Consolidated Questions- BAA Call No. 70RSAT23RB00000001 12.8.22.pdf

Questions and Answers: 70RSAT23RB00000001

1. What is the expected TRL at outset and completion of the project?

S&T is most interested in projects starting from TRL ranges 4-5 and ending in ranges 6-7. The specific considerations will depend upon the submission including the TTA a white paper/proposal is submitted under.

2. Are programs expected to be 24 months or are other periods of performance acceptable?

The Government highly desires a period of performance not to exceed 24 months to create a transitionable product. However, longer periods of performance may be acceptable based on the specific work proposed. Generally, a transitionable product is desired after 24 months, but if follow-on work from that effort is envisioned, it may be proposed and competed at that time.

The potential for such follow-on work should be discussed in the proposal timeline.

3. Do programs include testing at the DHS Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL)?

Proposals may propose test time at TSL in their plans and proposed cost structure. However, access to TSL testing facilities may be limited by TSL scheduling and resource availability and is subject to negotiation in a final award under this Call.

4. How important is eye safety in this application?

It is expected that all proposed work plans adhere to relevant occupational health and safety standards.

5. Are objects able to be removed from bags for resolution?

No. S&T is not, in this solicitation, interested in secondary inspection methods which require removal of objects from bags for resolution.

6. Is it important to always be able to identify a threat?

Deployed technologies are evaluated with respect to probability of detection and probability of false alarm, among other factors. S&T recognizes that no technology will have 100% probability of detection, but the ultimate goal is to deliver, for the customer, technology that significantly enhances operations.

7. Is a handheld or desktop device preferred?

S&T is not specifying any specific form factor for proposal.

8. Could programs include a data gathering phase supported by government?

Yes, Offerors may include data collection as part of their proposal(s) for evaluation. Government support for data collection will be subject to negotiation in a final award under this Call.

9. What is the target starting technology readiness level in the project?

Refer to previous answer (#1)

10. What is the target ending technology readiness level in the project?

Refer to previous answer (#1)

11. Are there any specific budget expectations or requirements for the proposed work?

There are no specific budget expectations or requirements. However, the Government generally anticipates any individual awards would range between $1 and $4 million for a 24-month period of performance. However, there is no cap on award values and price reasonableness will be determined on an award specific basis.

12. Is there a maximum duration for the proposed project?

Refer to previous answer (#2)

13. Is integration of the system with Electronic Baggage Screen Program system architecture in scope for this effort, or can be part of a future effort (if initial prototype development is successful)?

It is not within the scope of this effort. System integration does not generally occur until transition of project from S&T to TSA. This would generally be part of a future contract.

14. Would you extend the white paper submission deadline from January 3 to January 17?

Yes. The due date for white paper submissions has been extended to January 17, 2023.