W15QKN-18-R-02RJ- FOA T3.pdf

Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)

Overview Information

Federal Agency Name: US Army Armament Research Development and Engineering Center

(ARDEC) and on behalf of The Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III Office in the

Manufacturing and Industrial Base Policy (MIBP) Office in the Office of Under Secretary of

Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment

Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Army Contracting Command-New Jersey-Emerging

Technologies Contracting Center (ACC-NJ-ET), Benet Laboratories, Watervliet Arsenal, NY on behalf of ARDEC

Program Name: High Strength, Inherently Fire and Ballistic Resistant Co-polymer Aramid

Fibers Project

Funding Opportunity Announcement Title: Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III - High

Strength, Inherently Fire and Ballistic Resistant Co-polymer Aramid Fibers Industrial Capability

Project

Eligible Applicants: All responsible sources submitting a responsive proposal will be considered by the Government.

Funding Opportunity Announcement Type: Initial announcement

Funding Opportunity Announcement Number: FOA-W15QKN-18-R-02RJ

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 12.777 – Defense Production Act

(DPA) Title III

Note: All questions may be directed via email using the title quote mark “DPA Title III –

HSIFBRCAFICP” in the subject line to:

Giuseppe Tropiano Contract Specialist ACC-NJ-ET, Benet Laboratories

Email: giuseppe.tropiano.civ@mail.mil

Proposal Submission (see Part IV of this FOA for APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

INFORMATION): This is a request for a full and complete Proposal based upon the availability of funds, with details of technical, cost and schedule to meet the requirements below.

Solicitation Request: This publication constitutes a special competition as contemplated in 32

C.F.R. 22.320. There will be no other solicitation issued in regard to this requirement. The offeror should be alert to any FOA amendments.

The Government will not issue paper copies of this announcement. The Government provides no funding for direct reimbursement of proposal development costs. Technical and cost proposals

(or any other material) submitted in response to this announcement will not be returned. It is the policy of the Government to treat all proposals as sensitive competitive information and to disclose their contents only for the purposes of evaluation.

mailto:lauren.a.mcdermott.civ@mail.mil

System for Award Management (SAM) Registration: FAR 52.204-7, System for Award

Management (SAM) (JUL 2013), and DFARS 252.204-7004, Alternate A, System for Award

Management (SAM) (FEB 2014) are included by reference. SAM is the primary Government repository for prospective federal awardee information and the centralized Government system for certain contracting, grants, and other assistance related processes. It replaces CCR/FedReg, On-line Representations and Certifications (ORCA) and the Excluded Parties Lists System

(EPLS). By submission of an offer, the offeror acknowledges the requirement that a prospective awardee shall be registered in the SAM database prior to award, during performance, and through final payment of any agreement resulting from this solicitation. The offeror may obtain information on registration and annual confirmation requirements via the SAM accessed through https://www.acquisition.gov or by calling 866-606-8220.

Type of Contract/Instrument: The Government anticipates award of a Technology Investment

Agreement (TIA) under 10 U.S.C 2358. The Government reserves the right to award other assistance instruments, if deemed in the best interests of the Government.

Estimated Program Funding: $40M Government share plus minimum 50/50 recipient cost share to the maximum extent practicable.

Brief Program Summary: The objective of this project is to develop and integrate processing technologies and demonstrate the ability to manufacture a high strength aramid copolymer fiber that is inherently fire and ballistic resistant capable of being made into durable, lightweight, environmentally insensitive materials for personal protective systems against ballistic, blast and flame/thermal threats. The contractor must demonstrate the capability of producing up to one million pounds per year by the end of the program. Deliverables in support of demonstrations and validation of processing and performance metrics will include quantities of fiber, yarn, woven shootpacks and unidirectional layups, described in further detail in subsequent sections. In addition to physical deliverables for demonstration, other deliverables include processing data, e.g.

coagulation bath temperatures, stretching, drawing, take-up speeds, draw ratios, etc.

https://www.acquisition.gov/

Full Text Announcement

I. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A. STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVE/NEEDS:

1) Overview/Background: The objective of this DPA Title III Project is to establish a new manufacturing capability within the United States high-performance fiber production industrial base in order to develop, demonstrate and validate the performance of a next generation aramid copolymer fiber that will significantly improve the capabilities of today’s personal protective equipment across a spectrum of threats faced by the Warfighter today and in the future. The results of this program will enable significant system and sub-system weight reduction, increase ballistic, cut, flame and chemical resistance as well as produce an environmentally insensitive material capable of withstanding extreme environmental exposures without degradation in performance.

The U.S. Army has a need to acquire lightweight, high-performance, personal protective equipment (PPE) to provide to the Warfighter. Improvements in high-strength, inherently fire-and ballistic-resistant fiber technologies are key components of these PPE systems. A next-generation co-polymer aramid fiber would increase ballistic performance over existing high-strength, inherently fire-resistant fibers. The next generation of co-polymer aramid fibers are anticipated to be 30 percent lighter than previous fibers used in PPE systems. Increased use of this type of fiber will save Warfighters’ lives and is essential to the national defense.

Without Title III funding, industry would not develop the manufacturing capability required to meet the U.S. Army’s next generation co-polymer aramid fiber requirements within the desired time frame. Due to the extensive qualification requirements typical for articles providing safety and protection, there is a long delay between commercial development capability and revenue generation. This results in such high financial risk that, without DPA Title III support, commercial suppliers will not establish this capability as quickly as it is needed in the field.

DPA Title III funding is the most cost effective, expedient, and practical alternative because without it, potential suppliers would not meet capacity and performance thresholds necessary for DoD. In addition, use of DPA Title III funds will increase the overall competitiveness of the

United States in regards to this industry, which will ultimately result in a lower cost of this vital product to DoD.

2) Scope: The scope of this project is to develop, demonstrate and validate the capability of producing high strength, inherently fire and ballistic resistant co-polymer aramid fibers in support of next generation Warfighter protective equipment.

a. The offeror will propose how they will develop copolymer aramid fiber properties for 34 grams per denier tenacity using the following recommended industry standards: a minimum 34 grams per denier tenacity when tested in accordance with: ASTM Standard

D7269/D7269M-11, a minimum elongation to break of 3.5% when tested in accordance with ASTM Standard D7269/D7269M-11, a minimum modulus of 900 grams per denier when tested in accordance with ASTM

Standard D7269/D7269M-11, and a minimum limiting oxygen index of

28 when tested in accordance with ASTM Standard D2863.

b. The fiber will be capable of being woven into fabrics and unidirectional cross-plied laminate for soft armor, hard armor backing and combat helmet applications, and demonstrated as follows:

1) For soft armor applications 15 inch by 15 inch shootpack samples made from water repellent treated and non-water repellent treated copolymer aramid woven fabric with a number of layers required to meet the areal densities and quantities will be tested against ballistic test threats. Shootpacks will be developed using the following recommended standards; not to exceed an areal density 0.78 pounds per square foot, a minimum ballistic limit (V50) of 1700 feet per second for 9 millimeter (124 grain Full Metal Jacket) bullets and a minimum ballistic limit (V50) of 1950 feet per second for 17 grain fragment simulating projectiles.

2) For helmet applications, 15 inch by 15 inch copolymer aramid, unidirectional, cross-plied, pressure consolidated panels will be built to the areal densities and quantities tested against ballistic threats.

3) Complete all testing required for verification of AR/PD 14-01

Helmet, Advanced Combat, Second Generation (ACH GEN II) paragraph 4.10.11.1 Ballistic Resistance (First Article Testing) of a size medium R&D helmet shell only.

3) Background: Para-aramids have been used to make body and vehicle armor to protect our Warfighters for decades. The inherent fire resistance and durability of para-aramid fiber and the ability to make fabrics and unidirectional structures are still desirable traits, but there is a need to further reduce the physical burden on Soldiers and to lightweight military vehicles.

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has helped with weight reduction, but at the penalty of using a combustible material and eliminating the ability to make the highly flexible ballistic structures needed to protect Warfighter extremities. UHMWPE composite structures are also known to be sensitive to elevated temperatures found in certain global operating environments which can cause system degradation such as delamination. The high strength fiber manufacturing capacity goal of the

DPA Title III project shall maintain the durability and fire resistance of para-aramids while increasing the thermal stability and reducing the end article weight.

4) Objectives: The objectives identified below in Part II Sections 4a, 4b, and 4d are standard requirements for a Title III project. The objectives identified in

4c are the specific technical requirements for this particular project. The recipient will be a viable, domestic manufacturer who is responsive to customer requirements with respect to quality, delivery, and price.

Attention will be paid to enhancing merchant supplier capabilities to effectively serve the broad DoD and commercial communities.

Substantial involvement by the Government program official will be required through participation in recipient’s or recipients’ periodic reviews of project progress, revisions of plans for future efforts, and possibly business matters. See Part II section B: Deliverable Items.

a. Program Management, Administration, and Reporting

1) Manage and implement the project. Monitor and control the project's cost, schedule, and performance parameters.

2) Establish a cumulative monthly expenditure profile baseline for the government funds. Track the actual monthly expenditures and cost shares if applicable against the baseline and report it to the government each month.

3) Participate on the project's Integrated Product Team (IPT) and interface with Title III project managers and contracting

(agreement) personnel.

4) Conduct regular technical update meetings/teleconferences calls and

Quarterly Program Management Reviews (PMR). Up to two PMRs in any year may be conducted at the recipient's facility, and at least one PMR per year may be conducted at PEO Soldier. Remaining

PMRs shall be conducted by conference call. Key sub-recipients and/or subcontractors should actively participate in PMRs.

5) Conduct a Technical Project Kickoff Meeting no later than 60 days following award.

6) Update and provide the Government Equipment Property List at the time of quarterly PMRs and as required. If equipment is procured using Title III funding, prepare for a Monitoring Phase (MP) after the conclusion of the technical effort to demonstrate acceptable utilization and maintenance of the government equipment in support of the long-term goals of this project.

7) Establish and track Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) with DPA

Title III IPT concurrence. Baseline metrics, and Objective (stretch) targets should be established for at least two KPPs in each of the following four categories: Technology, Manufacturing, Financial, and Marketing. Report KPP performance at quarterly PMRs and as required. Conduct manufacturing demonstrations to validate the baseline and final capabilities. Demonstrations may be conducted concurrently with planned production if feasible.

b. Strategic Business and Marketing Planning

1) Prepare, submit, and implement a Strategic Business and Marketing

Plan that addresses the key aspects of commercial manufacturing facility for co-polymer aramid fiber for use in Warfighter protective items, vehicle armor, and for commercial uses.

2) The comprehensive strategic business planning should cover a minimum outlook of 24 months (estimated), including all financial statements, actual and forecasts.

3) The strategic marketing plan should address current and future customer needs (domestic and foreign, civilian and military) for the co-polymer aramid fiber.

c. Technical Requirements

1) Develop and implement a comprehensive plan detailing all necessary engineering, equipment, facility expansion, sub-recipient requirements, materials, labor hours, and processes required to develop the capability to prove out the next generation copolymer aramid production capacity

2) Install and commission aramid copolymer fiber manufacturing equipment to demonstrate the ability to produce fiber with consistent chemistry, configuration, mechanical performance and application performance (e.g. ballistic resistance).

3) Prototype quantities to validate successful production performance will include fiber, woven shootpacks, unconsolidated unidirectional shootpacks and consolidated shootpacks at a range of areal densities.

4) Independent ballistic testing of prototype quantities conducted at a NIJ certified test laboratory.

5) Establish product specifications and quality control measures to ensure high quality aramid copolymer fiber production.

6) Information reported and analyzed for spinning conditions and the respective ranges include but not limited to spin dope temperature, spinneret hole diameter, coagulation bath composition (% solvent), coagulation bath temperature, post-drawing temperature, total draw ratio.

7) Morphology characterization to include identification of presence of voids at micron and sub-micron ranges, fibrils, variations in cross-sectional shape and radial variations.

d. Data Items: The following are reporting requirements:

1) Recipient’s Progress through regular technical update meetings/teleconferences calls (i.e., fortnightly or monthly as needed)

2) Strategic Business and Marketing Plan (3 months after receipt of

Agreement and semi-annually thereafter until completion of agreement)

An outline will be provided by the government as guidance for recommended structure and detail in the report. The report can be tailored to allow the Recipient's format. One copy of the report shall be provided to the POC (see Part I Section A3).

Report may be submitted via e-mail (see Part I Section A3).

Strategic Business and Marketing Plan submissions to the

Government are exempt from disclosure requirements of 5 U.S.C.

552 (Freedom of Information Act - Exemption 4 thereunder) for a period of five years from the date the Department receives the information. The Recipient shall mark such information with a legend identifying the documents as being submitted on a confidential basis.

3) Property Control List:

Permanent Equipment: If facilities or equipment are required, a justification why this property should be furnished by the Government must be submitted.

State the organization's inability or unwillingness to furnish the facilities or equipment. Offerors must provide an itemized list of permanent equipment showing the cost for each item. Permanent equipment is any article or tangible nonexpendable property having a useful life of more than one year with an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit. The basis for the cost of each item of permanent equipment included in the budget must be disclosed, such as:

1. Offeror’s Quote: Show name of offeror, number of quotes received and justification, if intended award is to other than lowest bidder.

2. Historical Cost: Identify offeror, date of purchase, and whether or not cost represents lowest bid. Include reason(s) for not soliciting current quotes.

3. Engineering Estimate: Include rationale for quote and reason for not soliciting current quotes.

Note: If applicable, the following additional information shall be disclosed in the offeror's cost proposal:

4. Special test equipment to be fabricated by the awardee for specific effort purposes and its cost. Include a statement justifying the need for the special fabrication of the equipment.

5. Standard equipment to be acquired and modified to meet specific requirements, including acquisition and modification costs, listed separately.

6. Existing equipment to be modified to meet specific effort requirements, including modification costs. Do not include equipment the organization will purchase with its funds if the equipment will be capitalized for Federal income tax purposes. Proposed permanent equipment purchases during the final year of an award shall be limited and fully justified.

4) Presentation Material and meeting minutes (As Required)

e. Other Deliverables:

Deliver 50 bobbins at a weight to be determined of non-treated copolymer aramid yarn in a range of dtex to be determined.

1) Deliver 60 15 inch by 15 inch shootpacks of woven water repellent treated copolymer aramid at an areal density of 0.78 psf.

2) Deliver 60 15 inch by 15 inch shootpacks of woven water repellent treated copolymer aramid at an areal density of 0.55 psf.

3) Deliver 60 15 inch by 15 inch shootpacks of woven water repellent treated copolymer aramid at an areal density of 0.33 psf.

4) Deliver 60 21 inch by 21 inch unidirectional, copolymer aramid, nonconsolidated, flat panel layups at an areal density of 1.35 psf.

5) Deliver 60 21 inch by 21 inch unidirectional, copolymer aramid, nonconsolidated, flat panel layups at an areal density of 1.75 psf.

6) Deliver 60 21 inch by 21 inch unidirectional, copolymer aramid, nonconsolidated, flat panel layups at an areal density of 2.20 psf.

7) Deliver 30 R&D grade medium helmet shells at a shell weight of 1.6 lbs.

Vendor(s) selected will be asked to produce and demonstrate shootpacks (at various sizes and densities) and bobbins at a weight to be determined of non-treated copolymer aramid yarn in a range of dtex to be determined.

5) Estimated Program Schedule (60 months):

a. Estimated Total Period of performance (POP). This timeframe consists of an estimated Technical Period of Performance (TPOP) and final report.

i. 36 months

Estimated TPOP: 30 months

Estimated Final Report completion: 6 months

b. Estimated Monitoring Phase (after POP).

i. 24 months

B. REPORTING ITEMS

i. Recipient’s Progress through regular technical update meetings/teleconferences calls (i.e., fortnightly or monthly as needed)

ii. Strategic Business and Marketing Plan (3 months after receipt of Agreement and semi-annually thereafter until completion of agreement)

• An outline will be provided by the government as guidance for recommended structure and detail in the report. The report can be tailored to allow the Recipient's format. One copy of the report shall be provided to the POC.

• Report may be submitted via e-mail.

• Strategic Business and Marketing Plan submissions to the Government are exempt from disclosure requirements of 5 U.S.C. 552 (Freedom of Information Act - Exemption 4 thereunder) for a period of five years from the date the Department receives the information. The Recipient shall mark such information with a legend identifying the documents as being submitted on a confidential basis.

iii. Property Control List (see page 7 above)

iv. Presentation Material and meeting minutes (As Required)

Standard Form 298 “Technical Reports” is located at http://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/download/116146. The technical status report will include the utilization of subject inventions by the recipient and/or its sub-recipients. A DD Form 882 “Reports of Inventions and Subcontracts” is located at http://farsite.hill.af.mil/regpdf/dfars/253/dd882.pdf

C. OTHER REQUIREMENTS

1. Program security classification: Unclassified.

2. Export Control:

a. Contractors shall comply with all U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms

Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120 through 130, and the

Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730 through 799, in the performance of this contract. In the absence of the available license exemptions/exceptions, the Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining the appropriate licenses or other approvals, if required, for exports of (including deemed exports) hardware, technical data, and software, or for the provision of technical assistance.

b. The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining export licenses, if required, before utilizing foreign persons in the performance of this contract, including instances where the work is to be performed onsite at any Government installation (whether in or outside the United States), where the foreign person will have access to export-controlled technologies, including data or software.

c. The Contractor shall be responsible for all regulatory record keeping requirements associated with the use of licenses and license exemptions/exceptions.

D. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY (GFP) AVAILABILITY

The Government does not anticipate making GFP available under any award.

E. RIGHTS IN TECHNICAL DATA AND COMPUTER SOFTWARE

http://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/download/116146

The Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software may be proposed in accordance with DFARS

Part 227. Given the cost sharing requirements for this agreement, the mixed funding for the projects developed under this agreement will provide for the following rights in technical data and computer software:

1) Technical Data: Government Purpose Rights

2) Non-Commercial Software (NCS): Government Purpose Rights

3) NCS Documentation: Government Purpose Rights

4) Commercial Computer Software Rights: Customary License

The Government will, therefore, carefully consider any restrictions on the use of 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.

Technical data, NCS, and NCS documentation developed with mixed funding are expected to be delivered with at least Government Purpose Rights. Offers that propose delivery of technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation subject to Government Purpose Rights should fully explain what 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 process(es) are segregable. The

Government expects that delivery of technical data, NCS, and NCS documentation subject to

Government Purpose Rights will fully meet program needs.

Offers that propose delivery of technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation subject to Limited

Rights, Restricted Rights, or Specifically Negotiated License Rights will be considered.

Proposals should fully explain what 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.

II. AWARD INFORMATION

The Government intends to award a Technology Investment Agreement (TIA) based on the

Department of Defense Grant and Agreement Regulations (DoDGARS), under 10 USC 2358. The

Government reserves the right to award other assistance instruments. The complete version of the

DoDGARS can be found online at the link below:

Under the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations website, use "DoDGARS" as simple search under: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=2edf3936ddd4c10a5c89c1dc943bcd97&mc=true&node=pt32.1.34&rgn=div5

Assistance Instruments: ACC-NJ has the authority to award a variety of assistance instruments.

ACC-NJ reserves the right to use the type of assistance instrument most appropriate for the effort proposed. The offeror should familiarize themself with these instrument types and the applicable regulations before submitting a proposal. Following are brief descriptions of the possible award instruments.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=2edf3936ddd4c10a5c89c1dc943bcd97&mc=true&node=pt32.1.34&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=2edf3936ddd4c10a5c89c1dc943bcd97&mc=true&node=pt32.1.34&rgn=div5

1. Grant – A legal instrument that, consistent with 31 U.S.C. 6304, is used to enter into a relationship:

a. The principal purpose of which is to transfer a thing of value to the recipient to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law or the United States, rather than to acquire property or services for the DoD's direct benefit or use.

b. In which substantial involvement is not expected between the DOD and the recipient when carrying out the activity contemplated by the grant.

c. No fee or profit is allowed for research entities. Fee or profit is allowable for commercial entities performing a commercial service or supply subcontract.

2. Cooperative Agreement – A legal instrument which, consistent with 31 U.S.C. 6305, is used to enter into the same kind of relationship as a grant (see definition "grant"), and except that substantial involvement is expected between the DoD and the recipient when carrying out the activity contemplated by the cooperative agreement. The term does not include "cooperative research and development agreements" as defined in 15 U.S.C. 3710a. No fee or profit is allowed for research entities.

Note: Grants and cooperative agreements are governed by 32 CFR Part 34.

3. Other Transactions:

1. Other Assistance Transactions and/or Technology Investment Agreements (TIA) – A legal instrument, consistent with 31 USC 6305 and 10 U.S.C. 2371, which may be used when the use of a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement is not feasible or appropriate.

Other assistance transactions/TIA shall provide, to the maximum extent practicable, for a

50/50 cost share between the Government and the Recipient of award (Awardee) (as the effort conducted generally transitions into readily marketable technologies with the offeror/performer seeing a near term return on investment (ROI)). No fee or profit is allowed performers under a TIA.

2. Other Transaction for Prototype Projects – A legal instrument, which is in accordance with the provisions of 10 U.S.C. § 2371b, Section 815 of the 2016 National Defense

Authorization Act, Public Law 114-92, which provides the Department of Defense (DoD) authority to enter into transactions other than contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements, the Department of Defense (DoD) has the authority to make awards that are directly relevant to enhancing the mission effectiveness of military personnel and the supporting platforms, systems, components, or materials proposed to be acquired or developed by the

Department of Defense, or the improvement of platforms, systems, components, or materials in use by the armed forces.

a. Other Transactions for Prototype Projects are acquisition instruments that generally are not subject to the federal laws and regulations governing procurement contracts. As such, they are not required to comply with the Federal Acquisition

Regulation (FAR), its supplements, or laws that are limited in applicability to procurement contracts.

b. In accordance with statute, this authority may be used only when:

i. There is at least one nontraditional defense contractor participating to a significant extent in the prototype project;

ii. All significant participants in the transaction other than the

Federal Government are small businesses or nontraditional defense contractors;

iii. At least one third of the total cost of the prototype project is to be paid out of funds provided by parties to the transaction other than the Federal

Government; or

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

Note: As defined at 37 CFR 401.2(a), the intellectual property provisions of an

Other Transaction can be negotiated to provide expanded protection to an offeror's intellectual property. An offeror's cost share may take the form of cash, relevant independent research and development (IR&D), foregone intellectual property rights, equipment, or access to unique facilities, as well as others. The effort covered under an Other Transaction shall not be duplicative of effort being conducted under an existing DoD program.

A. ANTICIPATED AWARD DATE

On or about October 2018. The offeror may be ineligible for award if they do not meet all requirements of this announcement by the award date.

B. ANTICIPATED FUNDING FOR THE PROGRAM

$40M Government share, minimum 50/50 recipient cost share to the maximum extent practical.

C. NUMBER OF AWARDS ANTICIPATED

The Government anticipates making a single award and reserves the right to make no awards, resulting from this announcement.

D. NON-GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL ADVISORS

All proposals submitted in response to this FOA may be subject to access by non-government personnel. Contractors employing these individuals are identified below. The role of these non-governmental personnel will be to function as technical advisors to the Government technical evaluators. These support contracts include non-disclosure agreements prohibiting contractor employees from disclosing any information submitted by other firms or using such information for any purpose other than that for which it was furnished.

CONTRACTOR SUPPORT COMPANIES

The contractor listed below will not directly or indirectly evaluate proposals and are not part of the selection or evaluation process.

ByteCubed

2231 Crystal Drive #401

Arlington, Virginia 22202 info@bytecubed.com

571-336-7225

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS

Leadership of this Institute will be limited to independent U.S. for-profit organizations.

B. COST SHARING OR MATCHING

a. The Government is required to seek cost sharing in the amount of 50% Recipient and 50%

Government to the maximum extent practicable pursuant to DoDGARS Part 37.215 for TIAs. Cost share other than 50/50 requires preparation and approval of a waiver. If the proposal does not include a cost share of at least 50%, provide justification which should address, in detail, factors that demonstrate vested self-interest and/or commitment to the success of the project as discussed in DoDGARS Part 37.215.

b. Types of Cost Share proposed must be in accordance with DoDGARs 37.530 through 37.555

C. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS

Federal Government organizations and personnel may not participate in any proposal prior to award. After award, the awardee is anticipated to interact with federal government organizations in a number of manners compatible with the respective mission.

D. FOREIGN PARTICIPATION:

The recipient of the award will be registered as a U.S. organization.

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. OVERVIEW

The proposal submission process includes full proposals and, prior to selection, may include site visits. Proposals submitted will be in accordance with this announcement. There will be no other solicitation issued in regard to this requirement.

Unless this FOA is amended, full proposals will be due no later than 4:00 PM ET 3 August 2018.

As part of the due diligence process the Government intends to conduct site visits after review of full proposals and a competitive range determination has been made, in order to verify infrastructure and clarify full proposal statements on the offeror’s proposal. This due diligence activity will seek to confirm, validate, and evaluate the claims made in the proposals, review the scope, schedule and budget, and advise the Government regarding how reasonable, allowable, and allocable the proposed costs are. All offeror’s whom submit a full proposal will be expected to cooperate with this due diligence site visit process as a condition for award. The due diligence may be used to help prioritize the proposals and negotiate any subsequent awards.

B. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR WRITTEN DOCUMENTS

Full proposals submitted will be in accordance with this announcement. Offerors may submit only one full proposal. Proposed sub-recipients or formal collaborators may, however, team on multiple proposals. The proposal must be valid for at least 180 days. All proposals must reference this announcement number. The offeror should be alert for any amendments to this solicitation that may adjust submission dates or other submission requirements. All submissions must be unclassified. The Government will not reimburse any cost associated with participation in the proposal process.

The Government reminds the offeror that only warranted Grants/Agreement Officers could bind or otherwise commit contractually the Government. The cost of preparing proposals in response to this announcement is not an allowable direct charge to any resulting agreement (or any other federal award/contract).

C. FULL PROPOSAL: CONTENT, PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION

A. SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION: This part provides information for preparing and submitting proposals via email or on electronic media, to the e-mail address or web address specified in this FOA.

B. SECTION 2 - GENERAL INFORMATION: Any offeror preparing proposals for submission in accordance with this FOA should initially submit the information as described below:

1. PAGE LIMITATIONS:

(a) The following describes the page limitations of the proposal submittal: The full proposal may not exceed 50 single-sided pages. The cover letter, table of contents, tables, charts, figures, other illustrations, letters of support, and biographical sketches count toward the 50-page limit.

(b) The 50-page limit excludes the), the budget proposal, and the supporting budget proposal narrative. There is no page limit to the budget proposal submission.

(c) NOTE: Proposal pages beyond the 50-page limit will not be evaluated or read.

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS: PART V of this FOA contains the required Table of

Contents format. The proposal from the offeror should show the location of each section of the proposal, as well as major subdivisions of the project description.

3. A-1: COVER PAGE:

(a) See PART V of this FOA for the required Cover Page. “Proposals will not be processed without a signed Cover Page".

Note: Should the project be carried out at an affiliate, business segment or other component of the submitting organization, that branch campus or component shall be identified in the appropriate location in the proposal.

(b) The title of the proposed project should be brief, scientifically/technically representative, intelligible to a scientifically/technically literate reader, and suitable for use in the public press.

(c) The proposed duration for which support is requested should be consistent with the nature and complexity of the proposed activity. Where appropriate, contractual awards for periods up to three (3) years (one (1) basic year of performance with two (2), one (1) year options) will be made. Nevertheless, the federal awarding agency reserves the right to make awards with shorter or longer periods of performance.

(d) Specification of a desired starting date for the project is important and helpful however, requested effective dates cannot be guaranteed. Should unusual situations, such as long lead-time on awards, create problems regarding the proposed effective date, the offeror’s technical/project lead should consult the proposing organization's business office.

(e) Should any of the special aspects apply to a proposal, the appropriate box(es) should be checked.

(f) Pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 7701, as amended by the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 [section 31001(I) (1), Public Law 104-134], federal agencies will obtain each awardee's Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)/Employer Identification

Number (EIN). This number may be the EIN for a business or non-profit entity or the Social Security Number for an individual. The TIN/EIN is being obtained for purposes of collecting and reporting on any delinquent amounts that may arise out of an awardee's relationship with the Government.

(g) The offeror will provide their organization's Data Universal Numbering System

(DUNS) number. The DUNS number is a nine-digit number assigned by Dun and

Bradstreet Information Services.

(h) The offeror will provide their assigned Commercial and Government Entity

(CAGE) Code. The CAGE Code is a 5-character code assigned and maintained by the Defense Logistics Service Center (DLSC) to identify a commercial plant or establishment.

(i) Proposals must be cleared through the organizational office having responsibility for Government business relations. An official authorized to commit the organization in business and financial affairs must sign the original copy of the

Cover Page.

4. B-1 & B-2: STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE PREFERENCE: Complete statement of disclosure forms for commercial entities and nonprofits as provided in PART V.

5. C-1: ABSTRACT:

(a) The Abstract shall include a concise statement of work and basic approaches to be used in the proposed effort. The abstract should include a statement of objectives, methods to be employed, and the significance of the proposed effort to create, maintain, protect, expand, or restore domestic industrial base capabilities essential for the National Defense.

(b) The abstract should be no longer than one (1) page and be in a form suitable for release under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552, as amended. The abstract should indicate the effort intended for each 12-month period of the effort, where applicable.

6. D-1: TECHNICAL PROPOSAL: The technical portion of the proposal should contain the following:

(a) The offeror should demonstrate that they have thoroughly analyzed the FOA and provide detailed background information on the issue to be pursued, with particular emphasis on their previous experience in this area. Include a complete discussion stating the background and objectives of the proposed work, the approaches to be considered, and the level of effort to be employed. Include also the nature and extent of the anticipated results and, if known, the manner in which the work will contribute to the accomplishment of the DPA Title III mission.

(b) The offeror should propose a solution/approach that clearly indicates a strong potential to address the FOA. It will provide specific supporting information

(data), and include alternatives and risk mitigators where applicable

(c) The offeror should thoroughly analyze the approach to be taken and shall evaluate potential impediments to success, and shall provide a detailed plan that addresses the major issues.

(d) The offeror should demonstrate the capability to manage the various aspects of the effort to be performed. This shall include a program management structure, a detailed schedule and team member qualifications.

(e) A brief description of your organization. If the offeror has extensive government contracting experience and has previously provided the information to the issuing office identified on the cover of this FOA, the information need not be provided again. A statement setting forth this condition should be made.

(f) The names of other federal, state, local agencies, or other parties receiving the proposal and/or funding the proposed effort. If none, so state. Concurrent or later submission of the proposal to other organizations will not prejudice its review if we are kept informed of the situation.

(g) A statement regarding possible impact, if any, of the proposed effort on the environment considering as a minimum its effect upon water, atmosphere, natural resources, human resources, and any other values.

(h) The offeror shall provide a statement regarding the use of Class I and Class II ozone-depleting substances. Ozone-depleting substances mean any substance designated as Class I by EPA, including but not limited chlorofluorocarbons, halons, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform and any substance designated as Class II by EPA, including but not limited to hydro chlorofluorocarbons. See

40 C.F.R. Part 82 for detailed information. If Class I or II substances are to be utilized, a list shall be provided as part of the offeror's proposal. If none, so state.

(i) The type of support, if any, requested (e.g., facilities, equipment, and materials).

(j) For submission of proposals for Cooperative Agreements describe the following:

(1) how the principal purpose of the effort to be performed will stimulate or support a public purpose (i.e., to provide assistance), rather than acquisition (i.e., to acquire goods and services for the direct benefit of the United States

Government). If the principal purpose is acquisition, then the grants officer will judge that a procurement contract is the appropriate instrument, in accordance with 31 U.S.C. chapter 63 (“Using Procurement Contracts and Grant and

Cooperative Agreements”); and (2) how substantial Government involvement is expected. For example, substantial Government involvement may include collaboration, participation, or intervention in the program or activity to be performed under the award.

(k) For submission of proposals for Grants, describe how the principal purpose of the effort to be performed will stimulate or support a public purpose (i.e., to provide assistance), rather than acquisition (i.e., to acquire goods and services for the direct benefit of the United States Government). A Grant may be proposed if the principal purpose of the effort to be performed will stimulate or support a public purpose, but there is no and/or limited substantial Government involvement.

(l) For submission of proposals for Technology Investment Agreements, describe how to foster civil-military integration under the following: (1) reduce barriers to commercial firms’ participation in defense research, to give the Department of

Defense (DoD) access to the broadest possible technology and industrial base; (2) promote new relationships among performers in both the defense and commercial sectors of that technology and industrial base; and (3) stimulate performers to develop, use, and disseminate improved practices.

7. E-1: BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

(a) This Section shall contain the biographical sketches for senior personnel only.

The following information is required:

(1) Relevant experience and employment history including a description of any prior Federal employment within one year preceding the date of proposal submission.

(2) List of up to five (5) publications most closely related to the proposed project and up to five (5) other significant publications, including those being printed.

Patents, copyrights, or software systems developed may be substituted for publications.

(3) List of persons, other than those cited in the publications list, who have collaborated on a project or a book, article, report or paper within the last four

(4) years. Include pending publications and submissions. Otherwise, state

"None."

(4) Names of each technical/project leads own graduate or post graduate advisors and advisees.

Note: The information provided in "c" and "d" is used to help identify potential conflicts or bias in the selection of reviewers.

(b) For the personnel categories of postdoctoral associates, other professionals, and students (academic assistants), the proposal may include information on exceptional qualifications of these individuals that merit consideration in the evaluation of the proposal.

(c) The biographical sketches are limited to three (3) pages per offeror’s technical/project lead and other individuals that merit consideration.

8. F-1: BIBLIOGRAPHY: A bibliography of pertinent literature is required. Citations must be complete (including full name of author(s), title, and location in the literature).

9. H-1: CURRENT AND PENDING SUPPORT:

(a) PART V of this FOA provides a model format for reporting all current, on-going projects, and pending support for proposals, including subsequent funding in the case of continuing contract award. All project support from whatever source must be listed. The list must include all projects requiring a portion of the offeror’s technical/project lead and other senior personnel's time, even if they receive no salary support from the project(s).

(b) The information should include, as a minimum: (1) the offeror’s project/proposal title and brief description, (2) the name and location of the organization or agency presently funding the work or requested to fund such work, (3) the award amount or annual dollar volume of the effort, (4) the period of performance, and (5) a breakdown of the time required of the principal investigator and/or other senior personnel.

10. I-1: FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT, AND OTHER RESOURCES: The offeror should include in the proposal a listing of facilities, equipment, and other resources already available to perform the effort proposed.

11. J-1: BUDGET PROPOSAL (including DD Form 1861):

(a) Each proposal must contain a budget for each year of support requested and a cumulative budget for the full term of requested support. The proposal may request funds under any of the categories listed so long as the item is considered necessary to perform the proposed work and is not precluded by applicable cost principles. In addition to the forms, the budget proposal should include up to five

(5) pages of budget justification for each year. A summary budget page for each year should be included. The documentation pages should be titled "Budget

Explanation Page" and numbered chronologically starting with the budget form.

The need for each item should be explained clearly. Each direct and indirect rate used in the budget/cost proposal shall be listed in each area of the budget/cost proposal where they are applied.

(b) All cost data must be current and complete. Costs proposed must conform to the following principles and procedures:

Note: Commercial Organizations: FAR Part 31, DFARS Part 231, FAR

Subsection 15.403-5, and DFARS Subsection 215.403-5

(c) Direct Labor: The itemized budget(s) must include the following: (1). Show the current and projected salary amounts in terms of man-hours, man-months, or annual salary to be charged by the technical/project lead/project director (s), associates, postdoctoral associates, graduate and undergraduate students, secretarial, clerical, and other technical personnel either by personnel or position.

State the number of person-hours used to calculate a person-month or person-year. When part or all of a person's services are to be charged as project costs, it is expected that the person will be relieved of their other obligations. For each person or position, provide the following information:

(1) The basis for the direct labor hours or percentage of effort (e.g., historical hours or estimates).

(2) The basis for the direct labor rates or salaries. Labor costs should be predicted upon current labor rates or salaries. These rates may be adjusted upward for forecast salary or wage cost-of-living increases that will occur during the agreement period. The cost proposal should separately identify the rationale applied to base salary/wage for cost-of-living adjustments and merit increases.

Each must be fully explained.

(3) The portion of time to be devoted to the proposed effort, divided between academic and non-academic (summer) terms, when applicable.

(4) The total annual salary charged to the effort project.

(5) Any details that may affect the salary during the project, such as plans for leave and/or remuneration while on leave.

(d) Fringe Benefits and Indirect Costs (Overhead, General and Administrative, and

Other):

The most recent rates, dates of negotiation, the base(s) and periods to which the rates apply must be disclosed and a statement included identifying whether the proposed rates are provisional or fixed. If the rates have been negotiated by a

Government agency, state when and by which agency. A copy of the negotiation memorandum should be provided. If negotiated forecast rates do not exist, the offeror must provide sufficient detail to enable a determination to be made that the costs included in the forecast rate are allocable according to applicable OMB

Circulars or FAR/DFARS provisions. Offerors' disclosure should be sufficient to permit a full understanding of the content of the rate(s) and how it was established.

As a minimum, the submission should identify:

(1) All individual cost elements included in the forecast rate(s);

(2) Basis used to prorate indirect expenses to cost pools, if any;

(3) How the rate(s) was calculated;

(4) Distribution basis of the developed rate(s);

(5) Basis on which the overhead rate is calculated, such as "salaries and wages" or

"total costs," and

(6) The period of the offeror's fiscal year.

(e) Permanent Equipment: If facilities or equipment are required, a justification why this property should be furnished by the Government must be submitted.