Experiments, Prototypes, Research, and Evaluation Supporting Systems (EXPRESS)

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a "Closed Call" (Call 001) under the Hybrid Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) FA8650-22-S-5004, specifically focused on "Nuclear, Electromagnetic, & Laser Survivability Assessment and Enhancement." The government is procuring services to evaluate and enhance the resilience of systems or infrastructure against nuclear, electromagnetic, and laser threats. This is a one-step Call.

• Evaluate nuclear, electromagnetic, and laser resilience of multiple systems/infrastructure.

• Identify vulnerabilities and propose/develop/transition measures to enhance survivability.

• Conduct site visits, review documentation, and perform various analyses (electromagnetic vulnerability, laser vulnerability, nuclear (RF) vulnerability).

• Evaluate current shielding, grounding, bonding, and protection measures.

• Develop recommendations and countermeasures, including design modifications and advanced materials solutions.

• Provide cost estimates and technical feasibility assessments for countermeasures.

• Prepare a comprehensive report including an executive summary, findings, recommendations, cost estimates, and implementation roadmap.

• Deliverables include a Statement of Objectives (SOO) and potentially prototypes, as detailed in the Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL).

• Period of Performance: 57 months for technical effort, plus 3 months for report finalization, totaling 60 months.

• Estimated Funding: $49,000,000. Funding is subject to change.

• Anticipated Contract Type: Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) and/or Firm Fixed Price (FFP).

• Anticipated Number of Awards: One (1).

• Proposal Due Date and Time: August 20, 2024, 4:00 p.m. Wright-Patterson AFB, OH local time.

• Submission Method: Electronic proposals via DoD SAFE (primary) and email (backup).

• Offerors must refer to ARA FA8650-22-S-5004 and its Amendments.

• Technical/Management Proposal and Cost/Business Proposal are required.

• A Certified DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, will be required.

• Not explicitly stated in this document, but refer to ARA FA8650-22-S-5004 for details.

• Minimum classification for contractors is Top Secret; maximum anticipated is Top Secret/SCI/SAP.

• Strict confidentiality, NDA, and data rights (Unlimited Rights for technical data and software) are required.

• Offerors must comply with safety, security, OPSEC, and CUI requirements.

• Contact POCs for contracting and technical questions are provided.

Other / Unclassified

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This document does not contain substantive information relevant to the SAM.gov opportunity. It is a technical message related to PDF rendering and does not provide details about the solicitation, requirements, or submission process.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document details the Government Furnished Property (GFP) and Base Support that may be provided to an offeror for the performance of a contract. It outlines the "no charge-for-use" basis for various facilities, services, and equipment available through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Materials and Manufacturing Directorate.

• Government Furnished Property (GFP): Not anticipated, but may be negotiated if work is performed off-base and in the government's best interest.
• Base Support: Offerors are encouraged to utilize existing AFRL/RX facilities and support to avoid duplicating costs.
• Facilities Provided (No Charge):
  • AFRL/RXN facilities (Building 655 and specific rooms in Building 654) for proposed work.
  • Specific laboratories including Electromagnetic Characterization, Multifunctional Structural Materials, Dielectric Cure Monitoring, Additive Materials, Mechanical Testing, and Resin Modification.
  • Other services and equipment from the Composite, Ceramic, Metallic & Materials Performance Division (AFRL/RXN) and Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (AFRL/RX), such as LHMEL, machine shop, PMEL, chemical analysis, and various microscopy and characterization facilities.
  • Office space with furniture, telephone, computer, and printing equipment.
  • Limited reproduction facilities.
  • Access to Air Force Research Laboratory DoD Supercomputing Resource Center (DSRC) and AFRL/RX computers.
  • Technical Library services including borrowing materials, interlibrary loans, ordering tech reports, duplication, and online literature searching.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the resources available to them at no cost, which can significantly impact their proposal preparation, cost estimations, and overall approach to fulfilling contract requirements. It highlights the government's intent to leverage existing infrastructure and support services.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document is a Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) that specifies various data items required from the contractor under contract FA2394-24-C-B0, referencing the CSOW (Contracting Officer's Statement of Work). It details the types of reports and materials the contractor must submit, their format, frequency, and distribution.

• Data Item A001: SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL REPORTS (Final Report): Requires a final report conforming to AFRL Format Guidelines, including an SF 298. If data is delivered with less-than-unlimited rights, it must be marked. CUI markings are required if applicable. Distribution is restricted.
• Data Item A002: FUNDS AND MAN-HOUR EXPENDITURE REPORT: Submitted monthly, tailored to contractor's format. Distribution is authorized to US Government agencies only and must be submitted electronically, encrypted or password protected.
• Data Item A003: CONTRACT FUNDS STATUS REPORT (CFSR): Submitted quarterly, tailored to contractor's format with forecasts. Data must be reconciled to the Government's fiscal year. Distribution is authorized to US Government agencies only and must be submitted electronically, encrypted or password protected.
• Data Item A004: STATUS REPORT: Submitted monthly, tailored to contractor's format. Distribution is authorized to DoD and US DOD contractors only and must be submitted electronically, encrypted or password protected.
• Data Item A005: PRESENTATION MATERIAL: Submitted as required for briefings and reviews. Maximum of 1000 view graphs. Reproducible on media compatible with MS-Office. Distribution authorized to DoD and US DOD contractors only and must be submitted electronically, encrypted or password protected.
• Data Item A006: SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL REPORTS (Interim Report): Submitted quarterly, tailored to contractor's format. The Government will forward approved interim reports to DTIC. Distribution authorized to DoD and US DOD contractors only and must be submitted electronically, encrypted or password protected.
• Data Item A007: TEST PLAN: Submitted as required to document testing plans. Approval/disapproval required from the Air Force Program Manager. Testing begins only after a notice to proceed. Distribution authorized to DoD and US DOD contractors only and must be submitted electronically, encrypted or password protected.
• Data Item A008: CONTRACTOR'S DATA MANAGEMENT PLAN (CDMP): Tailored to contractor's format. Distribution authorized to DoD and US DOD contractors only and must be submitted electronically, encrypted or password protected.

This document outlines the specific reporting and documentation requirements for the contractor. Bidders must understand these deliverables, their formats, frequencies, and submission methods to accurately estimate costs and plan for contract execution. The distribution statements and security requirements for electronic submissions are also critical for compliance.

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment updates the Contracting Point of Contact (POC) established in the original Advanced Research Announcement (ARA).

• It revises the ARA under the "Overview Information" section.

• "Overview Information" section of the ARA.

• The submission process remains the same: electronic white papers/proposals via DoD SAFE.

• Documents must be labeled uniformly as "CompanyName – Document Name – Date of Document".

• If revisions are needed, a new link must be requested and the proposal resubmitted in full.

• Proposals must be submitted to the new Contracting POC: Ms. Gabrielle Sherer, AFRL/RXKMC, gabrielle.sherer@us.af.mil.

• Contracting questions should be addressed to Mr. Mark Smith, AFRL/RXKMC, 2130 8th Street, Building 45, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7541, mark.smith.142@us.af.mil.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "Proposal Adequacy Checklist" (JAN 2014) as prescribed in 215.408(5). It is intended to guide offerors in preparing their proposals by ensuring all required information is included and properly located. Offerors must complete this checklist, indicating the location of requested information or explaining why it is not provided. Prospective subcontractors may use a similar checklist.

The checklist is organized into sections covering:

• General Instructions: Verifies the completeness of the proposal's first page, identification of Government-furnished material/tooling/test equipment, and disclosures related to Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).
• Cost or Pricing Data Disclosure: Addresses the disclosure of other known activities impacting costs, indexing of certified cost or pricing data, exceptions to submission, judgmental factors, contingencies, cost estimating relationships, cost breakdowns, and incurred costs.
• Materials and Services: Requires a consolidated Bill of Material (CBOM) and pricing basis.
• Subcontracts: Inquires about identification of subcontractors requiring field pricing analysis, submission of subcontractor certified cost or pricing data, and price/cost analysis.
• Exceptions to Certified Cost or Pricing Data: Details requirements for identifying commercial item claims and modifications.
• Interorganizational Transfers: Covers cost proposals for transfers at cost and analysis for transfers at price.
• Direct Labor: Requires time-phased breakdowns of labor hours, rates, and costs, and Basis of Estimates (BOEs).
• Indirect Costs: Asks for 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: Specifies adherence to FAR formats for cost element breakdowns, modifications, and price revisions.
• Other: Covers incentive contract types, Economic Price Adjustments, Performance-Based Payments, and excessive pass-through charges.

This checklist is crucial for bidders as it outlines the specific information and documentation required within their proposals to be deemed adequate. Failure to provide the requested information or explanations could impact the proposal's evaluation and acceptance. It serves as a comprehensive guide to ensure all cost and pricing data requirements are met.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Hybrid Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (RXC). It solicits white papers and anticipates issuing future Closed Calls for proposals related to experiments, prototypes, research, and evaluation supporting systems (EXPRESS). The ARA aims to provide experimentation, evaluation, and assessment of structural materials and processes technologies for Air Force and Space Force applications.

• The core of the solicitation is the EXPRESS Statement of Objectives (SOO), found in Attachment 1.

• Deliverables include Data Items (minimum of a Final Report), Software, Hardware, and Other items, to be determined per award.

• A Data Management Plan is required with proposals, limited to 3 pages.

• Export Control considerations apply, and a Certified DD Form 2345 may be required.

• The ARA program will run for 120 months.

• Anticipated funding is $40M per year for ten years, shared between the Open Period and Closed Calls.

• Contract types may include Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) and/or Firm Fixed Price (FFP), or Other Transaction (OT) agreements.

• Estimated Program Cost: $400,000,000.00, with multiple awards ranging from $50,000.00 to $20,000,000.00.

• This is a hybrid announcement: it accepts white papers during an Open Period and also solicits proposals through Closed Calls.

• Open Period (Two-Step):

  • Step 1 (White Paper): Due by 15 Feb 2028, 5:00 pm local time. Limited to 5 pages.
  • Step 2 (Proposal): Invited offerors will submit technical and cost proposals.

• Closed Calls (One-Step): Specific requirements and due dates will be provided in individual Closed Call solicitations.

• Proposals are submitted electronically via DoD SAFE.

• Evaluation for Closed Calls is based on Technical (first priority) and Cost/Price (second priority).

• White paper review criteria include technology coverage, interest to AFRL/RXC, funding availability, and necessity for experimental/test purposes.

• This is an unrestricted solicitation; businesses of all sizes are encouraged to propose.

• Foreign participation is not authorized at the prime contractor level.

• Offerors should monitor SAM.gov for amendments and Closed Calls.

• Technical questions should be directed to Pat Carlin; contracting questions to Ms. Melissa K. Gross.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides guidance on Data Assertions Lists (DALs) for the ADEOC Program, specifically detailing rules for non-commercial assertions and providing an example of a proper DAL.

• Pertinent Rules regarding Non-Commercial Assertions:
  • Assertions apply only to Deliverables and Technical Data/Software, not Hardware.
  • Assertions must clearly describe the Technical Data or Software.
  • Assertions require proper markings for Basis of Assertion and Asserted Rights Category.
  • Permitted Bases for Assertion include: Developed Exclusively at Private Expense, Developed Partially at Private Expense, or Developed under SBIR program (with prior contract number).
  • Permitted Asserted Rights Categories include: Limited Rights, Restricted Rights, Government Purpose Rights, or SBIR Rights.
• Example of Proper DAL: Illustrates how to populate a DAL with specific technical data/software, basis for assertion, asserted rights category, and the asserting entity.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand how to properly assert rights to technical data and software they develop or provide under the contract. It clarifies what information must be included in assertions and the specific categories and bases that can be used, ensuring compliance with government requirements for data rights. Bidders must pay close attention to these rules when preparing proposals or delivering data.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attch 4 Sec K.pdf", contains Section K of a solicitation, which focuses on representations and certifications required from offerors. It outlines various clauses and provisions that potential bidders must review and complete as part of their proposal submission.

• Solicitation Provisions: Includes numerous FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) clauses related to:
  • Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code Reporting
  • Ownership or Control of Offeror
  • Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements
  • Taxpayer Identification
  • Annual Representations and Certifications (including NAICS code and small business size standards)
  • Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations
  • Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters
  • Prohibition on Conducting Restricted Business Operations in Sudan
  • Historically Black College or University and Minority Institution Representation
  • Cost Accounting Standards Notices and Certification
  • Prohibition on Acquisition of Commercial Satellite Services
  • Disclosure of Ownership or Control by the Government of a Country that is a State Sponsor of Terrorism
  • Identification and Assertion of Use, Release, or Disclosure Restrictions
  • Notice of NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Requirements
• Offeror Actions: Bidders must carefully review each provision, complete the required representations and certifications (often by checking boxes or providing specific information), and ensure their SAM.gov registration is current and accurate.

This document is critical for all potential bidders as it details the mandatory representations and certifications required for proposal submission. Failure to complete these sections accurately and completely can lead to ineligibility for award. Bidders must pay close attention to small business status, ownership details, compliance with various federal regulations (e.g., regarding foreign entities, Sudan operations, telecommunications equipment), and cybersecurity requirements (NIST SP 800-171).

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document is a Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) that specifies the data items required from the contractor. It details the type of data, submission requirements, frequency, and distribution for each item.

• Data Item Descriptions (DIDs): Lists specific data items such as Scientific and Technical Reports (A001, A003), Funds and Man-Hour Expenditure Report (A002), Contract Funds Status Report (A004), Status Report (A005), Presentation Material (A006), Computer Software Product (A007), and Material and Processing Digital Data Package (A008).
• Submission Requirements: Specifies frequency (e.g., monthly, quarterly, as required), submission dates (first and subsequent), and format (e.g., electronic, Microsoft Office compatible, specific guidelines like ANSI-based AFRL Format Guidelines).
• Distribution: Outlines distribution statements (e.g., "D" for DoD and U.S. DOD contractors only, "B" for U.S. Government agencies only) and the number of draft and final copies required for various addressees.
• Remarks: Provides tailoring instructions, specific notes on content, format, and submission procedures, including encryption requirements for electronic submittals.

This CDRL is crucial for bidders as it defines the specific reports, data, and documentation that will be required under the contract. Understanding these requirements is essential for accurately estimating the effort and cost associated with contract performance, and for ensuring compliance with contractual obligations upon award.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is an Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) with Competitive Calls from the Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials & Manufacturing Directorate. It solicits white papers and potentially technical and cost proposals to support the Directorate's Structural Materials and Applications mission. The goal is to advance materials and processes technology for Air Force and Space Force applications, focusing on experimentation, evaluation, assessment, demonstration, risk reduction, and technology transition to meet validated systems requirements, sustain/modernize installations, or support general R&D, test, and evaluation.

The announcement outlines specific areas of interest, including:

• Structural Materials Needs:
  • Ceramics and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) for high-temperature applications.
  • Polymer Matrix Composites (PMCs) for lighter-weight, higher-temperature, and more survivable components.
  • Composites Certification research, including constitutive models and predictive simulation tools.
  • Metallic Materials and Processes for high-temperature, thin-gauge structural applications and thermal protection systems.
  • Characterization, Sensing, and Analytics for materials and damage assessment, including NDE/NDI methods.
• Air Force Application Needs:
  • Propulsion: Materials for higher operating temperatures, reduced weight, and improved efficiency.
  • Space: Lightweight, load-bearing structures and components for space vehicles.
  • Hypersonics and Thermal Protection: Robust, reproducible, and affordable materials for extreme environments.
  • Munitions: Materials and processes for conventional and hypersonic munitions, including NDI and predictive models.
  • Advanced Material Characterization: Tools and methodologies for microstructure and property characterization.
  • Combat Availability: Technologies for inspecting aging structures and innovative sensor development.
  • Airframe: Hardened and Multifunctional Structures, including UHTCs and advanced sensing technologies.
  • Resilient Electromagnetic and Thermo-loaded Structures: Materials for personnel, airborne, space, and ground support systems.

This document is an announcement soliciting proposals; specific contract details such as type, period of performance, and estimated value are not provided within this attachment.

This document solicits white papers and potentially technical and cost proposals. Specific submission instructions and evaluation criteria are not detailed in this attachment but would be found in the full announcement.

No specific eligibility or set-aside requirements are mentioned in this attachment.

This document is Attachment 1, dated 24 Sep 2021. It also outlines Operations Security (OPSEC) Requirements and Program Protection Plan (PPP) considerations.