CHEERS MAA Open Period 3 - All Technical Areas, 10 U.S.C 3458 - Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation, "Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring and Sustaining (CHEERS) Open Period Solicitation 3 – All Technical Areas," is issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM). It seeks innovative solutions or capabilities to fulfill requirements, close capability gaps, or provide technological advancements related to the MAA SOOS. The government aims to partner with industry to bring innovative solutions that accelerate mission efficiency and effectiveness. Awards and agreements will be issued for "innovative solutions" as defined by DFARS 212.7001.

• The solicitation is for "innovative solutions" which can include technology, processes, or methods, including research and development.

• Deliverables include Data Items, Software, Hardware, and Other items, all currently TBD.

• Program Security Classification is TBD.

• Export Control details are TBD.

• Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) may apply to FAR-based awards.

• Science and Technology (S&T) Protection requirements are detailed in the CHEERS MAA Industry Guide.

• Government Furnished Property (GFP) Availability details are in the CHEERS MAA.

• Base Support/Network Access details are in the CHEERS MAA.

• Data Rights Desired include Unlimited Rights for Other Than Commercial Technical Data, Computer Software, and Software Documentation, and Customary Commercial Licenses for Commercial Computer Software.

• Military Equipment Valuation, Human or Animal Subject Use, Hazardous or Radioactive Materials, Ozone Depleting Substances, and Ground or Flight Testing are TBD, dependent upon the proposed approach.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price, in accordance with FAR Part 12. The Air Force also reserves the right to award an Other Transaction (OT) under 10 U.S.C. 4021 & 10 U.S.C. 4022.

• Period of Performance: TBD.

• Estimated Program Cost: TBD. The total value of all awards under this solicitation will not exceed $80.12M.

• Anticipated Number of Awards: TBD, with multiple awards anticipated.

• Cost Sharing or Matching: Not required.

• This is a Two-Step Process. Only White Papers are being solicited at this time.

• Step 1 (White Paper) Submission Due Date: White papers accepted through September 30, 2028.

• Step 2 (Proposal) Due Date: To be provided in the Request for Proposals (RFP) sent to offerors whose white papers are selected.

• White Paper Review Criteria (in descending order of importance): Technical approach meeting the definition of innovative, consistency with SOOs, interest to the 711 Human Performance Wing, and Affordability (Proposed ROM cost estimate).

• Proposal Review Criteria: Technical (innovative solutions, understanding of scope, soundness of approach) is the first priority, followed by Price (realism of proposed cost) as the second priority.

• Review and Selection Process: Proposals will be categorized as Selectable or Not Selectable based on Peer or Scientific Review, agency needs, and funding availability.

• Not applicable for multiple awards subject to Fair Opportunity.

• All terms of the MAA and Industry Guide apply unless specifically addressed in this Call.

• Offerors submitting white papers assessed as meeting Air Force needs will be asked to submit a technical and cost proposal.

• An offeror submitting a proposal without first submitting a white paper will not be eligible for an award.

• The cost of preparing white papers is not considered an allowable direct charge but may be an allowable indirect cost.

• Attachment 1: Representative List of Provisions and Clauses is provided for informational purposes.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 01 to solicitation FA238424S2336. It incorporates by reference a list of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) solicitation provisions. It also includes certain FAR solicitation provisions in full text.

• Section K - Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of Offerors

This amendment does not appear to alter submission deadlines or evaluation criteria. It primarily serves to update and specify the relevant solicitation provisions that offerors must adhere to.