[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 160 (Monday, August 19, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67144-67145]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-18454]
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DEPARTMENT Of STATE
[Public Notice:12495]
Proposed Establishment of Federally Funded Research and
Development Centers--Third Notice
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The United States Department of State (DoS), Bureau of
Administration, intends to sponsor Federally Funded Research and
Development Centers (FFRDC) to facilitate public-private collaboration
for numerous activities related to diplomacy and modernization. This is
the third and final notice in the series
[[Page 67145]]
which must be published over a 90-day period in order to advise the
public of the agency's intention to sponsor an FFRDC.
DATES: Written comments were due by 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on August
15, 2024.
ADDRESSES: Please send any comments, identified by title of the action
and Regulatory Information Number (RIN) by any of the following
methods:
[ssquf] Through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at
www.regulations.gov and search for nonrulemaking docket DOS-2024-0021.
[ssquf] By email: Submit electronic comments to [email protected].
[ssquf] The summary of this rule can be found at
www.regulations.gov/DOS-2024-0021-.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department of State leads US engagement
around the world building alliances and partnerships; facing up to
aggression; aiding and supporting emerging democracies; and preserving
US interests abroad. In a rapidly changing world with shifting
politics, accelerated economic developments, global challenges such as
climate change, and the increasing role digitization plays for both
opportunity and threats, the Department is committed to leading through
both policy and operational engagement on behalf of the nation and our
government.
In a letter introducing the Department of State and U.S. Agency for
International Development Joint Strategic Plan for 2022-2026, Secretary
Blinken stated, ``we are working to modernize and equip the Department
and USAID to lead on 21st-Century challenges and deliver for the
American people.''
Achieving U.S. goals for global leadership over the next decade
will require the following:
A diplomatic corps to use data in new ways to develop more
foresight and insight, to inform policy options, to take actions and
measure their effectiveness;
New cross-sector partnerships and coalitions;
Intergovernmental partnerships with the Department of
Defense, the intelligence agencies, the Departments of Commerce,
Treasury, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services, and cross-
government Councils (e.g., National Economic Council, National Security
Council);
New capabilities to plan, manage and execute initiatives
and programs;
A workforce that uses digital technology as tools to
advance democracy and protect our interests and counter the use of
these same technologies as a threat; and
An organization and operation that is agile and adaptive
to a changing environment; attractive to new talent; and fosters long-
term commitment between the organization and its people.
The Department requires long-term partnerships with organizations
that can bring research, development, innovation, and support needed to
guide the leadership and employees through this transformative period
in our history. This will allow the Department to focus on the mission
at hand, while adopting and integrating changes necessary to make
consistent progress on these goals and surge, when needed, to address
urgent issues that require data, partnerships, technology and insights
applied in near-term operational situations.
To meet this need, the Department seeks to establish and sponsor
one FFRDC under the authority of 48 CFR 35.017.
FFRDC Focus Areas
The FFRDC will be available to provide a wide range of support
including, but not limited to the activities listed below. These focus
areas have been updated since the first two notices Federal Register
notice were published on May 17 and August 5, 2024:
Diplomatic Innovation and Modernization (DIM)
The purpose of the DIM is to strengthen global engagement and
humanitarian outcomes by pioneering research and development
initiatives that address emerging threats and foster international
cooperation.
Global CyberTech Solutions (GCS)
The purpose of the GCS is to enhance global stability through
cutting edge research and development in IT, cyber defense, systems
engineering, and data analytics.
Global Operations and Acquisitions (GOA)
The purpose of the GOA is to advance diplomatic effectiveness
through collaborative and cutting-edge acquisition methodologies and
tools, and data assessments of broad scale Departments needs,
international cooperation, and innovative operational practices.
The FFRDC will partner with the Department of State in the design
and pursuit of mission goals; provide rapid responsiveness to changing
requirements for personnel in all aspects of strategic, technical and
program management; recognize Government objectives as its own
objectives; partner in pursuit of excellence in public service; and
allow for use of the FFRDC by non-sponsors. The Department is
publishing this notice in accordance with 48 CFR 5.205(b) of the
Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
Planned Request for Information/Sources Sought Notice
Based on internal requirements and public comments from the first
two notices, the Department intends to issue a Request for Information/
Sources Sought. All interested parties should monitor SAM.gov for that
posting in the near future. In particular, the Department will be
interested in feedback regarding the proposed scope of the work to be
performed by the FFRDCs, and the presence of any existing private- or
public-sector capabilities in these areas that the Department should be
considering. All response instructions will be found in the Sources
Sought notice when it is published.
Public Comments
Since drafting the second notice, the Department has received the
following comments/questions and is hereby providing the following
responses:
The Department received seven (7) comments since the second notice.
All of these comments expressed interest in submitting responses,
capabilities, or eventually proposals for the FFRDCs. One comment
requested information on how Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses
can be involved with the FFRDC; however, FFRDC contract holders must
fall within the list of organization types within FAR 35.017(a)(3).
Finally, one of the commenters did provide feedback on the focus areas
listed in the previous notice, which will be considered in developing
the final Statement of Objectives prior to a formal solicitation. The
Department appreciates the interest and looks forward to receiving
further comments/questions and submissions in response to the Sources
Sought Notice.
Michael W. Derrios,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, & Senior Procurement
Executive, Department of State.
[FR Doc. 2024-18454 Filed 8-16-24; 8:45 am]
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