Phillips Laboratory, Directorate of Contracting, 2251 Maxwell Avenue SE, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5773

A -- BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR ADVANCED SPACE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT SOL BAA 99-01 POC Point of Contact -- RUDY CHAVEZ, CONTRACT SPECIALIST, 505-846-4987, SHARI BARNETT, CONTRACTING OFFICER, 505-846-6189 WEB: Broad Agency Announcement 99-01, http://www.plk.af.mil. E-MAIL: chavezr@plk.af.mil, chavezr@plk.af.mil. This is part two of a two part synopsis. (b) IONOSPHERIC MODIFICATION TECHNOLOGY -- The objective of this research is to perform experimental, theoretical, modeling and simulation efforts to characterize processes triggered in the ionosphere and in space by high power radio waves such as those available from High Frequency (HF) transmitters associated with the Arecibo facility in Puerto Rico, the High Power Auroral Stimulation (HIPAS) facility near Fairbanks, Alaska and the High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) facility under development in Gakona, Alaska. Processes of interest include (but are not limited to) Langmuir turbulence; electron acceleration, including the production of optical and IR emissions; the generation, maintenance and/or suppression of field-aligned plasma structures; the modulation of ionospheric currents to ULF/ELF/VLF radio waves in the ionosphere; and other non-linear processes such as the production of stimulated electromagnetic emissions, plasma waves, etc., in the ionosphere. The efficiencies associated with the triggering, maintenance, and control of such processes and techniques to excite selected processes or to suppress unwanted processes also are of interest. Experiments conducted by the major high power HF facilities use incoherent scatter radars and arrays of state-of-the-art diagnostics that include coherent radars, satellite receiving systems and multi-wavelength optical sensors to observe the response of the ionospheric plasma. Technical point of contact: Mr John Heckscher, (781) 377-5121; fax: (781) 377-5974; email: heckscher@plh.af.mil; (4) BACKGROUND CLUTTER MITIGATION -- This area covers the characterization, specification, and prediction of optical/infrared atmospheric, cloud, and terrestrial backgrounds in multiple spectral regions, including their spatial and temporal structures, and the development of new techniques for suppressing and mitigating background clutter vis-a-vis space and ground target detection and typing. A major objective is the exploitation of multi-and hyperspectral background and target data to provide robust remote sensing algorithms, including target identification and classification, for the full span of geophysical and sensor operating conditions. Proposals are sought for innovative research in the measurement and modeling of atmospheric and terrestrial background phenomena, including those associated with airglow, atmospheric transmission and compensation, auroral activity, solar terminator, stratospheric-warming, clouds, terrain features, glints, polar mesospheric clouds, atmospheric discharge phenomena (e.g., sprites) and other natural and man-made sources under both quiescent and non-equilibrium conditions. Measurements include (a) background measurements made from satellite-, rocket-, aircraft-, balloon and ground-based platforms to provide system reference scenes, realistic target-atmosphere interactions, remote sensing of targets against backgrounds, code validation and extension data, and (b) laboratory measurements needed to fully understand the detailed fundamental atomic and molecular processes responsible for radiation production and loss and radiation transfer. Background models of high fidelity and fast-running physics-based descriptions of radiance and transmission effects are solicited. These models include unified descriptions of backgrounds from nadir, to below-the-horizon, to high limb altitudes and from the ultraviolet to visible to the infrared spectral region, and utilize available measurement data for validation and extension of modeling capabilities. Innovative research is sought to develop background models which extrapolate beyond the measurements, physics-based databases for performing fast-running simulations of background effects, clutter suppression and mitigating algorithms, and stand-alone atmospheric propagation and radiance structure modules for comprehensive scene simulators. Major research areas are the development of innovative clutter statistical descriptors and models, as well as innovative techniques for data-driven clutter specification, and adaptive clutter suppression. The data and models generated by this program are required by large-scale simulators to determine the effects of infrared and optical backgrounds on surveillance, tracking, and interceptor systems for system performance optimization. Technical point of contact: Dr Laila Jeong, (781) 377-3671; fax (781) 377-5974; email: jeong@plh.af.mil. (5) BACKGROUND CHARACTERIZATION -- Research in this area is multi-faceted. It covers the design of ground, aircraft, and space based experiments to obtain a database on optical and infrared properties of the atmospheric and celestial backgrounds and airborne target signatures as viewed from space. Efforts also include reduction and analyses of experimental data and creation of first principle codes that incorporate the physical principles giving rise to the observed phenomena. There are three major research tasks: (a) ATMOSPHERIC CHARACTERIZATION -- Research in this area is concernedwith active and passive remote sensing and in situ sensing to characterize properties of the atmosphere. There are three main areas of interest. The first is active sensing via lidars, including DIAL, backscatter and Doppler/heterodyne methods. The emphasis is on high spatial and temporal resolution measurements of vertical and horizontal atmospheric structure. The third is the investigation of the emission and absorption of atmospheric species under normal and disturbed conditions. The domain of the atmosphere to be characterized ranges from the ground to space. Measurements, modeling and analysis are done to characterize aerosols, constituents (such as water vapor or ozone), man-made chemicals, winds, turbulence and gravity waves in the atmosphere. The turbulence studies include both optical or temperature and wind fluctuations. An application area of particular importance includes research to support understanding of the propagation of lasers and light through the atmosphere and its variation with meteorological conditions. This includes the modeling of atmospheric turbulence, its spatial and temporal structure and its generation by gravity waves and meteorological sources. The lidar technologies of special interest involve the use of eye-safe lasers as well as the application to wind and turbulence sensing. Instrumentation related issues include development of eye-safe laser technology for lidar applications, agile laser resonance frequency tuning for DIAL applications, and improved detectors. Novel and creative approaches to detection and data processing schemes also are of interest. The applications of these technologies include ground-based, space-based and airborne systems. There is an interest in the spectral and spatial global distribution of emission of atmospheric molecular species and how this varies with time and location. Transmission through clouds and their emissive properties are a research objective. There is an interest in developing measurement technologies such as hyperspectral techniques to concurrently measure in a series of narrow spectral bands. Technical Point of Contact: Dr Robert Beland, (781) 377-3667; Fax (781) 3775974; email: beland@plh.af.mil. (b) AIRBORNE MEASUREMENTS -- Target and background measurements are obtained by temporal radiometers, spectrometers, and imaging systems on a research aircraft with the objective of understanding the target signature phenomenology and its dependence on the backgrounds. Areas of interest are the development of calibrated hyperspectral instrumentation capable of aircraft operation, as well as the evaluation of sensor performance, clutter levels, target delectability, and target to background contrast. Validated predictive codes are developed from these airborne measurements to allow target signatures to be calculated for operational and environmental conditions not observed. Technical Point of Contact: Dr Brian Sanford, (781) 377-2270; Fax (781) 377-5974; email: sanford@plh.af.mil. (c) CELESTIAL BACKGROUNDS -- The objective is to define thespatial and spectral characteristics of the astronomical background by creating predictive models based in sound astrophysical principals which account for the observations obtained from ground and satellite based experiments. Establishing stellar standards as calibrators and positional references is also of interest. Technical point of contact: Dr Russell Shipman, (781) 377-6972; Fax: (781) 377-5974; email: shipman@plh.af.mil. (6) TARGET ACQUISITION FOR COMBAT OPERATIONS -- This area has the objective to develop descriptive and predictive models of the atmosphere from the regional to the microphysical scale and to improve sensors and techniques to measure environmental parameters remotely from the ground and from satellite platforms. The area includes Global/Theater Weather Prediction Methods, Atmospheric Specification Through Simulation and Weather Impact Decision Aids. (a) Global/Theater Weather Prediction Methods: This sub-area focuses on research to better understand, analyze and forecast clouds and water substance on theater and local scales. Particular emphasis is on the utilization and impact of satellite imagery and soundings (temperature and water vapor) on numerical weather prediction model performance; on mesoscale data assimilation of cloud and water observations; and on studies of the spatial and spectral characteristics of very high resolution cloud imagery. (b) Atmospheric Specification Through Simulation: The goal of this subarea is to quantify atmospheric variables in their overall statistical sense and in individual scene realizations. Both aspects are served through the development of simulation techniques which provide realizations of the elements of the earth's weather having proper magnitudes and accurate spatial and temporal characteristics. By repeated exercise of such simulators, representative climatologies are obtained. Atmospheric variables of special interest are those relating to clouds, specifically the three dimensional aspects of clouds, cloud-free-line-of-sight and fields-of-view, and the electromagnetic and radiometric characteristics of clouds and cloud microphysical elements. Of special interest is environmental effects support to distributed interactive simulation (DIS). (c) Weather Impact Decision Aids: For this sub-area, innovative research is sought to provide means of gathering required weather information from hostile areas by integrating data from tactical sensors, unmanned air vehicles, satellites and other sources. Relevant research is also sought for new sensors and techniques to detect weather conditions that directly impact combat operations and to predict the effect of weather on the performance of electro-optical airborne missile, surveillance, night vision, and navigation systems including electo-optical scene simulation. Technical point of contact: Mr Paul Tattelman, (781) 377-5956; Fax (781) 377-5974; email: tattelman@plh.af.mil. D -- PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS: 1) Technical Proposal: The technical proposal shall include an Executive Summary, Program Description, Program Plan, Milestone Chart, Facilities and Equipment description, description of Relevant Prior Work, Management Plan, and Resumes of Key Individuals. The technical proposal shall also include a Statement of Work detailing the technical tasks to be accomplished under the proposed effort and be suitable for contract incorporation. The Statement of Work shall include specific requirements, if applicable, that the deliverable product will be year 2000 compliant per FAR Part 39. The technical proposal shall be limited to 70 pages (12 pitch or larger type), single spaced, double-sided, 8.5 by 11 inch pages. The page limitation includes all information i.e., indices, photographs, foldouts (2 page), appendices, attachments, resumes etc. Each printed side counts as one page. Blank pages, title pages, table of contents, lists, tabs or cover sheets are not included in the page count. Pages in excess of this limitation will not be considered by the government. (2) Cost Proposal: Cost proposals should be prepared in accordance with instructions under "Additional Information" at the following Phillips Research Site web site, http://www.plk.af.mil/ORG_CHART/PK/mainmenu.htm. The cost information, other than cost or pricing data, requested therein is necessary for the government to perform a cost realism analysis. (3) General: Data deliverables shall be proposed that will adequately provide the government with sufficient information to ascertain the effectiveness of the offerors operations. Submit Technical and Cost proposals in separate volumes. Amount of awards are estimates only to assist offerors in preparing proposals that are realistic in terms of funding. Proposals shall be valid for a period of not less than 180 days. Proposals must reference the above BAA number, include a unique proposal identification number, identify the subject area of the proposal, and the applicable Phillips Research or Hanscom Research Site Division. Unnecessarily elaborate brochures or presentations beyond that sufficient to present a complete and effective proposal are not desired. Proposals shall be submitted in an original and 3 copies with the original being clearly marked in such a manner as to distinguish it from the copies. Proposals for the AFRL/VS technical research areas shall be submitted to AFRL/Phillips Research Site, Directorate of Contracting, Attn: PKVS/Rudy Chavez, 2251 Maxwell SE, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5773. Proposals for Hanscom AFB, MA shall be submitted to AFRL/VSOP, Attn: Claire Marcotte, 29 Randolph Rd, Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-3010. Do not send proposals to any other address or they may not be considered for award. This announcement is an expression of interest only and does not commit the government to pay for proposal preparation cost. The cost of preparing proposals in response to this BAA is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting contract or to 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. Cost Reimbursement type contracts are anticipated to be awarded. Proposals for Kirtland Air Force Base are to be submitted during the quarters specified by each technical area in accordance with the following schedule: First Quarter ending 9 Jan 1999, Second Quarter ending 31 Mar 1999, Third Quarter ending 30 Jun 1999, and Fourth Quarter ending Sept 30, 1999. Proposals for AFRL/VSB, Hanscom AFB, MA will be accepted any time during the fiscal year. Pending availability of funds, awards are expected to be made within 180 days of the end of the quarter. Firms responding should indicate if they are a Small Business, a Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Business, an 8(a) Qualified Business or a Woman-Owned Business. To prepare its proposal and perform services under any resulting contract, the offeror may require access to Militarily Critical Technical Data whose export is restricted by US export control laws and regulations. After receipt and evaluation of proposals, the government will determine whether the technology area will be subject to export control laws and regulations and the offeror will be requested to submit an approved DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technology Data Agreement, as a condition for award. Contact the Defense Logistics Service Center (DLSC), US/Canada Joint Certification Office, Federal Center, 74 North Washington, Battle Creek Michigan 49017-4312, (800) 352-3572 for further information on the certification and approval process. If a offeror proposes to use a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) as a subcontractor, other than DOD-sponsored FFRDCs in the capacities discussed in DFARS 235.017, it must provide rationale in its proposal that supports the unique capability of the FFRDC so that any proposed offer does not place the remaining agency and it's FFRDC in direct competition with private sources. Also, the offerors proposal must demonstrate that the FFRDC can accept work from other than the sponsor. Each proposal shall reflect the potential for commercial applicationand the benefits expected to accrue from this commercialization. Offerors are reminded to contact the technical point of contact to verify interest in the effort to be proposed and funding availability PRIOR to committing any resources to the preparation of any proposals in response to this announcement. 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. Offerors must mark their proposals with the restrictive language stated in FAR 15.609(a). Foreign owned firms are advised that they may be precluded from becoming a prime contractor. Contract awards are anticipated to be unclassified. E -- BASIS FOR AWARD: Evaluations will be accomplished in accordance with AFMC FARS 5335.016(90)(d). Technical proposals will be evaluated using the following factors in descending order of importance based on a peer of scientific review: (1) demonstratedtechnical and/or scientific merit and its relevancy to current AFRL needs, including capabilities and related experience, facilities, techniques or unique combinations of these which are an integral factor for achieving proposal objectives, (2) impact of successful development on the performance of space systems and AFRL mission, (3) new or unique ideas which enhance state-of-the-art or scientific knowledge, and (4) feasibility of accomplishing tasks. Cost proposals will be evaluated using the factor of completeness, reasonableness and realism. Technical considerations are more important than cost, although cost will be considered a significant factor. No further evaluation criteria will be used in selecting proposals. Subject to the availability of funds, the Government reserves the right to select for award any, all, part, or none of the proposals received. F -- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This BAA will be posted on the PL Contracting Bulletin Board under the PL Acquisition Information Quick ftp repository — http://www.plk.af.mil/ORG_CHART/PK/mainmenu.htm. PL Contracting Bulletin Board POC is John Webb, PKM, (505) 846-4457. An Ombudsman has been appointed to hear concerns from potential offerors during the proposal development phase for this effort. The purpose of the Ombudsman is not to diminish the authority of the program director or contracting officer, but to communicate contractor concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations to the appropriate government personnel. Before contacting the Ombudsman, potential offerors should first communicate with the contracting officer. In those instances where offerors cannot obtain resolution from the contracting officer, they are invited to contact the Ombudsman at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Phillips Research Site, Mr. Eugene DeWall, Deputy Chief of Contracting, Det 8/PK, 2251 Maxwell Avenue S.E., Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5773 or at (505)846-4979. 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 award process. Note 26. Posted 09/29/98 (W-SN256109). (0272)

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