DLA Emergent IV Research and Development Program
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has issued the Emergent IV Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Research and Development (R&D), seeking scientific study and experimentation to advance the state-of-the-art in various Areas of Interest (AOIs). This BAA is open for five years (from March 2023) with a ceiling of $125 million. A specific J6 Hackathon initiative, focused on AI/ML, has defined deadlines: White Papers due April 26, 2024, Full Technical and Cost Proposals due May 22, 2024, and In-person Demonstrations on June 24, 2024. The Contracting Officer's notification of award for the Hackathon is anticipated by September 20, 2024.
Purpose & Scope
This BAA addresses DLA's need for R&D in areas not covered by annual planning. Interested parties submit White Papers related to specific AOIs. If a White Paper is of sufficient interest, DLA may request technical and cost proposals. The BAA's Areas of Interest include:
- Medical Logistics
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Emerging Technologies
- Smart Connected Logistics
- Anti-counterfeiting Technical Solutions
- Energy Research Program (including Operational Energy Integration)
- Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Applications (including Generative AI)
- Lithium Battery Deactivation
- Blockchain Logistics
- Edge Computing
- Human-Machine Teaming (for Disposition Services Warehouse Management, Document Services Management, Troop Support Construction and Barrier, and Troop Support as Executive Agent for Construction and Equipment (Class IV), plus new AOIs for Shelf Life/CSA Cement and Seals for Tamper Detection)
- Critical Emerging Technologies Transition and Adoption
J6 Hackathon Initiative
A specific Hackathon, based on the AI/ML AOI, aims to apply capabilities to an R&D Pilot prototype. Vendors can select one subtopic for the White Paper but must address all 14 work areas in subsequent technical proposals. A Situational Reporting (SITREP) use case will be provided to selected vendors for demonstration. NIST 800-171 compliance is required for non-federal organizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). DLA is cloud agnostic.
Contract Details
- Type: Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for R&D, contemplating cost-type contracts (cost, cost-sharing, cost-plus-fixed-fee). Fixed-price contracts may be considered. The Government reserves the right to issue Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) awards.
- Duration: Open for five years (from March 2023).
- Ceiling: $125,000,000.00
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Intellectual Property & Data Rights: Detailed DFARS and FAR clauses are incorporated, requiring offerors to identify any restrictions on technical data or computer software.
- Project Transition: A project transition process (B.10) is included, requiring contractors to submit transition plans for review.
Submission & Evaluation
- White Papers: Initial submissions describing projects related to an AOI. DLA may request additional information after review before inviting technical proposals. Eligibility requirements include "contractor/subcontractor foreign affiliations."
- Technical & Cost Proposals: Requested only after a White Paper is deemed of sufficient interest.
- Hackathon Specific Deadlines:
- White Papers Due: April 26, 2024
- Full Technical and Cost Proposals Due: May 22, 2024
- In-person Demonstrations: June 24, 2024
- Contracting Officer Notification of Award: September 20, 2024
- Evaluation: Based on technical importance, funds availability, cost realism, and reasonableness. Technical proposals are evaluated on Scientific and Technical Merit, Viability, Desirability, Past Performance, Capabilities, and Related Experience.
Contact Information
Questions should be directed to RANDD.DCSO@dla.mil with the subject "Emergent IV BAA Questions." The BAA Point of Contact is Sara Cepeda (sara.cepeda@dla.mil).