Broad Agency Announcement for Advanced Battle Management Systems (ABMS)
ID: BAA-AFLCMC_CAIO-2020-001Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA8612 AFLCMC PZP ABMSDAYTON, OH, 45434-7104, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)
Timeline
    Description

    Special Notice DEPT OF DEFENSE DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE: The Air Force Lifecycle Management Center, Advanced Battle Management Systems (ABMS) Chief Architect Integration Office (CAIO) has released a Broad Agency Announcement for Advanced Battle Management Systems (ABMS). This announcement seeks to develop a cross-cutter portfolio of complimentary/linked projects and programs for ABMS, which is not a traditional program of record. ABMS is envisioned as an open architecture family of systems that enables capabilities via multiple integrated platforms. Its purpose is to enhance and expand capabilities by enabling any sensor to inform any shooter in any domain—land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. The announcement will remain open for 5 years until February 27, 2025, and subsequent calls will be issued to solicit proposals for specific efforts.

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    This document outlines a Multiple Award Multi-Level Security Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract designated to support the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) initiative, emphasizing various categories such as digital architecture, sensor integration, connectivity, and secure processing. The contract features a minimum order guarantee of $1,000 and a not-to-exceed contract amount of $950 million, with a base ordering period of five years and options extending for another five years. Additionally, it details the proposal process, fair opportunity considerations, and various regulations and guidelines contractors must follow regarding the execution of work and management of subcontractors.
    The document outlines a multiple award indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, FA8612-20-D-XXXX, for the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), which aims to enhance command and control capabilities across various military domains. The contract includes seven categories of service areas involving digital architecture, sensor integration, secure processing, and connectivity, among others, with a total ceiling amount of $950 million over a base period of five years and five optional one-year extensions. The Fair Opportunity Proposal Request process and criteria for awarding orders under this contract are specified, including technical evaluations and cost considerations, with an emphasis on maintaining competitive participation throughout the contract period.
    The ABMS Broad Agency Announcement FAQs clarify submission timelines, indicating that proposals can be submitted beyond set due dates to foster continuous competition. The announcements establish three Calls with distinct purposes: Call 001 for onboarding contractors, Call 002 for gathering ideas, and Call 003 for demonstrating capabilities through cooperative agreements. Additionally, contractors do not need to propose in all categories to receive an IDIQ award and can make multiple submissions as long as they adhere to the specific requirements of each Call.
    The ABMS Broad Agency Announcement provides guidance on proposal submissions, indicating that staggered due dates allow for continuous competition and that proposals can be submitted at any time. It clarifies that there will be multiple ID/IQ contracts under the ABMS Program, each with a ceiling value of $950M, and outlines the specific submission requirements and evaluation criteria for three distinct proposal calls. The announcement encourages pre-proposal communications and allows companies to submit multiple proposals within the same category, but requires each Call to be addressed according to its own instructions.
    The Air Force Lifecycle Management Center has issued Broad Agency Announcement Call 001 for proposals related to Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), with multiple amendments providing updates on contact information, evaluation criteria, and proposal guidelines. The intent of this announcement is to select contractors through a competitive process to enhance integration within JADC2, focusing on efficient data dissemination and technology solutions across military domains. As of February 10, 2022, the government is no longer accepting new proposals under this call, although future amendments may permit additional submissions.
    The Air Force Lifecycle Management Center's Architecture and Integration Directorate has issued Call 001 for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) under Broad Agency Announcement BAA-AFLCMC_CAIO-2020-0001-001-01, with several amendments detailing updates to timelines, evaluation criteria, and submission processes. Proposals are sought for innovative solutions that enhance integration into JADC2, aiming to improve operational efficiency across defense domains, with a specified submission format and evaluation based on technical approach, cost, and past experience. As of February 10, 2022, no new proposals will be accepted, and a subsequent call will be issued for future solicitations.
    The Air Force Lifecycle Management Center (AFLCMC) issued Broad Agency Announcement Call 002 for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), inviting proposals for technologies and solutions aimed at improving decision-making timelines in military operations. The document includes amendments that update contact information, proposal submission guidelines, areas of interest for proposed solutions, and evaluation criteria for concept papers and proposals submitted for the initiative. As of February 2022, no new concept papers are being accepted, signaling a shift in the submission process and focus on proposals already in process.
    The Air Force Lifecycle Management Center (AFLCMC) has issued Broad Agency Announcement Call 002 for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), with multiple amendments updating proposal submission guidelines, due dates, and areas of interest. The announcement solicits innovative solutions to improve capabilities in delivering critical information within the JADC2 framework and plans a Two-Step process for proposal evaluations. Submission guidelines include the preparation of concept papers and proposals with technical, cost, and schedule details, ensuring compliance with security requirements and NIST standards.
    The Air Force Lifecycle Management Center (AFLCMC/C3) issued Broad Agency Announcement Call 003 to solicit technologies for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) demonstrations via Cooperative Research and Development Agreements. The announcement includes several amendments for updated contact information, proposal due dates, and focused areas of interest, emphasizing innovative solutions to enhance decision-making efficiency in military operations. Concept papers must be submitted electronically and will be evaluated based on relevance, technical merit, and demonstration feasibility.
    The Air Force Lifecycle Management Center (AFLCMC/C3) has issued Broad Agency Announcement Call 003 for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), inviting industry proposals for technologies to enhance future JADC2 demonstrations at no cost through Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs). The announcement includes updates on contact information, proposal due dates, and areas of interest focused on integrated solutions for effective decision-making across multiple military domains. Concept papers should be submitted electronically and evaluated on relevance to JADC2, technical merit, and demonstration feasibility, with various amendments outlining submission guidelines and administrative information.
    The Department of the Air Force Command Control Communication for Battle Management has issued Broad Agency Announcement Call 005 to solicit proposals for innovative technologies supporting Operationally Focused Advanced Battle Management System capabilities. The announcement seeks solutions in areas such as modern networking, artificial intelligence, and cyber electromagnetic activities to enhance U.S. forces' operational capabilities against advanced threats. Submissions must follow a two-step process involving a concept paper and potential full proposal, with evaluations focusing on technical merit, affordability, and a realistic schedule.
    The "Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA) Guidance" document outlines a systematic process for assessing the maturity and associated risks of critical technologies in Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs), carried out by a Program Manager with the help of independent subject matter experts (SMEs). The TRA is required for MDAPs at Milestone (MS) B and provides essential information to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (ASD(R&E)), who evaluates whether technology risks are acceptable for progression in the acquisition process. Additionally, the document specifies roles, responsibilities, and the steps necessary for successfully conducting a TRA, including establishing a plan, collecting evidence of technology maturity, and preparing comprehensive reports to inform decision-making authorities.
    The Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA) Guidance outlines a systematic, metrics-based approach for evaluating the maturity and risk of critical technologies in Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs). Conducted by the Program Manager with an independent team of subject matter experts, the TRA is essential for informing decision-makers about technological readiness and ensuring adequate risk mitigation before advancing to subsequent acquisition phases. This document replaces earlier TRA guidelines and emphasizes the identification and assessment of critical technologies, particularly focusing on demonstrable performance in relevant environments.
    The document outlines a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between an unspecified Air Force activity and a collaborator, governed by federal technology transfer laws. It details standard terms, definitions related to inventions, disclosures, financial responsibilities, and intellectual property rights, while also specifying the responsibilities of each party in conducting research and development activities. Additionally, procedures for addressing disputes, modifications, and the handling of confidential information are comprehensively covered throughout the agreement.
    The Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) outlines the collaborative work between a specified Air Force Activity and a Collaborator, structured under federal regulations to foster technology transfer and research development. It defines key terms, rights regarding inventions, financial arrangements, and procedures for dispute resolution, ensuring mutual benefits for both parties while maintaining compliance with government regulations. The agreement covers obligations around intellectual property, technology use, and protections for confidential information, signifying a legally binding partnership aimed at achieving set objectives in accordance with the Air Force's mission.
    The Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) outlines the terms for a collaborative research effort between a specified collaborator and the United States Air Force, focusing on the transfer of materials for testing and evaluation. The agreement includes definitions, obligations regarding the use and disclosure of materials and information, intellectual property rights, and the responsibilities of both parties, including publication and indemnity clauses. The MTA is established under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act and emphasizes that both parties will bear their own costs, while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and maintaining confidentiality of material information.
    The Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) outlines the terms between a Collaborator and the United States Air Force for the transfer and evaluation of certain materials pertinent to their cooperative research efforts. It specifies definitions, limitations on the use and disclosure of materials, ownership of intellectual property rights, and conditions for publication and termination. Furthermore, the agreement establishes that both parties are independent, responsible for their own costs, and includes provisions for handling potential force majeure events.
    The USAF Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) - Material Transfer Agreement outlines the terms between a Collaborator and the Air Force for the transfer of materials and information for testing and evaluation. It specifies delivery obligations, use restrictions, intellectual property rights, and conditions for publication, while also detailing the duration and termination of the agreement. The agreement emphasizes confidentiality and the need for mutual consent for any disclosures, along with disclaimers of warranties and liabilities.
    This Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) establishes the terms between the Collaborator and the U.S. Air Force for the transfer and use of materials for research and evaluation purposes, as guided by relevant legislation and regulations. It specifies the delivery, use, and disclosure of materials and related information, retains intellectual property rights of both parties, and includes provisions for publication, termination, and dispute resolution. The agreement underscores that no warranties or indemnities are provided, and parties will maintain independent operational control.
    The Commercial Test Agreement establishes a partnership between the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and a specified customer for testing services regarding materials and equipment, ensuring no interference with Air Force missions. The customer agrees to reimburse all incurred costs and acknowledges the confidentiality of test results, while both parties maintain liability limitations and procedures for dispute resolution. The contract outlines operational responsibilities, the terms for modification or termination, and provisions related to waste disposal and public communication.
    The Commercial Test Agreement outlines the terms between the U.S. Department of the Air Force's Air Force Research Laboratory and a specified customer for conducting testing services at a fee, ensuring that such activities do not interfere with the Air Force’s primary mission. The agreement includes provisions for cost reimbursement, confidentiality of test results, and outlines responsibilities and liabilities of both parties. It also includes terms related to termination, dispute resolution, and the handling of test-related materials, asserting that U.S. federal law governs the agreement.
    The Air Force Research Laboratory Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Guide outlines the processes and regulations for engaging with industry regarding proposals related to research and development efforts. The document includes detailed sections on BAA processes, criteria for proposals, various types of assistance instruments, and guidelines for white paper and proposal preparation, emphasizing the importance of innovation and full competition in soliciting new ideas from science and technology firms and educational institutions. Key updates in Version 2.0 from March 2020 include a comprehensive rewrite focused on clarifying communication with industry and revising procedures related to the review process.
    The updated guide for the Air Force Research Laboratory's Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) outlines significant revisions to communication processes with industry, the proposal review process, and legal references, emphasizing the encouragement of innovative research through various solicitation methods. It delineates criteria for utilizing BAAs, defines key terms, and describes multiple variations in the BAA process, including one-step and two-step approaches, along with comprehensive guidelines for white paper and proposal preparation. Additionally, the document explains assistance instruments like grants and cooperative agreements, highlighting the eligibility requirements for different funding mechanisms to advance research and development initiatives.
    The Air Force's Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) is seeking information on Content Delivery Network (CDN) solutions, with proposals due August 31, 2023. The RFI addresses various technical requirements, including hardware compatibility, cyber-security measures, and integration with existing systems, while inviting both COTS and custom solutions. Interested vendors are encouraged to assess development, maintenance, and post-production costs in their responses, with clarifications provided on the involvement of both industry and commercial partners.
    The Air Force has issued a Request for Information (RFI) regarding a Content Delivery Network (CDN) as part of the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), with proposals due by August 31, 2023. The government welcomes solutions that can integrate with existing hardware and various cloud platforms, and seeks to understand both commercial and integrative capabilities from potential vendors while emphasizing the importance of network security due to mission-critical aspects. Interested parties are encouraged to respond regardless of their previous engagement with the ABMS IDIQ contract vehicle.
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