SPRINT_Proposers Day and BAA_QA_Final.docx

Broad Agency Announcement SPeed and Runway INdependent Technologies (SPRINT) X-Plane Demonstrator Project

DARPA TACTICAL TECHNOLOGY OFFICE

HR001123S0031

Proposers Day and BAA Questions & Answers Posted March 30, 2023

PURPOSE: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) HR001123S0031 included a “Proposers Day” held on 23 March 2023 with “Questions and Answers” and a “Questions Due” deadline of 27 March 2023 by 23:59 ET. This document contains all questions and corresponding answers.

Questions #1 - 37 were asked and answered from Proposers Day, held on 23 March 2023.

Questions #38 - 45 were submitted by 27 March 2023.

PROPOSERS DAY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:

1. Question: Section III: Detailed Proposal Info states “Capability at hot and high conditions (4k, 95 deg F)”. However, in Table 1: Representative Mission Profile it has a mid-mission hover at 6000 ft, 95 deg F. Which/what should the sizing point be, 4k ft/95F or 6k ft/95F?

Answer: The sizing point is 4k feet/95-degree F.

2. Question: Is engine out one engine inoperative (OEI) or all engines inoperative (AEI)?

Answer: The representative Operational System (OS) vehicle should be sized without considering engine out. For OS Attributes description under engine out: describe how the OS vehicle when operating in vertical mode will land safely if all engine power is lost.

3. Question: Is a ramp required on the OS?

Answer: Include a cargo ramp on OS.

4. Question: As it is for INDOPACOM… is range more important than speed?

Answer: The X-Plane and OS should be sized based on information provided in the BAA. Prioritization of additional performance capabilities beyond the SPRINT goals is up to the proposer. Range will not be flight tested in the X-plane.

5. Question: Please clarify “off-the-shelf” propulsion systems. Vertical lift rotors or fans are likely to be new or derivatives of prior systems.

Answer: Vertical Lift rotors/fans are considered enabling technology outside the propulsion system and can be developed as part of proposal.

6. Question: What are the dimensions of the mission package for the X-Plane?

Answer: Additional information will be provided to those performers after contract award. Assume mass/volume is within 1,000 lb. payload goal for SPRINT X-Plane.

7. Question: Please confirm that the X-Plane is not anticipated to transition to an operational system.

Answer: The SPRINT X-Plane is not intended to transition to an operational system.

8. Question: What probability of failure or mission assurance risk is DARPA willing to accept for the X-Plane? Is it OK to limit test range location?

Answer: DARPA does not have a defined failure or mission assurance risk posture. The proposer should identify assumptions that are appropriate for their vehicle for a limited life X-Plane with a design life of 500 hrs. Performers are free to propose a certain test range due to familiarity, facilities, etc. This will not affect criteria for selection. The Government reserves the right to negotiate test range location in future phases.

9. Question: What is the rationale behind an 8-15,000 lb. Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) vehicle? Can it be smaller or larger?

Answer: The anticipated weight range for the X-Plane stated in the BAA is based on market research and prior studies. This range is not limiting. The proposer is free to propose an X-Plane that best fits their technology/concept within the engine availability and schedule goals.

10. Question: What are expectations for OS during hover and transition for failures? “Deadman’s curve” for helicopters?

Answer: The proposer should keep this in mind when sizing the OS vehicle and discuss any advantages or disadvantages of the proposed technology/concept.

11. Question: What are expectations for OS system for shielding or Armor?

Answer: There are no expectations for OS shielding or Armor.

12. Question: The AFWERX HSVTOL had a set of attributes/requirements that included Low Observable (LO) and noise metrics. Proposal solutions/selections should please include specific/clear metrics for selection.

Answer: The BAA includes all required attributes and evaluation criteria that DARPA will use to evaluate and select proposals for negotiations.

13. Question: What maneuvers are required in fixed wing mode? What maneuvers are required in Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) mode?

Answer: Sample maneuvers for fixed wing flight are provided in BAA Table 3. VTOL mode maneuvers will be drawn from ADS-PRF-33 Mission Task Elements. Proposers will have opportunity in future solicitations to propose the maneuvers they think will properly validate the technology/concept in flight.

14. Question: Is OS refueling as a receiver or a provider or both? Is it hose or drogue or both?

Answer: Assume OS refueling is as a receiver only. Proposer should identify if refueling method (hose, drogue) limits aircraft based on proposed technology/concept.

15. Question: Do foldout pages count as more than one page?

Answer: Foldouts will count as 2 pages.

16. Question: Is the Demonstrator X-Plane (DX) payload always retained or possibly expendable?

Answer: The DX payload is retained.

17. Question: Re: Design mission table 1, low altitude segments (4-cruise out 2/descend, 5-infil, 7-exfil, 8-climb/cruise in 2). The note for Table 1 specifies “Vmcp >= 400 KTAS (T) 450 KTAS (O) @ altitude 15-30k ft.

a. Is it assumed this condition is used to define VNE, so structural sizing?

b. Due to lapse rate, the comparable KEAS at low altitude (200 ft, 95 deg F) is down to ~350 kt

c. Also due to lapse rate, power available up ~25% (so LOTS of power)

d. So, at low altitude, far more power available (MCP) than at 400-450 kt at high altitude

e. Is it intended that VNE be increased to use all power available at MCP at low altitude (and increase size/weight), or let structural capability limit down?

Answer: The following clarification is provided: VMCP should be ≥ 400 KTAS (Threshold); ≥ 450 KTAS (Objective) at an altitude between 15,000 and 30,000 feet (Segment 4, 8) OR 200 feet AGL (Segment 5, 7) whichever is more stringent.

18. Question: Does a proposer receive additional credit for a proposed demonstration system that exceeds the specified threshold value? Is there credit for exceeding an objective value?

Answer: The proposals will be evaluated as specified in the evaluation criteria in the BAA. There is no point system used for evaluation.

19. Question: Is the Phase 2 proposal a CDRL in Phase 1B?

Answer: No.

20. Question: Will slides be made available?

Answer: Yes, a modified version of slides for public release will be posted on Sam.gov.

21. Question: Will Phase 1 funding available, $15M 1A and $60M 1B, be total to split among performers or total per performer?

Answer: The funding profile provided in BAA is a total split among performers.

22. Question: Is the 400 KTAS applicable to cruise at Best Range Airspeed (Vbr) or just the dash portions? If just dash, is there a min desired speed for Vbr?

Answer: 400 KTAS is goal for Dash only. There is no minimum for Vbr.

23. Question: Is the X-Plane the full-size payload capability aircraft or can it be a large aircraft that demonstrates the technology and show scalability?

Answer: The proposer is free to propose an X-Plane that best fits their technology/concept within the engine availability and schedule goals.

24. Question: The question pertains to additional cost proposal in formation section on page 24 and 25. At what level is the basis of estimate expected? For example, is a general top level narrative desired or are individual narratives expected at specific task levels?

Answer: The additional cost proposal information is expected at the major subsystem level. If using a work break down structure as referenced in MIL-HDBK-881A (30 Jul 2005) Department of Defense Handbook, Work Breakdown Structures for Defense Material Items, the additional costs should be collected at Level 4.

25. Question: Is it possible to have proposal with multiple contract types (e.g., Non-traditional OTA Phase 1A/1B, FAR based Phase 2/3)?

Answer: Because Phase 2 is separate award, it is possible to switch contract/agreement type. Propose what you feel fits best as an organization. Ultimately, it is up to the Government to decide the contact type during negotiations.

26. Question: During the program overview, Dr. Baker mentioned distributed power. Could you please elaborate? Does one engine cert supersede the other. For example, civil cert or mil cert over Mil-516C or vice versa? Will program start date be affected with continuing resolutions with Congress?

Answer: Distributed power alludes to propulsion system such as hybrid electric propulsions systems with distributed motors/generators. The engine certification whether commercial or military does not matter as long as certification documents are available to substantiate whatever airworthiness method is chosen. DARPA anticipates sufficient funding will be available to not impact start of program.

27. Question: There were no needs criteria or requirements put forth regarding decibel levels/noise created by the proposed systems. Does that mean that a system that creates ½ the noise of a competing proposal has no advantage in ranking/evaluation?

Answer: Noise levels are not part of the requested information or evaluation criteria.

28. Question: Payload criteria: one slide indicated 5,000 lb. and another slide showed 1,000 lb. target. Do these two targets represent two different craft/vehicles?

Answer: 5,000 lb. is for OS vehicle. 1,000 lb. is for X-Plane.

29. Question: For air refueling – tanker, receiver, or both? Is this for operational system only?

Answer: Air refueling is receiver only for the OS vehicle. X-Plane has no refuel goal.

30. Question: Engine out operability – is maintaining 10 min hover Out of Ground Effect (OGE) with engine out an objective or just safe landing?

Answer: The representative OS vehicle should be sized without considering engine out. For OS Attributes description under engine out: describe how the OS vehicle when operating in vertical mode will land safely if all engine power is lost.

31. Question: Will proposals that use a Commercial off the shelf (COTS) engine be allowed if it has modifications, refinements or code changes applied to it? Bottom line: is a modified COTS engine result in non-selectability for award?

Answer: Modifications as described are allowed. Modifications that include the engine core are not allowed.

32. Question: Are you going to release the slides presented today?

Answer: Yes, a modified version of slides for public release will be posted on Sam.gov.

33. Question: What level of powertrain innovation is anticipated to enable aircraft/mission capability?

Answer: This is left to the individual proposer or proposer team to identify and describe as part of the proposed program.

34. Question: Is there a service ceiling requirement?

Answer: No.

35. Question: Graph of sample mission. Not in BAA, but much more realistic. Should we plan on rapid descent to 200 ft Above Ground Level (AGL) and then dash down there?

Answer: A modified version of slides for public release will be posted on Sam.gov that includes the graphic with clarifications per questions. Rapid descent to 200 ft AGL is acceptable.

36. Question: Will the SPRINT Proposers Day attendance list be made available?

Answer: A Proposer’s Day Attendee List will be emailed to all Proposer Day attendees.

37. Question: Page count for weight breakdown. Use summary and rest in appendix? Can the weight statement have no page limit?

Answer: Provide weight summary in Proposal Summary. The full weight statement has no page limit and can be provided wherever proposer wishes.

QUESTIONS DUE:

38. Question: Will SPRINT be looking to fund enabling technology? A 42-month demo to an X-Plane may allow some time to improve technical maturity (i.e., TRL).

Answer: The SPRINT program seeks the design, build and fight of a technology demonstrator. However, DARPA reserves the right to select for negotiation all, some, one, or none of the proposals received and to make awards with/without discussions.

39. Question: Can proposers propose an alternate schedule timeline for Preliminary Design Review (PDR) that still meetings 42 months to First Flight objective?

Answer: Yes.

40. Question: Can I still submit an abstract or proposal if I was unable to attend the SPRINT Proposers Day?

Answer: Yes.

41. Question: Can companies residing in foreign countries submit an abstract/proposal for the SPRINT X-Plane Demonstrator Project? Would a U.S. subsidiary of a foreign company be allowed to submit an abstract/proposal?

Answer: Yes. Yes.

42. Question: Is technical support available to assist with abstract submission (e.g., DoD SAFE, BAAT, etc.)?

Answer: Please see BAA Section IV.B.4 Submission Information for details.

43. Question: Is an Abstract without any cost information considered a compliant submission? During the proposer's day, the SPRINT Program Manager (PM) mentioned that there was no cost ROM required for the Abstract, but we would like to confirm this in writing.

Answer: The Abstract does not need cost information.

44. Question: Will DARPA provide templates for the abstract, technical proposal, and cost proposal?

A. Answer: DARPA will not provide a template for the abstract or technical proposal. Please see BAA Section IV.B.2.b).B. “Cost Breakdown Information and Format” for information on how to obtain the Cost Proposal spreadsheet.

45. Question: Can the abstract submission deadline be extended to allow more time for partnering, given the attendee list has not been posted yet? Where will the attendee list will be posted?

Answer: A Proposer’s Day list will be emailed to all Proposer Day Attendees.

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