EVALUATION-DRIVEN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY SUPPORT FOR MISSION-CRITICAL DATA WORKFLOWS

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

This SOW outlines a requirement to deliver evaluation-driven, artificial intelligence (AI) applications and systems designed to accelerate analyst workflows for mission-critical data workflows. The goal is to enhance capabilities in areas such as document triage, watch listing, and programmatic enhancement of large datasets, integrating advanced labeling, model evaluation, and iterative development methodologies.

• Develop and deliver AI applications and systems.

• Focus on accelerating analyst workflows for mission-critical data.

• Areas of application include document triage, watch listing, and programmatic enhancement of large datasets.

• Integrate advanced labeling, model evaluation, and iterative development methodologies.

• Ensure AI capabilities are scalable, auditable, and secure.

• The contractor shall establish a metric for evaluating the initial model's performance based on defined benchmarks and criteria.

• A comprehensive testing phase will compare model outputs against expected outcomes to ensure accuracy and reliability.

• Monthly status reports are required, detailing work accomplished, percent completion, funds and hours expended, problem areas, recommendations, and planned work.

• Not explicitly defined in the provided sections, but implies a phased AI delivery program.

• Security: Access to classified information up to the SECRET level may be required. Contractor personnel may need clearance eligibility or to submit an Electronic Questionnaire for Investigation Processing (SF 86). Strict adherence to security protocols for handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and unclassified DoD information on non-DoD systems is mandated.

• Government Furnished Information (GFI) & Property (GFP): The Government will provide necessary GFI and GFP, to be returned within 10 days after task order completion.

• Deliverables: Includes a phased AI delivery program, initial model development, a comprehensive performance report for Model performance (CDRL A001), datasets developed for future use (CDRL A002), and monthly progress reports (CDRL A003).

• Operations Security (OPSEC): Contractor must protect critical information related to operations, missions, schedules, locations, capabilities, vulnerabilities, and systems.

• Distribution Limitation: Documentation will have a Distribution Statement F, requiring further distribution only as directed by the Controlling DoD Office.

Other / Unclassified

This document contains several contract clauses and provisions relevant to NAVSEA procurements. Key sections include:

• Section C (Contract Clauses): Details clauses regarding the use of Navy support contractors for official contract files (C-204-H001), emphasizing contractor consent to access protected information and restrictions on support contractors. It also includes a clause on Government approval not relieving the contractor of obligations (C-211-H018).
• Section F (Deliveries or Performance): Includes the F.O.B. Destination clause (52.247-34).
• Section G (Contract Administration and Payment): Outlines electronic submission of payment requests and receiving reports via Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) (252.232-7003, 252.232-7006). It provides supplemental instructions for invoicing, requiring segregation of costs and detailed supporting documentation (G-232-H005). It also details government contract administration points-of-contact, emphasizing the Contracting Officer's sole authority to change the contract (G-242-H001), and specifies hours of operation and holiday schedules, including delivery acceptance times and procedures for facility closures (G-242-H002). A clause on contract administration functions (G-242-W001) indicates all functions are retained by the PCO.
• Section I (Contract Clauses): Lists numerous FAR and DFARS clauses covering topics such as limitations on payments, reporting requirements, safeguarding contractor information systems, cybersecurity, prohibitions on certain telecommunications equipment, and subcontracting requirements.
• Section K (Representations, Certifications): Includes provisions for representations and certifications, such as those related to telecommunications equipment and confidentiality agreements.
• Section L (Instructions, Conditions, and Notices): Contains instructions for bidders, including the use of the System for Award Management (SAM) and notices regarding past performance evaluations.
• Section M (Evaluation Factors): States that award will be based on Best Value to the Government, considering Price, Delivery, Quality, and Past Performance.

This document provides critical administrative and contractual information for potential bidders. It outlines how payments will be processed, defines key government contacts, specifies operating hours and delivery procedures, and lists numerous mandatory clauses and representations that offerors must adhere to. Understanding these clauses, particularly those related to file management, invoicing, cybersecurity, and evaluation criteria, is essential for preparing a compliant and competitive proposal.

Sole Source Justification

This document is a sole source justification for awarding a contract to Snorkel AI for Evaluation-Driven Artificial Intelligence Development and Delivery Support for Mission-Critical Data Workflows. The contracting activity is NSWC-PCD, Code 024.

The contractor will provide a phased AI delivery program, including initial model development to lay the groundwork for AI development and establish a scoring metric for initial model performance.

• This acquisition will use simplified acquisition procedures (SAP).
• Total estimated value is greater than $25,000 but not exceeding the SAP threshold of $350,000.
• All efforts will be performed and delivered no later than one year after award.
• Funding will be through FY25 OMN.

Snorkel AI is the only source that can meet the government's needs because they previously performed similar work as a subcontractor under a SBIR Phase III contract (FA259520D0001). They developed datasets using their proprietary platforms and systems. Selecting another contractor would require recreating this data, leading to significant cost escalation and project delays.

Market research was not conducted among schedule holders because Snorkel AI is considered the only responsible source. The requirement will be synopsized on Sam.gov as it is estimated to be greater than $25,000.

The Contracting Officer has determined that awarding to Snorkel AI represents the best value and lowest overall cost alternative to meet the government's needs.

This justification does not authorize acquisition for other requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

The Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) intends to award a sole source, firm fixed price purchase order for "EVALUATION-DRIVEN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY SUPPORT FOR MISSION-CRITICAL DATA WORKFLOWS". This procurement is for specialized software dataset support and development using proprietary platforms and systems.

• Specialized software dataset support and development.

• Software changes to perform the requirement without substantial duplication of costs and unaccepted schedule delays.

• Contract Type: Sole source, firm fixed price purchase order.

• Period of Performance: Not specified in this document.

• Estimated Value: Not specified in this document.

• This document is a synopsis and does not contain submission instructions or evaluation criteria.

• This is a sole source award.

• Small Business Size standard: $34 million.

• The sole source justification is based on Snorkel AI, LLC being the only company with the in-house resident knowledge of the source code, message definitions, tools, libraries, and documentation required.

• Destination: Naval Support Activity Panama City (NSA PC), Receiving Office Building 100, 100 Vernon Ave., Panama City, FL 32407.

• NAICS Code: 541511.

• PSC: DA10.