AFMC, Air Force Research Laboratory/IFK, 26 Electronic Parkway, Rome, NY 13441-4514

A -- OPTICAL MEMORIES SOL BAA 98-02-IFKPA POC Albert A. Jamberdino, Program Manager, 315-330-4581; Joetta A. Bernhard, Contracting Officer, 315-330-2308 Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Rome is soliciting white papers for various scientific studies and experiments to increase its knowledge and understanding of the broad range of capabilities required in support of Optical Memories. Solutions to basic research and engineering using innovative approaches are sought. The scope of this effort concerns several areas and covers a broad range of requirements which includes, but is not limited to, the following areas of interest: Optical Random Access Memories, Optical Cache Memories, Optical Associative Memories, Dynamic, Free Space Optical Interconnects and data transport. The concept of optical memory has proliferated over the last few years. Emphasis has been placed on modulation concepts, optical beam steering, and, more importantly, optical recording materials. Taken together, these technology concepts must be organized into an architecture which meets specific applications (e.g., optical random access memory for large databases, optical cache memoryfor extremely fast access applications or optical associative (content addressable) memories for data fusion). In short, each application requires a different discipline, architecture and/or approach. Long-term goals for random access memories are 10E12-10E14 bit storage, throughput of 1 gigabit per second to 1 terabit per second and access time of milliseconds to microseconds, cache memories of 10E8 to 10E10 bit storage, greater than 100 megabit per second throughput and access times of nanoseconds; associative memories of 10E7 and 10E8 with effective throughput rates of 10 gigabits per second and access times of milliseconds. To interface these device technologies, dynamic, free space optical interconnect and data transport architectures must also be developed. Deliverable will be technical reports and, when appropriate, demonstrations. Potential offerors who have such capabilities and are desirous of being considered for contracting possibilities with ARFL Rome are invited to submit white papers in response to this announcement. This BAA is open and effective until 36 months after publication. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONSTITUTES THE ONLY SOLICITATION. DO NOT SUBMIT A FORMAL PROPOSAL AT THIS TIME. Offerors are required to submit three (3) copies of a four (4) page or less white paper, with a cover letter indicating whether the offeror is a large, university, small, women-owned small or small disadvantaged business, or Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or Minority Institute (MI). The white paper will be formatted as follows: Section A: Title, Period of Performance, Cost of Task, Name of Company; Section B: Task Objectives; and Section C: Technical Summary. All responses to this announcement must be addressed to ATTN: Albert A. Jamberdino, Reference BAA 98-02-IFKPA, AFRL/IFE, 32 Hangar Road, Rome NY 13441-4114. Also small businesses should send one (1) copy of the cover letter only by First Class Mail to ATTN: Janis Norelli, AFRL/IFB,26 Electronic Parkway, Rome NY 13441-4514. Multiple white papers withinthe purview of this announcement may be submitted by each offeror. 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. Those white papers found to be consistent with the intent of this BAA may be invited to submit a technical and cost proposal. Such invitation does not assure that the submitting organization will be awarded a contract. Complete instructions for proposal preparation will be forwarded with the invitation for proposal submission. Evaluation of proposals will be performed using the following criteria: (a) the overall scientific and/or technical merits of the proposal; (b) the potential contributions of the effort to the AFRL Rome mission and the extent to which the proposed effort will contribute to balancing the overall R&D program of AFRL Rome; (c) the reasonableness and realism of proposed costs, and fees, if any. No further evaluation criteria will be used in selecting the proposals. The technical criteria will also be used to determine whether white papers submitted are consistent with the intent of this BAA and of interest to the Government. Proposals submitted will be evaluated as they are received. Options are discouraged and unpriced options will not be considered for award. Principle funding of this BAA and the anticipated award of contracts will start in FY98. Individual awards will not normally exceed 24 months in duration, with dollar amounts normally ranging from $100K to $300K. Awards made as a result of this BAA will be in the form of contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other transactions as determined by the work to be performed. Total funding for this BAA is $12,000,000. Foreign-owned offerors are advised that their participation is subject to foreign disclosure review. Foreign or foreign-owned offerors should immediately contact the contracting focal point for information if they contemplate responding. Data subject to export control constraints may be involved and only firms on the Certified Contractor Access List (CCAL) will be allowed access to such data. For further information on CCAL, contact the Defense Logistic Service Center at 1-800-352-3572. The cost of preparing proposals in response to this announcement is not an allowable direct charge to any resultant contract or to any other contract, but may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect cost in FAR 31.205-18. An Ombudsman has been appointed to hear significant concerns from offerors or potential offerors during the proposal development phase of this acquisition. Routine questions are not considered to be "significant concerns" and should be communicated directly to the Contracting Officer. The purpose of the Ombudsman is not to diminish the authority of the contracting officer or program manager, but to communicate contractor concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations to the appropriate Government personnel. The Ombudsman for this acquisition is Vincent Palmiero, Deputy, Contracting Division, at 315-330-7747. When requested, the Ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The Ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals or in the source selection process. To receive a copy of the AFRL Rome "PRDA & BAA: A Guide for Industry" (Sep 97), write to ATTN: Lucille Argenzia, AFRL/IFKR, 26 Electronic Parkway, Rome NY 13441-4514, or the Guide may be accessed at the following WEB address: http://www.rl.af.mil/Lab/PK/bp-guide.html. All responsible firms may submit a white paper which shall be considered. Respondents are asked to provide a FAX number, an e-mail address and their Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) number with their submission and reference BAA 98-02-IFKPA. An information briefing is not planned. Proposers are advised that only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to commit the government (0342)

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