the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) will provide feedback via email. Offerors whose white papers are deemed promising will be encouraged to submit a Detailed Full Proposal (Technical and Cost volumes). This encouragement does not guarantee a contract award.

Offerors may be advised to submit a full proposal with a reduced scope or refocused tasks to align with available funding and maximize benefit to the Navy.

White papers must adhere to the following requirements:

Requirement Specification

Page Limit 5 pages. This limit is exclusive of the Project Lead resume and any references.

Font 12-point Times New Roman with one-inch margins.

Format Microsoft Word (preferred) or Adobe PDF (no Adobe PDF scanned images shall be included; documents must be searchable and generated directly from source software).

Project Lead Resume

A one-page resume for the Project Lead must be included after the 5-page body.

The 5-page body of the white paper must include:

• Project Classification & Strategic Alignment: Briefly identify the target Funding Type (6.2 Applied Research or 6.3 Advanced Technology Development), the applicable Golden Fleet Initiative priority area(s), the target platform(s), and the specific Technical Focus Area addressed from the sBAA.

• Organization Background & Teaming: Provide a concise overview of the Offeror’s organization, core competencies, and relevant manufacturing expertise. Briefly identify any key partners and explicitly address your teaming strategy.

• Technical Concept & Appropriateness: Describe the technology innovation, proposed technical scope, and current technology maturity level. Clearly articulate your Technical Approach to addressing the root cause of the problem and explain your ManTech Appropriateness by highlighting alignment with strategic objectives, specifically the “Golden Fleet” initiative.

• Naval Need & Impact: Define the critical Navy Need or capability gap your concept addresses. Detail the anticipated Impact by explaining tangible benefits to affordability, quality, and manufacturability (e.g., cost reduction, schedule acceleration, increased throughput). Provide a high-level benefit to the Navy such as impact to throughput, capability, and/or Return on Investment (ROI) justification.

• Path to Transition: Outline your Implementation Potential and transition strategy.

Identify a specific target naval platform or industrial facility, describe the degree to which key stakeholders are involved, and define the final project deliverable that will be ready for transition. Briefly identify any anticipated Intellectual Property (IP) or Data Rights restrictions and explain how your data rights strategy will support, rather than hinder, the long-term sustainment and scaling of the technology across the naval industrial base.

• Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM): Provide high-level schedule and cost estimates for the proposed effort. Briefly justify the Financial Feasibility by demonstrating that the proposed investment cost is reasonable and appropriate given the project’s complexity and potential ROI.

4. Full Proposal Format and Content Requirements

Proposal Package: The following documents with attachments comprise a complete proposal package:

(1) Proposal Checklist (pdf format)

(2) Cost Proposal Template (Excel format) for the prime and all proposed subcontractors

(3) DCAA Pre-award Survey of Prospective Contractor Accounting System Checklist to be submitted by contractors without an approved DCAA/DCMA accounting system approval.

(pdf format)

(4) ONR Contract Specific Representations and Certifications (pdf format)

(5) Offeror’s DCAA or DCMA Accounting System Approval Letter (pdf format)

(6) Technical Proposal Template (pdf format)

(7) Statement of Work (SOW) (word format)

Items 1 – 4 above are located at: https://www.onr.navy.mil/work-with-us/how-to-apply/submit-contract-proposal. Items 6 and 7 are included as attachments to this sBAA. Items 1 – 4 have instructions embedded into them that will assist in completing the documents. In addition, both the Proposal Checklist and the Cost Proposal Template require completion of cost-related information. Please note that attachments can be incorporated into the Proposal Checklist.

The format requirements for attachments are as follows:

• Paper Size – 8.5 x 11-inch paper

• Margins – 1 inch

• Spacing – single or double-spaced

• Font – Times New Roman, 12-point

Offerors responding to this sBAA must submit a separate list of all technical data or computer software that will be furnished to the Government with other than unlimited rights with the proposal checklist. The Government will assume unlimited rights if offerors fail to identify any intellectual property restrictions in their proposals. Include all proprietary claims to results, prototypes, and/or deliverables. If no restrictions are intended, then the offeror should state

“NONE”.

For proposals below the simplified acquisition threshold (less than or equal to $350K), the Technical Proposal Template and Proposal Checklist documents, and the Cost Proposal Spreadsheet are required. Purchase orders can also contain options if the total amount of the base and all options does not exceed $350K.

For proposed subcontracts or inter-organizational transfers over $350K, Offerors must provide a separate fully completed Cost Proposal Spreadsheet in support of the proposed costs. This spreadsheet, along with supporting documentation, must be provided with the offeror’s proposal. If the subcontract information is proprietary, it can be submitted via e-mail to the Program Officer. The e-mail should identify the proposal title, the prime offeror and that the attached proposal is a subcontract, including a description of the effort to be performed by the subcontractor.

All documents except the Cost Proposal Spreadsheet and Statement of Work Template must be submitted in a secure, pdf-compatible format. The Cost Proposal Spreadsheet must be submitted using the ONR Microsoft Excel Cost Proposal template with all formulas left intact. The Statement of Work Template must be submitted using the ONR Statement of Work Template.

All attachments to any required proposal documents must be submitted in a secure, pdf-compatible format.

The secure pdf-compatible format is intended to prevent unauthorized editing of the proposal prior to any award. Do not password protect any proposal documents. Should an offeror amend its proposal, the amended proposal should be submitted following the same guidance applicable to the original proposal.

Any proposed options that are identified in the Technical Proposal Template or Proposal Checklist document but are not fully priced out in the Cost Proposal Spreadsheet, will not be included in any resulting contract or other transaction agreement. If proposing options, they must be separately priced and separate worksheet tabs should be provided for the base period and each option. In addition to providing a summary by period of performance (base and any options), the Contractor is also responsible for providing a breakdown of cost for each task identified in the Statement of Work. The sum of all costs by task worksheets MUST equal the total cost summary.

The Excel spreadsheet should be in a “useable condition” to aid the Government with its evaluation. The term “useable condition” indicates that the spreadsheet should visibly include and separately identify within each appropriate cell any and all inputs, formulas, calculations, etc. The Offeror should not provide “value only spreadsheets” similar to a hard copy.

Fixed Fees on ONR Contracts: The Government Objective is set in accordance with the DFARS PGI 215.404-971. See the below table for range and normal values:

Contract Risk Factor Contract Type

Assigned Value (Normal range) Normal Value

Technical (1) 3% - 7% (2) 5%

Management/ Cost Control (1) 3% - 7% (2) 5%

Contract Type Risk Firm Fixed Price 2% - 6% (3) 3% - 5% (4)

Contract Type Risk Cost Plus Fixed Fee 0% - 1% (2) 0.5%

(1) Assign a weight (percentage) to each element according to its input to the total performance risk. The total of the two weights equals to 100%.

(2) Assign a weighting score relative to the Risk Factor.

(3) Depends on the specific Contract Type (With/without financing, performance-based payments, and/or progress payments).

(4) Depends on the specific Contract Type.

Technology Incentive (TI) is rarely utilized at ONR, because the contracts issued by ONR typically are not eligible for TI (See DFARS PGI 215.404-971(b)(3)(ii)). Any consideration of TI requires strong and convincing justification in the proposal, which are then subject to negotiation and determination of a fair and reasonable fee, within the context of the specific award.

Typically, the range of fee is 5% to 7.5% on an ONR awarded contract.

F. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINE

1. Address to Request (Access) Application or Proposal Package

This sBAA may be accessed from the sites below. Amendments, if any, to this sBAA will be posted to these websites when they occur. Interested parties are encouraged to periodically check these websites for updates and amendments.

a. System for Award Management (Sam.gov - Contract Opportunities) (https://sam.gov/)

b. ONR website (https://www.onr.navy.mil/work-with-us/funding-opportunities/announcements)

2. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)

All offerors submitting proposals or applications must:

a. Be registered in the SAM prior to submission;

b. Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application;

c. Obtain a CAGE Code; and

d. Maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or proposal under consideration by a Federal awarding agency;

e. Ensure your Reps and Certs are updated annually

SAM may be accessed at https://sam.gov/

A Federal awarding agency may not make a Federal award to an applicant/offeror until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and, if an applicant/offeror has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may determine that the applicant/offeror is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant/offeror.

3. Security Classification

White Papers and Proposals submitted under this sBAA are expected to be unclassified; however, classified white papers/proposals are permitted. If a classified proposal is submitted and selected for award, the resultant contract will be unclassified. An “unclassified” Statement of Work (SOW) must accompany any classified proposal.

Classified proposals shall be submitted directly to the attention of ONR’s Document Control Unit at the following address and marked in the following manner:

OUTSIDE ENVELOPE - (no classification marking):

“Office of Naval Research Attn: Document Control Unit ONR Code 54 875 North Randolph Street Arlington, VA 22203-1995”

The inner wrapper of the classified White Paper and/or Full Proposal should be addressed to the attention…