(1)
(a)  The Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) Remote Sensing Systems Directorate (SMC/RS) will be soliciting white papers through the use of a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), see attached BAA, (see FAR 35.016) to mature critical space OPIR technologies and identify innovative concepts and component technologies for potential transition into the Next-Generation OPIR Systems.

(b) The attached BAA seeks projects for advanced research technology development, and work funded under  the attached BAA may include applied research and advanced technology development that is not related to the development of a specific system or hardware procurement. The attached BAA is used to fulfill SMC/RS's requirement, under the Space Modernization Initiative (SMI) for technology investment, scientific study and experimentation directed toward advancing the state-of-the-art or increasing knowledge or understanding rather than focusing on a specific system or hardware solution.

(c)  The general focus areas for the BAA calls include, but are not limited to: space segment resiliency, payload technologies, space vehicle technologies, data processing and other on-board software development, and novel technologies. SMC/RS may release up to two BAA calls per year, outlining which specific focus area(s) the program office is currently interested in, along with the objectives within that focus area. This effort will span over seven years starting in December 2018, and will not exceed $90M in total contract awards.

(d) The attached BAA will use a two-phased approach. Phase 1 of the proposal selection process consists of an invitation to submit white papers. Phase 2 of the proposal selection process consists of a request from the Government to the offeror(s) for full technical and cost proposals. 

(e)  Attached to this announcement is the BAA.

(f)  The BAA contains sensitive and classified reference documents.  All sensitive and classified  documents will be provided upon request and after clearance verification.  For clearance verification, please submit your Company name, website, Federal Tax ID, CAGE Code, DUNS number and mailing address, along with your technical, security and administrative points of contact (including email addresses (unclassified, SECRET, TS/SCI), and telephone number)s to the primary and secondary points of contact identified in this announcement. Further verification may be required through SIPR, JWICS, or GWAN, as applicable.

(2) Ombudsman

(i)  An ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition.  When requested, the ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern.  The existence of the ombudsman does not affect the authority of the program manager, contracting officer, or source selection official.  Further, the ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals, the source selection process, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes.  The ombudsman may refer the interested party to another official who can resolve the concern.

(ii)  Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the contracting officer for resolution.  Consulting an ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines for any other processes (e.g., agency level bid protests, GAO bid protests, requests for debriefings, employee-employer actions, contests of OMB Circular A-76 competition performance decisions).

(iii)  If resolution cannot be made by the contracting officer, the interested party may contact the ombudsman, Colonel Trent Tuthill, Phone Number (310) 653-1786, mailing address SMC/PK, Attn: Col Trent Tuthill, 483 N. Aviation Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90245-2808.  Concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations that cannot be resolved at the Center/SMC ombudsman level, may be brought by the interested party for further consideration to the Air Force ombudsman, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) (Contracting), SAF/AQC, 1060 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1060, phone number (571) 256-2395, facsimile number (571) 256-2431.

(iv)  The ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds the agency.

(v)  Do not contact the ombudsman to request copies of the solicitation, verify offer due date, or clarify technical requirements.  Such inquiries shall be directed to the contracting officer.