NANS BAA FAQ_APR2025.pdf

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FY24/25 Naval Aviation North Stars (NANS) Enterprise-Wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

TOPICS

A. NANS BAA OVERVIEW

B. INFORMATION EXCHANGE / MARKET RESEARCH

C. WHITE PAPERS

D. FUNDING

E. PROJECT AWARDS AND EXECUTION

F. PRODUCTION

A. NANS BAA OVERVIEW

1. What is the Naval Aviation North Stars BAA?

The NANS BAA is issued by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) to solicit innovative research, rapid prototyping, demonstration, and experimentation projects that enhance integrated warfighting capabilities.

The primary objective is to identify prototype solutions that can demonstrate integrated / interoperable and cyber-resilient performance through Live-Virtual- Constructive (LVC) test and evaluation activities that may culminate in a Naval Experiment or Joint Force Exercise.

The secondary objective is to identify key enablers the Government needs to ensure the successful accelerated acquisition, delivery and deployment of emergent and advanced solutions.

2. What are the key focus or interest areas of the Naval Aviation North Stars BAA?

The key focus areas include but are not limited to: (1) Cyber Resilient Secure Communications;

(2) Data and Communications Networks for C5ISRT and C-C5ISRT; (3) Multi-Domain Awareness (MDA); (4) Contested Logistics; (5) Digital Transformation / Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) modeling and simulation; (6) Long Range Fires (LRF) including kinetic and non-kinetic effects.

See BAA Section 2.2 for the entire list of Interest Areas / Topics

3. What is the difference between the Naval Aviation North Stars BAA and the NAWCAD Office-Wide BAA?

The North Stars BAA and NAWCAD Office-Wide BAA are similar; however, the NAWCAD BAA provides for grants and cooperative agreements. Moreover, the NAWCAD BAA is specific to the NAWCAD organization. The North Stars BAA extends across the entire NAVAIR enterprise. Since the North Stars BAA extends across the enterprise, proposed solutions are channeled to the most appropriate stakeholder. This may include sending proposed solutions to NAWCAD. It is not expected for solutions submitted through the NAWCAD BAA to be sent to other NAVAIR organizations.

4. What are the evaluation criteria for White Papers/proposals submitted to the Naval Aviation North Stars BAA?

White Papers and Proposals are evaluated based on three equally important criteria: (1) Mission Impact: Potential contribution and relevance to the Navy/Government’s mission; (2) Technical Maturity / Technical Approach: Feasibility, innovation, and completeness of the technical approach; and (3) Cost/Affordability: Realism and reasonableness of the proposed costs.

5. What is the role of non-traditional defense contractors in the Naval Aviation North Stars

BAA?

Non-traditional defense contractors are encouraged to participate and can provide innovative solutions and unique capabilities. They may also team with traditional defense contractors or academia to enhance their white papers/proposals.

6. How does the Government handle intellectual property rights for awarded projects under the Naval Aviation North Stars BAA?

The Government seeks to acquire at least Government Purpose Rights (GPR) to noncommercial technical data and computer software developed through Government sponsorship. Interested vendors should clearly identify any proprietary claims and provide documentation to support assertions.

7. What support is available for interested vendors during the submission process to the Naval

Aviation North Stars BAA?

Interested vendors can contact the BAA coordinator at navalaviationnorthstarsbaa@us.navy.mil for guidance and support. Additionally, attending Industry Day events and Information Sessions can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.

8. What are the expected outcomes of participating in the Naval Aviation North Stars BAA

Industry Day and/or Information Sessions?

Expected outcomes include a better understanding of capability gaps, improved communication between government and industry to form potential technical relationships, and the submission of focused and relevant white papers that address NAVAIR’s strategic priorities.

9. Where can I find more information about the Naval Aviation North Stars BAA and related events?

More information, including the BAA document, submission guidelines, and event details can be found on the official NAVAIR website https://www.navair.navy.mil/North-Stars and https://sam.gov mailto:navalaviationnorthstarsbaa@us.navy.mil https://sam.gov/

B. INFORMATION EXCHANGE / MARKET RESEARCH

1. Is there a way to gather more specific capability gap information outside the general

Interest Areas / Topics outlined in the BAA?

Offerors are encouraged to collaborate with the government prior to submitting a White Paper, when feasible. Examples of government and industry exchanges and collaboration may include, but are not limited to various: Requests for Information (RFIs), formal Industry Days, Information Sessions, etc.

Collaboration may also include Information Sessions specific to the NANS BAA and include various Concept/Capability market research meetings. Any Government and Industry exchanges should focus on the potential for an Offeror’s solution to meet capability gaps and may include discussions on the scope of technical concepts, solutions, and ideas to ensure mission relevance and interest. Note that the information exchange does not include negotiating or contracting mechanisms.

2. How can I participate in Naval Aviation North Stars BAA Industry Days and Information Sessions?

Information about Industry Day and Information Sessions, including registration details, is provided in Request for Information (RFI) postings on Sam.gov. Attendance is typically limited per topic area, and Subject Matter Expert (SME) participation is highly encouraged.

3. What locations will a list of Frequently Asked Questions reside?

Based on feedback on improving communication and alignment with industry received during the recent industry day, NAVAIR is providing a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) list on the NAVAIR website at the following link: https://www.navair.navy.mil/North-Stars. We encourage interested vendors to periodically check the NAVAIR site for FAQ updates.

4. Are Offerors able to iterate with the Government on White Paper development?

No, this could present an unfair competitive advantage. Offerors are encouraged, however, to collaborate with the government prior to submitting a White Paper. These exchanges should focus on the potential for an Offeror’s solution to meet capability gaps and may include discussions on the scope of technical concepts, solutions, and ideas to ensure mission relevance and interest.

5. How and/or what is the best way to initiate communication with the Government on my potential solution for Naval Aviation North Star capability gaps?

The Government seeks to improve open communication opportunities to support vendors in best utilizing their resources. At this time, the best ways to initiate communication with the Government on any potential solution for Naval Aviation North Star capability gaps are through Requests for Information (RFIs), formal Industry Days, information sessions, and the NAVAIR website (https://www.navair.navy.mil/North-Stars).

https://www.navair.navy.mil/North-Stars https://www.navair.navy.mil/North-Stars

6. Are Offerors able to coordinate directly with potential customers once a White Paper has been submitted?

No, once a white paper is received, the vendor has entered a competitive environment and any communication with potential customers is restricted to coordination through the Contracting Officer team. As such, open communication activities cease to ensure compliance with competitive procedures.

7. Does the BAA process provide for collaboration in developing the final Statement of Work (SOW) for an award?

Yes, once a solution is invited to Phase II (Full Proposal), there is plenty of opportunity to collaborate with the Government during proposal development to include finalizing the Statement of Work (SOW).

C. WHITE PAPERS

1. How do I submit a white paper/proposal to the Naval Aviation North Stars BAA?

White Papers/Proposals are submitted in two phases: Phase I involves submitting a White Paper, and Phase II, if invited, involves submitting a full technical and cost proposal. Detailed submission guidelines are provided in the BAA document.

2. What is the deadline for submitting white papers and proposals to the Naval Aviation North Stars BAA?

The BAA remains open for one year from the date of publication or until replaced by a successor BAA. White Papers may be submitted any time during this period, which ends September 3, 2025 5:00 PM Eastern time for the currently posted FY24/25 BAA. Specific deadlines for proposals will be provided to those invited to submit.

3. Can I submit multiple white papers to the Naval Aviation North Stars BAA?

Yes, interested vendors may submit multiple white papers on different research topics or separate solutions/approaches.

4. What is the process for handling proprietary information in my white paper/proposal?

Submissions are protected from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with FAR 3.104-4 and FAR 15.207, or 10 U.S.C.§ 4022(h), as applicable. Interested vendors are responsible for clearly marking proprietary information in their submissions.

5. Who is eligible to submit white papers to the Naval Aviation North Stars BAA?

The NANS BAA is open to a wide range of participants, including non-traditional defense contractors, academia, traditional defense contractors, and other organizations capable of satisfying the Government needs. Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs) and certain government laboratories are not eligible to receive awards but may team with eligible proposers.

6. The White Paper Template in BAA Section 3.1.1.1 includes a section to identify a

‘Government and/or Military Navy Lead’. Please clarify who this should be.

The ‘Navy Lead’ section is optional and provides the opportunity for Offerors to identify a Government and/or Military stakeholder and/or sponsor of the project, if known. This is a person who may participate in an awarded project with the responsibility of guiding, coordinating, and/or executing efforts in support of the project.

D. FUNDING

1. If a Phase I White Paper was submitted and a customer desires to move forward but there is no funding yet, would the effort get put on hold while the customer looks for funding or if funding is delayed due to a Continuing Resolution (CR), etc.?

Yes, the effort will be put on hold. Entry into Phase II will not be made without identified funds.

2. Is there a maximum ceiling you can award using the NANS BAA?

The BAA does not include any ceiling limitations.

Note: In general, funding source information is an internal government decision. Funding types, incremental funding approaches, and advanced payments will not be discussed at this time.

E. PROJECT AWARDS AND EXECUTION

1. Once invited to Phase II and funding is made available, what is a typical timeline to award?

Timelines vary based upon complexity of the effort and normally range from 3.5 to 6 months.

Included in this timeline is vendor full proposal development, SOW collaboration, issue resolution, full proposal evaluation, negotiations, award, etc.

2. Assuming a project requires it, can a DD254 be issued for TS//SCI assuming the customer’s Security Officer agrees?

Yes, DD254s may be issued at various security levels, including TS//SCI, and will be tailored for project specific requirements.

3. Are there any limitations on Period of Performance (POP) or duration of efforts awarded?

The BAA includes no such limitation. Individual awards, however, will include POP timelines based on what’s required to complete the project. POPs may vary greatly based upon various factors including the complexity of the effort. Note that all awards will require the Government to follow fiscal law, which may impact POP durations.

4. What types of awards can be made under the NANS BAA and can they be Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) type arrangements?

Awards may take the form of FAR procurement contracts or Non-FAR Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), depending on the nature of the proposed work and other factors. The Government reserves the right to select the award instrument type. CPFF vehicles are not prohibited and may be appropriate in some cases. However, Firm Fixed Priced (FFP) milestones and outcome-based business arrangements are preferred.

5. Is there a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and/or Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO) management fee(s) that the Naval Aviation government customer must pay to use the

NANS BAA?

No, there is no additional fee to use the BAA. Requiring Offices typically assign their own CORs and utilize PCOs that are already aligned to their organization. As such, any Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) and/or Procurement fee structures already in place would apply.

F. PRODUCTION

1. Can Option CLINS be included for quantities of procurement units?

− For FAR-based contracts: A contract awarded under the BAA may include a contract line item or contract option for the provision of advanced component development or prototype of technology developed under a contract for new technology for the delivery of initial or additional prototype units pursuant to DFARS 234.005-1.

− For non-FAR OTA for Prototypes: In accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 4022(f), the Government may award a follow-on production contract or Other Transaction subsequent to a prototype Other Transaction awarded under this BAA if the participant in the prototype Other Transaction, or a recognized successor in interest to the Other Transaction, successfully completed the prototype project.

2. What requirements must be met before a Prototype OT can transition to a Production vehicle?

Per U.S.C. § 4022(f), a follow-on production contract or transaction may be awarded if: 1) competitive procedures were used for the Prototype Other Transaction, and 2) if the participant in the Prototype Other Transaction successfully completed the prototype project. Awards made from the NANS BAA process are the result of competitive procedures. Further, each Prototype Other Transaction award will include defined success criteria for each effort.

3. What type of vehicle may be awarded for follow-on Production?

The follow-on production vehicle may be a FAR-based procurement contract or a non-FAR OTA for Production.