ENTERPRISE PROTOTYPE INITIATIVE CONSORTIUM (EPIC)

Solicitation: The Government is only soliciting whitepapers at this time.  DO NOT SUBMIT A FORMAL PROPOSAL. This solicitation is requesting whitepapers that will describe the aspects of the Offeror’s approach to meeting the Enterprise Prototype Initiative Consortium (EPIC) program objectives.  Once whitepapers are evaluated and determined selectable, proposals will be requested.  The Government reserves the right to request proposals from any number of offerors.  The Government is not responsible for costs incurred as a result of whitepaper or proposal preparation, development or submission and are the sole responsibility of the submitting party. Purpose:  The purpose of this announcement is to solicit qualified offerors to submit whitepapers for the Air Force Research Laboratory Enterprise Prototype Initiative Consortium (EPIC) Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) for Prototype Indefinite Delivery Vehicle (IDV). Description: The core objective of EPIC is for the Recipient to perform a coordinated prototyping and testing program in conjunction with the Government that speeds the ability to rapidly prototype Government, industry and academia capabilities across all technology areas of interest relevant to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) proposed to be acquired or developed by the Department of War (DoW) to sustain U.S. military technological advantage. Additionally, this OTA will serve as a vital tool to help DoW achieve military integration that is critical to reduce the cost of defense information systems technologies. The Government anticipates that EPIC will be awarded as an Other Transaction Agreement for Prototype, as authorized under 10 U.S.C. §4022.  The form of the Agreement to be executed will be an Indefinite Delivery Vehicle (IDV) in which there will be one overarching Agreement between the Air Force and the successful entity.  Under this Agreement, individual Project Level Orders will be solicited, awarded and performed.  The ceiling is unlimited with a project ordering period of 120 months and project performance allowed up to 24 months after the project ordering end date.  The OTA IDV will have multiple Project Level Orders (PLOs) awarded on a Firm-Fixed Price basis.  The increments and dollar threshold will be determined by PLO with pricing based on the outcome of the project level competitions conducted throughout the term of the Agreement.  Despite the Firm Fixed Price nature of the Agreement, the successful Offeror will need to identify an accounting system that is capable of tracking the receipt and disbursement of Government funds.  Upon successful completion of Project Level Order Agreements, there could be potential for a sole source, follow-on production contract or OT.  Follow-on production OT agreements will be determined on a project-by-project basis in accordance with the guidance provided in the Other Transactions Guide (OUSD (A&S)), 2023, applicable law, and policy. Issued by:           FA8750 AFRL/RFZF 26 Electronic Parkway Rome NY 13441-4514 Agreements Officer’s Representative (AOR): Matthew P. Shaver Agreements Officer’s Representative 315-330-3295 Matthew.Shaver.1@us.af.mil The OT Lead’s deliverables are expected to consist nearly entirely of reports, although it is possible that in unique situations the OT-lead could be responsible for the delivery of software, hardware, or technical data. Project-Level Performers will be expected to deliver technical solutions, consisting of software, hardware, and/or technical data.  Refer to the Statement of Work (SOW) and ADRLs. LIMITATIONS OF OTP AUTHORITY Appropriate Use of Authority.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that no official of an agency enters into a transaction (other than a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement) for a prototype project under the authority of this section unless one of the following conditions is met: (A) There is at least one nontraditional defense contractor or nonprofit research institution participating to a significant extent in the prototype project. (B) All significant participants in the transaction other than the Federal Government are small businesses (including small businesses participating in a program described under section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638)) or nontraditional defense contractors. (C) At least one third of the total cost of the prototype project is to be paid out of funds provided by sources other than the Federal Government. (D) The senior procurement executive for the agency determines in writing that exceptional circumstances justify the use of a transaction that provides for innovative business arrangements or structures that would not be feasible or appropriate under a contract, or would provide an opportunity to expand the defense supply base in a manner that would not be practical or feasib