FA8650-19-S-6005-Q&As.pdf

ORBS Post Lab Tour Questions/Answers 16 November 2018

Question Answer

How does kinetic energy (KE) feature in the work described in the solicitation?

In some of our analyses, we are asked to show hazards for directed energy (DE) in the same way as has been previously done in the KE research area. To accomplish this we have worked with the KE community to show similar types of metrics to communicate risks from the different weapon systems. For example, modeling and simulation products supporting KE weaponeering are relatively mature and are utilized by the weaponeering community for collateral damage estimates. Similar software tools for directed energy are relatively immature. Some of our work is aimed at developing DE tools to provide similar analysis capabilities that are also capable of operating within existing software architectures.

The overall period of performance is listed as up to 72 months with an additional 3 months reserved for report writing. Does this mean the entire effort is made up of six 12 month periods followed by a one 3 month period? If so, should offerors include the 3 month period in their pricing?

The government reserves the right to award any proposal UP TO 72 months with additional 3 months for report writing. This also means that the government may award for less than 72 months depending on the needs of the government. The length of time to complete a portion of the contract is negotiable. A 3-month report writing period will always be added to the technical period of performance unless otherwise negotiated.

What type of funding will be utilized for this BAA? At this time, only 6.1 to 6.4 funding is planned.

There is no planned use of O&M or procurement funds.

Where is the governing Institutional Review Board (IRB) located? What is the timeline of the IRB process? Does the IRB govern the approval process for research involving human cell cultures?

For most human use protocols, the governing IRB is located at Wright Patterson AFB. The timeline varies considerably depending upon numerous factors, but, once submitted and assuming minimal problems, a protocol typically receives final IRB approval in 1-2 months.

For studies involving human cell cultures, the IRB makes a determination as to whether the research is exempt or non-exempt. In addition, for studies involving human-derived tissues, human cell cultures, toxins, and recombinant DNA products, the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) reviews to determine the applicable regulations and guidelines.

In analyses of optical distortion, what, if any, quantitative methodologies are you exploring?

We are currently beginning to explore a number of quantitative methods for measuring optical distortion with the goal of investigating the impact of distortion on visual performance. While we have explored some methods, such as machine learning approaches, we are interested in novel and innovative approaches in this and in our other research areas.

BAA Section IV.2.b.i.g: number of pages for proposal

Cover, table of contents, table/figure lists, glossary, acronyms, and cross reference matrix pages will not count towards the 75-page limit for proposals.

BAA Section IV.2.b.i.i: formatting of Technical Resumes

Single-space formatting for Technical Resumes for Key Technical Personnel is permitted.

BAA Section IV.2.b.i.i: relevant employment experience

Proposers are encouraged to include information about Technical Personnel that best conveys their qualifications to perform the required work. This can include past job experience and relevant publications, but may also include other information relevant to the acquisition.

BAA Section IV.2.a.viii: content of proposals The proposal may include Distribution C and D elements, but cannot contain classified material.

How long do student/intern collaborations last?

Collaborations with students or interns can be created through the contract vehicle or through some of other formal program. Depending upon the nature of the agreement, these collaborations may last from months to years.

Where are human subjects recruited from?

Subjects are typically unpaid volunteers recruited from the population working at the Tri-Service Research Laboratory (TSRL). However, this is not always the case. For example, cockpit simulation studies may employ as subjects non-TSRL individuals with piloting experience.

How do collaborations with foreign/international partners work?

Our current work involves two main types of international partnering. In the first, we work under official project agreements with other nations’ government laboratories. This work is well defined and only information called out in the international agreement is shared in the partnership. An example of a major project agreement is our work with the UK on probabilistic hazard assessment. The second type of international partnering is in the area of basic research where we work with international universities. This research is done through an international office of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and allows for the results of fundamental scientific research to be exchanged.

IV.2.b.i.h Single spacing of the SOW is acceptable.

IV .1 The sample is provided for informational purposes. Proposers are encouraged to submit the SOW in the format they feel best communicates the pertinent information. There is no required format.

SOO Para 3.0.4 The header for SOO Para 3.0.4 is “Safety Standards”.

SOO Para 3.0.9 The sentence referencing item (h) is a clerical error. There is no (h).

What Colleges or Universities do you collaborate with?

We are open to collaboration with any college performing research on optical radiation bioeffects. Generally, we have an established relationship with several Universities that form the Directed Energy Bioeffects Institute (DEBI).

Under this umbrella agreement, we have mechanisms to share resources and knowledge with academic collaborators.

Do you perform medical research (i.e., research centered on the diagnosis and treatment of injury)?

We are a line-funded organization that receives S&T money. We do not directly perform medical research, however, our knowledge of bioeffects synergizes with many medical applications. We share information and expertise with those that perform medical research to ensure the widest application of our knowledge base. In the past, this has included the Army's Institute for Surgical Research, the 59th MDW, USAFSAM, and other medically-funded organizations.