Broad Agency Announcement _ TRMC _ TE-ST _ W900KK-22-R-0012

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), W900KK-22-R-0012, issued by the Army Contracting Command, Orlando, on behalf of the Test Resource Management Center (TRMC), seeks offers for advanced technology development in Test & Evaluation / Science & Technology (T&E/S&T) for the Department of Defense (DoD). The goal is to advance technology development for next-generation test capabilities and modernize DoD test ranges and laboratories. This BAA focuses on Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) and Advanced Technology Development for technologies required to test and evaluate future warfighting capabilities, targeting Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 3-6. It aims to fund innovations that could result in higher quality, more cost-effective, and more timely DoD T&E.

• Focus on technologies for testing future warfighting capabilities across Developmental Test and Evaluation (DT&E), Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E), and Live-Fire Test and Evaluation (LFT&E).

• Projects should aim to improve DoD T&E quality, cost-effectiveness, and timeliness.

• Submissions should support Test and Training Enabling Architecture (TENA) compliance where applicable.

• Principal Investigators (PI), Program Managers (PM), or Team Leads must hold U.S. citizenship. Non-U.S. citizens require TRMC/ACC Orlando approval.

• Instrument Type: Any approved Federal contract type, including FAR-based Contracts and Non-FAR Based Agreements/Transactions (e.g., Cooperative Agreement, Other Transactions). Grants and commercial contracts are not considered.

• Period of Performance (POP): Historically, project durations are between 36 and 52 months, with potential for extensions beyond five years if in the Government's interest.

• Multiple awards are possible.

• This is a Two-Step Open BAA process: Step 1 involves white paper submissions, followed by Step 2 for requests for proposals (RFPs) or solutions.

• Submissions can be made via an "In-cycle" or "Out-of-cycle" process, detailed in Enclosure 1.

• For Out-of-cycle submissions, offerors must first contact the respective Test Technology Area’s Executing Agent (EA) via ACC-Orlando by submitting an abstract to assess funding availability and Government interest.

• Evaluation Criteria for white papers: 1) Scientific and Technical Merit, 2) Potential Benefit and Relevance to the TRMC Mission, and 3) Cost Realism and Reasonableness. Factors 1 and 2 are of equal importance and more important than factor 3.

• Eligible offerors include Domestic Private industry (large and small businesses), domestic accredited colleges/universities, domestic non-profit organizations, and domestic commercial and/or nontraditional defense contractors.

• No portion is exclusively set aside for Government entities, educational institutions, or small businesses.

• Federally Funded Research Development Centers (FFRDCs) may respond if specific agency determinations are met.

• Key enclosures and attachments provide detailed guidance on research opportunities, project structure, white paper and proposal submissions, administrative requirements, and templates.

• Communication should be UNCLASSIFIED and submitted via email to usarmy.orlando.peo-stri.list.trmc-te-st-baa@army.mil.

• Export control and security requirements apply, including potential restrictions on foreign nationals and safeguarding covered defense information.

Other / Unclassified

This document outlines the Test and Evaluation/Science & Technology (T&E/S&T) Program's Test Technology Areas (TTAs). It details the purpose of each TTA, the lead organization, and the specific technology domains and major test technology needs within each area. The TTAs cover a range of critical warfighting capabilities, including Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Instrumentation, Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, and Software Intensive Systems, Cyberspace, Directed Energy, Electronic Warfare, High Speed Systems, Space Systems, and Spectrum Efficient Technology.

This document is highly relevant for potential bidders as it defines the technological focus areas and specific needs within the DoD's T&E/S&T Program. It provides insight into the types of technologies and capabilities the government is interested in developing or acquiring across various domains. Bidders can use this information to identify opportunities where their expertise and offerings align with the stated technology domains and major test technology needs within each TTA, informing their strategy for responding to future solicitations related to this program.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides instructions and templates for offerors to submit information regarding their experience and capabilities relevant to the DoD TRMC T&E/S&T Program's objectives. It guides the submission of work history and experience in specific Test Technology Areas (TTAs) and their associated domains.

• TTA Domain Listing: Defines various Test Technology Areas (TTAs) and their sub-domains (e.g., AAIT, C4T, CTT, DET, EWT, HSST, SST, AIST, SET).
• Submission Status & Distribution: Provides guidance on document classification (UNCLASS, CUI, SECRET) and distribution limitations (N/A, A, B, C, D, E, F, NOFORN, FED ONLY, FEDCON, DL Only).
• Instructions for Content Submission: Details how to complete various tabs within the workbook, including:
  • Document Markings Cover: For required markings (CUI, Export Control).
  • Business & Contact Info: Organizational details, core competencies, business type, and contact information.
  • Current Submission Index: An index of submitted responses.
  • Template Tab (template-TTA-D-T#-TRL>ORG ACRO): A replicable template for detailing specific work efforts, including TTA, Domain, Topic Number, Technology Readiness Level (TRL), and organizational acronym.
• File Naming Convention: Guidance on how to name submitted files, incorporating TTA, Domain, Topic, TRL, and security markings.
• Reference Tab: Lists TTAs and their corresponding domains with definitions.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand how to structure and format their experience and capability submissions. It dictates the specific information required, the organization of that information within the provided Excel workbook, and the naming conventions for submission. Adhering to these instructions is essential for compliant proposal preparation, particularly concerning the demonstration of relevant past performance and technical expertise within specific DoD T&E/S&T areas.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the Government's data rights in technical data developed under contract, specifically addressing data developed exclusively with Government funds. It serves as an acknowledgement form that potential awardees must complete.

• Government Data Rights: The Government asserts unlimited data rights in technical data developed exclusively with Government funds, in accordance with DFARS 252.227-7013.

• Offeror Assertions: Offerors may assert restrictions on data developed at private expense, following rules in DFARS clauses 252.227-7013, -7014, and -7017.

• Submission Requirements: Assertions must be submitted as an attachment to the offer in the format requested.

• Acknowledgement Form: Offerors are required to sign and submit the Government Data Rights Acknowledgement form.

• Specific Requirement: Offerors must acknowledge that the Government will receive UNLIMITED DATA RIGHTS on all S&T product deliverables developed exclusively with Government funds.

• Mandatory Submission: Failure to provide and properly sign this acknowledgement form at both the white paper and proposal submission stages will result in disqualification for S&T funding consideration.

• Compliance: Bidders must understand and comply with the data rights assertions and acknowledgements as detailed in the referenced DFARS clauses.

• Proposal Preparation: This form, along with any required assertions, must be prepared and submitted as part of the proposal package.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the requirements for submitting Intellectual Property (IP) / Data Rights Assertions as part of the white paper and proposal submission. It details the format, content, and submission guidelines for asserting any restrictions on the Government's use, release, or disclosure of technical data or computer software.

• Formatting: 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper, 1-inch margins, font size not smaller than 11 point (8 point for figures/tables/charts).
• Submission Formats: .pdf, .odx, .doc, or .docx.
• Language: English.
• Content: Offerors must provide a good faith representation of ownership or licensing rights for all IP used. For items asserted with less than unlimited rights, a short summary describing the nature of the restriction and intended use is required.
• Specific Sections:
  • Noncommercial Items: List technical data and computer software where the Government acquires less than unlimited rights, asserting specific restrictions. If no list is submitted, the Government assumes unlimited rights.
  • Commercial Items: List commercial technical data and computer software that may be embedded in noncommercial deliverables, asserting applicable restrictions. Full license agreements must be attached if commercial software agreements are necessary.
  • Other Award Types: Identify potential restrictions on IP for award instruments other than procurement contracts.
• Format for Assertions: A specific table format is provided for identifying and asserting restrictions on noncommercial and commercial technical data/computer software, including summary of intended use, basis for assertion, asserted rights category, and name of person asserting restrictions.

Failure to provide complete and accurate IP/Data Rights Assertions may render a proposal non-conforming and ineligible for award. Bidders must carefully review and complete this document to clearly identify any restrictions on the Government's rights to intellectual property and technical data/computer software they intend to deliver. This directly impacts proposal compliance and potential contract terms.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the administrative and national policy requirements that must be adhered to when submitting a white paper and proposal. It details formatting, submission, and eligibility criteria for potential offerors.

• Formatting: 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper, 1-inch margins, minimum 11-point font (8-point for figures/tables/charts). Submissions must be in .pdf, .odx, .doc, or .docx formats and written in English.
• Eligible Offerors: Domestic private industry (large and small), domestic accredited colleges/universities, domestic non-profit organizations, domestic commercial/nontraditional defense contractors, and Government Entities. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) are eligible if specific agency determinations are made.
• Personnel Requirements: Principal Investigator (PI), Program Manager (PM), or Team Lead must be a U.S. citizen. Non-U.S. citizens require TRMC and contracting office approval.
• Nontraditional Status: Offerors must provide justification for their eligibility, particularly if they are a nontraditional defense contractor.
• Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI): Offerors must identify and analyze any potential or actual OCIs, including those related to providing Scientific Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA) or Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) to TRMC.
• Data Security: Compliance with regulations for safeguarding Covered Defense Information (CDI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is required.
• Export Control: Disclosure of proposed foreign national involvement and adherence to ITAR/EAR regulations.
• Publication Review: All publications or presentations resulting from awarded work must undergo a government review process at least 30 days prior to dissemination.

This document is critical for understanding the administrative and policy requirements for proposal submission. Bidders must ensure their submissions comply with all formatting, eligibility, OCI, data security, and publication review stipulations. Failure to comply may impact proposal acceptance or award.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Proposal Data Sheet (v1.0) for the TRMC T&E/S&T PROGRAM BAA W900KK-22-R-0012. It serves as a template for bidders to provide essential information about their proposed project and organization.

• Project Information: Includes fields for Project Title, Acronym, Reference Number, and Opportunity Notice Number.
• Technical Areas (TTA) & Domains: Bidders must select the relevant Test Technology Area(s) and Domain(s) from a provided list, aligning with the opportunity's focus areas such as Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence Test (AAIT), Cyberspace Test Technology (CTT), or Space Systems Test (SST).
• Business Information: Requires details on the Type and Size of Business (e.g., Large Business, Small Business, 8(a), WOSB), and Sub-Category.
• Organization Details: Fields for Submitting Organization name, address, contact information (Telephone, E-mail), and payment address if different.
• Proposal Contents Checklist: A checklist for bidders to confirm the inclusion of required proposal volumes and attachments, such as Technical Proposal, Cost Volume, Draft Statement of Work, and various administrative and data rights forms.
• Contact Information: Designated fields for the Principal Investigator and Administrative Representative, including their contact details.
• Contract Details: Prompts for CAGE, DUNS, TIN, Proposed Project Start Date, Total Proposed Contract Value, Proposed Project Duration, and Proposal Validity Period.
• SBIR Information: A specific section to identify if the submission is associated with any Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) work.

This data sheet is crucial for bidders to accurately and completely submit their proposals. It guides the necessary information required by the government for evaluation, including technical focus, business status, organizational capabilities, and contractual details. Bidders must carefully complete all relevant sections to ensure their submission meets the solicitation's administrative and technical requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for a Project Quad Chart, intended to provide a standardized, high-level overview of a project. It is designed to help bidders quickly understand the core aspects of a project, including its goals, challenges, performers, and plan.

• Project Name (Acronym): Identifies the project.
• Programmatic Information: A description of the technology, potentially with visuals.
• Prime Performer & Subcontractors: Lists the organizations involved in the project.
• T&E Need: Describes the Test & Evaluation needs addressed by the project.
• Transition Partner(s): Identifies entities involved in transitioning the project.
• Project Plan (Major Tasks by Stages): Outlines the project's development stages (Concept Formulation, Development, Transition Plans) with key tasks and timelines.
• S&T Challenges: Lists scientific and technical challenges.
• Enables: Describes what the technology will enable.
• Deliverables: Lists technical deliverables.

This template helps bidders understand the expected format and content for project summaries. It highlights key areas of interest such as the project's objectives, technical challenges, planned activities, and involved parties, aiding in the assessment of their capability to participate and in the preparation of their proposals.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a letter of authorization dated March 8, 2022, from the U.S. Army Contracting Command – Orlando, addressed to prospective Offerors under Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W900KK-22-R-0012. It authorizes offerors to obtain quotes from any Computer Hardware Enterprise Software and Solutions (CHESS) contract for Information Technology purchases, which is a requirement for Army end-users.

This letter clarifies that while offerors are authorized to obtain quotes from CHESS contractors, they are not permitted to place orders or acquire items under a CHESS contract until their firm is selected for contract award and a contract is executed. It also specifies the exact wording to be included when requesting quotes and states that the authorization is effective from the date of the letter until the completion of BAA W900KK-22-R-0012 or revocation by the Contracting Officer.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides a template and instructions for bidders to prepare and submit their Cost Volume as part of a full proposal. It outlines the required components, formatting guidelines, and submission procedures for cost proposals, whether for procurement contracts or Other Transactions (OT).

• Cost Proposal Workbook (Attachment 11): Bidders must use this editable workbook, ensuring all formulas are intact for traceability. This applies to the prime offeror and all subcontractors (excluding material suppliers).
• Proposal Cost Narrative: A separate document (native format) limited to 10 pages, providing additional cost details not covered in the workbook.
• Formatting: Standard 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper, 1-inch margins, minimum 11-point font (8-point for figures/tables/charts). Documents must be in .pdf, .odx, .doc, or .docx formats and written in English.
• Content Requirements: The Cost Volume must cover the full program (base + options) and include detailed cost breakdowns by labor, materials, travel, consultants, subawards, ODCs, indirect costs, and fee. Basis of Estimate data is required.
• Subcontractor Proposals: Prime offerors are responsible for compiling and submitting all non-proprietary subawardee cost proposals. Proprietary proposals can be submitted directly by the subawardee via email.

This template is crucial for bidders to understand the specific requirements for developing and submitting their cost proposals. Adhering to these instructions ensures that cost information is presented in a standardized, traceable, and complete manner, facilitating the government's evaluation and negotiation process. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in an incomplete proposal submission.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document is an Excel workbook designed to assist proposers in developing and submitting cost proposals for TRMC T&E/S&T programs. It provides a standardized format for detailing project costs across various phases and fiscal years, ensuring consistency and facilitating government evaluation.

• Initialization: Contains fields for proposer name, CAGE code, BAA number, opportunity notice number, and proposer's internal proposal ID. It also includes sections for defining the organization's business type and estimating small business size.
• Drop-Down Values: Lists valid entries for various fields within the workbook, such as Equipment Type, Test Technology Area (TTA) Acronym, Offeror Business Types, and SBIR/STTR Phase Choices.
• Labor Categories & Rates: Sections for defining direct labor categories, their qualifications and duties, and associated hourly rates, fringe benefits, overhead, and G&A rates across multiple fiscal years.
• Cost Tables (Base & Options): Detailed breakdowns of costs by labor category, subcontracts, consultants, other direct costs (ODCs), material handling, G&A, and cost of money for the base effort and subsequent options (O-I through O-V).
• Supporting Sheets: Includes sheets for Subcontractors, Consultants, Materials/Supplies, Equipment, Travel, and ODC Details, requiring specific cost breakdowns and justifications for each.
• Project Summary & Spend Plan: Consolidates cost data and outlines projected monthly expenditures per phase.

This workbook is essential for any entity responding to a solicitation requiring a detailed cost proposal. Bidders must use this template to structure their cost submissions, ensuring all required cost elements, justifications, and supporting documentation are included. Adherence to the format and instructions is critical for a compliant and competitive proposal. The workbook guides the proposer through the necessary steps to establish the reasonableness of proposed costs, as required by FAR 15.403-4.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "Basis of Estimate (BOE) Desk Guide," provides guidance on how to document the premises and rationale behind cost and price estimates for proposals. It aims to answer key questions for bidders: What did you bid? How did you come up with the estimate? How do you know it is correct?

• Definition of Basis of Estimate: Documentation detailing cost/price development, including assumptions, deviations, studies, and impacting factors.
• Methods of Estimation: Outlines four primary methods:
  • Engineering Estimate (EE): "Bottom-up" approach based on subject matter expert experience when no comparable tasks exist. Requires detailed rationale for materials, labor, and cost calculations.
  • Analogy (ANA): Modifies existing system/performance data from a similar, completed project. Requires identification of the analogous program, its details (contract number, period of performance), and a clear trace of how data was used. May involve "factoring" for complexity.
  • Actuals (ACT): Uses past records of task performance and associated costs. Emphasizes reflecting "should" costs, excluding errors or re-dos. For materials/subcontracts, options include Purchasing History, Recent Vendor Quotes, or Engineering Estimates, each requiring specific supporting documentation.
  • Level of Effort (LOE): A form of parametric estimating, often based on past cost data for repetitive tasks. Typically uses hours and Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) and should be based on a known scope of similar work.
• General Notes: Emphasizes referencing the program and task, listing assumptions, limitations, and justifications, and providing clear, concise, and thorough narrative explanations of the methodology and rationale.

This guide is crucial for bidders as it dictates the required format and content for their cost and price proposals. Understanding these BOE requirements ensures that proposals are well-supported, clearly explained, and meet the government's expectations for estimating methodology and justification, thereby increasing the likelihood of a successful bid.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) process for research and development opportunities, focusing on Test and Evaluation (T&E) technologies for the Department of Defense (DoD). It details two primary submission cycles: In-Cycle and Out-of-Cycle.

• In-Cycle Process: Requires adherence to two deadlines: one for white paper submission and a subsequent deadline for proposal submission (RFP/RFS). White papers are not accepted after the initial deadline.

• Out-of-Cycle Process: Allows offerors to submit white papers at their discretion while topics are active. However, prior to submission, offerors must contact the respective Test Technology Area’s (TTAs) Executing Agent (EA) via email to an unclassified address (usarmy.orlando.peo-stri.list.trmc-te-st-baa@army.mil) to assess technical concept, funding availability, and interest. An abstract using Attachment 13 must be submitted first. Abstracts should not contain Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or proprietary information.

• "Other Test Technologies" Topic: A universal category for solutions not listed under specific TTA topics but beneficial to DoD T&E. Requires abstract submission and initial communication with the TTA EA.

• Abstracts (Out-of-Cycle): Used to gauge Government interest and funding likelihood before white paper preparation. Outcomes may include requests for clarification, recommendation for white paper submission, or, in rare urgent cases, a direct request for proposal submission.

• White Papers: Offerors can submit white papers after receiving a Government response to their abstract. Notification to the contracting officer of intent to submit is advised.

• Opportunity Notices: Issued via BAA amendments (Encl-1.1, 1.2, etc.) for each set of opportunities. Modifications are indicated by revision numbers (e.g., Enclosure 1.1_rev.1).

Not specified in this document.

• Topics are organized within TTAs based on DoD T&E infrastructure investment roadmaps or critical needs.
• The SAM.gov solicitation notice will maintain an index of all issued Opportunity Notices and their status.

Other / Unclassified

This document outlines a phased approach and common milestones for prototype projects supporting the T&E/S&T Program. It describes three Technology Progression Stages: Concept Exploration, Engineering, Integration & Experimentation, and Technology Characterization & Transition. Each stage details typical activities, Government touchpoints, expected Technology Readiness Level (TRL) advancements, and key milestones. The document emphasizes that project stages are conceptual, not contractual, and serve to manage and evaluate technology maturity. Phases and milestones are the contractual units, with awards typically being phased for risk mitigation, starting with Phase 1.

Potential bidders should use this document to understand the expected project lifecycle and technology maturation process. It guides how offerors should develop and communicate their technology progression in the context of contractual milestones. Key aspects for bidders include:

• Phased Approach: Projects will be awarded in phases, with subsequent phases contingent on Government decisions and performance.
• Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs): The document maps TRL advancements (e.g., TRL 3-4, 4-5, 5-6) to each stage, helping bidders align their proposed solutions with expected maturity levels.
• Key Milestones & Exit Criteria: Offerors should note the "Demonstration/completion of exit criteria" for each stage, as these are critical for Government evaluation and project continuation.
• Government Touchpoints & Transition Partners: Understanding the involvement of Government stakeholders and the role of transition partners is crucial for aligning development with end-user needs and test environments.
• Documentation Requirements: Technical report completion, including all technical/software documentation and relevant data, is required at the end of each phase/project.

Other / Unclassified

This document outlines administrative and national policy requirements relevant to potential bidders responding to a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). It covers critical areas such as:

• Disclosure of Information: Requirements for handling abstracts, white papers, and proposals, including non-disclosure agreements for personnel involved.
• Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI): Detailed procedures and responsibilities for identifying and resolving OCIs as per FAR and DFARS, with specific attention to TRMC's policy prohibiting concurrent SETA/A&AS support and technical performance.
• Publication Requirements: Procedures for reviewing and approving the dissemination or publication of information developed under awards, including submission timelines and required content for review.
• Solicitation Provisions and Award Clauses: Notification of potential DFARS clauses related to technical data and computer software rights that may be incorporated into awards.
• System for Award Management (SAM) Registration: Requirement for prime offerors to be registered in SAM for payment eligibility.
• Representations and Certifications: Mandate to complete electronic annual representations and certifications via SAM.
• Intellectual Property: Guidance on government rights to technical data and computer software, and requirements for offerors to assert any intellectual property restrictions.
• Other Transactions (OTs): Information on the authority to enter into OTs for research and prototypes, encouraging non-traditional defense contractors.
• Disclosure of Information and Compliance: Requirements for safeguarding covered defense information, including Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Controlled Technical Information (CTI), and export control considerations.
• Electronic Invoicing: Requirement for electronic invoice submission via WAWF.
• Subcontracting: Policy and potential goals for small business subcontracting.
• Property Management Plan: Requirement to submit a plan for managing government property.
• Army CHESS Program: Information on the mandatory use of CHESS contracts for IT hardware and software purchases.

This document is crucial for bidders as it details essential compliance requirements, potential conflicts of interest, intellectual property considerations, publication controls, and administrative procedures that will impact proposal preparation, submission, and potential award execution. Understanding these requirements is vital for ensuring a compliant and successful bid.