SOLICITATION FOR PROPOSALS

SOLICITATION FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING NONPROLIFERATION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR PROLIFERATION DETECTION (PDP BAA 08) SOLICITATION NUMBER DE-AR52-07NA28115 Issuing Office: U.S. Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration Service Center May 24, 2007 June 29, 2007 Jeffrey M. Lenhert, Senior Project Manager jlenhert@doeal.gov (Program/Technical) Sandra M. Maes, Contract Specialist smaes@doeal.gov (Contracts/Business) Contracting Officer: Teresa M. Martinez This Solicitation and any Amendments are available via the Internet at: http://e-center.doe.gov/ Date Issued: Proposals Due: Points of Contact: TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION TITLE PAGE I. Solicitation Scope and Research Topics.......................................................................................................1 A. Summary.................................................................................................................................................1 B. Background: ............................................................................................................................................2 C. Technical Scope and Research Topics ....................................................................................................3 Topic 1: Remote Sensing – Hardware, Software/Algorithm, and System Development. .......................3 Topic 2: Simulation, Modeling, and Algorithms .....................................................................................5 Topic 3: Advanced Materials Research for Radiation Detection Applications .......................................7 D. Teaming Considerations ........................................................................................................................9 E. Performance Period .................................................................................................................................9 II. Proposal Requirements .............................................................................................................................10 A. Proposal Preparation Requirements ......................................................................................................10 1. Volume 1/Proposal Summary ............................................................................................................10 2. Volume 2/Technical Proposal............................................................................................................10 3. Volume 3/Cost Proposal ....................................................................................................................12 4. Volume 4/Business Management Proposal .......................................................................................13 B. Sample Work Plan and Schedule ..........................................................................................................14 C. Other Proposal Preparation Factors ......................................................................................................18 1. Eligibility Requirements ....................................................................................................................18 2. False Statements ................................................................................................................................18 3. Proprietary Proposal Information ......................................................................................................18 4. Proposal Preparation Costs ................................................................................................................19 5. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Requirements ..............................................................19 III. Proposal Submission Requirements ........................................................................................................20 A. Overview ..............................................................................................................................................20 B. Electronic Submission Instructions.......................................................................................................20 1. Submission Instructions....................................................................................................................21 2. Amendments and Withdrawal of Proposals......................................................................................22 3. IIPS Tips ...........................................................................................................................................22 4. Forms ................................................................................................................................................23 5. Preparing Your Submission ..............................................................................................................23 6. Submitting Your Proposal ................................................................................................................23 7. Questions ..........................................................................................................................................24 8. Amendments to the Solicitation........................................................................................................24 IV. Proposal Evaluation.................................................................................................................................25 A. Review Process .....................................................................................................................................25 B. Evaluation Criteria ................................................................................................................................25 C. Disclosure of Access to Contractor Technical and Financial Information Beyond Government Employees .................................................................................................................................................27 V. Negotiation, Award and Post-Award Requirements .................................................................................28 A. Award and Notification ........................................................................................................................28 B. Award Instrument .................................................................................................................................28 1. Contracts............................................................................................................................................28 2. Financial Assistance ..........................................................................................................................28 C. Patents, Data, and Copyrights ...............................................................................................................29 D. NNSA Program Management ...............................................................................................................29 1. Reporting Requirements ....................................................................................................................29 2. Program Reviews...............................................................................................................................29 3. Prepublication Reviews .....................................................................................................................29 4. Explosives/Energetic Experiments ....................................................................................................29 E. Other Requirements ..............................................................................................................................31 1. NAICS and CDFA.............................................................................................................................31 2. Export Control ...................................................................................................................................31 3. Sub-Contracts to Debarred and Suspended Parties............................................................................31 4. Notice Regarding Eligible/Ineligible Activities.................................................................................31 5. Lobbying Restrictions........................................................................................................................31 6. Notice Regarding Purchase of American-Made Equipment and Products — Sense of Congress .....31 7. Compliance with Buy American Act .................................................................................................31 8. Additional Information ......................................................................................................................32 VI. Solicitation Definitions...........................................................................................................................33 DE-AR52-07NA28115 I. Solicitation Scope and Research Topics A. Summary The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) Office of Nonproliferation Research and Development (NA-22) is soliciting proposals for the research and engineering needs described herein. This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) constitutes the actual solicitation for this requirement as publicly synopsized with a Notice of Interest issued on February 26, 2007 and posted on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) e-Center Procurement Web Page at https://ecenter.doe.gov/iips/faopor.nsf/1be0f2271893ba198525644b006bc0be/1e0321369d30fcd5 85256fe3005e106a?OpenDocument. The BAA closes and proposals are due on June 29, 2007. This invitation to submit proposals is issued under Solicitation Number DE-AR5207NA28115 entitled Broad Agency Announcement Regarding Nonproliferation Research and Development for Proliferation Detection (PDP BAA 08). The solicitation is issued in accordance with Public Laws 42 U.S.C. 7254 and 40 U.S.C. 486(c) and their implementing regulations in Title 48 Part 35 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The solicitation requires proposals to be submitted electronically, as explained in the section ―Submission of Proposals.‖ NA-22 has the responsibility to apply the broad base of U.S. expertise that has been acquired in the U.S. nuclear weapons program and in supporting disciplines to improve national capabilities to detect indicators of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Accordingly, NA-22 invites proposals for basic and applied research that will result in new technologies that advance national means to detect and monitor foreign nuclear weapons proliferation. Responses are requested from responsible domestic Institutions of Higher Education. Educational institutions that respond to this solicitation should indicate if they are Historically Black Colleges or Universities or Minority Institutions. Offerors are to be registered in Central Contractor Registration (CCR) at http://www.ccr.gov/. The total value of the requirements under this BAA, over the next year is estimated to be $2,500,000 and the total estimated out year funding availability for contracts resulting under this BAA is under $7.5M. The total number of awards under this solicitation is unknown at this time, but the average award is expected to range between $200,000 and 300,000 per year over a possible period of three years. Awards under this solicitation are subject to the availability of funds. Acceptance of a proposal for evaluation does not obligate NNSA to make an award. NNSA reserves the right to fund, in whole or in part, any, all or none of the proposals submitted in response to this solicitation. NNSA also reserves the right to award without discussions. 1 DE-AR52-07NA28115 B. Background: This BAA is limited to the NA-22 PDP, which encompasses technology development for the early detection of nuclear proliferation. The program focuses on the detection and assessment of activities indicative of the clandestine development and transport of special nuclear material, fabricated components, and weapons. The PDP applies the unique skills and capabilities of the NNSA and DOE national laboratories and facilities to meet the nonproliferation research and development requirements necessary to close nonproliferation technology gaps identified through close interaction with other U.S. government agencies and in support of U.S. government policy. PDP develops the tools, technologies, techniques, and expertise to address the most challenging problems related to detection, localization, and analysis of the global proliferation of weapons of mass destruction with special emphasis on nuclear weapon technology and the diversion of special nuclear materials. In addition, PDP funds research that supports counter-proliferation and counter-terrorism missions where there is synergy with the nonproliferation mission. PDP facilitates long-term scientific innovation through sustained commitment to mission focused technical areas that build ―best-in-the-world‖ competence. PDP also plays a key role in filling the critical middle ground between fundamental research and near-term acquisition by using the unique skills of the DOE national laboratories and plants as applied research integrators. Through the extensive relationships that the laboratories maintain with universities, basic science from academia and federal research programs are brought together to develop real-world system solutions based on classified insights into national security problems. Additionally, PDP transfers technical know-how that has been developed and validated to U.S. Government acquisition programs and the U.S. industrial base to support national security missions. Technical advances, new proven methodologies, and improvements to capabilities are transferred to operational programs through technical partnerships. These partnerships can include the development of special prototypes to assist user programs’ major acquisition efforts. PDP encourages technology commercialization through its partnerships with industry. In this regard, partnerships with the industrial suppliers are often coordinated with user programs to facilitate successful outcomes. The PDP is comprised of three program elements: Nonproliferation R&D Mission Areas:  235U Production – Technologies for detecting, locating, and characterizing Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) production processes.  Plutonium Production Detection – Technologies for detecting, locating, and characterizing the production of plutonium.  Detecting Special Nuclear Material (SNM) Movement/Radiation Sensing – Technologies for sensing and monitoring the transport of SNM as well as the development of advanced radiation sensors and systems, and exploitation of alternative signatures.  Nuclear Weapon Production, Testing, and Emergency Response – Technologies for the detection and characterization of weaponization activities of proliferants. 2 DE-AR52-07NA28115 It includes nuclear forensic techniques and the characterization of nuclear explosions using prompt diagnostic technologies and technologies supporting preand post-nuclear event characterization activities. Nonproliferation R&D Enabling Technologies  Advanced Materials – Research and associated development of materials for the enhancement of remote and in-situ sensors including radiation sensing and detection.  Simulation, Modeling, and Algorithms – Advanced science and technology capabilities to transform data into information and knowledge about nuclear proliferation activities and to optimize sensor systems.  Nuclear Fuel Cycle Remote Sensing – Technologies for remote sensing and stand-off capabilities to find, detect and identify nuclear proliferation activities of interest where in-close access is not possible.  Tools, Techniques, Infrastructure, and Demonstrations – Test facilities, equipment, and tools and techniques that support broad nuclear proliferation detection missions. Nonproliferation Process/Materials Signatures and Observables  The quantification and cataloguing of the physical emanations of the machinery, processes, and effluents associated with the nuclear fuel cycle. This area also searches for new and alternate signatures for detecting nuclear proliferation processes. C. Technical Scope and Research Topics Research is being sought in the following topic areas: TOPIC 1: Remote Sensing – Hardware, Software/Algorithm, and System Development TOPIC 2: Simulation, Modeling, and Algorithms TOPIC 3: Advanced Materials Research for Radiation Detection Applications The solicitation focuses on the Nonproliferation R&D Enabling Technologies program element and basic research that is needed to further advance components of the overall FY 08 Program. The subtopics define those areas requiring advancements. Proposals that address other needs in remote sensing; simulation, modeling and algorithms; and, advanced materials research for radiation detection applications will not be considered. Topic 1: Remote Sensing – Hardware, Software/Algorithm, and System Development. NA-22 sponsors the development of detectors, sources, advanced optical systems, sensors, image processing and signal processing algorithms for high data processing, throughput, and detection. Additionally, we also sponsor other enabling technology to improve the remote sensing (Electro-Optical Systems, radio frequency, and Synthetic Aperture Radar, etc…) of nuclear proliferation signatures. This activity is focused on 3 DE-AR52-07NA28115 critical components that will enable the field-testing, evaluation and eventual deployment of sensors and their complementary data exploitation systems. Subtopic 1.a - Hyperspectral analysis algorithms to quantify the effects of thermally and compositionally mixed pixels in digitized images Virtually all remotely sensed thermal infrared image pixels are comprised of scene elements with different temperature and composition; such heterogeneity is generally not considered in existing temperature/emissivity separation (TES) algorithms. Accurate retrieval of temperatures and spectral emissivities are required for effective detection and identification of nuclear processing materials, byproducts and effluents, and for mitigation of false detections. Subpixel heterogeneity at the ~10 cm scale is significant for natural materials, including soil and vegetation as examples, and is often present for man-made surfaces such as processing facility roofs, pipes, and material deposits. Availability of full spectrum data, including visible and near infrared data, can be used to help identify solid materials. However thermal anisotropy and compositional heterogeneity still need to be considered in accurate retrieval algorithms. Proposals are requested for the development and evaluation of advanced hyperspectral TES algorithms including the effects of subpixel heterogeneity for material identification and temperature retrieval in support of proliferation detection. Subtopic 1.b - High Pixel Count Night Time Video Sensor Technologies Most airborne video imagery depends on 640 x 480 format, Charged Coupled Device (CCD) and Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) panchromatic color imagers. Recent developments in wide area mosaic sensors have enabled large format, high resolution imagers at 2 Hz frame rates. These sensors are panchromatic electrooptical imagers, limiting their application to day light imaging. Sensors capable of operating both day and night at  2Hz frame rates, supporting color imaging as required, are needed for broad area remote sensing applications. Systems in the visible, near infrared, mid-wave infrared and long wave infrared will be considered. Subtopic 1.c - Laser-Based Magnetic Field Sensor Develop an ultra-sensitive magnetometer that can be remotely interrogated by a laser – based detection system. Nonlinear magneto-optical rotation (NMOR) magnetometers based on alkali metal vapor cells have been demonstrated to be highly effective, but other solutions may exist. The goal of this effort is to create a compact (millimeter scale, detection element only) system that can sense changes of less than 10 microGauss in the presence of the earth's magnetic field. The ideal system will operate over a wide range of ambient temperatures and frequencies up to 10’s of kHz. Subtopic 1.d - Predictive Knowledge Systems With the scale of emerging surveillance systems, manual processing and interpretation of the data will essentially be precluded. Automated object tracking algorithms are needed to provide temporal track connectivity. Accurately georegistered-moving imagery can be processed to subtract the stationary background, effectively isolating the moving objects. 4 DE-AR52-07NA28115 Stable algorithms are required to extract the pixels immediately surrounding each moving object detected in the imagery and transmit the data along with each object, to temporal connection tracking software. Applications are solicited to investigate the application of Optical Flow Tracking (OFT) approaches and tunable wavelet compression algorithms to a spectrum of motion imagery data sets in order to highly compress the stabilized background, while maintaining loss-less compression in the areas immediately surrounding moving objects in the data. Algorithms should leverage the properties of the motion identified in the imagery, such as velocity, acceleration and object mass, which can be used to establishing track continuity as the objects move through obscurations in the scene. The algorithms developed should be amenable to adaptation to Graphic Processor Unit (GPU) and/or Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) acceleration. Fundamentally new algorithms are solicited for database management, data mining and visualization for scientific and intelligence analyses. Subtopic 1.e - Feature-Based Image Classification Object Oriented Approach to Image Classification and Sensor Fusion Traditional pixel-based image classification has several weaknesses using only the spectral information of pixels does not consider spatial context, shape, texture, area, and relationships. This, together with the need for training, limits the use of pixel-based image classification in automatic, application-independent settings. Applications are sought for the development of feature-based image classification to overcome these limitations. The model should facilitate multi-sensor and multi-source fusion. Featurebased image classification can greatly facilitate multi-sensor and multi-source fusion. Features extracted from individual sensors are fused at the appropriate level of the multistage classification approach. Fundamental to multi-sensor fusion is the geometric and radiometric registration of the sensors involved. Usually, there is no direct relationship among the raw sensor data. Pixels in satellite images and aerial images are not explicitly related, for example, nor are 3-D Lidar points related to image pixels. The registration of such disparate sensor data is accomplished with sensor invariant features, which are used as entities in the underlying geometric transformation. Feature-based image classification is embedded in a coarse-to-fine strategy. Apart from accommodating multi-resolution data, this strategy also allows to exploit scale space information. Topic 2: Simulation, Modeling, and Algorithms The Simulation, Modeling, and Algorithms (SAM) topic addresses an enabling nonproliferation technology thrust area. The goal in this topical area is to develop advanced computational capabilities (ACC) in support of the mission portfolio-specific requirements for detecting the production, diversion, transport, assembly, and use of uranium and plutonium for non-peaceful purposes. ACC includes (1) information science, (2) information technology, (3) advanced measurement and signatures techniques, and (4) performance modeling for the broad classes of sensor systems represented in or envisioned for the other NA-22 PDP topical areas. Subtopic 2.a - Multi-image Stereo Mapping Algorithms Develop unassisted multi-image stereo matching algorithms for high-resolution digital image sequences of terrain that can be implemented efficiently on parallel computer 5 DE-AR52-07NA28115 systems or graphics processing units, using only approximate extrinsic camera position and orientation information. Applications include modeling shapes of buildings in dense urban environments using edge detection, with the goal of compressing a video sequence using texture mapping and image-based rendering, extremely high quality image sequence stabilization by determining accurate extrinsic camera information and 3D geometry, detecting and tracking moving objects, and dealing with occlusion from buildings and from less regular objects such as trees. Subtopic 2.b - Hybrid Radiation Transport Methods Present transport codes are either all Monte Carlo or all deterministic. The deterministic approach is fast, but in some situations does not adequately reproduce the physics, whereas the Monte Carlo more accurately models the physics, but is much, much slower. A hybrid radiation transport model would mean a merging of the best of Monte Carlo and deterministic methods in a theoretically coherent way that is adaptable to problems of very different types, for various sensor types. One could imagine use of a deterministic approach wherever it provided adequate results, but would switch over to Monte Carlo when necessary for some components of the computation. However, in a better approach, the best of both techniques would be wholly integrated in a rigorous mathematical framework so that all problems are done more efficiently and accurately. Hopefully, the deterministic and Monte Carlo approaches are not incompatible and a conceptually coherent hybrid model can be constructed. The code should be able to handle threedimensional problems. Subtopic 2.c - Approaches for Anomaly Detection and Characterization Anomaly detection involves the detection of unusual signals in the hope that they indicate the presence of an event of interest. In this case, the goal is to detect an event or an object involved in proliferation activity. The assumption is that a proliferation-related event might generate a signal that is significantly different from signals that are not involved in proliferation activities. Alternatively, although the signal of interest may not have been seen before, one can generally describe the characteristics of interest. To support the nonproliferation detection program, proposals are sought to develop novel methods, or to integrate the use of existing techniques to reliably extract anomalies from large and cross-platform data feeds. The algorithm can then be developed to characterize the signal and correlate with other available information to determine the nature of the signal. The applicable data format includes time series (e.g. radiofrequency data) and/or imagery collected from different instruments (e.g. lightning events). Particular attention should be paid to optimizing the performance measures such as 1) processing time; 2) accuracy, in particular, the false positive rate should be at a manageable level; 3) generalization, so the algorithm can be used or modified to address a set of similar problems or signals; and 4) ease of use. Subtopic 2.d - Thermal and Visible Image The objective of this research is to make more accurate temperature measurements of small targets that are not well resolved by a thermal imager. Proposals are sought to develop a physics-based algorithm that will improve the effective resolution of a thermal image. The approach is to first use higher resolution visible and/or near-IR images to create a geometric model of the target. Next, 3-D radiation transfer modeling is applied 6 DE-AR52-07NA28115 to the geometric model to produce a higher-resolution thermal radiance field that matches the measured thermal radiances in the image when the computed radiances are averaged spatially to the same resolution as the thermal image. Typical small targets are those associated with heat dissipation systems at industrial plants, e.g., cooling towers, chillers and stacks. Another type of target is a point thermal discharge from a power plant that must remain below environmental regulatory limits. The algorithm is to be tested with existing imagery data bases. For example, the Department of Energy’s Multi-spectral Thermal Imager (MTI) has 5 m resolution in the visible wave bands, and 20 m in the Long Wave Infrared (LWIR). DOE has archived a large number of MTI images that contain a variety of thermal targets. A multi-spectral system like MTI that takes several higher resolution images in the visible and near IR bands would also provide information about surface and material properties, which would be needed in the 3-D modeling. The DOE has access to other imagery databases, which could be, made available for this research. Although the modeling approach should be 3-D and physics based, the end product should be an algorithm that runs quickly on a desktop computer. This will probably require the use of statistically generated functions that summarize the results of the 3-D modeling. A key issue in this research is quantification of the amount of the scene surrounding the target that has to be modeled in order to produce what is effectively a higher resolution image of the target and accurate target temperatures. Topic 3: Advanced Materials Research for Radiation Detection Applications The Advanced Materials portfolio within the Office of Nonproliferation Research & Development supports the discovery and development of new materials, and the more complete understand for improvement of existing or emerging materials, to support the non-proliferation community’s technology development needs in radiation detection. As such this portfolio develops the scientific knowledge base, techniques, tools, and models necessary to enable higher performance radiation detection for non-proliferation, counterproliferation, and counter-terrorism needs. These needs require novel approaches to the development of detector materials that exhibit the following attributes: high gamma-ray energy resolution, linear gamma-ray energy response, room temperature operation, and solid state neutron detection for both counting and spectroscopy. The current focus of the portfolio is in the development of enhanced capabilities for both scintillators and semiconductors, ensure a systematic search for new materials, develop better methods to characterize materials during and after growth, and develop first principle based models and predictive capabilities necessary for more comprehensive material understanding to facilitate new material discovery and growth. Emphasis is being placed on the need to go beyond the largely empirical approach of finding and understanding detector materials, to a more methodical, organized, and mechanistic approach. The highest priority in this solicitation will be placed on the development of tools and techniques that will enable the characterization and control of the growth and synthesis processes for radiation detector materials. To date much of the crystal growth processes and mechanisms remain largely poorly understood, and rely on empirical techniques and skilled artisans to produce useable detector materials, often at high cost. This lack of mechanistic understanding appears to include the processes involved in post growth processing as well. The semiconductor industry by contrast is considerably more mature. The portfolio seeks to develop models, diagnostic tools, and other techniques to better 7 DE-AR52-07NA28115 understand and control growth and post-growth processes to help optimize yield and quality. Areas of interest include: first principle modeling of crystal growth physics as applicable to improved detector materials, identification of observables important to monitoring and control of crystal quality during growth and post-growth processing, and the development of techniques and tools to exploit observables during growth and postgrowth processing to allow control of crystal quality and yield. *****************************END OF TOPICS**************************** 8 DE-AR52-07NA28115 D. Teaming Considerations Teaming with organizations of advanced technical and scientific competencies is permitted. Teaming arrangements that result in training of graduate students will enhance programmatic value and programmatic value is one of the selection criteria for proposals. Universities must be designated the lead organization and one individual from that university must be designated as the lead principal investigator. The lead organization is accountable for the full team effort and is responsible for integration, management, and reporting for the team. For any single project, the total participation by organizations other than academic ones may not exceed 50% of the total effort in terms of the total proposed costs. Proposals from teams should state the perceived benefits of the teaming arrangement, particularly in terms of the proposed research product. The team, for peer review and product management purposes, should submit one integrated proposal, including one Technical Proposal. However, the government reserves the right to partially fund the proposal based on available funding. E. Performance Period The performance period will begin after selection and award (planned for early in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008) and will be between 1 and 3 years. (See Section V. A. ―Award and Notification.‖) 9 DE-AR52-07NA28115 II. Proposal Requirements A. Proposal Preparation Requirements The proposal must contain the following information by volume as described in Section III. B ―Electronic Submission Instructions.‖ (Note: Classified proposals are not being accepted under this solicitation). 1. Volume 1/Proposal Summary The following information must be included in Volume 1/Proposal Summary: Statement that the document is a Proposal; Solicitation Number; Topic/Subtopic Number that the proposal is being submitted under; d. Proposal Title; e. Name and address of Lead Institution; f. Name, mailing address, telephone number, fax number, electronic mail address of Lead Principal Investigator; g. Name, mailing address, telephone number, fax number, electronic mail address of Lead Institution Contract Administrator point of contact; h. Name(s) of Team Organizations, if any; i. Name(s), mailing address(es), telephone number(s), fax number(s), electronic mail address(es) of Principal Investigator(s) of Team Organizations, if any; j. Name, mailing address, telephone number, fax number, electronic mail address of Proposal Preparer; k. Any concerns regarding the use of non-Government reviewers during the review process; l. Summary table showing total proposed costs and costs by year for lead organization and for each team member, if applicable; m. Total equipment costs and first year’s equipment costs; n. Submission date, proposed period of performance, offer acceptance period; o. Indicate if the Lead Institution is a Historically Black College or University or Minority Institution; p. State if proposal contains any proprietary information (see Section II.3.C); and, q. Abstract: a brief (350 words or less) summary of the proposal that succinctly states the highest valuable deliverable intended from the proposed work. 2. Volume 2/Technical Proposal The Technical Proposal should comply with the following rules. Proposals are to be formatted for 8.5 x 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins in type not smaller than 12 point. The Technical Proposal length is restricted by component as indicated below, but in no case shall its overall length exceed 30 single-spaced pages. The Technical Proposal should have any proprietary data clearly identified and separable as described under II.C.3 ―Proprietary Proposal Information.‖ Finally, the Technical Proposal should specifically address the Evaluation Criteria in Section IV.B. of this Solicitation. Do not attach imbedded electronic files, such as movies, which require large areas of file space. These types of electronic files that are included with your submission are unlikely 10 a. b. c. DE-AR52-07NA28115 to be reviewed and may even be deleted prior to being uploaded to servers in order to conserve file space. The Technical Proposal is comprised of the following required components: a. Technical Proposal Identifier Information and Abstract (1 page). The technical proposal identifier information must repeat key information from Volume 1, specifically,          Solicitation Number; Topic and Subtopic Number (see Section I. C. of the solicitation); Proposal Title; Name of Lead Institution; Name, mailing address, telephone number, fax number, and electronic mail address of Lead Principal Investigator; Name(s) of Team Organizations; Name(s), mailing addresses, telephone numbers, fax numbers, and electronic mail addresses of Principal Investigator(s) of Team Organizations; Statement of Equipment to be purchased, if any, and purpose for equipment; and, Abstract: a brief (350 words or less) summary of the proposal that succinctly states the highest value deliverable intended from the proposed work. This Technical Proposal component is limited to a single, stand-alone page. b. Technical Narrative (10-15 pages). The Technical Narrative is to provide a detailed description of the proposed research, including the research objectives, the methodology and approaches for accomplishing those objectives, the anticipated results of the research, the relevance of the proposed research and anticipated results to the program objectives stated in Section I.C ―Technical Scope and Research Topics.‖ It should describe the purpose of the research, provide a review of previous and ongoing work, and identify any technical issues that need to be solved. The technical narrative should be written as a clear, concise statement of the work proposed and specifically address review Criteria 1-4 (see Section IV.B.): Relevance to Mission, Overall Scientific and Technical Soundness, Risk Assessment and Research Duplication. Regarding the ―Relevance to Mission‖ criterion, a clear statement of how the work proposed will improve national capabilities and advance national technical means to detect proliferation will help reviewers know that the offeror has focused the research on what is important. Similarly, to facilitate review of the proposal’s ―Overall Scientific and Technical Soundness‖, a concise and clear description of the methods, approach, possible sources of error, and validation of research results (if appropriate) will provide evidence to the reviewer that the offeror understands the technical approach being proposed. It may be appropriate to include information that is considered obvious, to avoid the possibility of a reviewer down-rating the proposal because information (e.g. particularly the statement of the method of statistical validation) was omitted. In addressing the risk assessment criterion, proposals should explain why the research proposed is likely to produce useful results. The proposal’s discussion of related work should provide evidence about whether or not the research proposed would duplicate or complement other research. The technical narrative is also to include any tables, figures, and references. 11 DE-AR52-07NA28115 Facilities, equipment and other resources that will be used in the performance of the proposed research should be described. Any collaborators should also be identified. Proposals from teams should state the perceived benefits of the teaming arrangement. This Technical Narrative component is limited in length to 15 pages. Technical Proposals containing a Technical Narrative component that exceeds 15 pages may be treated as non-responsive, and in no case will more than the first 15 pages be used for evaluation purposes. c. Work Plan and Schedule (4-6 pages). This component provides a prose description of the work breakdown structure for the project. What the Government is attempting to accomplish with this proposal component is to have the offeror provide an almost contract-ready Statement of Work. The research objectives are to be identified along with the major tasks that must be completed to accomplish the stated objectives, including their projected start and end dates. Each task is to be divided into its subordinate subtasks and associated key decision points (milestones). Deliverables and their due dates are to be identified separately by task. Deliverables include reports, data, hardware, software and documentation, as applicable. For team proposals, the lead organization’s technical proposal is to distinguish the technical role and contributions of each team member. This Technical Narrative component should be 4 to 6 pages in length, with a maximum of six pages. Please refer to the example in Section II.B. This component is an important part of the Technical Narrative and failure to include it will result in a proposal being treated as non-responsive. d. Key Personnel (4-8 pages). The proposal must identify all key senior personnel involved in the project. The proposal must include curricula vitae (background and experience information including a list of recent, relevant publications, if any) of the principal investigator and other key personnel. Any changes to key personnel during the project will need the concurrence of the NNSA Contracting Officer. This Technical Narrative component may not exceed 8 pages in length. 3. Volume 3/Cost Proposal The Cost Proposal includes a statement of the offeror’s costs to perform the proposed work. The costs should be commensurate with the proposed tasks (see attached Cost Proposal Instructions.) The Cost Proposal must include detailed supporting cost schedules and breakdowns for the phases identified in the proposed Milestone and Deliverable Schedule by task and subtask, and include yearly cost information with written justification for each cost item, especially items of equipment. All facilities, equipment, and supplies needed to implement the proposed research must be identified in the cost proposal and the proposal must specify whether the dollars requested cover purchase, rental, or borrowing of each item. Any facilities, equipment, or any other non-monetary resources that are required of the Government must be itemized. Labor costs and associated fringe benefits are to be provided for each proposed labor category. Travel costs are to be itemized by airfare, local travel, per diem and miscellaneous expenses per traveler per destination. The purpose of the trip(s) is/are also 12 DE-AR52-07NA28115 to be included. Overhead rates, fees, and taxes are also to be specified. Include travel costs for program reviews, coordination meetings with NNSA, and fieldwork. 4. Volume 4/Business Management Proposal The Business Management Proposal consists of administrative forms and certifications. All administrative forms are available electronically in DOE’s e-Center Industry Interactive Procurement System (IIPS) as described in Section III.B.4 ―Forms.‖ The following Business Management Proposal requirements apply only for the lead organization. Signatures are acceptable by typing the names and dates of authorized personnel on documents requiring a signature. This type of signature is acceptable only when documents are retrieved through IIPS. The Business Management Proposal must include the following: a. Standard Form SF-33, Solicitation, Offer and Award. b. Negotiated indirect rate information. Please provide the name of the negotiating agency and point of contact with email and/or telephone number. c. Representation, Certification, and Other Statements of Offeror (Reps and Certs). (An active registration is required at the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) website at https://orca.bpn.gov/.) d. Contract and Financial Assistance List: A list of current and pending government contracts and financial assistance agreements is to be provided that includes the title, sponsoring agency, solicitation reference, and a brief description. e. Past and Present Performance Information: Descriptions of related past and current efforts and results, as applicable, are to be provided together with pointsof-contact/reference, contact information and contract numbers. f. List of foreign nationals, to include any participants that might retain both U.S. and other foreign citizenship, planned to be supported by this effort. This list must be provided at the point of proposal submission and also updated within 10 working days of any additions or deletions. g. NEPA Environmental Checklist Form (See Section II.C.5) is required if the proposed work involves using explosives, energetic material, or chemicals. 13 DE-AR52-07NA28115 B. Sample Work Plan and Schedule The following provides an example of a good project Work Plan and Schedule. While chemistry and biochemical sensors are the subject of research work, the important thing is the format and nature of information provided. What we are attempting to accomplish here is to have the Principal Investigator provide an already agreed-upon, almost contract-ready document that can be folded into the Statement of Work that is included in the contract. Your project may not have as many tasks; the tasks and subtasks may not be as discrete; and, each task may not involve a key decision point (milestone). In fact, it is unusual to have this many major milestones, but it’s best to err on the side of completeness and clarity. You also may elect to report technical results differently, such as combining results for all tasks. If you decide to do so, this cannot be done less than annually. The example provides a good approach for technical reporting that makes sense for this project and should be followed if the tasks and results are sufficiently discrete to allow it. Dates may be represented as actual dates with an assumed start date or as ―Project Start Date (PSD) + # ___ of months. EXAMPLE: Surface Absorption Polarization Sensors (SAPS) Project 1. (Reserved) 2. (Reserved) 3. (Reserved) 4. Objectives The purpose of this work is to advance the underlying technology for detecting and monitoring air and waterborne releases of chemical and biochemical agents associated with effluent releases from WMD proliferation processes. The primary objectives of the effort are to advance a novel method to detect trace levels of analytes in gas or liquid samples and to develop, test, and evaluate Surface Absorption Polarization Sensors (SAPS). 5. Technical Requirements The University is to conduct a scope of work lasting 18 months from the Project Start Date (PSD) to accomplish the forgoing objectives. In addressing these objectives, the University is to perform ten tasks as follows:        Functionalized rotor synthesis: Actuator synthesis; Actuator reactivity tuning; Glass surface preparation; Antibody coupling SAPS coupling to antibody Validation of specific analyte interaction Begins__ PSD + 0 mos PSD + 2 mos PSD + 2 mos PSD + 0 mos PSD + 3 mos PSD + 7 mos PSD + 12 mos Ends_______ PSD + 5 mos PSD + 9 mos PSD + 6 mos PSD + 3 mos PSD + 7 mos PSD + 12 mos PSD + 18 mos 14 DE-AR52-07NA28115    Construct Brewster-angle CRDS apparatus SAPS immobilization and detection Reporting PSD + 3 mos PSD + 12 mos PSD + 3 mos PSD + 10 mos PSD + 18 mos PSD + 18 mos 5.1 Functionalized Rotor Synthesis The first task is to synthesize compounds 19 and 20 in Figure 13 of the UNR proposal. The first subtask is to selectively reduce compound 16 in Figure 13 of the UNR proposal. The second subtask is to methylate the reduced compound. The third subtask is to induce a Wittig reaction. The final subtask is to couple the results with triarylmethane. Milestone (project start + 4 months): Based on synthetic efficiency, determine optimal synthetic pathway to compound 20. 5.2 Actuator Synthesis The second task is to synthesize the SAPS actuator with tethering groups on a base unit. The first subtask is to reduce compound 20 in Figure 13 of the proposal. The second subtask is to convert the methoxymethyl to a chloromethyl group for mica immobilization. The final subtask is to prepare tris (isocyanate) compound 23 in Figure 13 of the UNR proposal for silica immobilization. Milestone (project start + 8 months): Demonstrate binding of SAPS actuator to mica or glass/quartz substrate. Evaluation of significant advantages to one substrate may focus subsequent synthetic work on optimizing binding chemistry to that substrate. 5.3 Actuator Reactivity Tuning The third task is to tune the reactivity of the actuator. The first subtask is to convert rotor functional groups on immobilized actuators to analyte-reactive groups of appropriate reactivity as determined by preliminary sensor tests. The final subtask is to test different electrophile and nucleophilic groups to optimize sensor response. Milestones (project start + 18 months): (1) In collaboration with the efforts in Tasks 5.8 and 5.9, determine optimal actuator functionalization for targeted analytes. (2) Based on measurements of solution-phase actuation efficiency, make structural modifications to rotor. 5.4 Glass Surface Preparation The fourth task is to prepare a glass surface for covalent attachment of an antibody protein that serves as the ―bait.‖ The first subtask is to devise a suitably smooth glass surface (10 X 5 cm). The glass surface is to be derived from amines by silanization using established methods and then derived from amines to aldehydes at a 7.2 pH. The final subtask is to test the glass surface using the CRDS apparatus to ensure that this treatment does not result in significant absorbance at the excitation wavelength. Milestone (project start + 3 months): Determination of an antibody binding chemistry to glass substrate resulting in a sufficiently transparent surface for the CRDS detection technique. 5.5 Antibody Coupling The fifth task is to couple an antibody to the glass surface. The first subtask is to derive the selected antibody to hydrazines with a reagent. The second subtask is to adjust 15 DE-AR52-07NA28115 reaction stoichiometries to allow for an average of 1 bifunctional reagent to attach to the protein while preserving the remaining amines for further modification. In the third subtask, the subsequent derived antibody is to be coupled to the glass surface by forming a hydrazone linkage and any antibodies that do not covalently couple are to be rinsed from the glass. The fourth subtask is to perform stability studies to ensure that the proposed linkage is stable in regard to subsequent treatments and to determine potential storage limitations. The final subtask is to examine the protein-modified glass in the CRDS apparatus to verify that the sample does not exhibit appreciable absorbance. Milestone (project start + 6 months): Demonstration of a robust antibody layer on a glass substrate, with sufficient transparency for CRDS detection. 5.6 SAPS Coupling to Antibody The sixth task is to couple the SAPS to the surface of the immobilized antibody. The first subtask is to make SAPS with amine groups functional for aldehyde groups. The final subtask is to add the immobilized antibody so that the hydrazine groups appended to the protein react with the aldehydes of the functionalized SAPS to produce the operational biosensors. Milestone (project start + 12 months): In collaboration with Task 5.9, demonstrate detection of SAPS actuator motion when bound to glass-immobilized antibodies. 5.7 Validation of Specific Analyte Interaction The seventh task is to determine the specificity of the SAP biosensors -analyte binding. The first subtask is to assess the SAPS biosensor using the CRDS apparatus to ensure efficient hole burning. The second subtask is to study analyte binding behavior and characteristics. The SAPS biosensor is to be exposed to varying concentrations of the analyte and the composition of the resulting SAPS-analyte complex on the glass plate is to be analyzed by sodium docecylsulfate gel electrophoresis. The gels are to be quantitatively analyzed using infrared detectors and the results are to be compared against a standard curve to determine binding equilibrium constants. Experiments are also to be conducted to determine the stoichiometry of the binding. Specificity of the SAP biosensor -analyte binding is to be determined by using two control samples. The first control sample is to be prepared using an antibody with no specificity for the analyte and the second is to be prepared using a molecule similar to the analyte, such as the regulatory light chain from skeletal muscle myosin. The third subtask is to optimize the performance of the SAPS biosensor. The final subtask is to conduct CRDS studies to determine whether specific analyte binding alters the photoisomerization efficiency of the SAPS biosensor in a detectable manner. Milestone (project start + 18 months): In collaboration with Task 5.9, demonstrate detection of a biological analyte by CRDS spectroscopy. 5.8 Construction of Brewster-Angle CRDS Apparatus The eighth task is to construct a customized Brewster-angle CRDS that is optimized for SAPS detection of analytes. The apparatus is to be constructed using a pulsed Nd:YAG pump laser and either a tunable dye or Ti:sapphire laser and is to be mounted on an optical table/breadboard. Following construction, the device is to be tested and calibrated using simple absorbed chemical species. Milestones (project start + 10 months): (1) Demonstration of a CRDS detection apparatus with sufficient sensitivity for trace level 16 DE-AR52-07NA28115 detection. (2) CRDS detection of polarized surface absorption. (3) Determination of most effective methods for delivery of gas and liquid sample flow into the SAPS CRDS apparatus. 5.9 SAPS Immobilization and Detection The ninth task is to test the SAPS biosensor with the optimized Brewster-angle CRDS apparatus. The first subtask is to absorb the SAPS actuators to optical substrates. The second subtask is to assess SAPS-analyte binding with the new CRDS apparatus. The final subtask is to measure changes in hole-burning kinetics of the SAPS in response to the presence of an analyte. Milestones (project start + 18 months): (1) In collaboration with Tasks 5.3 and 5.7 demonstrate SAPS detection of chemical and biological analytes. (2) Provide a quantification of detection sensitivity. (3) Completed SAPS detector prototype. 5.10 Reporting The tenth and final task is to fulfill reporting requirements listed in Section 6.0 of this document and to participate in periodic project reviews in Washington, DC. 6. Deliverables 6.1 Reports in accordance with the DOE Uniform Reporting System as follows: 6.1.2 Project Status Report (Quarterly) 6.1.3 Cost Performance Report (Monthly invoices with supporting back-up information will be used in lieu of Cost Reports) 6.1.4 Notice of Energy R&D Project (At Project Start) 6.1.5 Publications (Periodic) 6.1.6 Final Technical Report (Within 45 days from project completion) 7 (Reserved) (End). 17 DE-AR52-07NA28115 C. Other Proposal Preparation Factors This section addresses other considerations and requirements or further explains proposal requirements. 1. Eligibility Requirements Proposals must be: 1) signed by the Principal Investigator of the offering organization; 2) signed by an individual who is authorized to commit the offering organization; and, 3) must commit the offering organization to comply with the terms and conditions of the award, if awarded. (Principal Investigators are not generally authorized to act for their institutions). 2. False Statements Proposals must set forth full, accurate, and complete information as required by this solicitation. The penalty for making false statements is prescribed in 18 U.S.C. 1001. 3. Proprietary Proposal Information Proposals submitted in response to this solicitation may in principle contain trade secrets and/or privileged or confidential commercial or financial information, which the offeror does not want, used or disclosed for any purpose other than evaluation of the proposal. The use and disclosure of such data may be restricted, provided the offeror marks the cover sheet of the proposal with the following legend and specifies the pages of the proposal which are to be restricted in accordance with the conditions of the legend: "The data contained on pages (specify) of this proposal have been submitted in confidence and contain trade secrets or proprietary information, and such data shall be used or disclosed only for evaluation purposes, provided that if this offeror receives an award as a result of or in connection with the submission of this proposal, NNSA shall have the right to use or disclose the data herein to the extent provided in the award. This restriction does not limit the government's right to use or disclose data obtained without restriction from any source, including the offeror." Further, to protect such data, each page containing such data must be specifically identified and marked, including each line or paragraph containing the data to be protected with a legend similar to the following: "Use or disclosure of the data set forth above is subject to the restriction in Volume 1/Proposal Summary portion of this proposal." It should be noted, however, that data bearing the aforementioned legend may be subject to release under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), if NNSA or a court determines that the material so marked is not exempt under the FOIA. The Government assumes no liability for disclosure or use of unmarked data and may use or disclose such data for any purpose. The offeror may request that proprietary information not be disclosed to non-Government reviewers. Such information should be 18 DE-AR52-07NA28115 clearly marked and separable, so that the information may be removed prior to submitting the proposal for review. 4. Proposal Preparation Costs No funding will be available under the NNSA Minority Economic Impact (MEI) loan program for preparation of proposals in response to this solicitation. NNSA assumes no responsibility for any costs associated with the proposal preparation or submission of proposal if an Award is not made. If a contract is awarded, such costs may be allowable as provided in the applicable cost principles, the contractor’s approved accounting system, and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). 5. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Requirements Only proposals that propose work using explosive, energetic material, chemicals, biological pathogens, or other hazardous materials must include an Environmental Checklist. For proposals with a teaming arrangement, only the lead offeror need complete an Environmental Checklist that covers the team’s efforts. This checklist is to be completed at the time of proposal submission and be included in the Business Management Proposal as indicated in Section II.A.4. The Environmental Checklist consists of a series of questions designed to gather information in the following general areas as related to the proposed project: chemicals, waste generation, emissions, permitting, natural resources and any unique or controversial issues. The requested information will be used by NNSA to evaluate any potential impacts (positive and negative) on the environment and, accordingly, contain sufficient detail for the Agency to meet its requirements under NEPA. Offerors are restricted from taking any irreversible action prior to NNSA reaching a final NEPA decision regarding the proposed project. Irreversible actions include demolition of existing buildings, site clearing, ground breaking, construction, and/or detailed design. This restriction, however, does not preclude the offeror from developing plans, preliminary designs, or performing other necessary support work prior to NNSA reaching its final NEPA decision, provided the work has been authorized by NNSA. 19 DE-AR52-07NA28115 III. Proposal Submission Requirements A. Overview Offerors are required to submit their proposals by 5:00 pm EDT (3:00 pm Mountain Time) on June 29, 2007. Proposals will be considered late and disqualified from consideration if any part of the proposal is submitted/time-stamped after the 5:00 pm EDT (3:00 pm Mountain Time), June 29, 2007 deadline. Proposals must be submitted electronically using IIPS in accordance with the instructions in Section III.B. ―Electronic Submission Instructions.‖ Proposals submitted through any other method such as, the U.S. Postal Service, facsimile, telegraphically, courier companies, or hand-delivered hard copies will be considered non-responsive. Proposals will not be returned to the offerors. Proposals shall consist of four volumes: Volume 1/Proposal Summary, Volume 2/Technical Proposal, Volume 3/Cost Proposal, and Volume 4/Business Management Proposal, as described in this solicitation. No administrative or cost data is to be included in the Technical Proposal. Classified proposals are not being accepted under this solicitation. B. Electronic Submission Instructions Proposals must be submitted electronically through IIPS, which is accessed online at: http://e-center.doe.gov . Offerors are advised to begin submission at least 48 hours in advance of the deadline in order to avoid any submission difficulties. IIPS provides the medium for disseminating solicitations, receiving proposals, and awarding proposals in a paperless environment. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS BY MEANS OTHER THAN THE IIPS IS NOT AUTHORIZED. Individuals who have the authority to enter their institution into a legally binding contract/agreement and intend to submit proposals via IIPS must register and receive confirmation that they are registered prior to being able to submit a proposal on IIPS. There is a short waiting period between registration and the acceptance of registration, typically a day. Offerors are strongly encouraged to register with IIPS as soon as possible after receipt of this solicitation. Submission of electronic proposals via IIPS will constitute submission of signed copies of the required documents. The name of the authorized company official shall be entered (typed) in the appropriate space shown on the form(s) (e.g., Block 18 of the SF-424 and/or Block 17 of SF-33). Subcontractor submissions of proprietary information may (i) register in IIPS and submit their information separately identifying in the subject line, the solicitation number and to whom they are a subcontractor; or (ii) provide a password protected document (file) to the prime and share the password with the Contracting Officer. Regardless of the option chosen, the subcontractor proposal must adhere to the proposal due date/time stated in the solicitation. Proposals must be submitted as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, a Microsoft Word file, a Microsoft Excel file, or a Corel WordPerfect file via the IIPS in accordance with the instructions outlined in this solicitation and the IIPS User Guide. However, the Technical Proposal (Vol. II) must be submitted as a Microsoft Word file. 20 DE-AR52-07NA28115 ALL PROPOSALS MUST HAVE AN IIPS SUBMISSION TIME STAMP PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M. EASTERN TIME (3:00 P.M. MOUNTAIN TIME) ON JUNE 29, 2007. 1. Submission Instructions Offerors are advised to begin transmission at least 48 hours in advance of the deadline in order to avoid any transmission difficulties. Proposals are submitted in parts and uploaded into designated IIPS volumes. Specific documents must be uploaded into specific volumes. Review these requirements before you compile the documents for your proposal. Proposals must be complete and all documents must be submitted in one session prior to 5:00 pm Eastern Time (3:00 pm Mountain Time) on June 29, 2007. Failure to complete transmission of all documents in one session prior to the deadline will result in an incomplete proposal. IIPS cannot combine partial proposals so incomplete proposals are disqualified from further consideration. Incomplete proposals are eliminated from further consideration. Offerors may combine the documents for a specific volume into one file provided that file contains only those documents required for that volume. Documents and forms may also be submitted as individual files. Proposals must be filed as an ―Acquisition‖ and proposal documents must be ―saved as‖ Volume 1/Proposal Summary, Volume 2/Technical Proposal, etc… and uploaded into the volumes as follows: Volume 1/Proposal Summary: (See Section II.A.1.) Proposal Summary Information Volume 2/Technical Proposal: (See Section II.A.2) Technical Proposal Identifier Information & Abstract Technical Narrative Work Plan and Schedule Key Personnel Volume 3/Cost Proposal: (See Section II.A.3.) Cost Proposal on Excel Spreadsheets Cost Proposal Justification Volume 4/Business Management Proposal: (See Section II.A.4.) Solicitation, Offer and Award (SF-33) Negotiated Indirect Rate Information Assurances of Compliance (DOE F 1600.5) Representations and Certifications (Reps and Certs): Required to register, if selected for an award, in the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) website at https://orca.bpn.gov/ 21 DE-AR52-07NA28115 Contract and Financial Assistance List Past and Present Performance Information List of Foreign Nationals NEPA Environmental Checklist (if required) If you make an error uploading files, log out of IIPS and start over. You must resubmit the entire proposal. See below further instructions on resubmitting proposals. 2. Amendments and Withdrawal of Proposals Corrections and Changes: Proposals cannot be altered once they have been submitted to IIPS. Offerors are required to resubmit an entire proposal package when making any change. Failure to resubmit a full proposal package including all required documents will result in an incomplete proposal. Offerors are to notify the Contract Specialist (contact information below) when resubmitting a proposal so that the prior proposal may be removed from IIPS. Changes and corrections cannot be accepted after the closing date and time. Removing Proposals: If you wish to withdraw or make any change to your proposal, the individual who submitted the proposal must make a written request to the Contract Specialist to have the proposal removed from IIPS. The request must include the submitter’s name, organization, title of the proposal, and the date and time the proposal was submitted. Email the request to the Contract Specialist (contact information in section 3 below). The entire original proposal will be removed. The entire replacement proposal, if any, must be resubmitted. Duplicate Submissions: In the event an offeror submits two or more proposals with the same title, the proposal with the latest date and time stamp is the proposal that will be accepted. It is not possible to combine submissions. Please follow the guidance above for removing incorrect proposals so that duplicate proposals are not processed in IIPS. 3. IIPS Tips Refer to the ―User Guide For Contractors‖ by going to the IIPS Homepage at http://ecenter.doe.gov and clicking on the ―Help‖ button. The Guide contains minimum system requirements needed for using IIPS and provides detailed instructions for registration, joining the mailing list, submitting questions, proposal response (proposal submission), etc. Should you need additional assistance after reviewing the Guide, please contact the IIPS Help Desk as noted below. IIPS Help Desk: Hours: 8am – 8pm ET M-F, except Federal holidays Phone: (800) 683-0751 (press 1 to bypass the recorded message) Email: IIPS_HelpDesk@e-center.doe.gov Frequently Asked Questions: https://e-center.doe.gov/iips/FAQs.nsf For questions concerning the solicitation requirements please contact: Sandra M. Maes, Contract Specialist at: 505-845-5498 or email at smaes@doeal.gov. 22 DE-AR52-07NA28115 4. Forms All forms that are required to be submitted under this solicitation are available as file attachments to this solicitation in IIPS. These forms are in writable PDF, MS Word, and MS Excel formats and include: a. Standard Form SF-33, Solicitation, Offer and Award; b. Excel Cost Proposal Instructions; and, c. NEPA Environmental Checklist (See Section II.C.5) is required from the Lead Organization only if the proposed work involves the use of explosives, energetic materials, or chemicals. 5. Preparing Your Submission Register Early: If you and your contracting or grants office has not already done so, register in IIPS. The individual(s) in your organization who have the authority to enter the institution in a legally binding contract or agreement will need to register, as they are the ones who are required to submit the final proposal into IIPS. We strongly recommend all parties register as soon as possible. Practice: If you would like to practice submitting your proposal you may do so by clicking on the link to the test area on the solicitation main page. You may practice in this area as much as you like. Documents submitted into the test area are periodically deleted. Do not submit your proposal in this area. 6. Submitting Your Proposal Transmit Early: Do not wait until the last minute. Submit your proposal into IIPS as soon as possible. If you encounter any transmission problems, connectivity issues, etc. you may or may not have time to work them out before the solicitation closes. Offerors will not be able to transmit after the solicitation closes. IIPS will provide confirmation of a successful transmission. If you encounter difficulties uploading your files, contact the IIPS help desk for assistance. Classified Information: Do not submit any classified information on IIPS. This solicitation is not accepting classified proposals. 23 DE-AR52-07NA28115 7. Questions Frequently asked questions (and their answers) will be posted on the IIPS website at http://e-center.doe.gov (See ―IIPS Information‖ below.) Questions concerning this solicitation must be submitted using the IIPS website between May 25, 2007 – June 1, 2007. Questions will be accepted until June 1, 2007. Responses to questions will be posted on IIPS within one week of receipt, if possible, or no later than June 8, 2007. To submit a question, enter IIPS (http://e-center.doe.gov), click on ―Browse Opportunities‖, click on ―Enter IIPS‖, click on ―Acquisition‖, find and click on ―Solicitation DE-AR5207NA28115‖, click on ―Submit Question‖. 8. Amendments to the Solicitation Amendments/Modifications will only be placed on the IIPS homepage at http://ecenter.doe.gov (see ―IIPS Information‖ below). Hard copies will not be mailed. Only those parties officially registered with IIPS may enroll in the Solicitation Mailing List to receive e-mail notices that amendments, if any, to this solicitation, have been posted. NNSA reserves the right to extend the closing date for Proposals, if necessary. 24 DE-AR52-07NA28115 IV. Proposal Evaluation A. Review Process The review and evaluation process will be conducted by NA-22. The Proliferation Detection Portfolio Managers will conduct the merit review with support from NNSA subject matter experts. The review and evaluation process will also include multiple online peer reviewers who will objectively evaluate a proposal on its own merit against the Technical Criteria. On-line reviewers may include experts from academic institutions, private industry, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), NNSA, and/or other U.S. Government Agencies. On-line reviewers will evaluate proposals based on Criteria 1 through 4. Note: Non-Government evaluators may be used for reviewing the Technical Proposal. All reviewers are required to sign statements prior to reviewing a proposal attesting to no conflict-of-interest and non-disclosure or personal use of proposal/proprietary information. If the offeror has any concerns regarding the use of non-Government reviewers they should indicate their reasons for such concerns on the cover page. Additional questions or concerns may be directed to Sandra M. Maes at smaes@doeal.gov. Following the peer review process, proposals will be evaluated against technical, cost, performance (past and present) and programmatic factors by a selection panel comprised solely of U.S. Government personnel. The selection panel will consider the results of the on-line reviews of Criteria 1-4 and then evaluate the proposals against Criteria 5-7. A proposal determined to merit NA-22 support will be considered for funding subject to the availability of Congressional appropriations. The selection panel will prepare recommendations to the Source Selection Official who will make the final selection decisions. B. Evaluation Criteria The criteria against which proposals will be reviewed are: Relevance to Mission, Overall Scientific and Technical Soundness, Risk Assessment, Research Duplication, Management Plan and Budget, Programmatic Balance and Value, and Present and Past Performance. These criteria are detailed below. 1. Relevance to Mission – How does this research address validated user requirements or needs and promise demonstrable improvement vs. the current method in use or methods under development? Does a capability shortfall exist in this particular area? How strongly will the project impact its targeted application if it delivers what is proposed? What is the improvement over existing capabilities or capabilities under development? 2. Overall Scientific and Technical Soundness – Is the project based on a solid understanding of the current state of science and technology? Is the proposed method appropriate? 25 DE-AR52-07NA28115 3. Risk Assessment – What is the likelihood the research as proposed would produce the stated objective? Is it a high-risk, high payoff investment or an incremental improvement? 4. Research Duplication – To what extent does the proposed work complement and/or avoid duplication of already ongoing or completed work? Specify which tasks could be deleted as duplicative, if applicable. 5. Management Plan and Budget – Are the budget and schedule reasonable? Are the project team and facilities qualified to perform the work? How will the management structure ensure project execution and accountability? Is the plan clear, with welldefined decision points? Is there a clear path from the R&D being proposed to a useful capability? Do the accomplishments to date, either funded currently by NA-22 or previously by other offices or agencies, show reasonable progress toward achieving stated goals? 6. Programmatic Balance and Value – Programmatic balance includes considerations such as the relative importance or urgency of one specific research effort or technical approach over another. Factors such as end users and relationships to other research efforts influence determinations of importance and urgency. How does this research address validated user requirements or needs and promise demonstrable improvement vs. the current method in use or methods under development? Does a capability shortfall exist in this particular area? How strongly will the project impact its targeted application if it delivers what is proposed? Programmatic value is another consideration factor. Proposed efforts that contribute to the training of graduate students and the expansion of graduate programs in fields relevant to nuclear explosion monitoring have higher programmatic value than those that do not. 7. Present and Past Performance - NNSA reserves the right to solicit from available sources relevant information concerning an applicant’s past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. Present and past performance information may include an applicant’s on-time reporting history. The formal merit review evaluation will be based on Criteria 1-4, which are listed in descending order of importance. Criteria 1, 2 and 3 are significantly more important than 4. The source evaluation process will be conducted taking into consideration the evaluation of Criteria 1-4 by the formal merit review, Criterion 5, Criterion 6, and Criterion 7, in the following manner:  Criteria 6 and 7 are more important than Criterion 5;  Criteria 6 and 7 are of equal importance to the combined merit review evaluation of Criteria 1-4; and  The combined merit review evaluation of Criteria 1-4 is significantly more important than Criterion 5. The combined evaluation of Criteria 1-4, 6 and 7 are significantly more important than Criterion 5. It is anticipated that pricing of this action will be based on adequate price 26 DE-AR52-07NA28115 competition. In accordance with FAR 15.304 (e), the evaluation factors other than cost or price, when combined, are significantly more important that cost or price; however, cost/price will contribute substantially to the selection decision. A tradeoff process, as authorized in FAR 15.101-1, will be used in the source selection under this procurement. C. Disclosure of Access to Contractor Technical and Financial Information Beyond Government Employees Both NA-22 in Washington, D.C. and the NNSA Service Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, have contractor support personnel that provide technical and administrative assistance to the government program/project managers. The employers of these support personnel are Science Applications International Corporation, Dichroma, GEM Technologies, and Westech International. In the performance of their duties they have full access to funding information as well as Official Use Only (OUO). A non-disclosure agreement is in force for each individual. 27 DE-AR52-07NA28115 V. Negotiation, Award and Post-Award Requirements A. Award and Notification The selection decision notifications will be posted electronically on IIPS within three weeks of the completion of the selection process. Written decision notifications will also be provided to the offerors by NNSA. B. Award Instrument 1. Contracts Awards under this solicitation are expected to be made as contracts. Contractors shall comply with the applicable requirements of 48 CFR, Federal Statutes, Executive Orders, and other Government-wide guidance implementing 48 CFR, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Department of Energy Acquisition Regulations (DEAR). Contract negotiation, award, and administration will be in accordance with the above requirements. The following provision/clauses are hereby incorporated by reference into this solicitation and will apply to any resulting contract:    FAR 52.215-1, Alt. 1 (Oct 1997), Instructions to Offerors – Competitive Acquisition (Jan 2004); FAR 52.215-2, Audit and Records – Negotiation (June 1999), (Note: Alt II [APR 1998] will apply if a cost reimbursement contract is awarded to an educational institution); and FAR 52.215-8, Order of Precedence-Uniform Contract Format (Oct 1997) Appropriate clauses will be incorporated into any resulting contract as determined by the Contracting Officer. 2. Financial Assistance In the event that a determination is made that award as a Financial Assistance Instrument is more appropriate, then additional forms will be required and recipients and subrecipients of NNSA Financial Assistance shall comply with the applicable requirements of 10 CFR Part 600, Federal Statutes, the OMB Circulars, and other Government-wide guidance implementing 10 CFR Part 600; and the requirements identified in Appendix A of 10 CFR Part 600. Appropriate provisions will be incorporated into any resulting Financial Assistance Instrument as determined by the Contracting Officer. 28 DE-AR52-07NA28115 C. Patents, Data, and Copyrights Appropriate intellectual property provisions will be incorporated in any resulting contract/agreement in accordance with appropriate regulations as determined by the status of the offering organization and the particular project. Intellectual property (patents, data, and copyrights) will be treated for NNSA awards in accordance with 48 CFR 52.227, 48 CFR 952.227, and 48 CFR 27 (contracts) and 10 CFR 600.136 (Intangible Property). D. NNSA Program Management The cognizant NNSA federal project managers will have responsibility for reviewing reports and conducting periodic reviews of the contractor to monitor progress and ensure alignment with the objectives of the program. These federal project managers will also be responsible for conducting pre-publication reviews within 30 days of a request and submission of the document for review. 1. Reporting Requirements The following reports will be required:  Quarterly technical project status reports;  Monthly invoicing with supporting back-up information;  Either Annual Project or Completed Task Reports describing technical results; and,  A Final Technical Report. 2. Program Reviews Up to one program review will be held per year. The PDP will schedule visits to performing organizations’ sites to conduct informal reviews as needed, but not more frequently than annually. In addition, independent merit reviews will be conducted during the second year of the project. 3. Prepublication Reviews Due to the nature of research and development conducted under the PDP, there is a possibility, albeit low, that work performed under contracts awarded through this solicitation could touch on sensitive topics. It would be inappropriate for the Government to fund work that would result in the inadvertent disclosure of sensitive information. In order to mitigate this risk, the program will review publications resulting from funded work under this solicitation prior to their public release. Principal Investigators are to submit their publications for prepublication review to NA-22 and will receive guidance within 30 days of submission. 4. Explosives/Energetic Experiments Offerors who plan to conduct experiments with explosives or energetic devices should plan for activities and documentation to assure that experiments are well designed with design reviews held with all stakeholders, are coordinated with all stakeholders, are 29 DE-AR52-07NA28115 evaluated for NEPA/environmental issues, are in compliance with local requirements/permits, are conducted in a safe manner, and are conducted to not interfere/affect the operations of other already installed measurement/detection systems. 30 DE-AR52-07NA28115 E. Other Requirements 1. NAICS and CFDA The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) that applies to this solicitation is 541710—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number for this solicitation is 81.113, Nonproliferation and National Security Research. This information is provided for completion of block 10 of the Proposal for Federal Assistance, Standard Form SF424, in the event any awards are made as Financial Assistance Instruments. 2. Export Control Awardees will be required to comply with U.S. regulations on export control. Additional information may be obtained from the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (formerly Bureau of Export Administration) at http://bxa.doc.gov 3. Sub-Contracts to Debarred and Suspended Parties Contractors, recipients, and participants, at any tier, must not make any contract or permit any subcontract to any party which is debarred, suspended, or is otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal Assistance and Acquisition programs under Executive Order 12549, ―Debarment and Suspension‖ or is otherwise ineligible hereunder. 4. Notice Regarding Eligible/Ineligible Activities Eligible activities under this program include those which describe and promote the understanding of scientific and technical aspects of specific energy technologies, but not those that encourage or support political activities such as the collection and dissemination of information related to potential, planned or pending legislation. 5. Lobbying Restrictions None of the funds obligated shall be made available for any activity or the publication or distribution of literature that in any way tends to promote public support or opposition to any legislative proposal on which Congressional action is not complete. This restriction is in addition to those prescribed elsewhere in statute and regulation. 6. Notice Regarding Purchase of American-Made Equipment and Products — Sense of Congress It is the sense of the Congress that, to the greatest extent practicable, all equipment and products purchased with funds made available should be American-made. 7. Compliance with Buy American Act Compliance will be required with Sections 2 through 4 of the Act of March 3, 1933 (41 U.S.C. 10a – 10d, popularly known as the ―Buy American Act‖). The offeror should 31 DE-AR52-07NA28115 review the provisions of the Act to ensure that expenditures made under an Award are in accordance with the Buy American Act. 8. Additional Information Offerors are advised that only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to commit the Government. It is highly recommended that proposals contain a thoroughly realized technical approach with clear and descriptive narrative and a detailed cost breakdown with rationale for the proposed costs. The projects awarded by NNSA as a result of this solicitation will be administered by the NNSA Service Center. Negotiation, award, and administration will be in accordance with 48 CFR (FAR) if a contract is awarded. Negotiation, award, and administration will be in accordance with DOE Financial Assistance Rules (10 CFR Part 600) if a Financial Assistance Instrument is awarded. 32 DE-AR52-07NA28115 VI. SOLICITATION DEFINITIONS ―Award‖ means the written documentation executed by a NNSA Contracting Officer, after an offeror is selected, which contains the terms and conditions for providing a contract or financial assistance to the offeror(s). ―Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)‖ means the acquisition of basic and applied research and that part of development not related to the development of a specific system or hardware procurement, per FAR 35.016. ―Budget‖ means the cost expenditure plan submitted in the proposal (for financial assistance instruments). ―Budget Period‖ means an interval of time, specified in the award, into which a project is divided for budgeting and funding purposes. ―CFDA‖ is the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. The CFDA provides information on Federal Assistance Programs. Information on Federal Grant Programs can be found at http://www.cfda.gov. ―Contract‖ means a mutually binding legal relationship obligating the seller (offeror) to furnish the supplies or services and the buyer (the Government) to pay for them. It includes all types of commitments that obligate the Government to an expenditure of appropriated funds and that, except as otherwise authorized, are in writing. ―Contracting Officer‖ means a person with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings. The term includes certain authorized representatives of the contracting officer acting within the limits of their authority as delegated by the contracting officer. ―Export Control‖ refers to government rules and regulations that govern the transfer of commodities (equipment, hardware, or materiel), technologies (technical data, information, or assistance), and software (commercial or custom) to any non-U.S. entity or individual, wherever the transfer may take place. ―FFRDC‖ refers to a Federally Funded Research and Development Center such as the NNSA National Laboratories. ―Financial Assistance‖ means the transfer of money or property to a recipient or subrecipient to accomplish a public purpose of support authorized by Federal Statute through Research Grants or Cooperative Agreements and Sub-awards. In NNSA, it does not include direct loans, loan guarantees, price guarantees, purchase agreements, Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), or any other type of financial incentive instrument. ―Industry Interactive Procurement System (IIPS)‖ means the Internet based, electronic system used to submit proposals. ―Key Personnel‖ mean the individuals who will have significant roles in planning and implementation of the proposed project. 33 DE-AR52-07NA28115 ―Late Proposal Submission‖ means that if any part of the proposal submitted into the Industry Interactive Procurement System (IIPS) was time-stamped after the submission deadline, it will be disqualified from further consideration. ―Merit Review‖ means a thorough, consistent, and objective examination of proposals based on pre-established criteria by persons who are independent of those submitting the proposals and who are subject matter experts in the field of endeavor. ―Offeror‖ means the university or organization committed to the execution of the proposed project under the direction of its principal investigator. ―Principal Investigator‖ as applied to proposals under this solicitation means the single individual responsible for the management of the proposal/project. In the case of teams, each organization will specify a principal investigator, with one principal investigator designated as the ―lead.‖ The lead principal investigator will be from the organization designated the overall technical lead and will be accountable for the full team effort. ―Project‖ means the set of activities described in a proposal or other document that is approved by NNSA for financial assistance or a contract (whether such financial assistance represents all or only a portion of the support necessary to carry out those activities). ―Project Period‖ means the total period of time indicated in an award during which NNSA expects to provide support contingent upon satisfactory progress and available funds. A project period may consist of one or more budget periods and may be extended by NNSA. ―Proposal‖ means the documentation submitted in response to this solicitation. ―Recipient‖ or ―Awardee‖ means the entity that receives an award from NNSA and is financially accountable for the use of any Government funds provided for the performance of the project, and is legally responsible for carrying out the terms and conditions of the award. ―Subcontract‖ is a contractual action entered into by a prime contractor. ―Solicitation‖ means any request to submit offers or quotations to the Government. As used in this document, ―solicitation‖ is synonymous with ―Broad Agency Announcement‖ or ―BAA.‖ ―Teaming‖ means an arrangement in which two or more organizations work together on a proposal and subsequent award with one individual designated as the lead principal investigator responsible for the integration, management, and reporting for the team. 34