ONRBAA14-003.pdf

ONRBAA 14-003

ONR BAA Announcement # ONRBAA14-003

Date: 6 December 2013

Aluminum Alloy Corrosion Control and Prevention

Table of Contents

The following information presents the basic organization of this document as well as the location of significant information:

I. General Information

1. Agency Name

2. Research Opportunity Title

3. Program Name

4. Research Opportunity Number

5. Response Date

6. Research Opportunity Description

7. Point(s) of Contact (POC)

8. Instrument Type

9. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number

10. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Titles

11. Other Information

II. Award Information

1. Amount and Period of Performance

2. Production and Testing of Prototypes

III. Eligibility Information

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Application and Submission Process

2. Content and Format of Full Proposals

a. Full Proposals

i. Contracts

3. Significant Dates and Times

4. Submission of Late Proposals

5. Address for Submission of Full Proposals for Contracts

V. Evaluation Information

1. Evaluation Criteria

2. Commitment to Small Business – (For Contract Awards Only)

3. Options

4. Evaluation Panel

VI. Award Administration Information

VII. Other Information

1. Government Property/Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) and Facilities

2. Security Classification

3. Use of Animals and Human Subjects in Research

4. Recombinant DNA

5. Use of Arms, Ammunition and Explosives

6. Department of Defense High Performance Computing Program

7. Organizational Conflicts of Interest

8. Project Meetings and Reviews

9. Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards

10. Military Recruiting on Campus

11. Combating Trafficking in Persons

12. Update of Information Regarding Responsibility Matters

13. Employment Eligibility Verification

14. System for Award Management

15. FAR / DFARS Clauses

INTRODUCTION:

This publication constitutes a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) as contemplated in Federal

Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.102(d)(2) and 35.016. A formal Request for Proposals (RFP), other solicitation, or additional information regarding this announcement will not be issued.

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) will not issue paper copies of this announcement. The ONR reserves the right to fund all, some or none of the proposals received under this BAA. ONR provides no funding for direct reimbursement of proposal development costs. Technical and cost proposals (or any other material) submitted in response to this BAA will not be returned. It is the policy of ONR to treat all proposals as sensitive competitive information and to disclose their contents only for the purposes of evaluation.

I. GENERAL INFORMATION:

1. Agency Name - Office of Naval Research

2. Research Opportunity Title - Aluminum Alloy Corrosion Control and Prevention

3. Program Name - Enterprise and Platform Enabler (EPE) Future Naval Capability program;

Enabling Capability (EC) EPE FY14-02, Aluminum Alloy Corrosion Control and Prevention

4. Research Opportunity Number – ONRBAA14-003

5. Response Date - Full Proposals: 1/20/2014

6. Research Opportunity Description -

The use of 5000 series aluminum alloys (i.e., Al-Mg alloys) is increasing across the Navy due to their combination of tunable strength/ductility, weldability, and corrosion resistance. These alloys offer the ability to decrease the weight of ship/vehicle structure, thus increasing speed, range, and fuel economy. For these alloys, the primary corrosion degradation modes are intergranular corrosion and intergranular stress-corrosion cracking (IG/IGSCC) due to sensitization of the material which can lead to the eventual failure of the alloy. Sensitization is a change in the microstructure of 5000 series aluminum alloys due to repeated increases in temperature above o F. These temperature increases generally occur in service due to direct solar exposure and/or internal ship mechanisms and can sensitize 5000 series aluminum ship structures in as little as ten years.

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is soliciting full proposals for the development and transition of tools and technologies to reduce operations, maintenance, and support costs associated with 5000 series aluminum sensitizations.

Specifically ONR is interested in receiving full technical proposals to develop the following research areas:

- Field Portable, Non-Destructive Evaluation Degree of Sensitization Detection Tool: A robust portable NDE Degree of Sensitization (DoS) detection system that can quantitatively detect and assess DoS in a large area on aluminum ship hulls to provide improved condition-based maintenance decisions for ship structural integrity and health monitoring (Proposals for this area are being requested under this BAA).

- Maintenance Prediction Degree of Sensitization Analysis Software Packages: The assessment of future maintenance requirements for 5000 series aluminum ship structures based on current shipboard DoS levels (Proposals for this area are being requested under this BAA).

- Aluminum Alloy Desensitization Surface Treatment and Repair Tool: Repair tools for sensitization related pitting and cracking (Proposals for this area are being requested under this

BAA).

- Lightweight Coatings: The developed exterior coating system should maintain a 5000 series aluminum alloy surface temperature of less than or equal to 104°F and provide adequate corrosion protection characterized by no localized corrosion or pitting on surfaces (Proposals for this area are being requested under this BAA).

Proposers may submit to one or more of the Aluminum Alloy Corrosion Control and Prevention research areas noted above. However, a separate standalone proposal is required for each research area.

Program specifics and metrics for each of the Aluminum Alloy Corrosion Control and Prevention research areas are specified in the sections below.

6.1 Field Portable, Non-Destructive Evaluation Degree of Sensitization Detection Tool Research

The objective of this research area will be to develop a robust portable NDE DoS detection system that can quantitatively detect and assess DoS in a large area on Aluminum ship hulls to provide improved condition-based maintenance decisions for ship structural integrity and health monitoring. The primary area of interest is to inspect/assess the DoS of 5000 series aluminum on surface vessels without removing coatings or using hazardous chemicals during periodic inspections. The DoS level detected by the tool shall be correlated to the DoS level determined through destructive testing of the material using the ASTM G67 specification (Nitric Acid Mass

Loss Test) such that the tool will report an equivalent DoS level or provide conversion tables/databases to determine the equivalent ASTM G67 DoS level. Application of these tools must be non-intrusive, provide a wide area of inspection capability, and result in a reduction in inspection and processing time over current inspection methods. They should also be easy to handle under normal field conditions in areas such as decks, passageways, and machinery spaces on horizontal, vertical, and overhead surfaces. It should also be easy to use on-board a ship or at a vehicle without the need to remove the structure of interest. The method should be applicable to a range of 5000 series alloys including 5083, 5456, 5059, 5383, 5454, and 5086. The ability to inspect welds and nearby regions would also be beneficial, as would built-in calibration capabilities. During the Option phase of development, the field-portable NDE DoS detection tool prototype will be integrated with an open architecture, prediction based software package

(designed separately); therefore, incorporating design flexibility into the prototype for this integration should be considered.

6.1.1 Program Plan

Contracts awarded under this BAA are anticipated to be structured as Base phase and an Option phase. Proposals must address both the Base and Option phases. Decisions for continuation to the

Option phase will be based on the following:

-The degree to which Base phase results meet and or exceed key metrics as described below, -Technical approach to achieve option metrics, and

-Available funding

Metrics:

Base Phase (up to 24 months)

The Base Phase has an up to 24 month period of performance and must be capable of meeting at a minimum the metrics listed below.

Detection:

Base

Specification Metric

Probability of Detection >90% successful detection of sensitized

5000 series aluminum

Accuracy/Performance >90% Confidence Interval of detecting DoS level as compared to the standard ASTM

G67 test

Area of Detection 2ft x 2ft section

Reliability of the Tool 90% reliability

Measurement Time <20min

Destructiveness Does not require the removal of coatings or use hazardous chemicals or substances to provide DoS measurements

Option Phase (up to 36 months)

Decisions for continuation to Option Phase will be based on the degree to which the Base Phase results meet and or exceed the key metrics as described above, the technical approach to achieve option metrics and available funding. Performers selected for continuation will develop, demonstrate (TRL-6), and deliver a full scale prototype detector at the conclusion of the 5-year period. The full scale prototype will meet the metrics listed below.

Detection:

Option

Specification Metric

Probability of Detection >95% successful detection of sensitized

5000 series aluminum

Accuracy/Performance >95% Confidence Interval of detecting DoS level as compared to the standard ASTM

G67 test

Area of Detection 2ft x 2ft section

Reliability of the Tool 95% reliability

Measurement Time <10min

Destructiveness Does not require the removal of coatings or use hazardous chemicals or substances to provide DoS measurements

Power Requirements Self-contained or easily connected to ship's power

Size Must fit through a 26"x66" Navy Standard

Watertight Door

Weight Must meet requirements of MIL-STD-

1472G

Deliverables:

Base Phase:

Monthly Technical and Financial Reports

Final Report

A Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) Degree of Separation (DoS) detector prototype meeting the base metrics.

Option Phase:

Final Report

A Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) Degree of Separation (DoS) detector tool meeting the option metrics, with specific focus on Power, Size, and Weight restrictions as well as improved probability of detection, accuracy, and reliability and is compatible with

Maintenance Prediction Software package (designed separately).

6.2 Maintenance Prediction Degree of Sensitization Analysis Software Package

The objective of this research area is the assessment of future maintenance requirements for 5000 series aluminum ship structures based on current shipboard DoS levels. DoS levels are quantified by the ASTM G67 specification (Nitric Acid Mass Loss Test), or an analogous test. When combined with applicable surface ship structure stress levels and potential future deployment environments, a material health can be assessed from the detected DoS level. The software package should assess these inputs to predict Time-to-Repair and to provide maintenance planning categories ranging from No Action to Replace Material. The software package must have an open architecture, be compatible with commercial software tools, be searchable and sortable with respect to specific ship, location, date, and DoS level, and result in a reduction in inspection and processing time over current inspection methods with a false alarm rate approaching zero. During the Option Phase of development, the Maintenance Prediction DoS Analysis Software Package will be integrated with a field-portable non-destructive evaluation DoS detection tool prototype

(designed separately), and therefore incorporating design flexibility into the software package for this integration should be considered.

6.2.1 Program Plan

Option phase will be based on the following:

-The degree to which Base phase results meet and or exceed key metrics as described below, Prediction:

Base

Specification Metric

Successful Prediction Rate 90% confidence interval

Open Architecture The software shall have an architecture that incorporates appropriate considerations for reconfigurability, portability, maintainability, technology and data insertion, vendor independence, reusability, scalability, interoperability, upgradeability, and long-term supportability

Modular, Open Design The software shall use standards-based

COTS/NDI hardware, operating systems, and middleware that all utilize either non-proprietary or non-vendor-unique key module or component interfaces

Compatibility The software shall be compatible with NMCI

(Navy Marine Corps Intranet) Guidelines for use on the NMCI system option metrics and available funding. Performers selected for continuation will develop, demonstrate (TRL-6), and deliver an open architecture software package that can be easily integrated into the DoS detector by the conclusion of the 5-year period. The software package will meet the metrics listed below.

Prediction:

Option

Specification Metric

Successful Prediction Rate 95% confidence interval

Open Architecture The software shall have an architecture that incorporates appropriate considerations for reconfigurability, portability, maintainability, technology and data insertion, vendor independence, reusability, scalability, interoperability, upgradeability, and long-term supportability

Modular, Open Design The software shall use standards-based

COTS/NDI hardware, operating systems, and middleware that all utilize either non-proprietary or non-vendor-unique key module or component interfaces

Compatibility The software shall be compatible with NMCI

(Navy Marine Corps Intranet) Guidelines for use on the NMCI system

Searchable Data The software shall be able to sort and search through historic data with respect to specific ship, ship location, date, and DoS level

A software package meeting the base metrics (to include executable and source code).

A software package that meeting the objective metrics, specified objectives (as specified in

Section 6.3) and is compatible with a field portable NDE DoS detection tool (designed separately) to include executable and source code.

6.3 Aluminum Alloy Desensitization Surface Treatment and Repair Tool

5000 series aluminum is considered sensitized when it reaches a Degree of Sensitization (DoS) level of 25 mg/cm per ASTM G67 testing. Proposers may submit to either one or both of the two development areas, Area 1: Surface Treatment Tool and/or Area 2: Repair Tool. However, a separate standalone proposal is required for each area.

Area 1: Surface Treatment Tool

The surface treatment tool research area will focus on providing an in situ desensitizing capability for a wide or local area without removing coatings and absent the use of hazardous chemicals. The surface treatment tool must result in a reduction in the DoS level to below 15 mg/cm without creating sensitized material in the local surrounding area or reducing the strength of the structure.

The surface treatment tool should also be field-portable and easy to handle under normal field conditions in areas such as decks, passageways, and machinery spaces on horizontal, vertical, and overhead surfaces.

Area 2: Repair Tool

When sensitized aluminum is exposed to ship structure stress levels and environments, sensitization-related corrosion occurs. The corrosion initiates as surface pits that propagate into cracks along the grain boundaries. The repair tool will focus on providing an in situ capability to repair sensitization-related pitting and cracking without creating sensitized material in the local surrounding area or reducing the strength of the structure. The repair tool should be field-portable and easy to handle under normal field conditions in areas such as decks, passageways, and machinery spaces on horizontal, vertical, and overhead surfaces.

6.3.1 Program Plan

Option phase will be based on the following:

-The degree to which Base phase results meet and or exceed key metrics as described below, Repair:

Base

Specification Metric

Desensitization Performance

(Surface Treatment Tool)

(Area 1 Only) Must be able to desensitize material with DoS greater than or equal to 25mg/cm to below 15mg/cm

Pitting and Crack Repair

(Repair Tool)

(Area 2 Only) Must be able to repair pitting and non-linear cracks in sensitized material

Cracks No visible cracks forming in the surrounding area during desensitization treatment/repair

Pitting No pitting of the material during desensitization treatment/repair

Surrounding Area No sensitization of the surrounding area during desensitization treatment/repair

Strength No loss of strength in the structure through the use of the surface treatment/repair tool option metrics and available funding. Performers selected for continuation will develop, demonstrate (TRL-6), and deliver a full scale prototype repair and/or surface treatment tool at the conclusion of the 5-year period. The full scale prototype will meet the metrics listed below.

Repair:

Option

Specification Metric

Desensitization Performance

(Surface Treatment Tool)

(Area 1 Only) Must be able to desensitize material with DoS greater than or equal to 60mg/cm to below 15mg/cm

Pitting and Crack Repair

(Repair Tool)

(Area 2 Only) Must be able to repair pitting and non-linear cracks in sensitized material

Cracks No visible cracks forming in the surrounding area during desensitization treatment/repair

Pitting No pitting of the material during desensitization treatment/repair

Surrounding Area No sensitization of the surrounding area during desensitization treatment/repair

Strength No loss of strength in the structure through the use of the surface treatment/repair tool

Power Requirements Self-contained or easily connected to ship's power

Size Must fit through a 26"x66" Navy Standard

Watertight Door

Weight Must meet requirements of MIL-STD-1472G

A surface treatment/repair tool prototype meeting the base metrics.

A surface treatment/repair tool meeting the option metrics, with specific focus on Power, Size, and Weight restrictions as well as improved capabilities.

6.4 Lightweight Coatings Research

The objective of this research area is for the development and transition of an exterior durable coating system that provides the ability to reduce 5000 series aluminum alloy sensitization caused by prolonged thermal exposure, while also enhancing corrosion resistance.

Current coating systems cannot prevent sensitization by thermal protection, nor do they adequately protect the aluminum from the corrosive salt water environment. Due to weight limitations on US Navy ships, the thickness of the coating(s) should also be considered.

To prevent sensitization, the developed exterior coating system should maintain a 5 aluminum alloy surface temperature of less than or equal to 104°F. The developed coating system should also provide adequate corrosion protection characterized by no localized corrosion or pitting on surfaces. Furthermore, the developed coating system should provide long term color and gloss stability, along with adequate adhesion to 5000 series aluminum substrates. The developed coating system shall meet or exceed all of the key performance requirements as specified under MIL-PRF-

24635E, Type V, Class 2, Grade B, in addition to the overarching objective of reducing the thermal load to the 5000 series aluminum alloy. The offeror is required to demonstrate the ability to provide the Navy with sufficient volumes (e.g., >50 gallons) of coating to enable shipboard testing.

6.4.1 Program Plan

Option phase will be based on the following:

-The degree to which Base phase results meet and or exceed key metrics as described below, The Base Phase has an up to 24 month period of performance that must be capable of meeting at a

Coatings:

Base

Specification Metric

Temperature Reduction Must limit the temperature of the aluminum substrate underlying the coating to a maximum of 150 o F measured at the coating/substrate interface when subject to shipboard radiant heat

Weight Reduction Must provide a 25 percent weight reduction over currently qualified topside coating systems when installed per navy specifications

Corrosion Performance Must exhibit no visible corrosion or pitting when subject to ASTM B117 Salt Fog Testing

Coating Performance Must successfully pass the testing requirements of MIL-PRF-24635E

Desensitization Performance For applications over sensitized aluminum, the coating must provide an ability to desensitize by a minimum of

20% compared to the original DoS measured by ASTM G67 Nitric Acid

Mass Loss Test (NAMLT)

Additional consideration will be given to the coatings that demonstrate a level of desensitization performance option metrics and available funding. Performers selected for continuation will develop, demonstrate (TRL-7), and deliver a coating system at the conclusion of the 5-year period. The full scale prototype will meet the metrics listed below.

Coatings:

Option

Specification Metric

Temperature Reduction Must limit the temperature of the aluminum substrate underlying the coating to a maximum of 104 o F measured at the coating/substrate interface when subject to shipboard radiant heat

Weight Reduction Must provide a 30 percent weight reduction over currently qualified topside coating systems when installed per navy specifications

Corrosion Performance Must exhibit no visible corrosion or pitting when subject to ASTM B117 Salt Fog Testing

Coating Performance Must successfully pass the testing requirements of MIL-PRF-24635E

Desensitization Performance For applications over sensitized aluminum, the coating must provide an ability to desensitize by a minimum of 30% compared to the original DoS measured by ASTM G67 Nitric Acid Mass Loss Test (NAMLT)

Final Report

Sufficient volumes (e.g. >50 gallons) of the proposed shipboard coatings meeting the base metrics for further Navy testing and verification.

Option Phase:

Monthly Technical and Financial Reports

Final Report

Sufficient volumes (e.g. >50 gallons) of the proposed shipboard coatings meeting the option metrics for further Navy testing and verification.

For proposals that propose efforts that are considered of particular value to the Navy, but either exceed available budgets or contain certain tasks or applications that are not desired by the Navy, ONR may suggest a modification to the proposal with reduced effort to fit within expected available budgets or an effort that refocuses the tasks and application of the technology to maximize the benefit of the Navy.

7. Point(s) of Contact -

Questions of a technical nature should be submitted to:

Technical POC: Dr. Airan Perez

Address: Office of Naval Research, 875 N Randolph Street, Arlington, VA 22203

Code: 333

Phone:703.696.0845

Email: airan.perez@navy.mil

Questions of a business nature should be submitted to:

Business POC: Ms. Rebecca Foster

Address: Office of Naval Research, 875 N Randolph Street, Arlington, VA 22203

Code: BD252

Phone: 703.696.2972

Email: Rebecca.d.foster@navy.mil

Any questions regarding this solicitation must be provided to the Technical Point of Contact and

Business Point of Contact listed in this solicitation. All questions shall be submitted in writing by electronic mail.

Comments or questions submitted should be concise and to the point, eliminating any unnecessary verbiage. In addition, the relevant part and paragraph of the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) should be referenced.

Questions submitted within 2 weeks prior to a deadline may not be answered, and the due date for submission of the full proposal will not be extended.

Amendments will be posted to one or more of the following webpages:

Federal Business Opportunities (FEDBIZOPPS) Webpage - https://www.fbo.gov/

ONR Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Webpage -http://www.onr.navy.mil/en/Contracts-Grants/Funding-Opportunities/Broad-Agency-

Announcements.aspx

8. Instrument Type(s) - Contracts

Awards will be issued as Contracts. ONR reserves the right to award a different instrument type if deemed to be in the best interest of the Government.

Any contract awards resulting from this BAA will incorporate the most current FAR, DFARs, NMCARS and ONR clauses.

Examples of model contracts can be found on the ONR website at the following link:

http://www.onr.navy.mil/Contracts-Grants/submit-proposal/contracts-proposal/contract-model-awards.aspx. ONR Contract specific representations and certifications can be accessed on the following page of the ONR website: http://www.onr.navy.mil/Contracts-Grants/Funding-

Opportunities/Requests-for-Information.aspx.

9. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Numbers - N/A

10. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Titles - N/A

11. Other Information –

Work funded under a BAA may include basic research, applied research and some advanced technology development (ATD). With regard to any restrictions on the conduct or outcome of work funded under this BAA, 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. As defined therein the definition of "contracted fundamental research", in a DoD contractual context, includes [research performed under] grants and contracts that are (a) funded by Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation 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. 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 or grant.

https://www.fbo.gov/ http://www.onr.navy.mil/en/Contracts-Grants/Funding-Opportunities/Broad-Agency-Announcements.aspx http://www.onr.navy.mil/en/Contracts-Grants/Funding-Opportunities/Broad-Agency-Announcements.aspx http://www.onr.navy.mil/Contracts-Grants/submit-proposal/contracts-proposal/contract-model-awards.aspx http://www.onr.navy.mil/Contracts-Grants/submit-proposal/contracts-proposal/contract-model-awards.aspx http://www.onr.navy.mil/Contracts-Grants/Funding-Opportunities/Requests-for-Information.aspx http://www.onr.navy.mil/Contracts-Grants/Funding-Opportunities/Requests-for-Information.aspx

Pursuant to DoD policy, research performed under grants and contracts that are a) funded by

Budget Category 6.2 (Applied Research) and NOT performed on-campus at a university or b) funded by Budget Category 6.3 (Advanced Research) does not meet the definition of "contracted fundamental research." In conformance with the USD(AT&L) guidance and National Security

Decision Direction 189, 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. 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 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.

Normally, fundamental research is awarded under grants with universities and under contracts with industry. Non-fundamental research is normally awarded under contracts and may require restrictions during the conduct of the research and DoD pre-publication review of such research results due to subject matter sensitivity.

In regards to BAA 14-003, the Research and Development efforts to be funded will consist of applied research and advanced technology development. The funds available to support awards are Budget Activity 2 and 3.

FAR Part 35 restricts the use of the Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), such as this, to the acquisition of basic and applied research and that portion of advanced technology development not related to the development of a specific system or hardware procurement. Contracts and grants and other assistance agreements made under BAAs are for scientific study and experimentation directed towards advancing the state of the art and increasing knowledge or understanding.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT FOR THE ACQUISITION OF TECHNICAL,

ENGINEERING AND OTHER TYPES OF SUPPORT SERVICES.

II. AWARD INFORMATION

1. Amount and Period of Performance-

Field Portable, Non-Destructive Evaluation Degree of Sensitization Detection Tool:

Total Amount of Funding Available: $2800K

Anticipated Number of Awards: 1 to 2

Anticipated Range of Individual Award Amounts: Up to $2800K

Anticipated Period of Performance: 60 months

Maintenance Prediction Degree of Sensitization Analysis Software Packages:

Total Amount of Funding Available: $1900K

Anticipated Number of Awards: 1 to 2

Anticipated Range of Individual Award Amounts: Up to $1900K

Aluminum Alloy Desensitization Surface Treatment and Repair Tool:

Total Amount of Funding Available: $2850K

Anticipated Number of Awards: 1 to 2

Anticipated Range of Individual Award Amounts: Up to $2850K

Anticipated Period of Performance: 60 months

Light Weight Coating:

Total Amount of Funding Available: $3500K

Anticipated Number of Awards: 1 to 2

Anticipated Range of Individual Award Amounts: Up to $3500K

2. Production and Testing of Prototypes-

In the case of funded proposals for the production and testing of prototypes, ONR may during the contract period add a contract line item or contract option for the provision of advanced component development or for the delivery of additional prototype units. However, such a contract addition shall be subject to the limitations contained in Section 819 of the National

Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010.

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

All responsible sources from academia and industry may submit proposals under this BAA.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) are encouraged to submit proposals and join others in submitting proposals. However, no portion of this BAA will be set aside for HBCU and MI participation, due to the impracticality of reserving discrete or severable items of this research for exclusive competition among the entities.

Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs), including Department of Energy

National Laboratories, are not eligible to receive awards under this BAA. However, teaming arrangements between FFRDCs and eligible principal bidders are allowed so long as they are permitted under the sponsoring agreement between the Government and the specific FFRDC.

Navy laboratories and warfare centers as well as other Department of Defense and civilian agency laboratories are also not eligible to receive awards under this BAA and should not directly submit either white papers or full proposals in response to this BAA. If any such organization is interested in one or more of the programs described herein, the organization should contact an appropriate ONR POC to discuss its area of interest. The various scientific divisions of ONR are identified at http://www.onr.navy.mil/. As with FFRDCs, these types of federal organizations may team with other responsible sources from academia and industry that are submitting proposals under this BAA.

University Affiliated Research Centers (UARC) are eligible to submit proposals under this BAA unless precluded from doing so by their Department of Defense UARC contracts.

Teams are also encouraged and may submit proposals in any and all areas. However, Offerors must be willing to cooperate and exchange software, data and other information in an integrated program with other contractors, as well as with system integrators, selected by ONR.

Some topics cover export controlled technologies. Research in these areas is limited to "U.S.

persons" as defined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) - 22 CFR § 1201.1 et seq.

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Section IV: Table of Contents

1. Application and Submission Process

2. Content and Format of Full Proposals

a. Full Proposals

i. Instructions for Non-Grants

3. Significant Dates and Times

4. Submission of Late Proposals

5. Address for the Submission of Full Proposals for Contracts.

1. Application and Submission Process - Full Proposals

The due date for receipt of Full Proposals is 2:00PM (EST) on Monday, 20 January 2014. It is anticipated that final selections will be made within 6 weeks after full proposal submission. As soon as the final full proposal evaluation process is completed, PI's will be notified via email of their projects selection or non-selection. Full proposals received after the published due date and time will not be considered for funding under this BAA.

2. Content and Format of Full Proposals -

Full Proposals submitted under the BAA are expected to be unclassified.

Unclassified Proposal Instructions:

Unclassified Full Proposals shall be submitted in accordance with Section IV.

All proposal submissions will be protected from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with FAR

Subpart 15.207, applicable law, and DoD/DoN regulations. Offerors are expected to appropriately mark each page of their submission that contains proprietary information.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Titles given to the Full Proposals should be descriptive of the work they cover and not be merely a copy of the title of this solicitation.

a. FULL PROPOSALS

NOTE: If page limits are not specified, then consult with your cognizant technical; POC.

i. INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONTRACTS, COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS AND OTHER

TRANSACTION AGREEMENTS (Does not include Grants)

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

(1) Technical Proposal Template (pdf)

(2) Technical Content (word)

(3) Cost Proposal Spreadsheet (excel)

(4) Adequacy Checklist for Pre Award Audit (SF 1408) (as applicable)

These documents are located at: http://www.onr.navy.mil/Contracts-Grants/submit-proposal/contracts-proposal/. All have instructions imbedded into them that will assist in completing the documents. Also, both the Technical Proposal Template and the Cost Proposal

Spreadsheet require completion of cost-related information. Please note that attachments can be incorporated into the Technical Proposal Template for submission.

Offerors responding to this BAA must submit a separate list of all technical data or computer software that will be furnished to the Government with other than unlimited rights. The

Government will assume unlimited rights if offerors fail to identify any intellectual property restrictions in their proposals. Include in this section 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 $150K), the, Technical Proposal Template and Technical Content documents, and the Cost Proposal

Spreadsheet are required. In addition, if a purchase order will be awarded, the effort will be fixed price. Purchase orders can also contain options, if authorized under the BAA, as long as the total amount of the base and all options does not exceed $150k.

The format requirements for any 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

Maximum Number of Pages Permitted - 10 pages (excluding cover page, resumes, bibliographies and table of contents). Full Proposals exceeding the page limit may not be evaluated. The Technical Content to be included in the standard Word Template is limited to no more than 10 pages. The Technical Proposal Template (pdf file) is not included in the page limitations noted above.

There is no page limitation for the Cost Proposal http://www.onr.navy.mil/Contracts-Grants/submit-proposal/contracts-proposal/ http://www.onr.navy.mil/Contracts-Grants/submit-proposal/contracts-proposal/

For proposed subcontracts or interorganizational transfers over $150,000, 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 either in a sealed envelope with the prime's proposal or via e-mail directly to both the Program Officer and the Business Point of Contact at the same time the prime proposal is submitted. The e-mail should identify the proposal title, the prime Offeror and that the attached proposal is a subcontract, and should include a description of the effort to be performed by the subcontractor.

Offerors should submit one (1) electronic copy on CD-ROM. The electronic copy should be submitted in a secure, pdf-compatible format, except for the electronic file for the Cost Proposal

Spreadsheet which should be submitted in a Microsoft Excel 2007 compatible format. All attachments should 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. A password should not be required for opening the proposal document, but the

Government must have the ability to print and copy text, images, and other content. Offerors may also submit their Technical Proposal Template and Content in an electronic file that allows for revision (preferably in Microsoft Word) to facilitate the communication of potential revisions.

Should an Offeror amend its proposal, the amended proposal should be submitted following the same hard and electronic copy guidance applicable to the original proposal.

Any proposed options that are identified in the Technical Proposal Template or Technical Content documents, but are not fully priced out in the Cost Proposal Spreadsheet, will not be included in any resulting contract, cooperative agreement, or other transaction. If proposing options, they must be separately priced and separate spreadsheets should be provided for the base period and each option. In addition to providing 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 electronic submission of 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

215.404-71. 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 equal 100 percent.

(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 215.404-71-2(c)(2)). 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% to7.5% on an ONR awarded contract.

For submission instructions, see sub-section 5. Address for the Submission of Full Proposals for

Contracts.

3. Significant Dates and Times -

Event Date Time

Full Proposal Due Date 1/20/2014 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

Notification of Selection: Full Proposals* 3/3/2014

Awards* 7/3/2014

*These dates are estimates as of the date of this announcement.

4. Submission of Late Proposals -

Any proposal, modification, or revision that is received at the designated Government office after the exact time specified for receipt of proposals is "late" and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, the contracting officer determines that accepting the late proposal would not unduly delay the acquisition and:

a. If it was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the announcement, it was received at the initial point of entry to the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 P.M. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of proposals; or

b. There is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at the Government installation designated for receipt of proposals and was under the Government's control prior to the time set for receipt of proposals; or

c. It was the only proposal received.

However, a late modification of an otherwise timely and successful proposal that makes its terms more favorable to the Government will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

Acceptable evidence to establish the time or receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the proposal wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel.

If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that proposals cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of proposals by the exact time specified in the announcement, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the announcement closing date, the time specified for receipt of proposals will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the announcement on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

The contracting officer must promptly notify any offeror if its proposal, modifications, or revision was received late and must inform the offeror whether its proposal will be considered.

5. Address for the Submission of Full Proposals for Contracts.

The DVD or CD-ROM of the Full Proposal including all supporting documentation should be sent to the Office of Naval Research at the following address:

Primary Contact Secondary Contact

Office of Naval Research

Attn: Dr. Airan Perez

ONR Department Code: 333

875 North Randolph Street

Arlington, VA 22203-1995

Office of Naval Research

Attn: Mr. Frank Pennypacker

ONR Department Code: 333

875 North Randolph Street

Arlington, VA 22203-1995

V. EVALUATION INFORMATION

1. Evaluation Criteria -

Awards under this BAA will be made to proposers on the basis of the evaluation criteria listed below, and program balance to provide overall value to the Government. The Government reserves the right to request any additional, necessary documentation once it makes the award instrument determination. The Government reserves the right to remove proposers from award consideration should the parties fail to reach agreement on award terms, conditions, and cost/price within a reasonable time, or the proposer fails to timely provide requested additional information.

Evaluations will be conducted using the following evaluation criteria:

Criteria 1: Overall scientific and technical merits of the proposal.

Criteria 2: Potential Naval relevance and contributions of the effort to the agency’s specific mission.

Criteria 3: The Offeror's capabilities, related experience, facilities, techniques, or unique combinations of these which are integral factors for achieving the proposal objectives.

Criteria 4: The qualifications, capabilities and experience of the proposed Principal

Investigator (PI), team leader and key personnel who are critical in achieving the proposal objectives, and

Criteria 5: The realism of the proposed costs and availability of funds.

Criteria 1-4 are significantly more important than Criterion 5, and Criteria 1-4 are of equal value.

The primary basis for selecting proposals for acceptance shall be technical, importance to agency programs, and fund availability. Cost realism and reasonableness shall also be considered to the extent appropriate.

The ultimate recommendation for award of proposals is made by ONR's scientific/technical community. Recommended proposals will be forwarded to the ONR contracts department. Any notification received from ONR that indicates that the Offeror's full proposal has been recommended, does not ultimately guarantee an award will be made. This notice indicates that the proposal has been selected in accordance with the evaluation criteria above and has been sent to the contracting department to conduct cost analysis, determine the offeror's responsibility, and take other relevant steps necessary prior to commencing negotiations with the offeror.

Industry-Academia Partnering - ONR highly encourages partnering among industry and academia with a view toward speeding the incorporation of new science and technology into fielded systems. Proposals that utilize industry-academic partnering which enhances the development of novel S&T advances will be given favorable consideration.

Industry-Government Partnering – ONR highly encourages partnering among industry and

Government with a view toward speeding the incorporation of new science and technology into fielded systems. Proposals that utilize industry-Government partnering which enhances the development of novel S&T advances will be given favorable consideration.

2. Commitment to Small Business - (For Contract Awards Only)

The Office of Naval Research is strongly committed to providing meaningful subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs), woman-owned small businesses (WOSBs), historically underutilized business zone (HUBZone) 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.

For businesses unfamiliar with doing business with the government and require assistance may contact the state-specific Department of Defense (DoD) Procurement Technical Assistance Center

(PTAC). DoD PTACs serve as a resource for businesses pursing and performing under contracts with DoD, other federal agencies, state and local governments and with government prime contractors. Assistance provided by the PTACs is usually free of charge. PTAC support includes registration in systems such as SAM, identification of contract opportunities, understanding requirements and preparing and submitting proposals. The PTACs have a presence in each state, Puerto and Guam. To locate a local PTAC visit:

http://www.dla.mil/SmallBusiness/Pages/ProcurementTechnicalAssistanceCenters.aspx or http://www.aptac-us.org/new/ .

http://www.dla.mil/SmallBusiness/Pages/ProcurementTechnicalAssistanceCenters.aspx http://www.aptac-us.org/new/

1.) Subcontracting Plan - For proposed awards to be made as contracts that exceed $650,000, large businesses and non-profits (including educational institutions) shall provide a

Subcontracting Plan (hereafter known as the ‘Plan’) that contains all elements required by FAR

Subpart 19.704, FAR 52.219-9 and as supplemented by DFARS 252.219-7003.

NOTE: Small businesses are exempt from this requirement.

The Plan should be submitted as an attachment to the “Technical Proposal Template” and will not be included in the page count. If a company has a Master Subcontracting Plan, as described in

FAR 19.701 or a Comprehensive Subcontracting Plan, as described in DFARS 219.702, a copy of the Plan shall also be submitted as an attachment to the “Technical Proposal Template”.

Plans will be reviewed for adequacy, ensuring that the required information, goals, and assurances are included. FAR 19.702 require the apparently successful offeror to submit an acceptable Plan.

If the apparently successful offeror fails to negotiate a Plan acceptable to the contracting officer within the time limit prescribed by the contracting officer, the offeror will be ineligible for award.

Offerors shall propose a plan that ensures small businesses (inclusive of SDBs, WOSBs, HUBZone, VOSBs and SDVOSBs, etc…) will have the maximum practicable opportunity to participate in contract performance consistent with its efficient performance.

As a baseline, offerors shall to the best extent possible propose realistic goals to ensure small business participation in accordance with the current or most recent fiscal year subcontracting goals found on the DoD Office of Small Business Program website at:

http://www.acq.osd.mil/osbp/. If proposed goals are below the statutory requirements, then the offeror shall included in the Plan a viable written explanation as to why small businesses are unable to be utilized and what attempts were taken to ensure that small business were given the opportunity to participate in the effort to the maximum extent practicable.

2.) Small Business Participation Statement –

If subcontracting opportunities exist, all prime Offerors shall submit a Small Business

Participation Statement regardless of size in accordance with DFARS 215.304 when receiving a contract for more than the simplified acquisition threshold (i.e., $150,000). All offerors shall provide a statement of the extent of the offeror’s commitment in providing meaningful subcontracting opportunities for small businesses and other concerns subject to socioeconomic considerations through its awards and must agree that small businesses, VOSBs, SDVOSBs, HUBZones, SDBs, and WOSBs concerns will have to the maximum practicable…