Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Battery Network (BATTNET)

Amendment / Modification

This amendment modifies the "Emergent IV BAA0006-21" dated September 02, 2021.

• Eligibility Requirements (Section B.1): The eligibility criteria have been revised. The original text is removed, and a new section is added that includes "contractor/ subcontractor foreign affiliations" as a minimum standard to be met upon submission.

• White Papers (Part III, Section D): The section regarding White Papers has been revised. The original text is removed and replaced with new wording. The revised text states that White Papers will be reviewed "against the topic" to determine feasibility, viability, compatibility with DoD constraints, and interest to DLA, rather than simply being reviewed to determine feasibility and viability.

• Section B.1. Eligibility

• Part III, General Information, Section D "White Papers"

• The amendment does not explicitly state a change to proposal deadlines. However, bidders should review the revised eligibility criteria and the updated White Paper review process to ensure their proposals are compliant.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis and Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for research and development (R&D) in battery technology, issued by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). The BAA aims to advance the Department of Defense's (DoD) battery logistics by leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies for the U.S. industrial base. The objective is to improve battery manufacturing, production, and supply chain for military applications, leading to enhanced performance, quality, safety, availability, and reduced costs. The BAA will remain open for five years with a ceiling of $20 million, with funding established against individual contracts. No other solicitation will be issued.

The BAA seeks R&D solutions in the following areas:

• Manufacturing and Automation Innovations: Advances in fabrication, assembly, and testing to reduce costs and lead times.

• Optimization of Design for Manufacturability: Improving battery design for easier production and reduced part count.

• Process Improvements: Innovations in quality control, validation, and lean manufacturing.

• Advancement of Manufacturing Readiness for Alternative Supplies: Developing alternative sources for battery components.

• Improvements to the Domestic Battery Supply Chain: Ensuring economic and available supply chains, including domestic sourcing.

• Transfer Commercial Technology for Use in DLA Batteries: Adapting commercial battery technologies for military use.

• Battery Standardization: Implementing standardized parts and designs to reduce costs and complexity.

• Supply Chain Management Improvement: Innovations in procurement, storage, distribution, and disposition of batteries.

• Contract Type: DLA intends to award cost-reimbursement contracts. Other contract types may be considered if in the best interest of the Government. Submittals based on contract types other than cost-type or fixed-price will be rejected.

• Period of Performance: Proposed projects should have a period of performance of 6 to 24 months.

• Estimated Value: The BAA has a ceiling of $20 million. White paper submissions with a total cost exceeding $2 million will not be considered. Major equipment purchases will not be funded by DLA.

• Process:

  • STEP I: Submission of White Paper.
  • STEP II: Submission of a technical proposal (only if requested by the DLA Contracting Officer).
  • STEP III: Submission of a cost proposal (only if requested).

• White Paper Submission: Must follow a specific format, not exceeding seven pages (excluding cover page). White papers are reviewed for technical feasibility and interest to DLA, not evaluated for award.

• Technical Proposal Evaluation: Based on Overall Scientific and Technical Merit, Viability, Desirability, and Past Performance, Capabilities, and Related Experience.

• Cost/Price Proposal Evaluation: Based on Cost Realism.

• Key Deadlines: DLA will attempt to reply to White Papers within thirty calendar days after receipt.

• Respondents must meet minimum standards for financial resources, accounting systems, performance schedules, past performance, integrity, organization, experience, operational controls, technical skills, facilities, and equipment.

• No specific set-asides are mentioned; however, subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are emphasized.

• Source Selection markings are required for all submitted documents.

• Subcontracting plans are required for large businesses and non-profits with contract awards exceeding $750,000.