Description
The U.S. Army Contracting Command - Aberdeen Proving Ground, Research Triangle Park Division, on behalf of the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL), is issuing a Program Announcement (PA), W911NF-11-R-0010, for the establishment of ARL's Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (PFP.) The objective of ARL's PFP is to provide post-doctoral scientists and engineers of unusual promise and ability opportunities to engage in research on problems, largely of their own choice, that are compatible with the interests of the Government and will potentially contribute to the general effort of ARL. ARL's PFP will further science and technology through fundamental research, with this research having potentially both civilian and military applications. Subject to the availability of funds, this PA will result in the award of one Cooperative Agreement (CA) as defined at 31 U.S.C. 6305 for execution of ARL's PFP. The CA is subject to the Department of Defense Grant and Agreement Regulations (DoDGARs). The principal purpose of ARL's partnership with the Recipient is to carry out the public purpose of the support or stimulation of basic and applied (fundamental) research in areas of science with potential interest to ARL rather than the acquisition of supplies or services for the direct benefit of the Government. This partnership will result in bringing new talent, ideas and techniques to ARL and will also introduce emerging researchers to the roles and needs of the Warfighter. This partnership will also provide researchers access to ARL's world class research facilities, while supporting collaborative fundamental research of mutual interest to the Army and the researcher. Substantial Government involvement is expected through the collaborative planning, management and execution of the research to be performed by the participants in the PFP and ARL. It is the intent of this PA to solicit the most creative, innovative, and effective approaches to the execution of the ARL PFP. In response to the PA, offerors should be prepared to: (1) formulate an advertising plan to attract qualified applicants based on the ARL mission and capabilities. This plan should consider issues such as potential sources of applicants, e.g., major domestic colleges, universities, (Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs); various types of methods to disseminate information (e.g., professional trade journals, and professional society meetings and seminars; different ways to advertise (e.g., electronic and print media) and implementation methods; (2) prepare Marketing Materials annually, in collaboration with the Government, to outline the ARL PFP. The marketing materials should contain (at a minimum) or identify web links that contain: (a) Information considered in advertisements as described above; (b) Information concerning background and accomplishments of ARL; (c) information on the history and accomplishments of ARL; (3) establish an application process to solicit the interest of qualified individuals (i.e. postdoctoral and senior level scientists and engineers) with interests in Research that is consistent with the ARL mission; (4) establish a competitive review process for the review of applications and the selection of the various types of applicants. Identify the process by which the applications will be reviewed, vetted, approved and recommended to ARL; and (5) identify a management structure and plan to address the management required for successful execution of the PFP, to include items such as progress reports and evaluations for each Fellow, recordkeeping requirements, payment and financial reports. The PA provides the estimated number of Postdoctoral Fellows and Senior Researchers, estimated Stipend levels and performance locations, based on historical data. The Postdoctoral Fellows and Senior Researchers are expected to perform research primarily at the ARL facilities in Adelphi, MD and Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. However, Fellows/Researchers may perform at other facilities if it is deemed in the best interest of the Government. Thus, opportunities for participation as a Fellow/Researcher are only open to citizens of the United States. There is no limitation on the place of performance for all other activities performed by the Recipient to execute the PFP. The CA award, if any, made as a result of this PA will provide for a period of performance of five years. The PA will be posted on www.grants.gov and ARL's website, www.arl.army.mil under "Business" and "Broad Agency Announcements." Proposals shall be submitted electronically through the www.grants.gov portal. Proposals sent by fax or email will not be considered.