Q_A_Documentation 9 Dec 21.pdf

Questions and Answers for FRESH

Q1) The objectives of this program have two broad emphases: 1) biotechnology (biocorrosion, human performance monitoring, biomimetic materials and devices); and 2) polymer and responsive materials (soft matter, FHEs, and AI, etc). I wonder if this center-type program should cover all aspects of the above-mentioned research directions, or a focus theme connecting with all sub-fields with the goal to develop advanced materials (such as high-throughput materials discovery of bioinspired soft and hybrid materials) and devices (such as flexible hybrid electronics, sensors, etc).

The topic areas for both Task Orders cover the government related work that this solicitation seeks to gain support for the duration of the contract. The ultimate goal is to develop advanced materials in these areas or a combination of these areas. The Government PIs and contract support will work together on such development. Ideally, the proposing team would have a majority of the expertise in such areas, yet we understand that some expertise may need to be subcontracted or retrospectively the team would hire new employees to meet the gaps.

Q2) Would the government consider making this a Multi-Award BAA to leverage a broader

R&D community in the functional materials field?

At this time, we do not wish to move toward a multi-award BAA

Q3) Attachment 5 Base Support document suggests the Government wants to maximize AFRL’s labs and equipment versus duplicating efforts – are there any technologies you wish you had access to in order to speed R&D to the Airmen/Guardian? Or are there chokepoints or limitations to the labs?

The purpose of this statement is that rather than a team proposing that we use their labs, we prefer the use of AFRL labs to build synergies between the contractors and the government employees. Laboratory capabilities within AFRL are designed to support the work performed by the government led research, thus it is ideal to utilize these facilities and equipment. However, there is always a desire for additional or updated equipment. A few areas of interest include high throughput characterization and microfabrication capabilities.

Q4) Would the government consider hosting a virtual/in-person industry day and tour of the labs to provide industry more insight into your technology needs?

There are no plans to have an Industry Day

Q5) Is there a current staffing (labor categories) level matrix for the engineering services required to support the lab?

There is no current staffing matrix. However it is preferred that there be a mix of Ph.D.. M.S., and contract support personnel, and possibly connects to student hires and consultants. We are looking for overall coverage of expertise in the areas described in both task orders.

Q6) Does “one basic IDIQ contract” imply one performer, or do you expect multiple performers on one IDIQ?

Yes, we anticipate one award

Q7) If the answer is multiple, are you anticipating proposals which are focused on specific tech areas (i.e. Human performance monitoring) rather than the wide array outlined in the BAA?

NA

Q8) Is on-site activity required?

On-site activity is ideal as is builds the relationship between the government and contracting performers. There may be instances where work can be accomplished at the contractor location where either space is limited or the contractor has laboratory capabilities that do not exist in house.

Q9) Who is the current incumbent?

UES

Q10) What are you expecting from the new team?

The Statement of Objectives for each task order were developed with the Research Team leads in order to ensure coverage of all research areas of interest under this BAA. We are hoping that the awarded team will have expertise in the majority of these areas and will be able to accomplish such work within our available facilities to support the government personnel in house (though some work may be performed outside of the base).

Q11) Is there anything that you want from the new team that you may not be receiving now?

This is an inappropriate inquiry as it introduces competitive language

Q12) What is the highest priority for the new contract?

Please refer to Page 17 of the BAA “Technical Criteria for the Basic IDIQ (in descending order of importance).” In addition we will place equal value on both Task Orders.

Q13) Is there any disconnect between your requirements and what was placed in the proposal?

The BAA and associated documentation were carefully written to cover the work that is requested. New developments always arise, however, where new work is needed, additional Task

Orders would be generated post award.

Q14) Are resumes included in page count? At page 13 (IV(2)(c)(i)(f) states the page limit covers all information to include … attachments, resumes, etc. However at (IV(2)(c)(ii) it states additional information on prior work, … resumes of personal should also be included as attachments to the technical proposal. Having said all that, my strict interpretation is that resumes, prior work, base support, etc would be included in the 10 page count. However, that would restrict the tech proposal pages content further. It appears para ii might lead one to believe resumes, etc are not part of the page count.

Resumes are not counted against the page count limit. However, it was asked that resumes be kept to reasonable limit (around 2pgs) for ease in review.