DOING BUSINESS

With NSRI

Responsive, experienced team serving the DOD

In 2012, the University of Nebraska System (NU) was designated as a Department of Defense (DOD) University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) with core competencies identified to deter, counter and defend against national security threats.

To accomplish this mission, NU developed the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI), which is dedicated to supporting national interests and strategies by providing the DOD and other federal agencies with evolutionary and revolutionary solutions to the dangerous and evolving national security threats and their potential impacts to warfighters and civilians.

Benefits of doing business with NSRI

Comprehensive knowledge of sponsors’ requirements and problems
Broad access to information, including proprietary data
Broad corporate knowledge
Independency and objectivity
Quick response capability
Current operational experience
Freedom from real and/or perceived conflicts of interest

Learn more about DOD-designated UARCs via the DOD UARC Management Plan.

Funding Mechanisms

As a UARC, NSRI accesses an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle through its sponsor, U.S. Strategic Command, which shortens the timeline from identification of need to contract award and creates trusted, collaborative relationships. NSRI also accepts funding from direct contracting vehicles, other transaction agreements, cooperative agreements and grants.

Contracts

UARC IDIQ Vehicle

Legally allowed to be sole sourced under authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(3)(b)
5-year contract
Current contract period of performance 1 September 2020 thru 31 August 2025 (task orders can be extended through 28 February 2027)
Maximum ceiling of $92 million
CICA-3 exempt for sole source funding
MIPR of funds possible through relationship with USSTRATCOM

Other Funding Mechanisms

Direct Contracts
Other Transaction (OT) Agreements
Cooperative Agreements
Government Purchase Card
Authorization, Agreement and Certification of Training (SF-182)
Grants

Integrated Team Processes

To reduce contracting cycle time and rework while fulfilling the requirements that support the mission, NSRI works with key partners in an integrated team process that establishes an open, effective line of communication.

Commitment

Obtain and maintain senior management support and approval to empower ITP team members to make real-time decisions.

Communication

Open, two-way communication to identify issues early and ensure joint understanding of requirements.

Cooperation

Promote teamwork to build trust and confidence.

UARC Contracting Process

Our Integrated Team Process significantly reduces the contracting timeline and increases responsiveness to requirements.

Teams

◆ Requesting Sponsor

■ NSRI

● 55th Contracting Squadron

USSTRATCOM facilitates and assists throughout the process.

1: Performance Work Statement (PWS) Development

◆■ Identify requirements and budget

◆■ Draft PWS through collaborative process

◆ Commit Funding

◆ Create Independent Government Estimate

◆ Identify Contracting Officer Representative (COR)

■ Draft Proposal

2: Request For Proposal (RFP)

◆■● Formal PWS review

● Release of RFP

■ Proposal Submission

3: Proposal Review & Award

◆ ● Preform technical and cost analysis

◆ COR training

● Contact team reviews

■● Negotiations

● Process Award Documentation

Establish A Direct Connection

Government agencies may desire a direct contract, single task or IDIQ, with our institute to:

Directly manage the contract process. In this case, the tasking sponsor has more control over the timing of processing tasking requirements to NSRI.
Create a statement of work that matches precisely with sponsor requirements.
Make DD-254 security specifications match precisely with sponsor requirements.
Avoid a processing fee for placing work under the contract.
Allow use of their contract by other agencies for a fee.

Steps to establish a direct sole-source contract

Government prepares an acquisition plan in accordance with FAR and, if applicable, as required by DFARS 207.1.
Government prepares a sole-source Justification and Approval (J&A) using CICA 3 (FAR 6.302-3). Levels of approvals are specified in FAR 6.304.
If Maintenance of Essential Capabilities (CICA 3) is the basis for award, Market Research, including System for Award Management (SAM) announcements, is not a legal or regulatory requirement (note: but may still be an agency practice).
Government issues a sole-source solicitation to NSRI and NSRI submits a proposal in response.
Government evaluates NSRI’s proposal.
Government and NSRI agree on contract terms.
Government announces contract award (note: required for DOD awards of $7.5M and above).
Contract awarded.

Connect With NSRI

As the DOD-designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) of U.S. Strategic Command and the University of Nebraska System, the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) delivers solutions for strategic deterrence and CWMD mission requirements gaps. Our rapid-response capabilities and efficient contracting vehicle can help federal government program managers meet critical research and development needs. Connect with us to learn more.

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