SPECIAL NOTICE
A -- OPERATIONALLY DURABLE AIRCRAFT TECHNOLOGY (ODAT)
- Notice Date
- 4/24/2014
- Notice Type
- Special Notice
- NAICS
- 541712
— Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Contracting Office
- ACC-RSA-AATD - (SPS), ATTN: AMSRD-AMR-AA-C, Building 401, Lee Boulevard, Fort Eustis, VA 23604-5577
- ZIP Code
- 23604-5577
- Solicitation Number
- W911W614R0009
- Archive Date
- 4/24/2015
- Point of Contact
- Toy Robinson, 757-878-2771
- E-Mail Address
-
ACC-RSA-AATD - (SPS)
(benyetta.m.robinson.civ@mail.mil)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- In accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.102(d)(2), the Army, using a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) process, is soliciting proposals to conduct a 6.2 Applied Research effort called Operationally Durable Aircraft Technology (ODAT). Proposals are required to be submitted in accordance with the guidelines set forth herein. This BAA constitutes the total solicitation for ODAT. There will be no other solicitation issued in regard to this requirement. Offerors should be alert for any BAA amendments. INTRODUCTION Army rotorcraft must be lightweight, durable, survivable, and reliable while maintaining high operational tempo in damaging threat environments. Rotorcraft primary structure must withstand low and high cycle fatigue as well as hostile threats and non-hostile threats (i.e. damaging conditions), while being structurally efficient. Currently, structural service life must be guaranteed through design, analysis, and frequent maintenance actions. Furthermore, operational availability is burdened by overly conservative limits on damage criteria as well as conservative service lives (i.e. safe life). Application of Composite Worst Case (CWC) fatigue spectra significantly reduces the analytical lives of components and results in maintenance actions when parts likely still have significant life remaining. Operational threats, including hostile threats and non-hostile threats (damaging conditions), even if survivable, often cause damage sufficient to make the platform and crew unavailable. Survivability of the platform and occupants is limited by the inherent capability of the aircraft and its federated systems. While continuing to operate under demanding conditions, future Army rotorcraft will require improved range, payload, durability, and survivability, as well as a level of increased operational availability, that is only achievable through an integrated, platform-level solution. The OBJECTIVE of Operationally Durable Aircraft Technology (ODAT) is to develop and mature technologies that enable a lightweight, operationally durable aircraft. An operationally durable aircraft is capable of withstanding severe environment and damaging conditions while safely providing the performance required to execute the mission. These damaging conditions include both hostile threats and non-hostile environmental/operational threats to the aircraft. Operational durability can be enabled through the Rotorcraft Structural Integrity Program (RSIP) Aeronautical Design Standard (ADS) currently under development within the Army (Attachment 1), as well as our effort to enhance vulnerability reduction aspects of our Total Survivability paradigm (Attachment 2). A broad spectrum of research areas within the scope of structures and platform subsystems (e.g. durability and damage tolerance, vulnerability reduction, or multifunctionality) contribute to operational durability. Technologies directly enabling Condition Based Maintenance (e.g. sensor development) are not a focus of ODAT. This competitive BAA is limited to 6.2 Applied Research and is used to solicit effort needed to advance the Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) of rotary wing technologies that enable improvements in operational durability sufficient for follow-on 6.3 Advanced Technology Demonstration or commercialization. Efforts under this BAA are expected to develop and mature promising technologies to a TRL 4/5 (component validation in relevant environment). The 6.3 Aircraft and Crew Protection Demonstration, Future Vertical Lift (FVL) requirement, and fleet modifications / upgrades / life extensions are all likely transition opportunities for promising technologies sufficiently matured through ODAT. Developed technologies should align with the RSIP ADS currently under development within the Army. This BAA is issued under the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), 6.102(d)(2) and 35.016, and Chapter 1, Subchapter C of Title 32, Code of Federal Regulations (Reference (b)), and Chapter XI of Title 2, Code of Federal Regulations (Reference (c)). References (b) and (c) are also known and referred to collectively in this directive as the quote mark DoD Grant and Agreement Regulations. quote mark The Government's selection of proposals will be based upon an Evaluation Review of submitted proposals. REQUIREMENTS 1.Technical Description: The U.S. Army's Aviation Development Directorate - Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (ADD-AATD) seeks proposals to meet the ODAT objective: develop and mature technologies that enable a lightweight, operationally durable aircraft. Examples (non-prioritized) of efforts may include but are not limited to: a.Technologies that enable continued operation in damaging (hostile and non-hostile environmental/operational) conditions via a probabilistic structural integrity determination and management capability, such as failure initiation and progression analysis, as well as improved load and stress prediction accuracy. b.Improved analysis techniques for composite and metallic rotating and non-rotating primary structure to reduce the risk of implementing increased operational durability while maintaining or improving structural efficiency. c.Multifunctional load bearing (i.e. primary) and non-load bearing structures that reduce or eliminate the need for parasitic systems while providing increased capability in hostile or non-hostile threat protection (e.g. ballistic, blast, directed energy, electromagnetic environmental effects), fuel containment, full-spectrum crashworthiness, and/or fuselage drag reduction (e.g. antennas and external airbags). d.High-strain capable structural concepts enabled by advanced design, analysis, and/or material solutions. e.Advanced material processing or manufacturing techniques including stress state determination, tailoring, and/or forming that improve component durability or damage tolerance. 2.Deliverable Items: All awards will require delivery of the following data items or deliverables (delivered in the Offeror's format): a.Management Plan, b.Bi-Monthly Technical Progress and Cost/Business Reports, c.Test Plans, d.Special Technical Reports (e.g. conference papers, journal articles, photos, videos), e.Meeting Minutes and Briefing Charts, and f.Final Report. While not data items or deliverables, significant meetings will include a kick-off meeting / briefing at Offeror's facility, design and/or mid-program reviews as appropriate, and a final meeting / briefing at ADD-AATD in Fort Eustis, VA. 3.Security Requirements: This effort will likely generate technical data that is subject to export control laws and regulations. Offerors who propose performance requiring access to and/or generation of technical data the export of which is restricted by the Arms Export Control Act (Title 22, U.S.C., Sec. 2751 et. seq.) or Executive Order 12470 must be registered and certified with the Defense Logistics Services Center (DLSC) and have a legitimate business purpose to participate in this BAA. Contact the Defense Logistics Services Center online at http://www.dlis.dla.mil/jcp/ for further information on the certification process. Offerors must have and provide to the Government a verifiable Joint Certification number or submit a copy of the Offeror's approved DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, with its proposal. Pre-award access to or submission of a classified proposal is not authorized. Performance within ODAT may require access to and/or generation of technical data classified up to the SECRET level. Offerors proposing effort under such topics must have a facility clearance, storage capability, and the personnel required to perform at the SECRET level; evidence of facility clearance, storage capability, and personnel cleared to perform at the SECRET level shall be provided within the proposal. 4.Data Rights: The Government desires, at a minimum, quote mark Government Purpose Rights quote mark as defined by the DFARS, to all technical data and deliverables to be delivered, and no limitations on the use of delivered and/or residual hardware (excluding proprietary business information that is furnished to the Government for administrative / management purposes). Offerors are required to clearly identify the proposed data rights for technical data, computer software, and each deliverable. Ambiguities will be negatively construed against the Offeror. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 1.Anticipated Period of Performance: The period of performance for any awarded effort is not to exceed 24 months total (21 technical and 3 for Final Report) and all effort will complete no later than 30 September 2016. 2.Expected Award Date: Multiple awards are expected during 4th quarter of Government FY14, subject to the availability of funds. 3.Government Estimate: Available Government funding for ODAT totals approximately $3,813K distributed by fiscal year as follows: FY14 $614K; FY15 $1,969K; FY16 $1,230K. To maximize the breadth of technology developed, it is the Government's intent to make multiple awards. However, if no proposal is deemed meritorious, the Government reserves the right to make no awards. 4.Government Furnished Property and Data: Government furnished equipment, property, and data is not anticipated. It is the Offeror's responsibility to identify, coordinate, and furnish supporting documentation in the proposal for the use of any Government furnished equipment, property, or data. Offerors must have access to or be capable of generating the data required to develop and validate the technologies proposed. 5.Type of Funding Instrument: The Government prefers Offerors propose a Technology Investment Agreement (TIA) (Cooperative Agreement in accordance with 10 U.S.C 2358) and Chapter 1, Subchapter C of Title 32, Code of Federal Regulations Section 37 (Reference (b)) and Chapter XI of Title 2, Code of Federal Regulations (Reference (c)), which is more flexible than traditional Government funding instruments. This does not preclude other funding instruments from being used. A variety of funding instruments are available pursuant to this announcement depending upon the proposed effort, the entity submitting the successful proposal(s), and statutory and regulatory requirements the Government must satisfy. Such instruments include conventional Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contracts subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation, as supplemented. Other Transaction (OT) for Research (10 U.S.C. 2371) is also an acceptable funding instrument. Under TIAs or OTs, it is DoD policy to obtain, to the maximum extent practical, cost sharing of at least half the cost of the project to ensure the recipient has a vested interest in the project's success. Cost participation may be in the form of cash or in-kind contributions, where cash is considered of significantly higher quality in demonstrating commitment to the project. Cost participation will be considered in accordance with the 32 CFR CH I, Section 37.530. The type of funding instrument is a subject for negotiation, but the Offeror's desire shall be clearly stated in the cost proposal. 6.Size Status: Due to the complexity and technical considerations, this solicitation is not set-aside for small businesses. 7. Notice to Foreign Owned Firms: Participation in this effort is limited to U.S. Firms as Prime Contractors; however, foreign owned entities may be allowed to participate as subcontractors/recipients to U.S. prime contractors/recipient. The U.S. prime entity retains responsibility for compliance with U.S. export controls. Interested entities must address export compliance of any foreign participants in its cost volume. PREPARATION & SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS Guidance provided in this section applies to submission of proposals under this Announcement. Offerors may submit one or more proposals addressing any aspect of the ODAT objective, and each proposal will be evaluated independently. The Government reserves the right to select only a portion of an Offeror's proposal or the total proposed effort. 1.Proposal Requirements: The full proposal will consist of two volumes, Technical and Cost. In presenting the proposal material, Offerors are advised that the quality of the information is significantly more important than quantity. Offerors should confine their submission to essential matters providing sufficient information to define their offer and establish an adequate basis for the Government to conduct its evaluation. Proposals should be marked with the solicitation number. a.Technical Volume: The Technical Volume shall provide detail that substantiates the selection of the technologies proposed, to include benefits of the proposed technology relative to the topic objective. The Technical Volume shall include a clear statement of the technical objectives and the specific approach to be pursued and supporting background experience. It shall contain a Statement of Research Effort (objective-based) and Statement of Work (detailed tasks), schedule with milestones, a biographical section describing relevant capabilities of key personnel, a description of the facilities and/or data sources to be employed in the effort, and a program management section. Offerors shall identify and substantiate the beginning and ending Technology Readiness Levels. The Technical Volume shall not exceed thirty (30) pages in length (minimum 12-point font in body or tables; minimum 10-point in figures). Page limitation includes any drawings, charts, etc., and excludes section dividers, table of contents, list of figures/tables, glossary of terms and cross-referencing indices (all of which are not considered content pages). b.Cost Volume: The Cost Volume shall include and substantiate a funding profile that shows total project cost and cost elements (labor hours, labor categories/mix, subcontracts, travel, materials, and any other direct costs) by month and Government fiscal year. This information shall be provided for both the total project and for each Statement of Work (SOW) task. All pricing rates used, and equipment and materials required shall be included. The individual tasks proposed shall be priced separately in order to facilitate selection and potential award of individual parts of the proposed effort. Cost share or in-kind contributions, if proposed, shall be clearly identified. Subcontractor cost proposals, if applicable, including pricing rate details, shall be provided concurrent with the prime contractor's submission. Proposal validity period and proposed funding instrument (e.g., TIA or FAR-based contract and type [cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursable, etc.]) shall be clearly identified. Technical information included within the Cost Volume will not be evaluated / considered in the rating of technical merit. 2.Proposal Submission: Proposals are due by 1300 on 10 June 2014. Proposals shall be marked with the solicitation number W911W6-14-R-0009 and shall be submitted in four (4) paper copies and electronic format on a disc (PDF or MS Word) to the Aviation Development Directorate Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, Attn: CCAM-RDT (Benyetta quote mark Toy quote mark Robinson), Fort Eustis, VA 23604-5577. Facsimile and electronic proposal submission is not authorized under this BAA. Proposals submitted after the closing date will be handled in accordance with FAR 52.215-1, Instructions to Offerors - Competitive Acquisition. This BAA is an expression of interest only and does not commit the Government to pay any proposal preparation costs. Offerors can contact ADD-AATD to ask for solicitation clarification. All questions must be emailed to the Contract Specialist at benyetta.m.robinson.civ@mail.mil. Questions received less than two weeks prior to the proposal receipt date may not be addressed. Oral explanations or instructions given before the award of any agreement/contract will not be binding. Any information given to a prospective Offeror concerning this BAA, which is necessary in submitting an offer or the lack of which would be prejudicial to any other prospective Offeror(s), will be published as an amendment to this BAA. Offerors should be alert for any amendments to this BAA. EVALUATION CRITERIA / BASIS FOR AWARD 1.Proposal Evaluation Criteria: The selection for award will be based the Government scientific and/or engineering evaluation of proposals in accordance with the criteria set forth in this section. Proposals will be evaluated on their own merit without regard to others submitted under this announcement. No further evaluation criteria will be used in selecting proposals. Risk of the proposed effort, including technical, cost, and schedule risk, will be assessed when evaluating each criteria. Criteria A and B are more important than C and D. A.The extent to which the proposed effort satisfies the Army research need by use of innovative, efficient, affordable, and suitable solutions to the stated technical objective. B.The merit of the proposed approach (including reasonableness of the proposed tasks and schedule) to accomplish the scientific and technical objectives. C.The capability of the Offeror to accomplish the proposed effort, which includes suitability and availability of personnel, facilities, and any necessary data. D.The reasonableness of the Offeror's proposed cost to the Government, which includes the realism of the cost elements (labor hours, labor categories/mix, subcontracts, travel, materials, and any other direct costs), any proposed cost share, and offered data rights. 2.Selection Process: The technical and cost proposals will be evaluated and categorized as follows: A.Category I: Proposal is well conceived, scientifically and technically sound, pertinent to the program goals and objectives, 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 but may require further development and can be recommended for acceptance if funding is available. These proposals are at a lower priority than Category I. C.Category III: Proposal is not technically sound or does not meet agency needs, and is recommended for rejection. 3.Debriefings: When requested, the Government will provide a debriefing. The debriefing process will follow the time guidelines set out in FAR 15.506 but the debriefing content will be tailored to comply with the procedures set out in FAR 35.016 governing BAAs and the use of non-FAR based transactions.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/notices/77990f43730af9315d86b0afe90ad9c4)
- Record
- SN03348215-W 20140426/140424235352-77990f43730af9315d86b0afe90ad9c4 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
| FSG Index | This Issue's Index | Today's FBO Daily Index Page |