BAA-INTENT TO ESTABLISH GOVERNMENT-UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP(S) IN RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

As contracting agent for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition (ASN(RD&A)), the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) is soliciting proposals from universities with graduate schools of business and economics to put in place one or more long term partnership(s) which will collaborate on and support a broad range of educational and research projects related to improving the knowledge and skills of the acquisition workforce within the Department of Navy (DoN). The specific purpose is to develop a cadre of acquisition and requirements professionals with a better understanding of their industry counterparts' business strategies, motivations, risks, and cost structures. These projects and/or educational opportunities may be pursued either at the university's facilities or at Government facilities, depending on the particular project needs. 2. BACKGROUND In late 2007, the Secretary of the Navy recognized the asymmetric business relationship between Government and Industry: military officers and civil servants typically have a very limited understanding of industry's internal operations, while nearly all Government activities are transparent to industry. As a former defense industry executive, the Secretary stated that too few in Government know how to assess the validity of what you are told by your industry counterparts and how to analyze the attendant risks. This knowledge gap can directly impact the Government's ability to effectively plan, negotiate, and execute prime contracts. The DoN Acquisition Executive, ASN(RD&A), and the major acquisition system commands for Aviation (NAVAIR), Shipbuilding (NAVSEA), and Space and Information Technology (SPAWAR), have formed a department-wide community of practice with the objective of improving the institutional knowledge of and insight into DoN's contractors. Teaming with academia is central to the DoN's efforts to bring about a more informed buying community on behalf of the warfighter and the taxpayer. 3. SCOPE The basic mission of DoN Acquisition Workforce education programs is to align military officer and civilian professional development with the stated requirements of their current and future assignments, such as Major Program Manager, Deputy Program Manager, Requirements Officer, Contracting Officer, Cost/Pricing Analyst, etc. The Government-University Partnership(s) will focus on a variety of educational and research activities that are relevant, current, and consistent. These projects will serve to improve critical thinking, knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for optimum functioning at the assigned level of responsibility. 4. AREAS OF INTEREST The project elements of the Government-University Partnership(s) may cover areas such as research and analysis of defense contractor financial condition; research and analysis of defense contractor cost structure; educating the DoN acquisition workforce in methodologies and practices associated with corporate finance, business planning, business decision making, financial accounting, and cost accounting. Specific project task areas may include but are not limited to: 4.1 Executive Seminar - Hosted by the university at their facilities, this 5-day educational program is sponsored by ASN(RD&A) for the purpose of increasing the attendees' understanding of industry's mindset, financial metrics, business decision-making processes, and management priorities and incentives. The seminar features instruction from university faculty familiar with Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition programs and practices, and recently experienced in executive education of senior DoD leadership. Other speakers may include civilian experts from DoN System Commands, Wall Street analysts, current staff members of Congress, current and past leaders in DoN and DoD, and retired industry executives. Approximately 40 seminar attendees are drawn from across the DoN, primarily O-6/GS-15 major program managers, O-7/SES program executive officers, and key staff members. A large majority of the attendees work in the vicinity of Washington, DC and Norfolk, VA. The seminar is held semi-annually. 4.2 Short Courses - Abridged forums conducted at various Government sites across the country or at university facilities, these 3-day educational programs feature speakers such as university professors, civilian experts from DoN System Commands, and current leaders at DoN System Commands. Attendees are drawn from individual System Commands, primarily O-4/5/6 officers and GS-14/15 civilians involved in program management, requirements generation, contracting, cost/pricing analysis, etc. Specific course content will be tailored to the needs of resident program offices at individual System Commands. The purpose of these courses is to increase the attendees' understanding of industry's mindset, financial metrics, business decision-making processes, and management priorities and incentives. The courses are also intended to address unique topics and issues in specific industry sectors; e.g., shipbuilding, helicopters, cyber security, etc. For costing purposes, offerors should assume 25 Government attendees per Short Course. The number of nationwide locales may range from 1 to 6, and at each locale, the course may be held between 1 and 4 times a year. 4.3 Deep Dive Analysis - Workshops conducted at Government sites across the country or at university facilities, these research, and educational activities provide participants with the knowledge and skills to better understand counterparties in the negotiation and execution of specific contracts. The workshop elements may include corporate/sector-level financial target allocation, return on investment, make/buy decisions, cash flow modeling, quarterly performance timing considerations, local economic factors, and scenario analysis. With a nominal duration of 3 days, these analytical workshops will be tailored to the needs of resident program offices at individual System Commands. Attendees are drawn from individual System Commands, primarily program managers, program executive officers, procurement officers, and others directly involved in planning, negotiating, and executing contracts. For costing purposes, offerors should assume 15 Government attendees per Deep Dive Analysis Workshop. They may be conducted at various Government sites across the country or at university facilities. 4.4 Cost Structure Analysis - These project tasks may involve a variety of research and educational activities with the purpose of providing the DoN with the knowledge and skills to better understand how defense contractors allocate direct and indirect costs, and why they make certain decisions regarding rates. The project tasks may entail multi-day workshops, or may involve the delivery of analytical investigations, or combinations thereof. Subjects of particular interest are: FAR/DFARS compliance requirements; the harmonization of cost accounting standards (CAS) and financial accounting standards (FAS); the strategic business aspects of indirect cost allocations (overhead, G&A) across corporate sectors, business units and operating sites; indirect cost drivers (pension, healthcare, inflation); compensation impacts on direct and indirect rates; and business-base modeling. Workshop attendees are drawn from individual System Commands and possibly from other DoD agencies and/or federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), and are primarily cost/pricing analysts, contracting officers, and others involved in planning, negotiating, and executing contracts. For costing purposes, offerors should assume 10 Government attendees per Cost Structure Analysis Workshop. They may be conducted at various Government sites across the country or at university facilities. 5. CONTRACT/AGREEMENT TYPE NAWCAD is willing to consider various types of acquisition vehicles including, but not limited to, traditional FAR/DFARS type contracts or other non-procurement agreements. Final decision(s) on acquisition type (contract/agreement) will be made by the Government. Note: Typically, research and educational activities result in the need for additional services/supplies, which are not possible to anticipate or project. Contract modifications may be executed to satisfy these requirements; thereby providing for flexibility. In the event that this is required, it shall be considered to be within the scope of this BAA and the resulting contract, and therefore will have met the requirements of the FAR/DFARS and the Competition in Contracting Act. 6. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION No request for proposal (RFP), solicitation, or other announcement of this opportunity will be made. Initial proposal abstracts are requested within 45 days from the initial date of publication of this BAA in the FEDBIZOPPS. Proposals may be submitted at any time up to one (1) year from the original posting date of this BAA in FEDBIZOPPS. Offerors are instructed to submit Proposals only for research and educational activities within the areas of interest listed under Paragraph 4. Offerors may choose to submit Proposals for all or a portion of the areas of interest under Paragraph 4. The Government will not respond to requests for oral discussions of potential research or educational offerings. Proposals are to be submitted in two (2) phases. 6.1 PHASE I - PROPOSAL ABSTRACTS Submit a Proposal Abstract, not to exceed fifteen (15) pages, any time during the above stated open period. Proposal Abstracts must be submitted via e-mail. Offerors are hereby notified that non-Government participants may have access to the offeror's proposals, and that submission of an offer shall constitute consent to the disclosure of all information to all non-Government participants in the source selection, if any. The non-Government participants are employees of commercial firms under contract to the Government, and if they serve as technical advisors, they will be authorized access to only those portions of the proposal data and discussions that are necessary to enable them to provide specific technical advice on specialized matters or on particular problems. Abstracts shall identify the following: a) BAA Number; b) Organization Name; c) Other team members and type of business for each; d) Technical points of contact (including phone, fax, and e-mail information); e) Administrative point of contact; f) Overview of the Proposed Work to include: A summary of proposed educational and research activities, a brief description of the approach to be taken for the project elements and tasks under Paragraph 4 including pertinent datasets, methods and analytical models, a brief description of the facilities involved, and a brief resume of the principle investigator(s) and/or faculty member(s); g) Overview of Relevant Experience to include: A summary of previous and ongoing activities similar to the project elements and tasks under Paragraph 4, and a summary of other relevant executive development programs within the university's graduate schools of business and economics are required. h) A rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost with type of acquisition vehicle (i.e., contract/ agreement) being proposed, and, if applicable, the anticipated sharing arrangement. In lieu of detailed Statements of Work, offerors are to refer to Paragraphs 4.1 through 4.4 and roughly estimate the cost, listing all assumptions that form the basis for the ROM cost. i) Email all submissions to: Deborah.Baldwin@navy.mil and Rebecca.Wathen@navy.mil (Code 2.5.1.4), Bldg 441, 21983 Bundy Road, Patuxent River, MD 20670-1463 6.1.1 Due Date Phase I Proposal Abstracts may be submitted within one (1) year from the date of publication of this BAA in the FEDBIZOPPS as stated in Paragraph 6 and its subparagraphs. 6.1.2 Important Information for Prospective Contractors Current registration in the DoD's Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database will be a prerequisite for receiving an award resulting from this BAA. For more information, please contact the CCR Assistance Center at 1-888-227-2423. 6.2 PHASE II - FULL PROPOSAL Only Offerors who's Phase I - Proposal Abstract is considered capable of meeting Program requirements will be asked to submit Phase II - which are Full Proposals. Request for submission of a full proposal does not guarantee award selection. Proposals shall be submitted in original, with the signature of an authorizing official, with five (5) copies. The submission address will be provided in the notification to the potential awardee to submit a Phase II Proposal. Proposal submission is not restricted in any way to any particular entity. Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Minority Institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities are encouraged to participate. Submit Full Proposals in two (2) volumes as explained below. a) VOLUME I - TECHNICAL PROPOSAL, not to exceed twenty (20) pages, should include the following three (3) sections: 1) Section 1 - Executive Summary: Provide a brief description of the contents of the technical proposal. The summary should address the program's goals, approach, and expected results. 2) Section 2 - Technical Approach: Detail the objectives, practices, staffing and resources relating to the development and execution of the proposed research and educational activities; provide a Statement of Work (SOW) that discusses the specific tasks to be accomplished, tied to the proposed approach and anticipated outcomes of the program, and referencing the specific project task areas outlined in Paragraph 4; and, describe the proposed university facilities and hospitality features to accommodate the program activities. 3) Section 3 - Relevant Experience: Describe the university's experience on similar executive-level training/development efforts for the DoD, other Government agencies, or Corporations where pertinent; and, provide resumes for the key educational and research personnel who will contribute to the development and execution of the proposed activities. b) VOLUME II - COST PROPOSAL, which is not restricted in length, should include the three (3) sections described below. Formal work breakdown structures (WBS) and certified cost or pricing data are neither required nor desired, however, NAWCAD reserves the right to request this information for proposals using FAR/DFARS type contracts. 1) Section 1 - Total Cost by Project Task: This section will give a detailed breakdown of costs for tasks appearing in the Statement of Work (SOW), referencing the specific project task areas outlined in Paragraph 4. The elements of cost should be addressed (examples could be: direct labor, direct materials, hospitality, travel, other direct costs, equipment, software, patents, royalties, indirect costs, and cost of money). Sufficient information should be provided in supporting documents to allow the Government: (i) to evaluate the reasonableness of these proposed costs; and, (ii) to ascertain what are the remaining costs to the Government that are not covered by the offeror's cost proposal (examples could be: Government attendee expenses for travel, lodging, meals or incidentals; fees or expenses for non-Government invited speakers). 2) Section 2 - Scalable Cost by Project Task: The research and educational activities covered in Paragraphs 1 through 4 necessitate a procurement strategy that is flexible. Requirements such as frequency, duration, number of attendees, etc. cannot be defined with precision at the present time. Therefore the offeror will provide sufficient information regarding the basic cost categories of each proposed task so that estimates may be made by the Government for individual project tasks as requirements are varied. For proposed tasks conducted at university facilities, these cost categories should include, but not be limited to: cost of instruction/research support per day or per hour; cost of program management/administration per day; cost of meeting rooms/hospitality per day and/or per person; and, cost of onsite lodging/meals per person per day (if applicable). For proposed tasks held at Government facilities, costs per day for analogous categories should be provided. 3) Section 3 - Approved Direct and Indirect Cost Agreements: Educational institutions are requested to provide the most recently approved Direct and Indirect Cost Agreements that have been approved by the Cognizant Office of Naval Research office. The cognizant ONR office, pint of contact, phone number, and email address is also requested to be provided. 7. EVALUATION CRITERIA The Government will evaluate proposals responsive to any or all of the areas of interest discussed herein. Offerors will not be penalized for proposals that do not cover all four project task areas under Paragraph 4. The evaluation criteria are: a) Technical merits of the proposed educational and research activities, to include, the degree to which proposed objectives support the targeted areas of interest; and b) The offeror's capabilities, related and recent experience, educational and research personnel, facilities, techniques, or unique combination of these which are integral factors for achieving the proposal objectives; and c) The realism and reasonableness of cost. d) Total cost to the Government, to include cost of all university services/supplies per Paragraph 7(c) plus, if applicable, cost of the time and expense for Government attendees' travel to the university, plus any local lodging, meals and incidental expenses not included in the offeror's cost proposal. 8. AWARDS NAWCAD is planning to make one or more awards within the overall objectives stated in this BAA. All awards will be based on the individual merit of the proposal. The Government reserves the right to select all, some, or none of the proposals received in response to this announcement. Any awards are subject to the availability of appropriations. There is no commitment by the Navy to be responsible for any monies expended by the offeror before award of a contract/agreement. For awards made as contracts, the socio-economic merits of each proposal will be evaluated based on the commitment to provide meaningful subcontracting opportunities with small business, small disadvantaged business, woman-owned small business concerns, and HBCU/MIs. If a full cost proposal is requested by the contracting officer, and the total exceeds $650,000, any large business is required to include a Small, Small Disadvantaged, and Women-Owned Subcontracting Plan with its proposal package in accordance with the FAR. Contracting Office Address: 21983 Bundy Rd, Bldg 441 Patuxent River, Maryland 20670 United States