This is a notice of intent to solicit and award a sole source contract as authorized by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-5, authorized by statute. The Office of Procurement Operations (OPO) on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program hereby issues this notice of intent to award a sole source contract to economically-disadvantaged woman owned small business (EDWOSB) Dawnbreaker LLC., located at 2117 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY for DHS SBIR Commercialization Assistance Marketplace (CAM) services. Background The SBIR program is a federally mandated competitive program structured through a uniform three phase process. The objective of Phase I is to determine the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of the proposed effort and the small business concern’s quality of performance, using a relatively small agency investment before consideration of further federal support in Phase II. The objective of Phase II is to continue the research/research and development (R/R&D) effort from the completed Phase I project by developing a prototype which can demonstrate the innovative capabilities. SBIR Phase III work derives from, extends, or logically concludes effort(s) performed under prior SBIR funding agreements. It is funded by sources other than the SBIR Program and is typically oriented towards commercialization of SBIR research or technology, but can be used for further R/R&D. The DHS SBIR program began in 2004 using a risk-diverse, multi-tiered investment strategy which relies on the stated needs of DHS customers balanced with emerging technology opportunities. The SBIR program is customer-focused and output-oriented incorporating partner needs through a formalized and structured process to align investments to the Agency’s highest priority requirements. The DHS SBIR CAM program encourages and assists Phase I and Phase II project awardees of varying size and sophistication to complete final development and transition their product to the market by helping to remove three main barriers found in technology transition: technology maturation, business maturation, and end-user product knowledge. The commercialization assistance provided to awardees may include such business-related areas as, how to do business with the federal government, raising working capital, business planning, development, preparation, and forecasting, as well as product focus, strategic partnering, and marketing entry strategies. In addition, SBIR Phase 0 (e.g., SBIR program-related outreach activities) will be conducted based on guidance set forth in the SBIR Policy Directive (PD). Scope The DHS SBIR Commercialization Assistance Marketplace (CAM) provides tools and services that assist with transition or commercialization of technologies to SBIR Phase II awardees who elect to participate. The CAM is intended to be flexible in its offerings in order to be able to provide assistance to a diverse set of participants. The participants are anticipated to vary in their Business Maturation, End-User Product Knowledge, Maturity of Technology Product and Manufacturing Readiness. Business Maturation: The Business Readiness Level (BRL) scale identifies, historically, that projects not funded beyond Phase II were due to market factors including a lack of a customer base and a corresponding lack of a detailed market analysis done by the participants prior to the development of the technology. Further, one-on-one mentoring reveals a lack of business understanding, experience, and business acumen among a large number of the participants. The indication here is that although the technical aspects of the technology may be well rated by TRL scores, the business aspects are not on the concurrent Business Readiness Levels (BRL). End-User Product Knowledge: This issue concerns how to bring the developed technology/product to the attention of potential partners for continued development, market verification, market analysis, and financial support. The technology may be technically successful, however, there is a need for market awareness. The need here is to find a way to ensure that the relevant market becomes aware of these new and more effective technologies to solve long standing problems. Technology Maturation: The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale is a measurement/milestone of a technology’s maturity. There are nine levels on the TRL scale ranging from concept, to technology development, and to product development. The higher TRLs are more likely to demonstrate their technical capabilities into a near-ready product, which will potentially attract funding. Manufacturing Readiness: Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) is a measurement of the current level of manufacturing maturity. MRLs are assessed to identify maturity shortfalls and associated costs and risks, and provide the basis for manufacturing maturation and risk management. They can be used in general industry assessments, or for more specific application in assessing capabilities of possible suppliers. There are ten levels on the MRL scale ranging from basic manufacturing implications identified, capability to produce a prototype system, and to full rate production. Manufacturing risk identification and management must begin at the earliest stages of technology development, and continue vigorously throughout each stage of a program’s lifecycle. Further, CAM Phase 0 will be the first step in providing education and assistance to potential SBIR applicants. Phase 0 will identify new potential applicants who have no prior DHS SBIR awards from nationally underrepresented groups and individuals with a commitment to diversifying the science and engineering workforce, and/or individuals meeting the SBA definition (13 CFR §124.103 and 13 CFR §124.104) of socially and economically disadvantaged. Phase 0 will leverage existing resources and organizations to encourage and increase engagement with the identified applicants, and will provide tools and services that educate them on DHS SBIR processes and DHS mission needs. The support services required are generally described and captured by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541611 - Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. Place of Performance: The primary place of performance will be the Contractor’s facilities with periodic visits to the Department of Homeland Security facilities in the Washington Metro Area and other locations as appropriate. Period of Performance : The anticipated period of performance is 12-months after date of award and two 12-month option periods. A determination by the Government not to compete based upon responses to this notice is solely at the discretion of the Government. This is a notice of the intent to award a sole source contract. It is published for informational purposes only and not a request for competitive proposals. Therefore, no solicitation document exists for this requirement. Any firm believing that they can fulfill the requirement may be considered by the agency. Interested parties may identify their interest and capabilities in response to this synopsis. All questions and/or comments regarding this notice shall be addressed in writing to the Contracting Officer,
[email protected] by August 17, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Savings time. Questions by phone will not be considered.