HDTRA122S0004 AMENDMENT 10.pdf

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT

HDTRA1-22-S-0004

AMENDMENT 10

This amendment provides a summary of the questions and answers posed during and following the October 12, 2023 Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Strategic Trends Office (SI-ST) Industry Day/Research Topic Information Session (RTIS). The information contained herein should be reviewed in conjunction with the information included in Amendment 7. A copy of the RTIS slide brief is also provided and posted on SAM.gov.

Table of Contents Thrust Areas and Priority Topics Government Call vice Broad Agency Announcement

Funding Levels

Project Team Organization

Foreign Participation in Research White Paper Formatting

Evaluation and Project Timelines

STRI Project Lists

Miscellaneous

Thrust Areas and Priority Topics

Question: The BAA lists areas of “general interest” addressable to either thrust area that were not covered in this presentation. Is it still appropriate to submit pursuant to these interests?

Answer: Yes. These are areas of enduring interest to the portfolio and could apply to either thrust areas.

Question: Is it inappropriate to propose studies that are relevant to the dialogue interest areas specified in BAA Amendment 7, or vice-versa?

Answer: The division of priority topics between dialogues and studies is intended to provide a convenient way to communicate DTRA’s priority topics for each thrust area; it is not intended as overly strict or constraining guidance. Offerors should identify the thrust area that provides the best “fit” for their specific proposed research topic and research objectives. Offerors should feel free to propose new or innovative topics that do not appear in either the dialogues or studies lists in BAA Amendment 7 as long as the offeror can demonstrate how the topic and proposed methodology will meet DTRA’s objectives.

Question: What outcomes does DTRA seek/expect from dialogues versus written products?

Answer: DTRA regards dialogues as a unique methodology for facilitating effective collaborative research with allies and partners. The dialogue is valuable and offers specific information that can only be achieved from the in-person event. However, the dialogue event itself is not the end goal of the project. For each project, DTRA requires a technical report and accompanying executive summary reflecting analysis of research conducted via the dialogue, overall key insights from the project, and actionable recommendations for DTRA, DoD, and the US Government as appropriate. DTRA encourages offerors to review the BAA and Amendment 7 on SAM.gov for additional guidelines.

Government Call vice Broad Agency Announcement

Question: How do white paper submissions under the Government Call differ from the BAA? Is the overall process/deliverable under the Government Call different?

Answer: U.S.-based private businesses, U.S.-based, not-for-profit research organizations, and accredited, degree-granting public and private academic institutions in the United States are eligible to submit white papers to the BAA. However, there are several types of non-private or semi-private entities, such as Federally-Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), and U.S. professional military educational (PME) institutions, which may conduct the type of research the BAA is soliciting but are precluded from submitting to the BAA based on their particular organizational status and government sponsor authorization. In these cases, the interested non-private/semi-private entity may be eligible to submit a white paper for DTRA to consider awarding as an Interagency Agreement or Military Interdepartmental Purchase Request (MIPR) rather than as a private contract. To submit a white paper for this type of consideration, the interested non-private/semi-private entity should contact dtra.belvoir.si.mbx.hdtra1-stri-adm@mail.mil to request a copy of the DTRA Strategic Trends “Government Call.” The Government Call is a special set of instructions corresponding closely to the HDTRA-1-22-S-0004 BAA that outlines specific instructions that are unique to those applying for funding consideration as a non-private or semi-private agency for submitting white papers. Please note that while requirements differ slightly, white papers submitted to the Government Call are still subject to the same set of evaluation criteria as those submitted by private entities to the BAA. DTRA does not set quotas for either BAA or U.S. Gov Call entries – we are committed to partnering on the best projects, regardless of performer.

Question: Can university affiliated research centers (UARCs) submit a white paper?

Answer: Yes, University Affiliated Research Centers (UARC) are eligible to submit white papers to the BAA unless precluded by their UARC contract (please consult your sponsor authorization). If ineligible to submit white papers to the BAA, UARCs may request a copy of the DTRA Strategic Trends “Government Call,” which corresponds closely to the BAA but highlights specific white paper submission requirements for this community (you may request a copy from dtra.belvoir.si.mbx.hdtra1-stri-adm@mail.mil.)

Question: Should researchers at professional military educational (PME) institutions submit white papers to the email addresses listed on slide 32?

Answer: All white papers, regardless of offeror, should be submitted to the email addresses listed in the BAA:

• White papers for strategic dialogues should be submitted to: dtra.belvoir.si.mbx.hdtra1-stri-ta1@mail.mil.

• White papers for studies should be submitted to: dtra.belvoir.si.mbx.hdtra1-stri-ta2@mail.mil.

Question: I work for a UARC. I attended the STRI information session (on October 12, 2023).

Guidance was given that UARCs should submit under the Government Call. That is contrary to Amendment 7 of the BAA which states that UARCs are eligible to submit white papers under the BAA (unless precluded by their UARC contract). Has BAA Amendment 7 been superseded on this point? I would appreciate receiving clarification on this question as soon as possible given that the submission date is very soon and it takes time to obtain an institutional signature.

Answer: The eligibility of your organization to submit white papers to the BAA is dependent on the specific authorization of your organization. Some UARCs may be eligible to submit to the BAA, but others may be precluded from doing so by their specific sponsor authorization (this is why Amendment 7 includes the clause “unless precluded by their UARC contract (submit sponsor authorization with proposal submission”). In that case, you could request a copy of the Government Call from dtra.belvoir.si.mbx.hdtra1-stri-adm@mail.mil for white paper submission instructions that include unique requirements for this community of prospective offerors.

mailto:dtra.belvoir.si.mbx.hdtra1-stri-adm@mail.mil mailto:dtra.belvoir.si.mbx.hdtra1-stri-ta1@mail.mil mailto:dtra.belvoir.si.mbx.hdtra1-stri-ta1@mail.mil mailto:dtra.belvoir.si.mbx.hdtra1-stri-ta2@mail.mil mailto:dtra.belvoir.si.mbx.hdtra1-stri-ta2@mail.mil

Funding Levels

Question: The Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) does not identify a cost range. What is the average STRI contract dollar amount?

Answer: DTRA recommends that an offeror’s bid be commensurate with the activity proposed.

The offeror should be prepared to justify their projected costs. As there are many performers submitting white papers, BAA applicants have an incentive to price competitively. DTRA does not release information on costs of proposed work, nor does it predict successful project amounts, averages, or funding ranges. Successful awards are posted periodically on SAM.gov at https://sam.gov/opp/6610c0d724b74111a6f6d71dbee00543/view#award-summary.

Question: Is there a ceiling for the funding request?

Answer: No. Offerors should propose and thoroughly justify the anticipated costs of achieving their stated research objectives.

Project Team Organization

Question: May I have two co-Principal Investigators (PIs) for a project?

Answer: Yes, submitters are permitted to propose co-PIs but should clearly identify the relevant qualifications and unique contributions of each to the proposed project. Please keep in mind that, as part of the standard evaluation criteria, DTRA evaluators consider the qualifications of the proposed PI(s) to perform the research as well as any past performance (if applicable). The white paper/proposal should state which PI is the main point of contact for the project.

Question: You mentioned wanting to promote mentorship of “new PIs.” How is this evaluated within the white paper?

Answer: As part of our Director’s initiative on building the workforce of the future, we are trying to support development of “junior” researchers. This is in no way a quota or set-aside but a deliberate interest in seeing if less seasoned researchers can take increasing roles/responsibilities within a given project. Less seasoned researchers could be defined by age, time in a research capacity, or time researching a specific topic – we are not placing a specific requirement on any particular characteristics. In evaluating ALL white papers, DTRA evaluators assess the ability of the proposed research team to successfully achieve the proposed research objectives. DTRA therefore encourages offering organizations to assemble proposed research teams accordingly. That being said, DTRA is broadly supportive of offering organizations including recent graduates and other newer members of the CWMD research community in their projects in supporting roles as appropriate. DTRA will evaluate all white papers according to standard criteria outlined in the BAA. The white papers indicating use of a novice/junior https://sam.gov/opp/6610c0d724b74111a6f6d71dbee00543/view#award-summary researcher should also include mention of the senior member(s) of the team that will be supporting, mentoring, and guiding the individual to success.

Foreign Participation in Research

Question: Can Chinese think tanks/academics be involved in dialogues?

Answer: Yes, they may. We are not excluding anyone due to specific nationality, ethnicity/race, color, sex, age, or political affiliation from participating. That said, DTRA is not currently prioritizing Track 1.5 or Track 2 dialogues with China. However, offerors are free to propose participation by experts from China (or from any country) in white papers but should demonstrate how such participation will facilitate the accomplishment of the proposed research objectives. Offerors should determine the risk associated with such an arrangement as well as mitigating steps should they be unable to participate for any reason.

Question: Can Russian citizens serve on the research teams as secondary investigators? Or can we use their expertise in working groups, etc., and pay them through a DTRA-funded project?

Answer: DTRA does not preclude secondary researchers due to nationality, ethnicity/race, color, sex, age, or political affiliation. DTRA is willing to consider such proposed arrangements, but the offeror should clearly outline the expected benefit to the project and how such arrangements will facilitate the accomplishment of the stated research objectives. Offerors should determine the risk associated with such an arrangement as well as mitigating steps should they be unable to participate for any reason.

White Paper Formatting

Question: Is there a required or suggested format/template for white papers?

Answer: While DTRA does not offer “fillable” templates, the BAA provides specific formatting guidance for white papers and proposals. Please follow this guidance closely.

Question: Does the 10-page white paper limit include the title page and cost statement page?

Answer: Yes. Please refer to BAA Section V.6.

Evaluation and Project Timelines

Question: When will we learn if our white paper submission is accepted for a full proposal?

How much time do we have to prepare a full proposal?

Answer: Evaluation timelines depend on several variables; therefore, DTRA cannot guarantee a specific timeframe within which offerors can expect to receive a request for a full proposal. We are placing a priority on evaluating white papers and have set aside team members to do so.

However, if DTRA does request a full proposal, DTRA will aim to allow offerors at least one month to provide a full proposal (with extra allowance given for special circumstances—for example, holidays—where possible). Return of a proposal later than expected does not mean the proposal will not be accepted and evaluated. It does, however, place your proposal after the evaluation of those received within the expected timeline (possibly leading to a delayed response).

Question: Can you explain how white papers submitted after the 23 October deadline are triaged and how they are treated in terms of not being in the “priority” batch? For example, does DTRA hold back a portion of funds for subsequent submissions after October or have specific dates when they review subsequent tranches?

Answer: The BAA has a rolling submission, meaning that offerors can submit a white paper at any time during the year. However, as a resourcing and management mechanism, DTRA implements priority deadlines to guide evaluation timelines—this enables the staff to set aside specific time to process the batch of white papers. In FY 2024, DTRA will prioritize submissions received by 23 October 2023 for evaluation. DTRA will also evaluate any white papers submitted after 23 October deadline but not until completing the evaluation of all papers received prior to the deadline.

Question: Last year, the time between submissions of white papers under the BAA and awards was approximately eight months. Why so long, and should we expect that kind of duration this year?

Answer: Award timelines vary depending on the specific award and communications with the awardee. DTRA is aiming to accelerate award timelines in FY 2024. As can be expected, when decisions on multiple awards are made simultaneously some are at the front of that queue and some at the back. This means that one is first and one is last in the sequence of contracts being officially awarded. Naturally these will have different times for processing in the system. If the offeror has additional steps to take in accepting work from the U.S. Government, such as those steps that may exist for an FFRDC or UARC, this may also prolong the time needed to gain final contract acceptance. We appreciate your patience.

Question: The BAA mentions prioritizing projects that will begin in FY 2024. What is your preferred target date for the start of the period of performance?

Answer: Offerors should propose an expected period of performance in months (or a project timeframe), rather than by specific dates. The period of performance start date depends on a number of factors, including the evaluation timeline, any negotiations during the award phase, the need of the program to construct a manageable portfolio calendar. Once the contract is awarded, the period of performance begins. If the period of performance is informed, or contingent on, timing of other external efforts or projects, please explain this in your white paper.

STRI Project Lists

Question: Where can offerors access a list of recent past year awards and/or publications resulting from past STRI projects?

Answer: DTRA periodically releases lists of past and current projects and will be posting an updated list on SAM.gov soon. Currently, DTRA SI-ST does not have a public-facing site on which to publish STRI reports.

Question: Does DTRA publish lists of STRI projects?

Answer: Yes, DTRA periodically releases lists of past and current projects. DTRA will publish an updated list with FY 2023 awards on SAM.gov in the near future (please monitor SAM.gov).

Miscellaneous

Question: You mentioned concerns about the information environment, rise of social media, and decline of the newspaper. To clarify, is DTRA concerned about the spread of rumors via social media regarding rival countries’ weapons of mass destruction (WMD) capabilities, the United States’ will to defend allies and partners, or something else?

Answer: Our particular interest is ensuring factual information is presented for public discourse.

Adversaries are spreading information that is intended to persuade or influence the views and interests of specific populations and often times this information is known to be false or misleading. Many of these messages are done with malice and specific intent. The nature of social media and the rise of alternative internet-based news platforms presents opportunities for adversaries to spread disinformation about U.S. programs and intent. at alarming speed. This kind of “foreign malign influence” (FMI) is, unfortunately, likely to be an enduring challenge to DTRA’s important countering weapons of mass destruction (CWMD) mission. This is why DTRA has a special initiative dedicated to communicating accurate information regarding DTRA activities to the public.

Question: The BAA mentions that DTRA will consider up to two contract option periods of up to 12 months each. To clarify, does that mean a base contract period plus an additional two contract option periods for a total not exceeding 36 months?

Answer: Yes. As mentioned, DTRA will consider up to two proposed option-year periods. The offeror should demonstrate how the option year(s) will build upon the base year’s work as well as justify any cost differential between the base and option year(s). Please recognize that the base year and any proposed option years will have their own separate sets of deliverables. The entire period of performance shall not exceed 36 months.

Question: Are peer-reviewed journal articles an acceptable form of public release for DTRA? If so, are publication charges an allowable budget line item?

Answer: We have had articles from previous performers published in peer-reviewed journals in the past. This is acceptable provided that DTRA is provided an advance copy for review for public release prior to publication. DTRA does not pay for post-award publication costs.

Question: We submitted a research white paper. If it moves to the next phase, how can my team be useful to DTRA when suggesting additional research options within the proposal? We are thinking about adding a 10-year forecast and tabletop exercises that build on the ideas in the white paper.

Answer: DTRA cannot comment on potential follow-on work for white papers currently in the evaluation phase. Per DTRA’s standard evaluation process, DTRA will offer brief feedback to the offeror on the evaluated white paper or proposal (but not on potential future work) along with a decision to either request or decline a proposal (in the case of white papers) or to proceed or decline to proceed with an award (in the case of a proposal).

Question: Can you say, from last year or the previous years, how many white papers were received, how many were selected for proposals, and how many proposals were accepted for award.

Answer: DTRA does not release information publicly on how many white papers were received or how many proposals were requested. Successful awards are posted periodically on SAM.gov at https://sam.gov/opp/6610c0d724b74111a6f6d71dbee00543/view#award-summary .

https://sam.gov/opp/6610c0d724b74111a6f6d71dbee00543/view#award-summary