Directed Energy Technology Experimentation Research (DETER) Advanced Research...

ADVANCED RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT (ARA) FA9451-21-S-0001 Directed Energy Technology Experimentation Research (DETER) Air Force Research Laboratory/Directed Energy Directorate NAICS Code : The NAICS Code for this acquisition is 541715 for Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology), and the small business size standard is 1,000 employees Federal Agency Name : Air Force Research Laboratory, Directed Energy, Phillips Research Site, Kirtland AFB NM (AFRL/RD) ARA Title : Directed Energy Technology Experimentation Research Announcement (DETER) ARA Type : This is an Open ARA with Calls; initial announcement ARA Number : FA9451-21-S-0001 Program Summary: This is an Open ARA announcement pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C. §4023 (formerly 10 U.S.C. §2373).  AFRL/RD is interested in receiving white papers and proposals through a Two-Step Process to perform research and development (R&D), modeling and simulation (M&S), design, component/subsystem, prototype risk reduction, fabrication/purchase, assembly, integration, and testing of directed energy source components (to include spares and alternate component technologies), and/or systems and any required accessories, materials, and supplies for laboratory research and experimentation and field trials in a relevant environment to demonstrate system capabilities.  Dialogue between prospective Offerors and Government representatives is strongly encouraged. *Note: AFRL/RD reserves the right to collapse a white paper/Two-Step into a One-Step if the situation warrants the white paper contains sufficient technical detail to do full technical proposal evaluation instead of white paper evaluation. *Please see the attached DETER Industry User Guide for guidance on definitions, processes, submission requirements and evaluation criteria.* Background:  AFRL/RD equips the joint warfighter with next-generation technologies, advanced concepts, and weapon system options across all operational domains to become more agile and increase the commercialization potential of directed energy investments to ensure the National defense.   This solicitation intends to use acquisition authorities provided by 10 U.S.C. §4023 (formerly 10 U.S.C. §2373). This authority applies to acquisition of items related to “…buy demonstrations, prototypes, products, supplies, parts, accessories, auxiliary services, and design for products or services, that the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary concerned considers necessary for experimental or test purposes in the development of the best supplies that are needed for the national defense.”  Consequently, white papers and proposals should address how the proposed effort provides benefits to the national defense and a strategy for verifying those intended benefits. The proposed solutions should be innovative and substantially improve national defense capabilities across the domains of directed energy.  While the Government describes discrete topic areas below, it also anticipates that certain comprehensive technology solutions and prototypes may require multidiscipline approaches that address two or more topic areas.  The topic areas are covered under this announcement, which may be used in any combination.  The Government reserves the right to add, delete or modify the topic areas as necessary.   Communication between Prospective Offerors and Government Representatives: Dialogue between prospective Offerors and Government representatives is strongly encouraged throughout the life of this ARA.  However, communication will be limited once full-proposals are submitted for evaluation/review. Prospective Offerors are welcome to request sit-downs and provide demonstrations of their capabilities. Discussions shall not constitute a commitment by the Government to subsequently fund or award any proposed effort.  No guidance related to technical approach will be given. However, questions related to the objectives of the effort or prior similar efforts may be answered.  Offerors are advised that only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to contractually bind or otherwise commit the Government.   THIS WILL BE A HYBRID ANNOUNCEMENT:  This announcement has an open request for white papers as described below.  Calls may be issued under this announcement for discrete requirements.  Call types can vary and may include, but are not limited to, One-Step, Two-Step, Open, Closed, Staggered, Limited Calls or any combination therein.  AFRL/RD reserves the right to collapse a white paper/Two-Step into a One-Step if the situation warrants the white paper contains sufficient technical detail to do full technical proposal evaluation instead of white paper evaluation.   Open Announcement Request: AFRL/RD Kirtland Air Force Base is soliciting white papers on the research effort