Attachment 2 - FAQ for BAN 2.0 Solicitation.pdf

FAQ for BAN 2.0 Solicitation

BAN-BARDA Accelerator Network

DEV-Development, Evaluation, and Validation

Eligibility and Requirements

1) Do current or prior contracts with BARDA preclude BARDA Accelerator Network (BAN)

2.0 eligibility?

No, only current or former BARDA personnel (federal employees, fellows, or support contractors) who worked for BARDA on the Accelerator Network within the previous year or at the time of the proposal submission, are ineligible to respond.

2) How is cost sharing evaluated in an application?

Cost sharing / resource contributions are strongly encouraged as additional allocated funds further augment services to startups and foster market readiness of their technologies.

3) For the proposal, are there preferred font sizes or a page limit?

There are no restrictions for font sizes or a page limit. Original ideas and approaches are encouraged, so the proposal structure is up to the applicant. The only exception is the cost/price workbook, for which there is a template.

4) What type of accounting information should be included in the proposal?

The type of accounting system, its design and operation features i.e., indirect burden calculations and allocation functions, ability to separate project costs, etc., should be included in sufficient detail for BARDA to be able to evaluate its adequacy to meet the financial terms of the contract.

5) Can an entity/consortium apply to multiple technology areas?

An entity/consortium can apply to more than one technology area. However, an entity can only be the prime awardee for a single Hub. Entities should keep this in mind when applying to be a part of multiple Hubs being awarded at the same time. A single entity can be a subcontractor on multiple proposals.

6) Does the prime awardee need to have expertise in all of the required components of BAN 2.0?

The prime awardee needs to demonstrate the ability to manage the operations of the Hub and to receive and disburse funding. The Hub (single entity or consortium) needs to have the expertise and capability to deliver all three components of BAN 2.0: Wraparound Services, DEV Services, and Rapid Response Capability.

7) Does the prime awardee need to have a physical location?

The prime awardee does not need to have a physical location if it can successfully perform its role in a remote capacity.

8) Should the Hub be geographically diverse?

The geographical diversity of the Hub partners should be as expansive as necessary to perform the functions of the Hub and to support innovators and companies around the globe.

9) Is an active System for Award Management (SAM.gov) account required to be eligible for award?

Respondents must be registered in SAM.gov to be eligible for award. Respondents do not need to have an active registration at the time of proposal submission. However, BARDA highly encourages initiating registration as early as possible to avoid any delays during the negotiation or award process.

Accelerator Programming and DEV Services

10) What TRL level(s) should the Hubs support in terms of accelerator programming and DEV services?

BAN recognizes the innovative value of companies at all TRL levels. The Hub is entrusted with sourcing technologies/companies at various stages, supporting them with relevant accelerator programming, and identifying DEV projects that accelerate innovations on the pathway to market launch.

11) How will the Hubs stay up to date on BARDA’s priorities so that the most relevant startups/DEV projects can be sourced/identified?

During monthly meetings with each Hub, the BARDA program team will provide any updates to priorities within the Hub’s specific technology area.

12) How many DEV projects should be funded per year with base funding?

The goal of DEV services is to fund a targeted development, evaluation, or validation project that markedly advances the technology towards product launch. Since innovators and startups have unique needs in this area, the number will vary based on the type of technology, scale of the project, TRL level, etc. BARDA anticipates typical funded projects to be in the range of $50k–$200k each, depending on the scope of individual projects.

13) With regards to the $1 million per year allocated for DEV services, will 100% of the funds be paid directly to startups?

The $1 million per year of DEV funding is intended to cover DEV funding to startups as well as operational costs for the Hubs related to those DEV services. Most of the funds should go directly to the startups, but BARDA recognizes that that the Hubs will have operational costs associated with managing DEV project phases including initial sourcing, design support, and ongoing mentorship. In some cases, DEV funds could be paid to a third party to perform a study on behalf of a startup requesting funding. Sample budget justifications will be reviewed as part of each DEV project proposal.