Questions_and_Answers_No._2.pdf

Questions and Answers #2 HR0011-12-R-0006

Q1. In the upper half of page 2 of the RFP document above the (1) Technical Approach paragraph, there is a statement that starts with, “The required items solicited are as follows:

CLIN 0001: Plant Based Proteins…..CLIN0002…..

Could you tell me whether sample task orders are expected in the RFP, or is this just a list of items to be specified at a later time when the Government is ready for the procurement stage?

A1. Sample orders will not be part of the RFP. The two CLINs represent the two contract types for future orders that will be issued under the ID/IQ contracts that are awarded from this RFP.

For orders issued in the future, DARPA will decide, based on the type of protein to be acquired, if an individual award will be a fixed price or time and materials contract type as represented by the two CLINs.

Q2. FAR 52.212-1 has an addendum outlining a fairly extensive submission instructions including format and hard-copy submissions which are more stringent than what is provided in the FAR 52.212-1 “Instructions to Offerors”. Is the submission expectation to only follow the original FAR 52.212-1, or is the addendum also in effect?

A2. The RFP states: “ In addition to the information required in accordance with FAR 52.212-1, offerors shall provide the following information:….”. Offerors are to comply with FAR 52.212-1 paragraph (b), “submission of offers”, with the exception of those instructions pertaining to price and warranty. Offerors should also provide the information asked for in the combined synopsis/solicitation in the format specified.

Q3. This solicitation is for plant-made proteins, but suggests DARPA is requesting tobacco-based production. We have a world-leading biomanufacturing system using plants. We would like to be considered for this solicitation, but recognize we do not use tobacco. Would we qualify?

A3. While we recognize there are many alternative plant platforms, we have limited the RFP to the Nicotiana benthamiana platform. Proposals using other platforms will not meet the requirements established in the RFP and will be rejected for non-compliance.

Q4. Question 1 of Questions and Answers No. 1 under this RFP stated: “We will award ID/IQ contracts to a group of performers that demonstrate their ability to provide different proteins from the Nicotiana benthamiana plants.” How will Offerors "demonstrate" their capability to produce different proteins from Plants?

A4. As stated in the RFP, Offerors are to explain/describe their ability to produce proteins in N.

benthamiana plants based on the current capabilities of their platform and facility. Information should be provided on proteins that have already been expressed in the platform to demonstrate capability to express any protein in the future.