Broad Agency Announcement 693JJ321BAA0001 Q-A.pdf

Broad Agency Announcement 693JJ321BAA0001

Question/Answer

1. What is the due date for the concept proposal on the solicitation of 2020 BAA? I did not find it on the website. The response date appears in Appendix C and it is listed as Date Offers Due on

Beta.Sam. The response date is 2/1/2021, 12pm EST.

2. I am wondering if this subject (subject description withheld by Contracting Officer) fits in the

Topic number HIBS10-SMH-002. It might also fit in Topic number HIBS10-SMH-001. These subject fits in the Topic number HIBS10-SMH-002.

3. I also wanted to confirm that the due date is February 21, 2021. The response date is 2/1/2021, 12pm EST.

4. Do you have 5 minutes to discuss the subject research? Section 7.1 in the BAA includes contact information for questions.

5. 7. For the topics that have numbered lists of specific goals, is FHWA seeking concept papers that address all of the goals within a given topic or would concepts that address only one of the goals be considered? For example, Topic HIBS10-FRP-001 lists 3 items, so is it anticipated that successful proposals will address all 3 of these goals or would a strong proposal that only addresses one or two of those goals be considered viable for funding? FHWA is seeking concept papers that address all the goals within a given topic. As shown in Section 2.6 of the BAA, to meet all the goals within a topic, phased or expended work or projects can be proposed.

However, awards are subject to the availability of funds. No funding provision or commitment can be made at the time of award for phased or expanded work or projects beyond the initial or base phase funded at the time of award that the applicant may propose in its submissions.

If appropriated funds are authorized, FHWA may, at its discretion, provide additional funding for phased or expanded effort this existing award.

6. 8. Are the proposals to be internally reviewed by FHWA staff only or will external evaluators be used? All concept papers and proposals are to be reviewed and evaluated by only FHWA SMEs and staffs.

7. 9. Is there an expected duration of the projects? No, there is not an expected duration of the projects. Proposers will include project schedule in their proposals.

8. 10. I would like to know if this program allows collaborative proposal (from multiple universities), and is there any submission limit (on the number of proposals) for each PI?

Collaborative proposals from multiple universities and/or private consultants are allowed.

There is NOT any submission limit for each PI.

9. 11. Before I develop the concept paper, I thought of discussing my research topic first with

FHWA. Hence, I am contacting you to see if it is possible to schedule a time for a quick call or a

Zoom meeting to discuss my research idea and whether it fits FHWA needs. Hello, we [FHWA] are not accepting any phone calls or meetings. You may submit your question(s) and a member of our program office will provide responses.

10. I just reviewed the FHWA's BAA titled, "Research Initiatives in Support of Structural Engineering

Programs," and wanted to know when I can submit my concept papers on these topics? Good morning, the response date for the BAA is listed with the BAA instructions. Please review the package. The response date is 2/1/2021.

11. Section 2.7 discusses Cost Sharing and mentions a requirement that the applications include a minimum 20% non-federal cost share. For “contracts,” would a “discount” or “donation of materials or services” of 20% qualify? What documentation would be required to demonstrate the value of the “discount” or “donation of materials or services?” See revised Section 2.7. Cost sharing is not required for contracts. However, cost sharing must be included for cooperative agreements. Third-party in-kind contributions are allowed but must be assessed by the

Government. Refer to Section 4.3.1 on Cost Sharing/Cost Participation for documentations.

12. Section 2.7 discusses Cost Sharing and mentions a requirement that the applications include a minimum 20% non-federal cost share. For “cooperative agreements,” who will manage and administer the cooperative agreement? If the Offeror can identify one or more non-federal government agencies who are willing to provide the 20% or greater non-federal cost share, how does the FHWA anticipate or require that arrangement would be structured? The FHWA will administer the cooperative agreement. Refer to section 4.2.4 for Cost Sharing Management

Plan.

13. In reference to project 1 these are some questions that will help our team prepare a strong concept paper:

a. Can we use some of the funds to support master students in our program? YES

b. Can we use some of the funds to prepare videos and documentation that can be used by FHWA and other institutions in developing educational tools for the training of undergraduate and graduate students, and professional development hours for PEs. YES

c. Can your office facilitate/place students’ internships for the training of the next generation of engineers? YES

d. Can we submit a quad chart requesting the full amount of $250,000. YES

e. If these topics are not within your vision for this project will it be possible for you to give me some guidance on what your team is looking for in the first project? Please refer to Appendix C for information on all research topics.

14. In reference to project 10 these are some questions that will help our team prepare a strong concept paper:

a. Can we use some of the funds to support master students in our program? YES

b. Can we use some of the funds to support testing of our research on FRP in our high bay lab? YES

c. Can we submit a quad chart requesting the full amount of 250,000 to support, construction materials, and student support? YES

d. As before, any input would be very much appreciated, or are you looking for us to provide the road map for this project. Please refer to the main document of the BAA for requirements and information to include in concept paper and proposal.

e. If these topics are not within your vision for this project will it be possible for you to give me some guidance on what your team is looking for in the first project. Please refer to Appendix C for information on all research topics.