R&D Contracting Directorate, Bldg 7, 2530 C Street, WPAFB, OH 45433-7607

A -- ADVANCED RUGRATE DEVELOPMENT SOL PRDA #97-34-MLK DUE 042597 POC James Greathouse, Contract Negotiator, WL/MLKM, (937) 255-5830 A -- INTRODUCTION: This is a Program Research and Development Announcement (PRDA). Wright Laboratory (WL/MLKM) is interested in receiving proposals (technical and cost) on the research effort described below. Proposals in response to this PRDA shall be submitted by 25 April 1997, 1500 hours Eastern Time, addressed to Wright Laboratory, Directorate of R&D Contracting, Building 7, Area B, Attn: Mr. James Greathouse, WL/MLKM, 2530 C Street, Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7607. This is an unrestricted solicitation. Small businesses are encouraged to propose on all or any part of this solicitation. Proposals submitted shall be in accordance with this announcement. Proposal receipt after the cutoff date and time specified herein shall be treated in accordance with restrictions of FAR 52.215-10; copy of this provision may be obtained from the contracting point of contact. There will be no formal request for proposal (RFP) or other solicitation issued in regard to this requirement. Offerors should be alert for any PRDA amendments which may be published. This announcement may be amended to provide for subsequent dates for submission of proposals. Proposals shall be valid for Government acceptance for a period of not less than 180 days after submission cutoff. Offerors should request a copy of the WL Guide entitled,"PRDA and BAA Guide for Industry". This guide was specifically designed to assist offerors in understanding the PRDA/BAA proposal process. The Guide is also available on the Internet, at the following address: www.wl.wpafb.af.mil/contract/hp.htm (For "PRDA and BAA Guide for Industry", use the Wright Laboratory R&D Contracting home page. Look under "A Contracting Toolbox" for "PRDA/BAA Indexed Guide".) If you access or download the information, please confirm by providing your name, company name, address, and telephone number via e-mail or telefacsimilie to James Greathouse at greathjr@b045mail.wpafb.af.mil or FAX to (937) 255-9217. If you are unable to access or download the information from theHome Page, provide a written request for the information to James R. Greathouse, WL/MLKM, Bldg 7, Area B, 2530 C Street, Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7607. B-REQUIREMENTS: (1) Technical Description: OBJECTIVE: The goal of this program is to advance the development of a special class of optical filters known as rugates. Rugates differ from dielectric stack conventional filters in that they have a varying index of refraction that allows their design to be tailored for specific wavelength regions. Many applications still rely on conventional dielectric multilayer stack films for their optical filtering, but are often limited in the flexibility of design, sharpness of transitions between passband cut-ons and cut-offs, and in the amount of material that can be deposited at one time during fabrication. Rugate filters are deposited as a single layer, eliminating the conventional multilayer feature that is often the source for film delamination and stress cracking. This program will continue the development of rugate filter technology as well as the monitoring and control techniques for their fabrication, with a goal of improved performance in the visible wavelength regions and further extension into the infrared. Fabrication of rugate filters with design flexibility of operating wavelength will enable laser protection filters to be made for applications such as optical sensors, eyewear and visors for personnel protection, coatings for aircraft canopies, custom bandpass filters as well as other optical filtering elements for a variety of purposes. TECHNICAL APPROACH: This effort represents the next logical step in the research and development performed under the current Rugate Development and Component Demonstration (RDCD) program. The requirements for improvements in technology and performance fall mainly in two areas. First, improved performance shall be achieved in both the visible and infrared wavelength regions, line position accuracy with respect to model/design requirements, performance stability both over time and with respect to angle of incidence, bandwidth achieved versus requirements, and sharpness and accuracy of band transition cut-ons and cut-offs. Second, fabrication and manufacturing improvements will focus on the control and accuracy of the deposition process, uniformity of parts coated per deposition run, amount of material required, number and shapes of parts able to be coated, shorter cycle times from design to film deposition, improved yield and lower cost per part and per deposition run, and demonstrated ability to apply coatings on various substrate material types. Each of these areas will be investigated for both visible and infrared wavelength applications. The technical approach of the program should be broad enough to permit the investigation of specific applications of rugates as opportunities present themselves. Contractor teaming and subcontracting are encouraged where appropriate. (2) Deliverable Items: The following deliverable data items shall be required: (a) Status Report, DI-MGMT-80368/T, monthly; (b) Funds and Man-hour Expenditure Report, DI-FNCL-80331/T monthly; (c) Project Planning Chart, DI-MGMT-80507A/T monthly; (d) Contract Funds Status Report (CFSR), DI-MGMT-81468/T, quarterly; (e) Presentation Material, DI-ADMN-81373/T, as required; (f) Scientific and Technical Information- Contractor's Billing Voucher, DI-MISC-80711/T, monthly; (g) Scientific and Technical Reports, DI-MISC-80711/T, (Draft and Reproducible Final); (h) Still Photo Coverage, DI-MISC-80169; (I) Test Plan, DI-NDTI-80566/T; (j) Technical Videotape, DI-MG-MT-81275/T. Samples developed under this effort shall be delivered at the completion of the technical effort. (3) Security Requirements: Parts of this effort will be classified. PRIMARY OR PRINCIPAL PERSONNEL associated with this program are required to have a minimum SECRET security clearance. The prime contractor is also required to have a SECRET facility security clearance and the capability to store SECRET information. Generation of classified material for this solicitation effort is authorized only on equipment approved for classified processing by Air Force TEMPEST authorities. TEMPEST considerations are required when the contractor will generate TOP SECRET, COMSEC, SAR, SCI, or have access outside the United States. TEMPEST may also be required if there are foreign nationals employed by the contractor. If TEMPEST applies, there will be a requirement for a TEMPEST Vulnerability Assessment. This assessment will be performed by government TEMPEST professionals in accordance with Air Force TEMPEST directives. Further details will be supplied by the Contracting Officer through the DD Form 254 (Contract Security Classification Specifications) at the time of contract award. (4) OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restrictions apply to areas covered by this announcement. C -- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: (1) Anticipated Period of Performance: The total length of the technical effort is estimated to be 60 months. The contractor shall alsoprovide for an additional 4 months for processing/completion of the final report. (2) Expected Award Date: 1997 May-June. (3) Government Estimate: The Government funding profile represents the total amount available for all awards and is estimated to be as follows: FY97 -- $300K, FY98 -$1.3M, FY99 -- $1.3M, FY00 -- $1.3M, FY01 -- $1.3M. More than one award may occur for this program. This funding profile is an estimate only and is not a promise for funding as this funding is for all awards to be made and all funding is subject to change due to Government discretion and availability. (4) Type of contract: Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) or Cost (no fee). Any grants awarded will be cost (no fee). (5) Government Furnished Property/Base Support: None contemplated. (6) Size Status: For purposes of this acquisition, a small business is defined as one with 500 or fewer employees (SIC 8731). Firms responding should indicate whether they are or are not a socially or economically disadvantaged business, a woman-owned business, a Historically Black College, or a University/Minority Institution, and should also indicate their business size status. (7) Notice to Foreign-Owned Firms: Restrictions applicable to this procurement preclude participation of foreign owned firms as a prime contractor. D-PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS: (1) General Instructions: Offerors should apply the restrictive notice prescribed in the provision at FAR 52.215-12, Restriction on Disclosure and Use of Data, to trade secrets or privileged commercial and financial information contained in their proposals. Proposal questions should be directed to one of the points of contact listed elsewhere herein. Offerors should consider instructions/information contained in the "WL PRDA and BAA Guide for Industry" referenced in Section A of this announcement. Technical and cost proposals, submitted in separate volumes, are required and must be valid for 180 days from the proposal due date. Proposals must reference the above PRDA number on all proposal volumes. Cost and Technical proposals shall be submitted in an original plus five (5) copies. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered against the criteria set forth herein. Offerors are advised that only contracting officers are legally authorized to contractually bind or otherwise commit the government. Offerors may be requested to provide a TEMPEST Plan after the review of their proposal by the Air Force. (2) Cost Proposal: Adequate price competition is anticipated. The accompanying cost proposal/price breakdown shall be supplied, together with supporting schedules, and shall contain a cost and person-hour breakdown per task by fiscal year. The offeror shall also provide in the proposal an explanation which minimizes open commitments to subcontractors throughout the performance of the contract. Included in this discussion shall be the offeror's approach to ensure timely submission of vouchers from the subcontractor to the prime contractor (at least monthly, or more frequently if practical) and from the prime contractor to the Government. (3) Technical Proposal: The technical proposal shall include a discussion of the nature and scope of the research and the technical approach. Additional information on prior experience in this area, descriptions of available equipment, data and facilities, and resumes of personnel who will be participating in this effort should also be included as attachments to the technical proposal, and are included in the proposal page limit. The technical proposal shall include a Statement of Work (SOW) detailing the technical tasks proposed to be accomplished under the proposed effort and suitable for contract incorporation. Offerors should refer to the WL Guide referenced in Section A to assist in SOW preparation. PL 98-94 applies. The proposal should also be submitted on computer disk (3.5"), in Microsoft Word format, Microsoft Office 4.2 compatible. Any questions concerning the technical proposal or SOW preparation shall be referred to the Technical Point of Contact cited in this announcement. (4) Page Limitations: The technical proposal shall be limited to 125 pages (12 font type or larger), double-spaced, single-sided, 8.5 by 11 inches. The page limitation includes all information, i.e. indexes, photographs, foldouts, appendices, attachments, etc. Pages in excess of this limitation will not be read or considered by the Government. Cost proposals have no limitations, however, offerors are requested to keep cost proposals to 100 pages as a goal. (5) Preparation Cost: This announcement is an expression of interest only and does not commit the Government to pay for any response preparation cost. The cost of preparing proposals in response to this PRDA is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting contract or any other contract. However, it may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect cost as specified in FAR 31.205-18. E -- BASIS FOR AWARD: The selection of one or more sources for contract award(s), as well as the extentof those efforts, will be based on scientific and/or engineering evaluation of the offerors' responses (both technical and cost aspects) to determine the overall merit of the proposal in response to this announcement. The technical aspect, which is ranked as the first order of priority, shall be evaluated based on the following criteria in descending order of importance: (a) soundness of offeror's technical approach, including the use of new or unique concepts, ideas, or approaches; (b) the offeror's understanding of the scope of the technical effort; (c) special technical factors such as the availability and commitment of qualified technical personnel and their experience with applicable technologies, background and/or demonstrated experience and capability with rugate theory and design as well as fabrication and process control techniques for rugate coatings, and the availability and commitment of the necessary facilities; and (d) overall compliance with proposal requirements, including the organization, clarity, and thoroughness of the proposed SOW. Cost, which includes consideration of proposed budgets and funding profiles, is ranked as the second order of priority. No other evaluation criteria will be used. Cost and/or price will be a significant factor for award. The technical and cost information will be evaluated at the same time. The Air Force reserves the right to select for award of a contract, grant or cooperative agreement any, all, part, or none of the proposals received. Award of a grant in lieu of a contract to universities or nonprofit institutions will be considered and will be subject to the mutual agreement of the parties. The offeror's proposal (or any part thereof) may be incorporated by reference and used as the Air Force Statement of Work. F -- POINTS OF CONTACT: Questions on technical issues may be referred to the Project Engineer, Walt Johnson, WL/MLPJ Building 651, 3005 P Street Suite 1, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433-7702, (513) 255-3808, extension 3170. Questions on contractual and cost issues should be directed to the Contract Negotiator, Jim Greathouse, WL/MLKM Building 7, 2530 C Street, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433-7607, (513) 255-5830. G -- OMBUDSMAN: An Ombudsman has been appointed to hear concern from offerors and potential offerors during the proposal development phase of this acquisition. The purpose of the Ombudsman is not to diminish the authority of the Contracting Officer, but to communicate contractor concerns, issues, disagreements and recommendations to the appropriate government personnel. All potential offerors should use established channels to maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The Ombudsman will participate in the evaluation of proposals or in the selection decision. Interested parties should direct all routine communication concerning this acquisition to Philip R. Nelson, Contracting Officer, WL/MLKM, Bldg 7, 2530 C Street, Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7607, telephone 513-255-5936. The Ombudsman should onlybe contacted with issues or problems that have been previously brought to the attention of the contracting officer and could not be satisfactorily resolved at that level. These serious concerns only may be directed to the Ombudsman, Mr. Daniel L. Kugel, ASC/SY, Bldg 52, 2475 K Street, Suite 1, Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7642, E-Mail kugeldl@sy.wpafb.af.mil, phone 513-255-3855. SEE Note 26. (0064)

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