CHEERS MAA Open Period 2 - All Technical Areas, 10 U.S.C. 4023 - Procurement for Experimental Purposes (ARA)
ID: FA238424S2335Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA2384 USAF AFMC AFRL PZL AFRL RAKHWRIGHT PATTERSON AFB, OH, 45433-7541, USA

NAICS

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

PSC

GENERAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY R&D SVCS; GENERAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT (AJ13)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Research Laboratory, is soliciting white papers for the "Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring, and Sustaining (CHEERS)" initiative under solicitation FA2384-24-S-2335. This opportunity invites research proposals in all technical areas related to human effectiveness, specifically for experimental purposes as authorized by 10 U.S.C. 4023, with a total funding amount not to exceed $499.87 million and multiple awards anticipated. The solicitation is open until September 30, 2027, allowing for unlimited submissions of unique white papers, each limited to five pages, with proposals to be requested from selected offerors later. Interested parties can reach out to Amber Taylor at amber.taylor.9@us.af.mil or Ashlee Green at ashlee.green.1@us.af.mil for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    This government file, Amendment 01 to FA2384-24-S-2335, outlines numerous clauses incorporated by reference and in full text, essential for contractors engaging with the Department of Defense. Key areas covered include security requirements for classified information, whistleblower rights, prohibition on fraud, and cybersecurity safeguards for defense information and cyber incident reporting. It addresses ethical conduct, supply chain risks, restrictions on foreign procurements from specific regions or entities, and compliance with labor laws regarding employee rights and anti-trafficking measures. The document also details financial aspects like prompt payment, cost accounting standards, and rules for contract modifications. Additionally, it specifies requirements for item unique identification and valuation for delivered items, emphasizing traceability and reporting. Overall, the file ensures comprehensive regulatory compliance, ethical contractor behavior, and robust security in defense-related contracts.
    This government file, FA2384-24-S-2335, outlines numerous clauses incorporated by reference and in full text for federal contracts, particularly those involving the Department of Defense. Key areas covered include contractor responsibilities related to compensation of former DoD officials, prohibitions on individuals convicted of fraud, whistleblower rights, and compliance with safeguarding covered defense information and cyber incident reporting. The document also details regulations on telecommunications equipment, cost estimating, reporting performance outside the U.S. and Canada, and restrictions on mandatory arbitration agreements. Additionally, it addresses various payment terms, prompt payment clauses, discounts, and limitations on withholding payments. Full text clauses emphasize security requirements for classified information, notification of employee rights under the National Labor Relations Act, and detailed guidelines for item unique identification and valuation, including data marking and reporting for delivered items.
    The primary objective of this procurement is to obtain a range of legal and contracting clauses for incorporation into contracts. These clauses span various topics, including security requirements, employee rights, payment terms, change order accounting, and representations and certifications. The clauses are primarily focused on ensuring compliance with federal regulations and managing contractual relationships. Numerous federal acquisition regulations (FAR) and Department of Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clauses are included, covering topics such as cybersecurity, anti-discrimination, and intellectual property rights. These clauses aim to mitigate risks, ensure contractor compliance, and safeguard sensitive information. Contractors will be responsible for incorporating these clauses into their subcontracts, ensuring a comprehensive approach to contract management and adherence to legal requirements. The clauses are applicable to a wide range of contract types, including fixed-price and cost-reimbursement contracts, and cover goods and services procurements. Key dates and evaluation criteria are not explicitly mentioned, indicating that the solicitation may be an initial request for information or a draft for future procurements. The focus is predominantly on the administrative and legal aspects of contracting, with the procurement process itself being a secondary concern.
    The Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring and Sustaining (CHEERS) initiative, under solicitation FA2384-24-S-2335, is seeking white papers for research in all technical areas related to human effectiveness. Led by the Air Force Research Laboratory, Human Effectiveness Directorate, and the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, this open-period, two-step solicitation is limited to efforts meeting 10 USC 4023 for experimental or test purposes in national defense. White papers are due by September 30, 2027, with proposals to follow for selected offerors. Multiple awards are anticipated, with a total value not exceeding $499.87M. Cost sharing is not required, and there are no limits on white paper submissions, provided each offers unique approaches. The solicitation outlines various requirements, including details on deliverables, schedule, security classification, and other considerations, with most specifics to be determined based on proposed approaches.
    The Air Force Research Laboratory, Human Effectiveness Directorate, and the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine are soliciting white papers for the "Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring, and Sustaining (CHEERS)" program (FA2384-24-S-2233). This is an open-period, two-step solicitation, accepting white papers until September 30, 2027. Only white papers are being solicited at this time, with proposals to be requested later from those deemed to meet Air Force needs. The program, authorized under 10 U.S.C. 4023 for experimental and test purposes, has an estimated total value not to exceed $499.87 million, with multiple awards anticipated. Cost sharing is not required, and there are no limits on the number of unique white papers an offeror can submit, each limited to 5 pages. This solicitation is not using FAR Part 12 for commercial items.
    The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine seek innovative solutions through a multi-step procurement process outlined in the Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring, and Sustaining (CHEERS) Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA). The primary objective is to acquire research services in various technical areas related to human effectiveness, with a focus on experimental and test purposes for national defense. In the first step, vendors will submit concise white papers outlining their unique approaches, limited to five pages each. These white papers will be reviewed, and successful candidates will be invited to submit detailed proposals. The AFRL reserves the right to negotiate and award multiple contracts, IDIQs, or purchases under specific authorities. The overall period of performance is undetermined, with individual project timelines needing clarification. The key areas of interest span from medical and aeronautical supplies to signal and energy supplies for defense purposes. Offerors should prepare to provide data items, software, and hardware, although the exact quantities and specifications are yet to be confirmed. The AFRL aims to protect proprietary data rights and may require compliance with security and export control regulations. The submission deadline for the initial white paper step is 30 September 2027, with evaluations conducted based on the uniqueness and relevance of the proposed approach. Cost sharing is not mandatory, and foreign participation is subject to specific guidelines. This procurement process allows the AFRL to explore a wide range of solutions, fostering potential contracts worth up to nearly $500 million in total.
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