PRESOL | A | Armament Technology | 10-Aug-11

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF AUGUST 10, 2011 FBO #3546
SOLICITATION NOTICE

A -- Armament Technology

Notice Date: 8/8/2011
Notice Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
NAICS: 541712 — Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Contracting Office: Department of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, AFRL - Eglin Research Site, 101 West Eglin Blvd, Suite 337, Eglin AFB, Florida, 32542-6810
ZIP Code: 32542-6810
Solicitation Number: BAA-RWK-12-0001
Point of Contact: Michael A Rivera, Phone: 850-883-2679, Judie A Jacobson, Phone: 850-883-2157
E-Mail Address: michael.rivera@eglin.af.mil, judie.jacobson@eglin.af.mil
(michael.rivera@eglin.af.mil, judie.jacobson@eglin.af.mil)
Small Business Set-Aside: N/A
Description: BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA) BAA-RWK-12-0001 FULL TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT NAICS: 541712 FEDERAL AGENCY NAME: Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate 101 W. Eglin Blvd Eglin AFB, FL 32542-6810 BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT TITLE: Armament Technology BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: Initial Announcement BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: BAA-RWK-12-0001 CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE (CFDA) NUMBER(S): 12.800 Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program WHITE PAPER DUE DATE AND TIME: This BAA will remain open through 31 Aug 2012, or until amended or superseded. It may be reissued and/or amended periodically, as needed. It is recommended that prior to submission of any white papers each submitter should consult with the technical POC for each respective research area to discuss the topic of interest. White papers may be submitted at any time during the open period to afrl.rwk.baaworkflow@eglin.af.mil. I. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION This is a Broad Agency Announcement of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Munitions Directorate (AFRL/RW) under the provisions of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) paragraph 6.102(d)(2), which provides for competitive selection of research proposals. Proposals submitted in response to the BAA that are selected for award are considered to be the results of full and open competition and in full compliance with the provisions of PL 98-369, the Competition in Contracting Act of 1984. For purposes of this announcement, research is defined to be scientific study and experimentation directed at increasing knowledge and understanding in relation to long term national security needs. It is an enhancement to related exploratory and advanced development programs. A program should be designed to demonstrate well-defined and substantive research results, should not be overly ambitious or open-ended, and should not be a paper study that inherently requires a substantial testing effort. Any significant testing is unlikely; however, there is a possibility of experimental testing to support battle lab experiments proposed under this BAA. Occasionally, AFRL/RW will have more specific research interests or topics that warrant specific attention. Under those circumstances, a specific BAA will be issued describing the requirement in greater detail, defining funding availability, elaborating on white paper or proposal submission due date and format, and possibly providing more specific evaluation criteria. Programs to support Team Eglin Technology Demonstration Programs may also be considered under this BAA. AFRL/RW contracts with educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and private industry for research in armament technology. This BAA is intended to cover, in general nature, all research areas of interest to this Directorate. Offerors contemplating submission of a proposal to AFRL/RW should carefully examine this BAA, and are also strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate AFRL/RW technical Point of Contact (POC) identified in this publication to ascertain the extent of interest AFRL/RW may have in a specific research project. AFRL/RW is the primary Air Force organization concerned with conventional munitions technology development. AFRL/RW plans and executes research, development, and test of conventional munitions, and supports conventional munitions Wings/Groups or Weapons Program Offices. There are four divisions within the Munitions Directorate that conduct research and development (R&D). They are the Demonstration Division, the Advanced Guidance Division, the Strategic Planning and Assessment Division, and the Ordnance Division. DEMONSTRATION DIVISION (RWA) The Demonstration Division (RWA) directs and conducts research and exploratory and advanced development in weapon/missile airframes, and submunition design and dispensing. RWA also integrates optimal subsystems, performs tests, and conducts flight demonstrations. RWA consists of the Systems of Systems Branch (RWAS), and the Flight Vehicles Integration Branch (RWAV). ADVANCED GUIDANCE DIVISION (RWG) The Advanced Guidance Division (RWG) conducts research and directs exploratory and advanced development in guidance and control technology to support development of autonomous, precision-guided munitions. The relevant technologies are in two general areas: seekers and conventional guidance and control. The seeker technologies include electro-optical, infrared, millimeter-wave, and radio frequency seekers for air-to-air and air-to-surface conventional weapons, exointerceptors, and submunition guidance. This includes signal/image processing algorithms and processors. Conventional guidance and control includes inertial sensors, global positioning system (GPS) receivers, antijam GPS technologies, and relevant information processing including guidance laws, state vector estimators, and autopilots. RWG performs digital modeling and simulation, synthetic scene generation, laboratory, field, and captive flight tests of seeker concepts and conventional guidance and control concepts. RWG also operates and maintains a hardware-in-the-loop closed loop guidance evaluation facility with synthetic scene generation and digital modeling and simulation capability, a radio-frequency measurement laboratory, a laser radar facility, an advanced navigation laboratory, and an electro-optics laboratory. RWG consists of the Integration Guidance Simulation Branch (RWGG), Integration Sensing & Processing Sciences Branch (RWGI), Weapons Dynamics & Controls Branch (RWGN), and the Weapons Seeker Sciences Branch (RWGS.) ORDNANCE DIVISION (RWM) The Ordnance Division (RWM) directs and conducts research and exploratory and advanced development research of fuzes, damage mechanisms, and energetic materials for air launched munitions for use with a full array of launch platforms including fighter, bomber, and Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV). RWM consists of the Energetic Materials Branch (RWME), Fuzes Branch (RWMF), Damage Mechanisms Branch (RWMW), and Ordnance Integration Branch (RWMI). RWME operates the High Explosives R&D (HERD) facility which is responsible for the development of energetic materials from concept formulation through pilot plant production for transition into existing or future inventory weapon systems. RWMF is responsible for the research and development of technologies to enable precision burst point control initiation of current and future weapon systems. Examples of precision burst point control include post-impact hard target intelligent fuzing and high-closing rate air-to-air and air-to-ground target imaging and aim point selection. RWMW interests range from fundamental understanding of detonation wave implications for damage mechanism formation (i.e., explosively formed penetrators, stretch long rod penetrators, directed fragments) to shaped charge liner materials processing in the Focused Energy Warheads arena that is striving to reduce warhead size and increase lethality and adaptability for application to surface mobile targets and fixed targets. These interests range from fundamental understanding of material behavior in high rate, high-pressure processes (i.e., strain, erosion, toughness), to enhancement of existing blast/fragment warheads, to R&D of novel kill mechanisms for fixed surface targets, both soft and hardened, in the Unitary Warheads arena. RWMI is responsible for conducting the ordnance level studies to establish the development trade space for the fuze, energetic materials and damage mechanism technologies. RWMI is also responsible for defining the interfaces between these technologies, and integrating and demonstrating various levels of ordnance packages prior to higher level weapon system integration and/or transition. STRATEGIC PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT DIVISION (RWP) The Strategic Planning and Assessment Division (RWP) is responsible for strategic planning and assessment of lethality, effectiveness, utility of weapon technologies, and evaluation of expected weapon performance by simulation. Strategic planning consists of overall RW investment planning; determining warfighter issues and requirements related to munitions and the transition opportunities for science and technology, and managing the cooperative research, technology transfer, and SBIR programs. RWP directs and conducts research and exploratory and advanced development in weapon/missile modeling and simulation, basic physics and computational modeling. RWP consists of the Capability Planning Branch (RWPB), the Computational Mechanics Branch (RWPC), and the Lethality and Vulnerability Branch (RWPL). The descriptions of the technical areas are organized by scientific discipline, and the reader may note some overlap between sections. The following narratives are intended to provide an abbreviated description of the 17 prospective research areas. These descriptions are not meant to be exhaustive, but rather to challenge the reader to create and submit truly creative proposals that have the potential to dramatically shift existing air delivered munitions paradigms. These descriptions furnish specific examples of areas of interest and Directorate focal points associated with these technology areas. However, any submitted white paper or proposal must be grounded in achievable technology goals. RESEARCH AREA 1 - WEAPON AERIAL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH (RWAV) Advances in weapon aerial systems technologies are required to take advantage of emerging developments in weapon guidance systems, networked information systems, and precision effect ordnance systems. The goal of this work is to perform weapon aerial systems technology research for development of agile weapon airframes capable of delivering precision controlled effects against fixed and mobile ground targets and air targets. Research areas of interest include: agile weapon airframe design for all flight regimes; precision weapon subsystems integration; miniature weapon design, carriage, and dispensing technology; weapon control and actuation system technology; compact power and actuation for miniature weapons; remotely piloted vehicle weapon integration/dispensing; and compressed carriage munitions design. Airframe technology research approaches should build upon advances in dynamic systems, aerodynamics, structural dynamics, materials, propulsion, and flight dynamics theories and methodologies; should exploit advances in other weapon technologies (e.g., advanced sensors and seekers, guidance and control algorithms, network information architectures, controlled effect ordnance, etc.); should be amenable to further development through sound principles of systems engineering; and should offer the potential for significantly improving affordable weapon aerial systems capabilities and reliabilities. Technical POC: Johnny Evers AFRL/RWAV (850) 883-1887 Fax: (850) 883-2538 johnny.evers@eglin.af.mil RESEARCH AREA 2 - BIOMIMETIC SIGNAL PROCESSING AND CONTROL (RWGI) Both biological systems and smart munitions are required to collect space, time, and color information from the environment, process it, and make some decision. The decision may be that of detecting, recognizing, tracking, or intercepting an object. The decision may also be that of changing position or direction of motion for vehicle navigation or for better viewing of a target. A clear understanding of how the natural systems collect and process information to make these kinds of decisions may lead to revolutionary seeker concepts for autonomous weapons, as well as other machine vision applications. Thus, RWGI is interested in signal processing and control methods that use natural concepts found in biological systems. Our focus in biomimetics (the science of mimicking biological systems) is on leveraging efforts previously aimed at understanding how life forms collect and process environmental information. We want to use what is understood about the natural seekers to build small and affordable autonomous munitions seekers. As biologically inspired seeker system concepts mature and exploit commercially available technology, the resemblance to the original biological system may diminish or even disappear. This consequence reflects our focus on building affordable, capable seekers for smart munitions. Proposed concepts should support the mission of the Munitions Directorate and Advanced Guidance Division. Technical POC: Mr. Paul McCarley AFRL/RWGI (850) 883-0889 Fax: (850) 882-3344 paul.mccarley@eglin.af.mil RESEARCH AREA 3 - AUTONOMOUS TARGET RECOGNITION (RWGI) RWGI is interested in investigating all aspects of Autonomous Target Recognition (ATR) technology as it applies to seekers for conventional guided weapons. Interests range from basic signal/image processing foundations through tower and flight test of advanced real time ATR/host signal processor implementations. ATR systems (and related technologies) designed for use with all relevant weapon system sensors (MMW Radar, SAR, IIR, LADAR, Dual Mode combinations, etc.) are of interest. Technical POC: Dr. Timothy J. Klausutis AFRL/RWGI (850) 883-0887 Fax: (850) 882-3344 timothy.klausutis@eglin.af.mil RESEARCH AREA 4 - HARDWARE-IN-THE-LOOP SIMULATION TECHNOLOGIES (RWGG) RWGG is interested in developing advanced capabilities related to hardware-in-the-loop and digital simulation of guided weapon designs. RWGG exercises simulations to verify weapon performance, with particular emphasis on target acquisition, tracking, and guidance performance during terminal homing. Sensors and algorithms for Strategic and Theater Missile Defense concepts developed under the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and Tactical Munitions subsystems developed within AFRL/RW are evaluated. Weapons tested typically include visible, imaging infrared, millimeter-wave, and/or LADAR seeker subsystems. Emphasis for simulation technology research is placed on advancement and improvements to scene projection/projector technologies, real-time target scene generation techniques, target phenomenology methods, simulation architectures, millimeter-wave simulators, cryogenic chamber simulator, wide field-of-view flight motion simulators, and high bandwidth motion simulators. Technical POC: Mr. Michael Deiler AFRL/RWGG (850) 883-1919 Fax: (850) 882-4128 michael.deiler@eglin.af.mil RESEARCH AREA 5 - ADVANCED SCENE GENERATION (RWGG) Integral to the development of advanced munitions programs is the capability at AFRL/RW to perform high fidelity simulation-based testing of munitions, components and systems. The current capability to generate synthetic imagery for high fidelity hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) and Autonomous Target Recognition (ATR) algorithm testing is based on a toolbox of independent Government and industry tools for predicting threat characteristics, environmental effects, and munitions hardware and software performance. The evolution in complexity and capability of modern weapons systems, however, is leading to demands for higher fidelity and performance from test simulations. In addition, the integrated nature of the modern battlefield requires test simulations to encompass not only the weapon itself, but also a variety of other systems. New scene generation (SG) techniques are needed in the areas of characterization of Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and Air Force threats, urban environments, chemical/biological effects, coupling and integration of scene generation software, multiple sensor views, and advanced computing techniques. These SG improvements must be designed to streamline the process for evaluating guided munitions concepts from initial design to final implementation, lowering development costs and shortening time from drawing board to battlefield. The improved testing realism will provide confidence that the munitions will perform as expected under a much wider variety of combat conditions than previously possible. Technical POC: Mr. Charles Coker AFRL/RWGG (850) 882-4629 Fax: (850) 882-4128 charles.coker@eglin.af.mil RESEARCH AREA 6 - LASER RADAR COMPONENT RESEARCH (RWGS) RWG has an interest in developing the components and systems necessary for imaging and non-imaging laser radar systems. These include, but are not limited to, optical sources, detector systems, beam pointing and beam scanning systems, detection schemes, and discrimination, ranging, and acquisition systems. Interests range from complete systems and devices to basic materials and components. These include the following: Optical Sources: Optical sources of various wavelengths from the visible to the mid-infrared (< 5 microns) are desired. These devices may be diodes, diode or flashlamp-pumped solid-state lasers, or optical parametric oscillators (OPOs). The systems can operate at moderate output powers at pulse repetition rates ranging from a few Hz to greater than 1 MHz. Technologies of interest include, but are not limited to, novel laser and OPO operating schemes, laser and OPO systems and designs, optical coatings, laser materials, and non-linear materials. Associated technologies, such as diode drive electronics, output power control and stabilization, wavelength tuning and stabilization techniques, rapid pulse generation, optical shutters and Q switches, polarization and phase controllers, and optical coupling techniques are also of interest. Detector systems: Single element and array detectors sensitive in the visible to mid-infrared wavelength range are desired. Rapid rise times (approaching a nanosecond) are desired, as is operability without cryogenic cooling. Technologies of interest include, but are not limited to, detector systems, detector materials, amplification and biasing electronics, temperature control systems, wavelength selection (filters, gratings, etc.), and readout technologies (for array detectors). Beam pointing and beam scanning systems: Systems that can rapidly steer a laser beam as well as the field of view of the detector are desired. Systems capable of search/track modes and variable fields of view are also desired. Technologies of interest include, but are not limited to, controlled mirror sets, microlens assemblies, gratings, acousto-optical devices, and liquid crystal devices. Associated technologies such as scanning drives and controllers, beam direction monitoring techniques, and pointing stabilization techniques are also of interest. Detection schemes: Various incoherent and coherent detection schemes are of interest. Such schemes include, but are not limited to, direct detection of reflected radiation, return detection of a modulated signal, detection of laser-induced fluorescence, and detection of raman scattered radiation. Possible methods for coherent detection include amplitude, frequency, phase, or polarization modulation. Discrimination, ranging, and acquisition systems: Systems that can discriminate the signal from the background environment, condition the signal, and store the data are required. These systems should be able to resolve time differences as small as or smaller than a nanosecond, dynamically adjust the gain of any amplification stages, allow variable timing/ranging techniques, and/or minimize range uncertainty. A variety of discrimination techniques are of interest, including nth pulse detection, constant fraction threshold detection, variable threshold detection, and others. Technical POC: Mr. James Savage AFRL/RWGSL (850) 882-4250 Fax: (850) 882-1717 james.savage@eglin.af.mil RESEARCH AREA 7 - NAVIGATION AND CONTROL TECHNOLOGY (RWGN) RWGN is developing global positioning system (GPS) anti-jam technology, geo-referenced alternative to GPS navigation, control algorithms for agile autonomous micro air vehicles and micro munitions, vision-based guidance methodologies, control algorithms for path planning and task assignment of cooperative systems of munitions and air vehicles, track fusion and on-line state estimation methods for fusing target tracks between weapon platforms, methodologies for operators to supervise the time critical control of collections of cooperating air vehicles, small and low cost components for secure low probability of intercept data links on micro weapons, and network topologies and routing algorithms for small to large networks of munitions with line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight links. GPS technologies of interest are anti-jam techniques including spatial (beam forming and/or null steering) and temporal anti-jam technologies, and miniature GPS antenna technologies. Biologically inspired but mathematically rigorous techniques are being pursued for agile and vision-based guidance and control. Cooperative control methodologies currently emphasize integrated path planning and task assignment, hedging for un-modeled (adversarial induced) uncertainty, and information theoretic bounds on performance of cooperative networks. Data link technologies are needed that will yield extreme miniaturization while being compatible with current and future military tactical networks. Technical POC: Dr. Jess Curtis AFRL/RWGN (850) 883-2564 Fax: (850)882-0715 jess.curtis@eglin.af.mil RESEARCH AREA 8 - MODELING, SIMULATION, & ANALYSIS (MS&A) OF ADVANCED WEAPON CONCEPTS (RWPL) The goal of this work is to develop/modify and employ models used to analyze advanced weapon concepts and their related concepts of employment to highlight technologies worthy of consideration for investment. The objective is to apply, modify and/or combine engineering, engagement (one-on-one), mission (few-on-few), systems-of-systems, campaign (many-on-many, military worth), level modeling techniques, tools, and analysis methods as well as virtual and constructive digital simulation which lend themselves to the quick and effective evaluation of advanced weapon concepts. Concepts include, but are not limited to, intercommunicative weapons, novel damage mechanisms, lethal and novel destruct mechanisms, multiple targeting, and time critical delivery. Detailed modeling includes, but is not limited to, sensors, aerodynamics, autopilots, navigation and guidance schemes, propulsion, warheads, fuzes, datalinks, error filters, environment (wind, fog, dust), lethality, vulnerability, and threats. Scenario development and visualization at each level of MS&A is also sought. Research into new simulation toolsets and architectures designed for this purpose will also be considered. Additionally, environmental factors that influence a weapons performance can be considered. This can include but not be limited to urban environments, collaborative simulation environments, scenario generation and infrastructure simulation common to environments that weapons may operate in. Existing tools of interest include, but are not limited to, ESAMS, RADGUNS, MATLAB/Simulink, FLAMES, EADSIM, CFAM, and STORM. White papers and proposals should be designed to demonstrate substantive knowledge in any or all of the specific areas of MS&A. Some or all of the work performed under this BAA Research Area will be performed on-site (e.g. at the Government facility) and security clearances at the SECRET level will be required. Technical POC: Mr. Steven Standley AFRL/RWPL (850) 883-5211 Fax: (850) 882-2563 steven.standley@eglin.af.mil RESEARCH AREA 9 - TARGET VULNERABILITY AND WEAPON EFFECTIVENESS (RWPL) The goal of this work is to collect data, conduct research, develop/modify and employ responsive modeling tools, target models, and processes as part of AFRL's R&D efforts. These efforts will identify potential vulnerabilities in targets and their subcomponents for conventional or concept weapons to exploit. They will also enable understanding and predictive capability for the effectiveness of inventory, developmental, and conceptual munitions when deployed against targets and critical components. Targets of interest can include but are not limited to mobile, fixed (above and below ground), hard and deeply buried, chem-bio and air-to-air. This research will allow development of new techniques or enhancement of existing techniques to measure and compare weapon effectiveness, collateral damage, and potential collateral hazards. Research will include improvements in our ability to predict and measure component vulnerability and functional defeat allowing assessment of weapon effects that degrade a target's ability to perform its intended functions without necessarily destroying it. It could also include research and modeling of new or conceptual damage mechanisms. Development of new target and associated functional models would improve our abilities to exploit high interest targets or newly discovered vulnerabilities. Research to enhance or develop methodology to account for the target critical equipment/components, and their interconnections, and associated failure logic and failure modes could be required. Tools of interest include, but are not limited to AJEM, ARM, BLASTX, BRL-CAD, Endgame Framework, FastCD, FASTGEN, FATEPEN, IMEA, JWS, MEVA, ORCA, PENCURV, PDAM, STEP, STMG, VALUE, WEAPS, and WinBLAST. White papers and proposals should be designed to demonstrate substantive knowledge in any or all of the specific areas of weapon testing, experimentation and weapon effectiveness and target vulnerability MS&A. Some or all of the work performed under this BAA Research Area will be classified. Approved classified processing capabilities and security clearances at the SECRET level as a minimum will be required. Technical POC: Dr. Danny Brubaker AFRL/RWPL Ph: (850) 883-5226 Fax: (850) 882-2563 danny.brubaker@eglin.af.mil RESEARCH AREA 10 - WEAPON/TARGET MECHANICS (RWPC) The performance assessment and development of advanced conventional weapon systems requires the capabilities to model complex weapon/target interaction phenomena and to predict environments produced by impacting, penetrating, and detonating warheads. Modeling may be achieved with simplified engineering models or system/subsystem analysis codes, but the emphasis of this effort is the development and validation of continuum mechanics codes yielding high fidelity weapon and target models. Areas of particular interest include penetration mechanics, high strain rate fracture dynamics and constitutive modeling, modeling the shock survivability of fuze electronic components, predictive models for the change in material properties due to thermal cycling (energetics and electronics), fragmentation, mesoscale modeling (metals and energetics), localized shear band formation, high pressure/high strain rate modeling of geologic and geologically derived materials, modeling of reacting droplet and particulate flows, equation of state and constitutive models for chemical and biological agents, numerical modeling of neutralization mechanisms for biological and chemical agents, hydrodynamic ram, atomization and aerosolization of chemical and biological agents, direct numerical simulation of detonations, coupled detonation physics and multi-phase flow, accurate and efficient boundary interface treatments, the ability to span several orders of magnitude in spatial and temporal length scales, and advanced numerical methods. Innovative theoretical, computational and experimental projects that specifically address the problems of interest and result in an improved predictive capability are the goal. Technical POC: Dr. Kirk J. Vanden AFRL/RWPC (850) 883-2658 Fax: (850) 882-2201 kirk.vanden@eglin.af.mil RESEARCH AREA 11 - DAMAGE MECHANISMS RESEARCH (RWMW) RWMW is interested in all aspects conventional munitions warhead technology as it relates to the destruction, damage, defeat, or denial of function. Technologies and concepts are sought for a robust and affordable capability of air-launched munitions in the areas of: hard and deeply buried targets, fixed ground targets, mobile ground vehicles, air dominance, chemical/biological/radiological/nuclear/explosive (CBRNE) neutralization or access denial, and cybernet neutralization. Additionally, there is interest in specialized diagnostics, techniques, and experimental methods for the development and validation of these capabilities. Technical interests within the Hard Target Effects technical competency are in penetration mechanics, materials for surviving high speed penetration of geologic and cementitious materials, abrasion resistance, terradynamic stability, innovative case structures and composites, and production methods. Fundamental science studies in high rate particulate flow and meso-scale modeling is an area of emphasis. The Damage Mechanisms Science technical competency has interests in miniature and micro warheads, multifunctional energetic materials and damage mechanisms, directional control and focused effects, selectable effects, and collateral damage control. Approaches in all of these areas are not to be limited to traditional nor classical blast-fragmentation effects. Novel concepts of target defeat are encouraged to augment or replace the more traditional kinetic energy methods. Energy Conversion POC: Dr. Dave Lambert AFRL/RWMW (850)882-7991 Fax: (850)883-1381 David.lambert@eglin.af.mil Energy Coupling POC: Mr. Donald Littrell AFRL/RWMW (850) 882-6802 Fax: (850) 883-1381 donald.littrell@eglin.af.mil Material Science POC: Dr. Joel House AFRL/RWMW (850)882-7987 FAX: (850)883-1381 joel.house@eglin.af.mil RESEARCH AREA 12 - FUZE RESEARCH (RWMF) RWMF develops, demonstrates, and transitions technologies that have application to fuzes for air-delivered weapons, including, but not limited to, guided and unguided bombs, missiles, and submunitions. Fuzes must reliably remain in a safe mode until the appropriate post-deployment environments (such as freefall) are sensed; the fuze must then arm the weapon and, upon receiving a signal from a target detection device (TDD), initiate the explosive fill (or other damage mechanism). RWMF thus seeks proposals for innovative technologies that can be integrated into the design or testing of air-delivered weapon fuzes. RWMF is particularly interested in fuzes (including submunition fuzes) and related technologies that are capable of surviving the repetitive, multi-axis shock environment experienced by a fuze during penetration of a hardened target and functioning the warhead through cockpit-selectable time delay functions and advanced post-impact environmental sensing. However, current test technologies do not fully duplicate the multi-axial fuze environment in terms of duration, repetitive high-acceleration loading, and other aspects of the mechanical loading profile. This necessitates extremely expensive sled tests for fuze research, testing, qualification, and performance evaluation. Therefore, a need exists for laboratory and field test techniques and equipment to duplicate these repetitive, multi-axial shocks. Some additional penetration fuzing-specific research tasks of interest include, but are not limited to, the following: - Develop a jam-resistant, greater than 250 kilobits/second shock-hardened wireless Data Link for two-way communication with a fuze during a weapon's deep underground penetration event; - Investigate methods/techniques for improving the shock survivability of inventory hardened fuzes (FMU-143, FMU-152) used in penetrating weapons; e.g., techniques for eliminating gaps/air voids between the fuze and fuzewell; - Develop a hardened, passive, unpowered, tri-axial device that irreversibly and measurably changes some physical configuration or property without relaxation/hysteresis to record the peak acceleration as a back-up data point for tests when a hardened fuze data recorder fails; - Develop a low-cost (<$100), shock-hardened accelerometer; - Develop non-inertial techniques and appropriate devices for detecting voids and layers during hard target penetration; and - Develop a miniature passive or active sensor capable of identifying case breakup and/or severe trajectory instability during a hardened penetration event for the purpose of salvaging the fuze function and high explosive detonation-this technology must operate inside an existing fuze well as an add-on to existing fuze components and have low false alarm rate. RWMF is also interested in improved sensors, techniques, and/or systems for second safety environment sensing for gravity released general-purpose bombs. For example, an improvement or replacement for the FZU-32, -48, etc., would be of significant interest. In the area of miniature and micro-munition fuzing, research tasks of interest include, but are not limited to, the following: - Reliable miniature three port air valve that has a wide temperature operating range (-55 to +75 degree C) - Ground profiling fuze sensor technology - Active imaging aimpoint selecting fuze sensor technology The final area of focused interest is in the area of in-line and out-of-line initiation systems. RWMF Initiation Science and Technology group is interested in novel ignition devices or ignition circuitry that can enhance reliability while reducing energy budgets for initiation systems. Additionally, concepts that would enable novel warhead designs are of interest. We are also interested in novel or more inherently robust manufacturing processes that can be applied to components within initiation systems. Finally, there is interest in methods or techniques for characterizing performance of those systems. Technical POC: Mr. George Jolly AFRL/RWMF (850) 883-0587 Fax: (850) 882-2707 George.Jolly@eglin.af.mil RESEARCH AREA 13 - ADVANCED ENERGETICS (RWME) Advanced energetics research proposals are of particular interest. This topic includes development of more energetic materials and/or combinations of materials including nanometric explosives as well as other high energy density materials. Reactive materials comprising metastable interstitial composites (MICs) and/or metal fuels in combination with oxidizers and explosives are also included. Constitutive modeling of these materials, including mesoscale descriptions of their dynamic mechanical response, initiation mechanisms and reactive equations of state are included as well. Novel approaches for formulating, processing, enhancing the mechanical properties (i.e., strength, toughness) and characterizing the special features of novel energetic materials and functionally graded materials in terms of their performance and energy release benefits are also of interest. Technical POC: Dr. Jennifer Jordan AFRL/RWME (850) 882-8992 Fax: (850) 882-3540 jennifer.jordan@eglin.af.mil RESEARCH AREA 14 - FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT ENABLING MICRO MUNITIONS AND ADVANCED ENERGETICS (RWME) AFRL/RW anticipates a need for new, improved, and often unique facilities and equipment to support expanding future in-house RDT&E (research, development, test, and evaluation) work especially in the areas of micro munitions and advanced energetic. This work will require facilities with the capability to work with energetic nano materials that may also be classified as an explosive. These new RW facilities and equipment will enable world class research, development, integration, fabrication and testing of future prototype munitions system concepts demonstrating emerging micro munition and advanced energetics technologies. Developing concepts and preliminary designs for these new and unique facilities as well as for much of the new equipment to be used in these facilities will need to be approached as research and development projects, not as just design projects. New control/monitoring techniques and equipment will be required to simultaneously meet HVAC requirements for working with nano materials that are also an explosive especially in areas where a clean room environment is required. Of particular interest are proposals for preliminary feasibility studies; concept development, assessment, evaluation, preliminary design and associated cost estimates/presentation material for the new facilities and/or new research equipment that will be required to pursue this evolution of energetics from conventional explosives to reactive materials and nano energetics and munitions from the current conventional munitions to micro munitions. Also of interest are proposals for structural response calculations/modeling, design analysis, and design needed to support Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board (DDESB) submittals/presentations required for explosives siting approval of new facilities to be located at one of RW's remote explosives locations. This topic includes work to advance the understanding of nano energetic material effects on both the human body and the environment as well as work relating to the understanding, interpretation, and assessment of present and likely future applicable environmental, safety, and health requirements/regulations that would relate to nano energetics. A need is anticipated for developing new systems/components that will enable the new facilities and equipment to meet these emerging future requirements/regulations. Facilities POC: Ms. Jaime Pinto Technical POC: Mr Charles (Tom) Sprague AFRL/RWOL AFRL/RWME (850) 882-3918 (850) 882-4482 jaime.pinto@eglin.af.mil charles.sprague@eglin.af.mil RESEARCH AREA 15 - Multi-function Multi-mode RADAR RESEARCH (RWGS) RWG has an interest in developing innovative multifunction radar systems that lend themselves to a variety of applications for both munitions and RPVs. There is a need for generating multi mode seeker systems where RF is one of the modes that can provide the weather capability and be amalgamated innovatively with IR, EO or Ladar modes in order to provide improved ATR and aim point selection to the munitions seeker system. There is also the interest of creating small munitions seeker and sensor technologies that would provide low cost solutions for creating submunitions seekers. These seekers are to be integrated into a 20 pound munitions full-up-round, for creating smart guided submunitions that can be incorporated into a larger cluster munition for dispensing in a target rich environment. These submunitions require weather capability, and innovative miniature RF solutions are of great interest. There is also interest in developing a Noise/ LPI radar seeker that can provide the capability of not being detected. These seekers must provide the function of detecting, acquiring, tracking, and engaging targets with a very small probability of being detected. The interest also extends to hypersonic and high speed environments. The high speed environment provides interesting requirements that provide great opportunities for innovations in materials implementation, apertures, component technologies and processing. RWG is also interested in dome technology and dome materials for these high speed applications. Concepts and innovative ideas for solutions to these different seeker applications are also of interest. The various seeker applications listed above have many implications of RF components, aperture technology ( conformal, broadband, electronically steered, mechanically steered, concentric apertures), real time processing, miniaturization of subsystems, etc. Signal processing techniques for these various seeker technology described, and the ability to detect, track, and engage targets is of interest. The seeker systems listed above are also expected to provide good measurements for the purpose of guiding the munitions to the intended target. Along with this is the ability to provide measurements or information for the use of classifying the target once reacquired. Another interest is in the seeker system being able to provide fuzing information that would lend itself for an innovative approach for Guidance integrated Fuzing (GIF) applications. Technical POC: Mr. Francisco Arredondo AFRL/RWGS (850) 883-2176 Fax: (850) 882-1717 francisco.arredondo@eglin.af.mil RESEARCH AREA 16 - REVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH (RW) This research area is intended to cover, in general nature, all revolutionary research areas of interest to this Directorate. AFRL/RW is interested in revolutionary munitions-related research that has the potential to create new airframe, ordnance, and guidance and control technology weapon paradigms. A goal of this program is to develop highly innovative solutions relating to munitions ordnance packages and airframe technology for the purpose of defeating a variety of targets including fixed and moving targets, hard and soft targets, and above ground and deeply buried targets. Ideas and concepts are sought that represent new approaches - lethal and novel - to defeat these targets. With this type of revolutionary thinking, as opposed to evolutionary, order of magnitude increases in performance may be realized. The military payoff would be in terms of significant munitions weight and size reduction, reduced weapon cost, and improved effectiveness. Novel warhead approaches also have the benefit of disabling enemy capabilities with reduced loss of life and/or different defeat mechanisms. Another goal of this research area is to develop highly innovative concepts and approaches in guidance and control technologies for air-deliverable autonomous munitions. This program may develop advanced concepts in such areas as electro-optical, infrared, millimeter wave, and radio frequency seeker technology with the components and signal/image processing systems used in such seekers. Advanced concepts in the guidance, navigation and control (GN&C) of munitions airframes will also be sought. The basic seeker technologies to be considered include: sensing materials, sensing elements for target characterization, autonomous target acquisition algorithms, signal and image processing algorithms, and multi-sensor data fusion algorithms. The basic GN&C technologies include: miniature inertial measurement units (IMUs), Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, jam resistant GPS, and micro-electro-mechanical system based sensing and control cooperative attack algorithms. In addition to advancements in the basic technology, revolutionary changes that shift current or create new guidance and control paradigms will be developed. Technical POC: Dr. Jess Curtis AFRL/RWGN (850) 883-2564 Fax: (850)882-0715 jess.curtis@eglin.af.mil RESEARCH AREA 17 - SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) K-12 EDUCATION OUTREACH (RW) The Department of Defense (DoD) mission of STEM is to foster an interest in, raise awareness of, and increase the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics nationwide to ensure an educated and well-prepared workforce, which meets the DoD and national competitive needs. In support of this mission, the following goals have been identified: • Inspire students, parents, teachers, and the public to engage in STEM discovery and innovation. • Engage students and teachers in STEM-related hands-on learning activities. • Educate students to be well-prepared for higher education and employment in STEM disciplines. The overall objectives are as follows: • Establish and ensure successful, sustainable, and affordable long-term education outreach programs targeted to elementary, middle, and high schools. • Establish and maintain a pipeline of students, particularly women and members of minority groups, who will participate in education and outreach programs. • Increase the number of domestic students (particularly students from under-represented groups) completing STEM degrees through enhancing student interest and attitudes toward science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. • Strengthen peer, family, and school support for such interests. • Ensure long-term inclusiveness of women and minorities in science and technology programs. • Increase the number of students taking college-prep STEM oriented courses. • Demonstrate appropriate curricular connections with the applicable state and national standards of learning for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Education outreach activities supported may include providing financial assistance to organizations supporting STEM activities, providing funding and support for national competitions by arranging for DoD personnel to participate as speakers, mentors, coaches, judges and presenters, providing support for STEM education and outreach conferences and supporting teacher STEM education and training initiatives. Stipends for teachers undertaking professional training in connection with these activities may be supported as well as funding for the acquisition of materials and resources needed to launch, implement, assess, and improve the STEM oriented programs. AFRL encourages the projects and program results to be published in appropriate publications and academic journals at the end of the period of performance. Participants are encouraged to develop innovative approaches that utilize their unique assets, capabilities, locations, and personnel. White papers and proposals should identify projects/programs and methods that will be used to foster and develop students in STEM fields that are relevant to the DoD mission. Examples of STEM K-12 Education Outreach Projects and Programs The list below is provided as a guide in assisting with the development of STEM related programs and projects Science Projects: Encourage children to pursue in-depth study of flight, aviation and aerospace through scientific research, projects, and experiments. Students are able to understand the relevance of the STEM curriculum and improve overall academic achievement. Girls S&T Initiative: The girls S&T initiatives consist of free, hands-on activities for middle school girls and their parents. Typically they consist of 5 half-day events per year at a local college campus. The events normally feature a woman STEM keynote speaker, campus/lab tours and hands-on activity stations. Female college and high school students provide team leadership throughout the half-day event. A typical Girls S&T event might attract 40-60 middle and high school girls, 15-20 STEM professionals including local industry, and 20-40 students from the university. FIRST Robotics: The mission of FIRST (For Inspiration Into Research, Science, and Technology) Robotics is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership. FIRST Robotics competitions target high school students, while First LEGO League targets elementary and middle schools students. MathCounts: MathCounts is a national middle school math after-school enrichment program with both a club and a competition component that promotes mathematics achievement through grassroots involvement. Students participate in fun and challenging math programs and games that further improve their foundational understanding of science, math, and engineering. STEM Math Technology Program: The purpose of the program is to equip secondary schools with appropriate technology for Algebra and Geometry courses that will both stimulate student interest and learning. Getting Physical- Middle School STEM Acceleration Program: The purpose of the program is to equip middle schools for teaching highly-engaging physical science, at all levels, which will stimulate student interest in STEM careers, and increase student readiness for STEM coursework. Technical POC: Mr. Lynn Zanow AFRL/RWPB (850) 882-3920 Fax: (850) 882-8594 lynn.zanow@eglin.af.mil II. AWARD INFORMATION A. Anticipated Funding: Note that there is no inherent funding associated with this BAA. All funding is subject to change due to Government discretion and availability. All potential offerors should be aware that due to unanticipated budget fluctuations, funding in any or all areas may change with little or no notice. B. Anticipated Type of Awards: A contract or assistance instrument could be awarded as a result of this BAA as appropriate. We expect most awards with universities and non-profit organizations to be grants. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION A. Eligible Offeror/Applicants/Notice to Foreign-owned Firms: All potential applicants are eligible. Foreign or foreign-owned offerors are advised that their participation is subject to foreign disclosure review procedures. Foreign or foreign-owned offerors should immediately contact the contracting office focal point identified in Section VII for information if they contemplate responding. The subject line of all correspondence must reference the BAA number, title, and associated research area. B. Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost sharing is not a requirement. IV. WHITE PAPER SUBMISSION INFORMATION: A. Application Package: THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONSTITUTES THE ONLY SOLICITATION and WE ARE SOLICITING WHITE PAPERS ONLY. DO NOT SUBMIT A FORMAL PROPOSAL AT THIS TIME. Those offerors whose white papers are found to be consistent with the intent of this BAA may later be invited to submit a technical and cost proposal (see Section VI of this announcement for further details). Offeror's white papers not selected may contact the technical POC for feedback on their submission. Debriefings will not be offered for white papers. B. Content and Form of Submission of White Papers: Offerors are required to submit either 1 electronic copy or 2 paper copies of a white paper that is 5 pages or less summarizing their proposed approach/solution. Any pages over the stated 5 page maximum will not be evaluated. The purpose of the white paper is to preclude unwarranted effort on the part of an offeror whose proposed work is not of interest to the Government. The format for the white paper is as follows: Section A: Title, White Paper in response to Research Area Number (identify #), Period of Performance, Estimated Cost, Name/Address of Company, Technical and Contracting Points of Contact (phone, fax and email) (this section is NOT included in the page count). Section B: Task Objective. Section C: Technical Summary and Proposed Deliverables. Section D: Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) Cost Multiple white papers within the purview of this announcement may be submitted by an offeror. If an offeror wishes to restrict access to his/her white paper, it must be marked with the restrictive language stated in FAR 52.215-1(e). All white papers shall be double spaced with a font no smaller than 12 pitch. In addition, respondents are requested to provide their Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) number, their Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, a fax number, an e-mail address, and reference BAA-RWK-12-0001 with their submission. C. Funding Restrictions: The cost of preparing white papers/subsequent proposals in response to this announcement is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting contract or any other contract, but may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect cost specified in FAR 31.205-18. Incurring pre-award costs for ASSISTANCE INSTRUMENTS ONLY are regulated by the DoD Grant and Agreements Regulations (DODGARS). D. Other Submission Requirements: If the offeror chooses to submit white papers in hard copy, they must be submitted directly to the contract specialist at the address at paragraph VII(B). Documents should reference BAA-RWK-12-0001, a technical topic, and the name listed as a Technical POC for that Research Area. In lieu of 2 hard copies, electronic submissions may be sent to the Contracting Office at afrl.rwk.baaworkflow@eglin.af.mil. V. WHITE PAPER / PROPOSAL REVIEW INFORMATION A. White Paper Evaluation Criteria: The following three factors will be used to determine whether full proposals will be invited based on the white paper submitted. The following factors are listed in descending order of importance. 1. Evaluation Criteria: a. Factor 1: An integrated assessment of the proposed technical approach to include scientific and/or technical merits and the potential contributions of the effort to extending the scientific understanding associated with the technologies being pursued by the four AFRL/RW Divisions and described in the 17 research areas. b. Factor 2: The offeror's capabilities, related experience, facilities, techniques, or unique combinations of these that are integral factors for achieving the proposed project objectives presented in the white paper. c. Factor 3: ROM commensurate with technical approach. B. Proposal Evaluation Criteria: If white paper is selected for further consideration, the following 4 Factors, listed in descending order of importance (cost/price, although ranked 4th, is a substantial factor), will be used to determine if a contract is to be awarded: 1. Evaluation Criteria: a. Factor 1: An integrated assessment of the proposed technical approach to include scientific and/or technical merits and the potential contributions of the effort to extending the scientific understanding associated with the technologies being pursued by the four AFRL/RW Divisions and described in the 17 research areas. b. Factor 2: The offeror's capabilities, related experience, facilities, techniques, or unique combinations of these that are integral factors for achieving the proposed project objectives presented in the formal proposal. c. Factor 3: The qualifications, capabilities, and experience of the proposed principal investigator, team leader, and other key personnel who are critical to achieving the proposed objectives presented in the formal proposal d. Factor 4: The reasonableness and realism of proposed costs and fees if any, the proposed cost share by the offeror if any, and the availability of funds (i.e., considering budgets and funding) 2. Proposal Risk Assessment: Proposal risk for technical, cost, and schedule will be assessed for formal proposals, should they be requested, as part of the evaluation of the above evaluation criteria. Proposal risk relates to the identification and assessment of the risks associated with an offeror's proposed approach as it relates to accomplishing the proposed effort. Tradeoffs of the assessed risk will be weighed against the potential scientific benefit. Proposal risk for schedule relates to an assessment of the risks associated with the offeror's proposed number of hours, labor categories, materials, or other cost elements as it relates to meeting the proposed period of performance. Risk Drivers and Risk Mitigation are not necessarily part of Research Area 16, Revolutionary Research. Risk may be assessed as High; Moderate, or Low; however, high risk, revolutionary ideas that change paradigms are sought. 3. Review and Selection Process: The evaluation described above will generally result in proposals being placed in one of the three categories below: a. Category I: Proposal is well conceived, scientifically and technically sound, pertinent to the AFRL/RW technology research areas, and offered by a responsible contractor with the competent scientific and technical staff and supporting resources needed to ensure satisfactory program results. Proposals in Category I are recommended for acceptance (subject to availability of funds) and normally are displaced only by other Category I proposals. b. Category II: Proposal is scientifically or technically sound, requiring further development and is recommended for acceptance, but at a lower priority than Category I. c. Category III: Proposal is not technically sound or does not meet agency needs. VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION: A. Award Notices (White Papers): Offerors of those white papers found to be consistent with the intent of this BAA may be invited to submit a technical and cost proposal. Notification by email or letter will be sent by the Contracting Officer. Such invitation does not assure that the submitting offeror will be awarded a contract. Offerors of those white papers not selected for further consideration will be notified in the same manner. Prospective offerors are advised that only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to commit the Government. Offerors may request status of their white paper no earlier than 45 calendar days after submission. B. Award Notices (full proposals): Offerors will be notified whether their proposal is recommended for award after evaluation of the proposal. The notification is not to be construed to mean the award of a contract is assured, as availability of funds and successful negotiations are prerequisites to any award. C. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: Depending on the work to be performed, the offeror may require a classified facility clearance and safeguarding capability; therefore, personnel identified for assignment to a classified effort must be cleared for access to information at the equivalent level of security at the time of award. In addition, the offeror may be required to have, or have access to, a certified and Government-approved facility to support work under this BAA. Data subject to export control constraints may be involved and only firms holding certification under the US/Canada Joint Certification Program (JCP) (www.dlis.dla.mil/jcp) are allowed access to such data. D. Reporting: Contractors should expect any contract or assistance instrument resulting from this BAA would contain the requirement to provide various types of periodic and final technical reports, and possibly cost and other reports. E. Data Rights Assertions: It is anticipated that all data delivered under any resulting award will be delivered with unlimited rights; however different rights may be negotiated as appropriate. The contractor shall identify data rights assertions, licenses, patents, etc. that apply to any proprietary materials, technical data, products, software, or processes to be used by the prime or subcontractor(s) in the performance of this program; and shall address acquisition of data rights or licenses, or expected recoupment of development costs for those proprietary items that will be integral to any contracts awarded under this BAA. Any data delivered or anticipated to be delivered with less than unlimited rights must be reported in a separate, appropriately marked appendix to the final report of any awarded contract resulting from this BAA. F. Occupational Safety and health (OSHA) and Voluntary Protection Program (VPP): Eglin AFB is in the process of pursuing recognition under the OSHA VPP. If required as a part of a resulting contract from this BAA, AFFARS 5352.223-9001 mandates that adequate health and safety requirements be identified in the contract. Contractors can gain more information regarding the OSHA VPP Program at http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/vpp/index.html. VII. AGENCY CONTACTS A. Questions of a technical nature shall be directed to the technical point of contact listed in Section I Research Areas, above. B. Questions of a contractual/business nature shall be directed to the contract specialist: Primary: Michael Rivera 101 W. Eglin Blvd Ste. 337 Eglin AFB, FL 32542-6810 Phone: (850) 883-2679 Email: michael.rivera@eglin.af.mil Fax: (850) 882-9599 Alternate: Judie Jacobson 101 W. Eglin Blvd Ste. 337 Eglin AFB, FL 32542-6810 Phone: (850) 883-2157 Email: judie.jacobson@eglin.af.mil Fax: (850) 882-9599 Note: Any correspondence should reference the BAA title, number, and research area in the Subject Line. C. In accordance with AFFARS 5301.9103, an Ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition announcement. Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the Contracting Officer listed above for resolution. AFFARS 5352.201-9101 Ombudsman will be incorporated into all contracts awarded under this BAA. The Ombudsman is as follows: Barbara Gehrs Director of Contracting (AFRL/PK) Phone: (937) 904-4407 Email: barbara.gehrs@wpafb.af.mil VIII. OTHER INFORMATION PERTINENT TO AWARD OF CONTRACTS AND/OR ASSISTANCE INSTRUMENTS A. Support Contractors: Only Government employees will evaluate the white papers/proposals for selection. The AFRL Munitions Directorate has contracted for various business and staff support services, some of which require contractors to obtain administrative access to proprietary information submitted by other contractors. Administrative access is defined as "handling or having physical control over information for the sole purpose of accomplishing the administrative functions specified in the administrative support contract, which do not require the review, reading, or comprehension of the content of the information on the part of non-technical professionals assigned to accomplish the specified administrative tasks." These contractors have signed general non-disclosure agreements and organizational conflict of interest statements. The required administrative access will be granted to non-technical professionals. Examples of the administrative tasks performed include: 1. Assembling and organizing information for R&D case files; 2. Accessing library files for use by Government personnel; and 3. Handling and administration of proposals, contracts, contract funding and queries. Any objection to administrative access must be in writing to the Contracting Officer and shall include a detailed statement of the basis for the objection. B. Communication: Dialogue between prospective offerors and Government representatives is encouraged until submission of proposals. Discussions with any of the points of contact shall not constitute a commitment by the Government to subsequently fund or award any proposed effort. Only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to commit the Government. C. Debriefings (Proposals Only): When requested, a debriefing will be provided. The debriefing process will follow the time guidelines set out in 10 USC 2305(b)(5), but the debriefing content may vary to be consistent with the procedures that govern BAAs (FAR 35.016). D. Wide Area Work Flow Notice: Any contract award resulting from this announcement will contain the clause at DFARS 252.232-7003, Electronic Submission of Payment Requests, which requires electronic submission of all payment requests. Effective 1 October 2006, the Department of Defense adopted Wide Area Work Flow-Receipt and Acceptance (WAWF-RA), as the electronic format for submission of electronic payment requests. Any contract resulting from this announcement will establish a requirement to use WAWF-RA for invoicing and receipt/acceptance, and provide coding instructions applicable to this contract. Contractors are encouraged to take advantage of available training (both web-based and through your cognizant DCMA office), and to register in the WAWF-RA system. Information regarding WAWF-RA, including the web-based training and registration, can be found at https://wawf.eb.mil/. Note: WAWF-RA requirement does not apply to universities that are audited by an agency other than DCAA. E. Item Identification and Valuation: Any contract award resulting from this announcement may contain the clause at DFARS 252.211-7003, Item Identification and Valuation, which requires unique item identification and valuation of any deliverable item for which the Government's unit acquisition cost is $5,000 or more; subassemblies, components, and parts embedded within an item valued at $5,000 or more; or items for which the Government's unit acquisition cost is less than $5,000 when determined necessary by the requiring activity for serially managed, mission essential, or controlled inventory. Also included are any DoD serially managed subassembly, component, or part embedded within a delivered item and the parent item that contains the embedded subassembly, component, or part. Per DFARS 211.274-3 policy for valuation, it is DoD policy that contractors shall be required to identify the Government's unit acquisition cost for all items delivered, even if none of the criteria for placing a unique item identification mark applies. Therefore, your proposal must clearly break out the unit acquisition cost for any deliverable items. Per DFARS 211.274-3 policy for valuation, "the Government's unit acquisition cost is the contractor's estimated fully burdened unit cost at time of delivery to the Government for cost type or undefinitized line, subline, or exhibit line items" (per DoD, "fully burdened unit costs" to the Government would include all direct, indirect, G&A costs, and an appropriate portion of fee.). If you have questions regarding the unique item identification requirements, please contact the contracting point of contact listed above. For more information, see the following website: http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/sitemap.html. F. Forward Pricing Rate Agreements: If formal proposals are requested, offerors who have Forward Pricing Rate Agreements (FPRAs) and Forward Pricing Rate Recommendations (FPRRs) should submit them with their proposals. G. Pre-Award Clearance: Pursuant to FAR 22.805, a pre-award clearance must be obtained from the U.S. Department Of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Office Of Federal Contract Compliance Program's (OFCCP) prior to award of a contract (or subcontract) of $10,000,000 or more unless the contractor is listed in OFCCP's National Preaward Registry http://www.dol-esa.gov/preaward. This registry indicates that the contractor has been found to be "in compliance" within the past 2 years with the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations that the OFCCP is mandated to enforce. The registry is updated nightly and facilities reviewed more than 2 years ago are removed and new ones are added. Award may be delayed if you are not currently listed in the registry and the contracting officer must request a pre-award clearance from the OFCCP. H. Excessive Pass-Through Charges: Any contract award resulting from this announcement may contain the clause at FAR 52.215-23, Excessive Pass-Through Charges, which requires the contractor to identify in its proposal the percentage of effort to be performed by the prime contractor and the percentage expected to be performed by each subcontractor. If the contractor intends to subcontract more than 70% of the total cost of work under the contract or task order, then it shall identify the amount of the contractor's indirect costs and profit applicable to the subcontract work, and a description of the value added by the contractor. If any subcontractor intends to subcontract to a lower tier subcontractor more than 70% of the total cost of its work, then it shall identify the amount of the subcontractor's indirect costs and profit applicable to the lower tier subcontract work, and a description of the value added by the subcontractor. I. Associate Contractor Agreements: Associate Contractor Agreements (ACAs) are agreements between contractors working on Government contract projects that specify requirements for them to share information, data, technical knowledge, expertise, or resources. The Contracting Officer may require ACAs when contractors working on separate Government contracts must cooperate, share resources or otherwise jointly participate in working on contracts or projects. Prime contractor to subcontractor relationships do not constitute ACAs. For each award, the Contracting Officer will identify associate contractors with whom agreements are required. J. Post-Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation: As prescribed in FAR 19.308, FAR Clause 52.219-28, "Post-Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (Apr 2009)," is incorporated by reference in this solicitation. This clause will be contained in any contracts resulting from this solicitation. This clause requires a contractor to rerepresent its size status when certain conditions apply. The clause provides detail on when the rerepresentation must be complete and what the contractor must do when a rerepresentation is required. K. Enabling Clause: Any contract award resulting from this announcement may contain a special clause entitled "Enabling Clause between Prime Contractors and Service Contractors", when a prime contractor must agree to cooperate with a support contractor during the performance of this contract. L. Provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation may be accessed electronically at this address: http://farsite.hill.af.mil M. CCR Registration: Pursuant to FAR 9.104-1, a responsibility determination will be made for all prospective offerors considered for award under this BAA. This determination will also include a review of the Excluded Parties List System to verify award eligibility.Unless exempted by 2 CFR 25.110 all offerors must: (1) Be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) prior to submitting an application or proposal; (2) Maintain an active CCR registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or proposal under consideration by an agency; and (3) Provide its DUNS number in each application or proposal it submits to the agency. N. Executive Compensation and First-Tier Sub-contract/Sub-recipient Awards: Any contract award resulting from this announcement may contain the clause at FAR 52.204-10 - Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards. Any grant or agreement award resulting from this announcement may contain the award term set forth in 2 CFR, Appendix A to Part 25. O. A Sample Evaluation Template is Provided Below. &emsp; SAMPLE TECHNICAL EVALUATION FOR COMPETITIVE ACQUISITIONS (Used for White Paper ONLY for this BAA) BAA No: White Paper No: Type of Instrument Proposed: Name of Offeror: White Paper Title: Name of Evaluator: Date of Evaluation: Office Symbol: Phone No: EVALUATION CRITERIA (AS DETAILED IN THE SYNOPSIS) 1. An integrated assessment of the proposed technical approach to include scientific and/or technical merits and the potential contributions of the effort to extending the scientific understanding associated with the technologies being pursued by the four AFRL/RW Divisions and described in the 17 research areas of the BAA. Meets the criteria (Address key aspects of the white paper which demonstrate why the white paper meets the criteria.) Does not meet the criteria (Address key aspects of the white paper which demonstrate why the white paper does not meet the criteria.) Strengths Weaknesses 2. The offeror's capabilities, related experience, facilities, techniques, or unique combinations of these that are integral factors for achieving the proposed project objectives presented in the white paper. Meets the criteria (Address key aspects of the white paper which demonstrate why the white paper meets the criteria.) Does not meet the criteria (Address key aspects of the white paper which demonstrate why the white paper does not meet the criteria.) Strengths Weaknesses 3. ROM commensurate with technical approach. Meets the criteria (Address how white paper demonstrates it meets the criteria.) Does not meet the criteria (Address how white paper demonstrates it does not meet the criteria.) Strengths Weaknesses SAMPLE TECHNICAL EVALUATION FOR COMPETITIVE ACQUISITIONS (Used for Formal Proposal ONLY for this BAA) BAA No: Proposal Control No: Type of Instrument Proposed: Category Ranking: Name of Offeror: Proposal Title: Name of Evaluator: Date of Evaluation: Office Symbol: Phone No: EVALUATION CRITERIA (AS DETAILED IN THE SYNOPSIS) 1. An integrated assessment of the proposed technical approach to include scientific and/or technical merits and the potential contributions of the effort to extending the scientific understanding associated with the technologies being pursued by the four AFRL/RW Divisions and described in the 17 research areas of the BAA. Exceeds the criteria (Address key aspects of the proposal which demonstrate why the proposal exceeds the criteria.) Meets the criteria (Address key aspects of the proposal which demonstrate why the proposal meets the criteria.) Does not meet the criteria (Address key aspects of the proposal which demonstrate why the proposal does not meet the criteria.) Strengths Weaknesses Assessed Risk: High _____ Moderate _____ Low _____ High: Likely to cause significant disruption of schedule, increase cost, or degradation of performance. Risk may be unacceptable even with special contractor emphasis and close Government monitoring. Moderate: Can potentially cause some disruption of schedule, increase cost, or degradation of performance. Special contractor emphasis and close Government monitoring will probably be able to overcome difficulties. Low: Has little potential to cause disruption of schedule, increase cost, or degradation of performance. Normal contractor effort and normal Government monitoring will probably be able to overcome difficulties. 2. The offeror's capabilities, related experience, facilities, techniques, or unique combinations of these that are integral factors for achieving the proposed project objectives presented in the formal proposal. Exceeds the criteria (Address key aspects of the proposal which demonstrate why the proposal exceeds the criteria.) Meets the criteria (Address key aspects of the proposal which demonstrate why the proposal meets the criteria.) Does not meet the criteria (Address key aspects of the proposal which demonstrate why the proposal does not meet the criteria.) Strengths Weaknesses Assessed Risk: High _____ Moderate _____ Low _____ High: No significant related experience. Risk may be unacceptable even with special contractor emphasis and close Government monitoring. Moderate: Some related experience, but no experience directly associated with this technology. Special contractor emphasis and close Government monitoring will probably be able to overcome difficulties. Low: Significant relevant experience directly associated with this technology. 3. The qualifications, capabilities, and experience of the proposed principal investigator, team leader, and other key personnel who are critical to achieving the proposed project objectives presented in the formal proposal. Exceeds the criteria (Address key aspects of the proposal which demonstrate why the proposal exceeds the criteria.) Meets the criteria (Address key aspects of the proposal which demonstrate why the proposal meets the criteria.) Does not meet the criteria (Address key aspects of the proposal which demonstrate why the proposal does not meet the criteria.) Strengths Weaknesses Assessed Risk: High _____ Moderate _____ Low _____ High: No significant qualifications, capabilities, and experience of key personnel. Risk may be unacceptable even with special contractor emphasis and close Government monitoring. Moderate: Breadth of qualifications, capabilities, and experience of key personnel is lacking in technologies. Special contractor emphasis and close Government monitoring will probably be able to overcome difficulties. Low: Key personnel possess qualifications and experience required and exhibit critical capabilities to perform this effort. 4. The reasonableness and realism of proposed costs and fees if any, the proposed cost share by the offeror if any, and the availability of funds (i.e., considering budgets and funding). (Check all that apply) The offeror's proposed: (1) quantity and mix of labor hours, (2) material, (3) subcontracting, (4) travel, and (5) any other direct costs, are appropriate and realistic for their proposed technical approach. Assessed Risk: High _____ Moderate _____ Low _____ High: Cost proposed, labor mix and number of hours does not reflect that the Contractor has a clear understanding of the effort required to achieve technical objectives. Risk may be unacceptable even with special contractor emphasis and close Government monitoring. Moderate: Indicators exists that additional labor categories or hours may be required to complete the technical effort. Low: Cost proposed, labor mix and number of hours reflect that the Contractor has a clear understanding of the effort required to achieve technical objectives.
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