Resilient Open & Agile Avionics System & Technology Development (ROAASTD)

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) solicits white papers for the Resilient Open & Agile Avionics System & Technology Development (ROAASTD) effort. The Air Force Research Laboratory, Sensors Directorate, Spectrum Warfare Division (AFRL/RYW) is seeking research and development to enhance system and platform resilience, agility, and open systems standards for rapid integration of sensor and mission system capabilities to counter evolving global threats and maintain military advantage.

• White Papers: Required for the first step, including a discussion of research scope, technical approach, and Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost. Limited to 5 pages.

• Technical and Cost Proposals: To be requested from offerors whose white papers are deemed to meet Air Force needs.

• Deliverable Items: Data Items (CDRLs), Software (TBD), Hardware (TBD based on proposals), and Other (per SOO).

• Security: Up to TS/SCI classification may be required. Offerors must verify Cognizant Security Office information. Export control regulations apply; a Certified DD Form 2345 is required.

• Data Rights: Government generally seeks Unlimited Rights for technical data and software, with specific considerations for commercial software and mixed funding.

• Contract Type: Air Force reserves the right to award various contract types (FAR or Other Transaction (OT), Prototype, grant, cooperative agreement, OT for Research, technology transfer mechanism). Anticipates Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) definitive contracts.

• Period of Performance: Individual awards: 12-24 months. Overall effort: 60 months.

• Estimated Program Cost: $30,000,000 total, with multiple awards estimated between $3,000,000 and $6,000,000.

• Two-Step Process: White papers first, followed by proposals for selected offerors.

• White Paper Due Date: Accepted through April 19, 2028, 1700 local time.

• Proposal Due Date: To be provided in the Request for Proposals (RFP).

• Evaluation: White papers reviewed based on technical approach, research interest, innovation, and funding availability. Proposals reviewed based on technical merit and cost/price.

• Eligible Offeror: Unrestricted solicitation; small businesses are encouraged.

• Cost Sharing: Not required, but allowed.

• Foreign Participation: Prohibited.

• Amendments may extend white paper deadlines.

• Offerors must adhere to strict page limitations for white papers and proposals.

• Contact points for technical and contracting questions are provided.

Statement of Objectives (SOO)

This document outlines the Statement of Objectives (SOO) for the FA8650-23-S-1031 opportunity. It serves as a preliminary document to define the government's overall objectives for a potential requirement, guiding subsequent development of a Performance Work Statement (PWS) or Statement of Work (SOW).

This document does not detail specific tasks or deliverables but rather the high-level objectives the government aims to achieve. Further details will be provided in subsequent solicitations.

• Sarah Ballard: SARAH.BALLARD@US.AF.MIL
• Richard Bailey: RICHARD.BAILEY.26@US.AF.MIL

This SOO is a foundational document. Bidders should monitor SAM.gov for future solicitations that will provide detailed requirements and instructions.

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 applications for Federal grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or other research-related agreements awarded by the Department of the Air Force.

• Authority: Lists various laws, executive orders, and policy memorandums governing the collection and use of information.
• Purpose: Explains that the collected information is used for processing, investigating, and maintaining records related to federal awards and agreements.
• Routine Uses: Details who the information may be shared with, including contractors, grantees, consultants, and law enforcement agencies.
• Effect of not providing information: States that providing information is voluntary, but failure to comply with disclosure requirements (like those under 42 U.S. Code § 6605) can lead to civil or criminal remedies, including rejection of applications.
• Acknowledgment of Consent: Includes fields for a "Proposal Title," "Covered individual" signature and printed name, "Institution's Authorized Representative" signature and printed name, and "Institution Name," along with dates for consent.

Bidders responding to opportunities involving the Air Force Research Laboratory, particularly those involving federal grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts, must understand the implications of this Privacy Act Statement. They will need to complete the "Acknowledgment of Consent" section, providing required signatures and information, to indicate their understanding and agreement with the terms outlined. Failure to provide this consent may result in the rejection of their application or proposal.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document is a Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) that specifies various data items to be delivered by the contractor under contract FA8650-23-S-1031. It details the type of data, submission requirements, frequency, and distribution for each item.

• Data Item A001: Scientific and Technical Reports (Final Report) - Requires adherence to AFRL Format Guidelines and inclusion of an SF 298. Sensitive data must be marked as CUI. Distribution is limited to DoD and US DOD contractors.
• Data Item A002: Funds and Man-Hour Expenditure Report - Submitted monthly, tailored to an attached RY format. Distribution is to US Government agencies only.
• Data Item A003: Contract Funds Status Report (CFSR) - Submitted quarterly, with forecasts by month, quarter, and year. Reconciliation to the Government's fiscal year is required. Distribution is to US Government agencies only.
• Data Item A004: Status Report - Submitted monthly, with specific tailoring to delete a paragraph. Distribution is to DoD and US DOD contractors only.
• Data Item A005: Presentation Material - Submitted as required for briefings/reviews, with a maximum of 500 view graphs. Must be reproducible in MS-Office compatible media. Distribution is to DoD and US DOD contractors only.
• Data Item A006: Computer Software Product (Source Code) - Delivery includes source code and executable. Distribution is to DoD and US DOD contractors only.
• Data Item A007: Scientific and Technical Reports (R&R Annual Update) - Requires completion of the AFRL "Research and Related Senior/Key Person Profile" template. Submitted annually and updated as appropriate. Distribution is to DoD and US DOD contractors only.
• Data Item A008: Scientific and Technical Reports (Security Plan) - Tailored to contractor's format, submitted electronically. Initial submission is within 15 days after award if required. Updates are provided as appropriate. Distribution is to DoD and US DOD contractors only.

This CDRL outlines the specific reporting and deliverable requirements for contractors under this contract. Bidders should review these requirements to understand the scope of documentation and reporting expected, including format, frequency, and distribution limitations, which will impact proposal preparation and contract performance.

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

This document outlines supplemental requirements for a Statement of Work (SOW) related to the AFRL/PZL opportunity.

• Disclosure of Information: Requires submission of specific information copies at least 50 days prior to scheduled release date to the Contracting Officer and Program Manager.
• Key Personnel: Defines requirements for essential contractor personnel, including minimum qualifications (TBD) and a process for notifying the Contracting Officer of any departures or proposed substitutions.
• Packaging and Marking: Specifies that hardware deliverables must be packaged according to commercial practices. Special handling instructions for sensitive contents are detailed, requiring immediate contact with the Technical Project Officer upon receipt.
• Program Management: Identifies Gordon Strong as the Government Program Manager and lists TBD as focal points (Principal Investigator, Technical Contract Manager, Alternate).
• Base Support: Outlines the potential provision of rent-free, non-interference base support by the Government, including working space, materials, and services. Contractors are not authorized to purchase base support without prior written approval. Written authorization for facilities is required 90 days prior to in-place dates.
• Patent Rights: Details requirements for submitting Interim or Final Invention Reports using DD Form 882, including specific information for retained ownership inventions.
• 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. Permanent resident cards do not equate to U.S. citizenship. Waivers require written approval from the Contracting Officer.
• Science and Technology (S&T) Protection: Requires adherence to AFRLI 61-113 for S&T protection, including providing initial/annual/new Senior/Key Personnel reports via SF 424 (CDRL A007) and supporting the development and implementation of an S&T Protection Plan.

Not explicitly detailed in this supplemental document, but base support location is dependent on Air Force installations.

• Compliance with DFARS 252.204-7000.
• Adherence to packaging and marking instructions for sensitive items.
• U.S. citizenship requirement for base/network access, with waiver provisions.
• S&T Protection Plan adherence.
• Reporting of inventions and key personnel.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Proposal Adequacy Checklist" (JAN 2023) that offerors must complete when preparing their proposals. It serves as a guide to ensure all necessary information related to cost or pricing data is included and properly referenced within the proposal.

• The checklist is organized by FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) references.
• It prompts offerors to identify the location (proposal page number) of specific information or provide an explanation if the information is not provided.
• Key areas covered include:
  • General proposal requirements (first page, identification of Government-furnished material).
  • Disclosure of noncompliance with Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).
  • Disclosure of other known activities impacting costs (vendor quotations, nonrecurring costs, production changes, business prospects, make-or-buy decisions, etc.).
  • Index of certified cost or pricing data.
  • Exceptions to submission of certified cost or pricing data.
  • Disclosure of judgmental factors, mathematical methods, and contingencies in estimates.
  • Basis of cost estimating relationships.
  • Summary of total cost by element and cross-referencing.
  • Identification of incurred costs before proposal submission.
  • Government forward pricing rate agreements.
  • Consolidated Bill of Material (CBOM) for materials and services.
  • Subcontractor proposals and pricing analysis.
  • Identification of commercial products and services.
  • Inter-organizational transfers.
  • Direct labor breakdown (hours, rates, costs).
  • Basis of estimate for indirect costs.
  • Other direct costs, including travel.
  • Royalties and facilities capital cost of money.
  • Formats for submission of line item summaries, modifications, and price revisions.
  • Incentive contract types and economic price adjustments.
  • Performance-Based Payments.
  • Excessive Pass-through Charges identification.

This checklist is critical for bidders to ensure their proposals are complete and adequate regarding cost and pricing information. Failure to properly complete this checklist or provide the requested information may result in an inadequate proposal, impacting the evaluation and potential award.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the security risk review process required for proposals submitted to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). It details the procedures for identifying and assessing potential security risks associated with federally funded research, particularly concerning undue foreign influence. The review applies to all proposed Senior/Key personnel and "Covered Individuals" and is based on information provided in specific questionnaires and other publicly available or government-held data. Nationality or citizenship is not a determining factor.

• Security Risk Review Process: AFRL follows AFRLI 61-113 and DAFI 63-101/20-101. The review assesses risk factors to determine an appropriate Risk Acceptance Level (RAL).
• Offeror/Contractor Submission Requirements: Proposals must include:
  • Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile Worksheet (Appendix 2)
  • Security Program Questionnaire (Appendix 1)
  • "Privacy Act Statement" consent form for each Covered Individual, signed by the Offeror/Contractor as Sponsor (Appendix 3).
• Covered Individual Requirements: Individuals must disclose all current and pending research support as defined by 42 U.S.C. § 6605. They must also sign the "Privacy Act Statement".
• Post-Award Requirements: Annual resubmission of the Senior and Key Person Profile is required. New covered individuals require a new profile before continued performance. Immediate notification (within 5 business days) is required if Senior/Key Personnel are identified as participants in Foreign Government Talent Programs or have Foreign Components with strategic competitors.

Bidders must be aware of and comply with these security review requirements. Failure to submit the required documentation or to disclose relevant information may lead to the decline of award. Offerors must also establish internal processes to address foreign talent programs, conflicts of interest, and research integrity, and flow down these requirements to sub-awardees. Understanding these requirements is crucial for proposal preparation and successful contract performance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "Att 9 - Security Risk Review Appendix 1 - SF 424 RR_KeyPersonExpanded.pdf", appears to be an attachment related to a security risk review, specifically focusing on key personnel. It is likely a form or appendix that bidders will need to complete or reference as part of their proposal submission.

• The document is identified as "SF 424 RR", which is a standard form used for Federal grant applications and related information. The "KeyPersonExpanded" designation suggests it requires detailed information about key individuals involved in the project.
• It is an appendix to a Security Risk Review, indicating it will likely contain fields for personal information, qualifications, and potentially security-related details of key personnel.

Bidders should anticipate needing to fill out or provide information for this form as part of their proposal. It is crucial for understanding the specific data required regarding key personnel for the security risk assessment component of the opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Security Program Questionnaire intended for institutions receiving research funding. It is used to review their security programs and practices. Collaborators complete the questionnaire, and it is reviewed by the S&T Protection Lead.

The questionnaire asks for information regarding:

• Physical security plans
• Information security processes
• Information storage locations (computers, cloud, file cabinets, etc.)
• Procedures for transmission/transportation, disposal/destruction, and reproduction of information
• Safeguards for personnel accessing information
• Plans for safeguarding Government Furnished Equipment/Information (GFE/GFI)
• Cybersecurity or network protection procedures
• Operations security processes to prevent adversary access
• Processes to deter, detect, and mitigate insider threats
• Procedures for handling information compromise
• Willingness to provide AFRL S&T Protection training annually

Bidders should complete this questionnaire as part of the security review process for this opportunity. The responses will be used to assess the security posture of the institution involved in the research funding. This document requires detailed information about the applicant's security protocols and personnel safeguards.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile Worksheet" (also referred to as "Research and Related Senior / Key Person Profile – FAR-Based Contracts"). It is a required form for bidders to complete, detailing the profiles of key personnel proposed for the opportunity.

• The worksheet requires information for a "Project Director / Principal Investigator" and up to five "Senior / Key Person" profiles.
• For each individual, the following required fields must be completed: First Name, Last Name, Position / Title, Organization Name, and Email Address.
• Optional fields include Middle Name, Suffix, Department, Division, Phone Number, and LinkedIn Profile.
• Bidders must also specify the "Project Role" (e.g., PD / PI) and can provide an "Other Project Role" if applicable.
• A footnote indicates that fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required items.

This form is critical for bidders to accurately document and present the qualifications and roles of their proposed senior and key personnel. It directly impacts the evaluation of the proposal's personnel qualifications and management approach.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a DD Form 254, Contract Security Classification Specification. It provides security requirements and guidance for a contract, including facility clearances, safeguarding levels, and access to classified information.

• Facility Clearance: TOP SECRET required for facility clearance, SECRET for safeguarding.
• Contract Information: Identifies the solicitation number (FA8650-23-S-1031) and the program as Resilient Open & Agile Avionics System & Technology Development (ROAASTD).
• Access to Classified Information: Details specific types of classified information the contractor may access, including COMSEC, Restricted Data, Critical Nuclear Weapon Design Information, Formerly Restricted Data, and Intelligence Information (SCI and Non-SCI). It also specifies requirements for Special Access, NATO, Foreign Government, Limited Dissemination, and Other information.
• Contractor Obligations: Outlines contractor responsibilities regarding receiving and generating classified material, fabricating/modifying/storing classified hardware, performing services only, and adhering to Operations Security (OPSEC) requirements.
• Security Contacts: Provides contact information for the Contracting Officer, Security Managers, and Program Managers.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the security requirements and potential access to classified information associated with the opportunity. It helps determine if the bidder has the necessary security clearances and infrastructure to perform the contract. Bidders must ensure they can meet the specified clearance and safeguarding levels, as well as any special access or handling requirements for classified information.