RIF Amendment 0002.pdf

HQ0034-11-BAA-RIF-0001

Amendment 0002

The purpose of Amendment 0002 to the DoD Rapid Innovation Fund (RIF) Broad Agency Announcement is to provide answers to submitted questions. The answers for questions 1 – 39 can be found in RIF Amendment 0001, dated September 28, 2011.

Q40) Can a single white paper response answer more than one requirement listed in the BAA?

A40) No, please refer to Section 5.1 of the BAA. A single white paper may not address more than one BAA requirement.

A41) In Section 1.7, Research Opportunity Description, it states "this BAA is primarily for the transition of technologies developed by small businesses". Does this preclude those outside of small business from submitting a response?

A41) As stated in Section 2.0, this BAA is open to all responsible sources. Firms that are not small businesses may submit white papers.

Q42) The submission site link has SBIR in it (www.dodsbir.net/rif). Does that mean only small businesses can submit white papers?

A42) No, as stated above, other than small businesses may submit white papers.

Q43) Is there going to be a submittal vehicle in place to accept classified responses?

A43) Please refer to Section 5.1 of the BAA. Only unclassified submissions will be accepted.

Q44) Is it possible to submit a classified addendum to the white paper submission?

A44) No, only unclassified material may be submitted.

Q45) Under Section 7.4 of the BAA, companies with SBIR contracts or IR&D projects are named specifically as companies fitting the criteria for selection priority. Will selection priority be given to these companies by virtue of their SBIR and IR&D status over other small businesses that do not have SBIR contracts or IR&D projects?

A45) Small Businesses with SBIR contracts or IR&D projects will receive the same preference as small businesses that do not have SBIR contracts or IR&D projects.

Q46) With regard to Section 7.4, Selection Preferences, small businesses are preferred over other business; what percentage of the total BAA will be allocated to small businesses versus other than small businesses?

A46) No set percentage of the BAA will be allocated to small businesses.

Q47) In Section 1.6, Key Dates, there is a statement that says "The anticipated due date for full proposals is 30 days after the invitation is issued". We have interpreted "the invitation" to mean October 1, 2011, the date the DoD RIF Website opened for submissions.

A47) Your interpretation is incorrect. The invitation will be issued by a DoD Component directly to an offeror requesting a full proposal. If you receive an invitation to submit a full proposal, you will have 30 days to prepare the proposal from the date you received the invitation.

Q48) The white paper cover sheet asks, “Does the proposed approach derive from, extend, or logically conclude efforts from prior DoD-funded SBIR or STTR projects? If yes, identify the resulting contract number.” Can a SBIR Phase III contract number be used?

Would the identification of a SBIR Phase III contract factor into the evaluation of the white paper proposal in any way?

A48) Yes, a SBIR Phase III contract number may be entered in this field. In order to determine if a SBIR contract factors into evaluation, please refer to Section 7.0, Evaluation Information. No additional weight or priority will be granted to firms with SBIR Phase III contracts.

Q49) If a large business performs in the role as prime contractor for the transition of a small business’ SBIR Phase II technology transition; will the preference rating of the large business’ white paper be evaluated as priority area 1 or 3?

A49) If a large business submits a white paper, it will fall into priority area 3 and/or priority area 4.

Q50) What is the expected invitation date for full proposals?

A50) Our best estimate is that invitations will be issued between November 18, 2011 and

December 7, 2011.

Q51) We plan to put a team together of a small business and a university to submit a white paper. Does a company have to be the prime contractor like SBIR/STTR, or can the university can also be the prime contractor?

A51) All organizations interested in proposing as teams are reminded of the requirement to be properly registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR). Partnerships, Teams, Joint Ventures, or other business arrangements that are not properly registered in CCR may be determined to be ineligible for award.

Q52) The services (Army, Navy, Air Force) have also issued RIF BAAs, in many cases having similar Challenge Areas. Will the government allow firms to submit multiple complimentary/interrelated white papers? If firms can submit complimentary white papers how will they be evaluated (independently or jointly)?

A52) Offerors may submit multiple white papers. However, they are reminded it is unlawful to receive funding for efforts requiring essentially equivalent work. It is the offerors responsibility to disclose this in accordance with Section 9.7 of the BAA.

Q53) Section 10.0 appears to address formal/approved JUONS/UONS. Given the Rapid

Innovation nature of the RIF legislation, are there draft JUONS/UONS currently in DoD preparation/review that might also be applicable to the RIF BAA intent and might be formalized during the time span of the RIF procurement?

A53) Section 10.0 contains a Priority Table that identifies the requirements that meet a JUON, ACAT, or other critical national security need. We do not intend to release any draft JUONS/UONS as part of this announcement.

Q54) Do transitioning programs developed with IR&D funds from other (intelligence) government agencies also qualify for this BAA?

A54) If the transition program is related to one of the requirements listed in Section 10.2 of the

BAA, then it qualifies for this BAA.

Q55) With regard to Section 5.3.2, Volume Two, White Paper, item (4) Costs, is it acceptable to state the total estimated cost, or should cost be broken out in more detail, by phases for example?

A55) It is acceptable to state the total estimated cost in the white paper submission.

Q56) Are non-profit small businesses eligible?

A56) Please refer to Section 2.1, Eligible Sources of the BAA.

Q57) Will the white paper review and invitation process begin as soon as they are received or will that process wait until the BAA closes for submissions?

A57) White papers will be reviewed as they are received.

Q58) Are the requirements listed in Section 10.1, in the "Priorities Table", the exclusive set of requirements for this BAA?

A58) Please refer to RIF Amendment 0001, Q16.

Q59) Will consideration be given to white papers that satisfy a JUON that is not associated with one of the requirements listed in the "Priorities Table" in Section 10.1?

A59) Please refer to RIF Amendment 0001, Q16.

Q60) Will consideration be given to white papers that satisfy a Presidential Executive Order that is not associated with one of the requirements listed in the "Priorities Table" in Section 10.1?

A60) Please refer to RIF Amendment 0001, Q16.

Q61) For purposes of this RIF, are critical national security needs all quantified in a JUON? If not, is it left up to the white paper authors to define the critical national security need that their white paper addresses?

A61) The requirements that meet a critical national security need are identified in the Priorities Table in Section 10.1. The requirement description identifies the critical national security need the requirement meets. For example, the requirement description for DTRA-11- BAA-RIF-0013, states “this requirement applies to the other critical national security need of Advanced EMP test capabilities.”

Q62) If a white paper is submitted prior to the October 7, 2011 deadline for questions, and there is an amendment to the solicitation based on questions submitted during this time frame, will our white paper be judged against the pre-amendment requirement or the post amendment requirement? If the latter, will we be given an opportunity to resubmit our white paper in order to bring it more in line with the new solicitation requirements?

A62) Offerors must ensure at the time of submission that their white paper adheres to all amendments.

Q63) In Section 9.13, Small Business Subcontracting Plan, is a Small Business Subcontracting

Plan required from offerors who request an Other Transaction award type?

A63) A Small Business Subcontracting Plan is not required for the initial white paper submission. If you are invited to submit a full proposal, the requesting Contracting Officer will advise whether or not a Small Business Subcontracting Plan is required.

Q64) If a white paper results in an invitation to submit a proposal, is the offeror required to abide by the cost/duration that was specified in the white paper? Or are offerors permitted to propose reasonable modifications to the amount/duration of effort?

A64) The government will accept reasonable modifications in price/cost and duration in the full proposals submission.

Q65) What is the definition of "Tier 2 and 3 Suppliers"?

A65) For purposes of the RIF BAA, a tier is any firm below the prime contractor. A “Tier 2

Supplier” is a subsystem provider and “Tier 3 Supplier” is a component provider.

Q66) If a small business has performed R&D work on technologies funded by a Government contract that was not an SBIR/STTR contract, are these technologies eligible for funding through the Rapid Innovation Fund BAA?

A66) The RIF BAA is not restricted to R&D technologies funded under SBIR/STTR contracts.

Q67) On the white paper submittal site, www.dodsbir.net/rif, a “Requirement Number” is required. The number HQ0034-11-BAA-RIF-0001 is not listed on the scroll-down window.

A67) The requirement numbers are listed in Section 10.2 of the BAA, under the heading

“Requirement Number.” In the “Requirement Number” field on the submission site, you should enter the Requirement Number of the requirement you are submitting your white paper for. The number HQ0034-11-BAA-RIF-0001 is the BAA announcement number.

Q68) Section 6.7, Proprietary Information, provides instructions for marking proprietary information for proposals. Should proprietary sections of white papers follow the same instructions?

A68) Yes, information in white papers that is proprietary should be marked in accordance with Section 6.7 of the BAA.

Q69) What is the distinction between a requirement and a Joint Urgent Operating Need

(JUON)?

A69) The RIF requirements are listed in Section 10.2 of the BAA. These are needs of the participating DoD Components. The JUONs are broad areas across the DoD that meet a specific high-priority combatant commander need. The JUONS are not included as part of this BAA.

Q70) We request clarification on the RIF goals in Section 1.7. We have not developed technology utilizing DoD-reimbursed Independent Research and Development (IR&D) funds. Do we qualify as a respondent to this BAA based upon the stated goals?

A70) Yes, in accordance with Section 2.0, all responsible sources may submit a white paper.

This means that even though you have not developed technology utilizing DoD-reimbursed IR&D funds, you may still submit a white paper.

Q71) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0001, Extended Material performance and Longevity, what substrates are deteriorating (e.g., steel, zinc-coated steel, magnesium, aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, etc.) and which are the deteriorating the most and have the greatest need for improvement?

A71) This covers all platforms and all materials used on platforms; finding materials and coatings that extend longevity on multiple vehicles and equipment. The requirement is general and also covers equipment used by personnel. These would include metals and gasket materials that deteriorate due to use in harsh environments (sand, wind, water, salt).

Q72) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0001, Extended Material performance and Longevity, what kind of corrosion protection coatings are used now that are not performing (e.g., what generic types of paint are being used?

A72) No “standard” coatings are used. Multiple pieces of equipment are in use and they don’t all have ruggedized requirements due to their effectiveness. This requirement seeks to accommodate a large variety of materials so any ideas introduced will be reviewed.

Q73) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0001, Extended Material performance and Longevity, what are the specific types of harsh environments that the equipment and vehicles are exposed to (e.g., high temperature, salt environments, extreme chemicals, extreme humidity, periodic immersion in water, radiation, etc)?

A73) In general, exposure to high temperature and high humidity is just one of several environments. Exposure to salt and periodic immersion in water are other environments.

The areas you list as examples in the question are reviewable areas to demonstrate performance and life extension.

Q74) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0001, Extended Material performance and Longevity, what are the specific performance targets and/or military specifications to which the coatings must conform?

A74) There are no conformance requirements.

Q75) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0001, is any information available on the metal alloys used, paints used, or military specification requirements for vehicles such as the MRAP?

A75) No further information will be provided. SOCOM is looking for very innovative ideas that can meet a broad range of materials in the broadest range of environments.

Q76) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0002, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, is

SOCOM only interested in ground sensors that detect the four items listed or are there other signal types? It seems that they are trying to detect a multitude of items but have only listed four.

A76) There are other types. These were included as examples for vendors to start thinking of what to propose against. SOCOM is looking for innovative ideas that can meet the criteria and be ready for use in the time period noted in the BAA.

Q77) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0002, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, is there a max/min distance value for "Data transmissions over several kilometers"?

A77) No minimum or maximum value is prescribed. The further you are able to transmit data, the better.

Q78) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0002, for persistent surveillance, because cameras on board

UAVs are now capturing high definition imagery and video, are you interested in responses to this topic that involve optical communications which can significantly increase the bandwidth of down links?

A78) We are interested in technologies that fit within the scope of the requirement description.

Q79) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0002, Ground Sensor Technologies, are you looking for the development of products that (a) enable sensors to be constructed that have superior values for the listed attributes, or (b) a complete, ready-to-deploy sensor system?

A79) The system should meet attributes and be ready to be fielded (as referenced in the BAA).

Q80) SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0002 discusses capabilities for detection and identification of individuals and equipment but one portion specifically calls out individuals and equipment on the ground. Would a system designed for the detection and identification of surface vessels on the ocean also be responsive to this requirement?

A80) No, this requirement looks at ground sensors.

Q81) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0004, Exploitation and Counter-Threat, what level of autonomy is expected of the proposed solution?

A81) Fully autonomous solutions are desired but high level of autonomy will be considered.

Q82) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0004, autonomous answers to the counter-threat portion of

Sub-paragraph 2, are there limits to the offensive actions of the proposed technology? If so, what guidelines should be used?

A82) No limits defined.

Q83) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0005, what is the specific Technology Readiness Level required for the existing technology and what TRLs are to be achieved for the proposed project?

A83) A specific TRL cannot be prescribed. The BAA references the timeline for projects to be complete for fielding (two years).

Q84) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0005, Far-forward Tactical Combat Casualty Care, will solutions that do not include physical treatment materials but that provide decision support capabilities be considered for funding under this topic?

A84) No, not under this requirement.

Q85) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0005, Virtual Mission Training System, will white papers on other areas of virtual mission training such as parachute mission planning and rehearsal would be considered under this RIF opportunity?

A85) No, not under this requirement.

Q86) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0006, are you seeking a close contact technology, a standoff technology (with what distance), a robotic mounted technology, or any of these?

A86) Any of these will apply. For the second subarea (Identify Triggers and Measure Explosive Materials) standoff is the preferred method so only two of the technologies you listed apply to that subarea.

Q87) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0007, the subject requirement has two elements: 1) Next

Generation C4 and 2) Advanced Processing Techniques. Please confirm that these are separate and independent requirements, and that an offeror may propose on either Next Generation C4 or Advanced Processing Techniques, but is not required to propose on both.

A87) They are separate. The offeror may propose on one or both.

Q88) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0007, is this for a platform/operating system/radio or a network architecture and software model that will facilitate the development requirements?

A88) It encompasses network architecture. However, it can be platform specific if the architecture is robust and the platform requires a change to meet the robustness of the architecture.

Q89) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0007, is the requirement for both voice and data communication, only voice communication, or only data communication?

A89) Both. If the individual system is highly robust then it would still be considered in this

BAA.

Q90) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0007, explain what is desired by "self-forming"? Does this mean ad hoc networks must automatically join each other when in range?

A90) Any equipment allowed in an ad hoc network should be able to easily join/unjoin that network. This does not necessarily mean automatically join but that is definitely one way to interpret the requirement.

Q91) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0007, what is the required range (in feet, miles, etc.) for communication between any two devices?

A91) Since the requirement is for wide range of connecting nodes (dismounted troops, manned and unmanned vehicle in all levels of earth), the further the range the better. No minimum or maximum values are prescribed since innovative solutions are being sought under this BAA.

Q92) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0007, what is the desired communication standard/method

(802.11, Radio, etc.)?

A92) All types will be reviewed for this BAA.

Q93) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0007, would the system be required to control the function

(movement, etc.) of an unmanned mobility platform?

A93) No, not part of this requirement.

Q94) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0007, would the system be required to be ruggedized?

A94) Some level of ruggedization would be required for an item that could be fielded after the two year time span as called out in the BAA.

Q95) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0007, how many users would be typical within a single network?

A95) No typical number of users since the request is for a self-forming network. The more users the network can accommodate, the better.

Q96) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0007, would it be useful for each communications device to

“wipe its memory clean” on command or if its user is not authenticated by the device?

A96) Depends on whether the communication is secure or insecure. What is proposed will be considered.

Q97) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0007, is it ok if the devices use IPv6?

A97) All protocols will be reviewed. The robustness of the system proposed will be reviewed.

Q98) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0007, are you open to means of transmission security other than or in addition to Cryptography?

A98) Yes.

Q99) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0008, what are the specific systems that this requirement applies to?

A99) No particular system is identified. SOCOM is looking for power and energy systems that can meet the requirements stated.

Q100) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0008, what are the maximum power requirements, average power requirements, and total energy content for the specific systems this requirement applies to?

A100) There are no specific systems stated. The general systems are stated to allow offerors the maximum flexibility when proposing innovative systems that may meet the requirements.

Q101) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0008, with regards to thermal detection, what are the threshold levels and frequency spectrum for the specific systems this requirement applies to?

A101) As stated, the system must not create a detectable thermal signature.

Q102) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0008, will you define the current interfaces and any special properties associated with the specific systems this requirement applies to?

A102) No specific systems stated. General systems stated to allow vendor maximum flexibility to propose innovative systems that may meet the requirements.

Q103) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0008, does the request for advanced power systems include offerings of rechargeable lithium ion batteries that are plug compatible with older battery technologies?

A103) As long as the intent of the research area is met, your proposed solution would be considered.

Q104) SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0008, what size (power range) engine does SOCOM require?

A104) All ranges are considered for this research area since it covers water surface craft, small to medium sized unmanned aircraft, underwater vehicles, submersible engines, and ground vehicles.

Q105) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0008, what level of testing do they want at the conclusion of the Phase III? What will be their metric of success?

A105) Not a phased approach. Intent is to rapidly transition the technology to meet a defense need and to be done within 24 months. See Section 5.0 "White Paper Preparation and Submission Instructions."

Q106) For SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0005 and SOCOM-11-BAA-RIF-0008, can anyone submit a white paper for these two requirements or is prior funding from SBIR or IR&D required?

A106) Prior funding from SBIR of IR&D is not required to submit a white paper.

Q107) For DTRA-11-BAA-RIF-0001, the requirement calls for a portable unit. Is a tripod mounted system responsive? Or does it have to be man-portable.

A107) The intent of the topic is for the technology to be portable, but not necessarily man-portable. Although a tripod-mounted system was not envisioned, it will not be considered unresponsive if submitted as a portable technology.

Q108) For DTRA-11-BAA-RIF-0001, of the system/performance requirements associated with this topic (including standoff distance, detection limits, system portability, size, weight and power, safety and selectivity) are one or more of these requirements more of a priority than others? If so, what is the priority? Would systems that meet some of the requirements, but not others, be considered?

A108) There is no priority ranking for the requirements. As long as the proposed technology meets the intent of the topic, the submissions will be considered.

Q109) For DTRA-11-BAA-RIF-0002, will agent-class sensors (e.g. nerve, blister, nitramine, nitrate, etc.) be considered under this topic? Does the technology have to specifically identify and differentiate agents within these classes?

A109) Although the ability to identify and differentiate the agents is preferred, agent-class sensors would be considered.

Q110) For DTRA-11-BAA-RIF-0007 entitled Short Pulse Gamma (SPG), the requirement description mentions a specific technology "inductive voltage adder". Can a firm still submit a white paper on this topic if the approach does not employ this specific technology?

A110) It is recommended that firms adhere to the technology described in the requirement.

Q111) For DTRA-11-BAA-RIF-0010, do the FRMs that are developed under this requirement need to interface with either VAPO or IMEA?

A111) No, they don't need to interface with IMEA and VAPO during the period of performance of this effort, but proposals with a clearly defined path for integration into IMEA and VAPO will be viewed favorably.

Q112) For DTRA-11-BAA-RIF-0011, can you clarify the meaning of ‘component base’ in line one of the description?

A112) Structural components include walls (with or without doors), columns, beams, floor slabs, ceilings, etc. For this effort, we want a model or suite of models to simulate the damage to structural components from a weapon detonating inside a building.

Q113) For DTRA-11-BAA-RIF-0011, would the resulting tool be responsible for determining the pressure loads acting on structural components in addition to determining the level of structural damage caused by pressure loads?

A113) No.

Q114) For DTRA-11-BAA-RIF-0012, would the resulting tool be responsible for determining the secondary debris acting on equipment/humans in addition to determining the level of equipment damage/human lethality caused by this debris?

A114) No.

Q115) For DTRA-11-BAA-RIF-0013, what is the eventual application for this EMP source?

A115) Testing of DoD and civilian systems and infrastructure.

Q116) For DTRA-11-BAA-RIF-0013, what is the objective for this source - HPM illumination or direct injection, or both?

A116) Illumination of test objects to an EMP pulse.

Q117) For DTRA-11-BAA-RIF-0013, what is the desired operating frequency?

A117) Single EMP pulse with fast rise-time and slower fall-time.

Q118) For DTRA-11-BAA-RIF-0013, should the signal be continuous-wave (CW), or pulsed?

A118) Single pulse at low rep-rate (<1 shot per minute).

Q119) For DTRA-11-BAA-RIF-0013, what spectral content is desired for the generated signal?

A119) Broad-band from <1 MHz to ~1 GHz.

Q120) For DTRA-11-BAA-RIF-0013, should the generated signal be unipolar, or sinusoidal pulses?

A120) Unipolar.

Q121) For DTRA-11-BAA-RIF-0013, is there a range of pulse widths allowable or is ~1 ns a requirement?

A121) The desired output pulse is not symmetrical. It should have a 10%-90% rise-time of 1 ns

(or preferably less) and a 1/e fall time much greater than 100 ns.

Q122) For DTRA-11-BAA-RIF-0013, is there a specific output impedance desired at the output of the source?

A122) The output impedance should be roughly 50-300 Ohms depending on the specific application.

Q123) For DTRA-11-BAA-RIF-0013, does the source need to be compatible with specific antennas it will feed or can the antennas be designed to match, or be provided with, the system?

A123) The antennas can be designed to match the application.

Q124) For DTRA-11-BAA-RIF-0013, what type of output connection is desired for the system?

A124) Output terminals at the top and bottom of the module that can connect to neighboring modules to create a series/parallel arrangement.

Q125) For DTRA-11-BAA-RIF-0013, are there prime power requirements, or must prime power be supplied inside the module by batteries?

A125) The concept is much more easily implemented if the individual modules are battery operated and do not require external conducting leads.

Q126) For DTRA-11-BAA-RIF-0013, do you want the optical control source to be contained within the source module or can it be outside to allow for some system flexibility?

A126) The optical control signals would come from outside the modules to control the entire array. Each module may only require simple indicator lights to show their charge and triggering status.

Q127) For DTRA-11-BAA-RIF-0013, what are the desired exit criteria after 24 months?

A127) Demonstration of a module that can be replicated to form a large array to produce >100 kV/m output pulse amplitudes into an antenna.

Q128) For DTRA-11-BAA-RIF-0013, is the listed jitter requirement a module-to-module jitter requirement, or a trigger-to-pulse jitter?

A128) The objective is to develop a modular pulse generator technology that will enable testing a wide range of equipment, aircraft, vehicles, vessels, and facilities. Individual modules that can be combined in series to generate higher output voltages and in parallel to drive wider antenna structures are desired. The series-parallel array of modules must be able to fire with high timing accuracy such that the resulting output pulse can be configured to look like a plane wave from a distant source. The jitter specification on an individual module would be the maximum variation in time from receipt of an external optical trigger pulse to the peak of the output pulse after a programmable delay time.

Q129) For DTRA-11-BAA-RIF-0013, is there a maximum system size when multiple modules are placed together?

A129) A maximum array size has not been specified, but applications may involve illuminating full aircraft, navy vessels, and even buildings.

Q130) For DTRA-11-BAA-RIF-0013, is fixed frequency of interest or is frequency tuning desirable or required?

A130) This is for single pulse, broadband applications. It is not required to tune either the rise or fall times without modifying the module.

Q131) MDA-11-BAA-RIF-0002 has the same objectives as MDA Phase I SBIR topic

MDA11-020, part of DoD SBIR Solicitation 11.2, for which no award decisions have been published yet. What is the relationship between the SBIR and the RIF topic?

Would a White Paper that is complementary to a submitted SBIR Phase I proposal be acceptable?

A131) That is correct, they share objectives. The distinction is that RIF projects would be expected to be more mature than a Phase I SBIR scope. RIF white papers/proposals are allowed that complement or follow-on to SBIR projects but must meet the intent of the RIF program.

Q132) For MDA-11-BAA-RIF-0005, Advanced Power Storage Systems for Interceptors, what specific type of power sources are desired? Does MDA wish to consider novel battery, novel supercapacitor/ultracapacitor technologies, or both of these? What temperature range, power density, energy density, cost, and overall device size are desired?

A132) MDA currently uses a variety of rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries to power Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) interceptors. These power storage devices provide in-vehicle power for up to several hours and in some cases must source tens of kilowatts in relatively compact volumes. Next generation MDA applications are projected to demand even high power and energy levels, and this topic is seeking technologies that can achieve those levels. For this solicitation, areas of interest include (but are not limited to) the following:

Non-rechargeable Batteries: One main interest area is new battery technology that provides a revolutionary increase in power and energy levels now attainable with thermal batteries (e.g. peak specific power of greater than an average 10 kW/kg, specific energy approaching 200 Whr/kg at the battery level). Another main interest area is new battery technology that provides a revolutionary increase in power and energy levels now attainable with lithium oxyhalide reserve batteries (e.g. peak specific power of greater than 1 kW/kg, specific energy greater than 300 Whr/kg at the battery level). For these new technologies, consideration should be given for long shelf life (e.g. remain inert for up to 20 years prior to use), volume & packaging efficiency, high current capability, ability to achieve high voltage levels (>200 volts), safety and reliability for the intended use in interceptor vehicles.

Rechargeable Batteries: The main interest area is new battery technology that provides a large increase in power and energy levels now attainable with Li-ion batteries (e.g. peak specific power of greater than 10 kW/kg, specific energy greater than 275 Whr/kg at the battery level). For candidate technologies, consideration should be given for a suitably long calendar life (e.g. 10 or more years), safety, reliability (low self-discharge rates ~1% per year), ability to achieve moderate to high charge and discharge rates with suitable voltage characteristics and suitable cycle life at high depths of discharge (e.g. over 70%, and over 500 cycles) for the intended use in interceptor vehicles.

Q133) For MDA-11-BAA-RIF-0005, what current TRL should a technology proposed in response to this BAA have? What TRL is expected by the end of the 24-month period?

A133) All technologies proposed under this BAA should be consistent with the intent of the

BAA which is rapid maturation for rapid fielding.

Q134) For MDA-11-BAA-RIF-0005, Advanced Power Storage Systems for Interceptors, does this requirement have specific need for shock resistance tests?

A134) The intended application is for missile interceptors, hence, there are a number of dynamic loads and environments associated with that application. Proposals should reflect appropriate testing for these environments. Potential bidders are responsible for identifying appropriate test methodologies and conditions.

Q135) For CBD-11-BAA-RIF-0001, will DoD provide the BuChE raw material for formulation development and scale-up or will the material purchase need to be made under the funding agreement? If not, please provide cost and sourcing information.

A135) The materials are commercially available and should be included in the cost estimate.

The offeror must identify a source (or sources) for the BuChE raw material and directly purchase the materials.

Q136) For CBD-11-BAA-RIF-0001, is there a detailed Target Product Profile available for the formulation you are seeking?

A136) The Joint Science and Technology Office for Chemical and Biological Defense (JSTO- CBD) will provide a Targeted Product Profile (TPP) after contract award. JSTO-CBD will provide specification of product in addition to the targeted blood levels the product needs to achieve, the product residency time, and may request a demonstration of the product efficacy in appropriate animal models.

Q137) For CBD-11-BAA-RIF-0001, will you consider alternatives to lyophilization?

A137) Lyophilization is the preferred approach.

Q138) For CBD-11-BAA-RIF-0001, please provide more detail on the scope, deliverables, or desired outcome of this program. For example, how much formulated BuChE is required? Beyond the base formulation are you seeking stability data, animal data, etc.?

A138) Depending on the success of the program, the ultimate goal will be to produce a reconstituted formulation of BuChE that is concentrated at least four times greater than current capability (25mg/mL). It is envisioned that the program will be administered in stages during the period of performance to include: 1) Phase I - lyophilization and reconstitution of BuChE to four fold current standards (25mg/mL) in a stable solution compatible with intramuscular (IM) administration into animals and humans; 2) Phase II

- perform animal studies that provide pharmacokinetic data that addresses time, extent, and duration of BuChE in animal blood over 10-days; 3) Phase III - conduct safety assessment of the formulated product in view of submitting an IND; 4) Phase IV - submit an IND to commence clinical studies that will confirm targeted pharmacokinetics and safety parameters.