Science and Technology Fellowship Program (STFP)

SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS 1. NOTICE: This is not a solicitation but rather a Sources Sought Synopsis to determine potential sources for information and planning purposes only. A similar notice was published in March 2016 under NAICS code 541612. Based upon input received in response to that synopsis, the NAICS code has been revised as reflected below. 1.1 The purpose of this Sources Sought Synopsis is to conduct market research in support of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Science and Technology Fellowship Program (STFP), formally referred to as the Post-Doctoral Research Program (PDRP) and/or the Research Associates Program (RAP), to determine if responsible sources exist, to assist in determining if this effort can be competitive and/or a total Small Business Set-Aside. The proposed North American Industry Classification Systems (NAICS) Code is 541990, All Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, which has a corresponding Size standard of $15.0 Million. The Government will use this information to determine the best acquisition strategy for this procurement. The Government is interested in all small businesses to include 8(a), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, HUBZone, and Women-Owned small business concerns. The Government requests that interested parties respond to this notice if applicable and identify your small business status to the identified NAICS code. Additionally, please provide any anticipated teaming arrangements, along with a description of similar services offered to the Government and to commercial customers for the past three years. Any responses involving teaming agreements should delineate between the work that will be accomplished by the prime and the work accomplished by the teaming partners, including the percentage of work to be completed by each member. 2. Program Details Background The AFRL STFP provides opportunities for researchers to support the Air Force mission to enhance United States Air Force (USAF) scientific and technological research capabilities via new ideas, techniques, and approaches to problems within USAF laboratories by strengthening professional relationships between USAF researchers and the world-wide research community. The STFP allows USAF research organizations to receive a stimulus to their programs by having bright, highly motivated, PhD's ranging anywhere from recent doctoral graduates to well qualified senior researchers with recognized and established records of research productivity. 3. Capabilities The STFP will provide approximately 250 research opportunities each year for post docs and senior research associates to conduct research in USAF laboratories nationwide in critical research areas. Researchers are competitively selected by an external review board on the basis of their overall qualifications and technical proposals addressing the specific research areas defined by researchers at host AFRL laboratories. The selected participants will interact with senior laboratory scientists and engineers while performing research. Potential vendors must demonstrate detailed knowledge and experience in program administration in the following areas: 3.1 Ability to attract a broad and diverse spectrum of potential Ph.D.-level candidates who are highly qualified to conduct research of relevance to the USAF laboratories where they are placed. It also requires that the awareness of the STFP be widely disseminated among the potential candidate pool and be actively marketed. Have the capability to host and maintain website allowing for electronic nationwide advertisement to attract and select the most outstanding doctoral degree innovative post docs and senior researchers. a. Ability to maintain and sustain an on-line application process b. Ability to manage and sustain application selection process via External Board of Reviewers evaluation panels (see item 3.2) c. Ability to maintain and sustain website that promotes and markets AF laboratory research opportunities 3.2. Capability to assemble, conduct, and maintain evaluation panels (External Board of Reviewers) consisting of premiere nationally recognized experts in science, mathematics, and engineering to evaluate prospective candidate applications. External Board of Reviewers, as approved by Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), shall be recognized authorities in their field with previous research experience related to areas of interest to the Air Force. Member works or has worked within the last five years as an active researcher, professor, or department head at an accredited university, military, or industry; holds a PhD or equivalent degree; and has a depth of technical expertise and experience, reflected in publications and a respected reputation in their technical or academic community. 3.3 Capability to establish and maintain a current database of AFRL research interests and advisors at Air Force research facilities. a. Advisors will directly submit AFRL specific research topics via website. b. Interested candidates submit advisor applications via website. 3.4. Have the capability to establish and maintain an electronic financial management payment system for issuing and tracking awards, stipends (including benefits), travel costs. 3.5. Demonstrated experience in science and engineering awardee management. a. The contract will cover administrative costs of the program and also for transfer of funds (pass through funds) to the contractor to pay recipients' stipends. b. The contract will execute and maintain awards for approximately 250 researchers per year at AF laboratories. 4. Response Instructions: Interested sources are requested to provide a concise capability statement (maximum of 15 pages), to include experience that is recent (less than 5 years) and relevant to the above described functions; experience in similar programs; knowledge of appropriate means to publicize the program and recruit participants; familiarity with issues related to conduct evaluation panels consisting of nationally recognized experts in science, mathematics, and engineering to evaluated prospective candidates applications; capability to assemble and conduct evaluation panels consisting of nationally recognized experts in science, mathematics, and engineering to evaluate prospective candidate's applications; capability to advertise nationwide to attract and select the most outstanding researchers, who hold doctoral degrees; capability to provide an on-line website method of applying for the AFRL STFP. Final responses to this Sources Sought should be forwarded to the Contracting Officer, Helen Newbery, at helen.newbery@us.af.mil NLT COB 30 March 2017. The Government will evaluate each respondent's capabilities statement to determine if the respondent has the requisite experience and past performance to complete the requirements described herein. The Government does not commit to providing a response to any comment or question. No basis for a claim against the Government shall arise as a result of this notice. Points of Contacts: Ms. Helen R. Newbery, Contracting Officer, (703) 696-9560 helen.newbery@us.af.mil Ms. Alvitta Leffall, Contract Specialist, (703) 696-6200 alvitta.leffall@us.af.mil Contracting Office Address: 875 North Randolph Street Room 301 Arlington, Virginia 22203-1954