The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Innovation Capability and Modernization (ICAM) Office, in collaboration with the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), is currently soliciting technical White Papers for a Request for Information (RFI) to explore the development and transition of metallic alloys and manufacturing processes that can enhance the capabilities of current and future defense platforms and weapon systems.
RFI: Accelerated Capability Metals Enterprise (ACME)
The RFI for Accelerated Capability Metals Enterprise (ACME) aims to accelerate the transformation of innovations, inventions, and scientific discoveries into operational equipment and capabilities, specifically seeking to advance the development and transition of new, high-performance metallic alloy systems and associated manufacturing processes with enhanced properties. The request is open to all application domains, including sea, air, land, and space.
White Papers submitted in response to this RFI must outline approaches for developing and implementing materials and processing techniques that enhance the performance and operational readiness of DoD platforms, as outlined in the RFI. White Papers should be structured to address both Phase I and Phase II objectives. Phase I proposals must focus on the manufacturing of an article, representative of a casting, forging, plate, or welding/additive consumable for a DoD end-use application. Inclusion of Phase II encompasses the development of first article samples with all associated characterization required to execute a certification event and the associated generation of a material and or process specification.
Submitters must indicate how a prototype will be developed and manufactured to address the technical challenges. The prototype must prove the operational practicality and benefits of the proposed material and/or process. At the start of the technical approach, identified technologies must be at least Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or higher and advance to at least TRL 6 by the end of Phase I. The Phase II effort should then progress the work to TRL 8 or higher. Multiple submittals are permissible; however, each submission should only address one specific topic area.
The ACME RFI Appendices contain Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). To obtain access to these appendices, the submitter must provide a current Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Logistics Information Service certified DD Form 2345 Technical Data Agreement, to be uploaded using the Upload DD Form 2345 button below. Once verified, access to the RFI Appendices will be granted to the submitter through an email coming from submissions@ncdmm.org.
For those intending to submit a White Paper, please confirm your intent by emailing submissions@ncdmm.org by January 5, 2025.
Multiple submittals are permissible; however, each submission should only address one specific topic area. You will find the complete list of guidelines in the RFI.
All submissions shall be submitted electronically using the Submit ACME White Paper button below. Paper and fax submissions will not be accepted.
Submissions for the DD Form 2345 Technical Data Agreement and White Papers will be acknowledged upon receipt with an email confirmation from NCDMM within 24 hours. If a confirmation email is not received within 24 hours, please email submissions@ncdmm.org to ensure delivery. NCDMM is not responsible for email system malfunctions or undeliverable emails.
Q: The RFI says there is no cap on the size of a potential award. However, can the government provide a ROM of the program funding available?
A: As this is a White Paper request and not a request for proposal, no additional information can be provided on funding. White Papers that are selected to move forward will be asked to submit a full proposal at which time the assigned contracting agency will disclose funding available.
Q: What is the typical size for individual awards?
A: As this is a White Paper request no information on typical award size can be provided. Per the RFI, there is no cap on potential funding amounts, however respondents should be aware any individual projects with higher funding requirements must have a unique potential value to the Department of Defense to be considered.
Q: Is ASTM B61 (alloy C92200) in scope? This alloy has been widely replaced in commercial/industrial use with non-lead alternatives so it is not what one would typically consider to be research even though DOD has been unable to approve an equivalent replacement.
A: A proposal on manufacturing ASTM B61 (alloy C92200) is within the ACME RFI scope, as any metal useful to the DoD qualifies. However, White Papers will also be evaluated on their relative impacts on DoD and defense industrial base capability, so the proposal should highlight its strategic value and benefits.
Q: Is a current DD2345 required for submission of a White Paper, or only to gain access to the appendices? Are both prime and sub-primes required to have a DD2345 to apply?
A: A DD2345 is only required to gain access to the appendices if you are a U.S. or Canadian entity. If entities from TTCP nations are seeking access to the appendices they are encouraged to reach out to submissions@NCDMM.org to determine alternate compliance mechanism to obtain the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). There is no requirement to have a DD2345 to apply. However, a valid CAGE code is required for the prime to submit.
Q: Would a proposal focused on manufacturing dysprosium / terbium alloys qualify and meet the intended focus for the ACME RFI?
A: A proposal on manufacturing dysprosium/terbium alloys is within the ACME RFI scope, as any metal useful to the DoD qualifies. However, White Papers will also be evaluated on their relative impacts on DoD and defense industrial base capability, so the proposal should highlight its strategic value and benefits.
Q: As part of the White Paper we will likely need to provide business information as supporting information. Would NCDMM be open to pursuing an NDA to account for this?
A: Submitters should share in their White Paper information that they are comfortable sharing. If something is considered confidential, then please do not share it. The White Paper is not meant to contain the elements and details of a full proposal.
Q: Please clarify if we need to submit any budget documents for this proposal? Additionally, do you have any insights on the budget expectations?
A: As this is a White Paper and not a full proposal, budget documents are not needed. In addition, as this is a White Paper request, there is no cap on potential funding amounts, however respondents should be aware any individual projects with higher funding requirements must have a unique potential value to the DoD to be considered.
Q: The instructions mention this is a White Paper, but the length is stated as 25 pages—can you please confirm if this is accurate?
A: This is accurate. Use whatever number of pages needed to satisfy the requirements of the RFI and ensure that your idea is accurately expressed.
Q: We are interested in teaming up with the appropriate DoD contacts for this proposal. However, some topics are not clearly associated with a specific agency. Could you kindly provide guidance or clarification on this matter?
A: Please indicate the topic area that you are interested in by responding to submissions@ncdmm.org. We will work with the government TPOC to connect you with the appropriate point of contact.
Q: Is cost share a requirement for this submission?
A: Cost share is not a requirement for this submission. However, it is noted that cost share is of interest to the government, particularly if there is an intention to provide it. The amount and quality of cost share will be considered on a case-by-case basis, but OSD IBAS recognizes that some performers may face challenges in meeting this expectation and will remain flexible.
Q: Can we team up with national labs?
A: Yes.
Q: Are federally funded research and development centers (FFRDC) or other non-small business organizations able to submit White Papers or receive eventual funding under this program?
A: Yes, FFRDCs and other non-small business organizations are able to submit white papers or receive eventual funding under this program. While participation is not an issue, the challenge lies in transitioning their efforts into production, as this is not typically their mission. FFRDC efforts can contribute by producing methods or leading teams with industrial partners that have transition capabilities or plans. Examples include organizations like MITRE, SFSA, NFFS, non-profits, ORNL, and UT Battelle.
Q: What are the funding levels for Phase I and Phase II if a project is selected for this topic?
A: There is no cap on potential funding amounts, however respondents should be aware that individual projects with high funding requirements must have a unique potential value to the DoD to be considered.
Q: Phase I proposals will focus on the manufacture of an article, representative of a casting, forging, plate, or welding/additive consumable for a DoD end use application within 9 – 18 months. Phase II encompasses the development of first article samples with all associated characterization required to execute a certification event and the associated generation of a material and or process specification. Phase II efforts should be planned to be completed no later than two years after the Phase I award.
Does this mean that Phase I spans 9–18 months, and Phase II begins after the completion of Phase I, lasting two years?
A: Yes. Phase I spans 9 – 18 months. Phase II would begin at the completion of Phase I and end no later than September 30, 2027 (end of FY2027).
Q: We noticed there is a list of encouraged collaborators to include United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Would a company from Germany would be an acceptable collaborator? It might not be necessary to partner with them, but it would reduce the cost for the project because they have a lot of the necessary equipment.
A: This depends on the ownership structure of the German firm. We will not accept partners with a high probability of FOCI issues.
Q: To be eligible, do project investigators (PIs) need to be US citizens or Green Card holders?
A: This effort will NOT result in a grant, but an enforceable FAR-based contract or agreement (as in an Other Transaction Agreement). In general, the IBAS Program prefers to avoid team members (including but not limited to PIs) that present a high probability of Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) issues.
Q: How many PI’s are allowed on the grant?
A: There is no limit, but each is responsible for selecting the number and types of personnel required to provide confidence that they will be able to complete the proposed effort within the agreed cost and schedule.
Q: Can scientists from National labs/DoD labs be funded partners on this grant?
A: Their labor can be funded, but note that this effort will NOT result in a grant, but an enforceable FAR-based contract or agreement (as in an Other Transaction Agreement).
Q: Is it mandatory for students and Post-Docs working under this grant to be US citizens or Green Card holders?
A: Not necessarily, but the IBAS Program prefers to avoid team members (including but not limited to PIs) that present a high probability of Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) issues.
Q: Is there a recommended funding ceiling or funding range for submissions?
A: As this is a White Paper request no information on funding ceilings or ranges can be provided. Per the RFI, there is no cap on potential funding amounts, however respondents should be aware any individual projects with high funding requirements must have a unique potential value to the DoD to be considered.
Q: The White Papers will contain Intellectual Property (IP). I don’t see anything in the RFI that covers how this IP will be protected and its distribution limited both during the review period and if a contract is subsequently placed.
A: Submitters should share in their White Paper information that they are comfortable with sharing. If something is considered confidential, then please do not share it. The White Paper is not meant to contain the elements and details of a full proposal.
Q: Are we able to establish a PIA/NDA for the purpose of submitting to this RFI?
A: Submitters should share in their White Paper information that they are comfortable with sharing. If something is considered confidential, then please do not share it. The White Paper is not meant to contain the elements and details of a full proposal.
Q: Within the RFI it states that collaborations with nations of The Technical Cooperation Program (TTCP) are encouraged (page 3, section 1). Does this refer to collaborations with these nations’ government organizations (Army, Air Force, etc.) or private sector companies located in these countries?
A: Both types of collaborations—government organizations (such as Army, Air Force, or defense agencies) and private sector companies located in TTCP nations—are encouraged and applicable under the intent outlined in the RFI.
Q: For SUBTOPIC 4: ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OF CARBON NANOTUBE METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES: Haynes 230 CNMMC is mentioned in the CUI document. Does this mean that the White Paper must be on this specific alloy or nickel alloys are preferred? Can the White Paper be on other alloy system CNMMCs such as steel, titanium, etc., as long as it is targeting air and missile defense systems?
A: Haynes 230 CNMMC is listed as an example. Respondents are not restricted to only propose Haynes 230 CNMMC. Other CNMMCs are eligible so long as the White Paper addresses the submission requirements outlined in the RFI.
Q: For SUBTOPIC 4: ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OF CARBON NANOTUBE METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES: Are hypersonic components and features in scope for the type of hardware you are interested in?
A: Yes, hypersonic components are within scope for this RFI.
Q: The RFI describes the two distinct phases in ACME, can these be worked concurrently or will a secondary approval/award be required to move from Phase 1 to Phase 2?
A: Phase 1 and Phase 2 may be worked concurrently where appropriate. We also recognize that some respondents may be ready to move directly into Phase 2, and this is also acceptable.
Q: What is the total budget for the ACME program? The RFI states there is no cap, but what is the anticipated budget magnitude range for these proposed solutions?
A: As this is a White Paper request no information on funding ceilings or ranges can be provided. Per the RFI, there is no cap on potential funding amounts, however respondents should be aware any individual projects with high funding requirements must have a unique potential value to the Department of Defense to be considered. Budgets should be realistic and competitive for the proposed scope of effort and impact to be delivered.
Q: The deadline for intent to submit is listed as December 31, 2024, on page 15 of the document but listed as January 5, 2025, in Section 8.0. Which is the correct date?
A: January 5, 2025, is the correct date.
Q: Is there a ceiling amount for awards?
A: There is no cap on potential funding amounts, however respondents should be aware that individual projects with high funding requirements must have a unique potential value to the Department of Defense to be considered.
Q: There are inconsistencies in the solicitation making it unclear whether an OTA is required or if a FAR-based contract is possible. Are both OTAs and FAR-based procurement contracts potential award options?
A: Per the RFI, the OSD ICAM office reserves the right to use one or more acquisition organizations and/or pathways (Other Transaction Authority, FAR-based, etc.) and types of contracting vehicles (time and material, level of effort, fixed-price, cost-type, etc.) in the pursuit/execution of any technical approaches submitted.
Q: Subcontractor cost proposals: slide on page 17 says T&M for subs; is T&M the only contract-type that is acceptable for subawards?
A: Per the RFI, the OSD ICAM office reserves the right to use one or more acquisition organizations and/or pathways (Other Transaction Authority, FAR-based, etc.) and types of contracting vehicles (time and material, level of effort, fixed-price, cost-type, etc.) in the pursuit/execution of any technical approaches submitted.
Q: Would the Government consider a Firm-Fixed Price proposal from a commercial vendor or will only Time and Materials be considered?
A: Offerors should propose a contract type that they feel best balances the needs of the Government and the Offeror. Specific contract types and terms are a matter for negotiation.
Q: For many projects, the deliverables are rolled plates. Would you accept an additively manufactured plate if the heat-treated mechanical properties were consistent with ASTM / MMPDS values for wrought?
A: The response to this question can be service/platform/application-specific. Analogue materials that meet or exceed the requirements for existing product forms may be acceptable in certain applications. We encourage you to work with your government partners to evaluate suitability.
Q: What is the interest in 5000 series aluminum? We have demonstrated the ability to process AA6601 and address thermal solidification cracking during the AM process, and AA generally has better mechanical properties. That being said, our technical approach should also apply to 5000 series aluminum alloys.
A: The respondent is referred to Appendix D which outlines the interest in 5000 series aluminum. Please work with NCDMM to gain access to the controlled appendices.
Q: Regarding structuring the whitepaper(3), I can see many of the core technologies we developed for the CNMMC identified in Appendix E to address opportunities identified elsewhere in the appendix. Much of the task of making the CNMMC powder and AM process will be the same regardless of the end-use application or chemistry. I thought one whitepaper with an “Ala Cart” approach to tasking would best present the whole picture. Thoughts?
A: Respondents are responsible for choosing what they feel is most appropriate strategy. Respondents are not limited to submit one White Paper per appendix topic area. Collated white paper submissions are permissible. It is recommended that deliverables, timeline activities, and costs are clearly broken out so that reviewers have a clear picture of the proposed scope of effort.
Q: Given that we are in sequestration what does the funding look like for this effort?
A: Planned funding is in place.
Q: We have a novel capability and would like the Government’s help in making other Offerors aware of it. Can you share our capabilities on your website?
A: We are unable to solicit on behalf of any entity or organization and a partnership portal is not part of this RFI. We encourage you to work with existing networks, such as those within NCDMM and America Makes, as well as government partners, to support partnership and teaming activities.
Q: I have a question on Appendix E, Subtopic 2. Does this topic require EFAS as part of the solution or can other technologies be used? If a deposition technique could achieve the necessary material properties without EFAS, would that be acceptable?
A: EFAS is provided as an example methodology. Other methodologies may be suitable and can be proposed.
Q: Regarding the third paragraph of the “Appendix G: New High-entropy Alloys for Gas Turbine Engines:” Our company has a TRL 4 materials informatics capability. We’d like to use it for physics informed material discovery of novel high entropy alloys that target the material performance metrics described in the same appendix. Is the TRL sufficient for such a project? Would such a project be deemed responsive to the solicitation, given our focus would not be on transitioning one high entropy alloy in particular, but on discovering candidates that could be eventually transitioned to military use?
A: RFI respondents may propose technologies that are currently at MRL/TRL 4. White Papers must clearly articulate how technologies will transition to at least MRL 8 by the end of the Phase II effort. In the case of a digital development, this may be accomplished by demonstrating the capability through Phase I, Phase II, and Industrial Scale-Up & Validation activities with a representative set of metal alloys, i.e., digital capabilities must be physically validated and demonstrated.
Q: Does the FAST facility have the capability to perform component testing in addition to the material and mechanical characterization abilities?
A: Current FAST test capabilities are provided at the following site: https://fast.scotforge.com/. Components may have non-standard geometry. Respondents are encouraged to reach out to the FAST Center to discuss specific test requirements.
Q: As a steel manufacturing facility, we have a lot of the mechanical testing capabilities (tensile, Charpy impact, hardness, etc) in-house, but are interested in using the FAST facility for those mechanical tests we don’t perform in-house (fracture toughness and fatigue). However, we do not perform component testing, such as ballistic testing, or lug pull testing, does FAST perform these tests?
A: Current FAST test capabilities are provided at the following site: https://fast.scotforge.com/. Ballistic and lug pull testing are not currently provided; however, respondents are encouraged to reach out to the FAST Center to discuss specific testing needs.
Q: For Phase I, an item for a DoD end use application needs to be manufactured. Is this item of our choosing based on production capability or do we need to identify an open need through a customer?
A: Prototypes may be chosen based on existing standards and best practices, or they may be custom so long as they prove the operational practicality and benefits of the proposed material and/or process in forms and settings relevant to DoD needs.
Q: Is the Future Allow Study & Testing (FAST) Center able to do material and mechanical testing on reactive alloys?
A: Current FAST test capabilities are provided at the following site: https://fast.scotforge.com/. Automated material and mechanical testing must currently be performed in atmospheric conditions, i.e., no vacuum or inert atmosphere testing. Respondents are encouraged to reach out to the FAST Center to discuss specific test requirements as there may be options to operate the equipment manually with vacuum or inert environments.
Q: Does the FAST Center prioritize ACME awardees to ensure a swift return of results?
A: When they reach an over-capacity state or anticipate delays due to a large volume of discrete (long duration) testing, the FAST Center will follow the counsel of the Center’s Government Steering Committee based on samples on hand.
Q: Do we need FAST agreement before RFI submission?
A: A formal agreement is not required prior to RFI submission. However, respondents should work with the FAST Center in advance of RFI submission to ensure their proposed testing is aligned with the Center’s current test capabilities as discrepancies may affect White Paper timeline and budgetary planning. Submitters are encouraged to consider the necessity of non-disclosure agreements and how this should be managed to ensure project execution remains on schedule.
Q: Is a US supply chain a requirement for raw materials?
A: Domestic and friendshoring of raw materials is highly preferable and strongly encouraged. For instance, collaborations with TTCP partners – the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand – are encouraged. Submitters should consider the competitiveness of proposed defense technology solutions that are reliant on sole sourcing of raw materials from adversarial nations.
Q: What is the page limit for the classified addendum, and does it count to the 25 page- limit?
A: Due to OSD SIPRNet message size restrictions, the entire email, including attachments) must not exceed 20MB.
Q: Is a ROM necessary for Industrial Scale-up and Validation or just Phase 1 and Phase 2 efforts?
A: Yes. White Papers must clearly articulate a pathway to achieving acceptable final product quality.
Q: What if the contractor does not have access to SIPR for classified submissions? Will a mailed copy to a sterile mailbox be allowed?
A:
The preferred method of delivery is via Government SIPRNet email. Offerors who have Government teammates or sponsors with SIPRNet equipment and access should coordinate with those teammates or sponsors to email the content such that it will be received not later than 1600 EST on January, 30, 2025. Due to OSD SIPRNet message size restrictions, the entire email, including attachments) must not exceed 20MB. Address emails to matthew.draper@navy.smil.mil AND Lawrence.john2.ctr@mail.smil.mil.
Offerors who lack Government teammates or sponsors with SIPRNet equipment and access must have an authorized courier hand-deliver to Dr. Matthew C. Draper a properly sealed and marked package containing one virus-scanned CD containing the classified content. The hours of which delivery shall occur on January 30, 2025, between the hours of 1000 to 1400 at NSWC Carderock, Building 60, Room 223, 9500 MacArthur Blvd., Bethesda, MD 20817. The size limit for all materials on the CD will not exceed 20MB.
Q: May government labs receive funding under this solicitation?
A: Yes.
Q: If OTAs and FAR-based contracts are acceptable, is there a preference for OTA fixed price proposals or FAR-based, Cost plus cost proposals? \
A: Offerors should propose a contract type that they feel best balances the needs of the Government and the Offeror. Specific contract types and terms are a matter for negotiation.
Q: If a CPFF contract is proposed, is an invoice schedule other than monthly required?
A: Specific invoicing procedures will be a matter for negotiation.
Q: Would DoD partners (e.g., Army DevCom lab) be costed/funded separately from a non-DoD prime contract?
A: Costs associated with DoD partner participation must be included as a line item in the ROM and any final proposal. The payment process for DoD partner costs will be at the Government’s discretion.
Q: How will the agreement handle background IP? Foreground IP?
A: IP generated through execution of government funds will be subject to rights limitations, as determined by the government. Submitters should clearly indicate any existing IP, either developed internally or through partnership, within their responses to this RFI.
For more information or to submit questions, please email submissions@ncdmm.org.