Strategic Materials BAA.pdf

CUI

Strategic Materials Research & Development (R&D)

Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) – SP4701-25-B-0001

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 1

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Strategic Materials

Research and Development (R&D)

SP4701-25-B-0001

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 2

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION …………………………………………………….…….…..……..….. 4

SECTION 1: General Information ...………………………………….….……………… 6

SECTION 2: Technical Areas of Interest ……………………………….……..….……

BAA White Paper Instructions and Format ………………………….……..…….…….. 8

White Paper Debrief …………………………………………………………….…..…….. 9

SECTION 3: GENERAL PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INFORMATION ………..…… 9

Research & Development Project Transition Language ……………………………. 10

SECTION 4: PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS ……………………………….……….…. 10

Technical Proposal Format ..…………………………………………….….…..…….. 10

Volume I – Technical Proposals ….…………………………………….…….….…

Proprietary Markings for Technical Proposal .…………………….….……..……... 12

Technical Proposals .………………………………………………………..…..… Part 1: Proposal Cover Sheet .…………………………………………..………..… 14 Part 2: Executive Summary ……………………………………………....……..…. 14 Part 3: Feasibility (Overall Scientific and Technical Merit) ……….….…..…….. 14 Part 4: Viability ...……………………………………………………….……...…… 14 Part 5: Desirability ……………………………………………….………….… Part 6: Past Performance/Recency ………………………………………………… 15

Volume II – Cost/Price Proposal .…………………………………………………….. 15

Cost Proposal Format .…………………………………………………….…………15 Part 1: Overview …………………………………………….……………………. 16 Part 2: Certified Cost or Pricing Data and Data Other Than Certified Cost or Pricing Data ………………………………………………………………. 17

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 3

Part 3: Work Breakdown Structure ………………………………………………… 17 Part 4: Proposed Adequacy Checklist Regarding Cost & Pricing Information ….. 18 Part 5: Cost Realism Analysis ………………………………………………………...18

Technical Proposal Content …………………………………………………………….19

SECTION 5: EVALUATION CRITERIA AND EVALUATION RATING SCHEME.. 22

TECHNICAL EVALUATION FACTORS ……………………………………………22

Factor 1: Feasibility …………………………………………………………………22 Factor 2: Viability ……………………………………………..………..…………...23 Factor 3: Desirability …………………………………………..……………………23 Factor 4: Past Performance /Recency………………………………………………23 Factor 5: Cost and Price …………………………………….………..…….……… 23

EVALUATION RATING SCHEME ……………………………………….………… 24

Factor 1: Overall Scientific and Technical Merit (Feasibility) ….….…………… 24 Factor 2: Viability ..…………………………………………………….…….…..… 24 Factor 3: Desirability ..…………………………………………………………….. 24 Factor 4: Past Performance, Capabilities, and Related Experience (Recency) … 25 Factor 5: Cost and Price Realism ..…………………………………..……………. 25

Overall Consensus Ratings ..………………………………………………………. 25

SECTION 6 – AWARD DECISION .…………………………………………………… 26

Basis for Contract Award ……………………………………………………………. 26 Basis for Award Without Discussions ………………………………….……………. 26 Basis for No Award …………………………………………………………………… 27

CLAUSES ………………………………………………………………………………… 27

Intellectual Property and Data Rights ………………………………………………. 27 DFARS 252.204-7009 Limitations on the use or Disclosure of Third-party Contractor Reported Cyber Incident Information….……... 29 DFARS 252.204-7012 Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting ………………………………….…….…. 29 DFARS 252.204-7020 NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Requirements …..….…. 29 DFARS 252.227-7017 Identification and Assertion of Use, Release, or Disclosure Restrictions …………………………….………... 29 DFARS 252.245-7005 Management and Reporting of Government Property …… 32 FAR 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications And Video Surveillance Services or Equipment ………….………. 39

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 4

FAR 52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services Representations ………………………………………….…….…… 40

ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment A – Areas of Interests ..………………………………………………… 42 Attachment B – White Paper Template .………………………………………….… 44 Attachment C – Small Business Subcontracting Plan ..………………………….… 47 Attachment D – Proposal Adequacy Checklist ..…………………………………… 49

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 5

INTRODUCTION

PART: U.S. Government Procurements

SUBPART: Services

OFFICE ADDRESS:

DLA Contract Service Office – Philadelphia Attn: Deborah P. Lombardi Sr. Contracting Officer, Bldg. 6D 700 Robbins Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19111-5092

CLASS CODE: A – Research and Development SUBJECT: A – Acquisition Strategic Materials POSTING DATE: January 15, 2025

INITIAL CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS: (60 DAYS)

NAICS CODE: 541715 -- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

SET ASIDES: N/A

SOL: BAA SP4701-25-B-0001

POINT OF CONTACT (POC) : Deborah P. Lombardi, Sr. Contracting Officer, DLA Contracting Services Office - Philadelphia

CONTACT INFORMATION : Email :Deborah.P.Lombardi@dla.mil;

Phone : (215) 737-7985

ALTERNATE POINT OF CONTACT : DCSO-P R&D Mail box : RandD.DCSO@dla.mil mailto:Deborah.P.Lombardi@dla.mil mailto:RandD.DCSO@dla.mil

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 6

SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

This notice constitutes a combined synopsis and Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for the acquisition of research and development in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 35.016, “Broad Agency Announcement”, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. No other solicitation will be issued. Only the information provided in this notice is available. Requests for other forms of solicitations shall be disregarded.

This BAA will remain open for five years. The ceiling on this BAA is $95 Million.

SECTION 2: TECHNICAL AREAS OF INTEREST

The purpose of this BAA stems from emerging and rapidly expanding requirements to restore and stabilize strategic and critical materials supply chains that have been compromised by decreased or abandoned domestic mining and refining activities or lack of domestic manufacturing. The research could include material and production process substitutes or drop-in replacements to relieve (1) a single point of failure in a supply chain, (2) dependence upon unreliable foreign sources of supply, or (3) replacement of a legacy or obsolete material. These requirements can address virtually any critical or strategic materials, but DLA is primarily interested in:

• Energetic Materials – Materials and production processes that increase the range, lethality, or safety of propellants, pyrotechnics, explosives, and initiating compositions used in ammunition.

• Energy and Power Materials – Materials that increase the energy density or safety of batteries in nuclear weapon systems, national security space systems, or commercial items incorporated into components utilized by a DoD nuclear or space program of record.

• Aeronautical and Astronautical Materials – Metals, alloys, fibers, composites, or processes (e.g., hear treat) for such materials that would allow for new material systems to be used in existing aerospace applications. Materials and production processes that achieve current design requirements with a reduction in productions steps or lead time.

• Armor Materials – Materials, including textiles, that decrease the weight of armor systems with like or improved ballistic performance, as well as combine ballistic protection with other forms of defense (e.g., chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear).

• Stable Isotopes – Materials and production processes that increase the safety or efficiency of nuclear reactor coolant and waste storage systems.

• Paints, Coating and Surface Treatments – Materials that improve corrosion resistance or provide like corrosion resistance with a decrease in weight, coating thickness, surface treatments, or use of hazardous materials. Materials with combined protection capabilities (e.g., ultra-violet, chemical, electro-magnetic) to reduce the weight or

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 7 thickness of coatings or reduce the number of required coatings.

• Mining – Analysis of the origin of materials tapped and untapped with respect to geographic proximity, proximity to refiners or processors and geopolitical control in the source regions. Surveys and assessments of the character and condition of existing mines, including level of sophistication, age, efficiency, output, and ownership/controls.

Analyses of the quantities of materials remaining to be recovered from active mines.

Assessments of regions that have known deposits where new mining operations could be established; include consideration of economic and geopolitical conditions.

• Refining and Processing – Surveys and assessments of international and domestic refining and processing facilities; including plant locations, size, normal and maximum production capacity, proximity to mines, storage capabilities, access to transportation hubs, and types of transportation. Research, assess and evaluate emerging processes to enhance the quality of materials, improve efficiency of production processes, or mitigate recurring problems.

• Recycling, Conservation and Substitution Options – Identify, evaluate and qualify material substitutes in active use by domestic and international processors and manufacturers; include limitations and common issues associated with use of the substitute material. Identify and evaluate active and potential recycling opportunities, including industrial infrastructure and logistical perceived limitations.

• Permanent Magnet Recycling – Research on recycling methods for neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnets or recovery of rare earths or their alloys. Efforts should include identifying the energy magnetic density of the recycled magnets and their defense or essential civilian application areas.

• Permanent Magnet Manufacturing – Research on novel manufacturing methods for iron nitride (FeN) magnets to improve efficiency of production processes or mitigate recurring processing problems. Efforts should include identifying the energy magnetic density of the FeN magnets and their application areas for defense or essential civilian.

• Feasibility Studies – This includes comprehensive technical and economic study of a selected technological development option for a strategic and critical material project and includes detailed assessments of processing, extraction, economic, operations and alternate materials qualification within domestic defense industrial base. The proposed study should serve as the basis for a final decision of additional funding/support/acquisition from DoD and domestic industrial base for further development of the project.

It is DLA’s intention that the items as stated above, and in Attachment A, page 42 of this BAA, is intended to be amended as needed to add, modify, or delete Areas of Interest.

The process for obtaining an award under this BAA consists of three steps:

• STEP I: Submission of White Paper (See instructions below).

• STEP II: Submission of a technical proposal, only if requested by the DLA Contracting

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 8

Officer.

• STEP III: Submission of a cost proposal, only if requested by the DLA Contracting

Officer either concurrently, or after submission of a technical proposal.

Interested parties may submit an initial summary of your plan, referred to as a “White Paper,” describing a specific project related to an Area of Interest and described above. (Also see Attachment A page 42 of this BAA).

If a White Paper is of sufficient interest to the Government, DLA may request technical and cost proposals.

BAA WHITE PAPER INSTRUCTIONS AND FORMAT

Offerors interested in possible awards under this BAA must first submit a White Paper, in the format specified in this BAA, by e-mail to the e-mail address shown above, and in Attachment B, page 44 of this BAA. The purpose of requiring White Paper initially is to prevent Offerors from incurring substantial technical proposal preparation costs on proposed research that is not of interest to DLA. Accordingly, offerors are required to submit White Papers as a way to determine DLA’s interest prior to investing in technical proposal development.

A White Paper is an abbreviated document (limited to 6 pages) in which a submitter will describe a technical R&D concept. If the Government deems such a technical concept of interest, the Government may request a total cost and technical proposal. Successful proposals submitted in response to the White Paper process may be awarded contracts. Offerors may submit White Papers via e-mail to both of the following addresses:

Deborah.P.Lombardi@dla.mil and RandD.DCSO@dla.mil.

The White Paper provides a synopsis of the proposed project by briefly answering the following questions:

1. What is the proposed work attempting to accomplish or do?

2. How is it done today, and what are the limitations and challenges?

3. Who will benefit and what will the impact be if the work is successful?

4. How much will it cost, and how long will it take?

Templates containing content descriptions and instructions are provided in Attachment B, page 44 to this BAA.

White Papers will be reviewed against the topic to determine whether the proposed solution is technically feasible and viable (i.e., compatible with DoD constraints, technical, environments, and other organizational requirements), and whether the White Paper presents a research project whose results end users are likely to adopt and that is of sufficient interest to the Government to mailto:Deborah.P.Lombardi@dla.mil

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 9 warrant consideration of a technical proposal. The Contracting Officer will provide only one of the following two responses to an Offeror submitting a White Paper: (1) a statement that the proposed research is not of interest to the Government with the rationale for this decision, or (2) a request to submit a technical proposal.

The Government reserves the right to request technical proposals from any, all, some, or none of the White Paper Offerors.

A request for technical proposals is not a guarantee that a proposal based on the White Paper will ultimately be selected for award. White Papers for non-innovative, marginal improvements are inappropriate under this BAA and will not result in a technical proposal request.

The Government will attempt to provide feedback to the Offeror regarding the rationale for this decision within thirty calendar days after receipt. These official notifications will be emailed to the Offeror’s Administrative POC identified in the White Paper.

WHITE PAPER DEBRIEFS

No debrief after review of White Papers will be provided as no award can result from a White Paper submission.

SECTION 3: GENERAL PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INFORMATION

The Contracting Officer will request proposals on White Papers that are of interest to the Government. DLA contemplates award of cost-type contracts (either cost (FAR 16.302), cost-sharing (FAR 16.303) or cost-plus-fixed-fee completion (FAR 16.306)) under this BAA. The government will also entertain proposals that are submitted using a SBIR III proposal. Please see Attachment C, page 47 for information regarding SBIR III proposals.

Requested technical proposals must be for a single research project and must generally be based on one of the three aforementioned contract types. Submittals based on contract types other than cost-type will be evaluated on an individual basis at the sole discretion of the Government.

To be eligible for award, all prospective offerors must meet certain minimum standards upon submission to be eligible for award.

These standards pertain to contractor/ subcontractor foreign affiliations, financial resources, adequacy of accounting systems, ability to comply with performance schedules, prior record of past performance, integrity, organization structure, experience, operational controls, technical skills facilities, and equipment.

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 10

For additional information and guidance concerning qualifications and standards for responsibility of prospective contractors, please refer to Part 9 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

Proposal prices and all other terms and conditions must remain valid for 180 days from the submission date of the technical proposal.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT TRANSITION INFORMATION

The Research & Development (R&D) Program Management Office (PMO) may determine to transition a R&D project to the production environment. These determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis considering contractor performance, successful demonstration of technical capability, and alignment with the Defense Logistics Agency’s (DLA) R&D Program objectives.

Prior to making the determination to transition a project, the DLA R&D PMO will request that the contractor submit a transition plan for review. Upon review of the transition plan, the contractor will receive further instructions on submission of technical and cost proposal for the transition effort.

SECTION 4: PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

To ensure that all technical proposals receive proper consideration, DLA requires all Offerors to follow the same format. Technical proposals that do not conform to the required format may not be evaluated and will not be eligible for award. Offerors shall submit proposals to the Contracting Officer at Deborah.P.Lombardi@dla.mil, and to the DCSO-P R&D Mail box at RandD.DCSO@dla.mil. Instructions will be provided in the https://www.SAM.gov posting.

TECHNICAL AND COST PROPOSAL FORMATS

Proposals should be submitted in the following format and provide the content requested in Section 5 “Evaluation Criteria” of this BAA. Each page of the proposal shall be marked “Source Selection Information—See FAR 2.101 and 3.104.” In addition, all material should be marked with the legend “Controlled Unclassified Information” (CUI). If the information is also source selection information, which it is if it is a proposal, shall have both markings present.

• Two separate volumes consisting of:

o Volume I – Technical Proposal.

o Volume II – Cost/Price Proposal (A cost proposal will only be submitted if requested by the Contracting Officer).

• Volume I, Technical Proposal.

mailto:Deborah.P.Lombardi@dla.mil https://www.sam.gov/

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 11 o Shall describe the proposed project and address the Evaluation Factors as contained in this BAA.

• Volume II, Cost/Price Proposal (A cost proposal will only be submitted if requested by the Contracting Officer).

o Shall contain cost and pricing information in support of Volume I technical project.

o Cost/Price information shall include breakout of cost elements as provided for in the Cost Realism evaluation factor in Section 4 of this BAA.

• NO pricing information shall be contained in the technical proposal.

VOLUME I – TECHNICAL PROPOSALS:

• Technical proposals shall be submitted in the following format: one electronic copy in “.pdf” format sent to the Solicitation Module under the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE).

PROPOSALS THAT DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS DETAILED

IN THIS SECTION MAY NOT BE EVALUATED OR AWARDED. TECHNICAL

PROPOSALS THAT EXCEED 20 PAGES MAY BE EXCLUDED FROM

CONSIDERATION.

(1) Document files must be written in English and in Pdf format.

(2) No more than twenty (20) single-sided pages including, body, appendices, and attachments.

(3) Formatted for printing on 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins and font size not smaller than 12-point (8 or 10 font may be used for figures, tables, and chats).

(4) A header on each page to identify page content and page number.

(5) Header and footer stating CUI/ source selection information and /or proprietary if pertinent. See pages 12 and 13 below.

Any project Gantt charts may be submitted on larger pages (e.g., legal size), as require to be readable. There is not penalty for submitting a technical proposal of less than 20 pages if the technical proposal covers all the required material. Resumes and certifications for technical data and computer software will not be counted as part of the 20-page limit. Technical proposals must be clear and concise and must include sufficient detail to substantiate the validity of the research. Technical proposals must address the evaluation factors provided in Section 5, Evaluation Criteria for Contracts.

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 12

Offeror’s must assume that DLA has no prior knowledge of the Offerors facilities and experience. DLA will base its evaluation exclusively on the merits and content of the information presented in the technical proposal, except that DLA reserves the right to evaluate relevant past performance that is not included in the technical proposal.

PROPRIETARY MARKINGS FOR TECHNICAL PROPOSALS

Information in the technical proposal that is deemed by the offeror to be proprietary must be clearly marked as proprietary information. Research & Development is considered CUI. In accordance with the Department of Defense (DoD) phased CUI Program, any form of communication or documentation containing CUI must carry the appropriate markings, i.e., header and footer identifying the document as “CUI” and a completed CUI Designation Indicator. Document as follows:

CUI marking to be centered as header on page 1 of Offeror’s proposal:

Information to be placed on page two, lower right side of Offeror’s proposal:

Controlled by: Offeror’s Name CUI Category: SSEL Distribution/Dissemination Controls: Offeror’s Name POC: Offeror’s POC Information (Email address, and phone number

Information to place as footer on Offeror’s proposal:

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104

(1) Proposals shall include all proprietary claims to results, prototypes, or systems supporting or necessary for the use of the research, results, or prototypes. If there are no proprietary claims, then the proposal must include a statement to that effect. Do not put proprietary data or markings in the Statement of Work (SOW). Proposals containing data that is not to be disclosed to the public for any purpose or used by the Government except for review purposes shall include the following sentences in accordance with FAR 52.215-1e

(1) and (2) on the cover page. Mark the title page with the following: proprietary legend:

This proposal includes data that shall not be disclosed outside the Government and shall not be duplicated, used, or disclosed-in whole or in part-for any purpose other than to evaluate this proposal. If, however, a contract is awarded to this offeror as a result of-or

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 13 in connection with-the submission of this data, the Government shall have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose the data to the extent provided in the resulting contract. This restriction does not limit the Government's right to use information contained in this data if it is obtained from another source without restriction. The data subject to this restriction are contained in sheets [insert numbers or other identification of sheets]; and

(2) Mark each sheet of data it wishes to restrict with the following legend:

Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the restriction on the title page of this proposal.

Technical proposal shall consist of six parts:

• Part 1: Proposal Cover Sheet

• Part 2: Executive Summary

• Part 3: Feasibility (Overall Scientific and Technical Merit)

• Part 4: Viability

• Part 5: Desirability

• Part 6: Past Performance/Recency

PART 1: PROPOSAL COVER SHEET

BAA number; (2) Proposal Title; (3) Technical Point of Contact, including name, telephone number, email address, and mailing address; (4) Administrative/Contracting Point of Contact, including name, telephone number, email address, and mailing address; and (5) Contractor's business type selected among the following categories: Large Business, Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), Other Small Business, HBCU, MI, Other Educational, or Other Nonprofit.

PART 2: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

An Executive Summary of the Offeror's entire technical proposal in one page or less is required.

This summary shall be used to gain an understanding of the overall proposal contents. It should identify and highlight significant features, summarize innovative claims and unique contribution(s) of the proposal, and include the salient points of the proposed project, and the expected outcome improvement associated with the project.

PART 3: FEASIBILITY (OVERALL SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL MERIT)

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 14

Offeror’s must explain the proposed research project and methodology in sufficient detail to establish that the proposed technical approach is innovative, feasible, and comprehensive that the proposed technical team has the expertise and experience to accomplish the proposed tasks.

Task descriptions and associated technical elements must be complete and in a logical sequence with all proposed deliverables clearly defined and directed toward a final outcome that achieves the proposed goal(s). The proposal must identify major technical risks and present clearly defined and feasible mitigation efforts.

PART 4: VIABILITY

Offerors must show that proposed effort is viable and likely to transition into an operational capability. The offeror demonstrates an understanding of working with DLA and DoD and of relevant DLA and DoD policy. Information technology included in the proposed effort shall address cybersecurity requirements and show awareness of specific requirements (e.g., FedRAMP) for Information Technology (IT) in the Federal Government, DoD and DLA.

PART 5: DESIRABILITY

Proposals must show that the adoption of the proposed solution offers clear benefits to DLA and has characteristics such as low barriers to transition, simplicity, ease of use, physical dimensions, etc., that make it likely to be adopted.

PART 6: PAST PERFORMANCE/RECENCY

Each proposal shall address the offeror’s prior experience, capabilities, and past performance, as well as the relevant experience within the Area of Interest listed on page 1, and in Attachment A, page 42 of this BAA, and as described in “The Technical Proposal Content” below.

VOLUME II – COST/PRICE PROPOSAL:

No page limits apply to the Cost Proposal. The cost proposal shall include total project cost by month. The offeror shall also give a detailed breakdown of the total project costs by each task listed in the technical proposal. If subcontracts are contemplated, the offeror must estimate the total amount of effort to be subcontracted and specify the “burden” or “pass through rate” that will be applied to those subcontracts. Offerors are required to submit certification of current cost or pricing data in accordance with FAR 15.406-2 (Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing Data). The total cost of each major cost element and the make-up of those costs shall be presented in the offeror's proposal. A statement related to the latest DCAA audit and whether the offeror’s accounting system has been approved by the DCAA shall be included in the Cost Proposal. State if there are currently negotiated DCAA rates or forward pricing rate agreements and factors being used in the proposal. Include a detailed breakdown of costs by cost category by offeror's calendar or fiscal year:

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 15

• Direct Labor - Individual labor categories or person with associated labor hours and unburdened direct labor rates.

• Indirect Costs - Fringe benefit, Overhead, G&A, Cost of Money, etc. (must show base amount and rate).

• Travel - Number of trips, destinations, durations, purpose, etc.

• Subcontracts - A cost proposal is required to be submitted by any proposed subcontractor and “burden” or “pass through rate” shall be clearly stated.

• Materials - Specifically itemized with estimated (or actual) costs.

• Lease Items - Fair market value of lease items and the method used for making such evaluations.

Sufficient information shall be provided in supporting documents to evaluate the reasonableness and realism of these proposed costs.

COST PROPOSAL FORMAT

To ensure all cost proposals receive proper consideration, DLA requires all offerors to follow the same format. Cost proposals that do not conform to the format may not be evaluated or be eligible for award. Offerors shall submit cost proposals within 30 calendar days of contracting officer’s request in the following format: (1) 8.5" x 11”-page size; (2) a header on each page to identify page content and page number; and (3) type font 12-point Times New Roman with 1-inch margins around the page. No page limits apply to cost proposals. The cost proposal must reflect an understanding of the research, perception of risks, and ability to organize and perform the task(s) stated in the technical proposal. Offerors shall submit the following information:

Part 1 – Overview.

Part 2 - Cost or Pricing Data (certified when requested by the Contracting Officer).

Part 3 - Work Breakdown Structure.

Part 4 – Proposal Adequacy Checklist (Attachment D, page 49 of this BAA).

PART 1 - OVERVIEW

a. COST PROPOSAL COVER SHEET: Offerors shall provide the following information:

(1) BAA Number.

(2) NAICS code.

(3) BAA Area(s) of Interest from Attachment A, page 42, of this BAA.

(4) Offeror’s Technical Point of Contact, including name, telephone number, e-mail address, and mailing address (no post office box).

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 16

(5) Offeror’s Administrative/Contracting Point of Contact, including name, telephone number, e-mail address, and mailing address (no post office box).

(6) Contractor’s business type selected among the following categories: Large Business, Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), Other Small Business, HBCU, MI, Other Educational, or Other Nonprofit.

(7) CAGE Code.

(8) Subcontractors participating in the research and estimated cost (if none state “not applicable”).

(9) Small businesses participating in the research and estimated cost (if none state

“not applicable”).

(10) Historically Black Colleges and Universities or Minority Institutions participating in the research (if none state “not applicable”) Performance Period.

(11) Contract type selected from one of the cost-reimbursement contract types.

(12) Research title.

(13) Brief research description.

(14) Total Estimated Cost.

(15) Fixed Fee Amount - the fee shall not exceed 10% of the estimated cost (if proposal is for a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract).

b. ACCOUNTING SYSTEM

Offerors shall provide a description of the accounting system proposed for this research and a copy of accounting system approval from Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) or the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

c. APPROVED RATES

Offerors shall provide a statement regarding current negotiated DCAA or HHS rates, factors, forward pricing agreements, and/or other related cost factors and considerations being used in the cost proposal.

d. AUDIT OR FORWARD PRICING AGREEMENT

Offerors shall provide a copy of the latest audit or forward pricing agreement from DCAA or

HHS.

PART 2 – CERTIFIED COST OR PRICING DATA AND DATA OTHER THAN

CERTIFIED COST OR PRICING DATA

Offerors shall submit certified cost or pricing data when requested by the Contracting Officer to support a determination of cost realism for cost proposals with a total estimated value of

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 17

$2,000,000.00 or more in accordance with FAR 15.403-4. If the total estimated value is under $2,000,000.00, Offerors shall submit data other than certified cost or pricing data to support a determination of cost realism in accordance with FAR 15.403-3. Offerors shall submit data in accordance with FAR 52.215-20 Requirements for Certified Cost or Pricing Data and Data Other Than Certified Cost or Pricing Data.

Offerors shall submit certified cost or pricing data, data other than certified cost or pricing data, and supporting attachments in accordance with the instructions contained in Table 15-2 of FAR

15.408. Offerors shall submit subcontractors’ certified cost or pricing data, data other than certified cost or pricing data, and supporting attachments. If the subcontractor will not submit this information to the offerors, this information must be submitted directly to the contracting officer for cost realism analysis.

PART 3 – WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE

Offerors shall submit a detailed work breakdown structure including all costs in a table format for all research tasks. Respondent shall include at a minimum, the costs cited above.

PART 4 – PROPOSAL ADEQUACY CHECKLIST REGARDING COST AND

PRICING INFORMATION

Sufficient information should be provided in supporting documents to evaluate the reasonableness and realism of the proposed costs. Additionally, a completed Cost Proposal Adequacy Checklist (Attachment D) shall be included with each proposal submission. The template for the cost proposal adequacy checklist from DFARS 252-215-7009, has been included an Attachment to the BAA for guidance (See Attachment D, pages 49 of this BAA).

PART 5 – COST REALISM ANALYSIS

DLA will perform a cost realism analysis on cost proposals in accordance with FAR 15.404-1(d), Cost Realism Analysis. Realism determination will be based on an evaluation of the cost proposal to determine whether the estimated cost elements are realistic for the proposed research;

reflect a clear understanding of the applicable BAA Strategic Focus Areas and are consistent with the proposal research plan.

a. LABOR MIX AND INDIRECT COSTS

Offerors are required to provide their proposed labor rates and total cost for each labor category.

In addition, offerors are required to provide applicable indirect cost rates, which should include, but may not be limited to, G&A, Fringe, Overhead, and Sub-contractor “burden” or “pass

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 18 through rate.” Offerors are additionally required to provide labor category descriptions that include minimum education, experience, and certification requirements.

• Direct Labor: Individual labor categories or person with associated labor hours and unburdened direct labor rates.

• Indirect Costs: Fringe benefit, Overhead, G&A, etc. (must show base amount and rate)

• Travel: Estimated number of trips, destinations, durations, etc.

• Subcontracts: A cost proposal is required to be submitted for any proposed subcontractor, and “burden” or “pass through rate” shall be clearly stated.

• Materials: Specifically itemize and identify as estimated or actual costs.

Cost proposals shall include the following summary tables in addition to the vendor’s other cost proposal information:

Labor Category (identify)

Hours Unburdened Labor Rate

Overhead G&A Burdened Labor Rate

Totals:

Indirect Costs (%) Indirect Cost Rate

1. G&A

2. Overhead

3. Fringe

4. Subcontractor Burden Rate

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL CONTENT

Offerors may propose one or more R&D projects, as requested by the Contracting Officer after review of White Papers. Proposals shall include:

(a) Areas of Interest – See Attachment A, page 42 of this BAA for Areas of Interest.

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 19

(b) Technical Plan as described below.

(c) Detailed technical approach, rationale, and strategy for accomplishing technical goals in support of innovative claims and deliverables.

(d) Deliverables associated with the proposed research, including those listed below, and a clear description of the results, products, and transferable technology to be developed.

(e) Schedule and milestones for each task in the proposed efforts.

Proposals shall include all proprietary claims to results, prototypes, or systems supporting or necessary for the use of the research, results, or prototypes. If there are no proprietary claims, then the proposal must include a statement to that effect.

Proposals shall include a technical plan for each proposed project, using active voice to describe the tasks to be performed, in sufficient detail to establish the methodology and feasibility of accomplishing the technical approach. The technical plan must, at a minimum, include the following:

1. Project: The improved technologies to be established, expressed in terms of outcomes that are important to the Warfighter, DLA, or another DoD Component.

2. Background: Include any information that is necessary to understand the history and need for the research.

3. Objective: Description of the goal or anticipated achievement.

4. Technical Approach: Detailed description of the technical approach, rationale, metrics, potential application to more than one weapon system, benefits, leveraged or shared resources.

5. Task(s): Detailed description of task(s) to be performed.

6. Impediments or Risk: Description of any impediments or risks to implementing the technical approach and how they will be overcome, including constraints (e.g., cost, schedule, etc.) and assumptions and planned responses for each.

7. Proprietary Data: A description of all proprietary claims to results, prototypes, or systems supporting or necessary for the use of the research, results, or prototypes (if none, this must be stated). Proposals shall indicate by specific marking on each page if data described therein is proprietary.

8. Key Personnel: A list of key personnel along with the approximate percentage of effort to be expended by each person to perform the task(s). Resumes should include description of specific experience and qualifications to perform the task(s) for all key

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 20 personnel.

9. Specific metrics for measuring progress and success.

10. A brief description of the facilities and equipment that would be used for the project(s).

11. Performance Schedule: Detailed realistic schedule and milestones with confirmation of realism to include a Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) chart, Gantt chart or other appropriate format that displays all major tasks, their schedule and dependency relations.

12. Past Performance, Capabilities, and Related Experience: Each proposal shall address the offeror’s prior experience, capabilities, and past performance by including the following:

a. Information pertaining to prior significant and related research or work experience or expertise in any of the listed areas of interest, and the offeror’s track record in the related areas. This should include an explanation of how this experience or expertise will be beneficial to this program and DLA.

b. Five (5) accounts/contracts/projects within the last (3) three years for which the offeror has provided services and/or supplies of a nature relevant to casting technologies. In addition, all contracts terminated in whole or in part during the previous five (5) years, including those currently in the process of termination are considered relevant and the offeror shall provide past performance information for those contracts in addition to the five requested.

The offeror shall indicate the termination type and reasons.

c. At least two (2) points of contact with contact information for each account/contract/project; a description of the service or supply which was provided; and a brief performance history on each of those accounts/contracts/projects; Role as prime or subcontractor; if from a past Government contract, the contracting activity name, address, and the Contracting Officers name, telephone number, and email address; Contract type; awarded cost; price; original delivery schedule; final or projected final delivery schedule

d. Where related research was performed in a contractor teaming arrangement (CTA), provide points of contact for teaming members or partners to include company name, individuals, and phone numbers.

e. A bibliography of relevant technical papers and research published and unpublished, which documents the technical ideas upon which the proposed project is based.

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 21

If no past performance specifically related to the area of interest is available, offerors shall describe their past performance history on projects with comparable major customers and shall include supplemental information similar to that requested above.

Proposals shall include a detailed description of how the contract will be managed and show how the proposed organizational structure will ensure performance stability, reliable customer service, industry relevance, and commitment to DLA and project progression for the duration of the performance period.

The Contractor shall perform functions on approved projects including, but not limited to appropriate resource application, awarding necessary subcontracts, and ensuring technical excellence, cost control, and schedule adherence. Quarterly Interim Progress Reviews (IPRs) and a final review shall be provided for each Project at times and locations as required by the Government. The Contractor shall notify the Research and Development Program Manager of problems and issues as they arise.

Deliverables for individual Projects will include:

1. Study Plans that update and add detail to the effort described in the technical proposal.

2. Monthly technical progress and financial reports.

3. Interim progress briefings or reports as required.

4. Minutes of meetings as required by the Government.

5. Presentation materials as required by the Government.

6. Final summary briefing or report.

7. Any software, algorithms and associated documentation that may have been developed during the project.

SECTION 5: EVALUATION CRITERIA AND EVALUATION RATING SCHEME

The Government will evaluate technical proposals in accordance with the adjectival rating criteria identified below. Technical proposals will be evaluated for an overall technical capability that is feasible, viable, and desirable and describes a project that provides a solution in an Area of Interest identified in Attachment A, page 42 of this BAA.

TECHNICAL EVALUATION FACTORS:

FACTOR 1: FEASIBILITY (OVERALL SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL

MERIT)

How technically feasible is the proposed solution to an Area of Interest listed in Attachment A, page 42 of this BAA given the state of technology and science. The

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 22 offeror must explain the proposed research project and methodology in sufficient detail to establish that the proposed technical approach is innovative, possible, and comprehensive, and that the proposed qualified personnel proposed for the project/task have the expertise and experience to accomplish the proposed tasks. Task descriptions and associated technical elements must be complete and in a logical sequence with all proposed deliverables clearly defined and directed toward a final outcome that achieves the proposed goal(s). The proposal must identify major technical risks and present clearly defined and feasible mitigation efforts.

FACTOR 2: VIABILITY

How viable for adoption and production is the proposed solution to an Area of Interest listed in Attachment A, page 42 of this BAA given existing organizational and regulatory constraints and restraints. The offeror must show how effort’s results would likely transition into an operational capability and demonstrate an understanding of working with DLA and DoD and of relevant DLA and DoD policy. Information technology proposed must address cybersecurity requirements and show awareness of specific requirements (e.g., FedRAMP) for IT in the Federal Government, DoD, and DLA.

FACTOR 3: DESIRABILITY

How desirable to the final and eventual end-user is the proposed solution to an Area of Interest listed in Attachment A, page 42 of this BAA. The offeror must show proposed solution characteristics (low barriers to transition, simplicity, ease of use, physical dimensions, etc.) makes DLA end user adoption of the solution likely.

FACTOR 4: PAST PERFORMANCE/RECENCY

How likely is the offeror to successfully accomplish the proposed work given the offeror’s recent (within three years prior to the date the BAA is posted on https://www.SAM.gov) and relevant (within the scope of the Area of Interest listed in Attachment A, page 42, of this BAA) Past Performance. In evaluating Past Performance, the Government may use information gained from any source. In the case of an offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available, the offeror will be evaluated as neutral, not evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance.

FACTOR 5: COST AND PRICE

How realistic are the costs or prices being proposed and are all costs and prices fair and reasonable.

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 23

EVALUATION RATING SCHEME

FACTOR 1: FEASIBILITY (OVERALL SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL

MERIT)

Acceptable (A): Response demonstrates that the proposed technical approach is reasonably innovative, feasible, and complete and that the proposed technical team has adequate expertise and experience to accomplish the proposed tasks. Technical elements are reasonably complete and in a logical sequence and proposed deliverables are directed toward a final outcome that achieves the proposed goals. Probability of success is reasonable, and the offeror’s response may include strengths. Any weaknesses in the proposal are outweighed by strengths.

Not Acceptable (NA): Response demonstrates generally an unsatisfactory technical approach in terms of innovation, feasibility, and completeness. The technical elements are less complete, and the sequence is less logical, and the proposed deliverables have a low probability to achieve the proposed goals. Response may contain some strengths, but probability of success is low as the offeror’s response contains significant weaknesses or deficiencies that are unlikely to be corrected through negotiations or clarifications.

FACTOR 2: VIABILITY

Acceptable (A): The proposed effort is viable and likely to transition into an operational capability. The offeror demonstrates a reasonable understanding of working with DLA and DoD and relevant DLA and DoD policy. Response may contain strengths. Any weaknesses in the proposal are outweighed by strengths.

Not Acceptable (NA): Viability of the proposed effort is questionable, and it is not likely to transition into an operational capability. The offeror demonstrates little or no understanding of working with DLA and DoD and of relevant DLA and DoD policy. Response may contain some strengths but identified significant weaknesses and/or deficiencies are determined as having a critical impact on successfully fulfilling the Government’s requirement.

FACTOR 3: DESIRABILITY

Acceptable (A): The proposed solution offers evidence of benefits to DLA and has characteristics such as low barriers to transition, simplicity, ease of use, physical dimensions, etc.

that make it likely to be adopted by DLA and industry. Response may contain strengths. Any weaknesses in the proposal are outweighed by strengths.

Not Acceptable (NA): The proposed solution offers little or no evidence of benefits to DLA and has few or no characteristics that make it likely to be adopted by DLA and industry. Response

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 24 may contain some strengths, but identification of significant weaknesses and/or deficiencies are determined as having a critical impact on successfully fulfilling the Government’s requirement.

FACTOR 4: PAST PERFORMANCE, CAPABILITIES, AND RELATED

EXPERIENCE (RECENCY)

Acceptable (A): Response demonstrates generally satisfactory experience which is relevant to an area of research interest in the BAA. Response demonstrates satisfactory past performance in implementing or sustaining systems or processes which are similar to those being proposed.

Response generally demonstrates satisfactory overall past performance as it relates to meeting technical, schedule, cost and/or other objectives/requirements. Reasonable probability of successfully accomplishing the DLA requirement based on experience and past performance.

Not Acceptable (NA): Response demonstrates generally unsatisfactory overall experience which is not relevant in managing and performing tasks pertinent to an area of research interest in the BAA, and unsatisfactory experience in implementing or sustaining systems or processes to those being proposed. Generally, demonstrates unsatisfactory overall past performance. Low or no probability of successfully accomplishing the DLA requirement based on past performance.

Neutral: The respondent has no relevant record of past performance. Respondent will not be rated favorably or unfavorably.

PRICE EVALUATION FACTOR

FACTOR 5: COST REALISM

A cost realism analysis shall be performed in accordance with FAR 15.404-1(d) Cost realism analysis. Realism will be based on an evaluation of the respondent’s cost proposal to determine whether the estimated cost elements are realistic for the work to be performed; reflect a clear understanding of the requirements and are consistent with the respondent’s technical proposal.

In addition, funds availability will be a basis for selection.

OVERALL CONSENSUS RATINGS

Acceptable (A): Response addresses the minimal level of information requested in the BAA.

The Response is acceptable for all evaluation factors. Offeror's response may contain strengths and any weaknesses in the proposal are outweighed by strengths. The offeror’s response demonstrates an understanding of the BAA and ability to meet applicable program objectives and/or performance parameters.

Not Acceptable (NA): Response did not address the minimal level of information requested in

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 25 the BAA. The offeror’s response did not demonstrate an understanding of the BAA and ability to meet applicable program objectives and/or performance parameters. It is unlikely that significant weaknesses and/or deficiencies can be corrected through negotiations.

SECTION 6: AWARD DECISION

BASIS FOR CONTRACT AWARD

The Government anticipates making, but is not obligated to make, more than one award under the BAA. The primary basis for selecting proposals for acceptance shall be technical importance to agency programs and funds availability. Cost realism and reasonableness will also be considered.

Award(s) may be made to one or more responsible vendors when the following conditions apply: