CCDC-ARL MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY FOA | W911NF 20 S 0011

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the CCDC-ARL Manufacturing Technology FOA?

The CCDC-ARL Manufacturing Technology FOA is a U.S. Army research and development funding opportunity focused on manufacturing technology (ManTech). It is run through the Army Contracting Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG), RTP Division, in support of the Army Research Laboratory (ARL). The goal is to competitively identify and fund efforts that improve how the Army manufactures, sustains, and repairs critical materiel.

2) What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this announcement?

The Funding Opportunity Number (FON) is W911NF-20-S-0011.

3) Is this a traditional Request for Proposals (RFP)?

No. The Army is not using a traditional RFP for this effort. Instead, it is using a notice of funding availability as a standing competitive vehicle to solicit and evaluate concept papers and full proposals.

4) How are submissions selected for funding?

Selections are made through a merit-based, competitive process consistent with DoD Grants and Agreements Regulations (DoDGARS) and the competitive procedures that apply to these award types.

5) What is the main purpose of this FOA?

The purpose is to fund projects that develop, demonstrate, and ultimately transition improved, practical, and cost-effective manufacturing solutions for Army platforms and warfighter systems, with a clear emphasis on real implementation rather than technology development alone.

6) What types of projects are expected under the Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) focus?

Projects are expected to improve manufacturing and/or repair processes for Army materiel and to produce measurable benefits (such as lower cost, faster schedules, improved readiness, and reduced technical or supply-chain risk) compared to the current baseline approach.

7) Does the FOA require a transition plan?

Yes. The FOA emphasizes that technology development alone is not enough. Proposers are expected to plan for transition from the start and clearly show how a successful demonstration becomes an adopted process at a manufacturing facility, depot, supplier base, or other relevant stakeholder.

8) Who are considered key stakeholders for transition and implementation?

The FOA highlights stakeholders such as acquisition community proponents, technology managers, manufacturing facilities (including organic and industrial partners), and industry performers. Proposals are expected to show awareness of who will use the outcome and what it will take to deploy it.

9) What are ARL investment priority areas under this FOA?

ARL priorities under this FOA align with Department of Defense directives and Army needs, especially in three broad areas: technologies that support future platforms, technologies that improve or extend legacy platforms, and technologies that strengthen the organic industrial base.

10) How does this FOA relate to Army Modernization Priorities?

Efforts must align to the Army Modernization Priorities, which include Long-Range Precision Fires, Next Generation Combat Vehicle, Future Vertical Lift, Army Network, Air and Missile Defense, and Soldier Lethality. The FOA is looking for manufacturing or repair innovations that connect to these mission areas and deliver measurable improvements over the baseline.

11) What kinds of Army items or materials are specifically mentioned as targets for improvement?

The FOA is specifically seeking proposals that develop and demonstrate manufacturing and/or repair improvements for Army materiel, including items and materials tied to combat vehicles, armaments, and vehicle or personal protection systems.

12) What does the FOA mean by showing a "baseline" process?

The FOA expects proposals to explain what the baseline method is today, what changes are being introduced, why they are feasible, and how the new approach reduces cost, lead time, or risk while maintaining or improving performance and quality.

13) Is it enough to propose a new technology concept without an implementation path?

No. The FOA makes clear that technology development alone is not sufficient. Projects should be structured around achieving real implementation, including demonstration in a relevant environment and a credible plan to transition into production or sustainment workflows.

14) Who is eligible to apply as a prime organization?

Eligibility is limited to U.S. organizations that are either for-profit or non-profit, including nonprofit research entities such as NDCs (as defined within the FOA).

15) Can universities or higher education institutions participate?

Higher education institutions are encouraged to participate mainly through teaming arrangements led by an eligible prime organization.

16) Are small businesses encouraged to participate?

Yes. The government encourages participation from businesses of all sizes. However, eligibility rules still apply and should be reflected clearly in submissions, especially when using teaming structures.

17) What award instruments are expected under this FOA?

The intended award instruments are Technology Investment Agreements (TIAs) and Other Transactions (OTs), not standard grants or procurement contracts.

18) What legal/regulatory criteria apply to TIAs and OTs under this FOA?

To be eligible for award, proposals must satisfy the statutory and regulatory criteria for at least one of these instruments: 32 CFR Part 37 for TIAs or 10 USC 2371b for OTs (as referenced in the FOA section on "Type of Contract/Instrument/Eligibility Criteria").

19) What practical implications come with TIAs and OTs compared to traditional FAR-based contracts or standard assistance awards?

The FOA notes that TIAs and OTs have distinct compliance expectations. Proposers should pay attention to topics such as cost sharing or nontraditional participation requirements (where applicable), intellectual property and data rights considerations, and the transition/commercialization pathway that supports government adoption.

20) How is this opportunity categorized administratively?

The opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding and supports science and technology and other research and development activities under CFDA 12.630.

21) What is the closing date shown for this FOA?

The posting shows an original closing date of 2023-09-30. The FOA also notes that applicants are responsible for tracking amendments that may change dates or submission requirements.

22) Does the provided information list an award ceiling or the expected number of awards?

No. The provided excerpt does not list an award ceiling or expected number of awards, which suggests project size and portfolio composition may vary based on government priorities, available funds, and the strength of submitted proposals.

23) What makes a submission more competitive based on the provided description?

Based on the description provided, stronger submissions are likely to (1) target a high-priority Army modernization or readiness need, (2) show a credible, testable improvement over an existing manufacturing or repair baseline, (3) include a practical transition plan tied to real stakeholders and facilities, and (4) fit cleanly within the eligibility and award-instrument requirements for TIAs or OTs.

24) What types of outcomes does the government want to see from funded efforts?

The FOA emphasizes outcomes that are measurable and defensible, such as reduced cost, reduced lead time, improved readiness, and reduced technical or supply-chain risk, while maintaining or improving performance and quality.

25) Where in the FOA are more detailed topic descriptions referenced?

The excerpt references more detailed topic descriptions in Section I.A of the FOA.