IV\. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

**A. APPLICATION PROCESS**

Proposals shall be submitted electronically through the
[www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/) portal. Proposals sent by fax
or email will not be considered.

**Registration Requirements for [www.grants.gov]{.underline}:** There
are several one-time actions that an offeror must complete in order to
submit an application through Grants.gov (e.g., obtain a Dun and
Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, register with
the Central Contract Registry (CCR), register with the credential
provider, and register with Grants.gov). See
[www.grants.gov/GetStarted](http://www.grants.gov/GetStarted) to begin
this process. Use the Grants.gov Organization Registration Checklist at
www.grants.gov/assets/OrganizationRegCheck.doc to guide you through the
process. Designating an E-Business Point of Contact (EBiz POC) and
obtaining a special password called an MPIN are important steps in the
CCR registration process. Applicants, who are not registered with CCR
and Grants.gov, should allow at [least 21 days]{.underline} to complete
these requirements. It is suggested that the process be started as soon
as possible.

**Questions:** Questions relating to the registration process, system
requirements, how an application form works, or the submittal process
must be directed to Grants.gov at 1-800-518-4726 or
<support@grants.gov>.

**B. CONTENT AND FORMAT OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION**

Application forms and instructions will be available at Grants.gov. To
access these materials, go to
[http://www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/), select \"Apply for
Grants\", and then select \"Download Application Package.\" Enter the
funding opportunity number, W911NF-08-R-0012.

NOTE: Compatible versions of Adobe Reader are currently 8.1.1 and 8.1.2.
You will be asked to specify your Operating System (examples: Windows,
Mac) and Version (examples: XP, Vista, 10.4.9) be sure to specify Adobe
Reader Version 8.1.2 to get the compatible version to apply for grants
on Grants.gov. Click here to download version 8.1.2 from Adobe Website:
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2_allversions.htm.

Offerors must complete the mandatory forms and any optional forms (e.g.,
SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities) in accordance with the
instructions on the forms and the additional instructions below. The
required fields should be completed in accordance with the "pop-up"
instructions on the forms. To activate the instructions, turn on the
"Help Mode" (icon with the pointer and question mark at the top of the
form). Files that are attached to the forms must be in Adobe Portable
Document Form (PDF) unless otherwise specified in this announcement.

The following formatting rules apply for the [file
attachments]{.underline}:

> Paper size when printed -- 8.5 x 11 inch paper
>
> Margins -- 1 inch
>
> Spacing -- single
>
> Font -- No smaller than Times New Roman, 10 point

Form: SF 424 (R&R) (Mandatory) -- Complete this form first to populate
data in other forms. Authorized Organization Representative (AOR)
usernames and passwords serve as "electronic signatures" when your
organization submits applications through Grants.gov. By using the SF
424 (R&R), offerors are providing the certification required by 32 CFR
Part 28 regarding lobbying.

Form: Research & Related Other Project Information - Complete questions
1 through 5 and attach files.

Project Summary/Abstract (Field 6 on the form) - The Project Summary
should be a brief abstract that summarizes the content of the
Fundamental Research Component of the proposal. The project summary must
not exceed 5 pages. Pages in excess of the page limit may be removed for
the evaluation of the proposal.

-   Project Narrative (Field 7 on the form) - Chapters and Numbers of
    pages -- Field 7 is to contain the chapters set forth below and may
    not exceed the stipulated page counts for those chapters. Pages in
    excess of the page limits may be removed for the evaluation of the
    proposal.

-   Chapter 1 - **[Fundamental Research Component]{.underline}**. The
    pages included in Chapter 1 shall be numbered. Offerors are advised
    that Chapter 1 **shall not exceed 75 pages**, utilizing one side of
    the page.

-   Chapter 2 -- **[Technology Transition Component]{.underline}**. The
    pages included in Chapter 2 shall be numbered. Offerors are advised
    that Chapter 2 of the proposal **shall not exceed 20 pages**,
    utilizing one side of the page.

-   Chapter 3 - **[Program Management]{.underline}** . The pages
    included in Chapter 3 shall be numbered. Offerors are advised that
    Chapter 3 of the proposal **shall not exceed 20 pages**, utilizing
    one side of the page.

-   Chapter 4 -- **Biographical Sketches** - Biographical sketches shall
    be limited to two (2) pages per individual, with no limitation on
    the number of individuals .

Bibliography and References Cited (Field 8 on the form) - Attach a
listing of applicable publications cited in above sections.

Facilities and Other Resources (Field 9 on the form) - The offeror is to
include a listing of facilities and other resources available to support
the proposal. Any Government resources necessary for performance are to
be clearly identified. Attach this information at Field 9.

Equipment (Field 10 on the form) - The offeror is to include a listing
of equipment available to support the proposal. Any Government equipment
necessary for performance is to be clearly identified. Attach this
information at Field 10.

Other Attachments (Field 11 on the form) are as follows:

1\. Attached the completed Proposal Cover Sheet. (See Paragraph IV.F
below.)

2\. Attached the completed certifications. (See Paragraph VI.B below.)

3\. Attach any exceptions or conditions to the Model Cooperative
Agreement or Model Technology Transition Contract. (See
http://www.arl.army.mil/www/default.cfm?Action=93&Page=392 for these
documents.)

4\. Attach the signed Articles of Collaboration for all Members. (See
http://www.arl.army.mil/www/default.cfm?Action=93&Page=392 for a sample
document.)

5\. Attach the Cost Proposal. **[Cost Proposal shall include the entire
cost submission for the Fundamental Research Component for the first
five years of performance. (The Consortium will be requested to provide
a complete cost proposal for the optional five-year period of
performance as part of the evaluation to be completed prior to making
the decision concerning this optional period.)]{.underline}** The cost
portion of the proposal shall contain cost estimates sufficiently
detailed for meaningful evaluation. For budget purposes, assume a
performance start date of **1 January 2010.** The proposed amounts shall
not exceed the funding ceilings identified in the **Fundamental Research
COMPONENT** of this PA. For all proposals, the elements of the budget
should include:

-   Direct Labor - Individual labor category or person, with associated
    labor hours\
    and unburdened direct labor rates.

-   Indirect Costs - Fringe benefits, overhead, G&A, etc. (must show
    base amount and rate). Justify.

NOTE: Initially, this agreement is expected to be funded partially with
FY10 basic research funds. Both the Defense Appropriations Acts of 2008
and 2009 contained a provision such that no basic research funds made
available under the acts could be used to pay indirect costs that exceed
thirty-five percent of the total amount of the agreement for basic
research. Further, the acts indicated that indirect costs exceeding
thirty-five percent of the total amount to be reimbursed from that
appropriation would be considered unallowable and would not be
reimbursed. Further it stated that should subsequent audits indicate
indirect costs exceeding thirty-five percent of the total amount paid
from the appropriation were disbursed, the recipient would be required
to refund the amount over the statutory limitation to the Government.
While it is unknown whether such a provision will be included in the
Defense Appropriation Act of 2010, offerors are to indicate in their
cost proposals their plan for compliance with such a provision, should
such be included in the Defense Appropriation Act of 2010.

-   Travel - Number of trips, destination, duration, etc. Justify and
    include basis for costs.

-   Subaward - A cost proposal, as detailed as the offeror\'s cost
    proposal, will be\
    required to be submitted by each proposed subrecipient.

-   (NOTE: A cost proposal is not required for subawardees after FY12;
    however, offerors are to provide some basis for the subawardee costs
    proposed after FY12.

-   Consultant - Provide consultant agreement or other document that
    verifies the\
    proposed loaded daily/hourly rate. Include a description of the
    nature of and the\
    need for any consultant\'s participation. Provide budget
    justification.

-   Materials - Specifically itemized with costs or estimated costs. An
    explanation of\
    any estimating factors, including their derivation and application,
    shall be\
    provided. Include a brief description of the offeror\'s procurement
    method to be used (competition, engineering estimate, market survey,
    etc.). Justify.

-   Other Directs Costs - Particularly any proposed items of equipment
    or facilities.\
    Equipment and facilities generally must be furnished by the
    recipient\
    (justifications must be provided when Government funding for such
    items is\
    sought). Include a brief description of the offeror\'s procurement
    method to be\
    used (competition, engineering estimate, market survey, etc.).
    Justify.

All entities, i.e. Consortium Members and Subawardees, included in the
cost proposal for the Fundamental Research Component are to provide
detailed information on all cost elements included in their proposed
budgets as part of the proposal submission process. However, it is
recognized that some entities may choose to submit their proprietary
rate information directly to the Government in lieu of providing such
information to the ILO for inclusion in the cost proposal submitted
through grants.gov. In such a case, a separate submission can be made
directly to the Government. Such a submission MUST include the PA
Number, i.e. W911NF-08-R-0012, and the name of the ILO associated with
the proposal on the mailing envelope submitted to the following address:

U.S. Army RDECOM Contracting Center

RTP Contracting Division

ATTN: W911NF-08-R-0012/MORSE

4300 S. Miami Blvd.

Durham, NC 27703

NOTE: All such separate submissions must arrive NLT than the due date
and time for the proposal submission through grants.gov to be
considered. Further, for all such submissions summary cost information
must be provided to the ILO for the grants.gov submission that is
sufficient in detail for the Government to use in the evaluation of the
cost proposal for cost realism, and can be clearly mapped to the
proprietary rate information submitted directly to the Government.

SF-LLL - Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

If applicable, attach a complete SF- LLL at Field 11 of the R&R Other
Project Information form. Applicability: If any funds other than Federal
appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for
influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any
agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an
employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the
grant/cooperative agreement, you must complete and submit Standard
Form - LLL, \"Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying."

**C. SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES**

Proposals are due by 3:00pm (local North Carolina time) on Thursday, 12
March 2009.

After a proposal is submitted through Grants.gov, the Authorized
Organization Representative (AOR) will receive a series of three
e-mails. It is extremely important that the AOR [watch]{.underline} for
and [save]{.underline} each of the e-mails. Offerors will know that the
proposal has been properly received when the AOR receives e-mail Number
3. Retain the Submission Receipt Number (e-mail Number 1) to track a
submission. The three e-mails are:

Number 1 -- The applicant will receive a confirmation page upon
completing the submission to Grants.gov. This confirmation page is a
record of the time and date stamp for the submission.

IMPORTANT: Once email number 1 has been received, please forward this
email to Mr. Joseph (Skip) Morse of the U.S. Army RDECOM Contracting
Center at Joseph.Morse \@us.army.mil. This email may be used by the
Government for verification of the timeliness of the proposal
submission!

Number 2 -- The applicant will receive an email indicating that the
proposal has been validated by Grants.gov within a few hours of
submission. (This means that all of the required fields have been
completed.)

Number 3 -- The third notice is an acknowledgment of receipt in email
form from the designated

agency within ten days from the proposal due date. The email is sent to
the authorized representative for the institution. The email for
proposals notes that the proposal has been received and provides the
assigned tracking number.

Provisions for Late Submissions of proposals are included as part of the
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provision at 52.215-1 (c)(3),
incorporated by reference in the Model Contract (Solicitation). (See
https://www.arl.army.mil/www/default.cfm?Action=93&Page=392 for this
document.)

**D. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW - NOT APPLICABLE**

**E. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS - SEE PARAGRAPH I.B.4 ABOVE.**

**F. OTHER SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS**

The following Proposal Cover Sheet is required to be submitted by each
offeror:

PROPOSAL COVER SHEET

**1. Information concerning the Integration Lead Organization proposal
(points of contact (POC)):**

Technical POC:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Phone No.:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Fax No.:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Email Address
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Business POC
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Phone No.:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Fax No.:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Email Address:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**2. List the names and relationships of all organizations included in
the proposal:**

ILO \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Consortium Member(s)
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Subawardees/Subcontractors
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**3. Provide a point of contact for each organization included in the
Cost Proposal. These individuals may be contacted for questions
concerning the Cost Proposal:**

Organization:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

POC: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Phone No.:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Email Address
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**4. Signature of one person for the proposed Integration Lead
Organization, and one person from each proposed Consortium Members,
authorized to submit a proposal and bind that organization:** (These
signatures may be provided on separate sheets.)

Organization Name:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Signature:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Type Name/Title:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Date (Proposal):
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_