Office of Naval Research, 800 North Quincy St., Arlington, VA 22217-5660

P -- FY 1998 SECRETARY OF THE NAVY (SECNAV) CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS (CNO) OCEANOGRAPHIC CHAIRS AND SCHOLARS OF OCEANOGRAPHIC SCIENCES POC Point of Contact: Dr. Randy Jacobson, ONR Code 321 (703) 696-4121. BAA 97-008. The Office of Naval Research is interested in receiving white papers which discuss proposals for the Affordability Measurement and Prediction Research Project of the Affordability Science and Technology Program. This discussion shall include research, development, study, and expansion of affordability science and technology, particularly in the areas of affordability measurement and prediction. Affordability has been defined as the characteristic of a system that enables it to be procured when it is needed, supported so it remains available as needed, and operated at the level of performance quality desired within the (life cycle) budget allocated to all systems being procured and operated. The goal of this research is to provide high confidence methodologies and tools to assist in making technological decisions that impact the affordability of new and current Naval systems. This includes the ability to effectively define requirements, generate viable concepts, approaches, and designs, and select the most affordable of these alternatives. Applying measurement and prediction technologies to plan and execute S&T initiatives that focus on the most lucrative areas for life cycle cost reduction also can result in significant savings. Predictive technologies also may be used to determine the optimal point for S&T technology insertion to support pre-planned product improvement (P3I) initiatives. White papers should address an evaluation of the current state of the art in affordability measurement and prediction capabilities. This analysis should include (1) a characterization of the disciplines/sciences needed to develop an affordability measurement and prediction science, (2) the integration required to create a cohesive body of knowledge, (3) the deficiencies and weaknesses of the existing knowledge base, and (4) a documentation of present capabilities and perceived long term research objectives. Innovative approaches utilizing new methodologies and technologies that push the envelope of current technological, design/development, life cycle cost (LCC) forecasting, and multivariate analyses are sought. Those white papers found to be consistent with the intent of this BAA will be asked to submit full technical and cost proposals for consideration and evaluation by the Industrial Outreach Division at ONR. Such invitation does not assure a subsequent award. Submit three copies of white papers to Office of Naval Research, Affordability Measurement and Prediction Research Program, Industrial Programs Department, Code 362, 800 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22217-5660. Submit an electronic copy to coonss@onrhq.onr.navy.mil. All questions and comments should be directed to Mr. Samuel Coons, ONR 362. White papers should be approximately 5 pages in length and cover a performance period not to exceed two years. White papers must be clearly labeled "WHITE PAPER" including BAA title and date, the technical and administrative points of contact along with the telephone and facsimile numbers. White papers should describe the offeror's approach to developing the proposal area of affordability measurement and prediction science and technology. White papers should summarize the technical approach, proposer's capabilities and related experience, qualifications of researchers, and estimation of cost. Offerors must submit white papers by 14 February 1997. Initial awards will occur within the first half of fiscal year 1997. Proposals received after the target date for submission will be accepted but will not be evaluated unless additional funds become available. This announcement constitutes a Broad Agency Announcement as interpreted under the Federal Acquisition Regulations FAR 6.102(d)(2). No request for proposals (RFP), solicitation or other announcement of this opportunity will be made. The government reserves the right to select or award all, some, or none of the proposals received in response to this announcement. Submission of proposals is not restricted in any way to any particular entity. Proposals which includeparticipants from industry, academia, and/or Navy or other Government laboratories are desired. Awards may take the form of contracts, grants, cooperative agreements and/or other transactions. All proposals MUST be accompanied by a completed certification package which can be accessed on the ONR Home Page at "Grants/funding" then to "How to Submit a Proposal." For grant proposals (normally submitted by universities) the certification package is entitled "Certifications document." For contract proposals (normally submitted by commercial and nonprofit contractors) the certification package is entitled "Representations and Certification." The standard industrial code is 8731 with a small business standard of 500 employees. In addition, contract proposals that exceed $500,000 submitted by all but small businesses, must be accompanied by a Small, Small-Disadvantaged and Women Owned Small Business Subcontracting Plan in accordance with FAR 52.219-9. For awards made as contracts, the socio-economic merits of each proposal will be evaluated based on the commitment to provide meaningful subcontracting opportunities for small business, small disadvantaged business, women-owned small business concerns, historically black colleges and universities, and minority institutions. Criteria (1), (2), (3), and (4) will be used to evaluate white papers. This announcement will remain in effect for one calendar year from the date of publication. (0024)

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