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Sea-Based Weapon Systems (MDA/AB), SM-3 Guided Missile (ABG) Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Program Sources Sought Request for Information Agency: Missile Defense Agency Office: Sea-Based Weapon Systems Lo... Sea-Based Weapon Systems (MDA/AB), SM-3 Guided Missile (ABG) Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Program Sources Sought Request for Information Agency: Missile Defense Agency Office: Sea-Based Weapon Systems Location: Dahlgren, VA NAICS: 336414 – Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing PSC: 1410 RFI Number: MDA23ABRFI01 Notice Type: Sources Sought Request for Information Updated April 25, 2023: Page limit requirements clarified as follows: -10 page limit for General Program and Contract Management -10 page limit per capability area (for total page limit of 30 pages) -7 page limit for Programatic Response Paper Total page limit of: 47 pages Synopsis: 1. Description: In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 10.001(a), FAR 5.201 and the Defense FAR Supplement (DFARS) 210.001, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Sea-Based Weapon Systems (AB), formerly called Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense, Guided Missile Program (ABG) is conducting market research to determine interest and capability for sources to fulfill the requirements of the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Program. These requirements include development, advanced development systems engineering support, integration, analysis, configuration and data management, information security, quality assurance and testing of upgrades required for the SM-3 Block IB and SM-3 Block IIA All-Up Rounds (AUR). MDA will utilize responses to develop acquisition strategy alternatives that increase competition in SM-3 future development scope. MDA/ABG anticipates contracting for the described effort in mid Fiscal Year 2024 for period(s) of performance up to 10 years depending on final approved contract strategy. This Request for Information (RFI) is intended to assist MDA/ABG with making informed acquisition decisions based on the ability to: Assess marketplace and industry capacity and capability to deliver SM-3 capabilities to deliver specified SM-3 requirements; Obtain industry recommendations on acquisition strategies and approaches (including potential contract type and incentive structures) and contract durations/periods of performance; Identify and assess any major risks to the potential acquisition; Identify and mitigate any potential barriers to competition; Determine industry data/information needs to support proposal preparations; Outline program cost drivers, potential cost impacts and risks; and Identify areas that could be set-aside for small business This RFI is a market research announcement for informational planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), nor is it to be construed as a commitment by MDA. Submissions will be considered an exchange of capabilities and may be used as part of a future RFP. MDA will only accept unclassified responses. Classified information shall not be contained in the response. Any proprietary information submitted should be properly marked. No RFP/solicitation will be issued at this time. Participation in this effort is strictly voluntary with no costs incurred or obligations made on behalf of MDA. MDA is in no way bound by the information obtained through this RFI should an RFP/solicitation be issued at a later date. Responses to this notice will not be construed as an offer and will not be accepted by MDA to form a binding contract. Respondent’s information/documents submitted in response to this RFI will not be returned. The Respondent’s information/documents should be complete, informative, and demonstrate clear competencies and expertise in managing, executing, and delivering qualified SM-3 requirements. MDA is conducting an information-driven decision making process that requires additional information to plan and execute successful acquisitions for the SM-3 Program. This RFI is part of the overall market research activity to collect, organize, maintain, analyze, and present data in accordance with FAR Subpart 10.002(b). 2. Background: The MDA develops and fields an integrated, layered, Missile Defense System (MDS) to defend the United States, its deployed forces, allies, and friends against all ranges of enemy missiles in all phases of flight. The MDA/AB Program Office is the naval component of the MDS and builds upon the Aegis Weapon System, Standard Missile, Navy and Joint Forces’ Command, Control and Communication systems. In recognition of its scalability, MDA/AB is a keystone of the European Phased Adaptive Approach. The mission of the SM-3 Program is to arm the strategic warfighter to defend against short to intermediate-range, unitary and separating, midcourse-phase, ballistic missile threats. SM-3 variants are multi-stage missiles that use hit-to-kill technology to destroy enemy targets. 3. Requirements: This market research is being used to determine the capability of industry. Respondent current capabilities will be assessed in terms of demonstrated record of successful implementation and support of SM-3 acquisition efforts or missile-related development efforts of similar size, scope, and technical complexity. Capability paper length shall not exceed 10 pages and must be unclassified. For each of the scope requirements and considerations identified below, if the respondent has similar experience or historical information available, MDA requests that responses include the below information within the requirement/considerations: General Program and Contract Management: SM-3 Data Management considerations include but are not limited to: MDA obtains no less than Government Purpose Rights to technical data from the contractor and its subcontractors/suppliers for SM-3 components, hardware, software, and the Interface Control Documents for major subassemblies and the special tooling and test equipment needed for integration. State whether you will assert any claims of limited or restricted rights for MDA as part of your contract proposal (guided by FAR and DFARS requirements for types of technical data), such as contract data requirements lists, technical drawings, software, and hardware. DFARS 227.7103-5 defined categories of data rights are: a) Unlimited Rights; b) Government Purpose Rights; c) Limited Rights (Technical Data); and d) Specifically negotiated license rights. This requirement will also include documentation support and assistance for the SM-3 missile and provide performance and compliance of MDA Assurance Provisions and Parts, Materials and Process Mission Assurance Plan. Contractors must have a Top Secret Facility clearance. If the Respondent has similar or historical information available, MDA requests: a) Contract number; b) title and objective of contract; c) contracting agency and point of contact information; d) period of performance; e) value of contract; f) type of contract (e.g., fixed price, cost reimbursement); g) accomplishments of effort (products furnished or services provided); and h) recommended command media and best practices/concepts employed. Capability Area 1 Systems Engineering and Integration of SM-3 Block IB and SM-3 Block IIA enhancements to include concept definition, analysis of alternatives, Model-Based Systems Engineering, trade studies, development and traceability of requirements, preparation and execution of informal and formal milestone reviews, architecture definition and modification, definition and traceability of internal and external interfaces, algorithm and software development including verification and validation. Describe your capabilities for development and integration of new functionality and capabilities using form, fit, and function hardware and software obsolescence technology insertion to keep the weapon system capable of countering evolving threats. Describe your capabilities for requirements and analysis tools necessary to perform balancing and trades. Describe your methods of conducting verification, validation, and accreditation to support software upgrades. Capability Area 2 Development/Enhancement of SM-3 Block IB and SM-3 Block IIA Missile Hardware and Software for both new capabilities to enhance the deployed SM-3 missile and to address obsolescence and technology insertion in the existing architecture. Additional development efforts include integrating components that can drive down overall production costs. This includes design engineering, software algorithm development for new functions as well as hardware technology insertion and obsolescence form, fit and function replacements to keep the SM-3 missile capable of pacing and eliminating evolving threats. Other specific developments may include new/updated communications architecture, new/updated global positioning system hardware integration and hardware/software to be developed and or built to provide upgraded communications link with the kill vehicle and the firing platform throughout the time of flight. Describe your approach to re-architect missile software using open architecture principles and how you would transition software from development, transition to production and through post-deployment software sustainment. Describe your approach to hardware and software architecture that allows rapid and cost-effective insertion of technology to respond to evolving threats. Describe your approach to designing robustness against manufacturing problems and defects. Additionally, describe your approach to efficiently integrating related development and qualification efforts for various missile components in a cost-effective manner. Your approach should describe your methods of conducting verification, validation, and accreditation to support software upgrades. Capability Area 3 Development and Qualification of new SM-3 Block IB Throttleable Divert Attitude Control System (TDACS) propellant which will support service life extension of in-service SM-3 Block IB AURs. This includes development completion of the Joint Enhanced Munitions Technology Program (JEMTP) hazard class 1.3 propellant having a useful life of 20 years and providing the same performance as the existing SM-3 Block IB TDACS propellant. This development would include performance testing, environmental testing, static firing at simulated altitude conditions, and qualification testing. Describe your approach to complete the development and qualification of the JEMTP HC 1.3 propellant to support the TDACS subsystem and system test activities needed for SM-3 Block IB AUR. Describe your Knowledge Point Plan for successfully conducting Preliminary Design Review Critical Design Review, Hazard Assessment Testing and qualification. Describe your approach to transition the new HC 1.3 TDACS propellant for production cut-in and Manufacturing Surveillance Unit testing. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Interested parties are requested to provide an information package in Microsoft Word and searchable Portable Document Format (.pdf). The submission should be delivered to the attention of the Contracting Officer, Ms. Amy Roark, consisting of the following: The capabilities paper shall not exceed 10 pages and must be unclassified information. The paper may include a table of contents, list of tables/figures, and acronyms list, which will not count against the maximum page limitation. The capabilities paper shall be single-spaced, minimum 12-point Times New Roman, and describe corporate experience and/or relevancy in the areas described in the requirements scope. Do not submit generic corporate marketing materials for this RFI; it will not be reviewed by MDA. Respondents are required to respond to the first section, General Program and Contract Management, and then must respond to either Capability Area 1, Capability Area 2, Capability Area 3 or all three, as well as how each area relates to the SM-3 missiles. A Programmatic Response Paper of no more than seven pages, single spaced, minimum 12-point Times New Roman is requested to address the following acquisition strategy related questions: a. Provide a profile of your company, including: Company Name, Point of Contact, Address, Telephone and Fax Numbers, Email Address, DUNS Number, CAGE Code and/or Tax ID Number, Facility Clearance Level, and all applicable socio-economic business/company profile (e.g., Large/Small Business (SB), Small Disadvantaged, 8(a), 8(m) (both Woman Owned SB and Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned SB), Tribally Owned entity, Alaskan Native Corporation, Hawaiian Owned Organization, Service Disabled Veteran Owned SB, Historically Underutilized Business Zone, (HUBZone) SB, other, etc.). Respondents and/or Prospective Offerors (if a solicitation is issued) and its subcontractors/suppliers must be U.S. firms/businesses and not foreign owned, controlled, or influenced. b. What would be your upfront investments and facility requirements prior to SM-3 developmental activities? c. What are your special tooling needs for SM-3 development, integration, and qualification? d. What special test equipment do you have available to support SM-3 development, integration, and qualification? e. What would be your recommended contract duration/period of performance and option/award term periods as appropriate to recuperate upfront investments, costs, to ensure a stable, viable workforce, etc.? f. What aspects of your RFI response could be considered for a Fixed Price Arrangement type Contract Line Item Number? g. What are the potential barriers to competition for this effort (e.g., availability of data, availability of models and simulation, software, facility, industry base, etc.)? h. Do you foresee any barriers to competition and/or entry (i.e., non-compete agreements, no-bid agreements, other non-related contracts) that would prevent your corporation/company from competing for or being awarded a contract for all or any specific portion of future SM-3 requirements? If yes, does this preclude your corporation/company from competing for future SM-3 contract actions as a prime, or otherwise limit your participation as a subcontractor? i. If MDA decides to issue a formal solicitation (RFP) for this effort, what is the minimum length of time necessary to prepare a proposal? Please be aware that MDA would like to hold to a 45-60 calendar days proposal development timeline. j. Describe how your contract change order process has been used on other large weapon systems programs to expedite contract actions and provide agility, flexibility, and drive down costs. k. Does your company have a Government approved accounting system? Provide examples of how you applied effective cost control measures to achieve cost savings and results on large weapon systems programs. l. MDA values the important contributions our small business industry base makes to the development, deployment, and support of the MDS and wishes to pursue contracting strategies that leverage those capabilities. The goals of small business utilization on the SM-3 Program include enhancing the performance capabilities of our systems, improving responsiveness and quality, incorporating innovative technologies and approaches, where applicable, and reducing costs. Describe the small business approach you have executed under similar efforts that promoted these types of MDA goals. What opportunities do you see that could be set-aside for small businesses? m. Does your company have a DD Form 254 with MDA contracts or with another Department of Defense Agency? Please provide your Facility Security Officer information, contact number, and a point of contact. Based on the level of interest and the apparent capability of industry to perform in these areas, MDA reserves the right to develop an acquisition strategy to pursue a solicitation. MDA reserves the right to request follow-up information and/or capability presentations from RFI respondents as needed, as a result of the information received via this RFI. The purpose of these follow-up questions and discussions is for MDA to better understand the market capabilities in relation to the various acquisition strategies available for this potential effort. Information received from follow-up questions and presentations is considered part of the overall market research activity and will be conducted in accordance with FAR Section 15.201. INSTRUCTIONS: Address all informational packages and questions concerning this RFI in writing via e-mail to the Contracting Officer, Ms. Amy Roark at amy.roark@mda.mil. To help aid with developing responses and understanding MDA/AB and the SM-3 Program, please go to www.mda.mil, and specifically www.mda.mil/system/aegis_bmd.html. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, RFI submissions will only be accepted electronically. Responses to this RFI are due no later than May 11, 2023 at 5:00pm EDT. All submissions will be handled according to applicable markings. MDA will only accept unclassified responses. Classified information shall not be contained in the response. Industry is encouraged to respond with information not constrained by proprietary data rights. If proprietary data is included in the reply, the respondent is responsible for appropriate markings. Participants are responsible for adequately marking proprietary information contained in their response, and any proprietary information MUST be marked as such on a paragraph-by-paragraph basis. MDA intends to use third party, non-Government (contractor) support personnel as subject matter experts in the review of responses received, including the review of any marked or unmarked proprietary information provided. Appropriate non-disclosure agreements have been executed between the third party, non-Government (contractor) support personnel, and the Government, and are on file with MDA. Submission of a response to this RFI constitutes the participant’s acknowledgement and agreement that the information provided in the response, including any marked or unmarked proprietary or source selection information, may be disclosed to these third party, non-Government (contractor) support personnel. DISCLAIMER: This RFI is not a Request for Proposal (RFP) and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals nor will any award be made as a result of this synopsis. All information contained in the RFI is preliminary as well as subject to modification and is in no way binding on the Government. FAR clause 52.215-3, “Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes”, is incorporated by reference in this RFI. The Government does not intend to pay for information received in response to this RFI. Responders to this invitation are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. Responses indicating partial capabilities will not be accepted. This RFI will be the basis for collecting information on available capabilities. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. Proprietary information and trade secrets, if any, must be clearly marked on all materials. All information received in this RFI that is marked “Proprietary” will be handled accordingly. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned nor will receipt be confirmed. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Approved for Public Release 23-MDA-11426 (13 Apr 23)