HR001119S0072-Amendment-02.pdf

DARPA CRANE

Reference: HR001119S0072

Question and Answer Final Question 1: Does the CRANE X-plane have an intended mission?

Answer 1: The CRANE program is a demonstration of the benefits of Active Flow Control (AFC) as the primary design consideration at relevant scale and over a relevant envelope. One objective of the Phase 0 is to understand the benefits of AFC as a primary design consideration across a range of potential military mission applications.

Question 2: Is $21M ONLY for Phase 0?

Answer 2: Yes.

Question 3: Is the intention to have multiple concepts per performer in Phase 0?

Answer 3: While multiple concepts per performer are highly encouraged, they are not required.

Question 4: Are conventional control surfaces precluded?

Answer 4: CRANE is intended to demonstrate the benefits of Active Flow Control (AFC) as the primary design consideration, concepts can include conventional control surfaces if they fit into the trade space.

Question 5: Can DARPA obtain and share NATO AVT-239 task group data?

Answer 5: The Proposers day briefings contain citations to publicly available AFC material.

Accessing cited data, or other background information, is the responsibility of the proposer.

Question 6: Is it possible to propose testing as part of Phase 0?

Answer 6: Yes, in particular if the testing is in support of concept trade studies and/or to inform the conceptual design / refinement process. Testing is not required, but can be proposed. It is expected that proposers provide a clear discussion of the contribution of the proposed testing.

Question 7: Can a small team or businesses compete for Phase 0 and then partner with a system integrator for the remaining phases?

Answer 7: The BAA is subject to full and open competition, so all concerns, to include small business concerns, capable of performing the work are encouraged to propose. The prime performer must remain constant through all four phases of the program, however, as Phase 2/3 proposals will be solicited from only those prime performers who had been awarded Phase 0/1 contracts (and for which the Phase 1 options had been exercised). However, for those prime performers whose Phase 1 options had been exercised, the solicitation of Phase 2/3 proposals will allow the opportunity for those prime performers to propose different subcontractor teams from those utilized in Phases 0 and 1 as necessary.

Question 8: Is adding AFC to an existing aircraft an option?

Answer 8: The CRANE program is a demonstration of the benefits of Active Flow Control (AFC) as the primary design consideration. Nothing precludes the reuse of subsystems / components from existing aircraft, which allows the proposer to focus program resources on design and demonstration of the critical elements. DARPA is interested in a compelling demonstration, rather than evolutionary improvement to and/or addressing shortcoming(s) of existing aircraft.

Question 9: Is CRANE a continuation of the NATO AVT-239 task group, which was focused on innovative control effectors?

Answer 9: No, this is a separate effort, informed by the NATO AVT-239 study and other research.

Question 10: Is DARPA considering the exception to certified cost or pricing data requirements located at FAR 15.403-1(b)(1), adequate price competition, to apply to this BAA?

Answer 10: No. Proposals submitted against Broad Agency Announcements are not submitted in accordance with a common work statement, and therefore adequate price competition is not relevant.

Question 11: The requirement of FAR 15.4 within the BAA to allow DARPA to determine cost realism rather than a full requirement to provide certified cost and pricing data for determining a fair and reasonable price? Assumption is that this bid is part of a competitive tender, which would normally be exempt from providing certified cost and pricing data, except for the requirement for determining cost realism.

Answer 11: This BAA is not considered to be subject to adequate price competition, as proposals are not being submitted against a common work statement. Therefore, that exception to the certified cost and pricing data requirement will not apply.

Question 12: There are a limited number of FARS / DFARs noted within the Draft BAA - is there a comprehensive set of FARS / DFARS that DARPA would expect to incorporate into the contract?

Answer 12: A supplemental list of additional provisions and clauses that may be applicable to FAR-based procurement contracts negotiated under DARPA BAAs can be found on the DARPA website via the following link: http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/additional-baa#NPRPAC. Please be advised that this list may not be comprehensive, and should discrepancies exist between the published BAA and the supplemental list, the published BAA takes precedence.

Question 13: Are there any additional boilerplate terms and conditions we can expect to be included in the contract?

Answer 13: Terms and conditions will be unique to the type of contract being negotiated (e.g.

cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price, etc.), the type of organization (e.g., large business, small business, etc.), and other considerations such as security classification, so there are no terms and conditions that are considered boilerplate. It is recommended that prospective offerors reference the FAR and DFARS for the prescriptions for the use of any specific clauses in question.

Question 14: How strict will DARPA be on compliancy with acceptance of all FARS/DFARS?

Will this be considered on a case-by-case basis if we were unable to fully comply with certain FARS / DFARS and will it be a consideration when assessing the proposal?

http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/additional-baa#NPRPAC http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/additional-baa#NPRPAC

Answer 14: Prospective offerors may include in their proposals any exceptions to FAR or DFARS clauses or other potential terms and conditions they are taking. Should the proposal be selected for contract negotiation, the clause exceptions will then be considered and negotiated with the offeror.

Question 15: Which Representations and Certificates will be applicable to this BAA - Draft BAA links to Section K (Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of Offerors) which states that the applicability of the reps and certs will be "as indicated". The Draft BAA does not include any further information, which leads us to assume all are applicable unless it is obvious the standard one does not apply e.g. 52.203-2, Certificate of Independent Price Determination, which only applies to firm-fixed-price contract or fixed-price contracts.

Answer 15: Additional representations and certifications to those that each prospective offeror will have completed via its System for Award Management (SAM) registration will be provided for completion to each offeror whose proposal has been selected for contract negotiation.

Question 16: Will DARPA require the ability to audit contractors’ rates and factors?

Answer 16: Any cost-type contract under a FAR-based procurement contract arrangement will be subject to the standard rate settlement and audit requirements set forth by FAR 52.216-7 Allowable Cost and payment. In addition, all FAR-based procurement contracts will be subject to FAR 52.215-2 Audit and Records-Negotiation.

Question 17: Is security management plan or an export control plan counted against the 35 page limit of the proposal?

Answer 17: No, the information pertinent to PART II.IV.B.1.b.1 “Program Security Information” does not count toward the 35 page limit for volume 1.

Question 18: After September 18th, how are further questions and answers handled?

Answer 18: No additional questions and answers will be provided.

Question 19: Confirm that the due date for the subject proposal is November 8, 2019 at 2:00

EDT?

Answer 19: Proposals are due November 8, 2019 at 2:00 pm EST

Question 20: Are hard copy submissions allowed on this proposal effort?

Answer 20: Proposers may submit hard copies of their proposal, but they should ensure they follow the guidelines in section IV. Application and Submission Information.

Question 21: Are rotary wing aircraft within the scope of this proposal?

Answer 21: The CRANE program is a demonstration of the benefits of Active Flow Control (AFC) as the primary design consideration at relevant scale and over a relevant envelope.

CRANE is not limited to fixed-wing aircraft.