UFP_Q A_2_for_posting_3.5.13_v2.pdf

Upward Falling Payloads (UFP) DARPA-BAA-13-17

Questions and Answers #2

March 5, 2013

The second round of solicitation questions and answers are provided:

Note 1: Detailed design choices, technical metrics, and cost is up to the proposer and should be proposed to maximize compatibility with other subsystems, and should support an overall system design to achieve the metrics and attributes outlined in the Metrics Addendum.

48. Q: If proposing two distinct approaches to a single technical area, can one organization submit two distinct proposals?

A: Yes or one proposal but as separable efforts as stated in the BAA.

49. Q: Is the Upward Falling Payload to be developed as a one time use or is it to be used multiple times?

A: See Note 1.

50. Q: Does the system have official KPPs (Key Performance Parameters)? Seems like Cost, Size (A-size cylinder), Weight, Power might be KPPs.

A: See Note 1.

51. Q: For those who are applying for two or three separate technical areas, should each technical area have its own 4 page ppt file?

A: Only a single set of four slides are needed per proposal.

52. Q: Are notional Phase 2 and 3 approaches specific to Technical Areas 1 and 2 only?

A: Yes.

53. Q: Surveillance Mission Questions:

Can you define a typical deployed payload mission profile for an EO/IR surveillance payload?

What is the minimum time on station once deployed from seabed and launched?

What is the size of the object(s) under surveillance?

What is the standoff range from the UFP deployment site to the object(s) under surveillance?

How large of a surface area must be observed?

Is real time video required to be transferred from the sensor?

Is there a maximum deployment sea-state?

Can a tether be employed from the sea-floor to anchor to the UFP riser and keep it on station?

Are there allowable acoustics and EMI emission levels for the system once deployed?

Is sonar or radar cross-section a concern after deployment of the sensor?

Would Satcom or radio communication of the sensor data preferred?

Is there a maximum launch time after rising to the surface?

A: See Note 1.

54. Q: Is there a minimum expected coverage area per UFP node?

A: No. See Note 1.

55. Q: Is there a target search rate for UFP payload? Does this depend on the specific sensing modality?

A: No. See Note 1.

56. Q: The BAA specifies 9-12 months Phase 1 performance, yet the award date of June 30, 2013 and its completion in mid FY14 (from proposer's day slides) leaves only 9 months. Is a 12 month schedule still acceptable for Phase 1, and if so, does that mean that the Phase 2 and Phase 3, and all their milestone, will slip a quarter?

A: The BAA is correct: 9-12 months. The June 30, 2013 was the “expected” start date. For estimation purposes, the milestones should remain as stated in the BAA.

57. Q: In Section 4.4.2 Proposal Format for Sections I, II, and III, are the allocated 22 pages intended to cover all program phases or just Phase 1?

A: All. Phase 1, and notional Phase 2 and notional Phase 3.

58. Q: What is the relative emphasis needed for each notional phase and what summary information would be considered compliant?

A: Relative emphasis is up to the proposer and will depend on the proposed solution.

59: Q: How many abstracts from each technical area received proposal recommendations?

A: DARPA will not release this information. Section 4.3.1 of the BAA states...."Regardless of DARPA's response to an abstract, proposers may submit a full proposal. DARPA will review all full proposals submitted using the published evaluation criteria and without regard to any comments resulting from the review of an abstract."