Questions and Answers 1.pdf

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS #1

Call for Proposal

Aerospace Materials Processing, Performance and Characterization (AMPPAC)

FA2394-24-R-B006

7 May 2024 (Q&A 1-6)

1. Question: What TRLs and scale (micro->component/full-scale) levels are the Physics Based Modeling for Advanced Composites (PMAC) and Characterization of Advanced Composites (CAC) addressing. I was wondering if OEM’s can propose validation of some of the PMAC/CAC on an existing hardware which would be at a higher TRL.

Answer: As stated in the RFP, the modeling in PMAC and experimental characterization in CAC will cover the ranges of scales from the microscale (e.g., individual filaments) to the mesoscale (e.g., fiber tows) to the macro scale (e.g., coupon/subcomponents). Finding for this contract will typically range from 6.1 fundamental research to 6.2 early applied research. Validation using hardware from other programs would be acceptable, but this program will not typically be building hardware.

2. Question: Can OEM’s collaborate with different contractors/subcontractors for the A,B,C,D tasks.

i.e. they may collaborate with contractor X on task A but with contractor Y on task B.

Answer: Teaming is left to the purview of the individual contractors. As noted in the RFP, it will be expected that all awardees enter into associated contractor agreements with the other TOs to ensure proper data flow across the contracted efforts under the overall contract.

3. Question: What would be the mechanism for the project team to enhance the AFRL lab and what components of the work would be performed at the lab?

Answer: This is an onsite contract so it is generally expected that the support contractors will work on site. Any laboratory enhancements would be R&D efforts developing new testing or modeling capability focused on meeting the objectives of the stated SOOs.

4. Question: Is there an expectation that the project builds or upgrades AFRL lab equipment/processes?

Answer: Any laboratory enhancements would be R&D efforts developing new testing or modeling capability focused on meeting the objectives of the stated SOOs.

5. Question: Can equipment be purchased or upgraded at the industry or university partner site?

Answer: Yes, it is generally expected that some equipment purchases will be necessary to complete the stated SOOs, but there is no formal requirement for such.

6. Question: Could a project team be an industry partner, a university, and the AFRL Ceramics Branch, with most of the development occurring in the industry/university facilities, and AFRL performing specific testing and process development tasks?

Answer: Partnerships with universities or other industrial partners are expected. In no case will funding on this contract be directed to other government agencies. However, efforts under this effort may partner with government agencies that are funded separately through other means.