Broad Agency Announcement for Advanced Battle Management Systems (ABMS)

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 05 to the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Call 001 for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2).

• Amendment 01 (8 June 2020): Updated contact information, added Not-To-Exceed amount, added "Section 4: Planned Demonstrations/Exercises/On-Ramp Events", and included model ID/IQ contract as an attachment.
• Amendment 02 (30 September 2020): Updated contact information, revised Basis of Proposal Evaluation, Technical criteria, Past experience criteria, Proposal Due Dates, Award Notices, and updated Planned Demonstrations/Exercises/On-Ramp Events.
• Amendment 03 (15 April 2021): Made minor administrative changes including updating the owning organization, changing "ABMS" to "JADC2", deleting a reference to "BAA Guide for Industry", including Basic NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment requirements, updating due dates, and deleting an On-Ramp Exercise paragraph.
• Amendment 04 (3 June 2021): Updated Primary and Alternate Contacts.
• Amendment 05 (10 Feb 2022): The Government is no longer accepting new proposals in response to this Call. A future Amendment or a separate Call may be issued if additional proposals are desired.

Various sections were affected by the previous amendments, including contact information, proposal evaluation criteria, due dates, planned events, administrative details, and the acceptance of new proposals.

Amendment 05 explicitly states that new proposals are no longer being accepted for this Call as of February 10, 2022. Previous amendments modified proposal due dates and evaluation criteria.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 05 to the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Call 002 for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2).

• Amendment 01 (8 June 2020): Updated contact information and added Section 4.
• Amendment 02 (30 September 2020): Updated proposal due dates and award notices, and updated Section 4.
• Amendment 03 (10 November 2020): Included the BAA Guide for Industry and updated Section 4.
• Amendment 04 (3 June 2021): Made administrative changes including updating the owning organization, changing "ABMS" to "JADC2", updating alternate contact, deleting reference to BAA Guide for Industry, including Basic NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment requirements, updating due dates, and deleting an On-Ramp Exercise paragraph.
• Amendment 05 (10 February 2022): As of this date, the Government is no longer accepting new concept papers in response to this Call. A further amendment or a separate call will be issued if additional concept papers are desired.

Multiple sections were affected by previous amendments, including Section 1 (Introduction), Section 3 (Guidelines for Preparation and Submission of Proposals), and Section 4 (Other Information).

Amendment 05 states that new concept papers are no longer being accepted as of February 10, 2022. Previous amendments modified proposal due dates and other submission-related information.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) between a Collaborator and the Air Force Activity. It outlines the terms and conditions for the transfer of specific "Material" and "Material Information" from the Air Force Activity to the Collaborator for test and evaluation activities. It also defines "Test Data" generated by the Collaborator.

• Agreement Basis: A Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act.
• Parties: Collaborator and the United States of America, represented by the Secretary of the Air Force.
• Material & Information Transfer: Specifies delivery timelines and use restrictions for Material and Material Information provided by the Air Force.
• Test Data Ownership: Collaborator owns Test Data, granting the Air Force a license for government purposes.
• Intellectual Property: Air Force retains IP rights for provided Material/Information; Collaborator owns inventions and Test Data.
• Disclaimers: Material is provided "AS IS" with no warranties; no indemnification is provided.
• Term: Two (2) years from the Effective Date, with provisions for termination.
• Marking: Material and Information will be marked with a specific Air Force legend restricting use and disclosure.

This document establishes the legal framework for collaboration involving the transfer of Air Force materials and information for testing. Bidders should review the terms regarding the use, disclosure, and intellectual property rights of any Material, Material Information, or Test Data involved in the opportunity. It clarifies that the Air Force provides materials "AS IS" and that each party bears its own costs and damages. It also outlines the process for handling third-party requests and publications related to the transferred materials and test data.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) between a Collaborator and the Air Force Activity. It outlines the terms and conditions for the transfer of physical materials and associated information from the Collaborator to the Air Force for testing and evaluation purposes. It also defines the rights and responsibilities of each party regarding intellectual property, data, and the material itself.

• Agreement Type: Limited purpose Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA).
• Parties: Collaborator and the United States of America, represented by the Secretary of the Air Force.
• Material & Information: Defines what constitutes 'Material' and 'Material Information' provided by the Collaborator and how it will be used by the Air Force.
• Test and Evaluation: Specifies that the Air Force will conduct test and evaluation activities with the provided Material as described in Appendix A.
• Intellectual Property: Clarifies that the Collaborator retains IP rights for provided Material/Information, while the Air Force owns inventions and test data generated during the activities. The Air Force grants the Collaborator a license to use test data.
• Warranties & Indemnity: States that Material, Information, and Test Data are provided 'AS IS' with no warranties, and neither party indemnifies the other.
• Term & Termination: The agreement is for two years, terminable by either party with written notice.
• Marking: Appendix B details specific marking requirements for the Material and Material Information provided by the Collaborator.

This document establishes the framework for collaboration and material transfer for research and testing. Bidders should review this agreement to understand the terms under which the Air Force will receive and use materials for evaluation, particularly concerning intellectual property rights, data usage, and confidentiality. It is crucial for understanding the nature of potential collaborations or research activities associated with the opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Commercial Test Agreement (CTA) between the Department of the Air Force, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and a Customer. It outlines the terms and conditions under which AFRL will provide testing services for the Customer's materials, equipment, software, or other items.

• Legal Basis: Governed by 10 U.S.C. § 2539b(a)(3), DoDI 5535.11, and AFI 61-301.
• Services: AFRL makes facilities and services available for testing at a prescribed fee.
• Cost Reimbursement: Customer must reimburse AFRL for all direct and indirect costs incurred. A detailed cost analysis and a Not-To-Exceed (NTE) cost estimate will be provided prior to testing. Payment is required in advance.
• Confidentiality: Test results are confidential and may not be disclosed outside the Government without Customer consent.
• Term & Termination: The agreement has a defined term, extendable by written agreement. Either party may terminate with 30 days' written notice. AFRL may interrupt or terminate services for national security or mission requirements.
• Liability: Customer assumes liability for its employees on Government property and indemnifies the Government. AFRL disclaims all warranties regarding the tested articles or services.
• Appendices: Includes a Work Statement (Appendix A), Statement of Capability (Appendix B), and Rates & Fees (Appendix C), which detail the specific scope, capabilities, and costs.

This agreement establishes the framework for potential testing services. Bidders should review the Appendices (A, B, and C) for details on the scope of work, AFRL's capabilities, associated costs, and payment terms if they are considering utilizing AFRL's testing facilities. It clarifies the responsibilities, liabilities, and conditions for engaging AFRL's services.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides guidance on conducting Technology Readiness Assessments (TRAs) within the Department of Defense. It outlines the process, key players, roles, and responsibilities involved in assessing the maturity and risk of critical technologies for major defense acquisition programs.

• TRA Process: Details the steps for initiating and conducting a TRA, including establishing a plan, forming a Subject Matter Expert (SME) team, identifying technologies, collecting evidence, and assessing technology maturity.
• Key Players: Identifies the Milestone Decision Authority (MDA), Component Acquisition Executive (CAE)/Program Executive Officer (PEO), Program Manager (PM), Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (ASD(R&E)), and SME teams.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Defines the specific duties of each key player in the TRA process.
• TRL Definitions: Provides a detailed explanation of the nine Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), their descriptions, and supporting information for each level.
• TRA Report Structure: Outlines the required components of a TRA report, including program description, critical technologies, SME findings, and recommendations.

While this document is guidance on a process, understanding TRA requirements can be crucial for bidders. It informs them about the level of technology maturity and risk assessment the government performs for critical technologies. This knowledge can help bidders understand the government's expectations regarding technology readiness when developing proposals for defense acquisition programs, particularly those involving new or complex technologies.

Other / Unclassified

This document is the "Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Guide for Industry," Version 2.0, dated March 2020. It serves as a comprehensive guide for industry partners interested in responding to Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

The guide details:

• The purpose and criteria for using BAAs for research and development.
• Definitions of key terms related to BAAs and assistance instruments.
• The processes involved in BAA announcements, including different variations like One-Step, Two-Step, Open, and Closed BAAs.
• Guidelines for pre-proposal communication between offerors and the government.
• The structure and content of BAA announcements.
• Frequently asked questions regarding BAAs, amendments, proposal submission, and referenced documents.
• Requirements for preparing white papers and full proposals, including format and content.
• The process for proposal review and award.
• Guidelines for cost proposals and negotiations.
• Information on feedback sessions and proposal retention.
• Details on various assistance instruments (Grants, Cooperative Agreements, Other Transactions, Technology Investment Agreements) that can be awarded through BAAs.
• Attachments providing graphic depictions of common BAA processes and a sample Statement of Work.

This guide is essential for any potential bidder seeking to understand the AFRL's BAA process. It clarifies how to prepare and submit proposals, what to expect during the review and negotiation phases, and the different types of agreements that may be awarded. Familiarity with this guide will help bidders align their submissions with AFRL's requirements and increase their chances of successful participation in research and development opportunities.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) template between the United States Air Force and a collaborator. It outlines the terms and conditions for joint research and development activities.

• Standard Terms and Conditions: Covers definitions, financial considerations, intellectual property rights (inventions, copyrights, background technology), term, modifications, termination, disputes, representations, liability, and general provisions.
• Joint Work Plan: Details the project description, objectives, parties involved, technical tasks, intellectual property, deliverables, and milestones.
• Appendices: Includes templates for a Confirmatory License and an Annual Report.
• Signatures: Section for formal execution by both parties and the reviewing official.

While not a solicitation, this CRADA document establishes the framework for potential collaborations. Bidders interested in understanding the Air Force's approach to technology transfer, intellectual property management, and partnership terms will find this document informative. It details how inventions and copyrighted works are handled, the rights granted to each party, and the procedures for dispute resolution and information disclosure. Understanding these terms is crucial for entities considering future partnerships or technology licensing opportunities with the Air Force.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers related to the ABMS Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) and the associated Multiple-Award Multi-Security Level ID/IQ contract.

• Proposal Due Dates: Staggered due dates are used to encourage competition and capture new technologies. Proposals can be submitted after the stated due dates and will be considered.
• Contracting: The ABMS Multiple-Award Multi-Security Level ID/IQ contract is a newly established set of contracts for ABMS support, but not the only contract. AFLCMC/CAIO is responsible for integration efforts.
• ID/IQ Ceiling Value: Each ID/IQ awarded has a $950M ceiling value per company.
• ID/IQ Period of Performance: The basic ID/IQ has a five-year base ordering period with five one-year option periods.
• ID/IQ Ownership: The Department of Defense (Air Force) is the owning agency, and AFLCMC/CAIO will issue the contract.
• ID/IQ Scope: The basic ID/IQ scope mirrors the category descriptions in the BAA.
• Multiple Submissions: Companies can submit multiple ideas within the same category. For Calls 002 and 003, multiple concept papers covering different feature sets within the same category are acceptable. For Call 001, once a company is onboarded into a category pool, a new proposal for that same category is not needed.
• Calls 001, 002, 003: These calls have different intents: Call 001 is a one-step proposal submittal for onboarding contractors; Call 002 is a two-step process (concept paper followed by proposal invite) for capturing ideas; Call 003 is a one-step process (concept paper with draft CRADA) for demonstrating capability. Companies can respond to one, two, or all three calls.
• Technical Proposal Format: Specific announcement instructions take precedence over the AFRL BAA Guide. An executive summary is not requested for Call 001. A project schedule diagram is requested within page constraints.
• Pre-Proposal Communications: The government team is open to pre-proposal communications.
• Contract Type: The contract type for the ID/IQ will be determined on a case-by-case basis for each Fair Opportunity Proposal Request.
• Data Assertions: Data assertions for less than unlimited rights should be included in the technical volume and count towards the page limit.

This Q&A document clarifies several aspects of the solicitation process, submission requirements, and contract structure, providing essential details for potential bidders to accurately prepare and submit their proposals or concept papers.

Award / Contract

This document is an Award/Contract (Standard Form 26) for a Multiple Award Multi-Level Security Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract. It supports the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) effort.

• Contract Number: FA8612-20-D-XXXX
• Issuing Office: AFLCMC/CAIO, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
• Administering Office: DCMA DAYTON
• Contract Type: Multiple Award IDIQ
• Period of Performance: Base ordering period of 5 years with 5 1-year options.
• Minimum Order Guarantee: $1,000.00
• Not-to-Exceed Contract Amount: $950,000,000.00

Bidders can compete in the following categories:

• Category 0 - Digital Architecture, Standards, Analysis and Concepts
• Category 1 - Sensor Integration
• Category 2 - Data
• Category 3 - Secure Processing
• Category 4 - Connectivity
• Category 5 - Applications
• Category 6 - Effects Integration

CLINs will be established at the order level using one or a combination of the following contract types:

• CR (Cost Reimbursement)

• CPFF (Cost Plus Fixed Fee)

• CPIF (Cost Plus Incentive Fee)

• FPIF (Fixed Price Incentive Firm)

• FFP LOE (Fixed Price Level of Effort)

• FFP (Firm Fixed Price)

• T&M (Time and Materials)

• Section B: Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs

• Section C: Description/Specs./Work Statement (References Attachment 1 for Basic SOW)

• Section J: List of Attachments, including:

  • Attachment 1: ABMS ID/IQ Statement of Work
  • Attachment 2: Ordering Procedures
  • Attachment 3: List of CDRLs
  • Attachment 4: DD 254

• Payments will be processed through Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF).

• Specific payment instructions will be provided at the order level.