FA8650-19-S-1110 ARDIS Call 07 - STARS - QA - 28 June 2024.pdf

Solicitation Q&A FA8650-19-S-1110, Call 07

Science and Technology Applied RF Systems (STARS) Questions (Q) and Answers (A)

28 June 2024

1) Q: Can a contractor still submit our proposal as a Prime if they don't have TS/SCI themselves? Is it possible to use our teaming partner's clearance?

A: No, it is not possible for a Prime to use their teaming partner's clearance. The Prime is highly recommended and encouraged to have TS/SCI capability at the time of proposal, as TO 0001 requires

TS/SCI at the start of award, and it can take months to be cleared which is out of the Governments control. There are opportunities for the Government to sponsor. However, again it is highly recommended that the awarded contractor to have TS/SCI capability at the time of proposal. The

Government will not pay for the establishment of any SCIFs

2) Q: In regard to the preparation of the IDIQ and TO 0001 Statement of Work (SOW), does the

Government have a preferred template, or can you offer any guidance on what should be included?

A: Offerors may reference the BAA Industry Guide, https://www.afrl.af.mil/Portals/90/Documents/HQ/BAA%20Ind%20Guide%202020.pdf?ver=7AivkWvo

UoptKgypgCuIvw%3d%3d ; page 45 – Attachment 2 entitled Sample Statement of Work, when preparing the Non-Proprietary Statement of Work. Additionally, offerors are to follow the formatting and page limitations as outlined within the STARS Solicitation.

3) Q: Is a small business eligible to bid on FA8650-19-S-1110-Call-07, even though we are not part of the

ARDIS ARA master program?

A: Yes. This effort is solicited as Full and Open competition.

4) Q: For classified appendices, does the Government want a CD, DVD, or printed hardcopy?

A: The Government prefers classified appendices in electronic format. If electronic media is not allowed on your classified Information System (IS), the Government will accept two (2) printed hard copies of the classified portion of your submission. It is recommended that if offeror chooses to submit a technical classified appendices that they follow the specific page limitations and submission instructions outlined in both the STARS Solicitation and Amendment 01 (posted on 14 June 2024, to

SAM.gov).

5) Q: For the Cost/Business Proposal, are the Basic IDIQ and the TO 1 together in one volume or should they be stand-alone volumes?

A: The Cost/Business Proposals are to be submitted as stand-alone volumes for both the Basic IDIQ and

TO1.

6) Q: Does the government have a preferred development platform such as a private or commercial cloud. If commercial is AWS or Microsoft Azure more convenient?

A: No, the Government does not have a preferred development platform. Offerors are encouraged to utilize whichever platform, best meets their technical approach. However, offerors should take into https://www.afrl.af.mil/Portals/90/Documents/HQ/BAA%20Ind%20Guide%202020.pdf?ver=7AivkWvoUoptKgypgCuIvw%3d%3d https://www.afrl.af.mil/Portals/90/Documents/HQ/BAA%20Ind%20Guide%202020.pdf?ver=7AivkWvoUoptKgypgCuIvw%3d%3d

Solicitation Q&A FA8650-19-S-1110, Call 07 consideration security implications and potential issues.

7) Q: The listed Anticipated Award date on page 2 of the Solicitation is 1st Quarter FY25, however, Paragraph 3.1 on Page 8 shows funding starting in FY24. Which is correct?

A: AFRL has an anticipated award date of the STARS effort in Q1 FY25 with FY24 3600 dollars. Please note that the funding fiscal year is subject to change due to Government discretion and availability.

8) Q: Section 3.2 states there will be three (3) TO 0001s (assume one per IDIQ Awardee), valued at $336K

(FY24). Is that the total funding for the first Task order , or is that just the funded amount for FY24?

Should that be FY25?

A: Yes, that is the total value of the first Task Order ($366k) for each awardee. Please note that there was a typo in the anticipated value for each TO1 award and should reflect $366k, not $336k, reference

Amendment 02 correcting this error. The Government anticipates to fully fund the initial Task Order with FY24 3600 funds. Please note that the funding fiscal year is subject to change due to Government discretion and availability.

9) Q: How many Task Orders total are anticipated under STARS?

A: It is hard to predict the exact number of task orders RY plans to issue over the full period of the

STARS effort. However, the Government anticipates issuing 1 – 3 Task Orders each in both FY25 and

FY26.

10) Q: The solicitation asked for a cost/business proposal. Just to be clear, do you want a cost proposal for the Basic IDIQ or just TO1?

A: It is recommended that a Business Volume is provided for the overarching IDIQ, as there are no direct costs associated with the IDIQ. However, a Cost/Business volume is required for TO1.

11) Q: With regards to classification guidance and submission document markings, for work previously performed, is it appropriate and acceptable to follow and reference the SCGs associated with the previous work (e.g. DARPA)?

A: Yes, this approach is acceptable. Please follow the Security Classification Guide (SCG) that the work was completed under and indicate as appropriate in your proposal submission.

12) Q: How can we find the Basic ARDIS ARA Solicitation?

A: In order to find the Basic ARDIS ARA Solicitation (FA8650-19-S-1110), follow the below instructions:

1. Enter either “FA8650-19-S-1110” or “ARDIS”, in the search engine on SAM.gov.

2. Please note: Since the ordering period for Basic ARDIS ARA has ended, it will be under “inactive”.

3. In order for ARDIS to show in SAM.gov, be sure to choose “inactive” in your search criteria.