STAR_FISH_CALL_014.pdf

ARA CALL 014 to FA9453-21-S-0001 Page 1 of 10

ADVANCED RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT (ARA) WITH CALLS

FA9453-21-S-0001

Air Force Research Laboratory/Space Vehicle Directorate

ANNOUNCEMENT OVERVIEW

CALL 014

27 August 2024

NAICS Code: The NAICS Code for this acquisition is 541715 for Research and Development 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, Space Vehicles Directorate and Directed Energy, Phillips Research Site

ARA Title: Space Technology Advanced Research - Fast-tracking Innovative Software and Hardware (STAR-FISH), Announcement, procurement for experimentation of space-flight and space-related signal, energy, and transportation technologies.

ARA Number: FA9453-21-S-0001

CALL Type: Two-Step Process, initial announcement

a. CALL Title: Topic Area 2, Space Data Networking Experimentation

b. CALL Number: 014

White Papers and/or Proposal Due Date and Time: The Government is requesting White Papers at this time for the Topic Area identified above. White Papers addressing any other technology area identified in the basic Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) will not be accepted at this time unless a CALL for that specific area is posted. White Papers or proposals received after the due dates and times shall be governed by the provisions of FAR 52.215- 1(c)(3). 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 white papers or proposals received after the stated date and time in the CALL as a result of security delays will be considered “late.” Furthermore, if offerors utilize commercial carriers in the delivery of white papers or proposals, they may not honor time-of-day delivery guarantees on military installations. Early submission is encouraged.

Brief CALL Summary: RAPID is experimenting with a hybrid space architecture built from an ensemble of Department of Defense (DoD), allied and commercial satellite communication networks. This approach introduces resilience by design and offers the ability to efficiently route data through space and terrestrial infrastructure to ensure reliable connectivity but will require managing network complexity dynamically in time and space. Several critical challenges impose risk to the development of a future space data network (SDN), and RAPID will need these

ARA CALL 014 to FA9453-21-S-0001 Page 2 of 10 explored through experimentation. This exploration will provide options to current and future programs of record as systems evolve to meet future needs. See Attachment 3, Statement of Objectives “Space Data Networking Experimentation”.

Submission: Two-Step Process

• First Step: The due date and time for White Papers submitted in response to this CALL is no later than (NLT) 26 Sep 2024, 12:00 PM (Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)).

White Papers must be prepared using the provided Template, saved as a PDF and submitted via DoD Safe, (https://safe.apps.mil/) NLT 26 Sep 2024, 12:00 PM (Mountain Daylight Time (MDT).

In order to submit the White Papers, please contact the Contracting Officer, Nathan McMillen, email: nathan.mcmillen.1@spaceforce.mil, Contracting Officer, Winter Silva, email: winter.silva.1@spaceforce.mil no later than three (3) work days prior to the submission deadline to receive a DoD Safe drop-off request. A drop-off request is valid for 14 days. Offerors will receive an automated email containing the instructions for uploading the file(s). If you did not receive an automated e-mail message for your drop-off request within 3 business days, please contact the Contracting Officer.

See Attachment 2 (STAR-FISH White Paper Template) for White Paper Template. No classified white paper submission will be accepted.

• Second Step: Proposal Due Date and Time – To be provided in “Requests for Proposals

(RFP)” sent to offerors whose white papers are selected.

Announcement Request: Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate, Kirtland Air Force Base is soliciting white papers on the research effort described in Attachment 3 Statement of Objectives pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2373, Procurement for Experimental Purposes.

Announcement Modifications: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Announcement Overview and Full Text

Type of Contract/Instrument: The Air Force anticipates awarding Cost-Plus Fixed Fee contracts that will have up to three options as a result of this CALL, but also reserves the right to award the instrument best suited to the nature of research proposed.

Anticipated Number of Awards: The Air Force anticipates awarding one or two contracts.

However, the Air Force does reserve the right to make one award, more than one award, or no awards pursuant to this CALL. Offerors may propose to all or part of the Statement of Objectives. Teaming is encouraged to facilitate capturing the complete scope.

System for Award Management (SAM) Registration: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453- 21-S-0001, Announcement Overview.

ARA CALL 014 to FA9453-21-S-0001 Page 3 of 10

Points of Contact:

Program Manager (Primary): Dr. Rachel Hock-Mysliwiec, AFRL/RVES, rachel.hock-mysliwiec@spaceforce.mil

Program Manager (Alternate): Mr. Michael Lopez, AFRL/RVSW, michael.lopez.44@us.af.mil

Contracting Officer (Primary): Mr. Nathan McMillen, AFRL/RVKI, nathan.mcmillen.1@spaceforce.mil

Contracting Officer (Alternate): Ms. Winter Silva, AFRL/RVKI, winter.silva.1@spaceforce.mil mailto:nathan.mcmillen.1@spaceforce.mil mailto:winter.silva.1@spaceforce.mi

ARA CALL 014 to FA9453-21-S-0001 Page 4 of 10

ADVANCED RESEARCH ANNOUNCMENT WITH CALLS

FA9453-21-S-0001

Air Force Research Laboratory/Space Vehicle Directorate

FULL TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT

CALL 014

NAICS Code: The NAICS Code for this acquisition is 541715 for Research and Development 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, Space Vehicles Directorate and Directed Energy, Phillips Research Site

ARA Title: Space Technology Advanced Research - Fast-tracking Innovative Software and Hardware (STAR-FISH), Announcement, procurement for experimentation of space-flight and space-related signal, energy, and transportation technologies

ARA Number: FA9453-21-S-0001

CALL Type: Two-Step Process, initial announcement

a. CALL Title: Topic Area 2, Space Data Networking Experimentation

b. CALL Number: 014

White Paper and/or Proposal Due Date and Time: The Government is requesting White Papers at this time for the Topic Area identified above. White Papers addressing any other technology area identified in the basic Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) will not be accepted at this time unless a CALL for that specific area is posted. White Papers or proposals received after the due dates and times shall be governed by the provisions of FAR 52.215- 1(c)(3). 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 white papers or proposals received after the stated date and time in the CALL as a result of security delays will be considered “late.” Furthermore, if offerors utilize commercial carriers in the delivery of white papers or proposals, they may not honor time-of-day delivery guarantees on military installations. Early submission is encouraged.

Submission: Two-Step Process

• First Step: The due date and time for White Papers submitted in response to this CALL is no later than (NLT) 26 Sep 2024, 12:00 PM (Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)).

ARA CALL 014 to FA9453-21-S-0001 Page 5 of 10

White Papers must be prepared using the provided Template, saved as a PDF and submitted via DoD Safe, (https://safe.apps.mil/) NLT 26 Sep 2024, 12:00 PM (Mountain Daylight Time (MDT).

In order to submit the White Papers, please contact the Contracting Officer, Nathan McMillen, email: nathan.mcmillen.1@spaceforce.mil, Contracting Officer, Winter Silva, email: winter.silva.1@spaceforce.mil, no later than three (3) work days prior to the submission deadline to receive a DoD Safe drop-off request. A drop-off request is valid for 14 days. Offerors will receive an automated email containing the instructions for uploading the file(s). If you did not receive an automated e-mail message for your drop-off request within 3 business days, please contact the Contracting Officer.

See Attachment 2 (STAR-FISH White Paper Template) for White Paper Template. No classified white paper submission will be accepted.

• Second Step: Proposal Due Date and Time – To be provided in “Requests for Proposals

(RFP)” sent to offerors whose white papers are selected.

Program Description:

1. Statement of Objectives/Description of Technical Areas:

Areas from the ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text:

Topic Area 2. Mission effects and capabilities: Provide decisive mission capabilities and reliable space services to enable the joint warfighter to control the space domain and exploit it to support control of other domains… Mission capabilities, supplies and space services of interest include:

software and networks to enable access to new band-width and seamlessly interconnect warfighters across multiple domains.

See Attachment 1, Statement of Objectives “Space Data Networking Experimentation”

2. Announcement Modifications: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Announcement Overview and Full Text.

3. Deliverable Items:

a. Data: DD Form 1423-CDRLs

b. Final Report: Final Scientific and Technical Report to be delivered under each award, 3 months after the end of the technical effort.

c. Software: Software deliveries may include source code and/or binaries of commercial or non-commercial products. Some software may be delivered as an integral component of a hardware deliverable.

d. Hardware: Hardware deliveries may include emulators, engineering units, field-deployable units and/or flight-qualified units.

ARA CALL 014 to FA9453-21-S-0001 Page 6 of 10

4. Other Requirements:

a. Program Security Classification: It is anticipated that this effort will be performed

CLASSIFIED up to Top Secret (TS) with some additional requirements. Individuals must be US citizens and have a security classification level equal to or higher than the security requirement for the effort. Offerors may be required to have a level of safekeeping.

b. OPSEC: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 4, paragraph b.

c. Export Control: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 4, paragraph c.

d. Export-Controlled Items: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 4, paragraph d.

e. Options: Up to three options shall be proposed on this CALL.

ATTENTION: The anticipated contract will be structured as follows:

Base Effort – White papers must describe the overall teaming, technical and programmatic approach for conducting space data networking experimentation that addresses the objectives described in the Statement of Objectives (See Attachment 3). This overall scope will extend over the course of the entire effort, including the Base Effort and Options as they are exercised. The Base Effort is anticipated to have a technical period of performance of 24 months and total period of performance of 27 months.

Options 1-3 – This effort will include up to three 12-month options to extend the period of performance deeper into the experimental plan. Performers will be required to deliver, maintain and execute a 90-day transition-out plan to minimize disruption to Government business in the event remaining options are not exercised for any reason.

Rough Order Magnitude (ROM) costs must be included for each individual phase of the effort.

5. Other Information:

a. Government Furnished Property (GFP): GFP is not initially anticipated on this call but may be added during the period of performance as required. However, Government Property may be provided upon written request and if required. Suggested GFP should be noted in the white paper. Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 5, paragraph a.

b. Base Support: Base Support is not anticipated on this CALL. However, Base Support may be provided upon written request and if required. Suggested requirements for base support should be noted in the white paper. Reference ARA with CALLS FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 5, paragraph b.

ARA CALL 014 to FA9453-21-S-0001 Page 7 of 10

c. Available Base Facilities: Available Base Facilities is not anticipated on this CALL.

However, Base Facilities may be provided upon written request and if required. Suggested requirements for access to base facilities should be noted in the white paper. Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 5, paragraph c.

d. Overseas Performance: Overseas Performance is not anticipated on this call.

e. Data Rights Desired: Potential data rights that may be required are Unlimited Rights, with Government Purpose Rights or Limited Rights assigned to specific items. Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text Announcement, Section 5, paragraph (e).

I. Award Information

1. Anticipated Number of awards: The Air Force anticipates awarding one or two contracts.

However, the Air Force does reserve the right to make one award, more than one award, or no awards pursuant to this CALL. Offerors may propose to all or part of the Statement of Objectives. Teaming is encouraged to facilitate capturing the complete scope.

2. Anticipated Award Date: Anticipated award date around April 2025.

3. Anticipated Funding: Anticipated total funding for this CALL (not per contract or award) is as follows:

FY 2025 $10,000,000

FY 2026 $25,000,000

FY 2027 $30,000,000

FY 2028 $10,000,000

FY 2029 $10,000,000

Total $85,000,000

This funding profile is an estimate only and will not be a contractual obligation for funding.

Offerors should note that full funding for this effort is uncertain and may be largely affected by Government fiscal year budgets that are yet to be established. The Government reserves the right to select all, part, or none of the proposals received in response to this CALL, subject to the availability of funds. All funding is subject to change due to Government discretion and availability of funds.

4. Schedule: The period of performance for individual awards (base effort plus three options) resulting from this CALL is as follows:

End of Technical Effort Not to Exceed 60 Months Plus (+) 3 Months of Final Report 3 Months Total Period of Performance 63 Months

ARA CALL 014 to FA9453-21-S-0001 Page 8 of 10

5. Within Scope Award Modifications: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section I, paragraph 5.

6. Points of Contact:

Mr. Nathan McMillen (Primary) Contracting Officer

AFRL/RVKI

Kirtland AFB, NM 87117 nathan.mcmillen.1@spaceforce.mil

Ms. Winter Silva (Alternate) Contracting Officer

AFRL/RVKI

Kirtland AFB, NM 87117 winter.silva.1@spaceforce.mil

Program Manager (Primary):

Dr. Rachel Hock-Mysliwiec

AFRL/RVES

rachel.hock-mysliwiec@spaceforce.mil

Program Manager (Alternate):

Mr. Michael Lopez

AFRL/RVSW

michael.lopez.44@us.af.mil

II. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Offeror: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section II, paragraph 1.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost Sharing or Matching is not required on this call.

3. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section II, paragraph 3.

4. Government Agencies: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section II, paragraph 4.

5. Foreign Participation: Foreign-Owned Offerors are not authorized to propose to this

CALL as prime contractor.

mailto:nathan.mcmillen.1@spaceforce.mil mailto:winter.silva.1@spaceforce.mil

ARA CALL 014 to FA9453-21-S-0001 Page 9 of 10

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items.

U.S. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s). Offerors are advised FNs proposed to perform may be restricted under U.S. Export Control Laws due to the nature of the technical data.

The Government may also require Offerors to provide additional information to assist the Government in evaluating the FNs.

Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section II, paragraph 5.

6. Export Control: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section II, paragraph 6.

III. White Paper and/or Proposal Submission Information

1. Overview: This Announcement consists of Two-Step Process described in detail below.

White papers and full proposals if requested by the Government—shall be submitted in accordance with the ARA with CALLS, FA4953-21-S-0001 and in accordance with the

CALL 014.

The Government anticipates white papers and proposals will be unclassified.

Due to the dynamically evolving nature of US warfighter space needs, this announcement is subject to updates, revisions, or additional topic areas. Therefore, Offerors are highly encouraged to continually monitor Contract Opportunities (https://beta.sam.gov/) to ensure they receive latest guidance to this announcement.

2. Two-Step (White Paper and Proposal) Submission Information

First Step (White Paper) Instructions:

a. General: The FIRST STEP requests a white paper and a rough order of magnitude

(ROM) cost estimate. All white papers may be kept on file for one year. An Offeror submitting a proposal without first submitting a white paper will not be eligible for an award. The cost of preparing white papers in response to this Solicitation 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.

b. White Paper Format: White papers shall be submitted using the Microsoft Word Template located as Attachment 2, follow the instructions, save the white paper as a searchable PDF file (e.g. Adobe Acrobat® 7.0 or later), and submit document no later than (NLT) 12:00 PM MDT 26 September 2024. DO NOT deliver any classified white papers to the email address listed above. Do not submit “zipped” files. If files https://beta.sam.gov/

ARA CALL 014 to FA9453-21-S-0001 Page 10 of 10 contain links, the links must be intact and maintained through all revisions. Files shall not be read/write/password protected (i.e., must be unlocked, non-password protected, and/or unprotected).

c. White Paper ROM Cost: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section III, paragraph 3(c).

d. Other Information: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section III, paragraph 3(d).

e. White Paper/Proposal Content Summary: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21- S-0001, Section III, paragraph 3(e).

f. White Paper/Proposal Content Summary: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21- S-0001, Section III, paragraph 3(f).

Second Step (Proposal) Instructions: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section III, paragraph 3.

IV. Review Information

1. Evaluation Criteria: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section IV, paragraph 1.

2. Relative Importance of Evaluation Criteria: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S- 0001, Section IV, paragraph 2.

3. White Paper Review and Selection Process: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S- 0001, Section IV, paragraph 3.

4. Proposal Review and Selection Process: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S- 0001, Section IV, paragraph 4.

V. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section V, paragraph 1.

VI. Other Relevant Information

Paragraphs 1-15: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section VI

2 ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment 1 - Statement of Objectives (SOO) “Space Data Networking Experimentation” Attachment 2 - STAR-FISH White Paper Template