Collaboration for Innovative Research on Aircraft Structure (CIRAS)

Statement of Objectives (SOO)

To foster innovative research in technology and methods for understanding design considerations for Additively Manufactured (AM) Airframe Structures, specifically focusing on developing mechanical properties and design allowables, and verifying predictable performance.

• Address challenges in qualifying AM metal structures, including size, shape, orientation, frequency, location of discontinuities, anisotropy of strength and fatigue properties, and residual stresses.

• Establish that the fabrication process is stable and repeatable.

• Demonstrate that the process can be scaled up for quantity production.

• Develop mechanical properties and design allowables.

• Verify that the performance of the final part is predictable.

• Demonstrate part sustainability (inspectable, maintainable, repairable).

• Provide guidance on design practices for AM parts for primary structures, moving away from part-by-part qualification.

• Initial focus on limited life (attritable) aircraft (hundreds of hours of life or less), followed by typical Air Force operations (thousands of hours of life or more).

• The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) anticipates providing two years of support.

• Funding of up to $150,000/year for two years is available.

• Operations Security (OPSEC) must be integral, with adherence to security requirements to protect sensitive unclassified information and resources.

• Recipient must ensure employees receive training and follow appropriate OPSEC measures.

• Structures Bulletin EZ-SB-19-01, “Durability and Damage Tolerance Certification for Additive Manufacturing of Aircraft Structural Metallic Parts”.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a "White Paper" request, which is the first step of a two-step process under Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8650-21-S-2205, Call 0001, titled "Qualifying Additively Manufactured Airframe Structure (QAMAS)". The objective is to foster innovative research in technology and methods for understanding design considerations for additively manufactured (AM) parts for primary structures, focusing initially on limited-life (attritable) aircraft and later on typical Air Force operations. Key focus areas for AM include part size, shape, orientation, frequency, location of discontinuities, anisotropy of strength and fatigue properties, and residual stresses.

• The primary deliverable for this "First Step" is a White Paper, accompanied by a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost.

• The White Paper should discuss the nature and scope of the research and the offeror's proposed technical approach.

• Attachment 1, Statement of Objectives (SOO), provides further details.

• Estimated Program Cost: $300,000

• Schedule: Total anticipated period of performance is 24 months (21 months for technical work and 3 months for final report delivery).

• White Papers are due by 25 August 2021, NLT 2:00 pm Local time.

• Submission is via electronic means to the listed Contract Negotiator and Contracting Officer.

• White Papers will be reviewed based on scientific criteria to determine their potential to best meet Air Force needs.

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

• The cost of preparing white papers is not an allowable direct charge but may be an allowable expense under normal bid and proposal indirect costs.

• Not specified in this document.

• The baseline BAA FA8650-21-S-2205 contains general requirements for proposal preparation, submission, review, and award administration.

• White Paper page limit is strictly enforced at 5 pages.

• Specific formatting requirements for the White Paper are detailed, including font, spacing, and page numbering.

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment clarifies that the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8650-21-S-2205, "Collaborations for Innovative Research on Aerospace Structure (CIRAS)," is a two-step closed BAA with calls.

• The BAA with calls will be effective for a period of 5 years from the date of publication.

• Calls will be individual solicitations for research issued via beta.SAM.gov and Grants.Gov, contingent on available funding and agency needs.

• Page 1 of the BAA is being amended.

• No other changes to the solicitation are being accomplished by this amendment.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 8 Section L.pdf", provides instructions, conditions, and notices to offerors. It details solicitation provisions that are incorporated by reference and some that are included in full text. It also outlines applicable clauses and specific requirements for proposals.

• Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Solicitation Provisions: Lists numerous FAR provisions (e.g., 52.203-18, 52.204-06, 52.215-01) that are incorporated by reference, with some exceptions noted for full text inclusion.
• Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Solicitation Provisions: Lists DFARS provisions (e.g., 252.204-7019, 252.215-7009, 252.215-7010) that are incorporated by reference.
• Full Text Provisions: Some provisions are provided in full text, such as FAR 52.252-01 and DFARS 252.219-7003.
• Applicable Clauses (L011): Details how contract clauses will be determined based on offeror responses to Section K representations, including provisions related to Patent Rights, Cost Accounting Standards, State of New Mexico taxes, educational institutions, and subcontracting plans.
• Small Business and Small Disadvantaged Business (L021): Outlines requirements for subcontracting plans for offerors other than small businesses, with specific details for proposals exceeding $500,000.
• DD Form 1423 (L037): Refers to technical data and administrative reports to be supplied per the CDRL or DD Form 1423, allowing for alternative offer proposals.
• Access to Air Force Computer Systems (L045): Mandates compliance with specific Air Force Instructions (AFI 33-119 and AFI 33-200) if access to Air Force computer systems is required, including security checks.

This document is critical for bidders as it defines the procedural and contractual framework for submitting proposals. It specifies which regulations and clauses will govern the contract, outlines requirements for proposal content (e.g., subcontracting plans, electronic submission of cost data), and details mandatory compliance measures (e.g., access to computer systems, technical data reporting). Bidders must carefully review these provisions and clauses to ensure their proposals meet all stated requirements and to understand their potential contractual obligations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides guidance and a template for creating a Quad Chart, which is used to prepare a synopsis of a proposed research effort. It is intended to be submitted with a pre-proposal white paper.

• Project Title: Arial 24 point at the top center.
• Quad Title: Second line, Arial Bold 14, including Principal Investigator, intended research area, and Air Force application.
• Sections: All sections of the Quad Chart must be completed.
• Cost Estimate: For pre-proposals, provide an annual cost estimate in thousands of dollars ($K) per proposed year of effort (1-5 years).
• Text Formatting: Except for titles, all text should be Arial 12 point or larger.
• Content Areas: Includes Objective, Description of Effort, Program/Technical Approach, Challenges, Benefits of Proposed Technology, Clarifying Graphics (Optional), List of Related Accomplishments/Research Efforts/Contracts, Major Goals/Milestones by FY, and Contact Information.

Bidders should use this template to structure and present their proposed research effort concisely. It guides the inclusion of essential information such as objectives, scope, technical approach, benefits, and cost estimates, which are crucial for proposal evaluation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides supplemental instructions for applicants submitting proposals for assistance instruments. It details specific form requirements, particularly concerning the SF 424 (R&R) series, and outlines the process for registration and submission through Grants.gov.

• SF 424 (R&R) Forms: Requires the SF 424 (R&R) as the cover page. Mandates submission of SF 424 Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) and SF 424 Research & Related Personal Data forms for evaluating STEM roles and collecting demographic information (voluntary).
• Key Personnel Information: For Institutions of Higher Education applicants, detailed information on key personnel's current and future projects, time commitment, and funding sources is required on the SF 424 Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) form, as per NDAA Section 1286.
• System Award Management (SAM): Applicants must be registered in SAM to apply for grants and funding opportunities.
• Certifications: Registration in SAM includes common Government-wide financial assistance certifications and representations. Additional certifications may be required as an attachment.
• Grants.gov Submission: Outlines the process for electronic submission via Grants.gov, including registration steps (DUNS number, SAM registration, Grants.gov account creation, role authorization), workspace creation, form completion, and submission procedures. It emphasizes timely submission and provides applicant support contact information.

This document is critical for bidders as it specifies the exact forms required for proposal submission, including detailed instructions for completing them, especially regarding personnel information and demographic data. It also provides essential guidance on the mandatory registration and submission process through Grants.gov, including timelines and potential pitfalls, which directly impacts a bidder's ability to successfully submit their proposal.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Proposal Adequacy Checklist" (January 2014) prescribed by DFARS 252.215-7009. It is intended for offerors to complete, providing the location of requested information within their proposals or an explanation if information is not provided. Offerors may also elect to have their subcontractors use a similar checklist.

The checklist is organized into sections covering:

• General Instructions: Verifies basic proposal elements like the first page, identification of Government-furnished material, and disclosures regarding cost accounting standards and potential impacts on costs.
• Cost Elements: Details requirements for disclosing cost estimating relationships, summaries of costs by element, Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) breakdowns, incurred costs, and Government forward pricing rate agreements.
• Materials and Services: Requires a consolidated summary of individual materials and services, including pricing basis.
• Subcontracts: Addresses identification of subcontractor proposals, subcontractor certified cost or pricing data, and price/cost analysis for subcontracts.
• Exceptions to Certified Cost or Pricing Data: Covers submission of exceptions for commercial items and modified commercial items.
• Interorganizational Transfers: Outlines requirements for proposals involving transfers at cost or price.
• Direct Labor: Specifies the need for time-phased breakdowns of labor hours, rates, and costs, as well as Basis of Estimates (BOEs).
• Indirect Costs: Requires the basis of estimate for proposed indirect costs and their application.
• Other Costs: Includes requirements for other direct costs, travel details, royalties, and facilities capital cost of money.
• Formats for Submission of Line Item Summaries: Details formatting requirements for cost element breakdowns, modifications, change orders, price revisions, and incentive contract types.
• Other: Covers incentive contract types, economic price adjustments, performance-based payments, and excessive pass-through charges.

This checklist serves as a critical guide for bidders to ensure their proposals contain all necessary information and meet the adequacy requirements for cost and pricing data. Failure to adequately address these items could impact the evaluation and acceptance of a proposal. Bidders should use this document to self-assess their proposal completeness and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Solicitation, Offer and Award form (Standard Form 33) for Solicitation Number FA8650-21-R-2205, issued by AFRL/RQKPC at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. It outlines the procurement of "RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT" services.

• The core service is "RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT" (Item 0001).

• The contract type is "COST PLUS FIXED FEE".

• Deliverables include a draft and final Scientific and Technical Report.

• The technical Period of Performance (PoP) ends on DD/MM/20XX.

• Draft report due: DD/MM/20XX (30 days after PoP ends).

• Government comments on draft report due: DD/MM/20XX (60 days after PoP ends).

• Final report due: DD/MM/20XX (90 days after PoP ends).

• Contract type: Cost Plus Fixed Fee.

• Period of Performance: Ends DD/MM/20XX.

• Offers must be submitted in accordance with the instructions within the solicitation.

• Key deadlines are not explicitly detailed in this form but are referenced within the full solicitation package.

• Not specified in this document.

• This document incorporates numerous Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clauses by reference, covering areas such as definitions, gratuities, contractor responsibilities, payment instructions (Wide Area Workflow - WAWF), audit, and safeguarding of contractor information systems.

• Specific details regarding the research subject and contract data requirements are referenced in Exhibit A, Contract Data Requirements List, DD Form 1423.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 7 Section K- Representations and Certifications," is a crucial part of the solicitation process. It requires offerors to provide specific representations and certifications to the government. These are essential for the government to assess an offeror's eligibility, responsibility, and compliance with various federal regulations and policies.

This document details numerous Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) provisions that offerors must address. These include, but are not limited to:

• Representations and Certifications: Covering areas such as commercial and government entity codes, ownership or control, prohibitions related to Iran, women-owned businesses, annual representations, and certifications in SAM.
• Specific Certifications: Including those related to independent price determination, payments to influence federal transactions, prohibition on contracting with entities requiring confidentiality agreements, taxpayer identification, covered telecommunications equipment or services, prohibition on contracting with inverted domestic corporations, responsibility matters, delinquent tax liability, felony convictions, and violation of arms control treaties.
• Small Business Program Representations: Detailing requirements for small business, small disadvantaged business, women-owned small business (WOSB), economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB), and veteran-owned small business concerns, including HUBZone status.
• Compliance and Reporting: Such as previous contracts and compliance reports, affirmative action compliance, and historical black college or university and minority institution representation.
• Cost Accounting Standards: Requirements for disclosure statements and eligibility for modified contract coverage.
• Cybersecurity and Information Controls: Provisions related to safeguarding covered defense information, NIST SP 800-171 DoD assessment requirements, and limitations on the use or disclosure of third-party contractor reported cyber incident information.
• Identification and Assertion of Restrictions: Requirements for asserting restrictions on the government's use, release, or disclosure of technical data or computer software.

Offerors must carefully review and complete all applicable sections of this document. Failure to provide accurate and complete representations and certifications as required by this attachment can result in the offer being deemed ineligible for award or lead to other adverse actions. It is critical for bidders to understand which provisions apply to their specific business and the opportunity, and to ensure their responses are current, accurate, and complete. Many sections require checking boxes or providing specific information, and some require referencing their System for Award Management (SAM) registration. The document also outlines how offerors can use their SAM registration to satisfy some of these requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Grant/Cooperative Agreement Award, specifically "Attachment 1" which contains the "Grant and Cooperative Agreement Articles." It outlines the terms and conditions governing the award.

• Award Number: FA8650-21-2-2206
• Awarded To: AFRL WRIGHT RESEARCH SITE
• Effective Date: Not explicitly stated, but implied to be around the document creation date of Jan 29, 2021.
• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated.
• Funding: Details on allocated funding, payment schedules, and invoicing instructions are provided.
• Administrative and Financial Matters: Covers requirements for program management, financial reporting, cost principles, audits, and record retention.
• Technical and Reporting: Outlines requirements for performance reports, publishing project results, and final reports.
• Special Clauses: Includes provisions on intellectual property, inventions, data rights, subawards, executive compensation, and prohibited telecommunications equipment.

This document establishes the contractual framework for the opportunity. Bidders should review the "Articles" to understand the specific terms, conditions, reporting requirements, financial management standards, and any special clauses that will govern the performance of the work if awarded. Key areas of interest include payment procedures, reporting obligations, intellectual property rights, and any restrictions or assurances required.

Statement of Objectives (SOO)

This Statement of Objectives (SOO) outlines the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) interest in soliciting research for innovative aircraft structural design, analysis, and experimentation. The goal is to pioneer transformative aircraft structural technologies and develop the aerospace structures research and development workforce.

The research will focus on the following areas:

1. Innovative structural concepts: Including multi-functional and morphing structures, and embedding components like antennas or sensors into load-bearing structures.
2. Realistic load and environmental spectra generation: Developing methods to combine maneuver, dynamic, aeroelastic loads, and environmental conditions into comprehensive load spectra.
3. Advanced structural design and analysis methods: Optimizing designs for multiple requirements, modeling complex responses to mechanical and environmental loading, and analyzing damage and failure modes in various materials.
4. Experimental validation techniques: Correlating measurements with model results, quantifying uncertainty, and developing innovative testing methods.

Deliverables will be specified in a Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL), with an example provided in Attachment 2 of the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA).

Operations Security (OPSEC): Recipients must adhere to strict security requirements to protect sensitive unclassified information and resources throughout the research and development process. Training and appropriate OPSEC measures are mandatory.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document is a Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) detailing various data items required from the contractor. It specifies the type, format, frequency, and distribution of each data item.

• Data Item A001: Scientific and Technical Reports (Final Report), including adherence to AFRL Format Guidelines and submission of SF 298.

• Data Item A002: Funds and Man-Hour Expenditure Report, submitted monthly.

• Data Item A003: Status Report, submitted monthly.

• Data Item A004: Presentation Material, submitted as required for briefings and reviews, with a maximum of 500 viewgraphs.

• Data Item A005: Computer Software Product (Source Code), to be delivered with the software.

• Data Item A006: Software User Manual (SUM), to be submitted electronically.

• Data Item A007: Conceptual Design Drawings/Models and Associated Lists, requiring approval/disapproval within 25 days.

• Tailored formats are allowed for some items, as defined in specific guidelines or worksheets.

• Electronic submission is generally required, with exceptions noted for final reports.

• Distribution is authorized to US Government agencies and their contractors.

This CDRL outlines the specific deliverables and reporting requirements expected from the contractor. Bidders should review these requirements to understand the full scope of work and associated documentation obligations, which will impact proposal preparation and contract performance.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document outlines supplemental requirements for a Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS) for the AFRL/PZL.

• Disclosure of Information: Contractor must provide copies of information to be released at least 50 days prior to the scheduled release date to the Contracting Officer and Program Manager.

• Communications Security (COMSEC) Monitoring: All communications with DoD organizations are subject to COMSEC review. Contractor personnel must be aware of potential interception and COMSEC procedures, especially when communicating with USAF organizations.

• Controlled Unclassified Information Submission: Such information must be submitted via USPS mail or electronically through controlled means, including the SAFE website, DOD encryption wizard, or via encrypted email with a DOD-approved PKI certificate.

• Key Positions and Minimum Qualifications: Specific job titles and minimum qualifications (education, experience) for essential personnel will be listed. Any proposed substitutions require prior written approval from the Contracting Officer.

• Packaging and Marking: Hardware deliverables must be packaged according to commercial practices. Special handling instructions require specific bold lettering on boxes/crates and immediate contact with the Technical Project Officer.

• Program Management: Program Manager and Focal Points (Principal Investigator, Technical Contract Manager) are identified (TBD).

• Base Support: The Government may provide base support (working space, phones, network access, etc.) on a rent-free, non-interference basis. Inadequacies or non-availability of support must be reported immediately. Facilities are not to be purchased by the contractor without prior approval. Base support is provided at Building 65, WPAFB, OH 45433.

• Implementation of Patent Rights: Requirements for reporting inventions and subcontracts are detailed, including the use of DD Form 882 and submission of specific invention details.

• Non-US Citizens: Contractor employees requiring access to USAF bases, AFRL facilities, or U.S. Government IT networks must be U.S. citizens. Permanent resident cards do not equate to U.S. citizenship. Exceptions apply for foreign nationals under international exchange agreements or dual citizens. Waivers require written approval from the Contracting Officer. IT network access requirements are also detailed.

• Fundamental Research: DFARS 252.204-7000 applies, allowing release of information related to fundamental research, provided it remains in the public domain and is not sensitive. This exception ceases if work becomes non-public or sensitive.

• Base support is provided at Building 65, WPAFB, OH 45433.

• Compliance with DFARS 252.204-7000.

• Adherence to COMSEC procedures.

• Specific methods for submitting Controlled Unclassified Information.

• U.S. citizenship requirement for personnel accessing bases/networks, with specific waiver conditions.

• Reporting of inventions and subcontracts.

• Immediate reporting of base support issues.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is an Initial Announcement for a Two-Step Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) with Calls (FA8650-21-S-2205) from the Air Force Research Laboratory, Aerospace Systems Directorate, Aerospace Vehicles Division (AFRL/RQV). The BAA aims to advance technology and knowledge in aircraft structural design, analysis, and experimentation. It will be effective for six years from the publication date, with individual research solicitations (Calls) to be issued on beta.SAM.gov and Grants.Gov.

The research effort focuses on:

• Innovative structural concepts for reducing weight and/or improving performance.

• Generation of realistic load and environmental spectra.

• Advanced structural design and analysis methods.

• Advanced techniques for experimental validation of structural models and simulations. Deliverables include data items as specified in DD Form 1423-1 CDRLs, with software, hardware, and other items to be determined per individual Call.

• The contract type will be determined by the Air Force, potentially including FAR or Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype, grant, cooperative agreement, or OT for Research. Awards are anticipated to be Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) or Cooperative Agreement.

• Estimated program funding is $6M, with individual Call funding to be specified.

• Period of performance is 6 years from publication.

• Step 1: Offerors submit a white paper (5 pages max) and a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost. White papers will be reviewed based on technical approach, interest to the Government, and funding availability.

• Step 2: Offerors whose white papers are selected will be invited to submit a technical and cost proposal. Proposal due dates will be provided in individual Calls.

• Evaluation criteria for proposals include Technical (equal order of importance) and Cost/Price (second order of priority).

• This is an unrestricted solicitation; small businesses are encouraged to propose.

• Cost sharing is not required but allowed.

• Offerors should monitor beta.SAM.gov and Grants.Gov for individual Calls.

• Export control regulations may apply; a Certified DD Form 2345 may be required.

• Government Furnished Property (GFP) is not anticipated, but base support (workspace, phones, network access, etc.) will be provided.