Q A_Round_2_(3-12-13).pdf

DARPA-BAA-13-19

VTOL X-Plane

Questions and Answers – Round 2 12 March 2013

VTOL X-Plane BAA-13-19 Questions & Answers – Round 2

IN THE EVENT OF ANY INCONSISTENCY BETWEEN THE ANSWERS PROVIDED

HEREIN AND THE BAA, THE BAA SHALL TAKE PRECEDENCE

Q8. We understand that if the VTOL X-Plane will be unmanned it would be wise to build two for the case that one will crash. But, if it is manned (chance of crashing being much lower), shouldn't the BAA leave the election of one-vs-two X-Planes to the proposers?

Additionally, for the case that the X-Plane is unmanned, can the proposer be allowed to elect building the second X-plane with private funds and use it for the DARPA program only if the first crashes?

o A8a. No. It is DARPA's intent for each proposer to bid to the full program, which includes two experimental demonstrators.

o A8b. No. Both proposed experimental demonstrators are part of the DARPA program, and all associated costs must be accounted for in the proposal. It is DARPA's intent to use the second aircraft not just as a back-up in case of accident, but to augment the level of technology demonstration achieved through the flight test. That being said, cost sharing may be proposed and will be evaluated accordingly. Any additional aircraft, past the initial two, built with private funding will belong to the company that paid for the build.

Q9. May I request an extension for submitting a proposal to the BAA?

o A9. The initial deadline for proposal submissions is 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time on May 1, 2013. The closing date for this BAA is 4:00pm Eastern Time on August 31, 2013.

The dates and times indicated are deadlines by which proposals must be received by

DARPA.

Proposers are required to submit proposals by the time and date specified in the BAA – 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time on May 1, 2013 – in order to be considered during the initial round of selections. DARPA may evaluate proposals received after this date for a period up to up to six months (180 days) from date of posting on FedBizOpps. Ability to review late submissions remains contingent on availability of funds. Proposers are warned that the likelihood of funding is greatly reduced for proposals submitted after the initial closing date deadline.

Q10. Does DARPA have a corporate size limitation regarding making concept proposals on this project? Based on the assumptions, it would seem like the ideal research company for this project will be fairly large?

o A10. No, DARPA has no corporate size limitation.

DARPA-BAA-13-19

VTOL X-Plane

Questions and Answers – Round 2 12 March 2013

Q11. Company size limitation for making proposals for phase one. Is a teaming relationship necessary for early phase submittals?

o A11. Proposals will be judged on their ability to meet the program goals and objectives laid out in the BAA. Teaming is not mandatory. Performers are free to team as appropriate to raise the team’s level of expertise. Proposers’ capabilities and/or related performance is one of the criteria used for evaluation of BAA responses.

Q12. Is there anyone that I can talk with directly regarding proposal submissions?

o A12. There will be no discussion or feedback at this time. Please continue to email questions DARPA-BAA-13-19@darpa.mil until the question deadline of March 21, 2013.

Q13. Are the concepts [brought up by proposers] viable based on the direction that DARPA wishes to trend the program?

o A13. There will be no discussion or feedback at this time. No concepts are currently being considered or will be considered for award. Only complete proposals that are consistent with the requirements detailed in the BAA will be evaluated. The VTOL X- Plane BAA can be found at https://www.fbo.gov/spg/ODA/DARPA/CMO/DARPA- BAA-13-19/listing.html.

mailto:DARPA-BAA-13-19@darpa.mil https://www.fbo.gov/spg/ODA/DARPA/CMO/DARPA-BAA-13-19/listing.html https://www.fbo.gov/spg/ODA/DARPA/CMO/DARPA-BAA-13-19/listing.html