Amendment 4 Questions - Answers.pdf

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT

HDTRA-20-S-0002

AMENDMENT 04

Questions & Answers #2:

1) Given the current difficulty in hosting in-person events and the uncertain length of time for the COVID-19 pandemic, how is DTRA thinking about the hosting of Strategic Dialogues under Thrust Area 5 and Thrust Area 6 during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Does DTRA anticipate extending the award period beyond the suggested 12 month period in the case of long-term social distancing?

Answer: DTRA does not plan to make any adjustments to the suggested periods of performance at this point in time. Offers may elect to include alternative approaches to hosting dialogues in their white papers and proposals to account for the fluid public health situation. The period of performance will begin at award date and all award modification requests will be reviewed with approval on a case-by-case basis as appropriate.

2) If one organization wishes to propose Strategic Dialogues for both Thrust Area 5 and Thrust Area 6, can we submit one combined White Paper, or should we submit two separate White Papers, one for Thrust Area 5 and one for Thrust Area 6?

Answer: Submit separate White Papers to each Thrust Area if the two proposed Dialogues are not related, do not build upon each other, or feed into one another. If there is a clear relationship between the two proposed efforts, submit one consolidated White Paper and discuss each in a separate, but integrated manner.

3) We have a few of our research programs that are interested in submitting White Papers.

Would you prefer individual proposals from each of the programs or one package with all them?

Answer: The BAA distinguishes White Papers (Phase 1) from Proposals (Phase 2) and the different focuses for each Thrust Area. The White Papers (and/or Proposals) should target the appropriate Thrust Area and submitted to the suitable Thrust Area mailbox for evaluation. All submissions will be evaluated on the benefit that the Agency would receive, the depth of research and Thrust Area chosen.

4) I'm reaching out to ask if you could provide rough funding ranges for both research papers and strategic dialogues. I understand there are no set numbers, but any general guidance/tips on average expected grant size would be most helpful in properly scaling our proposals. Also any guidance on suggested breakdowns of overhead, direct costs, etc. would be very helpful as well.

Answer: Within the annual anticipated funding level, each project funded would depend on the level of benefit that the Agency would receive from the proposed research. This would include the Thrust Area(s) chosen, depth of research, and approach. The cost estimate for the White Papers is less detailed than what is required for the Proposal. It should include any information pertinent to helping the evaluator assess whether the proposed costs are realistic and reasonable. For example, labor (labor category, burdened/unburdened, hourly rates, number of hours), direct costs, and indirect costs. If proposing a workshop or dialogue, please include appropriate cost information for the event (travel, number of people).

5) Can other federal agencies apply for fee-based research work under this BAA?

Answer: Unfortunately at this time, we cannot work with other federal agencies under this BAA. US Government or military-run universities and laboratories are eligible.