DTTP QandA 12 Nov - 3 Dec.pdf

Question AFRL Answer

On Pg 3 of Attachement 2 of SOO, the second bullet states "...execute new digital transformation related sponsored projects through direct consortium capability or through consortium member capability." Does this imply that consortium managers will also be able to participate in projects?

Yes, though this is not a requirement. The consortium manager will propose their intended means of execution.

Is there a requirement for a 'store-front' space for the consortium? If so, is that required space also required to be near

AFRL?

No, though the consortium manager will propose their solution, which could include something like a 'storefront'.

What is the desired end-state at the end of this period of performance? Is it, for example, a prototype, fully implemented solution for DTTP, or a consortium that can continue responding to projects?

A consorium manager and consortium that can continue responding to DAF digital transformation priorities.

Can you please elaborate on the project structure? Is the intent for the consortium to design and build the digital platform/ecosystem, or.are the projects pieces of an AFRL designed solution?

Paragraphs 3 and 4 of the SOO give a sense of the breadth of the things that the AF may seek to accomplish with this consortium. This could include objectives from a wide range of AF customers including AFMC, AFLCMC, and AFRL, among others. Proposers are encouraged to think broadly. A first project will be solicited through this consortium within 60 days after award.

On pg. 2 attachment 2, SOO, one consortium focus is listed as 'pilot-like, large-scale, demonstrations of integrated capabilities across the lifecycle.' Would you be able to provide an example of one demonstration to help estimate scale?

The best example would be the first sample problem described in the FOA. As a reminder, this solicitation does not seek a technical solution for that problem at this time.

Can you please clarify what is meant by the statement:

"consortium establishes linkages to locations at key AF acquisition and sustainment centers to support teaming with local universities and corporations - leveraging existing partnerships and providing real-time support."

This statement describes AF desire for a consortium and consortium manager that can serve as connective tissue between diverse sets of stakeholders.

The FOA indicates cost share on projects may vary based on aggressiveness/risk level of project. Is it anticipated the consortium will make those decisions, or the AF team?

The AF team is expected to provide an initial assessment of appropriate cost share requirements. It is also anticipated that discussion and negotiation would occur with the consortium manager before an opportunity is made available to consortium members to validate assumptions and set appropriate cost share targets. This fits with a philosophy of collaboration that AF desires.

Is there a ceiling on the contract award?

Yes, initial projected ceiling is just over $49M. The AFRL has high confidence in the estimate.

Is this going to function as an OTA? If so, is it going to allow small business teaming arrangements where a significant level of work can be done by small businesses in lieu of cost sharing?

No, The award is expected to be a cooperative agreement. Prior examples of consortia executed by a CA have shown ample opportunity for small business and teaming arrangements.

Regarding funding, it sounds like you're allocating up to $1M across 3 years for consortium operations. Then the projects are to be funded on top of that. Is that correct?

Yes.

Is there an expectation that AFRL will receive a functional leave-behind DT capability?

Leave behind capabilities for AFRL and consortium members would be likely at the individual project level and will be defined when those projects are solicited and awarded.

Please give an example of an analogous consortium that includes foreign performers.

Manufacturing Innovation Institutes. (e.g.

America Makes, MxD, LIFT). These Institutes all operate under cooperative agreements or TIA.

is the $1M allocated to consortium operations a flexible or locked allocation ?

AFRL has $1M allocated over 3 years for operations/startup. There is not current vision toward additional funding in this area, but is something that could be funded with future funds if that is determined to be of value for the Air Force.

Is the single award for the consortium manager? Will there be multiple industry teams contributing to that consortium? If so, how will they be awarded?

Yes, award is to the consortium manager.

Yes, it is anticipated that industry will participate as consortium members and project participants. Award to industry members for core/startup activity would be proposed by the consortium manager.

Is the membership in the teams contributing to the consortium frozen at proposal time?

No, past experience shows that analogous consortia usually grow after award and as activity ramps up. Membership terms will be established by the consortium manager in collaboration with the AFRL program management office.

Is it required that the consortium manager be non-profit?

Yes. The terms of a cooperative agreement also dictate that no profit/fee is allowed for work on that agreement.

Is this going to functiona as an OTA? No, this is a cooperative agreement.

Will the consortium manager be disqualified from bidding on the projects?

No.

Will Classified information be a part of the consortium activities?

No. Classified work, if it comes up, would be executed by other means by the DAF.

Will you send out this recording?

No, this meeting recording is kept for accessing questions and responses. File sizes are the primary limit to dissemination.

Is the consortium allowed to charge a program management fee to manage projects?

Under a CA, profit and fee are not allowable. The consortium manager may incur direct and other allowable costs associated with managing a project.

Those expenses are reimbursable.

Why is the NTE level set at $49M when the Air Force expects additional project funding down the road?

AFRL generated the funding profile based upon those operations and project funds which we had the highest confidence in securing within the period of performance.

Should funding requirements be realized beyond these levels, the Air Force will explore optimum ways to execute that funding, which could include modifications to the awarded cooperative agreement.

If a company is invited or becomes part of the consortium will they be unable to put proposals in for solutions?

The firm that is selected as consortium manager can also serve as a project performer. We are not aware of any restrictions that will prohibit a consortium member/manager from participating in future proposals for solutions.

AFRL/RXM is apparently sponsoring the first block of work described in the DTTP FOA. Referring to section 3b of the announcement, is this program already coordinated across AFRL? If so, can the potential offerors learn who the steering committee members are?

Coordination of the first project has been accomplished only to the extent the sponsoring organization (AFRL/RXM) feels necessary to satisfy its own planning criteria. There is no larger steering committee at this time, for either the consortium or the first project.

Section 3b of the announcement refers to issuing the first project for the consortium within 60 days of the award of the DTTP agreement. What is the anticipated timing for release of subsequent projects? In what way will the consortium have input on definition of future projects?

Timing on release of subsequent project calls is dependent upon (a) the availability of funding from participating AF organizations, and (b) whatever business process is defined by the consortium manager. The details of consortium processes for selecting and administering projects are part of the Statement of Objectives.