Questions_and_Answers_(2-16-18).pdf

DARPA Subterranean Challenge Reference: HR001118S0016 Link: https://www.fbo.gov/spg/ODA/DARPA/CMO/HR001118S0016/listing.html

February 16, 2018 1

Question & Answer #2

IN THE EVENT OF ANY INCONSISTENCY BETWEEN THE ANSWERS PROVIDED HEREIN

AND THE BAA, THE BAA SHALL TAKE PRECEDENCE

Note: Questions below are separated into Programmatic and Technical sections for ease of reference; however, it is recommended that all questions and answers be reviewed.

Programmatic:

Question P16: Can a technology provider or platform provider support more than one team under this solicitation? Would being on multiple teams be considered "improper"?

Answer P16: Providers may consider any teaming strategies that work for them. Please refer to Question P14.

Question P17: Does one need to submit an abstract in order to submit a proposal?

Answer P17: No; while abstracts are recommended, they are not required to submit a proposal.

Please refer to Section IV. B. in the BAA.

Question P18: Will a bibliography section count against the page limits for the proposal?

Answer P18: A bibliography is optional and does not count against the page limits. If desired, proposals may include a brief bibliography with links to relevant papers, presentations, and/or reports.

Question P19: Are letters of reference acceptable/desired, and if so, would these count against the page limits for the proposal?

Answer P19: Letters of reference are not requested.

Question P20: Are applications still being taken for participation at this time? The DARPA website states that there was a meeting held on the 18th of January, so I realize that this opportunity has passed. However, the grants.gov announcement is still taking applications for sponsorship until March I believe.

Answer P20: The meeting on 18 January was Proposers Day. Participation in Proposers Day is not required to submit a proposal. Proposals are due March 23, 2018, 1:00pm (Eastern). Refer to the BAA for additional submission instructions and deadlines.

https://www.fbo.gov/spg/ODA/DARPA/CMO/HR001118S0016/listing.html

February 16, 2018 2

Technical:

Question T37: Can a UAV/UGV return to the surface (exit to an external staging area) for a human-involved resupply?

Answer T37: It is anticipated that it will be permissible for a system component to exit and re-enter the subterranean space. It is further anticipated that human interaction may be permitted but may also be limited (e.g., number of personnel allowed at control center). Additional rules will be released at the Challenge Kickoff anticipated to be held in Fall 2018. Please refer to Question T15 for additional information.

Question T38: Will there be unknown access points to the external world to find, and is it desired to have a GPS to localize them?

Answer T38: Competition objectives will include the need to provide georeferenced locations of objects of interest. Unknown access points could potentially be included as objects of interest.

Please refer to Section I.B.3 of the BAA for additional details.

Question T39: How deep are the tunnels? 40’? 100’?

Answer T39: Any realistic conditions found in subterranean environments may be considered in scope for inclusion in the course. Additional details of the expected course elements will be provided at the Challenge Kickoff anticipated to be held in Fall 2018.

Question T40: Will hazardous conditions be present that would pose injury threat to animals? And would the result of such conditions make approval impossible?

Answer T40: Any realistic conditions found in subterranean environments may be considered in scope for inclusion in the course. Please refer to Section I.A.3. and Section I.B.2. Additional details of the expected course elements will be provided at the Challenge Kickoff anticipated to be held in Fall 2018. Please refer to Question T18 for additional information regarding Animal Use.