[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]
BILLING CODE 4710-24-P