BAA_18-02_Call_0001_Questions_and_Government's_Response-_Proposal_Stage.pdf

BAA 18-02 Call 0001 Questions and Government’s Response- Proposal Stage Questions

Question # Reference Contractors’ Question DHS Response

1 BAA 18-02/Call 0001/SOO A, Page 3, Section 5.1, second sentence

What is the desired working range (in meters)?

At 10 meters the users should reasonably be able to recognize presence of life in an adjacent room or other walled environment such as a shipping container.

2 BAA 18-02/Call 0001/SOO A, Page 3, Section 5.1, third sentence

How many walls will be between the device and the target in a typical mission scenario?

Of critical importance is the ability to detect what is directly behind an interior room wall. Therefore, a typical mission scenario includes the detection behind a single wall or door.

3 BAA 18-02/Call 0001/SOO A, Page 3, Section 5.1, third sentence

Does the “standard construction interior wall” means US residence house wall with two layers of dry wall?

“Standard construction interior wall” includes two layers of ½ inch thick dry wall for walls and two layers of 5/8 inch thick dry wall for ceilings to include insulation.

4 BAA 18-02/Call 0001/SOO A, Page 3, Section 5.1, fifth sentence

Is there a SWaP upper bound?

For example, is there a weight limit (in pounds or kilograms) when integrated to the users’ equipment?

The size, weight and power is more a function of ergonomics and effectiveness rather than a formula. The solution must be able to be operated within the CONOPS of a tactical event and of sufficient power to function properly.

5 BAA 18-02/Call 0001/SOO A, Page 3, Section 5.2, second sentence

Is there a required direction accuracy threshold between the target(s) within 10˚ range?

It would be desirable for the system to discriminate between one or more subjects and provide a general direction or location of the subjects.

6 BAA 18-02/Call 0001/SOO A, Page 3, Section 5.2, fourth sentence

Is there a communication range upper bound? For example, should the product communicate within 20 meters or less between other users?

There is not a range limit for wireless communication; it would be desirable to connect with team members or to a command post outside the area being searched.

7 Overall Are other Government Agencies and Federal Labs eligible to submit/propose under BAA 18-02

Yes, other agencies and Federal Labs may submit under BAA 18- 02.

8 Overall If a vendor has a product that fulfills the requirements for more than one topic area, may they submit one whitepaper to cover both those topic areas?

Or should they submit separate white papers for each?

A white paper and/or proposal must be submitted for each SOO for which a vendor would like to be considered. It is highly recommended that vendors submit separate white papers that are responsive to each SOO even if the solution is the same.

9 Overall Is there a minimum or a maximum that one can be awarded per solicitation?

There is no minimum or maximum per award, but each proposal’s cost should reflect the realistic cost/price necessary to meet its own requirements.

10 Overall Can international companies participate under BAA 18-02?

Does the work have to be conducted in the United States?

International companies may participate under BAA 18-02 and the work does not have to be performed in the United States.

11 BAA 18-02 Page 11 Section 5.2. White Paper Submission Requirements and Evaluation Process

Can the Government please provide an outline for what content needs to be covered in the white paper?

In the absence of additional details, should vendors use the proposal content specifications for Volume 1 – Technical Proposal, covered in Section 5.4 of BAA 18-02?

The White Paper will be evaluated based on the two following technical evaluation factors found on Page 22 of the Original

BAA:

Criterion I- Technical:

Criterion II- Commercialization:

The white papers are only required to provide a technical and managerial approach (taking into account the evaluation criteria), and are not required to use the proposal content, that is specific to the Technical proposals that follow the white papers.

12 General Is there a list the specified what documents must be filled out?

There is no specific list of documents that must be completed. All offerors must register in the DHS BAA Portal and must submit a White Paper.

13 General What is the maximal % of expenses the government will finance in a project? Do I have to supply other

There is no maximum amount, but each proposal’s cost should reflect the realistic supplemental sources of income?

cost/price necessary to meet its own requirements.

14 General Is a prototype mandatory for applying? Can software simulations alone be enough for a successful application?

A prototype is not necessary for application, but ultimately the solution to the statement of objectives will have one.

15 General Would I be able to employ international subcontractors?

Use of international subcontractors is allowed.

16 BAA 18-02/ Call 0001/ S00E

Is there a preferred, or required, electronic file-format a solution should support for integration with DHS S&T location and tracking technologies currently in development?

No, however the solution should be easily interoperable and integration technology to supporting systems should be non-proprietary.

17 BAA 18-02/ Call 0001/ S00E

Is there a maximum file size for developing DHS S&T location and tracking technologies that a solution would have to fit within?

No.

18 SOO B, General And BAA 18-02, Page 8, Section 3.3, Second Sentence

The BAA states “The specific type of contract will be issued in each call for white papers and full proposals.” However, no contract type was provided in Call 0001-SOO B-0004- WP. Would the Government accept a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract type for this contract?

The BAA calls for a mix of contracts that would be acceptable.

The government reserves the right to award procurement contracts for firm fixed price or cost reimbursable, grants, cooperative agreements or other transactions, or interagency agreements. The vendor shall propose the contract type. Be aware that a CPFF contract type will only be accepted if the vendor has an accounting system that has been approved by a federal agency.

19 SOO B, Page 3, Section 5.1, fourth bullet, first sentence

When the Government states “it must allow the firefighter to switch between the SCBA harness and cylinder assembly without exposing the operator to unfiltered air”, is the Government’s intention that the proposed system shall not introduce any new sources of unfiltered air exposure to the firefighter during normal operation of the SCBA cylinder and harness assembly?

That is correct.

20 BAA 18-02, Page 10, Section 4.3

BAA 18-02 provides an OCI Contractor Certification.

Should this certification be included in Contractor’s Volume 2: Cost Proposal or in the Official Transmittal Letter?

Please include the OCI certification in the Cost Volume.

21 BAA 18-02 Call 0001/ SOO K Robotic Stereoscopic System

Are there any requirements about the radio communications module in terms of encoding or other characteristics?

No.

22 BAA 18-02 Call 0001/ SOO K Robotic Stereoscopic System

When the solicitation states "the device must have wireless capability that can be transmitted to many systems" can you clarify:

A. What types/specifications of displays or other systems

A. Wireless system must be compatible with most video viewing display systems or GUIs that is open source and must the device communicate with?

B. Will the developer be providing all such systems or are there existing systems that would display the video feed?

C. Will the system be required to transmit to multiple clients at once (multicast)?

nonproprietary. COTS 3D displays as well.

B. A display system is not required although most squads will want this.

C. The multi cast can be 2D, no need for multiple 3D displays, that is added cost and complexity

23 BAA 18-02 Call 0001/ SOO K Robotic Stereoscopic System

Can you clarify what is meant by "the device must be capable of producing multiple video feeds"? Does this mean sending separate video streams from each camera to different end-user devices, or streaming the same video feed to many devices simultaneously, or something else?

Stream the same video to multiple devices simultaneously. 3D view and 2D or 3D other devices. The multi devices can be slaved to the main receiver with the user.

24 BAA 18-02 Call 0001/ SOO K Robotic Stereoscopic System

What reference model of manipulator arms and/or EOD robots should we consider regarding mounting interfaces and size constraints? Are there other defined high-value anchoring locations for the camera module?

A Picatinny rail attachment point is desirable, but the Government is open to alternative universal mounting solutions for robot arms.

25 BAA 18-02 Call 0001/ SOO K Robotic Stereoscopic System

Is there a defined range of lumens the dimmable LED light source should emit at the high and low end of its dynamic range?

No, but the LED light source should not cause camera bloom on the low end in a dark room. On the high end it should be able to illuminate the inside of a medium sized container.

26 BAA 18-02 Call 0001/ SOO K Robotic Stereoscopic System

The solicitation states "it must have the option to attach to a USB port and contain a replaceable battery". Does this mean that the device itself must be powered via USB?

Or that the power supply for the stereovision system can power a separate device via

USB?

The idea is to power the device/camera, not to power any random accessories

27 General Can you please let us know what the intended contract award type is intended to be?

This information will inform the direction of our Cost Proposal/Volume II.

The contract type shall be proposed by the vendor. If the vendor does not have a Federally approved accounting system, the only contract type that will be allowed is a Firm-Fixed Price type.

28 General What evidence of commercial viability is S&T looking for in the full proposals?

The ability to transition the solution to the commercial market for first responder use.

29 Proposal Content- Volume 1- Technical Proposal- Assertion of Data Rights

Instructions for the section, assertion of data rights, is placed immediately after directions for the resume appendix and the "other DHS support" appendix. However, it is not stated that the assertion of data rights is to be an appendix. Is the assertion of data rights indeed to be added as an appendix? Does it count toward the 20 page limit?

As stated on page 17 of BAA 18-02 “Offeror’s pre-award identification shall be submitted as an attachment to its offer”.

30 General Is there a DHS guide for salary limits, etc.?

There is no guide for salary limits. Labor costs should be supported by documentation such as paystubs.

31 General How many organizations have been encouraged to submit a proposal for gunshot alarm system?

This information is procurement sensitive and not available for release.

32 General Is there still going to be a presentation due as part of the application process? If so, what are the expected dates.

Please see Amendment 0004 for the estimated dates for the presentations.

33 Cover Page Can you give some examples of how duration of effort might be noted in the cover page. For example, if we determine that we need more than 18 months to develop both sensors because of the research required for each, can we include a broader duration of effort and then the duration of effort for THIS project in the cover page. I.e., please define the “basic effort” from this guidance for the cover page:

No initial award shall exceed 18 months.

34 General It looks like a request to use DHS resources is encouraged.

What is the best way for us to learn more about these resources and their availability?

The use of DHS resources, if desired, would be spelled out in individual TTA’s or the call as a whole.

35 Proposal Content- Volume 1- Technical Proposal

Regarding Section 2 of the full proposal, it asks for the following:

PROPOSAL: Describe the proposed work and the associated technical and management issues.

The government is asking for a detailed proposal with any associated technical and management issues that may be anticipated this would be expected to be in more depth than would be covered

It seems little redundant especially considering the section before and after which are "Executive summary" and "Performance Goal".

Can you please provide me an example of what the "Proposal" section is looking for and how it is different from the other two sections.

in an executive summary.

36 Proposal Content- Volume 2: Price/Cost Proposal

In reviewing the requirements for the Price Volume, the submission is structured in a manner that is consistent with a Cost Reimbursable type of contract.

If our company does not have an approved Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) -compliant accounting system that enables us to submit/execute Cost Reimbursable types of contracts, should we structure our Price Volume as a Firm Fixed Price bid or submit in accordance with the Cost Reimbursable requirements knowing that the Contract Type will be FFP if we are selected for award?

Please structure your submission consistent with a Cost Reimbursable type contract, even though award will be made as a Firm-Fixed Price contract if your company does not have an approved accounting system.

Although the BAAs are considered competitive, each offeror’s solution is unique and DHS cannot use competition as a means to determine costs fair and reasonable.

Although not necessary at the time of award, be aware that if your company is selected for award, DHS will require an awardee to create a milestone/ deliverables schedule with firm-fixed prices to ensure that the awardee is able to receive payment through the life of the contract and not just at the final deliverable.

Please consider what these milestones/ deliverables would be while creating your proposal.

37 Proposal Content- Volume 1- Technical Proposal- Assertion of Data Rights

Will the offeror own full rights to deliverables developed by the offeror under this BAA if awarded?

It is up to each offeror to submit what data rights they would like to retain and what data rights they would be willing to give to DHS.

If DHS deems these rights to be inadequate, negotiations will be initiated before award.

38 Proposal Content- Volume 1- Technical Proposal- Assertion of Data Rights

How does the offeror write their assertion of data rights for data yet to be developed with DHS funding?

The offeror shall write their assertion of data rights by each deliverable they propose to deliver.

39 Proposal Content- Volume 1- Technical Proposal- Assertion of Data Rights

What are the minimum and maximum rights for licensing that DHS could end up with?

If the intellectual property is derived as a result of government funding then the government would retain government purpose or GP intellectual rights and the developer would retain IP or intellectual property rights.

If a product is developed the government generally does not reserve licensing rights.

40 Proposal Content- Volume 1- Technical Proposal- Assertion of Data Rights

What data rights does DHS typically walk away with?

If the intellectual property is derived as a result of government

What data rights does DHS typically want from a grant-funded product?

funding then the government would retain government purpose or GP intellectual rights and the developer would retain IP or intellectual property rights.

If a product is developed the government generally does not reserve licensing rights.

41 Proposal Content- Volume 1- Technical Proposal- Assertion of Data Rights

Does DHS ever interrupt, assume, take over or in any way harm a grantee's commercialization of a DHS-funded product in any way?

Once the contract is fulfilled DHS no longer has a contractual relationship or ability to interfere.

The only exception would be in any pre-agreed to arrangements where the vendor would provide information on commercialization or product use or in the participation of an operational field assessment post period of performance.

42 Proposal Content- Volume 1- Technical Proposal- Assertion of Data Rights

What is the toolkit referenced as a deliverable in the data rights section? For gunshot alarm systems, we see prototypes as the deliverable?

If an offer asserts data rights then that offeror must explain how that assertion of those rights will not affect the performance or maintenance of the solution.

43 General What will DHS do with the prototypes deliver to them as a result of this BAA?

Generally DHS demonstrates them to various audiences as work product or may have first responders test the systems further.

44 SOO H Improve Communications in High Loss Environments

How many hours of operational time does the battery need to support?

12 hours or more.

45 SOO H Improve Communications in High Loss Environments

The mesh capability will go beyond what a traditional repeater does. It will have to packetize and route packets in an ad hoc manner to ensure scalability. This could invoke extended delays. Will the end-user be tolerant to delays caused by larger multihop mesh networking?

The delay, depending on how long, may cause frustration with end user but would be understandable.

46 SOO H Improve Communications in High Loss Environments

Is there a desired output power in dBm for the intended repeater? Or do you have a dB gain in mind for the product?

DHS does not have a desired or stated dBm.