UNITED STATES ARMY RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR THE BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES (ARI) BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR BASIC, APPLIED, AND ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Sources Sought Notice / Request for White Papers

This notice is a Sources Sought for White Paper submissions related to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-23-S-0010, Topic II A.2.a.ii: Holistic Personnel Assessment, specifically "Influences on Officer Career Progression." The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) is seeking research and development (R&D) in applied research and/or advanced technology development to understand factors influencing officer career continuance and progression. The goal is to inform policies for recruiting, managing, and retaining talent.

• The effort involves longitudinal cohort research on officer careers, tracking attitudes, experiences, and outcomes annually.

• Data requirements include collecting annual survey data and leveraging Army administrative and research data sources.

• Construction of a longitudinal database for up to ten officer cohorts.

• Application of advanced statistical methods and modeling.

• Conceptualization and provision of data-driven recommendations.

• The award period of performance is approximately 48 months (12 months Base, 12 months Option 1, 12 months Option 2, 12 months Option 3).

• The total budget will not exceed $1,350,000, with specific budget allocations for each period.

• The government intends to award a contract, but may use other instrument types (grant, cooperative agreement).

• White Paper Submission Deadline: September 13, 2023, 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

• White Papers must be submitted electronically via email to the specified POCs.

• White Papers are limited to six (6) pages (including a cover page) plus an addendum for biographical sketches (up to 300 words per individual).

• Evaluation criteria for White Papers (and subsequent proposals) include: Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution, Qualifications/Capabilities, and Cost.

• Scientific and Technical Merit will be weighted most strongly.

• A request for a formal proposal may be initiated by ARI based on White Paper evaluation.

• Not specified in this document; however, the BAA generally provides for full and open competition.

• Contractual Questions: Ms. Wilveria Sanders, (919) 549-4328, wilveria.a.sanders.civ@army.mil

• Technical Questions: Dr. Julia Whitaker, (703) 383-4791, julia.h.whitaker.civ@army.mil

Sources Sought Notice / Request for White Papers

This notice is a Sources Sought for White Paper submissions related to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-23-S-0010, Topic II A.2.a.ii: Holistic Personnel Assessment, specifically focusing on "Influences on Enlisted Soldier Career Progression." The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) is seeking to fund applied research and/or advanced technology development in this area. The goal is to examine individual, organizational, and other factors that support or constrain career continuance and progression for enlisted soldiers.

• The project is a 4-year effort to support ARI's longitudinal cohort research.

• Key tasks include collecting annual survey data, integrating it with Army administrative data, constructing a longitudinal database, performing advanced statistical analysis, and providing data-driven recommendations for talent management policies.

• The research will track the careers of FY17-27 enlisted accessions cohorts.

• The anticipated period of performance is approximately 48 months (12-month Base + three 12-month Options).

• The total budget will not exceed $1,350,000, with specific budget allocations for the Base period and each Option period.

• The Government intends to award a contract, but may also consider grants or cooperative agreements.

• White Paper Submission Deadline: 13 September 2023, 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

• White Papers must be submitted electronically to the U.S. Army Contracting Command POC (wilveria.a.sanders.civ@army.mil) with a CC to the ARI Technical POC (julia.h.whitaker.civ@army.mil).

• White Papers must be limited to six (6) pages (including a cover page) plus an addendum for key personnel biographical sketches (up to 300 words per individual).

• Evaluation criteria for White Papers (and subsequent full proposals) include: Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution to ARI's mission, Qualifications/Capabilities of personnel and institutions, and Cost (realism, affordability, appropriateness).

• Scientific and technical merit will be weighted more strongly than other non-cost factors.

• ARI will provide written or telephonic feedback on White Papers and may request a full proposal.

• This is a full and open competition.

• This Sources Sought Notice is part of a sequence leading to a potential award.

• Interested applicants must submit a White Paper to be eligible to submit a formal proposal.

• Applicants are cautioned that only a Government Contracting or Grants Officer can obligate the Government.

• Contact information for contractual and technical questions is provided.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-23-S-0010, focused on "Developing NCO Promotion Situational Judgment Test".

• Scope: The effort aims to develop a single assessment for all junior NCO ranks and MOS, though an approach that scales from an initial rank/MOS is acceptable.
• Assessment Focus: The assessment should measure a subset of leadership KSAOs identified as important in the referenced job analysis report, rather than all listed in the Army Talent Attribute Framework.
• "High Stakes" Definition: Refers to an assessment outcome important to the test taker, with the intended application being the promotion process.
• Technical Hosting: The Army Analytics Group (AAG) will support hosting and delivery. Bidders should consult with AAG regarding platform compatibility and file types (e.g., JSON, Python, .net), noting that files must be scannable for vulnerabilities.
• Innovation: Various ideas for a computer adaptive SJT are welcomed, including simulation-based or virtual environments, but may be limited by AAG's support capabilities. Adaptation can go beyond just increasing/decreasing item difficulty to efficiently assess leader attributes.
• Participant Access: ARI will assist in gaining access to NCO participants for data collection, critical incident gathering, item selection, and validation studies, aiming to minimize burden.
• Prototype Level: The deliverable is a significant development towards a computer-adaptive measure, not a deployment-ready prototype.
• Validation: Criterion-related validation of the computer-adaptive SJT is not a requirement within the scope of this project.

These clarifications refine the understanding of the project's scope, technical requirements, and deliverable expectations. Bidders should incorporate this information into their proposals, particularly regarding the assessment's focus, technical implementation, and the expected level of prototype development.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Sources Sought Notice (SSN) for a White Paper submission related to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-23-S-0010, Topic II A.2.b.ii: "Multifaceted Development Pathways for Organizational and Strategic Leaders - Self-Development Decision-Making in Army Officers." The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) is seeking research to understand how Army officers value and engage in self-development opportunities, applying behavioral economic principles to improve the design and timing of these opportunities.

• The research should focus on understanding Army leaders' perception of self-development value in relation to time.

• Develop assessment tools to measure key decision-making processes related to self-development.

• Produce a handbook/job aid with guidance on leveraging behavioral economic principles for timing and design of self-development opportunities.

• Key products include empirical evidence of decision-making behaviors, science-based recommendations for interventions, and an assessment tool.

• The anticipated award is for a 24-month period of performance (12-month base, 12-month option).

• The total budget is not to exceed $500,000 ($250,000 for base, $250,000 for option).

• The Army Contracting Command may award a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement.

• Interested parties must submit a White Paper (max six pages, plus a cover page and addendum for bios).

• White Papers are due electronically by September 1, 2023, 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

• Submission is via email to specified points of contact.

• White Papers will be evaluated based on Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution, Qualifications/Capabilities, and Cost.

• ARI may provide feedback and may request a full proposal based on the White Paper evaluation.

• Not specified in this document; the BAA W911NF-23-S-0010 is for competitive selection.

• This SSN is a call for White Papers to gauge interest and potential approaches before a formal proposal request.

• The research aims to enhance the Army's talent management and leader development efforts.

• Points of contact are provided for contractual and technical inquiries.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Sources Sought Notice (SSN) for a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-23-S-0010, specifically referencing BAA Topic II A.2.b.ii: MULTIFACETED DEVELOPMENT PATHWAYS FOR ORGANIZATIONAL AND STRATEGIC LEADERS. The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) is seeking white papers to identify potential sources for research and development (R&D) in applied research and/or advanced technology development related to enhancing metacognition across the leader development lifecycle. The goal is to identify challenges in officers' metacognitive development and design tools to support diagnosis and intervention.

• The research should integrate theoretical models of adult development with Army doctrinal perspectives on leader responsibility.

• Proposals should include plans for interviews with field-grade officers and subject-matter experts.

• A creative vision for a diagnostic and developmental tool for metacognition is required.

• Ideal white papers will demonstrate expertise in Human Development, Army stakeholder collaboration, and research experience in metacognition assessment/development.

• The anticipated award is a 36-month period of performance (12-month base, two 12-month options).

• The total budget is not to exceed $800,000.

• The Army Contracting Command reserves the right to use the most appropriate instrument type (contract, grant, or cooperative agreement).

• A White Paper is required first, limited to six pages (including a cover page) with an addendum for biographical sketches.

• White Papers must be submitted electronically by 31 August 2023, 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

• Evaluation criteria for White Papers include Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution, Qualifications/Capabilities, and Cost.

• A request for a formal proposal will be based on the White Paper evaluation.

• Not specified in this document; ARI contracts with educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and private industry.

• This SSN is a preliminary step to gauge interest and identify potential sources before issuing a formal Request for Proposal (RFP).

• Interested applicants must submit a White Paper to be eligible for a formal proposal request.

• Classified, sensitive, or critical information should not be included in White Papers.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Sources Sought Notice (SSN) is issued by the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) to identify potential sources for white paper submissions related to BAA Topic II A.2.b.i: COMPLEX COGNITIVE COMPETENCIES FOR ORGANIZATIONAL AND STRATEGIC LEADERS, specifically "Accelerating Innovative Thinking Proficiency in Army Officers." The goal is to select basic and applied research and development efforts that can enhance innovative thinking in Army officers to meet future operational challenges.

The research should focus on developing an accelerated competency development program for innovative thinking in Army officers. Key objectives include:

• Developing a framework for expert-level innovative thinking.

• Specifying performance characteristics of innovative thinking from novice to expert levels.

• Leveraging design features for a deliberate practice model to accelerate competency development.

• Producing a training exemplar for accelerating innovative thinking proficiency.

• The anticipated award is a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement.

• Period of Performance: 36 months (Base: 12 months, Option 1: 12 months, Option 2: 12 months).

• Total budget not to exceed $900,000 (Base: not to exceed $300,000; Option 1: not to exceed $300,000; Option 2: not to exceed $300,000).

• White Paper Submission: White papers are due by 31 August 2023, 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

• Format: Electronic MS Word document or PDF file.

• Submission: Via email to the U.S. Army Contracting Command POC (wilveria.a.sanders.civ@army.mil) and CC to the ARI Technical POC (cary.r.stothart.civ@army.mil).

• White paper limit: Six (6) pages (including cover page) plus an addendum for biographical sketches.

• Evaluation Criteria for White Papers (and subsequent proposals):

  1. Scientific and Technical Merit
  2. Potential Contribution to ARI's mission
  3. Qualifications/Capabilities of key personnel and institutional resources
  4. Cost (realism, affordability, appropriateness)

• Scientific and technical merit will be weighted more strongly than other non-cost factors.

• ARI may request teleconferences for white paper evaluation but is not required to.

• A request for a full proposal does not guarantee an award.

• This is a call for white papers under a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), indicating full and open competition.

• White papers are required for eligibility to submit a formal proposal.

• Applicants should include a brief cost estimate in their white paper.

• Proprietary data must be clearly identified.

• White papers may be subject to release under the Freedom of Information Act.

• The Government reserves the right to use the instrument type most appropriate for the effort.

Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) from the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) solicits proposals for basic, applied, and advanced scientific research. The BAA is continuously open from May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2028. It aims to advance research in behavioral and social sciences relevant to Army readiness, personnel, organization, and Soldier/leader development.

• Basic Research: Focuses on fundamental knowledge without immediate application, aiming to develop innovative concepts for future Army capabilities. Key areas include:

  • Science of Measurement of Individuals & Collectives
  • Understanding Multilevel and Organizational Dynamics
  • Context of Behavior in Military Environments
  • Formal and Informal Learning and Development

• Applied Research and Advanced Technology Development: Seeks to systematically expand knowledge to develop strategies, techniques, methods, tests, or measures for specific Army needs. This includes:

  • Holistic Personnel Assessment and Statistical Innovations for Talent Management
  • Leader Competences for Complexity & Uncertainty
  • Team Assignment & Performance
  • Assessing and Developing Technological Fluency for the Future Force

Awards may be made in the form of procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, technology investment agreements (TIAs), or other transactions for prototypes (OTAs). The specific instrument will be determined by the ACC (APG) RTP Division.

• Process: A three-step sequence is recommended: initial contact with ARI TPOC, white paper submission (optional), and then proposal submission.

• White Papers: Encouraged but not required, to minimize applicant effort. Feedback will be provided.

• Proposals: Must stand on their own merit and include all specified information.

• Evaluation Criteria: Scientific and Technical Merit (most important), Potential Contribution, Qualifications/Capabilities, and Cost.

• Eligible Applicants: Institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, and for-profit organizations (domestic or foreign).

• Ineligible: Government Laboratories, FFRDCs, and U.S. Service Academies as prime contractors.

• Cost Sharing: Generally not required, but may apply for OT instruments.

This is a continuously open announcement valid from May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2028. New awards are normally obligated early within each fiscal year. Amendments will be posted to SAM.gov and Grants.gov.

Sources Sought Notice / Request for White Papers

This notice is a Sources Sought Notice requesting White Papers in reference to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-23-S-0010, Topic II A.2.b.i: COMPLEX COGNITIVE COMPETENCIES FOR ORGANIZATIONAL AND STRATEGIC LEADERS, specifically focusing on "Systems Thinking: State of the Science and Practice." The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) is seeking to understand and integrate efforts related to developing Army officers' systems thinking skills. The ultimate goal is to produce an anthology summarizing the current state of science, theory, and practice, culminating in recommendations for the Army.

• The primary product will be an anthology on how Army officers' systems thinking skills are being developed, including a synthesis chapter.

• Offerors should identify relevant organizations (primarily Army, but also other military branches) for inclusion.

• Offerors must foster and maintain relationships with anthology contributors.

• ARI is open to alternative ideas that creatively achieve the objective.

• The award will be a 24-month period of performance (Base: 12 months, Option 1: 12 months).

• The total budget is not to exceed $400,000 ($200,000 for base, $200,000 for option).

• The Army Contracting Command may award a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement.

• White Paper Submission Deadline: August 28, 2023, 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

• White Papers must be submitted electronically via email to the U.S. Army Contracting Command POC and CC the ARI POC.

• White Papers are limited to six (6) pages (including cover page) plus an addendum for biographical sketches.

• Evaluation Criteria for White Papers: Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution, Qualifications/Capabilities, and Cost.

• A request for a formal proposal will be based on the White Paper evaluation.

• The evaluation of the White Paper will be weighted more strongly on scientific/technical merit than cost.

• Not specified in this document; the BAA W911NF-23-S-0010 should be referenced for further details.

• Contractual Questions: Ms. Wilveria Sanders (wilveria.a.sanders.civ@army.mil)

• Technical Questions: Dr. Ava Loer (ava.j.loer.civ@army.mil)

• White Papers are considered procurement sensitive information before award.

• Classified, sensitive, or critical information should not be included.

• Offerors are cautioned that portions of White Papers may be subject to release under the Freedom of Information Act.

Sources Sought Notice / Request for White Papers

This notice is issued by the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) to request white papers in reference to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-23-S-0010, Topic II A.2.b.i: COMPLEX COGNITIVE COMPETENCIES FOR ORGANIZATIONAL AND STRATEGIC LEADERS. The research aims to understand how developmental experiences of field-grade Army officers contribute to the development of strategic leadership skills. The goal is to enable the Army to design targeted training and development programs, identify gaps in strategic leadership development, and create a diagnostic assessment tool for Army officers.

• Develop a framework linking officers' developmental experiences to strategic thinking competency development.

• Design, pilot, and refine measurement tools for developmental experiences across Army officer career stages.

• Empirically test, validate, and transition the measurement tool to Army stakeholders.

• Develop guidance for incorporating the assessment into career planning and talent management.

• The anticipated award is a 36-month period of performance.

• Base period (12 months): not to exceed $325,000.

• Option 1 (12 months): not to exceed $300,000.

• Option 2 (12 months): not to exceed $275,000.

• Total budget not to exceed $900,000.

• The Army Contracting Command reserves the right to use contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements.

• White papers are limited to six (6) pages (including a cover page) plus an addendum for key personnel biographical sketches (up to 300 words per individual).

• White papers must be submitted electronically by 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time on 28 August 2023.

• Submission is via email to wilveria.a.sanders.civ@army.mil, with a CC to cary.r.stothart.civ@army.mil.

• Evaluation criteria include Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution, Qualifications/Capabilities, and Cost.

• White paper evaluation will inform decisions on requesting full proposals.

• Not specified in this document; however, the BAA generally provides for competitive selection of basic and applied research.

• This is a Sources Sought Notice to gauge interest and gather information; it does not constitute a solicitation for proposals.

• A white paper submission is required to be eligible for a formal proposal request.

• The sequence of steps includes white paper submission, feedback, potential proposal request, formal proposal submission, evaluation, and award.

• Contact for contractual questions: Ms. Wilveria Sanders.

• Contact for technical questions: Dr. Cary Stothart.

Sources Sought Notice / Request for White Papers

This notice is a request for white papers in response to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-23-S-0010, specifically for Topic II A.2.b.i: COMPLEX COGNITIVE COMPETENCIES FOR ORGANIZATIONAL AND STRATEGIC LEADERS, with the theme "Envisioning Futures With Probability and Risk." The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) is seeking to fund basic and applied research and development not related to specific systems or hardware. Awards are subject to funding availability and priorities.

White papers should detail proposed research, including:

• Innovative aspects and potential to advance the state of science.

• Army relevance and potential impact.

• Estimated total cost for base and option periods.

• Technical approach, including scientific objectives, methodology, level of effort, and anticipated results.

• Any requested Government support (e.g., GFE, GFI, GFP, GFD).

• A brief cost estimate (research hours, burden, material, travel).

• Biographical sketches of key personnel (Principal Investigators and Co-Principal Investigators).

• The anticipated award instrument is a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement.

• Period of Performance: 36 months total (Base: 12 months, Option 1: 12 months, Option 2: 12 months).

• Total Budget: Not to exceed $800,000 (Base: not to exceed $200,000; Options 1 & 2: not to exceed $300,000 each).

• White papers are due electronically by 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time on 28 August 2023.

• Submission is via email to the U.S. Army Contracting Command POC and CC'd to the ARI POC.

• White papers must be no more than six (6) pages (including a one-page cover page), with an addendum for biographical sketches.

• Evaluation criteria for white papers include: Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution, Qualifications/Capabilities, and Cost.

• ARI will provide written or telephonic feedback on white papers and may encourage submission of a full proposal.

• Not specified in this document; implies full and open competition.

• This is a Sources Sought Notice to gauge interest and identify potential offerors for future research.

• ARI may choose not to select any award due to unavailability of funds or other factors.

• Applicants are cautioned that only a Government Contracting or Grants Officer can obligate the Government.

Sources Sought Notice / Request for White Papers

This Sources Sought Notice (SSN) is issued by the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) in reference to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-23-S-0010, Topic II A.2.d: Assessing and Developing Technological Fluency for the Future Force, specifically concerning "Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems KSBs: Leader training and utilization." The purpose is to solicit White Papers to identify potential sources for research and development (R&D) in Applied Research and/or Advanced Technology Development related to how Army leaders effectively employ Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS).

• The primary deliverable sought is a White Paper describing proposed research to address the identification of Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviors (KSBs) needed by leaders and SUAS operators for effective SUAS operations in current and future operating environments.

• Research should include a methodology and approach for projecting future SUAS KSBs and how prototype training would be developed and validated.

• White Papers should outline a scientific and systematic approach to the research questions and how training is based on solid training theory.

• The potential award is for a 36-month period of performance.

• Base period (12 months) not to exceed $350,000.

• Two 12-month option years, each not to exceed $400,000.

• Total budget not to exceed $1,150,000.

• The Army Contracting Command (ACC) reserves the right to award a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement.

• White Papers are due by August 30, 2023, 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

• White Papers must be submitted electronically via email to the ACC POC and CC'd to the ARI POC.

• The White Paper is limited to six (6) pages (including a cover page), with an addendum for key personnel biographical sketches (up to 300 words per individual).

• Evaluation criteria for White Papers include: Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution to ARI's mission, and Qualifications/Capabilities of proposed personnel and institutional resources. Cost will also be considered.

• A White Paper submission is required to be considered for a potential request for a full proposal.

• This notice is for full and open competition.

• Contractual Questions: Ms. Wilveria Sanders, U.S. Army Contracting Command (ACC) (APG) RTP Division.

• Technical Questions: Dr. Jonathan Kochert, ARI.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the "Developing NCO Promotion Situational Judgment Test" effort (BAA W911NF-23-S-0010).

• Assessment Scope: The effort aims to develop a single assessment for all junior NCO ranks and MOS. An approach that starts with one rank/MOS and scales is acceptable.
• Leadership Attributes: The assessment should focus on a subset of leadership KSAOs identified by importance in the referenced job analysis report, rather than all listed in the Army Talent Attribute Framework.
• "High Stakes" Definition: Refers to assessments with outcomes important to the test taker, specifically intended for use in the promotion process if research is successful.
• Hosting & Delivery: The Army Analytics Group (AAG) will support hosting and delivery. AAG programmers will attend the kickoff meeting and provide consultation. Files must be scannable for vulnerabilities, with acceptable formats including JSON, Python, and .net (versions may vary).
• Innovation: A variety of ideas for computer adaptive SJTs are welcome, including simulation-based or virtual environments, but may be limited by AAG's support capabilities. Text-based approaches with multimedia are also considered.
• Adaptation Methods: Adaptation is not limited to increasing/decreasing item difficulty; the goal is efficient assessment of Army leader attributes.
• Participant Access: ARI will assist in gaining access to NCO participants for data collection (critical incidents, item selection, validation studies), aiming to minimize burden by building on prior research and external consultants.

These clarifications provide further detail on the scope, technical requirements, and development approach for the Situational Judgment Test, potentially influencing how vendors structure their proposals.

Sources Sought Notice / Request for White Papers

This notice is a Sources Sought for White Papers in reference to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-23-S-0010, Topic II A.2.a.ii: Holistic Personnel Assessment, specifically concerning "Developing NCO Promotion Situational Judgment Test." The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) is seeking to identify potential sources for research and development in this area. The goal is to develop validated measures for Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) to assess leadership potential and predict performance, conduct, and attitudes, ultimately aiming to improve leadership across the force.

• Develop and validate a static Situational Judgment Test (SJT) for junior NCO promotion.

• Develop a computer adaptive SJT prototype applicable across NCO ranks.

• Review Army resources on NCO attributes and leader development.

• The BAA allows for various instrument types (contract, grant, cooperative agreement), but the intention for this notice is to award a contract.

• Period of Performance: Approximately 48 months (12 months Base, 12 months Option 1, 12 months Option 2, 12 months Option 3).

• Total budget not to exceed $1,800,000, with specific limits per period.

• White Paper Submission Deadline: August 2, 2023, 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

• White Papers must be submitted electronically via email to the U.S. Army Contracting Command POC and CC'd to the ARI Technical POC.

• White Papers are limited to six (6) pages (including a cover page), plus an addendum for biographical sketches.

• Evaluation Criteria for White Papers: Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution, Qualifications/Capabilities, and Cost.

• A request for a formal proposal may be made based on the White Paper evaluation.

• Not specified in this document.

• This notice is for informational purposes to gauge industry interest and identify potential sources. It does not constitute a solicitation for proposals.

• The Government may choose not to select any new award due to unavailability of funds or other factors.

• Applicants are cautioned that only a Government Contracting or Grants Officer can obligate the Government.

• Contact information for contractual and technical questions is provided.

Sources Sought Notice / Request for White Papers

This notice is a Sources Sought Notice (SSN) for White Paper submissions related to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-23-S-0010, specifically BAA Topic II A.2-.b.4: "Tactical Decision-Making Exercises to Assess and Develop Leader Critical Thinking Competencies." The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) is seeking to understand how to develop a diagnostically focused tactical decision-making system to assess and develop junior leader critical thinking competencies for Multidomain Operations.

• The primary deliverable requested at this stage is a White Paper.

• The White Paper should detail the proposed research, its innovation, how it advances the state of science, Army relevance, potential impact, and estimated total cost.

• Research should be theory-driven and focus on building exercises to probe individuals' task-relevant problem representations to diagnose misconceptions and knowledge gaps.

• The research may involve building small-scale and large-scale tactical decision-making exercises.

• The research should leverage advances in AI to develop a system that allows leaders to explain their thought processes.

• The anticipated award is a contract, though other instruments like grants or cooperative agreements may be considered.

• The period of performance is approximately 36 months, with a 12-month base period (FY24 $350,000) and two 12-month option years ($350,000 and $250,000 respectively).

• The total budget is not to exceed $950,000.

• White Papers must be submitted electronically by email to the U.S. Army Contracting Command POC and the ARI Technical POC.

• The deadline for White Paper submission is 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time on 17 August 2023.

• White Papers are limited to six (6) pages (including a cover page), plus an addendum for key personnel biographical sketches (up to 300 words per individual).

• Evaluation criteria for White Papers include: Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution, Qualifications/Capabilities, and Cost.

• ARI may request a telecon with an applicant for technical matters.

• A White Paper submission is required to be eligible for a formal proposal request.

• Not specified in this document; the BAA W911NF-23-S-0010 is issued under provisions allowing for full and open competition.

• Contractual Questions: Ms. Wilveria Sanders, wilveria.a.sanders.civ@army.mil, (919) 549-4328

• Technical Questions: Dr. Jayne L. Allen, jayne.l.allen3.civ@army.mil, (706) 761-7611

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to questions raised by potential bidders regarding the C3 SSN opportunity, clarifying requirements and technical details.

• Validation Effort: The primary purpose is to update construct definitions and measurement methods, followed by construct validation.
• New Constructs: While the focus is on updating existing constructs, modifications to items and paradigms are open within defined parameters.
• Proposal Type: Proposals should be submitted as contracts, not grants or cooperative agreements.
• Deployment Platform: The application uses Node.js, Angular.io, and MongoDB. Assessments should be uploaded as .NET DLLs and must be compatible with Edge, Chrome, or Firefox, avoiding ActiveX, applets, or Flash.
• Assessment Demonstration: No direct demonstration will be provided; bidders should refer to the Adis et al. (2022) technical report.
• Personality Traits: Personality traits are not included as the Army already has separate assessments for selection and assignment. C^3 focuses on the potential to learn and succeed in cyber jobs.
• Social Cognitive Biases: The assessment focuses on cognitive skills for cyber work, not social cognitive biases.
• Security Clearance: Contractors will need to use an Army-provided computer and obtain a clearance for its use.
• Number of Awards: Only one contract will be awarded.
• Existing Instrument Access: The full existing assessment battery, including editable code and a setup guide, will be provided to the contract recipient.
• Team Responsibilities: Project teams must be able to edit the assessment and support its transition to the Army's platform; ARI will not provide technical support.
• Functionality Definition: "Improve functionality" refers to guidelines for the revised battery, including a length of 30-40 minutes and user-friendliness.
• Test Length Reduction: Constructs cannot be eliminated, but test length can be reduced by replacing existing measurement methods with new ones.
• IRB Approval: An IRB is in place through the Army for research using Army personnel.

These clarifications refine understanding of technical requirements, team capabilities, and the scope of work, particularly regarding the assessment's structure, measurement, and deployment. Bidders should incorporate this information into their proposals. The existing assessment battery and its code will be provided and are editable.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the C3 SSN (Cybersecurity Skills and Knowledge) opportunity, clarifying aspects of the assessment, proposal requirements, and contract details.

• Validation Effort: The primary purpose is to update construct definitions and measurement methods, followed by construct validation to support these changes, rather than being solely a validation effort.
• New Constructs: While the focus is on updating existing constructs identified by SMEs and cross-referenced with O*NET, modifications including adding or changing items are open within the defined parameters.
• Proposal Type: Proposals should be submitted as a contract, not a grant or cooperative agreement.
• Deployment Platform: The application uses Node.js, Angular.io, and MongoDB. Assessments must be uploaded to the research platform, preferably as a .NET DLL, and must function on Edge, Chrome, or Firefox without ActiveX controls, applets, or Flash.
• Assessment Demonstration: No direct demonstration will be provided; bidders should refer to the technical report (Adis et al., 2022) for an overview.
• Personality Traits: Personality traits were excluded as the Army already has separate personality assessments for selection and assignment. C^3 aims to measure the potential to learn and succeed in cyber jobs.
• Social Cognitive Biases: The assessment focuses on cognitive skills for cyber work (e.g., technical problem-solving) rather than social cognitive biases.
• Security Clearance: Contractors will need to use an Army-provided computer and obtain a clearance for its use to analyze data collected from Army personnel.
• Number of Awards: Only one contract will be awarded.
• Instrument Provision: The existing assessment battery, including its editable code and a setup/maintenance guide, will be provided to the contract recipient.
• Team Responsibilities: Project teams must be capable of editing the assessment and supporting its transition to the Army's hosting platform. ARI will not provide technical support.

These clarifications do not appear to alter key requirements or due dates but provide essential details for proposal preparation and understanding the scope of work.

Sources Sought Notice / Request for White Papers

This notice is a Sources Sought for White Papers related to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-23-S-0010, Topic II A.2.b.v: DEVELOPING NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS FOR THE FUTURE FORCE. The objective is to identify potential sources for research aimed at enhancing the interpersonal competencies of junior Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs) to build cohesive teams and develop effective leaders.

• The primary goal is to design, develop, and validate developmental tools and resources to support or accelerate the development of key interpersonal knowledge, skills, and behaviors (KSBs) for junior NCOs.

• Research objectives include:

  • Identifying pertinent NCO interpersonal KSBs and current developmental methods.
  • Identifying gaps between these KSBs and current Army developmental methods.
  • Designing and developing developmental tools and resources (e.g., training, job aids) to address critical gaps.
  • Refining and validating these tools and resources for junior NCO use.

• Efforts funded will include Applied Research and/or Advanced Technology Development.

• Potential award is a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement.

• Period of Performance: 36 months (Base: 12 months, Option 1: 12 months, Option 2: 12 months).

• Not to exceed $300k per period, with a total budget not to exceed $900k.

• White Paper Submission Deadline: July 16, 2023, 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

• White Papers must be submitted electronically via email to the POCs listed in the document.

• White Papers are limited to six (6) pages (including cover page), with an addendum for biographical sketches (up to 300 words per individual).

• Evaluation criteria for White Papers include: Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution, Qualifications/Capabilities, and Cost.

• A request for a full proposal may be initiated based on the White Paper evaluation.

• Not specified as a set-aside. Full and open competition is anticipated.

• Contractual Questions: Ms. Wilveria Sanders, wilveria.a.sanders.civ@army.mil

• Technical Questions: Dr. James Deller, james.c.deller2.civ@army.mil

Sources Sought Notice / Request for White Papers

This notice is a Sources Sought for White Paper submissions related to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-23-S-0010, Topic II A.2.c.ii: TEAM STAFFING AND COMPOSITION, specifically focusing on "Computational Modeling for Team-Based Assignment." The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) is seeking to develop computational approaches to optimize team composition for team effectiveness. This effort will involve Applied Research and/or Advanced Technology Development.

• Develop and validate computational approaches for team composition.

• Create a tool that can optimize team composition with respect to team effectiveness.

• The tool should be driven by extant team research literature and be explicitly multi-level.

• Potential modeling approaches include network-based, agent-based, neural networks, or genetic algorithms.

• The tool must be usable by researchers without advanced modeling knowledge, scalable, and transparent.

• Potential award is a 36-month period of performance (12-month base + two 12-month options).

• Budget not to exceed $910,000.00.

• The Army Contracting Command may award a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement.

• White Paper Submission Deadline: 30 June 2023, 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

• White Papers must be submitted electronically via email to the specified POCs.

• White Papers are limited to six (6) pages (including cover page) plus an addendum for biographical sketches.

• Evaluation criteria for White Papers include Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution, Qualifications/Capabilities, and Cost.

• A successful White Paper may lead to a request for a formal proposal.

• Not specified in this document.

• Contractual Questions: Ms. Wilveria Sanders, wilveria.a.sanders.civ@army.mil

• Technical Questions: Dr. Jessica Darrow, jessica.b.darrow.civ@army.mil

Sources Sought Notice / Request for White Papers

This notice is a Sources Sought Notice calling for White Paper submissions related to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-23-S-0010, Topic II A.2-c.3: "Identifying, Operationalizing, and Developing Transportable Multiteam System Competencies for the Future Operational Environment." The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) is seeking research and development (R&D) in Applied Research and/or Advanced Technology Development to address the challenges of the future operational environment (FOE), specifically focusing on multiteam systems and transportable competencies.

• Identify, describe, and conceptually articulate transportable multiteam system competencies for the FOE.

• Integrate these competencies with organizational training literature to provide recommendations for developing multiteam system competencies.

• Conduct an initial proof of concept for training Soldiers/units in multiteam systems, followed by a field test.

• The anticipated award is a contract with a 48-month period of performance (12-month base, three 12-month options).

• Total budget not to exceed $800,000.00.

• White Paper Submission Deadline: 15 July 2023, 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

• White Papers must be submitted electronically via email to the U.S. Army Contracting Command POC and the ARI Technical POC.

• White Papers are limited to six (6) pages (including a cover page) plus an addendum for key personnel biographical sketches (up to 300 words per individual).

• Evaluation Criteria for White Papers (and subsequent proposals) include: Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution, Qualifications/Capabilities, and Cost.

• The Army may request a formal proposal based on the White Paper evaluation.

• Not specified as a set-aside. The BAA allows for competitive selection.

• Contractual Questions: Ms. Wilveria Sanders, wilveria.a.sanders.civ@army.mil

• Technical Questions: Dr. Nathanael Keiser, nathanael.l.keiser.civ@army.mil

Sources Sought Notice / Request for White Papers

This notice is issued by the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) to solicit White Papers in reference to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-23-S-0010, Topic II A.2.c.iii: DEVELOPING TEAMS FOR THE FUTURE OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT. The specific focus is on "Mitigating the Impacts of Personnel Turnover for Teams in the FOE." This is a request for information to determine potential sources for research and development (R&D) in Applied Research and/or Advanced Technology Development.

• The research aims to identify critical individual and collective Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviors (KSBs) needed for teams to maintain effectiveness despite personnel turnover in the Future Operational Environment (FOE).

• The research will also identify current Army training methods for these KSBs and provide recommendations for improvement, including developing proof-of-concept training methods.

• White Papers should detail the proposed research approach, Army relevance, potential impact, and an estimate of total cost.

• The anticipated award is for a contract with a period of performance of approximately 36 months (12-month base, two 12-month options).

• The total budget is not to exceed $750,000.00.

• The Army Contracting Command (ACC) RTP Division has the authority to award contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements.

• White Papers must be submitted electronically no later than 30 June 2023, 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

• White Papers are limited to six (6) pages (including a cover page), with an addendum for biographical sketches (up to 300 words per individual).

• Evaluation criteria for White Papers include Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution, Qualifications/Capabilities, and Cost.

• A request for a full proposal may be initiated based on the White Paper evaluation.

• Not specified as a set-aside. The BAA allows for competitive selection.

• Contractual Questions: Ms. Wilveria Sanders, wilveria.a.sanders.civ@army.mil

• Technical Questions: Dr. Barton Crum, barton.c.crum.civ@army.mil

Sources Sought Notice / Request for White Papers

This notice is a Sources Sought Notice calling for White Paper submissions in reference to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-23-S-0010, Topic II A.2.a.ii: Holistic Personnel Assessment, specifically "Refinement of the Common Cyber Capabilities Assessment." The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) is seeking to identify potential candidates for training in Cyber jobs by assessing underlying skills and abilities associated with success in these roles. The goal is to identify high-potential candidates with little or no formal IT education but high potential, and invest in their training. This process aims to improve selection accuracy, predict performance, and reduce attrition during training.

• White Papers are requested to describe proposed research for the base and option approaches, detailing innovation, scientific advancement, Army relevance, potential impact, and estimated cost.

• The White Paper should include a Technical Approach, Requests for Government Support, and Key Personnel Biographical Information.

• The White Paper must be limited to six (6) pages (including a cover page), with an addendum for biographical sketches (up to 300 words per individual).

• The effort is anticipated to be a 42-month period of performance (Base: 12 months, Option 1: 12 months, Option 2: 18 months).

• The total budget is not to exceed $1,700,000.

• The Army Contracting Command may award a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement.

• White Papers must be submitted electronically via email by 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time on 15 June 2023.

• Submission email address: wilveria.a.sanders.civ@army.mil (POC for U.S. Army Contracting Command), with CC to colin.l.omori.civ@army.mil (ARI Technical POC).

• Evaluation criteria for White Papers (and subsequent full proposals) include: Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution to ARI's mission, Qualifications/Capabilities of personnel and resources, and Cost.

• Scientific and Technical Merit will be weighted more strongly than other non-cost factors.

• ARI may provide written or telephonic feedback on White Papers and may request a full proposal.

• Not specified in this document; BAA W911NF-23-S-0010 allows for full and open competition.

• This is a Sources Sought Notice, not a solicitation for proposals. A White Paper submission is required to be eligible for a formal proposal request.

• The Common Cyber Capabilities (C^3) assessment is a computer-administered measure designed to assess skills and abilities relevant to Cyber jobs without relying on existing Cyber knowledge.

• Key personnel include Principal Investigators and Co-Principal Investigators.

• Proprietary data must be clearly identified. Classified, sensitive, or critical information should not be included.

• White Papers and subsequent proposals must be valid for 180 calendar days from the date of submission.

Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) from the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) solicits proposals for basic, applied, and advanced scientific research. The BAA is open continuously from May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2028. ARI's mission is to conduct research, development, and analysis for Army readiness and performance through advancements in behavioral and social sciences, focusing on personnel, organization, and Soldier/leader development.

1. Basic Research Areas:

• Science of Measurement of Individuals & Collectives
• Understanding Multilevel and Organizational Dynamics
• Context of Behavior in Military Environments
• Formal and Informal Learning and Development

2. Applied Research and Advanced Technology Development Areas:

• Holistic Personnel Assessment and Statistical Innovations for Talent Management
• Leader Competences for Complexity & Uncertainty
• Team Assignment & Performance
• Assessing and Developing Technological Fluency for the Future Force

Awards may be made in the form of procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, technology investment agreements (TIAs), or other transactions for prototypes (OTAs). The specific instrument will be chosen by the ACC (APG) RTP Division based on the proposed effort.

• Process: A three-step sequence is recommended: initial contact with ARI TPOC or Manager, white paper submission, and then proposal submission.

• White Papers: Encouraged but not required, to minimize labor and cost. Feedback will be provided.

• Proposals: Must stand on their own merit and include all specified information.

• Evaluation Criteria: Scientific and Technical Merit (most important), Potential Contribution, Qualifications/Capabilities, and Cost (realism, affordability, appropriateness).

• Deadlines: Continuously open from May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2028. New awards are typically obligated early in each fiscal year.

• Eligible Applicants: Institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, and for-profit organizations (domestic or foreign).

• Ineligible: Government Laboratories, FFRDCs, and U.S. Service Academies as prime contractors.

• Cost Sharing: Generally not required, but may apply to OT for research or prototype instruments.

• Amendments will be posted to SAM.gov and Grants.gov.

• Interested parties should periodically check these websites for updates.

• Contact information for ARI Managers is provided for each research area.