Request for Information MANTECH CMTC.docx

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

ONR RFI Announcement Composites Manufacturing Technology Center (CMTC) Center of Excellence (COE)

This announcement constitutes a Request for Information (RFI) for the purpose of determining market capability of sources and obtaining market research information. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), or an indication that the Government will contract any of the items and/or services discussed in this notice. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.201, responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Contractors responding to this request are advised that participation does NOT ensure opportunities for future solicitations or contract awards. Any formal solicitation that may subsequently be issued will be announced separately through SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of any potential Contractor to monitor SAM.gov for additional information pertaining to this topic.

Information on specific topics of interest is provided in the following sections of this announcement. Information in the RFI or SOW is in draft form only and is subject to change in the future. Capability Statements, comments, or responses to this RFI, are not to be construed as offers and any input received is not binding on the Government or this potential future requirement. The Government will NOT reimburse any Contractor or individual for any expenses associated with preparation or participation in this Request for Information.

Background

The Secretary of Defense established a Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program to further the national security objectives of Section 2501(a) of U. S. Code Title 10 – Armed Forces, through the development and application of advanced manufacturing technologies and processes that will reduce the acquisition and supportability costs of defense weapon systems and reduce manufacturing and repair cycle times across the life cycles of such systems. The purpose of the program is to improve the manufacturing quality, productivity, technology, and practices of business and workers providing goods and services to the Department of Defense (DoD). DoD Directive 4200.15 implements the Manufacturing Technology Program, and it dictates that DoD is to rely on private sector investment and the “free enterprise” system to provide the manufacturing technology necessary to produce DoD material. The Directive mandates ManTech investments are to be directed at improving the quality, productivity, technology, and practices of business and workers providing goods and services to the DoD.

The Navy Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program, operated out of the Office of Naval Research (ONR), is focused on affordability improvements for specific key acquisition platforms as defined in the Navy ManTech Investment Strategy. Key platforms currently targeted include: the CVN 78 Ford Class carrier; the DDG 51 Arleigh Burke Class destroyer; the Virginia Class Submarine (VCS); Columbia Class Submarine (CLB); and FFG 62 Constellation Class Frigate; and the F35 Lightning II. ONR ManTech helps these Navy programs achieve their respective affordability goals by transitioning developed manufacturing technology which, when implemented, results in needed cost reduction or cost avoidance. Another investment area for consideration is called Capability Acceleration, which is getting new technologies to the fleet faster. These issues being addressed must be production-or manufacturing technology-related.

Navy ManTech executes through Centers of Excellence (COEs) using this key acquisition platform approach to develop cost reduction/avoidance platform portfolios and specific projects. There are presently seven Navy ManTech Centers of Excellence, and they serve as focal points for the development and technology transfer of new and advanced manufacturing processes and technology in a cooperative environment with industry, academia, and the Naval Research Enterprise (NRE). The COEs serve as corporate repositories of expertise in particular technological areas and collaborate with acquisition Program Executive Offices (PEOs) / Program Offices (POs) and relevant industry to identify and resolve manufacturing issues impacting the key Navy acquisition platforms. The COEs develop and demonstrate manufacturing technology solutions for identified Navy manufacturing requirements, provide consulting services to naval industrial activities and industry, and facilitate the implementation of developed manufacturing technologies.

Incumbent Contractor and IDIQ Contract Number:

The incumbent Contractor for this award is Advanced Technology International (ATI) performing under award number N00014-21-D-7001.

NAICS Code and Small Business Size Standard

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments. The NAICS Code applicable to this potential award is 541715 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology).

PSC Code

The Product and Service Code (PSC) is a four-digit code that describes a product, service, or research and development (R&D) activity purchased by the Federal government. The PSC Code applicable to this potential award is AC13 – National Defense R&D Services; Department of Defense – Military; Experimental Development.

Organizational Conflict of Interest

ONR has determined that an actual or potential organizational conflict of interest (OCI) exists when a Contractor (including its parent, subsidiaries, and affiliates) performs both systems engineering and technical assistance (SETA) or other support services and Research and Development (R&D) work. Such situations give rise to OCIs or potential OCIs based on impaired objectivity, biased ground rules, and unequal access to information. ONR prefers that companies avoid such situations altogether by choosing to do only one type of work for ONR. See ONR's Statement of Policy on OCIs, which can be found under Compliance and Protections at the following address: https://www.onr.navy.mil/About-ONR/compliance-protections/Organizational-Conflicts-Interest

Statement of Work

See Attachment 1 for the DRAFT Statement of Work (SOW). This DRAFT SOW covers the entire scope of the anticipated award. It is anticipated that specific SOWs will be provided for each Task Order. A SOW that pertains to Center of Excellence (COE) Operations and Management and Center of Excellence Business Operations will be attached to the first Task Order. A SOW that pertains to Project Development and Management will be attached to the second Task Order.

Key Personnel Requirements

Note: COE = Center of Excellence

COE Director Required minimum qualifications for this position include:

· A technical BS degree from an accredited university and a minimum of 10 years of experience in managing technology development programs A minimum of 5 years of experience in engineering management

· Experience in and a broad understanding of technology development and manufacturing; particularly composite and non-metallic manufacturing and similar technologies

· Experience in working cooperatively with the Defense Industry

· Experience in identifying technology needs and demonstrated success in technology transition/ implementation

· Possess, or have the ability to obtain, a SECRET security clearance

Preferences above the minimum qualifications cited above:

· An advanced degree highly preferred

· Additional years of relevant experience in program management with supervisory role

· Experience with composites and non-metallic manufacturing in marine and/or aerospace industry

· Experience working with Navy and/or Marine Corps commands/program offices

· Experience managing a research or similar center

COE Technical Director

Required minimum qualifications for this position:

· A technical BS degree from an accredited university and a minimum of 10 years of experience in providing technical expertise for technology development programs

· A minimum of 5 years of experience managing technology development programs

· A thorough understanding of advance composite and non-metallic manufacturing technologies with the ability to recognize areas of manufacturing need and evaluate potential solutions related to the Naval Research Enterprise

· Experience in identifying technology needs and understanding of technology transition/implementation processes

· Possess, or have the ability to obtain, a SECRET security clearance

Preferences above the minimum qualifications cited above:

· An advanced degree highly preferred

· Additional years of relevant experience in program development and management

· Experience with composites and non-metallic manufacturing in marine and/or aerospace industry

· Experience working with Navy and/or Marine Corps commands/program offices

COE Financial Manager

Required minimum qualifications for this position:

· A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and a minimum of 7 years of experience in managing multiple government-funded programs

· Experience in developing administrative and financial policies and procedures appropriate for the management of government contracts

· Experience in business and financial management

· Experience in pricing, work breakdown structures, spending plans, and financial tracking

· Experience in developing and defending budgets in support of government programs

Preferences above the minimum qualifications cited above:

· An advanced degree highly preferred.

· Additional years of relevant experience

COE Contracts Manager

Required minimum qualifications for this position:

· A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and a minimum of 7 years of experience in Federal government contracting

· Experience in developing moderate to complex acquisition strategies with the government customer and potential subcontractors

· Experience in delegation and assigning work to contractor staff

· Experience in Federal and Department of Defense Acquisition Regulations (FAR and DFARS)

Preferences above the minimum qualifications cited above:

· An advanced degree highly preferred

· Back to Basics Contracting Professional Certification or legacy DAWIA Level III Contracting Certification or National Contract Management Association (NCMA) Certified Federal Contract Manager Certification or NCMA Certified Professional Contract Manager Certification

· Experience with Navy Marine Corps Acquisition Regulation Supplement (NMCARS) to the FAR/DFARS

All proposed key personnel will be subject to the ONR Key Personnel clause, which will be included in the solicitation and resultant contract, which will read similar to the paragraphs below:

(a) The Contractor agrees to assign to the contract tasks those persons whose resumes were submitted with its proposal and who are necessary to fulfill the requirements of the contract as "key personnel.” No substitutions may be made except in accordance with this clause.

(b) The Contractor understands that during the first ninety (90) days of the contract performance period, no personnel substitutions will be permitted unless these substitutions are unavoidable because of the incumbent's sudden illness, death or termination of employment. In any of these events, the Contractor shall promptly notify the Contracting Officer and provide the information described in paragraph (c) below. After the initial ninety (90) day period the Contractor must submit to the Contracting Officer all proposed substitutions, in writing, at least 30 days in advance 45 days if security clearance must be obtained, of any proposed substitution and provide the information required by paragraph (c) below.

(c) Any request for substitution must include a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitution, a resume for the proposed substitute, and any other information requested by the Contracting Officer. Any proposed substitute must have qualifications equal to or superior to the qualifications of the incumbent. The Contracting Officer or his/her authorized representative will evaluate such requests and promptly notify the Contractor in writing of his/her approval or disapproval thereof.

(d) In the event that any of the identified key personnel cease to perform under the contract and the substitute is disapproved, the contract may be immediately terminated in accordance with the Termination clause of the contract.

Contract Type

ONR anticipates awarding a single award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. Task Orders will be issued as follows:

It is anticipated, Center of Excellence Operations and Management and Center of Excellence Business Operations (first Task Order) will be a negotiated Task Order on a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) basis;

It is anticipated, Project Development and Management (second Task Order) will be a negotiated Task Order on a CPFF basis;

It is anticipated, performance of non-ManTech technical projects will be negotiated on either CPFF, Cost No Fee basis, Cost Share (CS) or Firm Fixed Price (FFP).

It is anticipated, performance of ManTech technical projects will be negotiated as either CPFF, Cost No Fee basis, CS, or FFP.

Fee Caps

ONR’s current anticipated contract structure imposes fee caps on all Task Orders as follows:

*1% prime fee cap on costs for subcontractor work.

**Subcontractor fee above 5.5% requires WGL justification.

ONR is considering revising the future contract fee cap structure to allow for a total fee cap allocated between the prime and sub based on varying Project Types. The Government would like feedback on this topic so please see question 14 and provide input.

Security Requirements

ONR anticipates some work may require a DoD Contract Security Classification Specification (DD Form 254). If needed, the DD 254 will be initiated at the time of IDIQ contract award, but will only apply to task orders and projects as specified.

Period of Performance

ONR anticipates a 10-year ordering period inclusive of base and option periods.

Cost Ceiling Estimate

The estimated cost ceiling for the IDIQ contract is $350,000,000.

Adequate Accounting System

In accordance with FAR 16.301-3(a), a cost-reimbursement contract may be used only when the Contractor's accounting system is adequate for determining costs applicable to the contract.

GFP

ONR anticipates some project work may require use of Government Property. In accordance with FAR 52.245-1, Government Property clause, the Contractor shall have a system of internal controls to manage (control, use, preserve, protect, repair, and maintain) Government property in its possession. The system shall be adequate to satisfy the requirements of this clause.

Facility Clearance

Classified work may be anticipated in the future, requiring a facility clearance or the ability to obtain one.

Commitment to Small Business Utilization

The solicitation may require offerors to provide a commitment to Small Business. This commitment shall not be confused with the submission of a Small Business Subcontracting Plan.

Submission Instructions for Capability Statements

Interested parties shall furnish the following information:

1. Name of Organization, Cage Code, and Unique Entity ID.

2. Address of Organization.

3. Business standing (i.e. large or small business) for NAICS 541715.

4. If a Small Business, indicate all Small Business Type(s) that you qualify for (e.g., Small Business, Woman-Owned Small Business, Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, 8(a) Certified, HUBZone Certified, Veteran Owned Small Business, and/or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business).

5. Status of each Business System (i.e., does your firm have a Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) approved Accounting System capable of managing a Cost-type Contract?): Accounting System, Earned Value Management System, Estimating System, Material Management and Accounting System, Property Management System, and Purchasing System.

6. Telephone Number, Address, and Email address for the primary point of contact for Capability Statement.

7. Does your organization have a Facility Security Clearance and at what level? Confidential, Secret, Top Secret? If no, please provide your ability to obtain a Facility Security Clearance.

8. Brief summary of your organization’s capability to meet the requirements in the SOW.

9. Specifically what type of work has your organization performed in the past in support of the same or similar requirements?

10. Brief summary of your organization’s experience in managing tasks of this nature.

11. Brief summary of your organization’s experience in managing a team of subcontractors, and if so how many?

12. Brief summary of the technical skills your organization possesses that ensures your capability in performing the requirements in the SOW and as stated above;

13. Provide comments (if any) regarding the ONR Statement of Work which is attached to the RFI.

14. Provide comments (if any) and input regarding approach to ONR Fee Cap percentages.

15. Provide comments (if any) and input on the anticipated 10 year order period,

16. Brief summary of potential areas in the requirement in which small business participation may be possible.

17. See Draft SOW, Section 3.1.3 - 2 Project Plan Submittal b: Provide comments (if any) and input regarding the feasibility of a 100 day bid validity period as stated in this Draft SOW Section.

18. Summarize what amount of the requirement, if any, the offeror would self-perform or if subcontractors would conduct the majority of the technical effort.

All Capability Statements shall be nonproprietary and shall not contain classified information. Capability Statements shall not exceed five (5) pages in length (excluding a cover page) and must be submitted no later than 12:00 pm Eastern on Wednesday March 5, 2025. Capability Statements received after the requested due date may not be considered. The Government will not provide replies/responses to Capability Statements received. Capability Statements to this RFI shall be submitted via email, to Megan Gavarkavich (megan.j.gavarkavich.civ@us.navy.mil) and Ellen Reed (ellen.c.reed.civ@us.navy.mil ).