Opportunity Information: Apply for BAA RV 10 01 002
Apply for BAA RV 10 01 002
- The Air Force Research Lab in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Development and Application of a Supra Thermal Particle Detector" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.800 Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program.
- This funding opportunity was created on May 6, 2010 and posted on Apr 21, 2010.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 26, 2010. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $600,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $600,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.
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Opportunity Summary:
This opportunity is a proposal call issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Space Vehicles Directorate, Battlespace Environment Division, under Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) RV 10 01 (Battlespace Environment Technology), Topic Area 1: Space Weather. The specific call is titled "Development and Application of a Supra Thermal Particle Detector" (CALL #002). AFRL is looking for research and development work that results in a flight-ready, miniaturized instrument capable of detecting suprathermal (keV-range) particles in space, with a strong emphasis on demonstrating the capability in a CubeSat-based on-orbit experiment and then using the collected measurements to improve space environment specification and forecasting.
The technical motivation is tied to two AFRL efforts: the Space Particle Hazard Specification and Forecasting program and the Orbital Drag Environment (ODE) program. The particle hazard program focuses on improving the ability to measure, specify, monitor, and forecast particle and radiation conditions in the magnetosphere and radiation belts, then assimilate those data into physics-based models and translate the results into predictions of hazardous effects on Department of Defense (DoD) space systems (and, longer term, potential protection/mitigation approaches). The ODE program is focused on improving specification and forecasting of the neutral atmosphere and satellite drag, with the end goal of more accurate orbit determination for space objects. Together, these programs reflect the broader AFRL objective: building better operational capability to predict and manage space environment effects (particles, currents, fields) that can disrupt, degrade, or shorten the life of Air Force space systems.
The scope of work is organized into four required parts that offerors must address in their proposals. First, the contractor must design and fabricate a spaceflight-ready miniature payload that can conduct an on-orbit experiment to detect suprathermal particles, explicitly including electrons, ions, and neutral atoms, in the keV energy range, hosted on a CubeSat. Second, the contractor must design and fabricate the payload front-end electronics and the spacecraft interface electronics needed to support operations and data handling. Third, the contractor must develop and test the software and the broader hardware/system integration needed to operate the instrument on a CubeSat platform, which includes proving the CubeSat-related technology elements required to make the instrument function as intended. Fourth, in an option year, the contractor must analyze the satellite experiment data and use it to improve the ability to specify and predict the space weather environment, aligning the output with AFRL modeling and forecasting needs rather than treating the flight as a standalone technology demo.
AFRL anticipates total funding of about $600,000 across the basic effort and the option year, with an estimated profile of $200K in FY10, $200K in FY11, $100K in FY12, and $100K in FY13 (the fourth year is described as an option year). This profile is explicitly stated as an estimate and not a contractual commitment, meaning the government can adjust funding based on discretion and availability of funds. The expected period of performance is four years total, with 48 months of technical effort plus an additional three months for final report preparation; the desired start/award date is July 14, 2010. The Air Force expects to make about one award, but reserves the right to make multiple awards or none.
From an administrative and contracting standpoint, AFRL indicates it anticipates using a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract, while still reserving the ability to use a different instrument if it better matches the proposed research. The opportunity is listed as open/unrestricted in eligibility terms, and it explicitly notes that foreign contractors may participate. Security classification for the call is currently unclassified, although the government notes that classified processing could become necessary. The announcement also states that ITAR restrictions are not expected to apply and that DD Form 2345 is not required, reinforcing that export-control barriers were not anticipated for the work as described.
The deliverables are straightforward and oriented around tangible on-orbit capability and usable results. Hardware deliverables include a spaceflight-ready suprathermal particle detector payload and the associated instrument/electronics design. Software deliverables include the software codes required to operate and support the instrument. Data and reporting deliverables include annual reports and a final report. The government states there will be no Government Furnished Property (GFP) associated with the effort and no base support provided to the contractor, so offerors are expected to plan on providing their own facilities and infrastructure. The government also flags that it may use non-government advisors/administrators in service roles who could require administrative access to proprietary information, with organizational conflict of interest protections described as part of those support contracts; offerors are expected to sign and submit a consent form related to this access (and may register objections on that form).
Proposal logistics are handled through AFRL Detachment 8 at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, with a technical point of contact at Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts. Proposals had to be prepared according to Det 8 AFRL/PK instructions (Attachment #1, effective 14 APR 10) and submitted in a structured format that maps to contract line items: CLIN 0001 covers Parts 1, 2, and 3, while CLIN 0002 covers Part 4 as Option Year 1. Offerors were asked to submit two copies plus one original, as well as an electronic copy on CD, including a cost proposal spreadsheet compatible with Microsoft Excel 2007 or earlier and containing formulas. The original due date stated in the narrative is noon MDT on May 20, 2010, while the opportunity record also reflects a current closing date of May 26, 2010; the announcement directs offerors to monitor FedBizOpps and Grants.gov for amendments that could change dates or terms. An "intent to propose" notification to the contracting point of contact is requested as a courtesy, but it is not mandatory and does not commit the offeror.
Cost proposal expectations are detailed and reflect standard federal cost-accounting rigor. Offerors must provide multi-year cost element summaries by offeror fiscal year, identify labor categories and rate build-ups, explain escalation, list indirect rates and allocation bases, provide subcontractor proposals in similar detail, and comply with pass-through charge limitations (including disclosures if subcontracting exceeds 70 percent of total work cost). Travel, materials, and other direct costs must be separately itemized with bases of estimate, and special items like Facilities Capital Cost of Money (if applicable) and New Mexico Gross Receipts Tax (if applicable) must be addressed with supporting calculations. Rate data and estimating factors are expected to have been submitted to the cognizant Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) for review prior to cost proposal submission, and the proposal cover information must include standard identifiers such as DUNS and CAGE codes.
In practical terms, the government is signaling it wants an end-to-end CubeSat-compatible particle detection capability that is more than a lab prototype: it needs a miniaturized, spaceflight-ready instrument with the electronics, software, and integration/testing maturity to fly, operate, and return data, followed by analysis that directly supports improved specification and forecasting of space weather hazards. The evaluation and award approach sit under the broader BAA RV 10 01 framework, so the baseline BAA governs proposal preparation, review criteria, and award administration unless the call specifically amends those rules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) What is this funding opportunity?
This is a proposal call issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Space Vehicles Directorate, Battlespace Environment Division, under Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) RV 10 01 (Battlespace Environment Technology), Topic Area 1: Space Weather. The specific call is titled "Development and Application of a Supra Thermal Particle Detector" (CALL #002).
2) What is AFRL trying to develop through this call?
AFRL is seeking research and development that results in a flight-ready, miniaturized instrument capable of detecting suprathermal (keV-range) particles in space. A major emphasis is demonstrating the capability via a CubeSat-based on-orbit experiment and then using the collected measurements to improve space environment specification and forecasting.
3) What particles must the instrument detect?
The payload must be able to detect suprathermal particles in the keV energy range, explicitly including electrons, ions, and neutral atoms.
4) What platform is the instrument expected to fly on?
The instrument is expected to be CubeSat-hosted, and the work must include the CubeSat-based on-orbit experiment context, including the technology elements needed for the instrument to function as intended on a CubeSat platform.
5) Why is AFRL interested in suprathermal particle measurements?
The technical motivation is tied to improving operational capability to predict and manage space environment effects (particles, currents, fields) that can disrupt, degrade, or shorten the life of Air Force space systems. The call is specifically linked to AFRL efforts in particle hazard specification/forecasting and orbital drag environment (neutral atmosphere/drag) specification and forecasting.
6) Which AFRL programs are connected to this effort?
The call cites two efforts: (1) the Space Particle Hazard Specification and Forecasting program (focused on measuring/monitoring/forecasting particle and radiation conditions and assimilating data into physics-based models to predict hazardous effects), and (2) the Orbital Drag Environment (ODE) program (focused on improving neutral atmosphere and satellite drag specification/forecasting to improve orbit determination).
7) What are the required parts of the scope of work?
Offerors must address four required parts in their proposals:
- Part 1: Design and fabricate a spaceflight-ready miniature payload for an on-orbit suprathermal particle detection experiment (electrons, ions, neutrals; keV range) hosted on a CubeSat.
- Part 2: Design and fabricate payload front-end electronics and spacecraft interface electronics to support operations and data handling.
- Part 3: Develop and test software and complete broader hardware/system integration needed to operate the instrument on a CubeSat platform, including proving CubeSat-related technology elements required for intended operation.
- Part 4 (Option Year): Analyze satellite experiment data and use it to improve specification and prediction of the space weather environment, aligned with AFRL modeling and forecasting needs (not just a standalone tech demo).
8) Is data analysis required, or is this only a hardware demonstration?
Data analysis is required as Part 4 in an option year. The call stresses that the on-orbit effort should not be treated as a standalone technology demonstration; the collected measurements must be used to improve space environment specification and forecasting in ways that align with AFRL modeling and forecasting needs.
9) How much total funding does AFRL anticipate?
AFRL anticipates total funding of about $600,000 across the basic effort and the option year.
10) What is the expected funding profile by fiscal year?
The opportunity provides an estimated profile of $200K in FY10, $200K in FY11, $100K in FY12, and $100K in FY13. The fourth year is described as an option year.
11) Is the funding profile guaranteed?
No. The profile is explicitly described as an estimate and not a contractual commitment. The government may adjust funding based on discretion and the availability of funds.
12) What is the expected period of performance?
The expected period of performance is four years total, described as 48 months of technical effort plus an additional three months for final report preparation.
13) What is the desired start/award date?
The desired start/award date is July 14, 2010.
14) How many awards does AFRL expect to make?
AFRL expects to make about one award, but reserves the right to make multiple awards or none.
15) What type of contract does AFRL anticipate using?
AFRL indicates it anticipates using a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract, while reserving the ability to use a different instrument if it better matches the proposed research.
16) Who is eligible to apply?
The opportunity is listed as open/unrestricted in eligibility terms, and it explicitly notes that foreign contractors may participate.
17) What is the security classification for this call?
The call is currently unclassified. However, the government notes that classified processing could become necessary.
18) Are ITAR restrictions expected to apply?
The announcement states that ITAR restrictions are not expected to apply to the work as described.
19) Is DD Form 2345 required?
No. The announcement states that DD Form 2345 is not required.
20) What are the main deliverables?
Deliverables include:
- Hardware: a spaceflight-ready suprathermal particle detector payload and associated instrument/electronics design.
- Software: the software codes required to operate and support the instrument.
- Reporting/Data: annual reports and a final report.
21) Will the government provide equipment or facilities (GFP or base support)?
No. The government states there will be no Government Furnished Property (GFP) and no base support, so offerors are expected to provide their own facilities and infrastructure.
22) Will non-government personnel have access to proposal information?
The government notes it may use non-government advisors/administrators in service roles who could require administrative access to proprietary information. Organizational conflict of interest protections are described as part of those support contracts.
23) Is there a consent form related to non-government access to proprietary information?
Yes. Offerors are expected to sign and submit a consent form related to this access, and they may register objections on that form.
24) Where is this solicitation being managed?
Proposal logistics are handled through AFRL Detachment 8 at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, with a technical point of contact at Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts.
25) How should proposals be prepared and formatted?
Proposals must be prepared according to Det 8 AFRL/PK instructions (Attachment #1, effective 14 APR 10) and submitted in a structured format that maps to contract line items (CLINs).
26) How are the CLINs organized for this call?
The submission structure maps the technical parts to CLINs as follows:
- CLIN 0001: Parts 1, 2, and 3
- CLIN 0002: Part 4 (Option Year 1)
27) How many copies of the proposal were requested, and in what media?
Offerors were asked to submit two copies plus one original, as well as an electronic copy on CD.
28) Were there specific requirements for the cost proposal spreadsheet?
Yes. The electronic submission must include a cost proposal spreadsheet compatible with Microsoft Excel 2007 or earlier and containing formulas.
29) What is the proposal due date?
The narrative states proposals were due by noon MDT on May 20, 2010. The opportunity record also reflects a current closing date of May 26, 2010. The announcement directs offerors to monitor FedBizOpps and Grants.gov for amendments that could change dates or terms.
30) Is an "intent to propose" required?
No. An "intent to propose" notification to the contracting point of contact is requested as a courtesy, but it is not mandatory and does not commit the offeror.
31) What level of detail is expected in the cost proposal?
The opportunity calls for multi-year cost element summaries by offeror fiscal year; labor categories and rate build-ups; escalation explanations; indirect rates and allocation bases; detailed subcontractor proposals; and itemized travel/materials/ODCs with bases of estimate. It also references pass-through charge limitations and disclosures if subcontracting exceeds 70 percent of total work cost.
32) Are there any special cost items that may need to be addressed?
Yes. The call specifically flags items such as Facilities Capital Cost of Money (if applicable) and New Mexico Gross Receipts Tax (if applicable), including supporting calculations.
33) Are there expectations related to DCAA?
Yes. Rate data and estimating factors are expected to have been submitted to the cognizant Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) for review prior to cost proposal submission.
34) What identifying information is expected on the proposal cover?
The proposal cover information is expected to include standard identifiers such as DUNS and CAGE codes.
35) What is the main outcome AFRL is looking for beyond a lab prototype?
AFRL is signaling it wants an end-to-end CubeSat-compatible particle detection capability: a miniaturized, spaceflight-ready instrument with electronics, software, and integration/testing maturity to fly, operate, and return data, followed by analysis that directly supports improved specification and forecasting of space weather hazards.
36) Which overarching solicitation rules apply to this call?
The evaluation and award approach sits under the broader BAA RV 10 01 framework. The baseline BAA governs proposal preparation, review criteria, and award administration unless this call specifically amends those rules.
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