Spectrum Warfare Enduring Challenges (SWEC)
ID: FA8650-17-S-1006Type: Presolicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA8650 USAF AFMC AFRL PZL AFRL/PZLWRIGHT PATTERSON AFB, OH, 45433-7541, USA

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; APPLIED RESEARCH (AC12)
Timeline
    Description

    Presolicitation DEPT OF DEFENSE is seeking research and development services for Spectrum Warfare Enduring Challenges (SWEC). This service is typically used to enable effective military operations in anti-access/area-denied (A2/AD), cyber, and contested environments. The service is needed to defeat high-end weaponry such as integrated air defenses, long-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, advanced fighters, and weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The Air Force requires further development of persistent surveillance and other advanced sensing capabilities to address potential near-peer threats and counter-insurgency/counter-terrorism operations. The Sensors Directorate is responsible for addressing a variety of user needs and must exhibit agility and discipline to establish and transition new sensing and countermeasures capabilities. The place of performance is the contractor's facility in the USA. For more information, contact Michael Nowak, the Technical Advisor - AFRL/RYW, at michael.nowak.2@us.af.mil or (937) 713-8482. The secondary contact is Shayla Wray, the Contracting Officer, at shayla.wray@us.af.mil or (937) 713-9984.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Ryan CoxContract Specialist
    (937) 713-9834
    ryan.cox.10@us.af.mil
    Jim DinwoodyContracting Officer
    (937) 713-9967
    james.dinwoody@us.af.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is issuing Broad Agency Announcement FA8650-17-S-1006 for the Spectrum Warfare Enduring Challenges research, soliciting white papers until February 28, 2025. This two-step process includes an initial phase for white paper submission, after which selected authors may be invited to submit detailed proposals. The total estimated program budget is $20,640,000, with potential awards ranging from $100,000 to $5,000,000, dependent on the quality of submissions and funding availability.
    The document details Amendment 01 to the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8650-17-S-1006 regarding Spectrum Warfare Enduring Challenges (SWEC), with the NAICS Code 541712. It updates the contracting points of contact to Matthew Mayles and Kate M. Compton, replacing Trisha Buddelmeyer and Shayla Wray. The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Sensors Directorate is managing this acquisition.
    This document announces Amendment 02 to the 2-Step OPEN Broad Agency Announcement FA8650-17-S-1006 for the Spectrum Warfare Enduring Challenges (SWEC) initiative, which falls under NAICS Code 541712 for research and development. The contracting points of contact have been updated to include Lindsey Rasmussen as the new Contract Specialist, while Kate M. Compton remains the Contracting Officer. The small business size standard for this acquisition is set at 1,000 employees.
    This document outlines the supplemental instructions for submitting assistance instrument proposals, including mandatory forms such as SF 424 and required certifications. It details the registration process for Grants.gov, which includes obtaining a DUNS number, registering with SAM, and creating a Grants.gov account. Lastly, it emphasizes timely submission of applications and the importance of receiving a confirmation from Grants.gov to ensure applications are considered for funding.
    The Air Force Research Laboratory is issuing an amendment to a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Spectrum Warfare Enduring Challenges," with a total program value of approximately $20.6 million, inviting white papers until February 28, 2021. This two-step solicitation process involves the submission of white papers followed by proposals for those selected, with the emphasis on developing innovative defense technologies to counter evolving global threats. Eligible offerors, including small businesses, may submit multiple white papers, and all submissions are subject to specific formatting, evaluation criteria, and security regulations.
    The document outlines contract FA8650-17-C-OPEN, issued by AFRL with a rated order under the Defense Production Act, detailing terms for conducting research and deliverables related to software and hardware. It includes sections on contract administration, invoicing procedures, payment methods, and cyber incident reporting protocols, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding sensitive information. The estimated costs for the project remain listed as "To Be Determined" (TBD), with various attachments outlining specific requirements and clauses.
    This document details various federal and defense solicitation provisions relevant to the acquisition process, including compliance requirements for veterans' employment and safeguarding defense information. It specifies the representations and certifications necessary for offerors, outlines criteria such as size standards for small businesses, and delineates details regarding delinquent tax liabilities, responsibilities, and cost accounting standards. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of accurate disclosures related to ownership, control, and any legal proceedings involving the offeror or its principals.
    The "Proposal Adequacy Checklist" outlines the required components for offerors to complete when submitting proposals, as per FAR guidelines. Offerors must provide specific information about their proposals, including cost estimates, compliance notifications, and details about subcontractors, while the checklist also allows the use of similar forms by subcontractors. This document is crucial for ensuring that proposals meet standards for completeness and adequacy before submission.
    The document outlines the security classification specifications for a Department of Defense contract focused on aircrew and aircraft protection, requiring a facility clearance of Secret. It specifies handling and safeguarding requirements for classified information and emphasizes that all contract-related information must not be publicly disseminated without appropriate government approval. The security classification guidance aligns with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual and includes contact information for program and security management.
    The document is a Contract Data Requirements List detailing various data items to be submitted by the contractor under contract number FA8650-17-C. It includes specifications for scientific and technical reports, funds and man-hour expenditure reports, contract funds status reports, and presentation materials, outlining submission formats, timelines, and distribution guidelines, as well as compliance with government regulations. Additionally, it addresses security requirements for electronic submissions and clarifies the preparation and review process for the final reports.
    The Spectrum Warfare Enduring Challenges (SWEC) Statement of Objectives outlines the U.S. Department of Defense's strategy to enhance aircrew and aircraft protection and defeat integrated air defenses (IADS) through advanced research and development in sensing, electronic warfare, and cyber operations. The initiative focuses on developing innovative capabilities to address emerging threats in contested environments while improving mission assurance and resilience against cyber and physical attacks. Key tasks include enhancing threat awareness, advanced modeling, and simulation, as well as exploring non-kinetic methods for degrading adversary defenses.
    The Spectrum Warfare Enduring Challenges (SWEC) Statement of Objectives outlines the U.S. Department of Defense's research priorities aimed at enhancing aircrew and aircraft protection while defeating Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS). The document emphasizes the need for advanced sensing capabilities and electronic warfare technologies to operate effectively in contested environments, countering threats from both aerial and ground-based systems. The SWEC seeks to balance urgent operational demands with long-term research initiatives to maintain military superiority amidst the proliferation of advanced technologies.
    The document outlines specific requirements for compliance with DFARS regarding the disclosure of information, the qualifications of key contractor personnel, and packaging and handling instructions for contract deliverables. It also details base support provisions, stipulating that contractors are responsible for managing safety and health programs and maintaining compliance with access requirements for non-U.S. citizens. Additionally, it establishes obligations for reporting inventions and patent rights management throughout the contract's execution.
    The Notice of Contract Action (NOCA) for the Spectrum Warfare Enduring Challenges (SWEC) outlines an upcoming Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) aimed at addressing the evolving needs of the U.S. Department of Defense in the realm of spectrum warfare, with a focus on protecting aircrews and defeating integrated air defense systems. An estimated budget of $23,220,000 will fund research and development in advanced sensing and countermeasures technologies, although no proposals are currently being accepted. The anticipated BAA is expected to be released in January 2017, and details will be available at www.fbo.gov.
    Lifecycle
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    Presolicitation
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