High Power Electromagnetics (HPEM) Modeling and Effects BAA

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides guidance on preparing a Contractor Statement of Work (C-SOW) for proposals submitted to the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) from the Air Force Research Laboratory, Directed Energy Directorate. It outlines the requirements for the C-SOW, which will be incorporated into the resulting award document if it accurately describes the work, is enforceable, and is free of inconsistencies.

• The C-SOW must be a separate and distinct part of the proposal.
• It should describe the technical methodology and task description without being overly inflexible.
• No proprietary information should be included.
• A recommended template is provided, including sections for:
  • Scope (technology area, objectives, goals, major milestones)
  • Background (necessary information, constraints, applicable specifications)
  • Task/Technical Requirements (detailed description of work to be performed, which will be contractually binding)
  • Exit Criteria and Deliverables (identification of hardware/software to be delivered, acceptance criteria, milestone completion criteria, reviews, and CDRL items).
• Specific guidance is given on the use of "shall," "should," "may," and "will" to ensure clarity and enforceability.

This document is crucial for bidders as it dictates the format and content requirements for the Contractor Statement of Work (C-SOW) that must be submitted as part of their proposal. Adhering to these guidelines will ensure the C-SOW is suitable for incorporation into a contract and accurately reflects the proposed effort.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attach 4 - Section K Representations and Certifications," is a collection of standard Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) provisions that offerors must review and complete. It outlines various representations and certifications required for participation in federal solicitations.

• Incorporated Provisions: Lists FAR and DFARS provisions that are incorporated by reference or in full text.
• Annual Representations and Certifications (FAR 52.204-8): Details requirements for annual representations and certifications, including options to use System for Award Management (SAM) data or complete individual certifications.
• Specific Representations and Certifications: Includes numerous provisions covering areas such as:
  • Ownership or Control of Offeror (FAR 52.204-17)
  • Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (FAR 52.203-18)
  • Taxpayer Identification (FAR 52.204-3)
  • Women-Owned Business (FAR 52.204-5)
  • Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services Representation (FAR 52.204-26)
  • Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (FAR 52.209-2)
  • Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters (FAR 52.209-5)
  • Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or Felony Conviction (FAR 52.209-11)
  • Small Business Program Representations (FAR 52.219-1), including definitions and representations for various small business categories (small, small disadvantaged, women-owned, EDWOSB, veteran-owned, HUBZone).
  • Photovoltaic Devices - Certificate (DFARS 252.225-7018)
  • Prohibition on Acquisition of Commercial Satellite Services (DFARS 252.225-7049)
  • Disclosure of Ownership or Control by the Government of a Country that is a State Sponsor of Terrorism (DFARS 252.225-7050)
  • Identification and Assertion of Use, Release, or Disclosure Restrictions (DFARS 252.227-7017)
• NAICS Code and Size Standard: Specifies the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code as 541715 and the small business size standard as 1000 employees (or 500 for non-manufacturers).

This document is critical for potential bidders as it outlines the mandatory representations and certifications required to be eligible for award. Offerors must carefully review each provision to ensure they can truthfully certify compliance and provide the necessary information. Failure to complete these accurately and completely can result in the offer being deemed ineligible for award. It also provides specific details on how to represent small business status and other eligibility criteria.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Proposal Adequacy Checklist, as prescribed in FAR 215.408(4). It is intended to guide offerors in preparing their proposals by ensuring all necessary information is included and properly located. Offerors are instructed to complete this checklist, providing the location of requested information or an explanation if 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 and the identification of needs for Government-furnished material.
• Cost Elements: Details requirements for disclosing cost accounting standards, inconsistencies, known activities impacting costs, certified cost or pricing data, judgmental factors, contingencies, estimating relationships, cost breakdowns, and incurred costs.
• Materials and Services: Requires a consolidated bill of materials (CBOM) with pricing basis.
• Subcontracts: Addresses identification of subcontractors, submission of their certified cost or pricing data, and price/cost analysis for subcontracts.
• Exceptions to Certified Cost or Pricing Data: Outlines requirements for exceptions related to commercial items.
• Interorganizational Transfers: Specifies requirements for proposals involving transfers between related entities.
• Direct Labor: Details the need for time-phased breakdowns of labor hours, rates, and costs, as well as labor basis of estimates (BOEs).
• Indirect Costs: Requires indication of the basis of estimate for indirect costs and how they are applied.
• Other Costs: Covers other direct costs, royalties, facilities capital cost of money, and travel.
• Formats for Submission of Line Item Summaries: Specifies the format for cost element breakdowns.
• Other: Addresses modifications, price revisions, 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 for a compliant and adequate cost or pricing proposal. Failure to address these items may result in an inadequate proposal. Bidders should use this document to ensure they have included all necessary details regarding costs, pricing, subcontracts, and other relevant financial and technical information as required by the solicitation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides detailed instructions for preparing and submitting cost proposals for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)/RDK. It outlines the required structure, content, and format for cost proposals, including specific guidance on direct and indirect costs, subcontractors, consultants, materials, and other direct costs (ODCs).

• General Instructions: Emphasizes the offeror's responsibility for a well-prepared proposal, the use of the DFARS Proposal Adequacy Checklist (PAC), and the importance of timely communication with the Contracting Officer.
• Cost Proposal Requirements: Details the need for year-by-year breakouts of CLIN prices, identification of recurring/non-recurring costs, and submission of an electronic cost model.
• Proposed Cost Elements: Specifies requirements for direct labor (hours, rates, skill mix, base rates), subcontractors/IOTs (certified cost or pricing data, analysis of proposals), consultants (rates, agreements), materials (consolidated bill of materials), and other direct costs (travel, other ODCs).
• Indirect Costs: Outlines requirements for listing indirect cost rates/factors, basis of proposed rates, and any proposed FCCOM.
• Other Sections: Includes guidance on Cost Estimating Relationships (CERs), Fee, New Mexico Gross Receipts Tax (NMGRT), baselined ODCs, incurred costs, performance-based payments, and commercial item considerations.
• Sample Tables: Provides templates for Cost Element Summary (Table 1), Subcontractors/IOTs & Consultants (Table 2), Travel (Table 3), and Materials & Other ODCs (Table 4).
• Attachment 1: A Contractor Information form to be completed by the offeror.

This document is critical for any bidder responding to an AFRL/RDK solicitation that requires a cost proposal. It dictates the specific format, content, and supporting documentation needed to ensure a compliant and evaluable submission. Failure to adhere to these instructions could lead to proposal inadequacy and negatively impact evaluation and negotiation outcomes.

Other / Unclassified

This document is the "Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Guide for Industry" Version 2.0, dated March 2020, published by the Air Force Research Laboratory. It serves as a comprehensive guide for industry partners interested in responding to Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) issued by the Air Force.

This guide is crucial for potential bidders as it outlines the processes, requirements, and expectations for responding to Air Force BAAs. It details:

• BAA Process: How BAAs are announced, what information they typically contain, and the different variations (One-Step, Two-Step, Open, Closed, etc.).
• Pre-Proposal Communication: Guidelines for communication between offerors and the Government.
• White Paper and Proposal Preparation: Instructions on formatting, content, and submission requirements for both white papers and full proposals.
• Review and Award Process: How proposals are reviewed, categorized (Selectable/Not Selectable), and the process for negotiation and award.
• Assistance Instruments: Explains different types of awards beyond traditional contracts, such as Grants, Cooperative Agreements, and Other Transactions.
• Cost Proposals: Guidelines for preparing and submitting cost proposals, including required data and cost sharing.

Understanding this guide will help bidders effectively prepare and submit proposals that align with the Air Force's research and development objectives.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document, DD Form 1423-1, is a Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) that outlines the specific data items and deliverables required from a contractor for the "High Power Electromagnetics Research" system/item under contract FA9451-22-S-0001. It details various reports, plans, and documentation that the contractor must provide.

The CDRL lists 16 distinct data items (A001 through A016), each with a unique item number, title, subtitle, and a Data Item Description (DID) number. These deliverables include:

• Presentation Materials (A001)
• Status Report (A002)
• Contract Funds Status Report (CFSR) (A003)
• Government Property Inventory Report (A004)
• Technical Report - Study/Services (A005)
• Scientific and Technical Report (S&T) (A006)
• Software Development Plan (A007)
• Software User's Manual (A008)
• Computer Software Product (A009)
• Developmental Design Drawing and Associated Lists (EIDP) (A010)
• Test Plan (A011)
• Operation & Maintenance Instructions for R&D Equipment (A012)
• System Safety Hazard Analysis Report (SSHAR) (A013)
• Safety Assessment Report (SAR) (A014)
• Programmatic Environmental Safety and Health Evaluation Plan (PESHE) (A015)
• Interface Control Document (A016)

For each data item, the form specifies the authority, contract reference, requiring office, frequency, submission dates, and distribution requirements. It also includes remarks detailing specific tailoring, formatting, and submission instructions, such as marking requirements (DODI 5230.24), export control warnings, and preferred electronic delivery methods (CD-ROM or secure electronic means).

This document is crucial for potential bidders as it defines the specific reporting and documentation obligations that will be part of any resulting contract. Understanding these requirements is essential for accurately estimating the effort and cost associated with fulfilling the contract and for assessing the administrative overhead involved. Bidders must pay close attention to the submission deadlines, formats, and distribution statements for each deliverable.

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

This document provides supplemental requirements for the High Power Electromagnetics (HPEM) Modeling and Effects contract (FA9451-22-S-0001), Version 2.8.

This attachment details specific requirements beyond the main SOW, including:

• Implementation of Disclosure of Information: Procedures for submitting information for public release at least 45 days prior to the release date, including OPSEC review and required markings. Contact information for the Contracting Officer and Program Managers is provided.
• Communications Security (COMSEC) Monitoring: Awareness that all communications with DoD organizations are subject to COMSEC review and monitoring.
• Base Support: Outlines the provision of rent-free, non-interference base support by the Government, including working space, material, equipment, and services. It specifies that contractors will use base support on a no-charge basis and must report any inadequacies. Access to AFRL facilities at Kirtland AFB is mentioned.
• Implementation of Patent Rights Clause: Requirements for submitting interim or final invention reports, including specific addresses and forms (DD Form 882).
• Information Regarding Non-US Citizens Assigned to this Project: Stipulates that contractor employees requiring access to USAF bases, AFRL facilities, or U.S. Government IT networks must be U.S. citizens, with specific exceptions and waiver procedures.
• Safety: Contractor must comply with system safety requirements (MIL-STD 882), identify safety-critical items, and report any safety incidents. Work is to be conducted in a laboratory environment only, with specific compliance requirements for federal, state, local, and environmental regulations.

Implied to be at Kirtland AFB, with potential for other locations depending on project requirements. The work is to be conducted in a laboratory environment.

• Compliance with DFARS 252.204-7000 and AFI 10-701 for disclosure of information.
• Adherence to COMSEC procedures.
• Strict requirements for U.S. citizenship for base and IT network access, with a waiver process.
• Compliance with MIL-STD 882 for system safety and reporting of incidents.
• Compliance with federal, state, local, and environmental regulations, and AFRL RDOI 61-103 for experiments.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is an initial announcement for a Closed Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) with Calls (CALLs) for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Directed Energy Directorate (DE), High-Power Electromagnetics Division (RDH). The BAA will remain open for five (5) years from the publication date. The purpose is to solicit proposals for research in High Power Electromagnetics (HPEM) Modeling and Effects. This approach allows for proposal submission at specified dates and times through the issuance of CALLs.

The BAA encompasses fourteen (14) technical areas, divided into two programs:

• Effects Program: Empirical effects testing, HPEM weapons effectiveness modeling, Fundamental HPEM Effects Research, Battle damage assessment and recuperation time, Emerging technologies (HPEM sources, diagnostics, sensors), and Development of evaluation tools for Effects databases.
• Numerical Simulation Program: Development of simulation codes for HPEM systems and components modeling, use of codes in development and optimization, development of simplified high-performance computing and analysis tools, Digital Engineering of HPEM systems and components, Multi-scale materials modeling, Development of HPEM Engagement level codes, Engagement and mission level modeling of HPEM systems, and Validation/verification of all software. Deliverable items (hardware, software, or data) will be identified at the CALL level. Representative Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) items are listed, including presentation materials, status reports, technical reports, software development plans, and interface control documents.

The Government anticipates a mix of contract types, generally Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (Completion and Term), Cost Contract, and Firm Fixed Price. The estimated ceiling for this BAA is $80M over five years (FY22-FY31), with specific annual funding estimates provided. This is an estimate and not a contractual obligation.

• Proposal Submission: NO PROPOSALS SHALL BE SUBMITTED AGAINST THIS BASELINE BAA. Proposal due dates and times will be specified in each CALL. Proposals must be submitted via the DoD SAFE website. Offerors without a CAC can request a "drop off" link.
• Evaluation: Proposals will be evaluated by a peer or scientific review process. The primary criteria are: 1. Creative or innovative approach, 2. Soundness of the technical approach, and 3. Relevance to AFRL mission areas. Cost/Price will be analyzed for realism and reasonableness after technical selection, but is not an evaluation criterion.
• Deadlines: Offerors must monitor SAM.gov for CALLs and potential amendments. Deadlines will be specified in each CALL.

This acquisition is unrestricted. All responsible sources are encouraged to submit proposals. Small Businesses, Historically Black Colleges (HBCU), Minority Institutions (MI), Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDB), Woman-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB), and Service- Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB) are encouraged to propose. No part of this BAA is a set-aside. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) have specific guidance regarding participation.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).
• Foreign participation is not authorized.
• The acquisition involves data subject to export control laws. Offerors must be registered and certified with the Defense Logistics Services Center (DLSC) and submit DD Form 2345.
• Communications regarding questions should be directed to the Technical and Contracting Points of Contact listed in the announcement. Answers to questions will be posted on SAM.gov.