ASTIR_14-53_Final_QA_20140930.pdf

DARPA-BAA-14-53

Advanced Scanning Technology for Imaging Radars (ASTIR) Video Synthetic Aperture Radar

Questions and Answers

Question 1. Does the scan angle of ± 45 degrees in Section 1.2.1 of the BAA refer to the scan angle of the entire antenna system or the scan angle of the sub-reflector?

Answer 1: The scan angle in Section 1.2.1 refers to the scan angle of the sub-reflector. Note that the values given in this section are examples only - these are not specifications.

Question 2. Are approaches that use components from foreign sources acceptable?

Answer 2. Foreign sources within the restrictions discussed in Section 3.1.2 are acceptable.

Proposals should also discuss the strategy for completing the development under this effort if the foreign sources are no longer available.

Question 3. Are approaches that are applicable over only a portion of the 70-700 GHz band acceptable?

Answer 3. Yes. Proposals should identify the portion of the 70-700 GHz band over which the approach is applicable and the advantages in doing so.

Question 4. Are approaches that require mechanical re-tuning acceptable?

Answer 4. Any approach must be consistent with key program goals discussed in Section 1.1 of the BAA.

Question 5. For Technical Area 2, is it acceptable to propose an effort that addresses just the system design portion or just the processing algorithm portion? For example, would a proposal to develop on a revolutionary system design that is applicable to existing algorithms be acceptable? Similarly, would a proposal to develop a revolutionary processing algorithm that works for a variety of possible system designs be acceptable?

Answer 5. A proposed effort that addresses either system design or processing algorithms portion of Technical Area 2 is acceptable so long as the proposed effort provides new capabilities that are consistent with the goals of this BAA.

Question 6. We would like to ask about the budget size of ASTIR. If we propose a program with $10M effort, is it too much for ASTIR current budget? What is your suggested range of cost structure? Please advise.

Answer 6. Budget information will not be provided.

Question 7. Is this solicitation open to international tenderers?

Answer 7. Yes, as described in the BAA section 3.1.2.

Question 8. Can you advise on the likely timing/schedule of the potential progression from a successful ASTIR Phase 1 to the Phase 2, please? Your slide 16 suggests a seamless continuation but we are concerned if any significant delay creeps in and the consequent affect that might have on staffing.

Answer 8. The Government’s intent is to make a decision for continuation prior to the completion of Phase 1.