OFFSET_Swarm_Sprint_3_BAA_FAQ_V3_final.docx

HR001117S0011 Amendment 3 – Swarm Sprints OFFensive Swarm-Enabled Tactics (OFFSET) Frequently Asked Questions

As of November 8, 2018

IN THE EVENT OF ANY INCONSISTENCY BETWEEN THE ANSWERS PROVIDED HEREIN AND THE BAA, THE BAA SHALL TAKE PRECEDENCE

Q1. Can we partake in OFFSET Amendment 3 - Swarm Sprints 3 if we have not won/been included in any of the previous awards re. this solicitation?

A1. Yes. All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government's needs may submit a proposal that shall be considered by DARPA. One does not have to have participated in previous sprints to respond to this Swarm Sprint 3 solicitation.

Q2. If we have two distinct, but compatible and complementary ideas, is it acceptable to submit multiple proposals to the same Technical Area?

A2. Yes. If you have two (or more) ideas, it is acceptable to submit multiple proposals to the Swarm Sprint 3 BAA.

Q3. Can you please describe what kind of financial and technical reporting duties we would have, during and after the project?

A3. The number and types of reports will be specified in the award document, but will include as a minimum monthly technical and financial status reports. The reports shall be prepared and submitted in accordance with the procedures contained in the award document and mutually agreed on before award. Reports and briefing material will also be required as appropriate to document progress in accomplishing program metrics. A Final Report that summarizes the project and tasks will be required at the conclusion of the performance period for the award, notwithstanding the fact that the research may be continued under a follow-on vehicle. At least one copy of each report will be delivered to DARPA and not merely placed on a SharePoint site. Additional technical deliverables are outlined in the BAA solicitation.

Q4. Re Attachment 5, (HR001117S0011_3_Attachment_5_Admin_National_Policy), what documents are we requested to complete, and what kind of documentation should we attach? In particular, in point 3 "Requirements for teams that include Government Entities and/or Federally Funded Research and Development Centers", a "Proof of Eligibility to Propose" is requested. If this doesn’t apply do we need to submit documentation?

A4. Only Government Entities and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers need to submit Proof of Eligibility documentation. If this is not applicable, no additional documentation is needed to fulfil this category.

Q5. Re Attachment 5, (HR001117S0011_3_Attachment_5_Admin_National_Policy), regarding IP, we can see the following statement: “In accordance with BAA Section IV.B.4,f provide the following information, as applicable. Note: the Government will assume unlimited rights to all IP not explicitly identified as restricted in the proposal.” Does that mean, for instance, that we cannot publish papers from the results of the project?

A5. Per (DFARS) 227 “Unlimited rights” means rights to use, modify, reproduce, perform, display, release, or disclose technical data in whole or in part, in any manner, and for any purpose whatsoever, and to have or authorize others to do so. This does not mean that one cannot publish papers that result from the work done on the OFFSET Program. It is anticipated that work done on the OFFSET Program may result in publication. DARPA has a public release process, if required by the contract vehicle, as outlined on at https://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/contract-management/public-release for materials including papers, presentations, videos, and news releases that get released.

Q6. What do you mean by "Official Transmittal Letter"? Do you have a template?

A6. An official transmittal letter is a brief, signed statement from your organization from an authorized person within your organization acknowledging/endorsing the proposed research. There is no required template for this letter.

Q7. In Attachment 3 of the template package, there is a Notes box on Table 3 stating that parts descriptions cannot be designated as "general" or "misc," and in the checklist (Attachment 1), a similar statement is made about ensuring there is no generic or non-descriptive text. Can you clarify what the required level of detail is? Is a quantity or at least a range of quantities?

A7. When submitting a proposal, more detail is better. Quantities are helpful, if available. What we are not looking for is miscellaneous expenses = $10,000. In order to fairly and accurately review a proposal, the Government needs to understand where the costs are being allocated.

Q8. Is it possible to perform meaningful work in the Sprint program without access to ITAR-restricted information? Is it advisable to propose concepts that do not use the Swarm Systems Integrator environments to limit our exposure to ITAR-restricted information?

A8. While it is possible to provide meaningful work on Swarm Sprint 3, one would have more access for further integration with the Swarm Systems Integrators with access to ITAR-restricted materials. Offerors should clearly describe the innovations and compelling contributions of their proposed efforts in the case that only non-ITAR elements of the Swarm Systems Integrators’ architectures will be incorporated.

It is emphasized that success of the OFFSET effort depends in part upon the open exchange of information between the various Associate Contractors (i.e., Swarm Sprinters) involved in the effort. Associate Contractor Clauses are intended to ensure that there will be appropriate coordination and integration of work by the Associate Contractors to achieve complete compatibility and to prevent unnecessary duplication of effort.