ASSERT_FAQ_Version2_9.5.2023.pdf

HR001123S0047 FAQs

HR001123S0047

Advanced Sources for Single-event Effects Radiation Testing (ASSERT)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) as of 09/05/2023

Q15: Can you tell us what award instrument our team should propose?

A15: The award instrument type requested via a proposal is determined solely by the proposer.

Any entity can request any award instrument type allowed by the BAA. The Contracting Officer makes the final determination as to which award instrument type ultimately is most appropriate, but the BAA does not restrict award instrument types based on the proposing entity.

Q14: Can we include more than one technical approach in a proposal?

A14: Proposals should feature a single technical approach that is deemed by the proposer to be most responsive to the BAA. Technical approaches that are sufficiently distinct can be submitted as separate proposals.

Q13: Can you describe the effect of type of proposer (academic, small business, etc.) on the allowable award instruments?

A13: To a large extent, the appropriate award instrument is dictated by the type of entity the prime contractor is (i.e., traditional defense contractor, non-traditional defense contractor, university, etc.). Therefore, when pursuing teaming approaches, the team first needs to determine who the prime will be, as this will go a long way toward determining the award instrument type to request. Cooperative agreements would only be appropriate for a university serving as a prime. For traditional defense contractors, the appropriate award instrument typically is a procurement contract. Other Transactions were developed to target non-traditional defense contractors who might otherwise not be willing to do business with the Government, and therefore these are more commercial-like instruments and often are appropriate for non-traditional defense contractors.

Q12: Can you describe the magnitude and duration of analog transients that will be measured?

A12: Proposals should address a broad family of effects. ASSERT is not a program to develop novel diagnostics and there is currently no intent to characterize ultrafast phenomena. An oscilloscope with a 2 GHz sample speed should be adequate.

Q11: Does ASSERT seek to test deep nodes and quantum platforms?

A11: The intent is for ASSERT sources to be applicable to a wide range of device types. A tool with maximum utility for future DoD applications is desirable.

Q10: Is shielding included in the overall volume requirement?

A10: Yes, requisite shielding should be included in the system volume.

HR001123S0047 FAQs

Q9: For the linear energy transfer (LET) requirement, is it constant LET of 5mm or a peak LET achieved at a range of depth?

A9: The metrics refer to LET achieved at range. Proposed approaches that use a highly peaked LET distribution to meet program metrics should justify how testing and validation can be realistically achieved using the proposed beam.

Q8: Is there a requirement on the duration of a single test?

A8: There is no requirement for the duration of a single test. Test durations will vary by application. The intent is to produce a tool can be used to study single devices as well as rapidly test integrated electronics.

Q7: Should we constrain incidence to normal?

A7: The ability to vary the angle of incidence is desired.

Q6: Does the pulse width of 2 ps refer to the charged particles that strike the device?

A6: The pulse width requirement refers to the amount of time necessary to put charge into the material, per strike.

Q5: Can you provide a priority on particle beam type?

A5: No, this decision should be part of the proposed solution. All proposed approaches should be responsive to the program metrics and requirements and contain sufficient details to support technical feasibility.

Q4: Are there further details on what electronics will be tested and provided?

A4: Electronics for testing will be COTS; further details will be provided at program kickoff.

There is currently no plan to provide devices as Government Furnished Equipment.

Q3: What is the timeframe for receiving feedback on abstracts?

A3: Responses are expected to be provided within 15 days of the abstract submission deadline.

Q2: Can multiple abstracts be submitted for different ideas/paths?

A2: Yes.

Q1: If a team has a lead on transition partners, when, where, and how should this be discussed?

A1: Detail any existing or planned transition partner engagements in the proposal. See BAA, Part II, Sec. V, Subsection A: Evaluation Criteria: “The evaluation will consider the proposer’s plans and capabilities to transition proposed technologies to U.S. national security applications and to U.S. industry.”