NGA - Boosting Innovative GEOINT - Science & Technology Broad Agency Announcement (BIG-ST BAA)

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the "Supplies or Services/Prices" (Section B), "Description/Specifications" (Section C), "Packaging and Marking" (Section D), "Inspection and Acceptance" (Section E), "Deliveries or Performance" (Section F), and "Contract Administration Data" (Section G) for a contract. It serves as a foundational document for the contract, with specific details to be filled in at the "Topic Call" level.

• Section B (Supplies or Services/Prices): Intentionally left blank, to be filled at contract award.
• Section C (Description/Specifications): Refers to individual Topic Calls under the BIG-ST BAA - HM047623BAA0001.
• Section D (Packaging and Marking): Intentionally left blank.
• Section E (Inspection and Acceptance): Includes FAR clause 52.246-9.
• Section F (Deliveries or Performance): Includes FAR clause 52.242-15 and refers to individual Topic Calls.
• Section G (Contract Administration Data): Includes clauses related to billing instructions (DFARS 252.204-7006, 5X52.232-9003), Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) appointment (5X52.201-602-2-91), and invoice submission (5X52.232-9000).

This document provides the structural framework for contract sections B through G. Bidders should note that detailed specifications, pricing, and performance requirements will be defined in individual "Topic Calls" under the BIG-ST BAA. Section G provides crucial information on billing and payment procedures, including electronic invoicing via IPP and COR responsibilities.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) titled "Boosting Innovative GEOINT - Science & Technology (BIG-ST BAA)". It serves as a general solicitation for innovative concepts to address GEOINT problems across three technical domains: Foundational GEOINT, Advanced Phenomenologies, and Analytic Technologies. The BAA is open from December 15, 2023, to December 14, 2026, and operates on a "BAA with Topic Calls" process, meaning specific research needs will be announced via separate Topic Calls.

• Research and development concepts aligning with NGA's mission to deliver future GEOINT capabilities.

• Focus areas include foundational GEOINT (e.g., reference frames, earth models, positioning), advanced sensor technologies and data exploitation, and analytic techniques (e.g., AI, computer vision, NLP).

• Efforts must fall within RDT&E Budget Activities 6.1 to 6.4 and Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1-7.

• Topic Calls will specify detailed requirements, timelines, and submission instructions.

• Anticipated award instruments include Procurement Contracts, Grants, Cooperative Agreements, or Other Transactions (OTs) for prototypes and follow-on production.

• The Government reserves the right to select the most appropriate award instrument.

• Mandatory Abstract Submission: Abstracts must be submitted prior to a full proposal.

• Proposal Submission: Proposals are only accepted in response to specific Topic Calls.

• Review Process: Includes Conformance Review, Scientific/Technical Review (evaluating Scientific and Technical Merit and Mission Alignment), Analysis of Proposed Resources, Funding Decision, Security Evaluation (if applicable), Cost/Price Evaluation, and Administrative/National Policy Requirements review.

• Deadlines: Submission deadlines will be specified in individual Topic Calls.

• All responsible sources are eligible.

• Special considerations and documentation are required for Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and Government Entities.

• Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) have specific eligibility requirements, including potential resource-sharing and participation by nontraditional defense contractors or small businesses.

• Foreign participation is addressed on a topic-by-topic basis.

• Topic Calls will be published on Sam.gov and Grants.gov.

• Classified topics may be posted on the Acquisition Research Center (ARC).

• Proposers must register with SAM.gov.

• Specific proposal format and content requirements are detailed in Appendices 1 and 2.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides guidance and templates related to Research and Technology Protection for proposals submitted under the BIG-ST BAA. It outlines requirements for Program Protection Implementation Plans (PPIP) and Common Disclosure Forms for Fundamental Research.

• Program Protection Implementation Plan (PPIP) Template: Bidders should not submit the PPIP unless specifically requested by NGA. Guidance on completion will be provided with the request.
• Common Disclosure Forms for Fundamental Research: Bidders should not submit these forms unless requested by NGA. These include the Common Form for Biographical Sketch and the Common Form for Current and Pending (Other) Support Information. Links to these forms are provided.
• Due Diligence and Research Security Program Requirements: Proposals involving fundamental research must comply with National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33). This includes establishing and maintaining a research security program and disclosing any changes to submitted forms, covered individuals, or indicators of participation in a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program (MFTRP).
• NGA Risk Assessment: NGA will conduct risk-based security reviews of disclosures, referencing specific government policies and matrices. Examples of sources NGA uses for assessment are listed, including Executive Orders, Department of Education reports, and various government agency lists.
• Mitigation and Award Decisions: Institutions assessed as having undue foreign influence risk may have an opportunity to mitigate the risk during negotiations. NGA reserves the right to request follow-up information. If unacceptable risk remains after mitigation, NGA may choose not to award the effort.
• Flow Down Requirements: Performer or recipient must flow down these provisions to any subtier contracts or agreements.

This attachment details critical compliance and disclosure requirements related to research security and foreign influence. Bidders must understand these requirements, particularly if their proposals involve fundamental research, as failure to comply or adequately mitigate identified risks could impact award decisions. It highlights the need for robust internal research security programs and transparent disclosure practices.