Manufacturing Research and Technology Development - Open Broad Agency Announcement

Amendment / Modification

This amendment updates the original Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8650-21-S-5001 to introduce a hybrid solicitation structure. It now includes:

• Part One: The existing Two-Step Open BAA for White Papers and Potential Proposals.

• Part Two (NEW): A One-Step Solicitation of Calls for the Submission of Proposals.

• The document outlines the process for "Calls" solicited under the BAA, specifically detailing the "One Step Solicitation of Calls (One Step Process)".

• It introduces "Call Announcement Information" which may be issued by the Government on SAM.gov, each identifying a project within the BAA's scope and requesting technical and cost proposals with a unique Statement of Objectives (SOO) and a specified proposal due date.

• Proposal submission instructions are updated, including a general instruction for submitting technical and cost proposals within 45 calendar days of Call issuance.

• Specific instructions for Technical/Management Proposals (25-page limit, Word format, 11-point Arial font, 1-1/2 line spacing) and Cost/Business Proposals (no page limit) are detailed.

• Proposal review criteria are outlined, with Technical aspects ranked as the first priority, followed by Cost/Price as a substantial second priority.

• Award administration information, including award notices and administrative/national policy requirements, will be TBD within each Call.

• The amendment significantly changes the submission process by introducing a "One Step Solicitation of Calls" mechanism. This means proposals will now be submitted in response to specific "Calls" issued under the BAA, rather than directly to the BAA itself for white papers or proposals in the original format.

• Proposal due dates will be specified within each individual Call announcement.

• The structure for proposal submission (technical/management and cost/business volumes) and their respective page limitations and formatting requirements are now clearly defined for these Calls.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (Amendment 2) to the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8650-21-S-5001 updates the original BAA. The primary changes involve revisions to the contractual points of contact listed in the Brief Program Summary paragraph.

• The "Brief Program Summary" paragraph regarding contractual points of contact has been updated.

• White Papers and Proposals are to be submitted to Mr. Mark Wade (AFRL/RXKMM).

• Due to COVID-19 restrictions, White Papers should be submitted via email to mark.wade.1@us.af.mil or via the DoD SAFE Site.

• For use of the DoD SAFE site, offerors must email Mr. Wade prior to submission to request a drop-off link.

• The maximum email file size the Government can receive is 20 MB.

• Contracting questions should be directed to the following POCs:

  • Primary: Ms. Caitlin Frost (caitlin.frost@us.af.mil)
  • Alternate: Mr. Mark Wade (mark.wade.1@us.af.mil)

Amendment / Modification

This amendment revises the original Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8650-21-S-5001.

• Section III, Paragraph 5.a. (Foreign Participation): The previous wording stated foreign participation was not authorized at the prime contractor level, but might be appropriate at the subcontractor level. The revised wording states foreign participation is not authorized. However, U.S. prime contractors and subcontractors may hire foreign nationals (FNs) with prior Foreign Disclosure Office (FDO) approval. These FNs will be limited to Public Domain information only, and any proprietary information must be appropriately protected.

• Section IV, Paragraph 2.a. (First Step White Paper Instructions): The revised text clarifies that offerors will be notified of their white paper disposition via letter response and no additional feedback will be provided. The rest of the paragraph regarding the review process, submission requirements, and cost of preparation remains the same.

• Section III, Paragraph 5.a.

• Section IV, Paragraph 2.a.

• The changes primarily affect the conditions under which foreign nationals can participate and the feedback provided on white paper submissions. Proposal deadlines and evaluation criteria are not explicitly mentioned as changed in this amendment.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Proposal Adequacy Checklist (JAN 2014)" used to ensure that offerors provide all necessary information and documentation for their proposals, particularly concerning cost or pricing data. It guides offerors on what information to include and where to locate it within their proposals.

• The checklist is organized into sections covering General Instructions, Cost Elements (Materials and Services, Subcontracts), Exceptions to Certified Cost or Pricing Data, Interorganizational Transfers, Direct Labor, Indirect Costs, Other Costs, Formats for Submission of Line Item Summaries, and Other.

• Each item references specific FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) or DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) clauses and provides a question or requirement that the proposal must address.

• Offerors are expected to complete the checklist by providing the location of the requested information within their proposal or an explanation if the information is not provided.

• This checklist is crucial for bidders to ensure their proposals are complete and adequate, thereby avoiding potential rejection or delays.

• It highlights specific requirements related to cost and pricing data, subcontracting, labor, indirect costs, and proposal formatting, which are critical for proposal preparation and evaluation.

• By following this checklist, bidders can proactively address potential issues and demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document is a Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) that specifies various data items required from the contractor under contract FA8650-21-S-5001. It details the type of data, submission requirements, and distribution.

• Data Item A001 (Scientific and Technical Reports): Requires a final report conforming to AFRL Format Guidelines, including an SF 298. Sensitive STINFO must be marked as CUI. Export restrictions apply.
• Data Item A002 (Funds and Man-Hour Expenditure Report): Monthly report, tailored to contractor format, submitted electronically.
• Data Item A003 (Contract Funds Status Report - CFSR): Quarterly report, tailored to forecast by month, quarter, and year. Reconciled to the Government's fiscal year. Submitted electronically.
• Data Item A004 (Scientific and Technical Reports - Spend Plan): Monthly report tailored to show BCWS, ACWP, and billed amounts. Submitted electronically.
• Data Item A005 (Status Report): Monthly report, tailored to contractor format, submitted electronically.
• Data Item A006 (Presentation Material): As required for briefings/reviews, view graphs limited to 500. Reproducible on MS-Office compatible media. Submitted electronically.
• Data Item A007 (Material and Processing Digital Data Package - MPDDP): Tailored to contractor format. Submitted electronically.
• Data Item A008 (Computer Software Product): Includes source code and executable. Submitted electronically.
• Data Item A009 (Software User Manual - SUM): Tailored to contractor format. Submitted electronically.
• Data Item A010 (Test Plan): Tailored to contractor format, submitted electronically. Testing cannot begin until notice to proceed.
• Data Item A011 (Test/Inspection Reports): Tailored to contractor format, submitted electronically.
• Data Item A012 (Assessment of Manufacturing Risk and Readiness): Tailored to contractor format. Submitted electronically.

This CDRL outlines the specific reporting and deliverable requirements for contractors under this contract. Bidders should review these requirements to understand the scope of work and associated documentation obligations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "DD-254 – Contract Security Classification Specification," serves as Attachment 3 to the solicitation. It provides information regarding contract security classifications and directs interested parties on how to obtain a copy of the solicitation DD-254 document.

• Instructions to obtain the solicitation DD-254 document.
• Contact information for the primary and alternate contracting points of contact (POCs) at AFRL/RXKMT, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses.

Bidders interested in the solicitation should use the provided contact information to obtain the DD-254 document, which is essential for understanding the contract's security classification requirements. This information is critical for determining eligibility and preparing a compliant proposal.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Solicitation, Offer and Award form (Standard Form 33) for FA8650-21-S-5001, with Solicitation No. FA8650-21-R-5001. It is issued by the USAF/AFMC, AFRL Wright Research Site, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.

The Table of Contents indicates the following sections are included:

• Part I - The Schedule (Sections A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H)
• Part II - Contract Clauses (Section I)
• Part III - List of Documents, Exhibits, and Other Attachments (Section J)
• Part IV - Representations and Instructions (Sections K, L, M)

Specifically, Section B lists the following supplies or services:

• Item 0001: RESEARCH AND DATA (Contract Type: U - COST PLUS FIXED FEE)

• Item 0002: HARDWARE (Contract Type: U - COST PLUS FIXED FEE)

• Item 0003: NON-COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE (Contract Type: U - COST PLUS FIXED FEE)

• Item 0004: CONTRACT ACQUIRED PROPERTY (CAP) (Contract Type: U - COST PLUS FIXED FEE)

• Contract Type for all listed CLINs is "U - COST PLUS FIXED FEE".

• Delivery/Performance is indicated as "ASREQ" (As Required) for FY1456.

• The form includes fields for Offer (Item 12) and Award (Items 17-28).

• Discount for prompt payment is addressed in Item 13.

• Acknowledgement of amendments is in Item 14.

• Evaluation factors for award are referenced in Section M.

No specific set-aside information is detailed in the provided pages, but Section K includes numerous provisions related to small business representations and certifications.

• The document is Attachment 1 of 28 pages.
• Clauses are incorporated by reference in various sections (e.g., Section E, F, G, I, K, L).
• Section G details Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) payment instructions.

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

This document outlines supplemental requirements considered part of the overall SOW/PWS for the opportunity, detailing specific obligations and procedures for the contractor.

• Disclosure of Information: Requires submission of information copies to the Contracting Officer and Program Manager at least 50 days prior to scheduled release.
• Travel: Covers requirements for travel within the contiguous U.S. and overseas, including reimbursement procedures, use of Government-provided transportation (e.g., Air Mobility Command), and approval processes. Billable travel costs include airfare, ground transportation, and per diem.
• Key Positions and Minimum Qualifications: Defines essential personnel roles and their required qualifications. Contractors must notify the contracting officer of any departures from key positions and propose substitutions, requiring prior approval if the substitute does not meet minimum qualifications.
• Acknowledgement of Sponsorship: Requires contractors to state that the project is sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL and DARPA) in any release of information, including news releases, articles, speeches, etc.
• Packaging and Marking: Specifies that hardware deliverable contract items must be packaged according to commercial practices. Special delivery instructions require a specific statement on boxes/crates.
• Program Manager and Focal Points: Identifies the Government Program Manager and lists Program Focal Points (Principal Investigator, Technical Contract Manager, Alternate).
• Base Support: Details the provision of rent-free, non-interference base support by the Government, including working space, material, equipment, and services. Contractors must report inadequacies and cannot purchase base support without prior approval.
• Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for SCI Security Administration: Identifies the COR for SCI Security Administration.
• Implementation of Patent Rights Clause: Outlines procedures for reporting subject inventions and other notifications related to patent rights.
• Implementation of Pollution Prevention and Right-To-Know Information: Requires contractors to complete Initial EMS Awareness-Level training for personnel working on an Air Force installation.
• 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. Exceptions and waiver procedures are detailed.
• Fundamental Research: Addresses the exception for disclosure of information related to fundamental research.
• Comprehensive Small Business Subcontracting Plan: Incorporates the subcontracting plan by reference.

Not explicitly detailed in this supplemental attachment, but general compliance with stated requirements is expected.

Not specified in this document; details are likely in the main SOW/PWS or contract schedule.

• Disclosure of Information procedures.
• Strict adherence to travel approval and reimbursement policies.
• Notification and approval process for changes in key personnel.
• Sponsorship acknowledgement in all information releases.
• Compliance with packaging and marking instructions.
• Reporting of base support issues.
• Completion of EMS Awareness-Level training.
• U.S. citizenship requirement for personnel accessing certain facilities/networks, with specific waiver procedures.
• Adherence to patent rights reporting.

This document provides critical details on contractor responsibilities beyond the core technical scope, including personnel qualifications, travel, information disclosure, security, and administrative requirements that will impact proposal preparation and contract execution.

Statement of Objectives (SOO)

This document outlines the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) interest in manufacturing technology research and development to strengthen defense manufacturing capabilities. The goal is to discover new capabilities and efficiencies and transition them to the factory or depot floor.

The AFRL is seeking white papers and potentially full technical and cost proposals to support its manufacturing and technology mission. The focus is on applying advanced manufacturing technologies across several domains, including:

• Advanced Concepts (programs of record, existing AF systems)
• Attritable and Low-Cost Systems
• Networked C3 Systems
• Hypersonic Strike and Emerging Technologies

Specific areas of interest include:

• Future Factory technologies (Process Monitoring and Control, Non-Destructive Evaluation/Inspection, Virtual/Augmented/Mixed Reality, Advanced Robotics and Automation)
• Digital Enterprise initiatives (Moving Manufacturing and Sustainment Left, Agile/Digital Supply, Digital Thread/Digital Twin)
• Cybersecurity for Advanced Manufacturing
• Additive Manufacturing
• Technology Domains: Advanced Concepts, Attritable and Low-Cost Systems, Networked C3 Systems, Hypersonic Strike, Emerging Technologies

Each award will have an anticipated Period of Performance (PoP) between 12 to 40 months, including a technical PoP and a 3-month draft/final reporting PoP.

• Security Requirements: Contractors must adhere to organizational Industrial Security, Information Security, Personnel Security, Operations Security (OPSEC), and Antiterrorism programs.
• Program Protection Plan (PPP): Potential critical program information (CPI) will be reviewed for PPP requirements.
• Deliverables: To be determined per award, with a list of CDRLs attached to the BAA.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Supplemental Instructions for Assistance Instrument Proposals," provides detailed guidance for applicants submitting proposals for assistance instruments. It outlines specific requirements related to forms, system registrations, and submission procedures.

• SF 424 (R&R) Forms: Mandates the use of the SF 424 (R&R) as the cover page for all proposals. It also requires the submission of the SF 424 Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) and the SF 424 Research & Related Personal Data forms, particularly for STEM roles, to collect demographic and career information for Title IX compliance. Specific fields for STEM roles and demographic data are highlighted, with the latter being voluntary.
• System Award Management (SAM): Emphasizes that all applicant entities must be registered in SAM to apply for grants and funding opportunities. Proposals will not be accepted without SAM registration.
• Certifications: States that SAM is the central repository for government-wide financial assistance certifications and representations. It also notes that additional certifications may be required beyond those in SAM, which would be provided as an attachment.
• Grants.gov Submission: Details the process for submitting proposals electronically via Grants.gov, including registration steps (DUNS number, SAM registration, Grants.gov account creation, role authorization) and the use of Workspace for application completion and submission. It advises submitting applications at least 24-48 hours before the deadline to allow for technical issue resolution.

This document is critical for bidders as it specifies mandatory forms (SF 424 series), required registrations (SAM, Grants.gov), and the electronic submission process through Grants.gov. Failure to comply with these instructions, particularly regarding form completion and system registrations, may result in proposal rejection or return without review. Bidders must ensure they obtain a DUNS number, register in SAM, create a Grants.gov account, and understand the submission timeline and procedures to successfully submit their proposals.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Manufacturing and Industrial Technologies Division (AFRL/RXM), seeks white papers for research and development in Advanced Manufacturing technologies. The goal is to invent the factory of the future, build a digital manufacturing enterprise, and explore additive manufacturing and other advanced technologies to produce Air Force weapon systems quickly, cost-effectively, and with high quality.

• Research and development in Advanced Manufacturing technologies.

• Deliverables may include data items (CDRLs), software, and manufacturing demonstration articles or test articles/samples.

• Program security classification will vary but will not exceed Secret.

• Export control regulations may apply.

• The Air Force reserves the right to award various contract types (FAR or Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype, grant, cooperative agreement, or OT for Research).

• Anticipated contract type is generally Cost Plus Fixed Fee/Completion.

• Estimated Program Cost Ceiling: $500,000,000.00.

• Individual award value: Not less than $250,000.00, not to exceed $25,000,000.00 (values may vary).

• Multiple awards are anticipated.

• This is a two-step solicitation. Only White Papers are being solicited at this time.

• First Step (White Paper) Due Date: Any time before 60 months (5 years) from the initial publication date.

• White Papers should include a discussion of the research scope, technical approach, and a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate.

• White Papers will be reviewed for potential to meet Air Force needs.

• Second Step (Proposal) Due Date: To be provided in Requests for Proposals (RFPs) sent to offerors whose white papers are selected.

• Evaluation criteria for White Papers: Technical approach consistency, interest to AFRL/RXM, and funding availability.

• Evaluation criteria for Proposals (descending order of importance): Technical (unique/innovative approach, understanding of scope, soundness of approach, personnel/facility availability, transition potential) and Cost/Price (realism).

• This is an unrestricted solicitation.

• Small businesses, nonprofit, and not-for-profit organizations are encouraged to propose.

• Foreign participation is not authorized at the prime contractor level, but may be appropriate at the subcontractor level.

• White Papers must be submitted via email to aldona.mcmullen@us.af.mil or via the DoD SAFE Site.

• Offerors should be alert for BAA amendments.

• Cost of preparing white papers is not an allowable direct charge but may be an allowable indirect expense.