Missile Defense Agency Science and Technology Advanced Research (MSTAR) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

Amendment 08 Posted 03 October 2013 revises submission date to 20 March 2014 and updates Contracting POC information. Amendment 07 Post 03 Sept 2013 updated the eligibility criteria. Amendment 06 Posted 04 June 2013 updated contact information for the Broad Agency Announcement. This amendment also removes the fee/profit line from Table 1. Amendment 05 posted 12 March 2013 cancels MSTAR FY13 Round 2 with submission date of 19 April 2013. Round 1 is hereby established with a submission date of 20 Sept 2013. The other MDA BAA, Advanced Technology Innovation(ATI) Broad Agency Announcement, posted 1 March 2013 is available for submissions at this time. Eligible organizations for contract award under the ATI BAA are private industry, qualified accredited domestic educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations." Amendment 04 Posted 30 January 2013 updated the current submission due date, revised the Contracting POC and incorporated white paper submittal instructions in the Broad Agency Announcement. Amendment 03 Posted 07 September 2012 updated proposal submittal instructions in the Broad Agency Announcement. Amendment 02 posted 29 August 2012 updated proposal preparation instructions. Amendment 01 posted 29 August 2012 updated contact information for the Broad Agency Announcement. INTRODUCTION: The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is developing and fielding a Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) to protect the United States (US), as well as US allies and friends from ballistic missile attack. Please review the Ballistic Missile Defense Review (http://www.defense.gov/bmdr/) for details. The MDA Ballistic Missile Defense layered approach includes sensors, directed energy systems, interceptors, and command and control elements to engage threat missiles in all phases of flight, from boost and early intercept phases through midcourse into terminal phase. MDA focuses efforts toward making the BMDS more robust against the widening threats, and increasing capabilities to counter a broad range of missiles, warheads and trajectories. The BMDS must have the ability to detect, track, identify and kill ballistic missiles. MDA instituted the Missile Defense Agency Science and Technology Advanced Research (MSTAR) program to fund relevant Advanced Technology research and demonstration work at qualified accredited domestic colleges, universities or institutions of higher learning and to support training of future scientists and engineers in the field of missile defense. White papers must be for Advanced Research. This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is a recurring, competitive solicitation and contract vehicle enabling MDA to identify and acquire emerging technologies, innovative concepts, and advanced algorithms for improving BMDS capability and filling technology gaps. MDA issues this BAA under the provisions of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.102(d) (2), which provides for the competitive selection of research proposals. Contracts based on responses to this BAA meet requirements for full and open competition and are in full compliance with the provisions of PL 98-369, "The Competition in Contracting Act of 1984." Any activity resulting from funding on contracts awarded from this BAA must comply with United States Laws and regulations on "Export Control", including the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulation (EAR). All technical documents produced on the contract shall be marked in accordance with Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 5230.24, unless the document is specifically approved by MDA for public release. The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will provide the appropriate 5230.24 distribution statement. GENERAL INFORMATION: MDA will review information regarding research conducted under MDA funded actions for possible publication or presentation in open or ITAR-controlled forums. Information regarding classified research shall not be published or presented in any unclassified forum. MDA has final authority on publication or release of any information related to MDA-funded research , classified or unclassified, in any forum. All contract awards are subject to official fiscal appropriation and availability of funds. For planning purposes, firm-fixed-price or cost reimbursement type contracts, cooperative agreements or grants are anticipated to be awarded for these efforts unless otherwise identified. We anticipate each MSTAR contract's funding at a maximum of $500,000 (two year period of performance) or $700,000 (three year period of performance). Funding ceilings are $250,000 a year during a two year base period of performance with a potential option for a third year of performance funded at a maximum of $200,000. Inclusion of options in any contract is at the discretion of the government. The government is also not obligated to exercise any option period included in an awarded contract. Only domestic accredited colleges, universities or institutions of higher learning registered by the U.S. Department of Education, and federal educational organizations such as the U.S. military academies may submit white papers. If selected for contract award resulting from this BAA, the offeror must be a qualified educational institution at time of award. The college, university or educational institution submitting the white paper may subcontract to universities or private industry, but must lead the effort and perform 51% or more of the effort by cost. FFRDCs or UARCs are eligible as a subcontractor when authorized by their sponsoring contracts and charters. MDA requires all lead Principal Investigators of institutions submitting a white paper under this program hold US citizenship. MDA has approval authority for any participating student or employee in performance of MSTAR contracts who is a non-US citizen, including but not limited to individuals that obtain a valid Permanent Resident Card, commonly called a "Green Card". Foreign citizen students and employees without valid Green Cards are ineligible for participation. References: International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (Code of Federal Regulations Title 22 Chapter 1, Subchapter M). See U.S. Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls website at http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/regulations_laws/itar.html Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (Code of Federal Regulations Title 15, Chapter VII, Subchapter C). See U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security website at http://www.bis.doc.goc/policiesandregulations/index.htm#ear Department of Defense Directive 5230.24. See DTIC Online website at http://www.dtic/submit/guidance/distribstatement.html Ballistic Missile Defense Review (BMDR), February 2010, United States Department of Defense (signed by Secretary Robert M. Gates). See website at http://www.defense.gov/bmdr/ Research Category Definitions: DoD Financial Management Regulation (DoD 7000.14-R, volume 2B, chapter 5 (Research, Development and Evaluation Appropriations), beginning on page 5-4, http://comptroller.defense.gov/fmr/ Military Critical Technical Data Agreement. See website at http://www.dlis.dla.mil/jcp/ Research Topics: MDA's interests include development of advanced technology demonstration technologies for each phase of missile defense encompassing the entire engagement sequence, including: modeling and simulation, surveillance, acquisition and tracking, discrimination, communications, engagement planning, threat engagement, evolving threats and countermeasures, and kill assessment. The following technology research topic areas pertain to the BMDS in all phases of the missile defense threat scenario: (1) Radar Systems (2) Lasers and Electro-Optical Systems (3) Integrated Infra Red Sensor Systems (4) Computer Science, Signal and Data Processing (5) Mathematics, Probability, and Decision Theory (6) Physics, Chemistry and Materials (7) Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (8) Battle Management/Command and Control (9) Modeling and Simulation (10) Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Outreach: White papers for this area must address development, implementation and execution of programs and activities in support of MDA's STEM Outreach (white papers for this area will be requested at a later date) In order to facilitate meaningful information exchanges that could contain unclassified technical data disclosing military critical technology with military or space application that is under the control or in the possession of the U,S. Department of Defense (DoD), please submit via email an approved DD Form 2345, Military Critical Technical Data Agreement (Reference http://www.dlis.dla.mil/jcp/ for information regarding this program and form.) to Ms. Lori Latham, MDA/DVR. Email is [email protected]; phone 256-450-4347. If your university/college does not have a certified DD 2345, complete, sign and submit a DD Form 2345 as noted on the form and website. MDA does not certify the DD Form 2345. Response: If you are interested in this opportunity, please respond to MDA with the following: (1) A summary concept white paper (no more than ten pages) which succinctly illustrates the proposed technical approach, as well as its rationale and objectives, methodology, expected results, and potential contribution to the MDA program using the White Paper Preparation Instructions listed below. (2) White Paper Rough Order of Cost Magnitude (ROCM), using the White Paper Preparation Instructions paragraph (5). (3) A suggested program plan using the White Paper Preparation Instructions paragraph (4)(d). (4) A description of the offeror's capabilities, relevant experience, and facilities using the White Paper Preparation Instructions paragraph (4)(e). Note: Evaluations may take up to six months from receipt of White Paper to notice of selection or non-selection for award. If selected for award MDA will request a full technical volume and detailed cost proposal. DO NOT SUBMIT THE TECHNICAL AND COST PROPOSALS UNTIL YOU RECEIVE A REQUEST FROM THE CONTRACTING OFFICER FOR THIS INFORMATION. The Government may use selected Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC), University Affiliated Research Centers (UARC), support contractors, and other non-governmental personnel to assist in the evaluation and administrative handling of white papers and proposals submitted in response to this announcement. These persons are bound by appropriate non-disclosure agreements to protect proprietary and source selection information. Submission of white papers under this BAA constitutes the offeror's acknowledgment and consent to the use of contractors during the evaluation process. The evaluation team will evaluate and make recommendations for award based on a peer or scientific review process in accordance with FAR 35.016(d) and (e). The primary basis for selecting white papers will utilize the below listed evaluation factors by applying the delineated criteria as follows: Evaluation Factors: MDA will evaluate responses based upon the following criteria. NOTE: Technical Merit is weighted 50% of the aggregate score; Capabilities 30% and Management 20%. (1) Technical Merit. Does the proposed research exhibit scientific and technical excellence with relevance and importance to MDA goals and programs? Does the proposed research offer innovative concepts, stimulating technology innovation, or exploit breakthroughs in science to offer robust technology improvements to an element of the BMDS? Does the white paper succinctly illustrate and clearly identify the proposed technology as well as, its rationale, objectives, methodology, expected results, and potential contribution to MDA? (2) Capabilities. Does the offeror's key personnel have previous experience working with the proposed technology or similar technology? Does the white paper demonstrate the availability of adequate facilities and instrumentation to perform the proposed task successfully? (3) Management. Does the proposed management plan and project timeline appear reasonable given the level of proposed work? The BAA Selection Official will make selections based on the evaluation criteria noted above and MDA funding and technology priorities. The Rough Order of Magnitude Cost (ROCM) will be used to determine if there are sufficient funds available for the proposed effort. No further evaluation criteria will be used. The Government intends to evaluate and recommend awards based upon its evaluation of white papers without discussions; however, the Government reserves the right to hold discussions if deemed necessary. The Government reserves the right to select for award any, all, part, or none of the white papers received in response to this announcement. White Paper Preparation Instructions: (1) General: a. This timeframe covered by this BAA extends from fiscal year (FY) 2013 through 2015. The Round 2 response deadline for technical areas 1 through 9 is 3:00 pm Central Time on 20 March 2014. White papers for technical area 10 will be requested at a later date. b. White papers shall be submitted as e-mail attachments to John Swan, Contracting Officer at e-mail address: [email protected] with a copy to Michelle Dunn at e-mail address: michelle.dunn @mda.mil. (White papers are requested to be unclassified. In the rare situation that a white paper must be classified contact MDA Contracting POC for transmittal instructions.) c. If you are selected for further consideration a full technical and cost proposal will be required and specific proposal instructions will be forwarded to you as a Request for Proposal package. d. Offerors must mark their white papers with the restrictive language stated in FAR 15.609(a). The cost of preparing white papers 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 costs as specified in FAR 31.205-18. (2) Additional Information: Discussions with 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. (3) White Paper: The White Paper shall be submitted using 12 point proportional type (10 point proportional font for figures and tables), 8.5 by 11 inch pages. The page limitation will be listed in the BAA announcement and includes all information except those noted as not included, including the title page, table of contents, and index. Use at least 1-inch margins on top and bottom and 1 inch side margins. Each printed side of an 8 x 11 sheet counts as a page. Foldouts printed on one side only will be counted as 2 pages. The Government will only read and evaluate white papers up to the 10 page limitation. Pages over the page limitation will be removed prior to evaluation. Typesetting or other techniques to reduce character size or spacing are not permitted. (4) The White Paper shall address the entire period of performance, including all options or phases, and shall contain the following sections: a. Title Page: i. Name, title, telephone and fax numbers and e-mail address of offeror's technical point of contact, and ii. Name, title, signature of authorized contracting representative, iii. Date offer is submitted. iv. Abstract paragraph not to exceed 250 words. b. Executive Summary: Describe the proposed program, objectives, and approach. A description of the innovation and benefits of the proposed approach and relationship to previous efforts should be discussed. c. Program Description: Describe the techniques, methods, materials, or ideas that will be addressed in this white paper, their innovation, and to what degree they advance the state-of-the-art. Also, describe any potential for commercial application and the benefits expected to accrue from commercialization. d. Program Plan and Milestone Chart: (not included in page count) Describe in detail the approach planned and how the plan will be executed. This section should include all technical aspects and how the approach will be executed to address each of the technology goals outlined in this announcement. Milestones should indicate when specific objectives are expected to be met in the overall schedule of the program and should identify the specific accomplishments necessary to precede to the next task. e. Description of Relevant Prior Work: (not included in page count) Include a list of both in-house efforts funded by internal research funds and contracts funded by others. For each such effort, provide a list that includes the title of effort, contract number, funding organization (customer), and a brief summary of results. The Principal Investigator or Program Manager resume should be included as a part of the submission for this area. (5) White Paper Rough Order of Cost Magnitude (ROCM), a. Furnish Tables 1 and 2 for the entire performance period with the White Paper. TABLE 1 * Submit a White Paper cost element summary including each year of performance. Subtotal Base Period Option Period or Phase Option Period or Phase Total Direct Labor (TDL): Subtotal Total Direct Materials Costs (TDM): Subtotal Total Other Direct Costs (TODC): Subtotal Total Indirect Costs (TODC): Subtotal TOTAL ESTIMATED COST: Total TABLE 2 Subcontract/inter-organizational transfers & consultants price summary SUBCONTRACTOR NAME SUBCONTRACT TASKS ** ESTIMATED PRICE TOTALS Contract Specialist, Michelle Dunn Phone (256) 450-1443 Email: [email protected] Contracting Officer, John D. Swan Phone (256) 450-4033 Email: [email protected] b.