RFI Information for EPIC 29JUL24.docx

RFI Information for EPIC

Title: Expansion and Prototype Initiative for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence and Cyber (EPIC).

Contracting Office:

Department of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) – Information Directorate, Rome Research Site AFRL/RIKF, Computing, Communications & Information Systems Contracting Branch 26 Electronic Parkway Rome, NY, 13441-4514

RFI/Special Notice:

This Request for Information is for planning purposes only. The information obtained from responses to this notice may be used to inform a future acquisition strategy and a Request for Proposal (RFP), should one be issued. No funds are available to fund the information requested. The Government does not intend to award an agreement on the basis of this request, or otherwise pay for the information solicited.

Although “proposal” and “offeror” are used in this Request for Information, your response will be treated as information only. It shall not be used as a proposal.

Purpose:

The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to gather information from Consortiums and/or Consortium Management Firms and will be used for market research purposes and possible set-aside decision.

Description:

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has a requirement to continue to provide technology prototypes to the warfighter. This will support the timely delivery of new technology and capability to the Air Force. This process can be used to enhance the way Air Force systems perform and provide an agile adaption and integration of new capability prototypes. AFRL is looking to start an Other Transaction for Prototypes (OTP) to provide these technology solutions by issuing Project Level Orders (PLOs) under an Umbrella OTP Agreement.

Sources are sought to promote an early exchange of information with industry and to solicit comments. We encourage feedback on how the Government can best satisfy its needs, any alternatives we can consider, and how competition can be obtained. Your response is voluntary and will be safeguarded. The Government does not intend to award an agreement on the basis of this request, or otherwise pay for the information solicited.

The OT Lead’s deliverables are expected to consist nearly entirely of reports (i.e., Quarterly Financial Reports, Monthly Technical Status Reports, Technical Information Reports, etc.), although it is possible that in unique situations the OT-lead could be responsible for the delivery of software, hardware, or technical data. Project-Level Performers within the Consortium will be expected to deliver technical solution prototypes, consisting of software, hardware, and/or technical data. Anticipated deliverables include: technical information reports; maintenance and system administration services; computer software; software documentation; software and technical engineering analyses; security documentation; financial and progress reports; presentations and hardware. Refer to the draft SOW.

LIMITATIONS OF OTP AUTHORITY

Appropriate Use of Authority.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that no official of an agency enters into a transaction (other than a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement) for a prototype project under the authority of this section unless one of the following conditions is met:

(A) There is at least one nontraditional defense contractor or nonprofit research institution participating to a significant extent in the prototype project.

(B) All significant participants in the transaction other than the Federal Government are small businesses (including small businesses participating in a program described under section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638)) or nontraditional defense contractors.

(C) At least one third of the total cost of the prototype project is to be paid out of funds provided by sources other than the Federal Government.

(D) The senior procurement executive for the agency determines in writing that exceptional circumstances justify the use of a transaction that provides for innovative business arrangements or structures that would not be feasible or appropriate under a contract, or would provide an opportunity to expand the defense supply base in a manner that would not be practical or feasible under a contract.

Anticipated Award Structure:

The Government anticipates that EPIC will be awarded as an Other Transaction Agreement for Prototype (OTP), as authorized under Title 10 U.S.C. §4022. The resulting award is expected to be an IDIQ type agreement, with an approximate ceiling value of $499M, project ordering period of 60 months, and project performance allowed up to 24 months after project ordering end date. The OTP will have multiple Project-Level Orders (PLOs) awarded on a Firm Fixed Price basis. The Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity agreement is for services that do not procure or specify a firm quantity of services (other than a minimum or maximum quantity) and that provides for the issuance of orders for the performance of tasks during the period of the Agreement. The increments and dollar threshold will be determined by each Mission Thread, with pricing based on the outcome of project-level competitions, conducted throughout the term of the Agreement. Despite the Firm Fixed Price nature of the Agreement, the successful Offeror will need to identify an accounting system that is capable of tracking the receipt and disbursement of Government funds. Upon successful completion of the Project-Level Agreements under a Project-Level Order, there could be potential for a sole-source, follow-on production OT or contract. Follow-on production OT or contracts will be determined on a project-by-project basis in accordance with the guidance provided in the Other Transactions Guide (OUSD (A&S)), 2023, applicable law, and policy.

This procurement is a cost/performance-based services acquisition. The Project Level Order type is Firm Fixed Price. A period of performance of 60 months is anticipated.

Project Level Orders are anticipated as Firm-Fixed Price agreements with milestone-based payments.

Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) will be considered during performance of a PLO.

Additional Contract Terms and Conditions:

This Other Transaction Agreement is closed to foreign participation at the OT lead level as well as the Project Level Performer Level.

Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI): companies who have mitigated FOCI may inquire as to eligibility by contacting the Agreements Office focal point, Catherine Hulser, Agreement Specialist, catherine.hulser.1@us.af.mil or Danielle Lipe, Agreements Officer, danielle.lipe@us.af.mil for verification. Please reference the title of the acquisition. Overall effort with allow awards up to and including TS/SCI level with an appropriate DD254 in place. Similar language and instruction will be included in each Project Level Order Project Announcement solicited under EPIC.

Base Support will be on a project level order basis.

Submission Instructions:

Responses to this RFI from the Consortium will be used for market research purposes and possible set-aside decision. There must be a reasonable expectation that offers will be obtained from at least two responsible Consortium Management Firms concerns and award will be made at fair market prices. For the R&D work there must also be a reasonable expectation of obtaining the best scientific and technological sources consistent with the demands of the proposed acquisition for the best mix of cost, performance, and schedules.

A. Reply by email to kurt.turck@us.af.mil, danielle.lipe@us.af.mil AND catherine.hulser.1@us.af.mil in a document not exceeding 20 pages, Microsoft Word or PDF files are preferred.

B. Describe your organization’s ability to meet the technical requirements in the draft SOW. Please do not simply restate the technical requirements in your response.

Please reference question number with each response.

1. Please provide sufficient information and references to describe the majority level of knowledge and/or experience running and managing an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) Agreement

a. See Draft Statement of Work (SOW) paragraphs 4.2-4.7

2. Identify any areas which likely would require subperformer or a teaming arrangement.

3. Include a brief description of your organization’s quality control, risk management, and safety practices as they would be applied to this service.

4. Describe the experience and qualifications of personnel and other organizational resources in relation to the below:

a. That would be used to meet the technical requirements. Provide information describing the level of knowledge and capabilities in providing OT Management.

b. Please address the availability of personnel with security clearances, to include TS/SCI and Secret/Collateral and how your organization proposes fulfilling potential positions during performance.

5. Identify up to three (3) previous or ongoing contracts / programs / efforts with Government, commercial, academic, or other customers performed within the last three (3) years which are relevant to the technical requirements. Include a brief description of the work, an explanation of its relevance to the technical requirements, and the performance period, value, and current customer points of contact.

6. Indicate any factors concerning your organization’s ability to perform the technical requirements.

7. Indicate if your organization intends to submit a proposal in the event that an RFP is issued for the attached technical requirements.

8. Indicate whether your company is a foreign-owned/foreign-controlled firm and if you contemplate the use of foreign national employees on this effort?

Responses should identify any current or potential future regulatory and / or security concerns which could impact your company’s ability to perform on the upcoming effort.

It is important to note that this Request for Information is not a Request for Proposal. No solicitation is being issued at this time. This notice shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award an agreement or contract, nor does it restrict the Government to a particular acquisition approach. Any information provided to the Government as a result of this Request for Information is voluntary. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of performer submission of responses or the Government’s use of such information.

Responses:

Due 15 days after release.

Points of Contact:

Agreement Officer Representative (AOR) Kurt A. Turck Ph: 315-330-4379 Email: kurt.turck@us.af.mil Agreements Officer:

Danielle N. Lipe Ph: 315-330-4063 email: danielle.lipe@us.af.mil Agreements Specialist:

Catherine Hulser Ph: 315-330-2287 email: catherine.hulser.1@us.af.mil