Multi-Spectral Sensing Technologies Research and Development (MUSTER)
ID: FA8650-21-S-1180Type: Solicitation
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

    Solicitation DEPT OF DEFENSE Multi-Spectral Sensing Technologies Research and Development (MUSTER) is seeking innovative research proposals in thirteen research areas. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Multispectral Sensing and Detection Division conducts basic and applied research, advanced technology development, and test and evaluation to meet U.S. Air Force aerospace electro-optical and radio frequency sensor needs. The research aims to develop advanced RF and EO sensors for offensive, defensive, and integrated offensive/defensive systems, ensuring persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for America's air and space forces.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The document provides comprehensive instructions for submitting assistance instrument proposals, including the requirement for SF 424 (R&R) forms, demographic data collection for compliance with Title IX, and information necessary for key personnel involved in defense research. It emphasizes the importance of registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) and accessing Grants.gov for grant applications, outlining the step-by-step registration and submission processes, including the need for a DUNS number and electronic signatures. It also details the penalties for incomplete submissions and provides resources for applicant support and application tracking.
    The "Statement of Objectives" outlines the Air Force Research Laboratory's focus on advancing multi-spectral sensing technologies across various domains, including passive radio frequency and laser radar systems, to enhance global persistent awareness and resilience in contested environments. It emphasizes the need for innovative research approaches across 13 key areas, targeting the development of advanced sensor technologies, integration of diverse data, and operational advancements in electronic warfare, surveillance, and communication. Additionally, the document mandates adherence to operations security (OPSEC) and program protection plans to safeguard critical program information throughout the contract lifecycle.
    The Statement of Work (SOW) outlines supplemental requirements for contractor compliance regarding the disclosure of information, key personnel qualifications, packaging, base support, patent rights, and access for non-U.S. citizens. Key responsibilities include notifying the Contracting Officer of personnel changes, providing reports on inventions, and adhering to established packaging instructions for sensitive materials. Additional provisions cover the compliance with small business subcontracting plans and Science and Technology Protection requirements, requiring coordination with the Government for personnel accessing sensitive information.
    This document is an attachment related to the FA8650-21-S-1180 acquisition, detailing the form and requirements for submitting profiles of Senior/Key personnel involved in research projects. It includes fields for personal information, professional roles, and educational background, along with instructions for attaching necessary documents. The expiration date for the form is indicated as December 31, 2022.
    This document outlines the solicitation for a contract (FA8650-21-R-1180) involving research and development in Multi-Spectral Sensing Technologies by the U.S. Air Force, specifying contract clauses, pricing structures, and delivery requirements. It also details the responsibilities of the contractor regarding data delivery, including software and hardware provision, compliance with safety and security measures, and the implications of tax liabilities. Notices encompass various federal acquisition regulations pertinent to the solicitation, emphasizing the significance of compliance with cybersecurity and ethical standards throughout the contract’s lifecycle.
    The "Proposal Adequacy Checklist" outlines the required elements for a complete proposal submission according to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). It includes a comprehensive set of questions and references to specific FAR sections that offerors must address, such as the inclusion of cost or pricing data, explanations for missing items, and summaries of costs by category. This checklist serves as a tool for evaluating the sufficiency of proposals and ensuring compliance with government procurement regulations.
    The document outlines the security classification requirements for a Department of Defense contract related to the Air Force Research Laboratory's efforts in multispectral sensing and detection, requiring a facility and safeguarding clearance at the SECRET level. It details the contractor's need for access to various classified information types and stipulates that any public release of contract information must be approved by the appropriate U.S. Government authority. Additionally, it identifies primary contacts for security oversight and emphasizes compliance with established security protocols throughout the contract's duration.
    The document outlines data item requirements for the contract EA8650-21-S-1180, specifying the necessary reports, submission guidelines, and distribution restrictions such as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) labeling and export control compliance. Various reports are mandated, including Scientific and Technical Reports and financial status updates, with specific formatting and encryption instructions for electronic submissions. Additionally, it details submission timelines and distribution statements, emphasizing compliance with established guidelines and the importance of proper data handling and marking.
    The document provides a detailed guide from the Air Force Research Laboratory on how to format technical reports according to the ANSI/NISO standards. It outlines essential components such as front matter, body sections, and back matter, including specific requirements for each part like cover pages, tables of contents, and referencing styles. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of compliance with export control regulations and includes guidelines for managing proprietary information within the reports.
    The document outlines payment instructions for contract FA8650-21-S-1180, detailing various payment types, including cost vouchers, invoices, and progress payments. It specifies methods for fund allocation based on line items, fiscal years, and contract terms such as utilizing unliquidated funds or oldest funds for multiple ACRNs. Additionally, it highlights that contracting officers must approve specific payment amounts and accounts charged as per regulatory guidelines.
    This document outlines the reporting requirements for a specific project (FA8650-21-S-1180 Attachment #9), providing instructions on how to complete various sections of the SF 298 form, which is used in the Department of Defense for reporting purposes. It includes details on the types of information required, such as report dates, performing organization details, sponsor agency names, and distribution statements, while clarifying the non-penalization clause for non-compliance without a valid OMB control number. The report also addresses information management procedures to ensure proper data collection and reporting accuracy.
    The 2-Step Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory invites white papers related to the development of Multi-Spectral Sensing Technologies, with proposals for research areas covering advanced radio frequency and electro-optical systems. The framework allows for the submission of white papers until May 20, 2026, followed by proposal submissions for selected white papers, facilitating a streamlined acquisition process to save costs for both industry and the government. Awards could total $250 million, with multiple contract types available, and an emphasis on small business participation is noted.
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