Questions_and_Answers.docx

1. Would adapting our technology for Zikka detection be something that would be applicable for this BAA? It seemed like this announcement was more geared toward recent but not active infection testing and therefore a more immunoglubulin based platform was preferred. Answer: No—this would not be applicable. The most crucial need is for a test that will definitively diagnose Zika infection in patients who are no longer viremic.

2. Could you please provide clarification regarding whether a federally funded and federally operated Department of Defense laboratory may submit proposals in response to solicitation 2017-N-18041.

We do not fully understand the language "Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and U.S. Government entities (e.g., Government/National laboratories; military educational institutions, etc.) may be subject to applicable direct competition limitations. The burden to prove eligibility shall rest solely with the proposer. FFRDCs and Government entities must provide a letter on official letterhead from their sponsoring organization citing the specific authority establishing their eligibility to propose to Government solicitations."

Answer: If you are another federal agency, the resulting award, if you are selected, will most likely be an interagency agreement or acquisition (IAA). Per Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR), IAAs should be made only if it is in the best interest of the Government to do so and there should be a best approach determination showing that it is economically more efficient to go this route than a regular contract. Please contact your budget person or a CO dealing with IAAs for more clarification and information on the process.

3. In response to topic area #3, we were thinking of submitting a proposal that develops and evaluates a communication model promoting greater community engagement in integrated vector management strategies.

The candidate study population are a higher risk group of active duty and civilian women and men who work, travel, and train outdoors on military bases or locations where vector management is in place in Florida, Hawaii, Texas, and S California. The population is of child bearing age, with higher minorities, fewer problems with access to health care, and pregnancy outcome in women are slightly higher than in the We propose to test and evaluate messages derived from using an “enhanced integrated behavioral model” that goes beyond the individual determinants of a wanted behavior to using proven messages used in a CCER model or by community organizations engaged in vector management.

The challenge is whether the lessons learned from a DOD experience can inform the actions of Risk Communication Campaigns conducted within the general population.

The advantage is that potential ZIKA exposures are higher in the DOD because training is outside in all kinds of terrain and travel is common. The disadvantage is the “obedience to authority” is higher and the DOD is a community with less social variance about factors affecting risk behaviors – in other words it is a cleaner framework in which to test and evaluate the behavioral effects of campaigns.

Before I submit a proposal – it would be good to ascertain whether there is an interest in obtaining innovative results based on a military cohort. Answer: We are not interested in this proposal.

4. We have a few questions:

(1) may PI to submit the concept paper directly to you?

(2) Is there a page limit for Appendix?

(3) Should all document be combined into a single pdf file for the submission or each component (e.g. concept paper, appendix, and qualifications) be in separate files? Answer: All the questions you have are included in the instructions for submission of the concept paper. Please review the BAA announcement and submit your paper per instructions.

5. We have two questions for you.

1) Our project addresses Areas of Interest #2 and #3. These two areas are associated in our work and our project integrates them/iterates between them. Is it preferred that the submission address them separately, or, is it OK instead to focus on the aims of the work, after showing how the project integrates these two areas of interest?

2) The project has a field component to evaluate vector suppression strategies. While the primary site is in Puerto Rico, we would like to propose a secondary site in Dominica in the Caribbean. We did not see an restrictions on study sites or non-Nationals, but wanted to confirm that a non-US study site would be permissible.

Answer: you should focus on the aims of the proposal. It should not be a problem to have one site in PR and one in Dominica. There is a language in the solicitation that mentions Non-US citizens participation. Please familiarize with the content.

6. I have several questions concerning this initiative:

1. Where could I find this BAA in FBO

1. Who was the individual that determined contract awarding

1. Who won the contracts Answer: Please note there is no previous history on this, so questions 2 and 3 below cannot be answered.

7. Based on the BAA-2017 Zika virus research topic we would like to submit a proposal on rapid molecular test for Zika virus which we are developing in our lab. We believe the diagnostic test is within the scope of this announcement. Is this correct?

We are recommended to use the NIH format for the biosketch but this usually has 5 pages not 4 as you require. Please clarify.

Answer: No, this really isn’t the focus

7. We were very surprised of your response, mostly taking into account what is written in the BAA. These are some phrases extracted from the document:

Area of Interest #1: Zika Diagnostics Development: Diagnosing recent and remote Zika infections This might involve development of enhanced antibody-based tests, molecular detection tests, cellular-based test platforms, as well as newer technologies such as relying on host immune response.

1.4 excerpt Clinical testing for couples in which either or both have had exposure to Zika and are considering conception (including men who may be at risk for harboring Zika and transmitting the infection sexually).

Answer: The concept paper won’t be considered unless it offers a distinct advantage in the context of the broader agenda of this particular topic and goes beyond research that’s already been conducted in this field.

8. One of our faculty members is in communication with researchers at the University of Puerto Rico about the possibility of her participating in a submission of a concept paper under BAA 2017-N-18041. Would you please let me know what restrictions there are, if any, on the role of a researcher from a foreign institution (Canadian in this case)? Can she be a co-PI, a subcontractor, or collaborator? Or can she have some other role?

Answer: Please see answer for question 27 below.

9. I am writing with a question about the Innovation Solutions BAA concerning Zika virus. My colleague E and I work with a mosquito-transmitted model of Zika virus infection in a murine host. In our studies, we can test vaccine candidates derived from Zika virus and the mosquito vector. This model allows testing of transmission and persistence as well as immune responses. We are not aware of other groups implementing this vector-transmission model and thus our proposal would be an innovative examination of Zika virus pathogenesis. Our question is to clarify whether our approach would be responsive to the BAA Area of Interest #4: Understanding pathogenesis and viral persistence in the host as well as the host immune response to Zika virus infection, point 1.5.

Answer: Yes it would be responsive. Please submit a concept paper.

10. My two questions are as follows:

1) Are there any circumstances in which CDC collaborators allowable on the proposal?

2) I'm trying to get a feel for the weight/importance of primary data collection to the CDC aims. Would a proposal with a modeling focus centered on publicly available data (with the goal of developing vector control interventions and assessing vector control priorities) be considered under this BAA?

Answer: 1) We wouldn't be collaborators as it isn't appropriate for contracts. That is typically done for grants. In contracts, general technical direction can be provided but it wouldn't be collaborations. 2) The answer to your second question is yes!

11. I am currently writing a concept paper for the "Advanced and Innovative solutions to improve public health" grant that was offered. I would like some clarification on the date of submission for the concept papers and formal grant. I read the concept papers are due on October 20th, but when are the final formal grants due? Answer: Please note that while the concept paper is the first step to determine acceptability, the end product would be a government contract not a grant.

12. My team and I are interested in submitting a proposal for the recent solicitation 2017-N-18041: Advanced and Innovative Solutions to Improve Public Health due on October 20th. Could you clarify if non-US institutions can submit a proposal and/or be subcontracted from a US-based submission (I’ve included the eligibility requirements below)? Our current proposal would involve subcontractors in Australia as well as Merida, Mexico. We have a collaborator at a US accredited university that can lead the submission.

Answer: Please see answer to question 27 below.

13. I am writing on behalf of investigators at Blood Systems Research Institute who intend to submit a concept paper in response to the CDC’s BAA 2017-N-18041. Will you please confirm if the award ceiling of $5,000,000 is total costs (direct plus F&A (indirect) costs)? Or if the $5 million award ceiling is direct costs only?

Answer: $5 Million is the total amount per award, inclusive of all fees.

14. Please find attached here a draft of the concept paper which we are still working on.

Answer: We are not going to review your submission at this point. Concept papers are due on Oct 20. We will then review all submissions and will decide which one(s) we will accept. I strongly recommend that you complete your submission and submit accordingly.

15. We would like to confirm that we should submit the Concept Paper directly to you by 20 October 2016. Answer: Yes, that is correct.

16. I am writing to initiate our technical dialogue regarding the CDC BAA 2017-N-18041. We would like to submit a Concept Paper under Area of Interest #3: Development and evaluation of strategies to suppress Zika virus mosquito vectors, prevent mosquito bites and reduce Zika virus transmission to humans. Specifically, we are proposing a comprehensive areawide integrated vector management plan that uniquely combines existing, novel, and emerging technology, materials, and techniques to reduce or eliminate Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in key vulnerable US urban regions. We would like to confirm that we should submit the Concept Paper directly to you, before the 20 October deadline. Also, we will keep in touch if any questions arise and look forward to talking more soon. Answer: Yes please submit your concept paper as indicated in the solicitation. Questions will be handled by email.

17. My agency plans to submit a concept paper in response to your Broad Agency Announcement 2017- N-18041 to develop novel approaches understand and mitigate Zika virus infection. Would it be possible to schedule a phone call with you to discuss our questions regarding this announcement? Answer: I am sorry, but not telephone discussions at this point. Please submit your concept paper in accordance with the requirements of the BAA.

18. We have several questions we would like addressed:

1. Will the CDC accept and or prefer multi-PI applications (like an umbrella grant) vs single small and targeted. On p23 of the BAA states: "Management and Technical Team: Include prime contractor and any subcontractor, principal investigator (PI), and additional key staff who are involved in this project.” This does not completely answer our question and some clarity on whether multiple PIs will be accepted/encouraged would be welcomed.

2. Amount of risk that is acceptable - our assumption is that given the nature of the problem the CDC would prefer ‘high risk - high impact’ science, but would again like clarification.

3. Amount of preliminary data expected.

4. Expectations of collaborations with CDC. Since this is different than other federal grant calls - we would appreciate clarification on the process by which such a collaboration will be established.

5. Tentative due date for full submission if accepted to move forward.

6. The BAA states that there will be a $5M and 5 year limit on proposals. Will the CDC favor smaller grants in the order of 200K per year or would large projects fit better with the CDC vision of this program.

Answer: To begin with, please note these would not be grants but contracts up to $5Million each. In your response to the concept paper you have to propose the type of contract; for high risk contracts a cost reimbursement may be appropriate provided you are eligible for it.

19. We are interested in submitting a Concept Paper (and hopefully a formal research proposal) for the BAA 2017-N-1804. Our proposed research addresses:

Area of Interest #4: Understanding, pathogenesis and viral persistence in the host as well as the host immune response to Zika virus infection.

Please advise as to the next step in this process and if we should send the Concept Paper to you at this email address by October 20th.

Answer: The next step is submitting the concept paper by the 20th. If your concept paper is acceptable, we will follow up with a request for proposal that should end up in a government contract. Please follow the announcement instructions on how to submit the paper.

20. If the another agency is preparing received favorable consideration and was accepted by CDC, how would the grant be dispersed. Specifically, we would like to know whether CDC would dispense the funds directly to our county or would CDC dispense the funds to our county through an intermediary agency. Answer: Any award resulting from the subject BAA will be done as a contract not a grant. Please review the announcement carefully and apply accordingly.

21. Our responses are in red below:

Our questions refer to the following two items under Area of Interest #3 – Development and evaluation of strategies to suppress Zika virus mosquito vectors, prevent mosquito bites and reduce Zika virus transmission to humans:

· Studies on the acceptability and cost of different integrated vector management strategies

· Development and evaluation of communication models leading to greater community engagement in integrated vector management strategies

1. With regard to “communications" (under Area of Interest #3), is the intended focus exclusively on vector-borne transmission of Zika virus? YES That is, are sexual transmission (and other emerging routes of secondary infection such as sweat, tears, and saliva) and communications surrounding a potential Zika vaccine in the near to medium-term future of interest, or are they out of scope? In developing communication models, should we only focus on vector-borne transmission? Focus on vector-borne transmission.

1. Could CDC please clarify what is meant by “communication models?” We could interpret “model” to variously refer to a framework, strategy, behavior change theory, etc. but hope that CDC can clarify what it means by “communications model” in the context of this BAA. We mean an effective way of conveying a message that leads to behavior change. Using completed formative research (and potentially new), we need an overall strategy and tactics using various behavior change theories to address both individual and community knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards mosquito bite prevention and control methodologies, barriers, and enablers. We cannot address community engagement without first engaging individuals.

1. Would CDC be interested in an evidence-informed tool that could be used to systematically monitor social media and use it to plan effective communications with the public, or is this capability something that already exists within the agency? Yes.

1. With regard to the bullet under Area of Interest #3 referring to “communications models leading to greater community engagement in integrated vector management strategies,” can CDC kindly clarify whether it intends for “community engagement” to refer specifically to individuals, to communities as a whole, or to either one? Either one but preferably groups of people living in close proximity such as neighborhoods or larger areas. That is, should the emphasis for our proposed research be on the community/the public (collectively), OR on individuals/members of the public (and their individual and varied risk perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors) as they exist within a larger community? It is a subtle distinction but would help our framing of the audience for the communication model. We need an overall strategy and tactics using behavior change theory to engage people and communities. We know that few individuals regularly take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites and fewer feel that it is their role to contribute to community reduction of mosquito populations, even in the midst of an outbreak (like PR).

1. What is the estimated award/start date for an awarded project under this announcement? This information is important to us for purposes of budgeting and also study timeline, taking Zika seasonality into account with regard to communications.

Timeline for award would be December 2016/January 2017 at the earliest.

22. We have two practical questions:

1) Are proposals with multiple PIs acceptable?

2) The CDC solicitation states "Data, tools, products, and other deliverables resulting from the project remain the property of the U.S. government, although they may become part of the public domain in accordance with applicable laws and regulations." If our solution entails development of a generic diagnostic platform as well as a specific Zika assay, what will belong to the government? Only the Zika assay, or the entire platform? Would our company retain any intellectual property rights or rights to commercial development?

Answer: Multiple PIs are fine; however we need one PI to serve as the lead and that PI should be identified clearly in the concept paper as the lead. If your concept paper (s) is acceptable we will request a proposal based on it and at that point we will include language that clarifies data rights and intellectual property rights, which will be subject of discussion.

23. I am writing as to inquire regarding whether the CDC would be interested in a possible project, in response to the BAA, focused on genetically modified mosquitoes. The project would specifically aimed at understanding the public health communication challenges posed, the history of the use of GMOs in the control of infections (agricultural and human), the logistics of trial releases, and the views of vector-control professionals as to where such technology would fit into an integrated mosquito control portfolio.

Answer: Yes, we would be interested.

24. I would like to participate in the CDC call: BAA 2017-N-18041 with two projects. Should each project be e-mailed separately or can both be sent in the same email but in separate files?

Answer: Please submit them separately.

25. I am very interested in applying for the recent CDC Zika virus-related funding opportunity focusing on ADVANCED AND INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE PUBLIC HEALTH, with a particular interest in “Development and evaluation of strategies to suppress Zika virus mosquito vectors, prevent mosquito bites and reduce Zika virus transmission to humans”. My question is whether I can propose to do the field trial for testing a novel solution in a foreign Zika transmission country, such as Thailand. You may let me know if the field trial must be done in US. Answer: We consider that US based entity should be allowed to conduct field trials abroad but it will play best if done in a Zika endemic area.

26. I would like to introduce myself first. I heard from a colleague of mine about the CDC call for research related to Zika virus. We believe that we can offer a proposal to CDC, particularly, on areas of interest 2 and 3. We have experience on the biological control of Dengue vectors which are also vectors of other arboviruses such as Zika and published several papers on this topic. However, given that I am located in the Mexico-USA border, I am wondering if we could apply for the CDC call. I am asking colleagues of CDC and USF if they would like to participate in this proposal. So far, a colleague of USF has accepted the invitation. Please find attached here a draft of the concept paper which we are still working on. Answer: We are not going to review your submission at this point. Concept papers are due on Oct 20. We will then review all submissions and will decide which one(s) we will accept. I strongly recommend that you complete your submission the best you can and submit accordingly.

27. I was wondering if the BAAs are only open to US based researchers or if a scientist working abroad (Canada) and is not a US citizen would be eligible to submit a white paper. Answer: Please familiarize with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 25 – Foreign Acquisitions, which can be found at: http://farsite.hill.af.mil/vffara.htm Also, please note the following may be a restriction from Non-US citizens and it is included in the announcement.

Non-U.S. Citizen Participation If the proposed research (or a portion of the proposed research) requires access to critical technology, sensitive unclassified information, For Official Use Only material, or intelligence material, non-U.S. citizens may participate in the resultant contract (or portion of the resultant contract) only if special written permission is granted by the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer will require the review and concurrence of the CDC Foreign Disclosure Officer (FDO) before granting this permission.

If the proposed research (or a portion of the proposed research) requires access to classified information (i.e., confidential or secret), non-U.S. citizens may participate in the resultant contract (or portion of the resultant contract) only if a Limited Access Authorization (LAA) is granted. A LAA can be granted only in the event that there are no U.S. citizens that can perform the effort. Granting of LAAs is not anticipated under this Broad Agency Announcement.

If any non-U.S. citizen requires access to CDC buildings, or other Government facilities, special written permission must be requested and obtained from the Contracting Officer and Security Officer through the resultant contract’s Technical Point of Contact. Requests shall specify purpose, duration, frequency, and location (specific room, lab, etc.).

28. If possible, could you look over the brief summary of what we’re thinking so far and let us know which would be of most value to pursue or whether you have any suggestions on any of them? Some of them could maybe even be combined into the same proposal if it makes sense and would strengthen the concept note. If you have any questions or need further clarification on anything, let me know. Thank you!

1. Zika-certified community (county, mosquito district, other level) program based on best practices.

· This could greatly simplify communications for communities, accelerate and verify adoption of CDC-recommended practices.

· If possible, we could develop the program to hone in on particularly at-risk communities (poor, inadequate access to social services, etc.), ensuring information is culturally appropriate and available in Spanish. (In addition to informational materials, we could consider distributing low cost prevention measures like mosquito nets?) Would need to find local partners to work with on this.

1. Web-based resource for Zika/mosquito borne diseases.

1. Would be a one stop shop for info on prevention, relevant resources, recent news, etc. (Could propose a Spanish language version, too?)

1. Could house the suggestion below about creating a reporting mechanism on local management activities (#3)

1. Create reporting mechanism for local management activities to CDC.

1. Lack of standardization in reporting of Ae. aegypti-related vector control activities in each jurisdiction has been cited as a major data gap. This represents a barrier to fully understanding management measures currently being taken, where they are being taken, and their potential efficacy in Zika prevention across the board and in particular geographies/environments. Having this information would allow for the development of more effective management strategies tailored to specific localities. Could create a standardized reporting mechanism for the CDC to collect management activities from local agencies undertaking vector control surveillance and control.

1. Improved US map for Zika showing where mosquitos carrying the disease have been found.

1. It doesn’t look like the data being collected by the CDC from local vector control professionals of Zika found in mosquitos is being captured in any of the CDC maps (which only include human lab confirmed cases). The USG maps on mosquito borne disease cases includes cases in humans, mosquitos, and other animals. One does not exist yet for Zika. Creating one could help inform where to coordinate and ramp up efforts (both mosquito control and public health outreach) as well as indicate the efficacy of management practices (assuming data on management practices are being collected).

1. Creating an early response system for Zika

1. Could put together a susceptibility model in collaboration with NASA earth observations overlaying weather/climate and land use data with the climate and land use parameters that Ae. aegypti and Ae. Albopictus thrive in. Could be used by local and regional health organizations, municipalities, etc. to inform when and where they should ramp up outreach and management activities given changes in weather, seasonal variability, or relevant land use change (and even trends in travel).

ANSWER: Please note we have four areas of interest. You may apply for one of them or all of them. We don’t make that decision.

29. How detail does the rough order of magnitude has to be? A ball park number (i.e. $150,000) would suffice? Or do we have to explain more about costs? ANSWER: This is not the proposal, but the concept paper. If it is accepted them you will have to provide a detailed proposal so a rough estimate is sufficient.

30. I am opening a technical dialogue with regard to submitting a concept paper in response to the CDC Broad Agency Announcement 2017-N-18041. I have been working on Aedes aegypti for several decades and we have obtain considerable experience and technologies that can be effectively applied to issues surrounding Zika in the US. My proposal will address issues outlined in your Area of Interest 2.

ANSWER: Please submit a concept paper in accordance with the announcement. We are not going to discuss the concept paper prior to our review and acceptance of it.

33. I am interested in submitting a concept paper in response to BAA 2017-N-18041. We are developing an environmentally friendly larvicide for larvae source management of mosquitos. This is in line with one of the point items in Area of Interest #3 of the BAA. If selected for the formal proposal, we would like to conduct field studies in endemic sites overseas. Is this allowed? ANSWER: yes, this is fine.

34. I would like to submit a proposal for the BAA listed above focused on advanced and innovative solutions to improve public health – specifically, Zika virus. I would like to collaborate with a group outside of the U.S. and was wondering if subcontracts outside the U.S. allowed? Could you please clarify the extent this BAA allows collaboration (obtaining samples, paying researchers outside the U.S. to obtain data/samples, travel) that would be helpful for my preparation of the 4 page concept paper.

ANSWER: With regard to Non- US participation, the BAA includes the following provision.

Non-U.S. Citizen Participation If the proposed research (or a portion of the proposed research) requires access to critical technology, sensitive unclassified information, For Official Use Only material, or intelligence material, non-U.S. citizens may participate in the resultant contract (or portion of the resultant contract) only if special written permission is granted by the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer will require the review and concurrence of the CDC Foreign Disclosure Officer (FDO) before granting this permission.

If the proposed research (or a portion of the proposed research) requires access to classified information (i.e., confidential or secret), non-U.S. citizens may participate in the resultant contract (or portion of the resultant contract) only if a Limited Access Authorization (LAA) is granted. A LAA can be granted only in the event that there are no U.S. citizens that can perform the effort. Granting of LAAs is not anticipated under this Broad Agency Announcement.

If any non-U.S. citizen requires access to CDC buildings, or other Government facilities, special written permission must be requested and obtained from the Contracting Officer and Security Officer through the resultant contract’s Technical Point of Contact. Requests shall specify purpose, duration, frequency, and location (specific room, lab, etc.).

At this point it is too early to determine how a contract with your organization will work as it all depends on how you propose. If your concept paper is accepted, the result would be for the Government to issue a request for proposal that may include clauses pertaining to acquisitions outside of the US, if applicable. You may want to r familiarize yourself with FAR Part 25, Foreign Acquisition which can be found at http://farsite.hill.af.mil/.

35. This is to confirm our interest in submitting a concept paper, following step-1 as indicated in BAA 2017-N-18041 document, specifically aiming for Area of Interest #3. I do have a few questions and would appreciate your support :

1. We are an Israeli based company, with Israeli employees (and also US citizens employees).

Is a foreign company, specifically from Israel in our case, is eligible to participate and submit a concept paper? Funding for these topics is limited to nationally based companies in the US.

2. Is a foreign company, specifically from Israel is eligible to be a subcontractor of the primer US company submitting a concept paper? Yes, but for more information please FAR Part 25, Foreign Acquisition which can be found at http://farsite.hill.af.mil/.

3. Can two companies jointly submit a concept paper, or does one have to be the prime and the second should be its sub contractor ? One must be the prime and one must be the subcontractor.

4. If applicable (for foreign), do we need to register the FedBizOpps before submitting the concept paper ? No, but to be eligible for a Government contract you must be registered in Sam.Gov.

As the (ground) mosquito SIT is yet considered a new technology in the world, would a PILOT project, enabling the CDC to experience, explore, utilize, analyze and finally characterize the CONOP (Concept Of Operation) for Aerial Sit Missions, in which we will explore all research questions related to the successful suppression of mosquitoes using Aerial SIT technology for different scenarios, would be considered as an eligible project proposal ? Yes

36. We will propose a large scale project that incorporates laboratory and field oriented aims that address multiple focal points within the Area of Interest # 3: Development and evaluation of strategies to suppress Zika virus mosquito vectors, prevent mosquito bites and reduce Zika virus transmission to humans.

We are in the process of compiling the estimated costs of the proposal (i.e. preliminary budget) and are unsure whether to include indirect costs into this budget. Could you please advise us if indirect costs are included in this estimated cost analysis for the concept paper or if only direct costs should be listed? Also, I understand that the program will fund proposals up to 5 million dollars. Are you able to provide any insight into the total budget size that would be viewed as most favorable to the review panel?

Answer: You should enter all the estimated cost in your concept paper. We are only looking for a rough estimate at this point. The Government estimate is $20 Million, $5 per paper. There is no more information about this.

37. I am planning to submit an Informal Concept Paper (Technical Dialogue) entitled: “Zika virus mosquito vectors and arbovirus transmission dynamics in Miami, ground zero for Zika in continental U.S.”

This concept paper aligns with Area of Interest #2: Improving our understanding of the biology and ecology of Zika virus mosquito vectors and the dynamics of virus transmission within the mosquito and at the mosquito-human interface Question: Is it acceptable to submit by email the proposal as one pdf document or do you prefer separate files for each part? Where should I include the one-page on “Listing and basic qualifications of likely organizational partners”? Answer: It is preferable to have one single document received.

38. I will submit proposals- do you accept fax transmission, as well? -also, just one question:

Do you also have a grant for Malaria research? If this one won't consider Malaria, what would be the contact?

Answer: This is going to be a contract not a grant. You must email your concept paper. Fax transmissions are not authorized.

39. We are also considering submitting a separate concept paper for a long term study on the dynamics of invasion of Aedes albopictus and the implementation of vector control strategies for Zika vectors in Rhode Island. If we decide to submit a second concept paper, do I need to send another email to you to fulfill the Step 1 requirement or is this email sufficient? Answer: You may send everything in one email or submit two emails to boh9@cdc.gov .

40. Our company would like to assist is creating a viable detection technology for Zika but have a couple questions:

1. As a for-profit R&D company, are we eligible to apply to the BAA request? Please note this will be a contract, not a grant. We have contracts with all kinds of R&D companies: for profit, non-profit and not-for-profit.

1. We are confident that we will create a highly selective detection system. We would like to work with CDC in evaluating that technology. Are there mechanisms by which we can collaborate with CDC scientists to use CDC’s sample collection to confirm the accuracy to the technology? If your concept paper is selected you will be issued a request for proposal with the intention of awarding a contract.

40. I represent the R&D department of a Mexican biotech firm, Vitagenesis. Are Mexican offerors able to apply? We have a project related to Focus area 1.1, and we think it's particularly fitting to the aims of the BAA.

Answer: You should submit a concept paper, if acceptable, we will proceed with a request for proposal with the purpose of awarding a US Government contract. You may want to familiarize with Federal Acquisition Regulations Part 25, foreign acquisitions which can be found at: http://farsite.hill.af.mil/vffara.htm