TACTICAL Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Directed Energy Directorate, describes research areas of interest for directed energy technologies. It outlines a five-year approach allowing for proposal submittals through "Calls" issued periodically. The BAA itself is not for proposals, but subsequent "Calls" will specify research efforts, performance periods, and funding.

The document details numerous technical topic areas for research, including:

• Laser Sources (fiber, solid-state, semiconductor, gas, etc.)
• Aero-Effects & Beam Control
• Laser System Technologies, Integration and Demonstration
• Laser System Modeling & Simulation
• Laser Interaction Testing
• Laser Interaction Modeling and Simulation (M&S)
• Laser Vulnerability Assessments
• Satellite Custody and Characterization (SCC)
• Identification (ID) and Characterization Using Alternate Electro-Optics (EO) Phenomenologies
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Autonomy for Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
• High Power Electromagnetics (HPEM) Modeling and Effects
• HPEM Sources and Components
• HPEM Applications
• Wargaming Deliverables will be described in the request for proposal letter, including DD Form 1423-1 CDRLs and a Final Report.

The government may award various contract types (Cost-Plus-Fixed Fee, Cost Contract, Firm Fixed Price). Cost-type contracts require a DCAA-approved accounting system. The estimated program cost is approximately $499M over five fiscal years (FY24-FY28), with an estimated $100M per year for the first four years and $99M for FY28. This is an estimate and not a contractual obligation.

• NO PROPOSALS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED AGAINST THIS OVERARCHING BAA. Proposal due dates and times will be specified in each Call announcement.
• Offerors MUST monitor SAM (sam.gov) for amendments and Calls.
• Annual requests for Executive Summaries for inclusion in Topic Area Groups will be issued as amendments, typically in January.
• Evaluation will be based on scientific and technical merits, importance to AFRL/RD program requirements, and fund availability.

This is an unrestricted solicitation. Offerors of all sizes are encouraged to propose. Cost sharing is not a requirement unless stated in a Call. Foreign participation is subject to foreign disclosure procedures, and contractor employees requiring access to USAF bases or AFRL facilities must be U.S. citizens (Green Card does not equate to U.S. citizenship).

• The BAA is subject to updates and revisions. Offerors are encouraged to continually monitor SAM.
• Security requirements, including potential Top Secret clearances and safeguarding capabilities, may apply depending on the award.
• Export control laws (ITAR, EAR) apply, and a Certified DD Form 2345 may be required.
• Information Technology Security requirements are detailed, including prohibitions on attaching unauthorized hardware/software and mandatory IA training.

Other / Unclassified

This document lists the Selected/Technically Qualified TACTICAL Topic Area Group (TAG) Members as of March 26, 2025. It categorizes these members across 14 different topic areas, including Laser Sources, Aero-Effects & Beam Control, Laser System Technologies, Integration and Demonstration, Laser System Modeling & Simulation, Laser Interaction Testing, Laser Interaction Modeling and Simulation (M&S), Laser Vulnerability Assessments, Satellite Custody and Characterization (SCC), Identification (ID) and Characterization Using Alternate Electro-Optics (EO), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Autonomy for Space Domain Awareness (SDA), High Power Electromagnetics (HPEM) Modeling and Effects, HPEM Sources and Components, HPEM Applications, and Wargaming.

This document is relevant to bidders as it identifies specific companies (with their CAGE codes) that have been selected or qualified within various technical topic areas. This information may be useful for understanding the landscape of potential partners, competitors, or subject matter experts within these specialized fields related to the overall opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the evaluation criteria and their respective weights for the AFRL DETER / TACTICAL / RAD – v2-0 opportunity. It details how proposals will be assessed across several key areas.

• Technical Merit - Overall Science / Technical Merit (30% weight): Assesses the problem being solved, solution/product summary, degree of innovation, risk mitigation, enabling technologies, alternative technical approaches, relevant experience, scientific feasibility, technical personnel, technical facilities & resources, appropriateness of measurement, and reasonable schedule.
• Importance / Relevance to AFRL Programs (20% weight): Evaluates solution alignment with topic areas and impact to the mission.
• Value / Cost (20% weight): Considers the reliable cost estimate and the proposed value.
• Funding Availability: Assesses the availability of funds to support the proposed project.

This document is crucial for bidders as it clearly defines the criteria and weighting used to evaluate their proposals. Understanding these factors allows bidders to tailor their proposals to directly address the government's priorities and increase their chances of selection.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the Standard Form 424 (SF-424), Application for Federal Assistance. It is used by applicants to provide information to federal agencies when applying for grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance. Bidders will need to complete this form as part of their proposal submission for opportunities requiring federal assistance applications.

• Applicant Information: Legal name, Employer/Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN/TIN), DUNS number, address, and contact information.
• Federal Agency Information: Name of the federal agency, Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number, Funding Opportunity Number, and Competition Identification Number.
• Project Details: Proposed project start and end dates, estimated funding breakdown (Federal, Applicant, State, Local, Other, Program Income), and areas affected by the project.
• Certifications and Assurances: Statements and agreements that the applicant must certify to, including compliance with federal regulations and the accuracy of the information provided.

This form is a critical component of the application process for federal grants and financial assistance. Bidders must accurately complete all required fields to ensure their application is considered. The information provided on this form directly impacts the agency's assessment of the applicant's eligibility and the proposed project's details.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a questionnaire designed to review the security program and practices of institutions receiving research funding. It is intended to be completed by the contractor or recipient and reviewed by the S&T Protection Lead.

The questionnaire covers various aspects of an organization's security posture, including:

• Physical security plans
• Information security processes
• Information storage locations
• Procedures for transmission, transportation, disposal, destruction, and reproduction of information
• Safeguards for personnel accessing information
• Plans for safeguarding Government Furnished Equipment/Information (GFE/GFI)
• Cybersecurity and network protection procedures
• Operations security processes to prevent adversary access
• Insider threat detection and mitigation processes
• Procedures for handling information compromise
• Willingness to provide AFRL S&T Protection training annually

This questionnaire is critical for bidders to understand the security requirements and expectations associated with the research funding opportunity. Completing this accurately will be a necessary step in the process for recipients of research funding. Bidders should be prepared to detail their security protocols and practices as outlined in the questions.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Privacy Act Statement" for the Air Force Research Laboratory. It outlines the authority, purpose, routine uses, and consequences of not providing information related to applications for Federal grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or other transaction agreements awarded by the Department of the Air Force.

• Authority: Lists various laws, executive orders, and memoranda governing the collection and use of information.
• Purpose: Explains that the collected information is for processing, investigating, and maintaining records relevant to research and development agreements.
• Routine Uses: Details how the information may be shared with contractors, grantees, government entities, and law enforcement.
• Effect of not providing information: States that providing information is voluntary, but non-compliance with 42 U.S. Code § 6605 can lead to rejection of applications, civil, or criminal remedies.
• Acknowledgment of Consent: Includes fields for a "Proposal Title," "Covered individual" signature and printed name, "Institution's Authorized Representative" signature and printed name, and "Institution Name."

Bidders responding to opportunities involving Federal grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or other transaction agreements with the Air Force Research Laboratory must understand the implications of this Privacy Act Statement. They will need to complete the "Acknowledgment of consent" section, providing required signatures and information, as part of their application or proposal process. Failure to comply may result in the rejection of their application.

Other / Unclassified

This document is the TACTICAL Industry User Guide for Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs). It provides detailed information for potential offerors on how to prepare and submit responses to TACTICAL BAAs. It covers various aspects of the BAA process, including:

• Introduction: Explains the purpose and criteria for using BAAs for Research and Development (R&D) efforts.
• BAA Call Variations: Describes different types of BAA processes (e.g., One-Step, Two-Step, Open, Closed, with Calls, Staggered-Closed).
• Submission Preparation: Outlines instructions for preparing and submitting Executive Summaries, White Papers, and full Proposals, including page limitations, formatting, and required content.
• Communication: Provides guidelines for communication between offerors and the Government acquisition team.
• Call Process: Details how Calls under the BAA will be announced and what information they typically contain.
• Review Information: Explains the evaluation criteria for Executive Summaries, White Papers, and Proposals, focusing on Technical Merit, Relevance to AFRL Programs, and Value/Cost.
• Award Process: Describes the notification of award decisions, negotiation process, and Science & Technology (S&T) Program Protection requirements.
• Definitions: Provides definitions for key terms used throughout the BAA process.
• Exhibits: Includes graphic depictions of common BAA call variations.

This guide is essential for any vendor interested in responding to TACTICAL BAAs. It clarifies the submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and overall process, enabling bidders to prepare compliant and competitive responses. Understanding these details is crucial for successful participation in the TACTICAL BAA process.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet designed to assist the Government in completing a rapid analysis of proposed costs for a solicitation. It serves as a template for bidders to input their cost estimates.

• Cost Categories: Includes Direct Labor, Subcontracts, Material/Supplies/Equipment (MSE), Other Direct Costs (ODCs), Indirect Costs, and Profit/Fee.
• Financial Breakdown: Requires input of rates, hours, and costs broken down by Fiscal Year (FY1-FY5) and a ROM TOTAL.
• Instructions: Bidders are instructed to enter costs and rates only in white boxes. Cost bases must be entered for overhead rates and profit/fee calculations.
• ODC Examples: Travel costs, rental fees, shipping costs, and license fees are provided as examples of Other Direct Costs.
• Currency Table: A separate sheet lists various currencies, with "YES/NO" indicators for some, potentially for currency conversion or validation purposes.

This spreadsheet is crucial for bidders to accurately estimate and present their proposed costs in a standardized format. It directly impacts proposal preparation by dictating how cost information must be structured and submitted. The "Summary" sheet is the primary area for cost input, while the "Tables" sheet may provide supporting data or validation criteria.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet template designed for proposers to submit detailed cost proposals. It provides a structured format for breaking down costs across different periods of performance (Base and Options) and by task.

• General Tab: Contains high-level instructions, proposer information (name, CAGE, proposal ID), and prompts for filling in yellow cells.
• Proposer Constants Tab: Defines business type, accounting periods, and fiscal year dates.
• Labor Rates Tab: Requires detailed hourly labor rates, fringe benefits, overhead, G&A rates, and calculates fully loaded rates.
• Indirect Rates and Profit_Fee Tab: For specifying indirect rate categories and their corresponding rates.
• Base, O-I, O-II, O-III, O-IV, O-V Tabs: Worksheets for detailing costs for the base period and up to five option periods.
• Total Amount Tab: Automatically aggregates costs from the Base and Option tabs.
• Task Tabs (Task 1, Task 2, etc.): Allows for cost breakdowns by individual tasks within the Statement of Work.
• Supporting Tabs: Includes sections for Subcontractor costs, Consultant costs, Materials/Supplies, Equipment, Travel, Other Direct Costs (ODCs), Animal-Related Costs, Human Subjects Research Costs, Expenditures by Month, and Milestones/Deliverables.

This spreadsheet is critical for any bidder needing to submit a cost proposal. It outlines the required format and detail for all cost elements, including labor, indirect costs, subcontracts, and other direct costs. Bidders must accurately complete all relevant sections, ensuring that all costs are supported and align with the technical proposal and any stated period of performance. Unpriced options will not be accepted.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Executive Summary Review form used by the Department of the Air Force, Air Force Research Laboratory, to evaluate Executive Summaries submitted under the Tactical BAA Topic Area Groups (TAGs) for the FA9451-24-S-0001 TACTICAL BAA. It outlines the review process and criteria for determining if an offeror's Executive Summary is selected for inclusion in a TAG.

• Background Section: Collects information about the submitted Executive Summary, including Topic Area, Title, Offeror details, POCs, and dates.
• Review Section: Details the technical review process conducted by at least two technical personnel and approved by a Contracting Officer.
• Review Factors (8 Factors): Each factor is scored on a scale of "Well Qualified" (3 points), "Qualified" (2 points), "Minimally Qualified" (1 point), and "Not Qualified" (0 points). A minimum score of 18 out of 24 points is required for selection. A "Not Qualified" rating in any factor results in automatic disqualification.
• Specific Review Factors Include: Alignment with topic area, demonstration of experience, availability of technical personnel, availability of facilities, ability to innovate, ability to establish partnerships, quality of the Executive Summary itself, and commitment to an expedited proposal and award schedule.
• Assessment Section: Records the total points awarded and the final decision of whether the Executive Summary is selected or not selected for the Topic Area Group. It also includes signature lines for reviewers and the Contracting Officer.

This form details the specific criteria and scoring methodology used to evaluate the Executive Summary. Bidders should carefully review these factors and ensure their Executive Summary directly addresses each criterion to maximize their score and increase their chances of selection for the TAG. Understanding these requirements is crucial for preparing a compliant and competitive Executive Summary.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a briefing for industry regarding the TACTICAL Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA9451-24-S-0001, presented by the Directed Energy Directorate on October 19, 2023. It outlines opportunities within the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) related to directed energy research and development.

The TACTICAL BAA aims to provide innovative solutions and R&D for Directed Energy (RD), including:

• Laser sources

• Aero-effects & Beam Control

• Laser system technologies, integration, and demonstration

• Laser system modeling & simulation

• Laser interaction testing and modeling

• Laser vulnerability assessments

• Space domain awareness

• High Power Electromagnetics (HPEM) modeling and effects

• HPEM sources and components, and applications

• Wargaming efforts

• The BAA is managed under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

• It supports RDT&E efforts from basic research (6.1) through advanced component development and prototypes (6.4).

• An overarching "Closed BAA" has been established with a value of $499M.

• Projected award timelines are 100-135 days, depending on the solicitation method.

• Two solicitation mechanisms are available: Closed Call Announcements and Topic Area Groups (TAGs).

• Responses will be evaluated using a streamlined evaluation tool called "Valid Eval."

• Evaluation criteria include Technical Merit (highest priority), Relevance to AFRL Programs, and Value/Cost.

• Specific page limits apply to white papers (5 pages) and proposals (20 pages), excluding cover pages and SOWs/ROMs.

• The Small Business Size Standard is 1,000 employees.

• The BAA is designed to be flexible and complement other acquisition tools.

• The TACTICAL BAA is subject to updates, revisions, and/or changes. Offerors are encouraged to monitor SAM.gov for the latest guidance.

• Contracting Points of Contact are Daniel Jones and Bill Sherrod.

• For questions, email: afrl.rdlb.tacticalbaa@us.af.mil.