FOA Questions and Answers_10Sept2021.pdf

FOA Questions and Answers:

PIA-FOA-21-AFRL-0001_Amend01

10 September 2021

No. Question Answer

1 The PIA instructions require a Plan with milestones for each project, to cover the POP of 60 months. Go/NO Go steps are stated to offer the opportunity to re-evaluate, cancel or change directions on a particular project course.

In addition to projects described and planned, will AFRL consider options for future projects, to bring new capability serving the rapidly changing space, directed energy and post covid industry state? These would be proposed as future concepts yet to be fully defined, with the intent to co-develop requirements and outcomes with the customer before refining cost and schedule?

The Go/No-Go decision points is set-up to offer the opportunity to evaluate the overall contribution to the program goals and objectives.

As a result of this evaluation, the Government may recommend redirection of proposed efforts, and will work with the Recipient(s) to structure the Recipients program goals and objectives (see FOA, page 6 of 29). At the discretion of the Government, the Government may consider “options for future projects, to bring new capability serving the rapidly changing space, directed energy, etc.”

Please note, the Government may review the Go/No-Go plan at any time during the life of the Award.

2 Regarding cost share, P.9 of 29, section C. Cost Sharing or Matching, second paragraph states that the Prime Recipient is free to determine how best to allocate the cost share requirement. Cost share may be provided by the prime, sub or third parties (entities that do not have a role in performing the scope of work). How this is consistent with: “CFR 200.306, paragraph B (3) Are necessary and reasonable for accomplishment of project or program objectives;” which implies cost share aligning with SOW areas.

Please see Appendix A, Cost Share Information.

Generally, In-Kind Cost Sharing contributions represent the fair market value of non-cash contributions allocated to the sponsored project. Examples of In-Kind Cost Sharing include providing the use of existing equipment or real property during sponsored project performance.

3 Can a subawardee or subrecipient be added after the award of the contract, based on potential to fill a capability gap, with customer approval?

Yes, subawardee or subrecipient may be added after the award of the contract.

Please note, subawardee or subrecipient will still be required to provide Sub-recipient File(s) and Budget Justification (See FOA page 17 or 29).

4 Regarding this RFP, there was supposed to be information in Appendix A about 3 Cost Share Options

Please FOA page 9 or 29 (table).

5 I saw the solicitation for PIA-FOA-21-AFRL-0001 12.800 -- Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program and was hoping I could talk with you for a few moments about the services and number of services to be offered; our team has been working on a program that is very similar to this solicitation and stems from the older CCAT (Center for Commercialization of Advanced Technologies) program run out of San Diego State University (I was a program director for part of those services while I started their technology transfer office). I think we can change our format for our proposal to fit this well but have questions as to the number of projects/technologies to review and help each year. Can we schedule a few minutes to discuss?

This question has been formatted to protect the integrity of the entity and potential future proposal.

Please reference the PIA section III, Eligibility Information for a list of eligible applicants. The PIA states:

To be eligible to apply under this FOA, the applicant must:

1. Be a Public and State controlled institutions of higher education in the State of New Mexico; and

2. Have a strong graduate education program with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) research.

Please note, out of state Universities, could meet Sub-recipient and/or Sub-awardee Eligibility.

The following types of domestic entities are eligible to participate as sub-recipients or sub-awardees under this FOA:

1. Institutions of higher education,

2. For-profit entities;

3. Non-profit entities;

4. State, local and tribal governments; and

5. Small Business enterprises.

6 Would it be possible to get a 14 day extension for the proposal submission to PIA-FOA-21-AFRL-0001? It is difficult to complete the entire proposal due in the time allowed to the complex nature of the proposal, the multiple partners involved, and the need for documentation for a large amount of cost share.

No. The Government will not be extending the FOA Submission Deadline.

FOA Submission Deadline for Proposals: 21 September 2021, 02:00 PM MST

7 We are having issues downloading the package as there is nothing listed in Grants.gov. Grants.gov is currently showing the following message: “There are currently no Opportunity Packages available for submission through Grants.gov. Refer to Synopsis tab and Related Documents tab for additional information about this Opportunity.”

Please advice on how we should proceed with submission.

Please note the deadline to submit is 9/21/21

The application package has been updated in Grants.gov.

6 When looking at the proposal package for this proposal you've asked us to complete the personnel profile - this form requires we upload the person's resume. The RFP asks us to upload resumes as an appendix to the proposal narrative. We will have to upload the resumes twice. I just wanted to confirm you want this

The Recipient may upload resumes as Appendix and/or Attachments. No need to submit twice.

9 It is about the environmental form. There doesn't seem to be a set of directions anywhere on-line so I am hoping you can help me with this. Attached is what I have completed.

It seems to me that AFRL is the receiver (box 1) and then completes sections II and III. Is this correct?

This question has been formatted to protect the integrity of the entity and potential future proposal.

Correct. Section II and III will be completed by the Government based on the information provided by the Recipient in Section I.

Please note, the Government may inquire additional clarifications from the Recipient to complete Sections II and III.

10 I want to confirm the funding amount of the proposal. We are planning to submit a proposal for $XXM in federal funds plus cost share.

Ceiling (i.e., the maximum amount for an individual award made under this announcement): The maximum amount for a proposed effort will be $55,000,000.00. Applicants for larger amounts may be considered based on funding availability.

Please note, there is no Floor amount for this proposal; Recipients may propose a small amount from the ceiling ($55M)