Space Environment Technologies and Science (SETS)

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document lists the available equipment and their primary capabilities within the Space Chemistry Lab, LaSR Lab, and Plasma Chem Lab. It serves to inform potential bidders about the existing infrastructure and resources that may be relevant to the opportunity.

Space Chemistry Lab:

• Instruments: Guided-ion beam, Ion-neutral chemiluminescence detector, Electrospray thruster mass spectrometer, Reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer, O-atom surface conversion apparatus.
• Supporting Equipment: Turbo pumps, mechanical pumps, recirculating chillers, spectrometers, and various detectors (quadrupole mass spectrometers, scientific cameras, single channel detectors, channeltrons).
• Ion Sources: DC discharge, RF ion source, custom magnetically confined tunable electron beam.
• Power Supplies/Function Generators: High voltage power supplies, programmable power supplies, amplifiers, pulse generators, function generators.
• Signal Processing: Photon counters, oscilloscopes, discriminators, pre-amplifiers, scalars, electrometers, multimeters.
• Computing: LabView software, 48-core workstations with specialized software (Igor Pro, LAMMPS, GAMESS).

LaSR Lab:

• Instruments: Large vacuum chamber, Electrospray ionization 22-pole trap mass spectrometer, Plasma chamber, Custom LIBS experiment, Custom metal vapor coating instrument.
• Supporting Equipment: Spectrometers (covering various spectral ranges), turbo pumps, roughing vacuum pumps, and gauges.

Plasma Chem Lab:

• Apparatuses: Flowing afterglow – Langmuir Probe flow tube instruments, Selected-ion flow tube instruments, Nanoparticle ion trap.
• Major Supporting Equipment: Atomic oxygen generation, ozone generator, recirculating chillers, dry mechanical vacuum pumps, turbomechanical vacuum pumps, Nd:YAG laser, roots-style vacuum pumps, mass flow controllers, and various test equipment.

This document provides a detailed inventory of laboratory equipment and capabilities. Bidders should review this list to understand the existing technical infrastructure, which may influence the feasibility of proposed research, the need for specialized equipment, or the potential for collaboration with existing laboratory resources. It helps bidders assess the environment in which any awarded work might be performed.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the SCREAM (Space Chemistry of Reactions through Experiments and Modeling) solicitation.

• Scope of Work: Proposals do not need to address all technical areas or "labs"; partial solutions are acceptable if they demonstrate a valuable contribution to one or more topic areas.
• Subcontracting: Government labs (e.g., NASA) cannot be used as subcontractors.
• Work Location: Core experimental efforts are expected to be performed on-site at AFRL facilities to facilitate collaboration. Data analysis and modeling may be proposed for off-site work.
• Task Coverage: The current call focuses on Topics 1 and 3. While the Statement of Work may list other tasks, future calls may be issued for those, but no definitive plans are stated for this announcement.
• Total Anticipated Funding: $7,624,546.60.
• Number of Awards: A minimum of one contract will be awarded, with the possibility of multiple awards.
• Contract Duration: The anticipated contract duration is 63 months (5 years for technical work, 3 months for reporting).
• Personnel Clearances: A SECRET level clearance is sufficient for the solicitation requirements. Offerors do not need an active Facility Clearance (FCL) to submit a proposal but must be eligible to receive one, and the Government may provide sponsorship.
• Lab Access: On-site lab access is not permitted prior to contract award. Necessary equipment will be provided, and a list of government-furnished equipment is being developed.
• Proposal Focus: Proposals will be judged based on the criteria outlined in the Call.

Clarifies that partial solutions are allowed and provides specific details on funding, contract duration, and work location expectations. It also addresses eligibility for FCLs and the process for questions.

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

To support the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) goals by providing research and development capabilities through a combined laboratory and computational approach to understanding the space environment and other associated goals for the Air Force (AF) or Space Force (SF).

The contractor will provide experimental and computational expertise to the Space Chemistry, LaSR Chemistry, and Plasma Chemistry laboratories at AFRL’s Space Vehicle Directorate, Kirtland AFB, NM. This includes acquiring and analyzing data, preparing presentations and publications, and assisting in transitioning results to relevant AF or SF programs. Personnel will also aid in designing, assembling, and maintaining laboratory infrastructure in compliance with regulations.

CLIN 1: Space Chemistry Laboratory

• Task 1: Fundamental physical chemistry of electrospray thruster operations (experimental and modeling).
• Task 2: Hyperthermal physics of meteor re-entry and electric propulsion (charge transfer, luminescence, collisional radiative models).
• Task 3: Charge conversion sensor materials (efficacy of surface materials for converting neutral species to charged species).
• Task 4: Space Weather Models, Forecasts, and Data Processing (processing, storage, and analysis of space weather data for monitoring and forecasting).

CLIN 2: LaSR Chemistry Laboratory

• Task 1: Atmospheric Research (metal vapor plumes, vaporization reactions, modeling, field campaign support).
• Task 2: Thrusters (ion and cluster reaction rates, plume interactions, VLEO thruster effects).
• Task 3: Plasmas (spectroscopy for plasma dynamics, LIBS).
• Task 4: General (spectroscopy support, design and engineering support).

CLIN 3: Plasma Chemistry Laboratory

• Task 1: Fundamental chemistry of weakly ionized plasmas (kinetics measurements, quantum chemical calculations, statistical models, uncertainty analysis, mesosphere-lower thermosphere chemistry).
• Task 2: Nanoparticle mass spectrometry (aluminum nanoparticle combustion).

Common to all programs: Preparation of presentations and manuscripts for publication, attending conferences, transitioning results, acquiring supplies, installing/troubleshooting instrumentation, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Continuous reporting on effort status, funding status, physical inventory of Contractor Acquired Property, and detailed documentation of all technical work accomplished, including observations, problems, results, and lessons learned.

Implied to be at AFRL’s Space Vehicle Directorate at Kirtland AFB, NM. Specific period of performance not detailed in this document.

Compliance with AF, SF, and NM state regulations regarding hazardous waste, fire and safety, tool control, and chemical storage. Preparation of results for public release.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) detailing specific data items that a contractor must provide under a contract. It outlines the requirements for scientific and technical reports and status reports.

Data Item A001: Scientific and Technical Reports (Final Report)

• Title: Scientific and Technical Reports
• Subtitle: Final Report
• Authority: DI-MISC-80711A
• Frequency: 1 TIME
• Distribution: 2 copies to AFRL/RVBX, 1 Letter of Transmittal (LT) to AFRL/RVKB, 1 LT to ACO.
• Remarks: The report must be prepared according to ANSI/NISO Standard Z39.18 or AFRL guidance. Contractors must complete SF 298 and submit it with the report. Two editable electronic copies (PDF and Word) are required. Submission must be via secure means (e.g., https://safe.apps.mil/). The final DD Form 250 (Receiving Report) must be submitted in WAWF only after notification of acceptance. Technical data must be marked with Distribution Statement D and Export Control Warning.

Data Item A002: Status Report (Quarterly Status Report)

• Title: Status Report
• Subtitle: Quarterly Status Report
• Authority: DI-MGMT-80368A
• Frequency: QTRLY (Quarterly)
• Distribution: 1 copy to AFRL/RVBX.
• Remarks: Contractors must report activities at the WBS level. An agreed-upon format and delivery method will be defined at the start of the contract. Technical data must be marked with Distribution Statement D and Export Control Warning.

This CDRL specifies mandatory reporting and documentation deliverables for the contract. Bidders must understand these requirements to accurately estimate costs and resources, and to ensure compliance if awarded the contract. Key aspects include the format and submission method for reports, the requirement for specific forms (SF 298, DD Form 250), and strict distribution and marking requirements for technical data.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document, "Atch 3 - Reps and Certs.pdf", appears to be a collection of representations and certifications required from offerors. It details various clauses and provisions that bidders must adhere to or provide information for as part of their proposal submission.

• FAR/DFARS Clauses and Provisions: The document lists numerous clauses and provisions, such as "Alternate A, Annual Representations and Certifications," "System for Award Management," "Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation," and "Postaward Small Business Program Rerepresentation."
• Specific Requirements: It outlines requirements related to:
  • Representations and certifications in the System for Award Management (SAM).
  • Disclosure of ownership or control by foreign governments or state sponsors of terrorism.
  • Tax exemptions and trade agreements.
  • Buy American Act provisions.
  • Small business size standards and socioeconomic status.
  • Prohibition on contracting with certain entities or engaging in specific activities.
  • Rights in technical data and computer software.
• Offeror Actions: Bidders are instructed to complete and submit these representations and certifications, either electronically via SAM or by completing specific forms within the solicitation. The document also specifies how to handle changes to these representations and certifications.

This document is critical for potential bidders as it details mandatory requirements for proposal submission. Failure to provide accurate and complete representations and certifications as outlined in this attachment could lead to ineligibility for award. Bidders must carefully review each section to ensure compliance with all applicable clauses and provisions.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides detailed instructions and requirements for preparing and submitting a cost proposal in response to a Request for Proposal (RFP). It outlines the necessary financial or cost records and supporting attachments required to substantiate the proposed costs.

• General Instructions: Emphasizes offeror responsibility for proposal adequacy, encourages early clarification of doubts, and warns of potential cost unreasonableness for inadequate proposals.
• Cost Proposal Requirements: Details specific formatting and content requirements, including:
  • Breakout by year and Contract Line Item Number (CLIN).
  • Identification of recurring/non-recurring costs.
  • Contractor Information document completion.
  • Evidence of approved accounting, estimating, and purchasing systems.
  • Rounding conventions for dollar amounts and labor rates.
  • Submission of electronic cost models with active, editable formulas.
• Proposed Cost Elements: Specifies detailed requirements for:
  • Direct Costs: Direct Labor (hours, rates, rationale for mix, source data for rates), Subcontracts/Inter-Organizational Transfers (IOTs) (disclosure, analysis of reasonableness, competition, rationale for selection), Consultants (specific project use, cost elements, agreements, rate comparability), Materials (Consolidated Bill of Materials, basis of pricing, supporting documentation), Other Direct Costs (ODCs) including Travel and Other ODCs (detailed breakdown, rationale, supporting documentation).
  • Indirect Costs: Breakdown by year, CLIN, and cost element (Fringe Benefits, Labor Overhead, G&A, FCCOM), basis of proposed rates, and supporting data.
  • Cost Estimating Relationships (CER): Requirements for CER-based cost proposals.
  • Fee: Identification of fee rate(s) and total fee cost.
  • New Mexico Gross Receipts Tax (NMGRT): Information on potential deductions and contact for assistance.
  • Baselined Other Direct Costs (ODCs): Acknowledgment of compliance.
  • Incurred Costs: Requirements for modifications to existing contracts.
  • Historical Actual Costs: Requirements for follow-on efforts.
  • Commercial Item Considerations: Support for Commercial Item Determinations (CID) and price reasonableness.
• Sample Tables: Provides templates for Cost Element Summary (Table 1), Subcontractors/IOTs (Table 2), Travel (Table 3), and Materials & Other ODCs (Table 4).

This document is critical for any bidder responding to the RFP. It dictates the precise format, content, and supporting documentation required for the cost proposal. Failure to comply with these instructions can lead to the proposal being deemed inadequate, potentially impacting the evaluation, negotiation, and final fee/profit amount.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Proposal Adequacy Checklist" as prescribed in DFARS 252.215-7009 and FAR 215.408(4). It is intended to guide offerors in ensuring their proposals contain all necessary information for cost and pricing data, and to assist the government in evaluating proposal adequacy. Offerors may elect to have their subcontractors use a similar checklist.

The checklist is organized into sections covering various aspects of proposal submission, including:

• General Proposal Requirements: First page completion, identification of Government-furnished material, and disclosures related to Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).
• Cost and Pricing Data: Disclosure of other known activities impacting costs, vendor quotations, nonrecurring costs, production changes, business projections, unit-cost trends, make-or-buy decisions, and resources for business goals.
• Index and Certified Cost/Pricing Data: Requirements for an index of certified cost or pricing data, and any exceptions to submission.
• Estimating Methods and Contingencies: Disclosure of judgmental factors, mathematical methods, and the nature/amount of contingencies.
• Cost Estimating Relationships (CERs): Explanation of CERs for non-discrete bases.
• Cost Elements: Summaries of total cost by element, cross-referenced to supporting data, and breakdowns for CLINs/sub-CLINs.
• Incurred Costs and Rates: Identification of incurred costs before submission and details on Government forward pricing rate agreements (FPRAs) or factors.
• Materials and Services: Consolidated Bill of Material (CBOM) requirements.
• Subcontracts: Identification of subcontractor proposals requiring field pricing analysis, submission of subcontractor certified cost or pricing data, and price/cost analysis.
• Exceptions to Certified Cost or Pricing Data: Requirements for commercial products/services claims and modified commercial products.
• Interorganizational Transfers: Cost proposal requirements for transfers at cost and price.
• Direct Labor: Time-phased breakdown of labor hours, rates, and costs.
• Indirect Costs: Basis of estimate and application of indirect costs.
• Other Costs: Inclusion of other direct costs, travel details, and royalties.
• Formats for Submission: Requirements for cost element breakdowns, credits/debits for modifications, and formats for price revisions.
• Contract Types: Specific requirements for incentive contracts, economic price adjustments, and performance-based payments.
• Excessive Pass-through Charges: Identification of subcontract effort and added value.

This checklist is crucial for bidders to ensure their proposals are complete and adequate, particularly concerning cost and pricing information. Failure to provide adequate information as outlined in this checklist can lead to proposals being deemed inadequate, potentially impacting their evaluation and award. Bidders should use this document to self-assess their proposal completeness before submission.

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:

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

It then poses 13 questions covering:

• Physical security plans
• Information security processes
• Information storage, transmission, transportation, disposal, and reproduction procedures
• Safeguards for personnel accessing information
• Plans for safeguarding Government Furnished Equipment/Information (GFE/GFI)
• Cybersecurity and network protection procedures
• Operations security to prevent adversary access
• Insider threat deterrence, detection, and mitigation
• Procedures for handling compromised information
• Willingness to provide AFRL S&T Protection training annually
• Additional comments

Bidders may be required to complete this questionnaire as part of the proposal submission process to demonstrate their understanding and capability in handling sensitive information and maintaining security protocols relevant to the opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Standard Form 424, "Application for Federal Assistance." It is a required form for potential bidders to complete and submit as part of their application for this opportunity.

• Section I: Federal Award Information (e.g., CFDA Number, Funding Opportunity Title)
• Section II: Applicant Information (e.g., DUNS/UEI, Name, Address)
• Section III: Federal Award Information (e.g., Amount Requested, Type of Assistance)
• Section IV: Certifications and Assurances
• Section V: Supporting Information

Bidders must accurately complete all applicable sections of the form. Specific instructions for filling out the form are typically provided within the solicitation document or associated guidance. This form is a standard government-wide requirement for grant and cooperative agreement applications.

Completion of this form is mandatory for all applicants. It provides essential information about the applicant and the requested federal assistance, which is critical for the government's review and evaluation process. Failure to complete this form accurately or submit it by the deadline may result in disqualification.

Other / Unclassified

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This document does not contain substantive information relevant to a SAM.gov opportunity. It is an administrative message related to PDF rendering.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "CONTRACTOR’S VERIFICATION OF PROPOSAL," is a form for contractors to complete when submitting a proposal in response to the Space Environment Technologies and Science (SETS) – GETS Program Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) solicitation for the Space Chemistry of Reactions through Experiments And Modeling (SCREAM) project.

• Proposal Validity: Contractors must specify the date through which their cost proposal is valid.
• Principal Investigator: Identification of the principal investigator, who must be with the firm at the time of award and during the project's conduct.
• Personnel: Identification of any U.S. permanent residents and foreign nationals involved, requiring Green Cards/Visas, country of origin, and level of involvement.
• Government Furnished Property/Facilities: Identification of any required government property or facilities, with a description and required need date.
• Support from Others (IR&D): Identification of anticipated support from other entities (large businesses, government agencies), including details on dependency, involvement in technical objectives, and impact on successful performance.
• Signature and Date: A section for an authorized company official to sign and date.

This form is crucial for bidders as it outlines specific information required for their proposal submission related to personnel, resource needs, and external support. Completing this form accurately is a necessary step in responding to the SCREAM project solicitation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Atch 6 - Data Assertions Table DFARS 252.227-7017.docx," is a table used for identifying and asserting restrictions on the Government's rights to use, release, or disclose technical data or computer software. It is a required submission for offerors.

• Technical Data, Computer Software to be Furnished With Restrictions: A section to list the specific data or software.
• Basis for Assertion: Requires identification of the justification for asserting restrictions (e.g., development at private expense).
• Asserted Rights Category: Requires specifying the type of rights being asserted (e.g., government purpose license rights, limited rights).
• Name of Person Asserting Restrictions: Requires the name of the individual or entity asserting the restrictions.
• Signature Block: Includes fields for Date, Printed Name and Title, and Signature.

Offerors must complete and submit this table as part of their proposal. Failure to submit, complete, or sign this notification may render the offer ineligible for award. If a contract is awarded, the assertions made in this table will be listed in an attachment to the contract. Bidders should carefully review the DFARS clause 252.227-7017 and provide accurate information regarding any restrictions on technical data or computer software they intend to furnish.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Proposal Call Announcement (Call 003) under the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Space Environment Technologies and Science (SETS) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA9453-23-R-X001. It seeks proposals for research into Space Chemistry of Reactions through Experiments And Modeling (SCREAM), focusing on fundamental and advanced research in space and environmental impacts technologies. The goal is to understand and quantify the impact of the space environment on Department of Defense and national security systems, and to develop capabilities to specify, predict, mitigate, and exploit these effects.

The effort requires interdisciplinary expertise in physical chemistry techniques to address research objectives in space propulsion, space signatures, plasma kinetics, hypersonic reentry, and space vehicle/environment interactions. Specific research directions include:

• Fundamental physical chemistry of electrospray thruster operations.

• Hyperthermal physics of meteor re-entry and electric propulsion.

• Charge conversion sensor materials for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO).

• Space Weather Models, Forecasts, and Data Processing.

• Atmospheric research, thruster experiments, and plasma studies.

• Fundamental chemistry of weakly ionized plasmas and nanoparticle mass spectrometry. Deliverables include software, documentation, presentation materials, monthly status and financial reports, and final scientific and technical reports.

• Anticipated Funding: Approximately $7.6 million over FY26-FY30.

• Anticipated Number of Awards: Minimum of one (1) contract.

• Anticipated Award Date: July 1, 2026.

• Anticipated Period of Performance: 63 months (60 months for technical performance).

• Anticipated Type of Contract: Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee, but reserves the right to award the best-suited instrument.

• Proposal Due Date: February 27, 2026, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time.

• Submission: One-step proposal process. Technical proposal (30 pages max) and Cost/Business proposal (under 100 pages recommended) submitted separately.

• Evaluation Criteria: Overall Scientific or Technical Merit, Relevance To Mission Needs, and Soundness of The Offeror's Technical Approach (listed in descending order of importance).

• Offerors must possess a valid U.S. security clearance of SECRET or higher.

• No Foreign Nationals will be considered unless approved.

• All requirements of the baseline BAA FA9453-23-R-X001 apply unless amended.

• Government furnished property is not anticipated.

• Offerors must have a valid U.S. security clearance of SECRET or higher.