REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

This is a Request for Information (RFI) to determine if capable sources exist to support the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Science, Technology, and Engineering (SAF/AQR) requirement to obtain scientific studies and related services to further the Air Force mission. The Air Force has traditionally received independent, objective advice on matters related to science and technology through the use of investigations, examinations, experiments and reports. The information sought in response to this RFI is to determine if commercial entities exist and can provide the measure of expertise, independence, objectivity, and audience acceptance necessary to meet the Air Force's program requirements related to science and technology. The Air Force seeks information on commercial entities which have the following attributes and can support the following types of studies and reports: - a) Stimulate research in the mathematical, physical, and biological sciences, and the application of these sciences to strengthen the national defense. - b) Survey the broad possibilities of science, formulate comprehensive projects of research, and develop effective means of utilizing scientific and technical resources for dealing with strategic defense issues. - c) Serve as a means of bringing American and foreign investigators into active cooperation with the scientific and technical services of the Department of Defense. - d) Direct the attention of scientific and technical investigators to the importance of military and industrial problems in connection with national defense, and aid in the solution of these problems by organizing specific research. - e) Gather and collate scientific and technical information, in the United States and abroad, in cooperation with governmental and other agencies, and to render such information available to duly accredited persons. The Air Force anticipates the potential solicitation and possibly award of an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contract for a performance period of 5 years. The contract will have two major sub-divisions (1) General Support and (2) Specific Forums. This RFI is being issued for information only and no resultant award will occur. General Support The contractor shall serve as a convening authority for the discussion of science and technology issues of importance to the Air Force and shall work with the Air Force to develop independent studies conducted by ad hoc committees. The contractor shall be capable of independently gaining access to senior Air Force leaders which include Secretary of the Air Force and Air Force Chief of Staff (CSAF). The contractor shall develop committee memberships based on a nomination process. The contractor shall form a standing committee of no less than 25 members. Each committee member shall be a Subject Matter Expert (SME) that represents industry, government, or academia that can advise the Air Force. (Note: See SME section below for the specific requirements of SME as it relates to this requirement. In coordination with the Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF), Chief of Staff of the Air Force (CSAF) and the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition) the contractor shall : Serve as a convening authority for independent discussion of major Air Force science and technology themes, strategies, and plans. In this capacity, a strict policy of non-attribution is observed to encourage the free exchange of opinions on Air Force-related science and technology strategies plans and issues. Serve as source of potential study topics identification for the Air Force involving research and development in science and technology strategies and plans applicable to the Air Force. Studies shall be performed by committees. Conduct meetings to discuss current issues of importance to the Air Force Leadership; and, as appropriate, visit major Air Force installations within the Continental United States to keep committee members abreast of Air Force requirements and problems, emerging issues, and new research and development. Ensure the dissemination of results/findings through published, peer-reviewed reports on topic investigations conducted. Reporting also includes briefings to Air Force, Department of Defense, and other Federal Government agencies. Ensure Board and staff members maintain security clearances at least at the SECRET level. Plan for at least three meetings per year to discuss themes of interest to SAF/AQR; tasks to be undertaken; receive progress reports on efforts carried out by contractor committees; review committee reports; and, as appropriate, visit major Air Force installations to keep contractor members abreast of Air Force requirements and problems, emerging issues, and new science and technology challenges. SCOPE OF GENERAL SUPPORT: The contractor will provide Air Force with the general support as described in the form of board and planning meetings. The requirements are to have board meetings twice a year. These meetings are typically 2-3 day sessions. They should be held in the Washington, DC area or at an Air Force facility within the Continental United States. The objective of the board meetings are to identify topics of interest to the Air Force, further mature and/or amend topics for future studies, and review progress of on-going studies. Planning and coordination meetings should be held before the Air Force board meeting with the CSAF, SECAF, and/or Under Secretary of the Air Force (USECAF) and include the contractor's director, Air Force sponsor (AQR) and other Air Force advisors as required. Planned study/workshop topics will be discussed along with completed studies presented. These meetings could facilitate the development of new topic areas as addressed by committee members, Major Air Command (MAJCOM) components, and other Air Force senior leaders. These sessions must be capable of handling up to TOP SECRET level discussions. Specific Forums The contractor should be able to support at least: three (3) ad-hoc consensus studies per year, four (4) workshops per year, and two (2) roundtables per year for the Air Force for the duration of the contract. SAF/AQR will work with the contractor annually in the development of topics. AQR will approve the final topic list. The contractor will provide a price proposal for each topic. Upon approval, the topics will be added to the contract as specific tasks. The scope of the studies, workshops, and roundtables are defined as: STUDY: A typical study is usually a year in duration consisting of a set of meetings to collect information followed by an independent peer type review and then formal report. Each consensus study will consist of committee meetings and shall be held at locations determined through consultation with the respective topic champions. These studies are intended to have significant impact on policy, investment strategies, and strategic needs of the AF. WORKSHOP: A typical workshop is a multiple day meeting, normally in 2-3 days sessions over 2-4 months. A specific workshop could have multiple sessions at multiple locations. The initial output of the workshop is typically a summary report. The focus of the report is to answer questions that arise during the workshop and recommend issues for further in-depth studies. The workshop should be accomplished by forming a council consisting of SMEs ROUNDTABLES: A roundtable is defined typically as a one day single session meeting. There is no formal reporting. Results of the roundtable are captured though electronic means, transcripts and briefing materials. Subject Matter Expert (SME) The committee or forum should be made up of technical experts from diverse technology, science, and industry backgrounds to advise Air Force leadership on a broad range of topics. Membership should be balanced across academia, military and industry. A committee member will be referred to as Subject Matter Expert (SME). Each SME must meet the minimum requirements of one of the three categories Academic, Military, and Industry in the SME that follow: Academic The members work or have worked as active researchers, professors, department chairs or deans. An important factor is the depth of their technical expertise and experience and reputation in their respective technical communities with publications Hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree Demonstrated expertise and experience serving on advisory boards or councils. Military The members worked as Colonel, General or Flag Officers or Civil Service equivalents who bring with them vast experience and knowledge of the Air Force or other Services contributing their operational perspectives. Advanced Degree Demonstrated expertise and experience serving on advisory boards or councils. Industry The members work or have worked as active researchers, technical division chiefs, technical vice presidents, or equivalent technical leaders Advanced Degree Demonstrated expertise and experience serving on advisory boards or councils. RESPONSE GUIDELINES & REQUIRED FORMAT Response Guidelines Interested parties are requested to submit a statement of capability outlining their understanding of the current industry capabilities as well as their own capabilities and past work that is related to this RFI. The statement of capabilities shall include: Company name, mailing address, e-mail address, telephone and facsimile (fax) numbers, website address (if applicable), and the name, telephone number, and email address of a point of contact having the authority and knowledge to clarify responses with Government representatives. Interested Parties' knowledge of and/or past relevant work experience to: - o Ability to recruit scientific experts for participation. Discuss how scientific experts and qualified scientists are selected to conduct studies. Discuss incorporation of a wide range of views to give a spectrum of scientific thought in a subject area. If studies were conducted on behalf of the government, list department and agency along with a point of contact name, number, and email address. - o Credibility, impartiality, and objectivity of studies by company. Company's capability to ensure credibility, impartiality, and objectivity in any studies that could be conducted. . In order to maintain this credibility, impartiality, and objectivity, indicate any financial interests that might relate to studies and provide an explanation of how you would mitigate any potential risk associated with those financial interests. - o Ability to cover any potential work at the TOP SECRET level and maintain security clearances of personal accessing that work. Response Format In order to better assist in the review of submittals to this RFI, respondents are encouraged to prepare a capabilities statement that closely adheres to the following format: All responses shall be unclassified. The document format shall be either Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx), or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) formats. Responses shall be prepared using 12 pt. font, 1 inch margins, and 8.5" by 11" paper. The document shall not exceed five (5) pages in length, including images, data displays, charts, graphs, and tables. Additionally, it should include five (5) resumes of prospective committee or forum members. The five (5) resumes do not count toward the page count of the document. Respondents are encouraged to ensure that their submittals are complete and address all items outlined within this RFI. Respondents may provide additional promotional literature in addition to their response as long as the literature conforms to the response format. Submissions in response to this RFI shall not exceed 5 pages and 5 additional resumes. RESPONSE DEADLINE AND POINT OF CONTACT INFORMATION Response Deadline Responses shall be provided no later than 15 business days after the posting of this announcement. Unsolicited proposals submitted in response to this RFI will not be considered or reviewed. Respondents must submit their information in electronic versions to Michelle Nwoha at michelle.nwoha@us.af.mil and justin.woodworth.2@us.af.mil in either Word or PDF format. Include in the email subject line: RFI-???. All material submitted in response to this RFI must be unclassified and properly marked. All interested parties should email their questions to the points of contact below: Primary Point of Contact: Michelle D. Nwoha Contracting Officer AFOSR/PKS Email: michelle.nwoha@us.af.mil Phone: 703-588-2163 Alternate Point of Contract: Justin Woodworth Chief, AFOSR/PKS Email: justin.woodworth.2@us.af.mil Phone: 703-696-7344 At this time, proprietary information is not being requested. Respondents wishing to submit proprietary information should specifically mark or identify any information they perceive as proprietary for which they seek added protection. To the extent that any proprietary data is submitted with the RFI responses, it will be properly protected by AFOSR. Proprietary information submitted, as part of responses to the RFI, should be clearly marked and identified as PROPRIETARY. The statement of capability shall be UNCLASSIFIED. Any information provided by industry to the Government as a result of this RFI is strictly voluntary. The Government will take into consideration the comments and suggestions provided, but will not provide any responses to any comments or suggestions submitted. Respondents to this RFI should not anticipate feedback regarding their submissions; other than acknowledgment of receipt, provided a submitter requests such an acknowledgement. This RFI does not commit the Government to enter into any contractual agreement, nor will the Government pay for information solicited hereunder. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future solicitation. The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. All submissions become the property of the Government and will not be returned.