Solicitation_3Sep21_ICP Research BAA.pdf

As of 3 September 2021

1-Step Broad Agency Announcement

Overview Information

NAICS Code: The NAICS Code for this acquisition is

541715 (Research and Technology in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology), and the small business size standard is 1,000 employees.

Federal Agency Name: Air Force Research Laboratory, Aerospace System Directorate (AFRL/RQ).

Broad Agency Announcement Title: Innovative Combustion and Propulsion Research (ICP Research) Program

Broad Agency Announcement Type: This is the Initial Announcement.

Broad Agency Announcement Number: FA8650-21-S-2055

Intent to Propose: Offerors that anticipate submitting a proposal are requested to submit an e-mail to Ms. Megan Wetzel at Megan.Wetzel@us.af.mil containing the name of the contractor, the Point of Contact (POC), and the contractor’s intent to submit a proposal. This “Intent to Propose” is requested by Monday, 4 October 2021 by 3:00 p.m. local time.

Proposal Due Date and Time: Monday, 18 October 2021, by 3:00pm Wright-Patterson AFB, OH local time. NOTE: Proposal receipt after the due date and time shall be governed by the provisions of FAR 52.215-1(c)(3).

Delivery Instructions: Due to COVID 19, the AF requests electronic proposals be submitted using BOTH DoD SAFE (primary method) and email (backup method) to the following addresses:

Eric.Carretta@us.af.mil Megan.Wetzel@us.af.mil

The maximum email file size the Government can receive is 20 MB.

If the contractor needs a DoD SAFE drop-off invite from the AF, please send that request to Eric.Carretta@us.af.mil and Megan.Wetzel@us.af.mil no later than 7 days prior to the due date of proposals to ensure a drop off code is provided in a timely manner.

If the contractor chooses to submit a hard copy proposal, the availability of personnel to physically receive it will be limited. Proposals shall be submitted to the Contracting Point of Contacts identified below at the following address. Proposals sent via facsimile will not be accepted.

mailto:Eric.Carretta@us.af.mil

AFRL/RQKPB

Attn: Eric Carretta and Megan Wetzel 2130 8th Street, Bldg. 45 Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7541

It should be noted that this installation observes strict security procedures to enter the facility. These security procedures are NOT considered an interruption of normal Government processes, and proposals received after the above stated date and time as a result of security delays will be considered “late.” Furthermore, note that if offerors utilize commercial carriers in the delivery of proposals, they may not honor time-of-day delivery guarantees on military installations. Be advised, if the U.S. Postal Service is used, building 45 only receives U.S. Postal Mail twice a week and delivery by that means may not meet the proposal due date and time. Early proposal submission is encouraged.

Solicitation Request: Air Force Research Laboratory, Aerospace Systems Directorate (AFRL/RQ), Wright Patterson Air Force Base is soliciting technical and cost proposals on the research effort described below.

Type of Contract/Instrument: The Air Force reserves the right to award the instrument best suited to the nature of research proposed. Accordingly, the Government may award any appropriate contract type under the FAR. It is anticipated that five or more multiple-award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract(s) will be awarded with initial Task Orders to awardees. It is anticipated that additional task orders on each multiple-award IDIQ may be awarded through fair opportunity competition. Contract types included in the IDIQ are anticipated to be Cost Plus Fixed Fee and Cost Reimbursement. Cost reimbursement contracts require successful offerors to have an accounting system considered adequate for tracking costs applicable to the contract.

Estimated Program Cost: $184,273,000 (shared IDIQ ceiling)

Anticipated Number of Awards: The Air Force anticipates awarding two or more basic multiple-award fair opportunity Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract(s) and five or more initial task order(s) awards for this announcement.

However, the Air Force reserves the right to award zero, one, or more contracts for all, some or none of the solicited effort based on the offeror’s ability to perform desired work and funding fluctuations.

1. Brief Program Summary: The Innovative Combustion and Propulsion Research program is intended to perform in-house research for the Aerospace Systems Directorate’s Turbine Engine Division. The objectives are to advance the state-of-the-art of propulsion-related research and technologies for AF and DoD platforms. By understanding the fundamental aerothermal and mechanical processes in gas turbine engines, piston engines and other propulsion engines and systems, and applying that knowledge to enhance existing technologies, or devise new ones, promising concepts can be investigated and developed into components for propulsion systems, with an end goal of a demonstration in a legacy, pipeline or future military propulsion system. Program activities are expected to be primarily conducted within the experimental laboratories and test facilities of the Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.

2. Communication Between Prospective Offerors and Government Representatives: Offerors should submit all questions in writing to the Contracting Officer (identified below). Pertinent questions and answers will be posted to beta.SAM.gov. Discussions with any of the points of contact shall not constitute a commitment by the Government to subsequently fund or award any proposed effort. Only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to commit the Government.

Address technical questions to the Technical POC: Vince Belovich, AFRL/RQTC, 2130 Eighth Street, Bldg. 490, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433-7541, vincent.belovich@us.af.mil, (937) 255-4229 and Charles Frayne, AFRL/RQTC, charles.frayne@us.af.mil, (937) 255-6250

Address contracting questions to the Contracting POC: Eric Carretta, Contracting Officer, AFRL/RQKPB, 2130 Eighth St., Bldg 45, WPAFB OH 45433- 7541, eric.carretta@us.af.mil, (937) 713-9961 and Megan Wetzel, Contract Specialist, AFRL/RQKPB, megan.wetzel@us.af.mil, (937) 713-9957

Full Text Announcement

I. Program Description: Air Force Research Laboratory, Aerospace Systems Directorate (AFRL/RQ), is soliciting technical and cost proposals on the following research effort:

1. Statement of Objective/Description of Technical Area(s):

The objective of this effort is to advance the state-of-the-art of propulsion-related research and technologies for AF and DoD platforms. By understanding the fundamental aerothermal and mechanical processes in gas turbine engines, piston engines and other propulsion engines and systems, and applying that knowledge to enhance existing technologies, or devise new ones, promising concepts can be investigated and developed into components for propulsion systems, with an end goal of a demonstration in a legacy, pipeline or future military propulsion system.

The IDIQ Statement of Work (SOW) and Task Order Statements of Objectives (SOO) must be requested from the Government Technical POC (identified above). Please submit a copy of your approved DD Form 2345, mailto:vincent.belovich@us.af.mil mailto:charles.frayne@us.af.mil mailto:megan.wetzel@us.af.mil

Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, with the request for SOW/SOOs.

The Government will then send the requested SOW/SOOs via secure channels to the potential offeror(s).

2. Within Scope Modifications: Potential offerors are advised that due to the inherent uncertainty of research and development efforts, awards resulting from this announcement may be modified during performance to make within scope changes, to include but not limited to, modifications which increase overall contract ceiling amount.

3. Deliverable Items:

a. Data Items: See Attachment 2 for the DD Forms 1423-1, Contract Data

Requirements List (CDRL). CDRLs will be an attachment to each IDIQ contract. Appropriate CDRLs will then be applied to individual task orders based on the dollar value and technical content of the task order.

Offerors shall propose the appropriate CDRLs in each task order proposal.

b. Software: None

c. Hardware: None

d. Other: None.

4. Schedule:

a. IDIQ Contract: IDIQ Contract: In accordance with FAR 52.216-22(d)-

Indefinite Quantity, the overall period of performance will be 96 months (8 years). In accordance with DFARS 252.216-7006(a)-Ordering, the ordering period will be 60 months (5 years).

b. Task Orders: The period of performance is based upon available funding and technical effort. Note: The period of performance and available funding for the initial task orders are identified in the SOOs.

a. Data Items: Specified on individual CDRL(s)

b. Software: N/A

c. Hardware: N/A

5. Other Requirements:

a. This announcement incorporates FAR and supplement provisions and clauses by reference. The full text of provisions and clauses can be found at Acquisition.gov.

b. Program security classification: See Attachment 4, DD Form 254, Contract Security Classification Specification, classified at the SECRET level. Offerors must verify their Cognizant Security Office information is current with Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) at www.dcsa.mil. If an offeror has a need to submit a classified appendix, please contact the Technical POC for delivery instructions in accordance with Paragraph IV.2.a.viii.

c. TEMPEST requirements: Not applicable.

d. OPSEC: OPSEC guidance is included in the SOW and each SOO.

e. Export Control: Information involved in this research effort will be subject to Export Control (International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) 22 CFR 120-131, or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 15 CFR 710-774).

Therefore, a certified DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, will be required to be submitted with the proposal.

(Reference paragraph III(5)(c))

f. Export-Controlled Items: As prescribed by DFARS 225.7901-4, DFARS 252.225-7048, “Export-Controlled Item” is contained in this solicitation.

This clause shall be contained in ALL resulting IDIQ contracts.

6. Other Information:

a. Government Furnished Property (GFP) availability: GFP is not anticipated to be made available under any resulting contract.

b. Base Support / Network Access: AFRL facilities will be available for contractor personnel (ctrs.) for the duration of the ICPR program.

i. Available Base Facilities:

AFRL/RQTC

a. Lab/office space for 87 ctrs.

AFRL/RQTT

a. Lab/office space for 6 ctrs.

AFRL/RQTM

a. Lab/office space for 11 ctrs.

AFRL/RQQ

a. Lab/office space for 4 ctrs.

A list of AFRL facilities available for use by contractor personnel must be requested from the Government Technical POC (identified above). Please submit a copy of your approved DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, with the request for the list of AFRL facilities. The Government will then send the requested list of AFRL facilities via secure channels to the potential offeror(s).

ii. Available Equipment:

A list of equipment available for use by contractor personnel must be requested from the Government Technical POC (identified above). Please submit a copy of your approved DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, with the request for the list of equipment. The Government will then send the requested list of equipment via secure channels to the potential offeror(s).

iii. Given the COVID-19 epidemic and its impact on access to government facilities, a possibility exists that access to such facilities may be unavailable or restricted. Contractors shall cooperate with all base access provisions of the contract and Orders or rules relating to base access issued by Base leadership.

In the event Base Support access is impacted, the contractor will notify the government in accordance with SOW Supplemental Requirements paragraph 4, entitled “Base Support”, subparagraph

(c) (see Attachment 3).

a. Multiple awards subject to Fair Opportunity are anticipated.

b. Data Rights Desired:

(1) Noncommercial Technical Data: Unlimited Rights

(2) Noncommercial Computer Software (NCS): Unlimited Rights

(3) NCS Documentation: Unlimited Rights

(4) Commercial Computer Software Rights: Customary Commercial License consistent with Federal statutes and regulations

The Air Force Research Laboratory is engaged in the discovery, development, and integration of warfighting technologies for our air, space, and cyberspace forces. As such, rights in noncommercial technical data and NCS developed or delivered under this contract are of significant concern to the Government. The Government will therefore evaluate any restrictions on the use of noncommercial technical data, NCS, and NCS documentation which could result in transition difficulty or less-than full and open competition for subsequent development of this technology.

In accordance with DFARS 252.227-7013(b)(1) and 252.227-7014(b)(1), the Government shall receive unlimited rights in all noncommercial technical data and computer software developed exclusively with Government funds.

In accordance with DFARS 252.227-7013(b)(2) and DFARS 252.227- 7014(b)(2), the Government shall receive Government Purpose Rights in all noncommercial technical data and computer software developed with mixed funding. “Developed with mixed funding” means, “development was accomplished partially with costs charged to indirect cost pools and/or costs not allocated to a government contract, and partially with costs charged directly to a government contract. Offerors that propose delivery of noncommercial technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation subject to Government Purpose Rights should fully explain how a portion of the data was developed at private expense. Specifically, offerors must explain what noncommercial technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation developed with costs charged to indirect cost pools and/or costs not allocated to a Government contract will be incorporated, how the incorporation will benefit the program, and address whether those portions or processes are segregable.

Offerors that propose delivery of noncommercial technical data with Limited Rights, NCS with Restricted Rights, or NCS documentation with Limited Rights will be considered. Proposals should fully explain what noncommercial technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation developed with costs charged to indirect cost pools and/or costs not allocated to a Government contract will be incorporated and how the incorporation will benefit the program and whether those portions or processes are segregable.

Offerors shall include the data rights assertions as required by DFARS 252.227-7017, Identification and Assertion of Restrictions on the Government’s Use, Release, or Disclosure of Technical Data or Computer Software. The assertions list is included in Section K and due at time of proposals. Assertions must be completed with specificity. Each assertion must identify the technical data or computer software to be delivered and the associated item, component, or process developed exclusively or partially at private expense to which it pertains. Nonconforming data rights assertion lists will not be accepted until submitted in accordance with DFARS 252.227-7017.

Terms used in this section are defined in the clauses at 252.227-7013, Rights in Technical Data-Noncommercial Items, and 252.227-7014, Rights in Noncommercial Computer Software and Noncommercial Computer Software Documentation.

THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE (COMMERCIAL AND NONCOMMERCIAL):

If any such software, noncommercial or commercial, is not reasonably identifiable at proposal submission, it must still be approved by the contracting officer prior to incorporation. This obligation to obtain pre-approval by the contracting officer, as described above, continues throughout contract administration.

Noncommercial Computer Software:

DFARS 252.227-7014(d) describes requirements for incorporation of third party noncommercial copyrighted computer software and computer software documentation and is incorporated as follows:

The Contractor shall not, without the written approval of the Contracting Officer, incorporate any copyrighted computer software or computer software documentation in the software or documentation to be delivered under this contract unless the Contractor is the copyright owner or has obtained for the Government the license rights necessary to perfect a license or licenses in the deliverable software or documentation of the appropriate scope set forth in DFARS 252.227- 7014(b), and prior to delivery of such—

(1) Computer software, has provided a statement of the license rights obtained in a form acceptable to the Contracting Officer;

or

(2) Computer software documentation, has affixed to the transmittal document a statement of the license rights obtained.

In addition, all noncommercial computer software will receive the appropriate level rights set forth in DFARS 252-7014(b), which could include: Unlimited rights, GPR, Restricted Rights, or specifically negotiated license.

Commercial Computer Software:

For commercial computer software, the Government will neither accept nor execute a DD Form 250 for such software deliverables until the Contractor obtains from all third party software suppliers and/or vendors (Licensor) licenses for any commercial computer software to be delivered that are consistent with Federal Statutes, Federal Case Law, and Federal Regulations.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of terms and conditions which are inconsistent with Federal law and shall not be included in the commercial computer software license agreement between the Licensor and the Government:

1. The license shall not subject the Government to a contingent liability or a liability that is indefinite or indeterminate, including but not limited to:

indemnification clauses, unilateral price increases, the right to attorney fees, automatic assessment of charges, or automatic renewal provisions. These provisions constitute obligations in advance or in excess of an appropriation and violate the Anti-Deficiency Act.

2. The license shall be governed by Federal Statutes, Federal Case Law, and Federal Regulations, and shall not be subject to the laws or jurisdiction of any municipality, state, or foreign country. The license shall not bind the

Government to litigation in a particular forum or venue or require the Government to participate in arbitration.

3. The license shall not include non-substitution language that would preclude or limit the Government from using another vendor/reseller and/or product to fulfill Government requirements.

4. The Licensor shall not have the authority to unilaterally terminate the license. All remedies available shall be consistent with the Disputes and Termination Clauses in the underlying basic contract.

5. The Licensor shall not have the right to enter the premise or monitor Government networks for the purpose of auditing the use of the license.

6. The Licensor shall not have the authority to control or otherwise influence any litigation between a third party and the Government. The United States Department of Justice has the sole authority to represent the Government in all litigation matters.

7. The Licensor shall not use the fact that the Government is using the Licensor's products in any notification or advertisement to the public (e.g., no publicity rights permitted).

8. The license shall not require automatic updates or give Licensor the authority to unilaterally replace the software.

[IF APPLICABLE] Additionally, the Contractor may be required to obtain licenses that comply with the following terms and conditions, based on the Government’s needs:

1. [IF APPLICABLE] The license shall not disclaim all warranties through use of an “as is” provision.

2. [IF APPLICABLE] The license shall neither restrict the Government from using the product at various sites nor limit use of the product by various Government agencies or third parties performing work on behalf of the Air Force under the [PROGRAM NAME]. In performance of the [PROGRAM NAME], Government personnel as well as Government contractors may use the software, subject to any negotiated limits on number of users, as applicable.

3. [IF APPLICABLE] [The license shall not limit the Government’s use of the software at other Government and Government contractor sites.] [The license shall authorize the Government to use the software at the following sites: [list].

4. [IF APPLICABLE] The license shall not restrict the Government from copying or embedding elements of accessible code into other applications (e.g., nesting code, derivative works).

The Contractor may obtain agreement from the Licensor to insert the clause below in its respective software licenses intended to be transferred to the Government:

“In the event that any of the provisions of the [Software License] are determined to be inconsistent with Federal law or do not otherwise satisfy the Government's needs, the parties to the [Software License] hereby agree that such provisions shall be null and void as they pertain to the Government. Specifically, the following sections are hereby deleted from the [Software License] [and/or amended as indicated below]:

[Section X: deleted; Section Y: amended as follows […]”

If the Licensor will not agree to the terms and conditions cited herein and/or as contained in DFARS 227.72, the Contractor shall retain the current license on behalf of and for the benefit of the US Government if permissible under its license and such use will not subject the Government to the terms of the license. If the software in question is required to be delivered to the Government, the Licensor must grant the Government a sublicense that allows the Government to use the software to meet its requirements.

The Contractor shall provide documentation to clearly correlate or map any commercial computer software to be delivered to:

a) Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINS);

b) Contract Deliverables (CDRLS);

c) Paragraphs in the statement of work (SOW); and

d) Portions of any functional block diagrams and/or system architecture diagrams, so that it can be readily determined where certain commercial computer software corresponding to certain software license agreement(s) are physically located on the system to be delivered under the contract.

II. Award Information

1. Anticipated Award Date: 5 May 2022

2. Anticipated funding for the program (shared ceiling; not per contract).

See SOOs for the budget per initial task order.

This funding profile is an estimate only and not a contractual obligation for funding. All funding is subject to change due to Government discretion and availability. Potential offerors should be aware that due to unanticipated budget fluctuations funding in any or all areas may change with little or no notice.

3. Anticipated funding for initial Task Orders under this BAA range from $4.7M to $28.6M, totaling $67.5M for the period FY22 – FY26. See SOOs for individual funding profiles.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Offeror: This is an unrestricted solicitation (for foreign participation, see #5 below). Small businesses are encouraged to propose.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost Sharing is not required.

3. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers: The following guidance is provided for Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) contemplating submitting a proposal, as either a prime or subcontractor. FAR 35.017-1(c)(4) prohibits an FFRDC from competing with any non-FFRDC concern in response to a Federal agency request for proposal for other than the operation of an FFRDC (with exceptions stated in DFARS 235.017-1(c)(4)). There is no regulation prohibiting an FFRDC from responding to a solicitation. However, the FFRDC’s sponsoring agency must first make a determination that the effort being proposed falls within the purpose, mission, general scope of effort, or special competency of the FFRDC, and that determination must be included in the FFRDC’s proposal.

In addition, AFRL must make a determination that the work proposed would not place the FFRDC in direct competition with domestic private industry.

Only after these determinations are made, would a determination be made concerning the FFRDC’s eligibility to receive an award.

4. Government Agencies: If a Government agency is interested in performing work, contact the Program Manager identified in the BAA. If those discussions result in a mutual interest to pursue your agency's participation, the effort will be pursued independent of this announcement.

5. Other:

a. Foreign participation: No. Foreign participation is not authorized at the prime contractor level. DoD solicitation provisions for 22 CFR Parts 120- 130 and 15 CFR Parts 730-799 apply. Only U.S. persons are eligible for award. Use of non U.S. persons by the contractor, including subcontract arrangements, are subject to the above statutes.

FY22 ($K) FY23 ($K) FY24 ($K) FY25 ($K) FY26 ($K) FY27 ($K) FY28 ($K) FY29 ($K) FY30 ($K) TOTAL 17,120$ 23,455$ 21,713$ 23,080$ 23,706$ 24,092$ 22,488$ 22,895$ 5,724$ 184,273$ Total Funding

Funding

b. Information regarding Non-US Citizens Assigned to this Project: See Attachment 3, SOW Supplemental Requirements.

c. This acquisition involves data that are subject to export control laws and regulations. Only contractors who are registered and certified with the Defense Logistics Agency and have a legitimate business purpose may participate in this solicitation. Contact the U.S./Canada Joint Certification Program Office, Defense Logistics Agency, Logistics Information Services J34, HDI Federal Center, 74 Washington Avenue N., Battle Creek, Michigan 49037-3084, (1-800-352-3572) or the Joint Certification Program Office (JCO) at JCP-Helpdesk@dla.mil for further information on the certification process. You must submit a copy of your approved DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, with your proposal.

d. There are no limits on the number of proposals an offeror may submit.

e. You may be ineligible for award if all requirements of this solicitation are not met on the proposal due date as identified above.

IV. Proposal and Submission Information

1. Overview: Proposals submitted shall be in accordance with this announcement. There will be no other solicitation issued in regard to this requirement. The Government intends to review proposals and award some, all, or none of the proposals received without negotiation/discussion;

however, the Government reserves the right to negotiate with those offeror(s) whose proposal is selected for funding.

Offerors should be alert for any BAA amendments posted on beta.SAM.gov that may change proposal requirements or permit extensions to the proposal submission date.

IDIQ SOW and Task Order Statements of Objectives must be requested from the Government Technical POC. Please submit a copy of your approved DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement with the request for SOW and SOOs. (Reference paragraph III(5)(c)) The Government will then send the requested SOW and SOOs via secure channels to the potential offeror(s).

For additional information, a copy of the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Guide for Industry is located at:

https://www.afrl.af.mil/Portals/90/Documents/HQ/BAA%20Ind%20Guide%2 02020.pdf?ver=7AivkWvoUoptKgypgCuIvw%3d%3d If there are any discrepancies between this BAA Announcement and the BAA Guide for Industry, this BAA Announcement shall govern.

https://www.dla.mil/HQ/LogisticsOperations/Services/JCP/SpecificDD2345Instructions.aspx mailto:JCP-Helpdesk@dla.mil https://www.afrl.af.mil/Portals/90/Documents/HQ/BAA%20Ind%20Guide%202020.pdf?ver=7AivkWvoUoptKgypgCuIvw%3d%3d https://www.afrl.af.mil/Portals/90/Documents/HQ/BAA%20Ind%20Guide%202020.pdf?ver=7AivkWvoUoptKgypgCuIvw%3d%3d

2. Content and Form of Proposal Submission: The paragraphs below identify proposal format and content.

a. General Instructions:

i. Offerors should apply the restrictive notice prescribed in FAR 52.215- 1(e) Instructions to Offerors—Competitive Acquisition. Offerors should consider proposal instructions contained in the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Guide for Industry, which can be accessed on line at:

https://www.afrl.af.mil/Portals/90/Documents/HQ/BAA%20Ind%20Gui de%202020.pdf?ver=7AivkWvoUoptKgypgCuIvw%3d%3d This guide is specifically designed to assist the offeror in understanding the BAA proposal process.

ii. Technical/management and cost/business volumes should be submitted in separate volumes and must be valid for 180 days.

iii. Proposals must reference the announcement number FA8650-21-S- 2055 and Basic IDIQ SOW Title and Task Order SOO Title.

iv. If offerors prefer to submit a hard copy proposal (in lieu of electronic proposal submission), the offerors must submit one-original and 2 hard copies of their proposals to the Contracting POC.

v. If offerors prefer to submit a hard copy proposal (in lieu of electronic proposal submission), the offerors must include 3 CDs per IDIQ proposal and each Task Order proposal in Microsoft Office or Adobe format containing all electronic versions of required submittals. All electronic versions must match the hard copies. If there is a discrepancy between hard copies and electronic copies, the hard copies will take precedence.

a) The cost file(s) spreadsheets must be in Microsoft Excel and include the formulas for calculating cost element bases (i.e., G&A, O/H, etc.)

b) The proposed IDIQ and Task Order Statements of Work must be in Microsoft Word.

c) The CDs should be labeled with the company name and proposal title.

vi. Offerors are advised that only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to contractually bind or otherwise commit the Government.

vii. The cost of preparing proposals in response to this BAA is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting or any other contract; however, it may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect cost as specified in FAR 31.205-18.

viii. No classified technical proposals or cost volumes are expected.

Offerors are encouraged to keep all elements of the proposal package unclassified. In the rare case where an offeror has a need to submit a classified appendix, please contact the technical POCs, vincent.belovich@us.af.mil or charles.frayne@us.af.mil, for delivery instructions.

https://www.afrl.af.mil/Portals/90/Documents/HQ/BAA%20Ind%20Guide%202020.pdf?ver=7AivkWvoUoptKgypgCuIvw%3d%3d https://www.afrl.af.mil/Portals/90/Documents/HQ/BAA%20Ind%20Guide%202020.pdf?ver=7AivkWvoUoptKgypgCuIvw%3d%3d mailto:vincent.belovich@us.af.mil

b. Offerors must propose each of the following to be considered for an award.

i. Cover Page: A separate cover page is required for the basic IDIQ proposal and each task order proposal. The cover page shall include the BAA title and reference number, the name and telephone number for the principle points of contact (both technical and contractual), the offeror’s CAGE code, and any other information that identifies the proposal. The cover page must also contain the proprietary data disclosure statement, if applicable. For the proposal to be considered valid, the offeror must propose the following information for the Basic IDIQ SOW and at least one, but up to five, Task Order SOO(s):

a) Basic IDIQ proposal-Technical and Management

b) Basic IDIQ Statement of Work (SOW) in response to applicable

Statement of Work (SOW). Offerors may propose to specific Basic IDIQ SOW paragraphs and not the entire SOW. Offerors must propose to the specific Basic IDIQ SOW paragraphs they wish to be considered for during furture requirement competions. Offerors shall mark all Basic IDIQ SOW paragraphs they do not propose to as “Reserved”.

c) Basic IDIQ Business Proposal (including Subcontracting Plan, if applicable, in accordance with FAR 19.7).

d) A Cost Proposal is not required.

ii. Task Order (T.O.) 0001

a) T.O. 0001 Proposal-Technical and Management

b) T.O. 0001 SOW in response to applicable SOO. Offerors must propose to all T.O. 0001 SOO paragraphs.

c) T.O. 0001 Cost (T.O. only) and Business Proposal

iii. T.O. 0002

a) T.O. 0002 Proposal-Technical and Management

b) T.O. 0002 SOW in response to applicable SOO. Offerors must propose to all T.O. 0002 SOO paragraphs.

c) T.O. 0002 Cost (T.O. only) and Business Proposal

iv. T.O. 0003

a) T.O. 0003 Proposal-Technical and Management

b) T.O. 0003 SOW in response to applicable SOO. Offerors must propose to all T.O. 0003 SOO paragraphs.

c) T.O. 0003 Cost (T.O. only) and Business Proposal

v. T.O. 0004

a) T.O. 0004 Proposal-Technical and Management

b) T.O. 0004 SOW in response to applicable SOO. Offerors must propose to all T.O. 0004 SOO paragraphs.

c) T.O. 0004 Cost (T.O. only) and Business Proposal

vi. T.O. 0005

a) T.O. 0005 Proposal-Technical and Management

b) T.O. 0005 SOW in response to applicable SOO. Offerors must propose to all T.O. 0005 SOO paragraphs.

c) T.O. 0005 Cost (T.O. only) and Business Proposal

c. Technical/Management Proposal:

i. Page Limitations: The following describes proposal page limitations:

a) The Technical/Management Proposal shall be limited to 50 pages for the Basic IDIQ and the Technical/Management Proposal shall be limited to 50 pages for each T.O. (0001-0005). The Technical/Management proposals must be prepared and submitted in Microsoft Word format.

b) The Technical/Management Proposal page limit does not include the offeror’s proposed IDIQ or T.O. Statements of Work. The Basic IDIQ Statement of Work shall be limited to 15 pages detailing the technical tasks proposed to be accomplished under the proposed effort and suitable for contract incorporation. Offerors shall mark all Basic IDIQ SOW paragraphs they do not propose to from the Government provided SOW as “Reserved”. The Statement of Work for each T.O. (0001-0005) shall be limited to 15 pages. The SOWs must be prepared and submitted in Microsoft Word format.

c) Font shall be standard 10-point business font Arial.

d) Character spacing must be “normal,” not condensed in any manner.

e) Pages shall be double-spaced (must use standard double-space function in Microsoft Word), double sided (each side counts as one page), 8.5 by 11 inches, with at least one-inch margins on both sides, top and bottom.

f) All text, including text in tables and charts, must adhere to all font size and line spacing requirements listed herein. Font and line spacing requirements do not have to be followed for illustrations, flowcharts, drawings, and diagrams. These exceptions shall not be used to circumvent formatting requirements and page count limitations by including lengthy narratives in such items.

g) Pages shall be numbered starting with the cover page being Page 1, and the last page being no greater than Page 50 for the IDIQ and 50 for each T.O. The page limitation covers all information including indices, photographs, foldouts (counted as 1 page for each 8.5 by 11 portion) tables, charts, appendices, attachments, resumes, etc.

h) The proposal page limit does not include the offeror’s proposed Statement of Work (SOW); however, the same formatting rules apply to the SOW, which is limited to 15 pages.

i) Please Note: The Government will check the proposal and SOW for conformance to the stated requirements. Any pages in excess of the stated page limitation after the format check will not be considered for review purposes.

ii. The Technical/Management proposals for the Basic IDIQ and T.O.(s) shall include a discussion of the nature and scope of the research and the technical approach. Additional information on prior work in this area, descriptions of available equipment, use of base support (if desired), data and facilities and resumes of personnel who will be participating in this effort should also be included as attachments to the technical proposal. These volumes shall include SOWs detailing the technical tasks proposed to be accomplished under the proposed effort and suitable for contract incorporation. Do not include any proprietary information in the SOWs. Offerors must mark all Basic IDIQ SOW paragraphs they do not propose to from the government provided SOW as “Reserved”. Refer to the BAA Guide for Industry referenced above to assist in SOW preparation. In addition to the contractor proposed SOW, a Government-generated SOW Supplement containing additional contracting requirements will be included in any resulting contracts. The SOW Supplement is included as Attachment 3 to this BAA.

iii. Any questions concerning the technical proposal or SOW preparation shall be referred to the Technical POCs, vincent.belovich@us.af.mil or charles.frayne@us.af.mil.

d. Cost/Business Proposal:

i. Separate the proposal into a business section and cost section. The Cost/Business proposals do not have page limitations. Adequate price competition is anticipated, however, in the event only one proposal is received, a Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing will be required for each negotiated Task Order. A cost proposal is not applicable to the Basic IDIQ contract; cost proposals are only applicable to the T.O.(s).

a) See Attachment 1 for the Model Contract. Note that the document awarded may include contract line items (CLINs)/clauses/articles in addition to those in the model(s), and/or some of the CLIN/clauses/articles in the model may be deleted, depending on the specific circumstances of the individual award. Any additions or deletions will be negotiated with the offeror prior to award.

b) The business section should contain all business aspects to the proposed IDIQ contract and T.O.(s), such as type of contract, any exceptions to terms and conditions of the announcement including http://www.afrl.af.mil/contract/default.htm mailto:vincent.belovich@us.af.mil the model contract, any information not technically related, etc.

Provide rationale for exceptions.

a) Associate Contractor Agreements: Associate Contractor Agreements (ACAs) are agreements between contractors working on Government contracts that require them to share information, data, technical knowledge, expertise, or resources. The contracting officer may require ACAs when contractors working on separate Government contracts must cooperate, share resources or otherwise jointly participate in working on contracts or projects. Prime contractor to subcontractor relationships do not constitute ACAs.

For each award, the contracting officer will identify associate contractors with whom agreements are required in the SOO/SOW.

b) Identify any technical data that will be delivered with less than unlimited rights for the proposed T.O.(s).

c) Subcontracting Plans: Subcontracting Plans shall be submitted in the cost/business proposal. Reference FAR 19.704 and DFARS

219.704 for subcontracting plan requirements. Small business concerns are exempt from this requirement. If an IDIQ contract arrangement is anticipated, the basis for the subcontracting plan should reflect the entire IDIQ ceiling amount.

c) Limitations on Pass-Through Charges: As prescribed in FAR 15.408(n)(1) & 15.408(n)(2), provisions 52.215-22, “Limitations on Pass Through Charges- Identification of Subcontract Effort,” apply.

a) Completed Certifications and Representations (Section K) are due with the proposal. Certifications and Representations (Section K) can be found at Attachment 1. Offerors may also be required to submit updated or supplemental Certifications and Representations based on the specifics of their proposal. If the SAM Reps and Certs states TBD, address those provisions in the proposal.

d) If an offeror proposes the use of Government Furnished Property (GFP), other than GFP identified in the BAA, the offer must specifically identify each piece of GFP in the Cost/Business Proposal and propose and substantiate a rental cost for evaluation purposes in accordance with FAR 45.202. Include the following information in the proposal:

(i) A list describing all Government property that the offeror or its subcontractors propose to use on a rent-free basis. The list shall identify the accountable contract under which the property is held and the authorization for its use (from the contracting officer having cognizance of the property);

(ii) The dates during which the property will be used and, for any property that will be used concurrently in performing two or more contracts, the amounts of the respective uses in sufficient detail to support prorating the rent;

(iii) The amount of rent that would otherwise be charged in accordance with FAR 52.245-9, Use and Charges; and

(iv) The voluntary consensus standard or industry leading practices and standards to be used in the management of Government property, or existing property management plans, methods, practices, or procedures for accounting for property.

ii Cost Element Breakdown (applicable to T.O.(s) only): Clear, concise, and accurate cost proposals reflect the offeror's financial plan for accomplishing the effort contained in the technical proposal. As a part of its cost proposal, the offeror shall submit the information outlined below, together with supporting breakdowns. All direct costs (labor, material, travel, computer, etc.) as well as labor and overhead rates should be provided by contractor fiscal year (CFY). Detailed cost element breakdowns by Government Fiscal Year or calendar year are not required. The supporting schedules may include summary level estimating rationale used to generate the proposed costs. The cost element breakdown(s) should include the following if applicable.

a) Direct Labor: Direct labor should be detailed by number of labor hours by category of labor.

b) Labor and Overhead Rates: Direct labor hours, with their applicable rates, must be broken out and the bases used clearly identified. The source of labor and overhead rates and all pricing factors should be identified. For instance, if a Forward Pricing Rate Agreement (FPRA) is in existence, that should be noted, along with the Administrative Contracting Officer’s (ACO's) name and telephone number. If the rates are based on current experience in your organization, provide the historical base used and clearly identify all escalation, by year, applied to derive the proposed rates. If computer usage is determined by a rate, identify the basis used and rationale used to derive the rate.

c) Material/Equipment: List all material/equipment items by type and kind with associated costs and advise if the costs are based on vendor quotes, data and/or engineering estimates; provide copies of vendor quotes and/or catalog pricing data.

d) Subcontractor Costs: Submit all subcontractor proposals and analyses with your cost proposal (See FAR 15.404-3(b)). If the subcontractor will not submit cost and pricing information to the offeror, this information must be submitted directly to the Government for analysis. On all subcontracts and interdivisional transfers, provide the method of selection used to determine the subcontractor and the proposed contract type of each subcontract.

An explanation shall be provided if the offeror proposes a different amount than that quoted by the subcontractor. The offeror’s proposal must:

(i) Identify principal items/services to be subcontracted.

(ii) Identify prospective subcontractors and the basis on which they were selected. If non-competitive, provide selected source justification

(iii) Identify the type of contractual business arrangement contemplated for the subcontract and provide rationale

(iv) Identify the basis for the subcontract costs (e.g., firm quote or engineering estimate, etc.).

(v) Identify the cost or pricing data submitted by the subcontractor.

(vi) Provide an analysis of the proposed subcontract in accordance with FAR 15.404-3(b). Provide an analysis concerning the reasonableness, realism and completeness of each subcontractor’s proposal. If the analysis is based on comparison with prior prices, identify the basis on which the prior prices were determined to be reasonable. The analysis should include, but not be limited to, an analysis of: materials, labor, travel, other direct costs and proposed profit or fee rates.

e) Special Tooling or Test Equipment: When special tooling, and/or test equipment is proposed, attach a brief description of items and indicate if they are solely for the performance of this particular contract or project and if they are or are not already available in the offeror's existing facilities. Indicate quantities, unit prices, whether items are to be purchased or fabricated, whether items are of a severable nature and the basis of the price. These items may be included under Direct Material in the summary format.

f) Consultants: When consultants are proposed to be used in the performance of the contract, indicate the specific project or area in which such services are to be used. Identify each consultant, number of hours or days to be used and the consultant's rate per hour or day. State the basis of said rate and give your analysis of the acceptability of the consultant's rate.

g) Travel: Travel costs must be justified and related to the needs of the project. Identify the number of trips, the destination and purpose. Travel costs should be broken out by trip with number of travelers, airfare, per diem, lodging, etc.

h) Computer Use: Detail the amount and kind of computer usage, the cost, and how the costs were derived.

i) Facilities Capital Cost of Money: If Facilities Capital Cost of Money is proposed, a properly executed DD Form 1861 is required.

j) Project Funding Profile: Offerors should include a project funding profile by Government Fiscal Year (GFY) (1 Oct through 30 Sept) for budgetary purposes. This will enable the Government to easily identify program funding needs by GFY.

k) If an offeror takes exceptions to the requirements called out in the announcement (e.g., base support, Government-furnished property (GFP), CDRLs), the exceptions should be clearly stated in the cost proposal.

l) Forward Pricing Rate Agreements: Offerors who have forward pricing rate agreements (FPRA’s) and forward pricing rate recommendations (FPRR’s) should submit them with their proposal.

m) Cost/Business proposals have no page limitations.

e. Proposal Content Summary: You may be ineligible for award if all requirements of this solicitation are not met on the proposal due date.

V. Proposal Review Information

1. Peer or Scientific Review Criteria: BAA proposals will be reviewed using the following criteria:

- Overall Peer or Scientific Review of the Basic IDIQ is of equal importance with the Peer or Scientific Review of the proposed initial Task Order(s).

- Peer or Scientific Review for proposed initial Task Orders are of equal importance to each other.

- To be eligible for an IDIQ basic contract, offerors must have a selectable basic IDIQ and at least one selectable task order.

- Offerors are not required to propose to every paragraph of the IDIQ SOW in order for the proposal to be determined selectable.

However, offerors are required to propose to the Basic IDIQ SOW paragrpahs they wish to be to be considered for during furture requirement competions. The Government reserves the right to award some, all, or none of proposals.

- Offerors are required to propose to every paragraph of at least one, but up to five, Task Order SOOs in order for the proposal(s) to be determined selectable. The Government reserves the right to award some, all, or none of proposal(s).

- The Government reserves the right to award any appropriate contract type under the FAR.

2. Basic IDIQ:

a. Technical/Management: The technical/management aspect shall be reviewed based on the following criteria that are of descending order of importance.

i. Unique and innovative approach proposed to accomplish the technical objectives. New and creative solutions and/or advances in knowledge, understanding, technology, and the state of the art.

ii. The offeror’s understanding of the scope of the technical effort.

iii. Soundness of the offeror’s technical approach including whether the proposal identifies major technical risks, clearly defines feasible mitigation efforts, and demonstrates related experience and qualifications of technical personnel.

iv. The effective management structure and processes for achieving the technical objectives as well as the availability of qualified technical research personnel and their experience with applicable technologies.

v. The potential to transition the research and development deliverables to future Government needs. Any proposed restriction on technical data or computer software will be considered.

3. Task Order(s):

a. Technical/Management: The technical/management aspect, which is ranked as the first order of priority, shall be reviewed based on the following criteria that are of descending order of importance.

i. Unique and innovative approach proposed to accomplish the technical objectives. New and creative solutions and/or advances in knowledge, understanding, technology, and the state of the art.

ii. The offeror’s understanding of the scope of the technical effort.

iii. Soundness of the offeror’s technical approach including whether the proposal identifies major technical risks, clearly defines feasible mitigation efforts, and demonstrates related experience and qualifications of technical personnel.

iv. The effective management structure and processes for achieving the technical objectives as well as the availability of qualified technical research personnel and their experience with applicable technologies.

v. The potential to transition the research and development deliverables to future Government needs. Any proposed restriction on technical data or computer software will be considered.

b. Cost/Price: The cost/price criterion includes the realism of the proposed cost. Cost/Price is a substantial factor, but ranked as the second order of priority to Technical/Management. (If an offeror proposes the use of GFP, and that proposed GFP provides the offeror an unfair competitive advantage, then FAR 45.202 requires rental equivalent be applied to the Cost Factor for evaluation purposes only).