Pioneering Aerospace Capabilities, Engineering and Research

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 1 to the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA2391-23-S-2403, "Pioneering Aerospace Capabilities, Engineering, and Research (PACER)", specifically for the CALL Name "Collaborative Center for the Design and Research Of InterDisciplinary Systems (CC DROIDS)". This amendment provides clarifications per FAR 35.016(c).

• Questions & Answers section.

• Clarifies that universities are permitted to partner with industry in their response.

• In a Cooperative Agreement, the Industry partner would be a sub-recipient, similar to a subcontractor in FAR-based acquisitions.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Call for White Papers under the Innovative Architecture and Technology (INNATE) program, specifically for "RQT Topic 14 – Future Enabling Air Breathing Propulsion." The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Aerospace Systems Directorate, is seeking white papers to conduct rapid vision system studies to discover, assess, and deliver novel propulsion architectures and technologies that offer new capabilities and reduce turbine engine development timelines. The effort will integrate digital engineering and model-based system engineering methods.

• Research Focus: Development, demonstration, and validation of technologies to enhance capability, performance, endurance, and reliability of advanced air breathing propulsion for military applications.

• Technology Areas: May include novel engine concepts, integrated thermal management, advanced design tools (MDAO, MBSE), and concepts for crewed and uncrewed weapon systems.

• Deliverables: Include Scientific and Technical Reports (Interim and Final), Funds and Man-Hour Expenditure Reports, Contractor Spend and Expenditure Plans, Status Reports, Technical Data Packages, Digital Imaging, OPSEC Plans, Conceptual Design Drawings, and others as detailed in the CDRLs.

• Software/Hardware: No specific software or hardware requirements are stated; these may be proposed by the offeror.

• Contract Type: Anticipated to be a "C" type contract with Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) CLINs. The Air Force reserves the right to award other contract types or technology transfer mechanisms.

• Period of Performance: 33 months (30 months for technical effort, 3 months for final report).

• Estimated Total Program Cost: $4,800,000 (for all awards under this call).

• Anticipated Number of Awards: Two or more contracts are anticipated.

• Two-Step Process: First step is submission of White Papers; second step involves technical and business/cost proposals for selected offerors.

• White Paper Due Date: September 22, 2023, 4:00 PM local time.

• White Paper Submission: Electronic submission via email to Peter.Seiley@us.af.mil or via DOD Safe Drop Off Request. Early submission is encouraged.

• White Paper Page Limit: 5 pages (double-spaced, 10-point font, 1-inch margins).

• White Paper Format: Specific sections required include BAA Number, Program Title, Company Information, Contracting POCs, Period of Performance, Technical Summary, Deliverables, and Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) Cost.

• White Paper Review Criteria (Descending Order of Importance):

  1. Unique and innovative approach.
  2. Understanding of the scope of the technical effort.
  3. Soundness of the technical approach.
  4. Affordability (Proposed ROM Cost Estimate).

• Second Step Proposal: To be submitted within 30 days of RFP issuance.

• Second Step Review Criteria: Technical (ranked first) and Cost/Price (ranked second).

• NAICS Code: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (Except Biotechnology) with Aircraft, Aircraft Engine, and Engine Parts exception).

• Small Business Size Standard: 1,500 employees.

• A moratorium on white paper reviews is in effect for six months after the proposal due date.

• Security Classification: Up to Secret (per award), see Attachment 2 (DD254).

• Export Control: Subject to ITAR and EAR regulations. A Certified DD Form 2345 is required with the white paper.

• Government Furnished Property (GFP): None anticipated. If required, must be identified in the white paper.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a 1-Step Call under the PACER BAA FA2391-23-S-2403, soliciting proposals for the "Collaborative Center for the Design and Research Of InterDisciplinary Systems (CC DROIDS)". The effort aims to discover, develop, and demonstrate Multidisciplinary Design, Analysis, and Optimization (MDAO) methods and technologies for next-generation aerospace vehicles, enabling risk-quantified effectiveness assessments.

• Research and development may involve technology demonstration vehicles, ground test facilities, flight test facilities, computations, and laboratory experiments.

• Deliverable items include Interim Performance Reports, Financial Reports, Publishing Project Results, Final Performance Report, Reporting of Subawards and Executive Compensation, Disclosure of Information, Reporting of Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance, and Software.

• Program Security Classification: None/Unclassified.

• Operations Security (OPSEC) requirements will be incorporated.

• Data Rights Desired: Unlimited, Restricted, GPR. Offers proposing delivery of technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation developed with mixed funding are expected to be delivered with at least Government Purpose Rights.

• Type of Contract/Instrument: Cooperative Agreement is anticipated, but the USAF reserves the right to award other appropriate contract types (FAR or Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype, Grant, Cooperative Agreement, or OT for Research), or technology transfer mechanisms.

• Period of Performance: 72 total months (69 months for Technical Period, 3 months for Final Report delivery).

• Estimated Program Cost: $4,800,000 (including Government funding and Recipient Cost Share).

• Anticipated Award Date: 23 November 2023.

• Anticipated Funding: Government Share: $3.6M; Potential Recipient Cost Share: $1.2M.

• Proposal Due Date and Time: 11 Sep 2023, 2:00 P.M. local time, Wright Patterson AFB, OH.

• Submission: Proposals must be submitted electronically to the Primary Grants Point of Contact.

• Technical/Management Proposal Page Limit: 25 pages.

• Statement of Work (SOW) Page Limit: 5 pages.

• Cost/Business Proposal Page Limit: None.

• Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated against criteria in the PACER BAA FA2391-23-S-2403 and categorized as Selectable or Not Selectable based on Peer or Scientific Review.

• This is an unrestricted Call. Small Businesses are encouraged to propose on all or any part of this Call.

• Cost Sharing is not required but is highly encouraged and will be considered favorably.

• Guidance is provided for Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs).

• Foreign Nationals can be employed by a US Prime Recipient or Sub-awardee, with limitations.

• No limits on the number of proposals an offeror may submit.

• Offerors should monitor sam.gov and grants.gov for additional notices.

• No white papers covering the topic will be reviewed until six months after the proposal due date.

• Moratorium on White Papers: Beginning from the date of publication of this Call and continuing until six months after the due date for proposals, no white papers submitted covering the topic specified in this Call, “Collaborative Center for the Design and Research Of InterDisciplinary Systems (CC DROIDS),” will be reviewed.

• Attachments include SOO, SOW Supplemental Requirements, Cooperative Agreement Articles, SF 424, and Security Program Questionnaire.

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

This document outlines the objectives for the Collaborative Center for the Design and Research Of InterDisciplinary Systems (CC DROIDS). The primary goal is to establish a partnership with an American university to complement the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) efforts in leading research and development of novel design methods and tools for optimizing and assessing revolutionary aerospace vehicles. The center aims to foster collaboration, mentor students, and leverage or develop engineering software.

The CC DROIDS will focus on developing multidisciplinary technologies and computational methods for reliable, multi-fidelity analysis and design exploration of aerospace vehicles across various sizes, speeds, and altitudes. Key competency areas include:

• Design Space Exploration: Utilizing multifidelity model-based systems engineering (MBSE), conducting effectiveness-based design, and employing risk-quantified design space exploration with advanced optimization methods. This also includes digital engineering to improve collaboration and ensure consistent system representation.
• Multifidelity Modeling and Analysis for Design Optimization: Developing efficient multidisciplinary analysis with design sensitivities, including low-to-high-fidelity coupled physics analysis. This also involves goal-oriented adaptive analyses to optimize engineering problems and design under uncertainty.
• Multidisciplinary Technology Development, Assessment, and Validation: Focusing on areas such as aeroelastic modal topology optimization, incorporating experimental data into multidisciplinary design analysis and optimization (MDAO), and quantified technology assessment.

Not explicitly detailed in this document, but implies a collaborative effort between AFRL and university partners.

• Personnel Quality: Requires highly accomplished and well-regarded research personnel. Short-term or entry-level researchers must be skilled or trainable and supervised.
• Collaboration: Emphasizes a cooperative relationship with external researchers, regular interaction (annual reviews, technical interchange meetings, video conferences), and a synergistic working relationship.
• Software: Software development will be a critical medium and product. Emphasis on software engineering practices, integration into AFRL computational codes, and consideration of specific tools like Catia Magic System of Systems Architect, AFSIM, CAPS, MAST, FUN3D, or ChiDG.
• Deliverables: Include Interim Performance Reports, Financial Reports, Publishing Project Results, Final Performance Report, Reporting of Subawards and Executive Compensation, Disclosure of Information, Reporting of Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance, and Software.
• Operations Security (OPSEC): Must be an integral part of daily activities to protect technology.
• S&T Protection: Supplemental requirements include providing SF 424 forms for Senior/Key Personnel and adhering to Air Force Research Laboratory Instruction (AFRLI) 61-113.
• Access to Facilities: Requirements for base identification, vehicle passes, and Common Access Cards (CACs) for personnel accessing Air Force installations and networks.
• Environmental and National Policy Requirements: Compliance with various environmental laws, nondiscrimination policies, and other national policy requirements.
• Prohibitions: Restrictions on using funds for certain telecommunications equipment and services (Section 889 of NDAA) and ByteDance covered applications.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document, "Atch 4 Section L - Instructions Conditions and Notices to Offerors," outlines the specific instructions, conditions, and notices that offerors must adhere to when submitting proposals for this opportunity. It incorporates various Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) provisions by reference.

• Solicitation Provisions: Lists numerous FAR and DFARS provisions that are incorporated by reference, covering areas such as:

  • Prohibition on contracting with entities requiring confidentiality agreements.
  • System for Award Management registration.
  • Priority rating for national defense, emergency preparedness, and energy use.
  • Instructions to offerors for competitive acquisition.
  • Facilities capital cost of money.
  • Limitations on pass-through charges.
  • Type of contract (TBD).
  • Single or multiple awards.
  • Pre-award on-site equal opportunity compliance evaluation.
  • Certification regarding trafficking in persons compliance plan.
  • Submission of electronic funds transfer information.
  • Service of protest.
  • Site visit requirements.
  • Notice of NIST SP 800-171 DOD assessment requirements.
  • Proposal adequacy checklist.
  • Requirements for certified cost or pricing data.
  • Requirements for submission of proposals via electronic media (DOD SAFE).
  • Supplies and services provided by nontraditional defense contractors.
  • Notification to offerors—postaward debriefings.
  • Alternate time-and-materials/labor-hour proposal requirements.
  • Technical data or computer software previously delivered.
  • Potential organizational conflict of interest.

• Full Text Provisions: Some provisions are incorporated in full text, including those related to solicitation provisions incorporated by reference and authorized deviations.

• Applicable Clauses: Contract clauses will be determined based on the Offeror's response to Section K representations, including patent rights clauses for small businesses and large businesses.

• Small Business and Small Disadvantaged Business: Requires subcontracting plans for proposals exceeding $500,000, unless the offeror has an approved comprehensive subcontracting plan under the DoD test program.

• Determination of Competitive Range: Proposals will be evaluated for inclusion in the competitive range based on technical evaluation, initial cost/price, and other criteria outlined in Section M.

• DD Form 1423: Technical data and administrative reports must be supplied in accordance with attached CDRL or DD Form 1423. Alternative offers with substitutions or eliminations may be proposed.

• Access to Air Force Computer Systems: Compliance with AFI 33-119 and AFI 33-200 is mandatory if access to Air Force computer systems is required, necessitating a National Agency Check or Entrance National Agency Check.

• Offerors are advised to submit initial proposals on their most favorable terms, considering both technical and cost/price standpoints.

• Proposals will not be included in the competitive range solely based on technical acceptability or cost/price considerations alone.

• Offerors whose proposals are not included in the competitive range will be notified.

• Specific requirements for small business concerns and small disadvantaged businesses are detailed, including the need for subcontracting plans.

• Offerors are cautioned that listed provisions may include blocks to be completed and submitted with the offer.

• Full text of provisions can be accessed electronically via provided URLs.

• The type of contract is TBD.

• Potential organizational conflict of interest is TBD.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides supplemental instructions for applicants submitting proposals for assistance instruments. It details specific form requirements, submission procedures, and system registrations necessary for applying.

• SF 424 (R&R) Forms: All proposals require an SF 424 (R&R) as the cover page. Specific instructions are provided for completing the SF 424 Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) and the SF 424 Research & Related Personal Data forms, including requirements for demographic and career information for key personnel. This information is used for evaluating compliance with Title IX and for statistical purposes, and is not shared with merit reviewers.
• Institutions of Higher Education: Special considerations are noted for these applicants regarding the protection of intellectual property, controlled information, key personnel, and critical technologies, as directed by the NDAA for FY 2019.
• System Award Management (SAM): Applicants must be registered in SAM to apply for grants and other funding opportunities. Proposals will not be accepted without SAM registration.
• Certifications: Applicants must adhere to government-wide certifications and representations, some of which are unique to this opportunity and included as an attachment. By signing the application, applicants certify to the truthfulness and completeness of the statements made.
• Grants.gov Submission: White papers cannot be submitted through Grants.gov. However, applications (if solicited later) must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov. Detailed instructions are provided for registering on Grants.gov, creating a workspace, completing forms (including mandatory fields and the SF-424), and submitting applications. Applicants are advised to submit at least 24-48 hours before the deadline to allow for technical issues.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the specific forms required, the data that needs to be included (especially demographic and personnel information), the registration processes for SAM and Grants.gov, and the submission procedures. Failure to comply with these instructions, particularly regarding form completion and system registrations, may result in proposals being returned without review or not considered for funding.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document, "Atch 3 Section K - Representations and Certifications," contains the representations and certifications required from offerors responding to the solicitation. It outlines various provisions that offerors must acknowledge and certify, either by completing them directly or by referencing their active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

• Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Provisions: Lists numerous FAR and DFARS clauses that require specific representations or certifications from offerors. These cover a wide range of topics including:
  • Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting
  • Ownership or Control of Offeror
  • Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran
  • Compliance with Safeguarding Covered Defense Information Controls
  • Prohibition on the Acquisition of Covered Defense Telecommunications Equipment or Services
  • Representations Regarding Business Operations with the Maduro Regime
  • Women-Owned Business (Other Than Small Business) status
  • Annual Representations and Certifications (via SAM.gov)
  • Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations
  • Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters
  • Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or Felony Conviction
  • Small Business Program Representations (including definitions for various small business categories like EDWOSB, SDVOSB, WOSB, HUBZone, etc.)
  • Cost Accounting Standards Notices and Certifications
  • Representation Relating to Compensation of Former DoD Officials
  • Buy American and Balance of Payments Program Certificates
  • Commercial Derivative Military Article - Specialty Metals Compliance
  • Photovoltaic Devices Certificates
  • 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
• SAM.gov Integration: Emphasizes that offerors may satisfy many of these requirements by ensuring their representations and certifications are current, accurate, and complete in their SAM.gov registration.
• Specific Instructions: Provides guidance on how to complete certain representations, including options for using SAM.gov or providing direct input, and specifies when certain provisions apply based on contract type, value, or performance location.

This document is critical for all potential bidders as it details the mandatory legal, regulatory, and business status information that must be provided with their offer. Failure to accurately complete or submit these representations and certifications can lead to ineligibility for award. Bidders must carefully review each provision to understand their specific obligations and ensure compliance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "DFARS 252.215-7009 Proposal Adequacy Checklist (MAR 2023)". It is a provision that offerors must complete to ensure their proposals contain all necessary information for adequate evaluation. It guides offerors on what information to provide regarding cost or pricing data, and how to reference it within their proposals.

• The checklist is divided into sections covering General Instructions, Cost Elements (Materials and Services, Subcontracts, Direct Labor, Indirect Costs, Other Costs), Interorganizational Transfers, and Formats for Submission of Line Item Summaries.
• Each item references specific FAR or DFARS clauses and provides questions to ensure compliance and completeness of the proposal.
• It requires offerors to provide the location (page number) of requested information in their proposal or an explanation if the information is not provided.

This checklist is critical for any bidder responding to a solicitation that includes this provision. Bidders must carefully review each item and ensure their proposal addresses all requirements to be considered adequate. Failure to adequately complete this checklist or provide the requested information may result in a proposal being deemed inadequate and potentially rejected. It serves as a guide for proposal preparation, specifically concerning cost and pricing data submission.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

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

• Data Item Numbers (A001-A012): Each item represents a specific deliverable, such as Scientific and Technical Reports, Funds and Man-Hour Expenditure Reports, Contractor Spend and Expenditure Plans, Contract Funds Status Reports, Status Reports, Presentation Material, Technical Information Reports, Computer Software Products, Test Plans, Material and Processing Digital Data Packages, System/Subsystem Design Descriptions, and Technical Data Packages.
• Submission Requirements: Specifies frequency (e.g., monthly, quarterly, as required), format (e.g., electronic, encrypted, specific software compatibility), and deadlines for submission.
• Distribution: Outlines the addressees and the number of copies for each data item, with a general distribution statement indicating authorization for U.S. Government agencies only.
• Authority and Contract Reference: Cites the authority for data acquisition and the contract reference.

This CDRL is crucial for bidders as it clearly defines all the documentation and reporting deliverables expected from the contractor throughout the contract period. Understanding these requirements is essential for accurately estimating proposal costs, timelines, and resource allocation. Bidders must ensure their proposals account for the effort and cost associated with producing and delivering each specified data item according to the stated requirements.

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

This document outlines supplemental requirements for a Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS) related to FA2391-23-S-2403.

• Disclosure of Information: Requires submission of information copies to the Contracting Officer and Program Manager at least 50 days prior to scheduled release.
• Key Positions and Minimum Qualifications: Defines essential personnel roles and their required qualifications, with a process for notifying the Contracting Officer of any departures or proposed substitutions.
• Packaging and Marking: Specifies that all hardware deliverables must be packaged using established commercial practices. Special handling instructions for sensitive items are detailed, requiring a specific statement on boxes/crates.
• Program Manager and Focal Points: Identifies TBD individuals for the Program Manager and key focal points (Principal Investigator, Technical Contract Manager, Alternate).
• Base Support: Outlines the provision of Government base support on a rent-free, non-interference basis, including working space, materials, and equipment. Inadequacies or non-availability of support must be reported. Facilities are not to be purchased by the Contractor without prior approval. Specific installations for base support are TBD.
• Contracting Officer's Representative (COR): Identifies the COR for SCI Security Administration as TBD.
• Patent Rights: Details requirements for submitting Invention Reports and notifications regarding subject inventions, including specific contact information and forms (DD Form 882).
• Pollution Prevention and Right-To-Know: Requires compliance with FAR Clause 52.223-5 and Environmental Management System (EMS) requirements, including initial EMS Awareness-Level training for personnel working on an Air Force installation. Training details and responsibilities are TBD.
• Non-U.S. Citizens: Stipulates that contractor employees requiring access to USAF bases, AFRL facilities, or U.S. Government IT networks must be U.S. citizens. Waivers require Contracting Officer approval. Specific conditions apply to IT network access endorsements.
• Fundamental Research: Clarifies the applicability of the DFARS 252.204-7000 exception for fundamental research, noting when it no longer applies.
• Small Business Subcontracting Plan: Incorporates a comprehensive small business subcontracting plan by reference.
• Science and Technology (S&T) Protection: Outlines requirements in accordance with AFRLI 61-113, including the submission of SF 424 forms for personnel and adherence to an S&T Protection Plan.

Not explicitly detailed in this section, but implied through reporting requirements and compliance with clauses.

Not explicitly detailed in this document, but referenced as being part of the overall SOW/PWS.

• Disclosure of Information
• Key Personnel Qualifications and Notification
• Special Handling for Deliverables
• Base Support Procedures
• Patent Rights Reporting
• EMS Training
• U.S. Citizenship for Base/Network Access
• S&T Protection Measures

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

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

The questionnaire includes fields for:

• Date Submitted
• Applicant Name
• CAGE Code/SCL and level (if applicable)
• Name and Title of the person completing the form

It then poses 13 detailed questions covering:

• Physical security plans
• Information security processes
• Information storage locations
• Transmission and transportation procedures
• Disposal and destruction of information
• Reproduction of information
• Safeguards for personnel access
• Safeguarding Government Furnished Equipment/Information (GFE/GFI)
• Cybersecurity and network protection
• Operations security to prevent adversary access
• Insider threat deterrence, detection, and mitigation
• Procedures for compromised information
• Willingness to provide AFRL S&T Protection training

An area for additional comments is also provided.

Bidders responding to opportunities requiring research funding may need to complete and submit this questionnaire as part of their proposal or as a pre-award requirement to demonstrate their security capabilities and compliance.