Pre Sol Synopsis NDES IV_20Mar2024.docx

NUCLEAR DATA EVALUATION SUPPORT (NDES) IV

(FA702224R0004)

Pre-Solicitation Synopsis 20 March 2024

This is a synopsis for a follow-on competitive, 100% Small Business Set-Aside (SBSA), non-personal services acquisition as required by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 5.2. Services are non-commercial. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP). VENDORS SHOULD NOT SUBMIT FORMAL PROPOSALS UNTIL THE RFP/SOLICITATION IS POSTED TO THE GOVERNMENT POINT OF ENTRY (GPE), SAM.gov. This synopsis is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. Additionally, no reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this synopsis or any follow-up information requests.

Acquisition Description:

The Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC) via AMIC DET 2/OL/PKA (Patrick SFB, FL) will soon be soliciting, through a formal Request for Proposal (RFP), for non-personal services in support of hardware/software maintenance associated with 24th Analysis Squadron Nuclear Sciences Flight (24 ANS/ANN) and the 21st Surveillance Squadron (21 SURS/SUD) data management systems, part of AFTAC 709th Surveillance and Analysis Group (709SAG) data management system. These squadrons contract with multiple laboratories around the country to perform analysis of nuclear samples and uses the analytical data results to create reports that are delivered to its customers as part of its treaty monitoring mission.

The services provided under this contract will provide for maintenance and continued development of a suite of software and hardware systems developed to manage data ingestion, sample logistics and analytical information.

The procurement is anticipated to be conducted in accordance with DoD Source Selection Procedures, (dated 20 Aug 2022), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 15, Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation (DFARS) Part 215, and Department of the Air Force Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DAFFARS) Mandatory Procedures (MP) 5315.3.

Background for 24 ANS/ANN Services:

The required NDES IV services will comprise supporting and maintaining 24 ANS/ANN software tools (i.e., DASSLE, Trackman/LIMS, Workflow, Tracker) that interfaces users to the 24 ANS/ANN's database and various directories. This allows users and data managers to save and access documents related to projects and basic information from the database. The software acts as a virtual notebook, allowing users to track, put in sample descriptions and save photo documentation from sample processing. The NDES system manages five (5) primary elements: DASSLE, Trackman/LIMS, Workflow, Tracker and the 24 ANS/ANN database.

In summary, the 24 ANS/ANN contracts with multiple laboratories to perform analysis of samples and uses the results to create reports. During previous contracts, most recently Nuclear Data Evaluation Services, NDES III, a suite of software and hardware systems were developed to manage sample logistics and analytical information. The systems developed under previous NDES III contract included the Trackman application, Data Acquisition System Lab Extraction (DASSLE), and Workflow. These items are described in more detail below as part of the overall 24 ANS/ANN process.

The overall process begins when 24 ANS/ANN receives a sample and creates a new project in the database using the Trackman tool. As 24 ANS/ANN processes the sample they use Trackman as a virtual lab notebook and load basic sample processing information into the 24 ANS/ANN database through Trackman. After samples are processed by AFTAC, they are sent to a network of contracted labs where samples are processed through multiple analytical techniques. The labs then load this information in the Data Acquisition System Lab Extraction (DASSLE) system. DASSLE transfers the data through a series of steps to a server at AFTAC where the information is stored on the 24 ANS/ANN database. This database can be accessed by Workflow and Trackman for displaying and visualizing data. Evaluators use tools in both these programs to visualize data and write reports. Once a report is written and approved, the report is loaded into Trackman and the project is closed. The report and information associated with the report is part of a library which is searchable using Workflow and other tools. The report and other documents associated with the project are stored on shared drives managed by AFTAC.

The NDES system manages six (6) primary elements: DASSLE, Trackman/LIMS, Workflow, Tracker, and the 24 ANS/ANN database. In FY23, External Data Ingestion System (EXDIS) was added to the NDES System. While EXDIS supports the 21 SURS/SUD (see below background information), it was developed by the same contractor as the NDES system, and the 24 ANS/ANN is considering migrating from DASSLE to EXDIS.

DASSLE: DASSLE is a hardware and software system that allows 24 ANS/ANN’s contracted analysis labs to upload sample information from their labs to secure Government servers. Analysis data generated at the labs is loaded onto a secure webpage and converted to XML where it is submitted to an Oracle server. The data is then uploaded to another Oracle database through AFTAC specialized software. The data is then posted for use in the Workflow and Trackman or LIMS tools.

Trackman/LIMS: Trackman or LIMS is 24 ANS/ANN’s software tool that interfaces users to the 24 ANS/ANN’s database and various directories. This allows users and data managers to save and access documents related to projects and some basic information from the database. The software acts as a virtual notebook, allowing users to track, put in sample descriptions and save photo documentation from sample processing. LIMS will replace Trackman.

Workflow: Workflow is a software interfacing tool that accesses 24 ANS/ANN’s database and allows users to view data, display data in various graphical forms and search the sample collection. Workflow provides graphical user interface to users for running nuclear reactor models and advanced algorithms in Java, C++, and FORTRAN.

Tracker: Interfacing tool to 24 ANS/ANN database to view data and information associated with a sample and generate data files for delivery to customer. The Tracker uses a small Postgres database along with Java and Groovy.

24 ANS/ANN DATABASE: Oracle database that stores all 24 ANS/ANN data ingested from network laboratories.

Background for 21 SURS/SUD Services:

The 21st Surveillance Squadron, part of the Air Force Technical Application Center (AFTAC) 709th Surveillance and Analysis Group (709 SAG), contracts with multiple laboratories to perform analysis of samples and uses the results as part of its treaty monitoring mission. The External Data Ingestion System (EXDIS) enables a straightforward, flexible method for AFTAC, specifically the 21 SURS/SUD, to receive data from its partner laboratories and deployed units.

EXDIS: EXDIS is a software system that allows partner organizations to access a secure website to upload data files to 21 SURS. EXDIS applies business rules on an uploaded file and notifies the submitter if the file is accepted or rejected in need of revision and resubmission. EXDIS also stores and displays metrics describing upload activity to reveal individuals/organizations struggling to upload data files suitable for processing. Accepted files are passed to automated data flows for processing and analysis.

21 SURS/SUD receives information from a variety of organizations to include Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories, commercial laboratories, Department of Defense laboratories, and even mobile laboratories. These organizations all provide data in support of AFTAC mission. Prior to the development of EXDIS, these organizations provided this data through a variety of mechanisms such as email and file transfer protocol (FTP). None of these mechanisms had any built-in quality control of the received data. The intent of EXDIS is to provide a mechanism for AFTAC partner organizations to easily submit data through a readily accessible web page, consolidate many of these disparate reporting mechanisms, and provide built in quality control on submitted data.

AFTAC is in the planning phase of migrating several of its programs to a Government approved secure cloud vendor for Government (Gov) Cloud. AFTAC has selected EXDIS as one of its pilot programs for Gov Cloud deployment. The NDES III contract incumbent, previously deployed EXDIS, with the Government’s permission, to their controlled AWS Gov cloud, referred to as Secure Cloud Environment (SCE) herein, during an Internal Research and Development effort. AFTAC intends to leverage this deployment of EXDIS to the SCE to process 21 SURS/SUD unclassified data in parallel with existing 21 SURS/SUD processing methodology.

Scope of Requirement:

The Contractor shall maintain, sustain, enhance, and provide system integration services for the hardware and software systems associated with 24th Analysis Squadron Nuclear Sciences Flight (24 ANS/ANN) data management system. Services shall include but are not limited to the maintenance of Data Acquisition System Services Lab Extract (DASSLE), Trackman, LIMS, Workflow, 24 ANS/ANN Database and the Tracker. The contractor shall also assist 24 ANS/ANN with interfacing between existing tools/database and modernization efforts which may include new tool applications and cloud-based services.

The Contractor shall maintain, sustain, enhance, and provide system integration services for the EXDIS software program. Services shall include but are not limited to product sustainment and maintenance using AFTAC’s Continuous Integration Continuous Development (CI/CD) pipeline, installation on development and production networks, deployment to a Government approved secure cloud vendor, integration with AFTAC’s information technology (IT) systems, initial testing, updates in response to feedback, and rapid, even immediate, response to identified vulnerabilities/bugs preventing the presentation of the software’s web page on the open internet. While initially meeting the requirements of 21 SURS/SUD, this contract can be used to address the needs of other materials analysis squadrons to use the EXDIS software program as a data ingest tool. Also, the Contractor shall also assist 21 SURS/SUD with interfacing between existing tools/database and modernization efforts which may include new tool applications and cloud-based services.

As funding allows, the Contractor shall develop new task tracking software tools and develop, maintain, sustain, enhance, and provide system integration services for the hardware and software systems associated with other AFTAC units, modernization efforts, and cloud-based initiatives. Services shall include but are not limited to product sustainment, maintenance and enhancements using AFTAC’s Continuous Integration Continuous Development (CI/CD) pipeline, installation on development and production networks, integration with AFTAC’s information technology (IT) systems, initial testing, updates in response to feedback, and rapid, even immediate, response to identified vulnerabilities/bugs. Specific task requirements will be further identified at the individual Task Order (TO) level.

Security Requirements: Future contractor personnel must be US citizens; and shall be required to have a final U.S. Government issued TOP SECRET//SENSITIVE COMPARTMENTED INFORMATION (TS//SCI) security clearance and be DCID 6/4 eligible with a current Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) upon award of contract. Further details will be provided in the solicitation’s DD Form 254 (DD254).

Facility Requirements: A current SECRET facility clearance (FCL) is required at time of award. However, after award the future contractor will be required to have a Top-Secret Collateral facility though the Defense Counterintelligence Security Agency (DCSA) as indicated in the subsequent solicitation’s Performance Work Statement (PWS) and the DD254. Note that the offeror/contractor will NOT require their facility to meet SCIF requirements. Details will be provided in the solicitation.

Other Acquisition Details:

This acquisition will be conducted as full & open after exclusion of sources (i.e., a total small business set-aside (SBSA)). The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541519 - Computer Systems Design/Other Computer Services and the size standard is $34M. In addition, the applicable Product Service Code (PSC) is DA01- IT & Telecom Support Services. The subsequent RFP will be publicly released and available electronically through the GPE only (i.e., SAM.gov). Fax, telephone, written, or email requests/inquiries for the solicitation package, prior to the release of the RFP, WILL NOT be honored. Future RFP Questions and Answers will be addressed as appropriate.

Contract award is anticipated for September 2024. A single Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract is contemplated with an ordering period of 60 months. It is anticipated that the contract will be awarded using Firm Fixed Price (FFP) for operation and maintenance (O&M) CLINs, Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) for Research and development (R&D) CLINs, Cost Reimbursement (CR) with no fee for other direct costs (ODC) and travel, and Not Separately Priced (NSP) for Data Deliverables.

Offeror Requirements:

In accordance with FAR provision 52.204-7, System for Award Management (SAM), a potential offeror is required to be registered in SAM (see https://www.sam.gov/SAM/) when submitting an offer, and shall continue to be registered until time of award, during performance, and through final payment of any contract or task order resulting from the upcoming solicitation/RFP for the subject acquisition. All responsible firms may submit a proposal (only after issuance of the RFP) to be considered for contract award. PHONE CALLS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Firms responding to the solicitation/RFP must state whether they are a Small Business (SB), Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), HUBZone Small Business (HSB), Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Business (EDWOSB) Historically Black College or University or Minority Institution (HBCU/MI), an 8(a) firm, an Indian Tribe or Alaskan Native Corporation. Moreover, the potential offeror’s firm shall also have an accounting system that has been determined adequate for determining costs applicable to the contract or order to receive a cost type contract in accordance with (IAW) FAR 16.301-3(3) and DFARS 252.242-7006. In addition, your firm shall be required to state if is able to perform at least fifty percent (50%) of the services required under this acquisition.

DAFFARS Provision 5352.201-9101, Ombudsman The Air Force Federal Acquisition Regulation (AFFARS) 5352.201-9101, Ombudsman, is applicable and follows below. Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the Contracting Officer for resolution.

Point of contact are:

Mr. Ian Batchelor, Contracting Officer Mr. David Dike, Contracting Officer sent via the Contract Specialist, Lileana Cintron, AMIC DET 2 OL/PKA (Patrick SFB FL) 1020 South Patrick Drive, Patrick SFB FL 32925, at e-mail: lileana.cintron@us.af.mil; and cc: david.dike.2@us.af.mil.

As prescribed in DAFFARS 5301.9103, the following provision applies:

5352.201-9101 OMBUDSMAN (JUL 2023)

(a) An ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. When requested, the ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The existence of the ombudsman does not affect the authority of the program manager, contracting officer, or source selection official. Further, the ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals, the source selection process, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes. The ombudsman may refer the interested party to another official who can resolve the concern.

(b) Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the contracting officer for resolution. Consulting an ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines for any other processes (e.g., agency level bid protests, GAO bid protests, requests for debriefings, employee-employer actions, contests of OMB Circular A-76 competition performance decisions).

(c) If resolution cannot be made by the contracting officer, the interested party may contact the ombudsman, Deputy Director of Contracting

AFICC/KC(OL-ACC)

114 Thompson Street Bldg. 586, Room 129 Langley AFB, VA, 23665 Telephone 757-764-5372 (DSN 574-5372).

Concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations that cannot be resolved at the Center/MAJCOM/FLDCOM/DRU ombudsman level, may be brought by the interested party for further consideration to the Department of the Air Force ombudsman, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) (Contracting), SAF/AQC, 1060 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1060, phone number (571) 256-2395, facsimile number (571) 256-2431.

(d) The ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds the agency.

(e) Do not contact the ombudsman to request copies of the solicitation, verify offer due date, or clarify technical requirements. Such inquiries shall be directed to the contracting officer.

(End of clause)

FAR 5.207 Synopsis Summary:

(1) Action Code: D - IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS (Service)

(2) Date: 20 March 2024

(3) Year: 2024

(4) Contracting Office ZIP Code: 32925

(5) Product or Service Code: DA01- IT & Telecom Support Services

(6) Contracting Office Address: 1020 S Patrick Dr, Patrick SFB, FL 32925

(7) Subject: Proposed Contract Action Announcement

(8) Proposed Solicitation Number: For future reference, the RFP number will be FA702224R0004

(9) Closing Response Date: N/A

(10) Contact Point or Contracting Officer: Ms. Lileana Cintron, Contract Specialist, Lileana.Cintron@us.af.mil. Mr. David Dike, Contracting Officer, david.dike.2@us.af.mil; and Mr. Ian D. Batchelor, Contracting Officer, ian.batchelor.1@us.af.mil

(11) Contract Award and Solicitation Number. TBD and FA702224R0004

(12) Contract Award Dollar Amount: N/A

(13) Line-Item Number:

CLIN 0001, O&M 21 SURS/SUD Tasks, firm-fixed-price (FFP).

CLIN 0002, O&M 24 ANS/ANN Tasks, FFP.

CLIN 0003, R&D 21 SURS/SUD Tasks, cost plus fixed fee (CPFF).

CLIN 0004, R&D 24 ANS/ANN Tasks, CPFF.

CLIN 0005, 21 SURS/SUD Travel and Other Direct Costs (ODC), O&M & R&D, cost reimbursed (CR) (no fee).

CLIN 0006, 24 ANS/ANN Travel ODC, O&M & R&D, CR.

CLIN 0007, Data Deliverables for CLINs 0001 to 0006, Not Separately Priced (NSP).

(14) Contract Award Date: Anticipated September 2024.

(15) Contractor: TBD.

Incumbent Contractor for NDES III:

SPACE COAST INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS, INC. (SCIS) MELBOURNE, FL 32934-8173

(16) Description: See above detailed description provided.

(17) Place of Contract Performance: At future contractor’s facility, AFTAC at Patrick SFB, FL 32925, and CONUS.

(18) Set-aside Status: 100% Small Business Set-Aside