FA9453-21-S-0001-CALL011 - Intrepid

FA9453-21-S-0001 Air Force Research Laboratory/Space Vehicle Directorate ANNOUNCEMENT OVERVIEW CALL 011, Topic Area 1. Space Technology Advanced Research - Fast-tracking Innovative Software and Hardware (STAR-FISH) DATE: 24 October 2023 NAICS Code: The NAICS Code for this acquisition is 541715 for Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology), and the small business size standard is 1,000 employees. Federal Agency Name: Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate, Phillips Research Site ARA Title: Space Technology Advanced Research - Fast-tracking Innovative Software and Hardware (STAR-FISH), Announcement, procurement for experimentation of spaceflight and space-related signal, energy, and transportation technologies. ARA Number: FA9453-21-S-0001 CALL Type: Two-Step Process, initial announcement CALL Title: INTelligent-automation through Revolutionary Edge Processing for IC and Defense applications (INTREPID) CALL Number: 011 White Papers and/or Proposal Due Date and Time: The Government is requesting White Papers at this time for the Topic Area identified above. White Papers addressing any other technology area identified in the basic Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) will not be accepted at this time unless a CALL for that specific area is posted. White Papers or proposals received after the due dates and times shall be governed by the provisions of FAR 52.215- l(c)(3). It should be noted that this installation observes strict security procedures to enter the facility. These security procedures are NOT considered an interruption of normal Government processes, and white papers or proposals received after the stated date and time in the CALL as a result of security delays will be considered "late." Furthermore, if offerors utilize commercial carriers in the delivery of white papers or proposals, they may not honor time-of-day delivery guarantees on military installations. Early submission is encouraged. Brief CALL Summary: See Attachment 3, Statement of Objective (SOO) Submission: Two-Step Process First Step: The due date and time for White Papers submitted in response to this CALL is no later than (NLT) , 08 Dec 2023, 12:00 PM (Mountain Standard Time (MST). White Papers must be prepared using the provided Template, saved as a PDF and submitted via DoD Safe, (https://safe.apps.mil/) NLT 08 Dec 2023, 12:00 PM (Mountain Standard Time (MST). In order to submit the White Papers, please contact the Contracting Officer, Mr. Francis Eggert, email: francis.eggert@us.af.mil, or Ms. Heather Miller, email: heather.miller.16@spaceforce.mil, no later than three (3) workdays prior to the submission deadline to receive a DoD Safe drop-off request. A drop-off request is valid for 14 days. Offerors will receive an automated email containing the instructions for uploading the file(s). If you do not receive an automated e-mail message for your drop-off request within 3 business days, please contact the Contracting Officer. See Attachment 2 (STAR-FISH White Paper Template) for White Paper Template. No classified white paper submission will be accepted. The Template can be accessed and downloaded from the following link: https://valideval.com/star documents/ (please download a new copy of the template prior to submitting your white paper to ensure that you have the most current version). No classified white paper submissions will be accepted. Second Step: Proposal Due Date and Time - To be provided in "Requests for Proposals (RFP)" sent to offerors whose white papers are selected. Announcement Request: Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate Phillips Research Site is soliciting white papers on the research effort described in Attachment 2 Statement of Objectives pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C 4023, Procurement for Experimental Purposes. Announcement Modifications: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Announcement Overview and Full Text. Type of Contract/Instrument: The Space Force anticipates awarding Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts that will have a base period and two options "Government has the right not to exercise the option" as a result of this CALL, but also reserves the right to award the instrument best suited to the nature of research proposed. Please note, the offeror shall have an approved Accounting System in accordance with FAR 16.301-3, Limitations, and other approved Business Systems. Anticipated Number of Awards: The Air Force anticipates awarding multiple contracts. However, the Air Force does reserve the right to make one award, more than one award, or no awards pursuant to this CALL. System for Award Management (SAM) Registration: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453- 21-S-000 1, Announcement Overview. Points of Contact: Technical Manager (Primary): Dr. Andrew Pineda, AFRL/RVSV, andrew.pineda.6@spaceforce.mil Program Manager (Alternate): Dr. Jesse Mee, AFRL/RVSV,jesse.mee@spaceforce.mil Contracting Officer (Primary): Mr. Francis Eggert, francis.eggert@us.af.mil Contracting Officer/ Specialist: Heather Miller, heather.mi11er.16@spaceforce.mil ADVANCED RESEARCH ANNOUNCMENT WITH CALLS FA9453-21-S-0001 Air Force Research Laboratory/Space Vehicle Directorate FULL TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT CALL0ll NAICS Code: The NAICS Code for this acquisition is 541715 for Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology), and the small business size standard is 1,000 employees. Federal Agency Name: Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate, Phillips Research Site ARA Title: Space Technology Advanced Research - Fast-tracking Innovative Software and Hardware (STAR-FISH), Announcement, procurement for experimentation of space-flight and space-related signal, energy, and transportation technologies ARA Number: FA9453-21-S-0001 CALL Type: Two-Step Process, initial announcement CALL Title: INTeligent-automation through Revolutionary Edge Processing for IC and Defense applications (INTREPID) CALL Number: 011 White Paper and/or Proposal Due Date and Time: The Government is requesting White Papers at this time for the Topic Area identified above. White Papers addressing any other technology area identified in the basic Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) will not be accepted at this time unless a CALL for that specific area is posted. White Papers or proposals received after the due dates and times shall be governed by the provisions of FAR 52.215- l(c)(3). It should be noted that this installation observes strict security procedures to enter the facility. These security procedures are NOT considered an interruption of normal Government processes, and white papers or proposals received after the stated date and time in the CALL as a result of security delays will be considered "late." Furthermore, if offerors utilize commercial carriers in the delivery of white papers or proposals, they may not honor time-of-day delivery guarantees on military installations. Early submission is encouraged. Submission: Two-Step Process First Step: The due date and time for White Papers submitted in response to this CALL is no later than (NLT) 08 Dec 2023, 12:00 NOON (Mountain Standard Time (MST). White Papers must be prepared using the provided Template, saved as a PDF and submitted via DoD Safe, (https://safe.apps.mil/) NLT 08 Dec 2023, 12:00 NOON (Mountain Standard Time (MST). In order to submit the White Papers, please contact the Contracting Officer, Mr. Francis Eggert, email: francis.eggert@us.af.mil; or Ms. Heather Miller, email: heather.miller.16@spaceforce.mil no later than three (3) workdays prior to the submission deadline to receive a DoD Safe drop-off request. A drop-off request is valid for 14 days. Offerors will receive an automated email containing the instructions for uploading the file(s). If you do not receive an automated e-mail message for your drop-off request within 3 business days, please contact the Contracting Officer. See Attachment 2 (STAR-FISH White Paper Template) for White Paper Template. The Template can be accessed and downloaded from the following link: https://valideval.com/star documents/ (please download a new copy of the template prior to submitting your white paper to ensure that you have the most current version). No classified white paper submission will be accepted. Second Step: Proposal Due Date and Time - To be provided in "Requests for Proposals (RFP)" sent to offerors whose white papers are selected. Program Description: Statement of Objectives (SOO)/Description of Technical Areas: Scope: The scope of this effort is to develop and demonstrate a robust radiation tolerant, low power and low latency AI-enabling Compute-in-Memory-(CIM) approach to provide orders of magnitude improved onboard processing capability for future DOD and IC systems across all operational domains (space, land, air, sea). The effort shall investigate the use of emerging volatile and non-volatile memory materials, devices, and neuromorphic computing architectures. Objective: The performance objectives of this effort are to: Investigate and implement an AI-enabling CIM or near-CIM architecture and supporting technologies including software that will provide a > 1OX improvement in processing efficiency (TOPS/WATT and/or FPS/WATT) over conventional approaches, operates reliably within space environments (radiation, thermal excursion, shock and vibration) per MIL-PRF-38535 and can achieve the requirements/goals specified in Table 1 of the SOO (see attachment 3). The effort shall investigate the use of emerging volatile and non-volatile memory materials, devices, and neuromorphic computing architectures and, It shall also develop, verify, and validate algorithmic approaches to optimize the speed and efficiency of processing on applications relevant to DoD missions. Additional Technical Requirements Threshold Requirements: The contractor shall use the S/W package (e.g., algorithm set and data) provided by the government to benchmark the performance of the processor. The contractor shall include Root-of-Trust and cyber-protection capability in the design. The contractor shall investigate the implementation of the processor using a modular (IP blocks/cores and integrated packaging) approach to provide flexibility. The contractor shall utilize digital engineering and emulation infrastructure and practices to design and assess performance of proposed components and solutions. Objective Requirements: The contractor shall deliver a digital twin that is manufacturing accurate with verification and validation performed within a USG owned infrastructure. See attachment 2, Statement of Objectives "INTelligent-automation through Revolutionary Edge Processing for IC and Defense applications (INTREPID)" Areas from the ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text: Space Battle Management, Command, and Control: Enable uninterrupted delivery of tactical, operational, and strategic space services within a contested environment by providing unprecedented domain awareness; accurate and timely battle management tools; and robust command and control options. Specific areas of technology being sought include data fusion, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and related methods for rapid threat assessment and response; multi-domain (land, sea, air, and space) net-centric command and control concepts; autonomy and on-board threat assessment algorithms to enhance satellite resiliency; and integration of allied, commercial, and non-traditional capabilities. Announcement Modifications: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-000 1, Announcement Overview and Full Text. Deliverable Items: Data: DD Form 1423-CDRLs Final Report: Final Scientific and Technical Report to be delivered under each award, 3 months after the end of the technical effort. Software: Digital twin that is manufacturing accurate with verification and validation performed within a USG owned infrastructure or a system compatible with a USG owned infrastructure. Hardware: Prototype chips mounted on demonstration boards with operating system (if applicable) and development tools. Other Requirements: Program Security Classification: While it is anticipated that this effort may be performed UNCLASSIFIED, Individuals must be US Citizens and have a security classification level equal to or higher than the security requirement for the effort. Offerors may be required to have a level of safekeeping. OPSEC: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 4, paragraph b. Export Control: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 4, paragraph c. Export-Controlled Items: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 4, paragraph d. Other Information: Government Furnished Property (GFP): GFP is not anticipated on this call. However, Government Property may be provided upon written request and if required. Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 5, paragraph a. Base Support: Base Support is not anticipated on this CALL. However, Base Support may be provided upon written request and if required. Reference ARA with CALLS FA9453-21- S-0001, Full Text, Section 5, paragraph b. Available Base Facilities: Available Base Facilities are not anticipated on this CALL. However, Base Facilities may be provided upon written request and ifrequired. Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 5, paragraph c. Overseas Performance: Overseas Performance is not anticipated on this call. Data Rights Desired: Unlimited Data Rights that may be required are Government Purpose Rights. Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 5, paragraph e. Award Information Anticipated Number of awards: The Air Force anticipates awarding multiple contracts. However, the Air Force does reserve the right to make one award, more than one award, or no awards pursuant to this CALL. Anticipated Award Date: Anticipated award date around on or before the end of the 3rd QTR ofFY24. Anticipated Funding: Anticipated funding for this CALL (not per contract or award) is as follows: FY2024 $89M FY2025 $51.175M FY2026 $21.052M Total $161.227M This funding profile is an estimate only and will not be a contractual obligation for funding. Offerors should note that full funding for this effort is uncertain and may be largely affected by government fiscal year budgets that are yet to be established. The Government reserves the right to select all, part, or none of the proposals received in response to this CALL, subject to the availability of funds. All funding is subject to change due to government discretion and availability of funds. Schedule: The period of performance for individual awards (base effort plus two options) resulting from the CALL is as follows: End of Technical Effort Not to Exceed 36 Months Plus(+) 3 Months of Final Report 3 Months Total Period of Performance 39 Months Within Scope Award Modifications: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section I, paragraph 5. Points of Contact: Francis Eggert (Primary) Contracting Officer AFRL/RVKY Kirtland AFB, NM 87117 francis.eggert@us.af.mil Heather Miller (Primary) Contract Specialist/ Contracting Officer AFRL/RVKY Kirtland AFB, NM 87117 heather.miller.16@spaceforce.mil _ Technical Manager: Dr. Andrew Pineda AFRL/RVSV andrew.pineda.6@spaceforce.mil Program Manager: Dr. Jesse Mee AFRL/RVSV jesse.mee@spaceforce.mil Eligibility Information Eligible Offeror: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section II, paragraph 1. Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost Sharing or Matching is not required on this call. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section II, paragraph 3. Government Agencies: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-000 1, Section II, paragraph 4. Foreign Participation: Foreign-Owned Offerors are not authorized to propose to this CALL as prime contractor. The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. U.S. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s). Offerors are advised FNs proposed to perform may be restricted under U.S. Export Control Laws due to the nature of the technical data. The Government may also require Offerors to provide additional information to assist the Government in evaluating the FN s. Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section II, paragraph 5. Export Control: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-000 1, Section II, paragraph 6. White Paper and/or Proposal Submission Information Overview: This Announcement consists of Two-Step Process described in detail below. White papers and full proposals if requested by the Government-shall be submitted in accordance with the ARA with CALLS, FA4953-21-S-0001 and in accordance with the CALLTBD. The Government anticipates white papers and proposals will be unclassified. Due to the dynamically evolving nature of US warfighter space needs, this announcement is subject to updates, revisions, or additional topic areas. Therefore, Offerors are highly encouraged to continually monitor Contract Opportunities (https://sam.gov) to ensure they receive latest guidance to this announcement. Two-Step (White Paper and Proposal) Submission Information First Step (White Paper) Instructions: General: The FIRST STEP requests a white paper and a rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost estimate. All white papers may be kept on file for one year. An Offeror submitting a proposal without first submitting a white paper will not be eligible for an award. The cost of preparing white papers in response to this Solicitation is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting or any other contract; however, it may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect cost as specified in FAR 31.205-18. White Paper Format: White papers shall be submitted using the Adobe Template (Attachment 2 STAR-FISH White Paper Template) for White Paper Template and submit document no later than (NLT) 12:00 NOON MST, 28 Nov 2023, 08 Dec 2023. White papers that do not follow the most current version of the Template will be rejected with no further action from the Government. DO NOT deliver any classified white papers to the email address listed above. Do not submit "zipped" files. If files contain links, the links must be intact and maintained through all revisions. Files shall not be read/write/password protected (i.e., must be unlocked, non-password protected, and/or unprotected). White Paper ROM Cost: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section III, paragraph 3(d). Otherlnformation: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section Ill, paragraph 3(d). White Paper/Proposal Content Summary: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21- S-0001, Section III, paragraph 3(e). White Paper/Proposal Content Summary: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21- S-0001, Section III, paragraph 3(f). Second Step (Proposal) Instructions: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section III, paragraph 3. Review Information Evaluation Criteria: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section IV, paragraph 1. Relative Importance of Evaluation Criteria: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S- 0001, Section IV, paragraph 2. White Paper Review and Selection Process: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S- OOO1, Section IV, paragraph 3. Proposal Review and Selection Process: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S- 0001, Section IV, paragraph 4. Award Administration Information Award Notices: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section V, paragraph 1. Other Relevant Information Paragraphs 1-14: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section VI 3 ATTACHMENTS: Attachment I -STAR-FISH Announcement, FA9453-21-S-0001, Basic & Amendment 1 Attachment 2 - STAR-FISH White Paper Template Attachment 3-Statement of Objectives (SOO) V3, dated 26 Sept 2023