TACTICAL Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)
ID: FA9451-24-S-0001Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA9451 AFRL RDKKIRTLAND AFB, NM, 87117, USA

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEFENSE-RELATED ACTIVITIES; APPLIED RESEARCH (AC32)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA9451-24-S-0001 for innovative research in directed energy technologies over a five-year period. This BAA invites proposals focused on various technical areas, including laser technologies, high power electromagnetics, and artificial intelligence for space domain awareness, aimed at enhancing national defense capabilities. The anticipated funding for this initiative is approximately $499 million, with proposals accepted through specific calls issued via the System for Award Management (SAM). Interested parties should monitor SAM for updates and are encouraged to submit proposals in accordance with the outlined guidelines, with the first call for Executive Summaries due by January 31, 2024. For further inquiries, contact Daniel Jones or Bill Sherrod at AFRL via email at AFRL.RDLB.TACTICALBAA@us.af.mil.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
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    The AFRL Standard ROM Cost Proposal outlines the format for submitting cost proposals, detailing various cost categories such as Direct Labor, Indirect Costs, and Profit/Fee rates over a five-year period. It emphasizes the need for proposers to fill in applicable costs in designated areas and provides examples of Other Direct Costs. The document serves as a tool for the government to analyze proposed costs efficiently and expedite the negotiation process if proposals are selected for award.
    The "AFRL Standard ROM Cost Proposal" is a structured document designed to facilitate the rapid analysis of proposed costs related to a government solicitation. The purpose of this proposal is to assist the government in expediting the negotiation and award process for potentially selected projects. The cost proposal outlines various cost categories, including Direct Labor, Subcontracts, Materials/Supplies/Equipment, Other Direct Costs (ODCs), Indirect Costs, and Profit/Fee, organized over five fiscal years (FY1 to FY5). Proposers are instructed to enter applicable costs and rates in designated white boxes and are provided examples of ODCs such as travel fees or shipping costs. The form emphasizes the need for overhead rates and profit/fee calculations to be based on defined cost bases. Overall, this document serves as a comprehensive tool for collecting and analyzing cost-related information swiftly, ensuring transparency and efficiency in federally funded projects while adhering to guidelines for proposal submission and evaluation.
    The document outlines the requirements for preparing cost proposals for government contracts, emphasizing the need for thorough supporting data, adherence to regulations, and the use of provided spreadsheets for task-specific cost breakdowns across various phases. Proposals must include detailed explanations of costs, including direct labor, overhead, subcontractor expenses, and other direct costs, along with necessary documentation like quotes or agreements, to demonstrate cost reasonableness and allowability. Additionally, it addresses compliance with federal acquisition regulations regarding profit and subcontractor cost analysis, ensuring transparency and accountability in the proposal submission process.
    The document outlines requirements for submitting cost proposals in response to federal government RFPs, focusing on necessary cost documentation and compliance. It emphasizes that proposals must provide comprehensive supporting data for costs to assist government personnel in evaluating submissions, with specific guidelines to ensure reasonableness and accuracy. Proposers must complete detailed worksheets to outline costs across various categories, such as direct labor, overhead, subcontractors, and consultants. Each cost must be aligned to predefined labor categories and should account for general and administrative expenses. The document also highlights the importance of no unpriced options being accepted and stresses that incomplete proposals may be excluded from consideration. Proposals should delineate the fiscal year structures, ensuring clarity in proposed costs over multiple years. Overall, this guidance is designed to facilitate rapid analysis and efficient negotiation processes for contractors seeking government engagement, showcasing the government’s insistence on detailed and transparent financial proposals as part of its procurement methodology.
    The document encountered indicates a requirement for Adobe Reader 8 or higher for proper viewing. It suggests that the user may lack the necessary software or that their current setup is not configured to support Adobe Reader functionalities. The text directs users to an external Adobe webpage for assistance with installation and configuration of Adobe Reader, emphasizing the significance of correct software capability for accessing the document's contents. There are no details, key ideas, or structure present within the actual content of the RFPs or grants, limiting the information provided to a technical requirement and support guidance. This underscores the importance of ensuring proper software and tools are in place for government-related documents to facilitate accessibility and compliance during the RFP and grant processes.
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    The Security Program Questionnaire aims to assess the security practices of institutions receiving research funding. Intended for completion by contractors or recipients, this document is reviewed by the Science & Technology (S&T) Protection Lead. It includes a series of questions designed to evaluate the physical and information security plans, data storage methods, transportation protocols, information disposal processes, reproduction safeguards, and personnel access controls. Additionally, it addresses cybersecurity measures, operational security to safeguard sensitive information, insider threat mitigation strategies, and emergency response protocols in case of information compromise. The questionnaire also inquires about the contractor’s willingness to provide annual S&T Protection training for relevant personnel. Overall, the purpose is to ensure that grant recipients maintain robust security measures that protect both the integrity of the research and sensitive government information, which is crucial for compliance with federal regulations and grant requirements.
    The Security Program Questionnaire is designed to evaluate the security measures and practices of institutions receiving research funding, focusing on physical and information security, data storage, transmission, destruction, and access safeguards. It requires detailed responses from contractors/recipients regarding their security protocols and readiness to provide training on S&T Protection. The information gathered is reviewed by the S&T Protection Lead to assess compliance and identify potential security vulnerabilities.
    The Department of the Air Force's Air Force Research Laboratory has released an Executive Summary for the Tactical Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA9451-24-S-0001, focusing on identifying and selecting groups for agile war-winning capabilities. The review process evaluates proposals based on eight technical factors, including alignment with the topic area, past experience, and the availability of qualified personnel and facilities. Each factor is scored from 0 to 3 points, with a minimum total score of 18 required for selection. Factors assessed include the offeror’s technical qualifications, relevant work experience, team composition, access to necessary facilities, and partnership capabilities. Additionally, the quality of the Executive Summary and the offeror's commitment to a swift proposal submission and negotiation timeline are critical. This systematic assessment helps ensure that only technically qualified offerors gain access to the Topic Area Group, thereby strengthening the Air Force's capability to develop and support innovative solutions for operational effectiveness.
    The Executive Summary submitted under the FA9451-24-S-0001 TACTICAL BAA was thoroughly reviewed against eight technical factors, necessitating a minimum score of 18 points for inclusion in the Topic Area Group. Unfortunately, the submission received a total score of 0 points, indicating disqualification due to not meeting any of the technical qualifications. The review was completed by multiple technical personnel and required approvals from designated officials within the Air Force Research Laboratory.
    The U.S. Air Force's Tactical Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA9451-24-S-0001 briefing provides an overview of funding opportunities for innovative research and development related to directed energy technologies. Key elements include the structure of awards, eligible entities, evaluation criteria, and the submission process for proposals, emphasizing a streamlined approach for FAR-based awards. Offerors are encouraged to monitor SAM.gov for updates and specific solicitation announcements.
    The Tactical Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA9451-24-S-0001 details funding opportunities through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for innovative research in directed energy technologies. The BAA aims to stimulate public purpose research, supporting the development and commercialization of small businesses and enhancing technological knowledge. Key components include a streamlined evaluation process and multiple solicitation mechanisms, such as closed call announcements and Topic Area Groups (TAGs). The TACTICAL BAA encompasses 14 defined topic areas, including laser technologies, high power electromagnetics, and AI for space awareness, which are critical for advancing military capabilities. Applicants must submit white papers or proposals within specified formats, evaluated on technical merit, relevance to AFRL programs, and overall cost. The process emphasizes a peer review approach to ensure quality outcomes, with a focus on innovative and feasible research efforts. Regular updates and communication are encouraged through the designated platforms, ensuring participants stay informed of changes and opportunities. This framework fosters collaboration between government entities and small businesses, supporting defense innovation through comprehensive research initiatives.
    The document lists the Selected/Technically Qualified Tactical Topic Area Group (TAG) Members as of March 28, 2024, organized by various topic areas related to laser technologies and high-power electromagnetic systems. There are a total of 14 topic areas, including Laser Sources, Laser Vulnerability Assessments, and Artificial Intelligence for Space Domain Awareness. Each topic area features companies with unique CAGE codes, such as Ball Aerospace, Boeing, Raytheon, and Lockheed Martin, indicating their roles in these sectors. This compilation serves to identify qualified vendors for government contracts in laser and electromagnetic technologies, illustrating the government’s structured approach to engaging with industry partners through requests for proposals (RFPs) and grants. The focus on diverse areas reveals the government’s commitment to advancing its capabilities in defense technologies and ensuring that specialized knowledge is harnessed for national security. The document operates within the context of federal and state RFPs, emphasizing the collaboration between the government and the private sector in technological development.
    The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has issued BAA FA9451-24-S-0001, a five-year announcement inviting proposals for research into directed energy technologies, with focused areas including laser systems, modeling, simulation, and performance assessments. The BAA is intended for unrestricted competition, with proposals due as specified in individual Calls posted on SAM.gov. Anticipated funding totals $499 million across five years, and submissions must align with strict security and regulatory requirements, including registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).
    The Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA9451-24-S-0001, issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory, Directed Energy Directorate, outlines a five-year program focused on advancing directed energy technologies, primarily laser systems. This unrestricted solicitation invites proposals through Calls that will be published periodically, emphasizing innovative solutions that enhance national defense capabilities across various specified topic areas. The program anticipates a total funding of approximately $499 million over five fiscal years, with proposal submission details varying by Call, and all interested parties encouraged to monitor SAM for updates and announcements.
    The Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA9451-24-S-0001 by the Air Force Research Laboratory's Directed Energy Directorate seeks proposals over a five-year period for research and development in directed energy technologies. The announcement encourages innovative solutions across various technical topics, including laser technologies, beam control, system integration, modeling and simulation, and vulnerability assessments. Proposals should focus on cost-effective enhancements for national defense capabilities and will be accepted through specific calls issued via the System for Award Management (SAM). The BAA outlines strict due dates for proposal submissions, emphasizes the need for compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and specifies expected funding of approximately $499 million across five fiscal years. Award types may vary, including Cost-Plus and Firm Fixed Price contracts, all subject to registration in SAM. Participants are advised to monitor SAM for updates and amendments. The announcement aims to foster competition and partnerships in advancing critical directed energy technologies for military application while ensuring adherence to security and export control regulations.
    The Tactical Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is a solicitation method designed to inspire innovative research and development (R&D) solutions for the U.S. Air Force. It encourages participation from scientific and technological firms and educational institutions by allowing for a wide range of creative proposals. BAAs can adopt various submission processes such as one-step, two-step, open, and closed calls, each tailored to accommodate different proposal volumes and timelines. Key processes include the preparation of executive summaries, white papers, and full proposals, each with specific formatting instructions and submission guidelines. Proposals are evaluated based on criteria like technical merit, relevance to Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) programs, and cost-effectiveness. The evaluation process employs peer or scientific reviews to assess the merit of the proposals and to determine funding eligibility. The BAA also outlines communication protocols, submission timelines, and the award notification process, emphasizing adherence to procedural standards to ensure fairness and transparency. This framework not only aims to fulfill technical objectives but also to foster a competitive and equitable environment for various stakeholders involved in governmental R&D efforts.
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