Optical Radiation Bioeffects and Safety

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "ATTCH 2 - MAA Industry Guide.pdf", serves as an industry guide for the Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring, and Sustaining (CHEERS) Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA). Its purpose is to familiarize potential and existing industry partners with the MAA acquisition approach and the specific nuances of the CHEERS MAA.

• MAA Overview: Explains the MAA as a unique solicitation method consolidating various authorities for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/RH) and the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) to advance research from basic science to technology maturation and transition.
• Solicitation Variations: Details "Call for Proposal" and "Open Period" solicitations, which can be either "One-Step" (full proposal) or "Two-Step" (white paper followed by proposal).
• General Solicitation Process: Outlines information typically included in solicitations, such as title, authority, technical areas, SOW, points of contact, deliverables, security requirements, due dates, and evaluation criteria.
• White Paper/Proposal Preparation Instructions: Provides guidance on formatting, content, and submission requirements for white papers and proposals, including page limitations, font, spacing, and required sections.
• Review and Selection Procedures: Describes the criteria for reviewing white papers and proposals, including technical approach, understanding of scope, affordability, and potential for transition.
• Additional Requirements: Covers FAR-based requirements, assistance instrument requirements, and specific considerations for Other Transactions (OTs) under 10 USC §4021, §4022, and §4023.

This guide is essential for any vendor interested in responding to solicitations issued under the CHEERS MAA. It provides critical information on how to prepare and submit proposals, understand the evaluation process, and navigate the various acquisition authorities and formats used by AFRL/RH and USAFSAM. Familiarity with this guide will help bidders streamline their proposal preparation and increase their chances of a successful submission.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Appendix 1 - SF 424 RR KeyPersonExpanded.pdf", is an appendix likely related to a solicitation or contract. It appears to be a form or attachment that requires specific information regarding key personnel, potentially for reporting or proposal submission purposes.

• The document is titled "SF 424 RR KeyPersonExpanded", suggesting it is a standardized form (SF 424) related to "RR" (likely a specific program or agency identifier) and includes expanded fields for key personnel information.

Bidders will need to review this appendix to understand the specific requirements for identifying and providing details about key personnel. This information is likely a mandatory part of the proposal submission or contract execution and may influence staffing plans and resource allocation.

As this is a PDF attachment, bidders should download and carefully review the content to ensure full compliance with the stated requirements.

Statement of Objectives (SOO)

The primary goal of the Optical Radiation Bioeffects and Safety (ORBS) program is to conduct research studies with Directed Energy (DE) based devices and systems to provide accurate, evidence-based information to Department of Defense (DoD) and industry stakeholders, national and international health and safety standards committees, and the public. The objective is to enable optimal use and maximum safe exploitation of the electromagnetic spectrum for national defense by protecting personnel and communities and evaluating the applications of DE systems.

The Contractor will support the 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW)/Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Optical Radiation Bioeffects Branch (RHDO) in research and experimentation efforts. These efforts are anticipated to span basic to early applied research and advanced technology development and transition, aligning with the Bioeffects Core Technical Competency (CTC) and Bioeffects Product Line (PL).

Key functional areas for technical expertise include:

• Novel Laser Bioeffects

• Nuclear Flash and Laser Eye Protection (LEP)

• Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A)

• Research activities will characterize bioeffects, optimize DE system safety and effectiveness, develop dosimetry tools, provide modeling and simulation support, design protective devices, investigate countermeasures, and supply science-based information for safety standards.

• Experiments will range from molecular to whole organism levels.

• Deliverables include journal publications, technical reports, oral presentations, posters, software, and hardware.

Not explicitly stated in the provided document, but research will be conducted to support the 711 HPW/RHDO.

• Human Use Research Protocols: Must adhere to strict ethical standards, informed consent, and regulatory requirements (DoD, DHHS, Air Force, AFRL directives). Human testing requires Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval.
• Animal Use Research Protocols: Must follow humane practices, rigorous methodology, and regulatory standards (PHS Policy, Federal Animal Welfare Act, etc.). Animal testing requires Tri-Service Research Laboratory Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approval.
• Biosafety Program: Must conform to applicable biosafety policies and guidelines, including those from the 711 HPW Operating Instruction 90-800. Research activities require Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) approval.
• Safety Standards: Support development of safety standards, analysis procedures, and laser safety training materials.
• Base Support: Government may provide laboratory space and equipment. Contractor personnel require appropriate security clearances (Secret minimum) and training (Environmental Health and Safety, Laser Safety, OPSEC, etc.).
• Associate Contractor Agreements (ACAs): May be required for joint participation, information sharing, and resource integration.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for research and data, hardware, and software. The specific details of the research, hardware, and software to be provided are "TBD per individual contract" and "TBD per individual contract" respectively. The contract type varies across CLINs, including Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), Cost, and Firm Fixed Price (FFP).

• Research and Data: To be conducted in accordance with Section J, Attachment X, Statement of Work.

• Hardware: To be delivered in accordance with Section J, Attachment X, Statement of Work. Includes any hardware developed or acquired.

• Software: To be delivered in accordance with Section J, Attachment X, Statement of Work. Includes any software developed or acquired, including Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) software.

• Data Delivery: In accordance with Exhibit X, Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL), DD Form 1423-1.

• Item Unique Identification: Required for deliverable end items (DFARS 252.211-7003).

• Operational Security (OPSEC): Must be an integral part of daily activities, with heightened awareness during research and development phases.

• Contract Type: Varies by CLIN (Cost Plus Fixed Fee, Cost, Firm Fixed Price).

• Period of Performance: Start and Completion Dates are "ASREQ" (As Required) for most CLINs, with some exceptions.

• Estimated Value: "TBD per individual contract" for cost and fixed fee amounts.

• Limitation of Funds: FAR 52.232-22 applies, with "TBD" for the total amount available.

• Submission: Offer must be fully completed by the offeror.

• Evaluation: Evaluation factors for award are detailed in Section M (not provided in this excerpt).

• Key Deadlines: Offer submission deadline is not explicitly stated in this excerpt.

• Small Business: Attachment 4 is an "Individual Small Business Subcontracting Plan."

• The document references numerous attachments and exhibits, including a Statement of Work (Attachment 1), Contract Data Requirements List (Exhibit A), and a guide to formatting technical reports (Attachment 6).

• Payment instructions are detailed in Attachment 5, referencing various FAR and DFARS clauses.

• Common Access Cards (CACs) are required for contractor personnel (AFRL Supplement clause 5352.242-9001).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Privacy Act Statement for the Air Force Research Laboratory. It outlines the authority, purpose, routine uses, and consequences of not providing information related to Federal grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and other research-related agreements awarded by the Department of the Air Force.

• Authority: Lists various laws and executive orders governing the collection and use of information.
• Purpose: Explains that the collected information is for processing, investigating, and maintaining records related to awards and agreements, ensuring they are awarded to responsible parties.
• Routine Uses: Details how the information may be shared with contractors, grantees, consultants, and law enforcement agencies.
• Effect of not providing information: States that providing information is voluntary but failure to comply with certain disclosure requirements (e.g., 42 U.S. Code § 6605) can lead to enforcement mechanisms, including rejection of applications.
• Forms for completion: Includes sections for Proposal Title, Acknowledgment of consent, Covered individual's signature and printed name, Institution's Authorized Representative's signature and printed name, and Institution Name.

Bidders responding to opportunities involving research and development awards from the Air Force Research Laboratory must understand the implications of this Privacy Act Statement. They will need to complete the provided consent and identification sections as part of their application or proposal process. Failure to provide the required information may result in the rejection of their application.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a worksheet for bidders to provide profiles of senior and key personnel proposed for the opportunity. It is intended to capture essential information about individuals who will be critical to the performance of the contract.

• Sections for "Project Director / Principal Investigator" and "Senior / Key Person" profiles.
• Each profile requires the following information:
  • First Name
  • Middle Name
  • Last Name
  • Suffix
  • Position / Title
  • Department
  • Organization Name
  • Division
  • Phone Number
  • Email Address
  • LinkedIn Profile
  • Project Role (PD/PI or Other)
• Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required items.

Bidders must complete this worksheet accurately and thoroughly to detail the qualifications and experience of their proposed key personnel. This information will likely be a significant factor in the evaluation of proposals, demonstrating the capability of the offeror to successfully execute the contract requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Security Program Questionnaire designed to review the security program and practices of institutions receiving research funding. It is intended to be completed by collaborators and reviewed by the S&T Protection Lead.

• Applicant Name
• CAGE Code/SCL and level (if applicable)
• Name and Position/Title of the person completing the questionnaire
• A series of questions covering various aspects of security, including:
  • Physical security plans
  • Information security processes
  • Information storage locations
  • Procedures for transmission, transportation, disposal, destruction, and reproduction of information
  • Safeguards for personnel accessing information
  • Plans for safeguarding Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) / Government Furnished Information (GFI)
  • Cybersecurity and network protection procedures
  • Operations security processes
  • Insider threat deterrence, detection, and mitigation
  • Procedures for handling information compromise
  • Willingness to provide AFRL S&T Protection training annually

Bidders must complete this questionnaire as part of the application or proposal process. The responses will be used to assess the security posture of the institution and its ability to protect sensitive research information and materials. Understanding these requirements is crucial for determining eligibility and compliance with the opportunity's security protocols.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the requirements for a Security Risk Review process for federally funded research, as per AFRL Instruction AFRLI 61-113 and Department of the Air Force Instruction DAFI 63-101/20-101. It details the information required from applicants/offerors and covered individuals to assess potential vectors of undue foreign influence.

• Security Risk Review Process: Applied to federally funded research to protect Department of the Air Force Science and Technology (S&T) by identifying potential foreign influence.
• Information Required: Applications/proposals must include:
  • For Grant/Cooperative Agreement: Standard Form 424 (Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile - Expanded), Security Program Questionnaire, and Privacy Act Statement consent form for each Covered Individual.
  • For Contract/Other Transaction Agreement: Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile Worksheet, Security Program Questionnaire, and Privacy Act Statement consent form for each Covered Individual.
• Covered Individuals: Defined as individuals contributing substantively to R&D projects, including all Senior/Key Personnel for Broad Agency Announcements (BAA).
• Disclosure Requirements: Federal law mandates disclosure of all current and pending research support for covered individuals. Failure to report fully may have legal consequences.
• Post-Award Requirements: Annual resubmission of the Senior and Key Person Profile is required. Notification to the government is mandatory within 5 business days if Senior/Key Personnel are identified as participants in Foreign Government Talent Programs or have Foreign Components with strategic competitors.

Bidders must carefully review and complete the required forms (SF 424, Security Program Questionnaire, Privacy Act Statement) for all Senior/Key Personnel and Covered Individuals. Understanding the disclosure requirements and the implications of foreign influence is critical for proposal submission and compliance during the period of performance. Failure to comply can lead to decline of award or other government remedies.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

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

• Data Item Number and Title: Lists specific reports and documents required (e.g., Scientific and Technical Reports, Performance and Cost Report, Funds and Man-Hour Expenditure Report, Contract Funds and Status Report, Work Breakdown Structure, Management Plan, Test/Inspection Reports).
• Authority: Cites the Data Item Description (DID) or other authority for each data item.
• Frequency and Submission Dates: Defines how often each item is due (e.g., monthly, quarterly, as required) and specifies submission deadlines relative to contract events or periods.
• Distribution: Outlines the addressees and the number of copies (final, draft, reproducible) for each data item, with a general note that distribution is authorized to US Government agencies only.
• Remarks: Provides tailored instructions, clarifications, or definitions for specific data items, including submission methods (e.g., electronically) and definitions of terms like ASREQ (as required).

This CDRL is crucial for bidders as it outlines the specific reporting and documentation deliverables expected under the contract. Understanding these requirements is essential for accurately estimating proposal costs and ensuring contract compliance. Bidders must review each data item to ascertain the scope, frequency, and format of required submissions.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a DD Form 254, Contract Security Classification Specification. It provides security requirements and guidance for classified information related to a contract. It details the level of facility security clearance, safeguarding requirements, and specific types of classified information the contractor may encounter or handle.

• Facility Clearance: Top Secret required.
• Safeguarding: No specific safeguarding level required beyond standard practices.
• Contract Information: Solicitation or other number FA2384-24-S-2233.
• Contractor Requirements: May require access to COMSEC, Restricted Data, Critical Nuclear Weapon Design Information (CNWDI), Formerly Restricted Data, National Intelligence Information (including SCI and Non-SCI), Special Access Programs (SAP), and Foreign Government Information.
• Contractor Activities: Contractor will generate classified information and may require access to classified information at government facilities or other contractor facilities.
• Security Guidance: Compliance with 32 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 117, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) is required. Specific security classification guides (SCGs) for various Directed Energy programs are listed.
• Points of Contact: Includes Program Manager, Contracting Officer's Representative, and Security Manager.

This form is critical for bidders to understand the security obligations and clearance levels necessary for performing the contract. It outlines the types of classified information and systems the contractor will interact with, which is essential for assessing capability and compliance. Bidders must ensure they possess or can obtain the required security clearances and have the necessary infrastructure to handle classified information as specified.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet listing the full equipment required for the RHDO (Rapid High-Dynamic Optical) system. It serves as a detailed inventory of components that may be relevant for bidders to understand the technical scope or potential integration requirements of the opportunity.

The spreadsheet contains a single sheet titled 'Sheet1' which lists numerous items. These items include various types of lasers (e.g., CW Fiber Laser, Q Switch Laser, Diode Laser, YAG Laser), optical equipment (e.g., Beam Expanders, Mirrors, Lenses), cameras (e.g., CCD Camera, High-Speed Camera, Thermal Camera), analytical instruments (e.g., Spectrometers, Analyzers), and other related hardware such as chillers, power supplies, and vacuum pumps.

Bidders should review this equipment list to understand the specific technical components and systems associated with the RHDO opportunity. This information can help in assessing the complexity of the requirement, identifying potential integration challenges, and determining the necessary expertise or resources for a successful bid. It may also inform proposals related to system integration, maintenance, or procurement of related services.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 8 - Section K - Representations and Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors," is a mandatory component of the proposal submission. It requires offerors to provide specific representations and certifications related to their business, compliance, and eligibility for the contract.

This section is divided into nine parts, covering:

• Annual Representations and Certifications (FAR 52.204-8)
• Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting (FAR 52.204-16)
• Predecessor of Offeror (FAR 52.204-20)
• Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (FAR 52.209-7)
• Cost Accounting Standards (FAR 52.230-1)
• Certification Regarding Trafficking in Persons Compliance Plan (FAR 52.222-56)
• Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke (December 1994)
• Certification of Institutional Policy on Financial Conflicts of Interest
• Disaster or Emergency Area Representation (FAR 52.226-3

Offerors must either complete these representations and certifications electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM) or provide them directly within their proposal, as indicated by specific instructions within the document.

Completion and accurate submission of this document are critical for proposal evaluation and contract award. Failure to provide the required representations and certifications may render a proposal non-responsive. Bidders must carefully review each section to ensure they meet all stated requirements and accurately represent their business status and compliance.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation (Solicitation No. FA2384-24-R-2233) for research and data, hardware, and software. The contract type is "TBD per individual contract" and includes Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), Cost Sharing, and Firm Fixed Price (FFP) options.

The solicitation outlines the procurement of:

• Research and Data (CLINs 0001, 0004, 0007, 0010)
• Hardware (CLINs 0002, 0005, 0008, 0011)
• Software (CLINs 0003, 0006, 0009, 0012)

Deliverables are to be in accordance with Section J, Attachment X, Statement of Work, entitled "TBD per Individual contract". Data deliverables will be in accordance with Exhibit X, Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL), DD Form 1423-1.

• Contract Type: Varies by CLIN, including Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), Cost Sharing, and Firm Fixed Price (FFP).

• Period of Performance: Start and Completion Dates are "ASREQ" (As Required) for most CLINs, with some specific dates noted (e.g., 14 AUG 2023 for some software and hardware deliverables).

• Estimated Value: "TBD" (To Be Determined) for cost, fixed fee, and total contract value.

• The solicitation includes standard sections for Offer, Discount for Prompt Payment, and Acknowledgements of Amendments.

• Evaluation factors for award are detailed in Section M, which is not included in this excerpt.

• Not explicitly detailed in the provided sections, but Attachment 4 is an "INDIVIDUAL SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN".

• The document references numerous attachments and exhibits, including the Statement of Work (Attachment 1), Contract Data Requirements List (Exhibit A), and a guide for formatting technical reports (Attachment 6).

• Payment instructions are detailed in Section G, referencing Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF).

• Clauses regarding inspection and acceptance, contract administration, and various Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clauses are incorporated by reference.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation, FA2384-26-S-B002, Call 1, is for the Optical Radiation Bioeffects and Safety (ORBS) research effort under the Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring, and Sustaining (CHEERS) Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA). The Air Force Research Laboratory/Human Effectiveness Directorate (AFRL/RH) is seeking white papers and subsequently technical and cost proposals for this research.

• Research effort focused on Optical Radiation Bioeffects and Safety.

• Deliverables include Data Items (CDRL Attachment 6), Software (Modeling and Simulation, RF hazard evaluation), and Hardware (specialized test equipment, high power amplifiers, RF measurement instruments). Unique Identification (UID) is required for hardware valued at $5K or more.

• Animal Subject Use is anticipated; Human Subject Use is not.

• Hazardous or Radioactive Materials use is TBD.

• Science and Technology (S&T) Protection requirements are governed by AFRLI 61-113 (Attachment 8).

• Estimated Program Cost: $68M (individual award basis).

• Anticipated Contract Type: Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), but other FAR contract types or Other Transactions (OT) are possible.

• Anticipated Award Date: November 5, 2026.

• Period of Performance: November 5, 2026 – November 4, 2029, with two one-year option periods and three additional months for final reports.

• This is a two-step process. Step 1 requires White Paper submission.

• Step 1 White Paper Due Date: June 7, 2026, 11:59 PM Wright-Patterson AFB, OH local time.

• White Paper Limit: 10 pages, single-spaced. Must include a total Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM).

• Step 2 Proposal Due Date: To be provided in the Request for Proposals (RFP) sent to selected white paper offerors.

• Government may award without negotiation.

• Unrestricted solicitation; small businesses are encouraged.

• Foreign-Owned Firms must notify the Contracting Officer.

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

• All terms of the CHEERS MAA and CHEERS MAA Industry Guide apply unless specifically addressed in this Call.

• Refer to Attachment 7 for the Statement of Objectives (SOO).

• Data Rights: Government desires Unlimited Rights for "Other Than Commercial" Technical Data, Computer Software, and Software Documentation. Customary Commercial License for "Commercial Computer Software" with Unlimited Rights for modifications rising to the level of "development."