RFQ HR001124Q0002 Amendment 01 Attachment 9 Questions and Answers.pdf

No. Question DARPA Response RFQ Change Reference

I noticed attachments 1,2 3, 6, and 7 are posted on SAM.gov. But attachments 4 and 5 are not, are they relevant?

Attachments 4 and 5 have been separated from the RFQ document and provided as individual documents.

RFQ,

Attachment 4, Attachment 5

2 I did notice that Attachments 4 and 5 were not available on Sam.gov Attachments 4 and 5 have been separated from the RFQ document and provided as individual documents.

RFQ,

Attachment 4, Attachment 5

We are not able to locate Attachments 4 and 5:

4) Instructions to Quoters

5) Evaluation Criteria and Methodology Could you advise on where to find them?

Attachments 4 and 5 have been separated from the RFQ document and provided as individual documents.

RFQ,

Attachment 4, Attachment 5

Other than the anticipated dollar ceiling amount, BPA term, and the Agency placing orders in accordance with FAR 13.303-5, will the Agency include additional terms and conditions?

Provisions and Clauses have been included.

RFQ,

Attachment 8

Are there contract clauses that apply to this BPA? If so, when will the Agency provide the applicable clauses?

Provisions and Clauses have been included.

RFQ,

Attachment 8

Is a Facility Clearance required to be eligible for award? If so, what FCL level is required?

No. N/A

Is there a requirement that SCA providers have FCLs and require PCLs?

No. N/A

8 Will SCA's require PCLs? No. N/A

Is it expected that some of the Embedded Entrepreneurs have the ability to access classified information? If so, at which classification level is envisioned to be most common? If so, is it expected that the Commercial Accelerator has the ability to hold security clearances?

No. N/A

We are considering bringing on a subcontractor to help us deliver some of the coaching and capability building. They are a current DARPA performer and are planning to apply for the EEI program themselves. Would this create any issues?

Specific conflicts of interest will be evaluated at the Call Order Level.

BPA Holders, to include all subcontractors, will be required to establish an OCI mitigation plan with DARPA if the BPA Holder is a former, current, or potential future DARPA Performer on DARPA research contracts.

Attachment 5

The Cover page instructions request that the Quoter include a statement that it complies with the solicitation terms and conditions and acknowledges all amendments (if any).

Provisions and Clauses have been included. Instructions on how to submit exceptions to the solicitation terms and conditions are also included.

Attachment 4, Attachment 8

Please confirm whether the cover page is required to be submitted as a separate document or it must be included in Volume I (Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Quote Narrative).

The Cover Page is required to be submitted as the first page for both quote Volumes.

Attachment 4

Does the applicant need to be proficient in all 14 Critical Technology Areas? If no, should we identify the areas at the time of the application?

Quoters are not expected to be proficient in multiple or all Critical Technology Areas. Quoters that can demonstrate proficiency in multiple areas will be evaluated more favorably. Cover Page must include a list of the Critical Technology Areas quoter has proficiency in.

Attachment 4

When responding to the quote, should the quoter identify which specific critical technology area(s) it is supporting? If so, where should the quoter include that information?

Cover Page must include a list of the Critical Technology Areas quoter has proficiency in.

Attachment 4

Upon reviewing page 3 of the Statement of Work (SOW), it enumerates several technology categories. Is it permissible for a prospective vendor to delineate a more precise subcategory within any of these aforementioned categories? For instance, within Category 10, encompassing Advanced Computing and Software, may a vendor propose specific subcategories e.g.,

a. Networking,

b. Network Acceleration or

c. Network Storage or

d. Network Security

Yes. N/A

Is there a list of subcategories that will be considered viable?, as there is a similar subcategory for item 2, Microelectronics.

No. N/A

One of the goals of the Commercial Strategy program is to prevent problematic foreign investment in DARPA-funded technologies. How does the DARPA define “problematic foreign investment?”

See definition of "non-adversarial funding" in Attachment 5. N/A

What time is the quote due on 6 May 2024? Page 1 of the RFP says 3:00pm while Page 3 says 12:00pm Eastern time

Quotes are due May 6, 2024 at 12:00 PM RFQ

The RFQ states two deadlines for submission both May 6th, one at 12:00 and the other at 3:00 PM ET. Which one is correct?

Quotes are due May 6, 2024 at 12:00 PM RFQ

SAM.gov assigns a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and no longer requires a DUNS number. Can quoters provide the UEI instead of DUNS number, or does the Agency want both?

UEI is preferred. Attachment 4

With regard to the codes that we need to have?

Do we need to have the CAGE code in order to bid?

Do we also need to have a DUNS code as well?

UEI, CAGE and DUNS are not required to submit a quote, however, a UEI is required to receive a BPA.

Attachment 4

Could DARPA provide more detailed examples of successful transitions from DARPA-funded technologies to commercial products that exemplify the objectives of the Commercial Accelerators program?

See eei.darpa.mil N/A

Could DARPA provide more detailed examples of unsuccessful transitions from DARPA-funded technologies to commercial products that exemplify the risks that the Commercial Accelerators program looks to mitigate?

See eei.darpa.mil N/A

How does DARPA envision partitioning the envisioned award across the markets it tends to make awards to? The RFP mentions 5 markets.

Should we assume each market will receive $5M? That RFP mentions a three-year time horizon. Are those dollars to spend evenly across the three years?

The $25M BPA ceiling is an aggregated amount among all the Accelerator BPA Holders over the period of performance of three years. Accelerators will only be funded through Call Orders and the number and total value of all the Call Orders for an Accelerator will depend on the success of the Accelerator winning Call Orders among the BPA Holders during the life of the BPAs. See Attachment 2.

RFQ

The RFQ states: "The government estimates, but does not guarantee, that the volume of call orders through these agreements will be approximately $25,000,000 among all BPA holders for the duration of the BPAs." For the purposes of providing the appropriate pricing information in the RFQ response, can you clarify whether up to $25M is for all BPA holders collectively, or is up to $25M available for each BPA holder over the period of performance of three (3) years?

The $25M BPA ceiling is an aggregated amount among all the Accelerator BPA Holders over the period of performance of three years.

Attachment 2

Could you provide a breakdown of the estimated $25 million in funding? How is it distributed across different phases or tasks within the scope of work?

The $25M BPA ceiling is an aggregated amount among all the Accelerator BPA Holders over the period of performance of three years. See Attachment 5 for the price structure as it relates to the SOW Tasks.

RFQ

If we take the midpoints of the ranges provided, is this the correct way to look at the economics?

1. Assume 5 accelerators selected (4 to 6 Commercial Accelerator Partners)

2. $25 million volume of call orders across all BPAs

3. So, roughly $5 million per BPA per Commercial Accelerator Provider

4. BPAs in effect over 3 years

5. $5m / 3 years = $1.66m/per year per Commercial Accelerator Provider

6. 80 FFP call orders/year (so 16 call orders/per year/ per Commercial Accelerator Provider)

7. Roughly $100k per call order ($50k to 250k range for each call order) (check: $100k per call order x 16 call orders / year = $1.6m / year)

8. So, 16 FFP call orders per CPA per year?

The $25M BPA ceiling is an aggregated amount among all the Accelerator BPA Holders over the period of performance of three years. Accelerators will only be funded through Call Orders and the number and total value of all the Call Orders for an Accelerator will depend on the success of the Accelerator winning Call Orders among the BPA Holders during the life of the BPAs.

RFQ

Just for our awareness, how much does DARPA usually fund per company?

The $25M BPA ceiling is an aggregated amount among all the Accelerator BPA Holders over the period of performance of three years. Accelerators will only be funded through Call Orders and the number and total value of all the Call Orders for an Accelerator will depend on the success of the Accelerator winning Call Orders among the BPA Holders during the life of the BPAs.

RFQ

I know the BPA's will range from 50k - 250k, but what do you see being the average award? Basically do you plan to do a lot of smaller awards (50k range) and some bigger ones (250k range), vice versa, or something else?

The $25M BPA ceiling is an aggregated amount among all the Accelerator BPA Holders over the period of performance of three years. Accelerators will only be funded through Call Orders and the number and total value of all the Call Orders for an Accelerator will depend on the success of the Accelerator winning Call Orders among the BPA Holders during the life of the BPAs.

RFQ

Is the money that is allocated per project for the entire duration of the project or is it allocated per year?

Each Call Order is expected to be funded in full upon award. N/A

Does the $25M BPA Ceiling include the payments to the EEIs? Based on our contract review it appears that that money is separate but we would like to confirm.

The requirements of this BPA do not currently include payments to EEI/MVP Performers however, the SOW Scope is updated to include Embedded Entrepreneur (EE) Support Services. There is a reasonable expectation that specific EE tasks could be added to the SOW at a later time. Currently the Accelerator, EEI/MVP Performer and DARPA Performer are separately funded and contracted directly with DARPA.

Attachment 1

Task 4 of the Statement of Work states, " The awarded EEI/MVP project will fund the EE.” Can you confirm the funding for the EE should not be included in the proposed pricing? What is the expected mechanism for funding the EE?

The requirements of this BPA do not currently include payments to EEI/MVP Performers however, the SOW Scope is updated to include Embedded Entrepreneur (EE) Support Services. There is a reasonable expectation that specific EE tasks could be added to the SOW at a later time. Currently the Accelerator, EEI/MVP Performer and DARPA Performer are separately funded and contracted directly with DARPA.

Attachment 1

Does DARPA fund the DARPA performers directly or is the money awarded to the DARPA Commerical Accelerator sites?

DARPA funds DARPA Performers directly. RFQ

Could you provide details on the compensation structure for Senior Commercial Advisors? Specifically, are their salaries funded directly through DARPA, or should this be accounted for within our project budget?

Accelerators will be responsible for compensating SCAs. N/A

How is the money awarded? Is there a startup cost (stand up cost) that is awarded to each DARPA Commerical Accelerator site and then additional money as each DARPA performer is assigned?

See RFQ Section 4 and the Price Structure in Attachment 5. Funded Call Orders will be issued for each DARPA Performer/technology nominated for the EEI program and SCA support.

N/A

Will awarded accelerators receive a base order and funding to support their business functions, or will all orders be directly tied to supporting individual start-ups?

See RFQ Section 4. N/A

At what point will the Commercial Accelerator Provider provider have to deliver the “Standup Activities” outlined in Para 7 of the SOW (sub para 7.1, Tasks A through E )?

See RFQ Section 4. N/A

Are their restrictions on how a recipient can spend the money? Can it be entirely spent on personnel to service the contract? Does some number of dollars need to be invested into the EEI's?

Funding for each CLIN outlined on page 8 of Attachment 5 shall directly support the associated SOW Tasks.

N/A

Are there guidelines for how funds dispersed under a BPA with any Commercial Accelerator can be used under each Call Order, or within a Purchase Requisition?

Funding for each CLIN outlined on page 8 of Attachment 5 shall directly support the associated SOW Tasks.

N/A

Is a certain portion of funding dispersed under a BPA with any Commercial Accelerator expected to support specific tasks?

Funding for each CLIN outlined on page 8 of Attachment 5 shall directly support the associated SOW Tasks.

N/A

Are there any limitations on uses for funding dispersed under a BPA with any Commercial Accelerator?

Funding for each CLIN outlined on page 8 of Attachment 5 shall directly support the associated SOW Tasks.

N/A

Does DARPA have any preference or guidelines for how funding dispersed under a BPA with any Commercial Accelerator may be split between partners in any Commercial Accelerator?

This should be an independent business decision. N/A

43 What is ineligible for inclusion in each description item?

Funding for each CLIN outlined on page 8 of Attachment 5 shall directly support the associated SOW Tasks.

N/A

Is this funding for entities/companies that help fund other small businesses and to not be used to help fund their own even if they are a small innovative business?

Funding for each CLIN outlined on page 8 of Attachment 5 shall directly support the associated SOW Tasks.

N/A

How does DARPA envision the task order payment distribution working? For instance, are accelerators charging a service fee for due diligence and connecting start-ups with resources and investors, or will there be an investment amount provided to the start-ups, from which the accelerator collects a fee percentage?

Funding for each CLIN outlined on page 8 of Attachment 5 shall support the associated SOW Tasks.

N/A

Can you please provide a list of incumbents and contract numbers for the last awards as this appears to be a recompete.

See eei.darpa.mil N/A

Are there any incumbent providers of this or similar capabilities to DARPA today; is this opportunity a new start or a recompete?

See eei.darpa.mil N/A

Can you provide a list of universities(organizations) already working with?

See eei.darpa.mil N/A

Is it possible to have a dialog on DARPA's objectives here? A public Q&A of sorts

No. There are no upcoming informational meetings or events. N/A

We would like to inquire about any upcoming informational meetings or events where we can gain insights into the application process, eligibility criteria, and any other pertinent details.

There are no upcoming informational meetings or events. N/A

Would you be willing to schedule a quick Zoom or phone call to discuss? Also, do you know if there will be a public information session about the opportunity?

No. There are no upcoming informational meetings or events. N/A

Is there an opportunity to speak with the requirement owners, as part of market research?

No. There are no upcoming informational meetings or events. N/A

53 Will there be an FAQ page or an additional listening session? These Q&As will be posted to SAM.gov N/A

54 What is the metric of evaluation or success?

Metrics of success will vary across DARPA Performers. Deal Team presentations should propose EEI metrics of success customized to each DARPA Performer.

Attachment 1

Based on the draft SOO we understand that the IEE program has resulted in 107 private funding rounds, $931M in private capital raised, and $639M in total merger and acquisition value. Is there a specific set of targets that the commercial accelerator program is expected to drive in terms of growth in those (or other) metrics?

Metrics of success will vary across DARPA Performers. Deal Team presentations should propose EEI metrics of success customized to each DARPA Performer.

Attachment 1

In Track Record of Start-up performers it is called out “start-ups funded, funding levels, maturity of portfolio, exits, mergers, and acquisitions Ramp-Up Time / Scalability / Adoption/ Organization’” is it implied that amount of capital EEI’s raise a metric of success for this program?

Metrics of success will vary across DARPA Performers. Deal Team presentations should propose EEI metrics of success customized to each DARPA Performer.

Attachment 1

How does DARPA measure success in space technology projects within the Commercial Accelerators program? What key performance indicators or milestones are used to evaluate progress and outcomes?

Metrics of success will vary across DARPA Performers. Deal Team presentations should propose EEI metrics of success customized to each DARPA Performer.

Attachment 1

How does DARPA measure the success of the recruitment process under EEI? Are there specific metrics or outcomes that Commercial Accelerators should aim to achieve?

Metrics of success will vary across DARPA Performers. Deal Team presentations should propose EEI metrics of success customized to each DARPA Performer.

Attachment 1

What metrics will DARPA use to evaluate: (1). Commercial accelerators, (2). DARPA Performers and (3). Their respective companies? With what cadence will DARPA make these evaluations?

Metrics of success will vary across DARPA Performers. Deal Team presentations should propose EEI metrics of success customized to each DARPA Performer.

Attachment 1

Will a DARPA employee be involved as a cofounder of the commercialization company or would the technology be licensed?

No. N/A

Are accelerators expected or able to deploy capital against the capabilities they assist in commercializing?

Accelerators are not required to deploy capital against the capabilities they assist in commercializing.

Accelerators able to deploy capital against the capabilities they assist in commercializing are viewed more favorably.

N/A

Approximately how many workshops is DARPA looking to acquire as part of Task E? Is this on a per call, per quarter, or per year ask?

Only one kick-off will be held with each Accelerator selected for a BPA. N/A

What are DARPA's current primary objectives and priority areas within Space Technology for the Commercial Accelerators program? Are there specific challenges or opportunities (e.g., satellite communication, space debris management, deep space exploration technologies) that DARPA is particularly interested in addressing?

See darpa.mil. N/A

How should the proposed space technology initiatives align with broader U.S. space policies and strategic objectives? Are there particular policy considerations that proposals should address or be compliant with? What percentage of DARPA funded technologies within the space program fall under ITAR?

This is outside the scope of this BPA. Please see darpa.mil for more information.

N/A

What is the vision of this new objective? How will it help shape DARPA's future?

See eei.darpa.mil N/A

Is this solicitation for SBIR like funding towards Technology we are working on or is for a specific program and we should already have a COTS product available?

This is not for SIBR funding. See eei.darpa.mil N/A

67 Regarding the actual program, What has been previously done? See eei.darpa.mil N/A

Will Accelerators be allowed to invest in these DARPA-funded companies (aka “Performers”) on the Accelerator’s standard terms?

Yes. The Government will not be involved in any negotiations between Accelerators and DARPA Performers should Accelerators wish to invest.

N/A

69 Can EEs work with more than one Performer at any one time? Yes. N/A

70 Will this program be available again prior to the 3 year expiration.

IAW FAR 13.303-6(b)(2), DARPA will "maintain awareness of changes in market conditions, sources of supply, and other pertinent factors that may warrant making new arrangements with different suppliers or modifying existing arrangements." See Attachment 1 Section 12.0.

N/A

Is Attachment 3 required to be completed and returned with our proposal submission by 6 May?

No. N/A

How does DARPA envision the collaboration among multiple Commercial Accelerator providers? What mechanisms will be in place to ensure synergy and avoid duplication of efforts?

Only one Accelerator will be awarded one Call Order for each DARPA Performer/technology nominated for the EEI program and SCA support.

Attachment 2

What contracts or other agreements must be executed between DARPA performers/their respective companies and DARPA?

The Accelerator and DARPA Performer are separately funded and contracted directly with DARPA.

N/A

What contracts or other agreements must be executed between performers/their respective companies and Commercial Accelerators?

The Accelerator and DARPA Performer are separately funded and contracted directly with DARPA.

N/A

There's insufficient clarity on whether the Commercial Accelerator Provider will be acting in lieu of the Senior Commercial Advisor (SCA) or alongside the SCA. Who has the primary relationship with the DARPA Program Manager – the SCA or the Commercial Accelerator Provider (or both)? Also see Task 4, which refers to the Commercial Accelerator Provider and SCA – is this two entities or one?

BPAs will be awarded to the Accelerators. Accelerators are expected to provide SCAs.

N/A

SOW para 7.2 refers to “DARPA Commercial Accelerator SCA Tasks” – again, this implies that the Commercial Accelerator Provider is the SCA. Is this true? The Commercial Accelerator Provider will be working with DARPA’s SETA support team, going through DARPA training, etc., preparing an Election Form, etc.?

BPAs will be awarded to the Accelerators. Accelerators are expected to provide SCAs. Assignment of responsibilities should be an independent business decision.

N/A

Will the Commercial Accelerator Provider perform any of the duties mentioned in Task 5 of the SOW, or just the SCA?

Assignment of responsibilities should be an independent business decision.

N/A

Can offerors add an appendix that contains further information (i.e., past performance summaries, staff resumes, etc.) that won’t count against the 5-page limit for Volume 1?

Quoters may, but are not required to, include in an appendix, up to ten (10) single page staff resumes. This appendix is limited to 10 pages. Quoters may also include approach to managing conflicts on interest as an appendix. There is no page limit to this appendix.

Attachment 4, Attachment 5

Will the government please allow for 10 pages for quote narrative and allow bidders to include the KPIs as an appendix that does not count against the page limitation?

No. N/A

80 Is the cover page included in the 5 page limit of the proposal? No. Attachment 4

Will the Agency consider increasing the Volume I page limit to ensure quoters may provide a quality and substantiated response?

No. N/A

82 Can you confirm the 5-page limit for Volume I is correct? Yes. N/A 83 Does one of the five pages include the title page? No. Attachment 4

For answering all the questions on the Table 1 section, how detailed should those answers be considering that there is a 5-page limit?

We want to be sure to provide enough detail surrounding each one.

Quoters are expected to provide adequate details to prove to have the best opportunity for success.

N/A

Are Travel costs to be included in the price? If so, how do bidders determine where this work is being performed since place of performance will be specified at the call order level?

Specific travel costs will be determined at the Call Order level. The Travel and Expense CLIN ceiling has been established at $800,000 over the life of the BPA.

Attachment 5

Please describe how the place of performance at the call order level will be determined? For example, will it be by location of BPA awardee, BPA awardee’s SCA/EE’s location, DARPA Performer’s location, or some other designation?

Place of Performance will be determined at the Call Order level. As a result, Travel and Expenses will be negotiated at the Call Order level.

The Travel and Expense CLIN ceiling has been established at $800,000 over the life of the BPA.

Attachment 5

Will be the performer work take place at our Commercial Accelerator, or do the SCAs travel to other DARPA sponsored facilities?

Place of Performance will be determined at the Call Order level. As a result, Travel and Expenses will be negotiated at the Call Order level.

The Travel and Expense CLIN ceiling has been established at $800,000 over the life of the BPA.

Page 7, Section 9.0 Period of performance of the SOW says: “The master agreement will have an ordering period of three (3) years with call order end dates not exceeding twelve (12) months past the ordering period. Specific periods of performance will be identified at the call order level.” Does this mean Call Order periods of performance may end 12 months past the BPA ordering period (i.e., June 2028 vs 2027) or the Call Order ordering period?

Call Order Period of Performance may end 12 months past the BPA ordering period which will be three years from the date of BPA award.

Attachment 1

If Call Orders can extend 12 months past the BPA ordering period (into year 4), should the pricing Volume include Year 4 prices/ rates?

Yes quoters may include Year 4 prices/rates. Otherwise, Year 3 pricing extends past the expiration of the BPA until the expiration of the Call Order.

N/A

What is the average duration of the EEs engagement with a Performer? The RFQ says that the program runs for 3 years, but what is the expected EE:Performer engagement period – is it a sprint or longer duration engagement? Six months? A year? 3 years? As long as it takes?

Each Call Order is expected to have a period of performance of twelve months.

Attachment 1

In the RFQ, a price quote is required as part of the quote submission.

The price quote template requests Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) quotes for each task. In the call order instructions, Step 3 notes there will be a pricing submission for each call order quote. Will the FFP quotes submitted in the RFQ be the same pricing for the call orders or will there be different pricing required for each call order?

Call Order quotes will utilize pricing from the BPA price list resulting from this BPA RFQ.

N/A

RFQ Page 11 – Price Quote - Will the government clarify the complexity differences between “Simple, Moderate, and Complex” so bidders can better understand how to price the CLINs in the table on page 11? And why are some CLINS N/A in terms of complexity?

Historically each SCA would spend approximately 200, 300, 400 hours per DARPA Performer for simple, moderate and complex projects respectively. These level-of-effort (LOE) estimates are inclusive of all SCA Tasks (Tasks 0-9) over a 12 month effort.

Attachment 5

Will the agency include a quantity (e.g., 1, 2, 3) and unit of measure (e.g., lot, hours, each) for each CLIN to assist quoters with establishing a price for the requested services?

Historically each SCA would spend approximately 200, 300, 400 hours per DARPA Performer for simple, moderate and complex projects respectively. These level-of-effort (LOE) estimates are inclusive of all SCA Tasks (Tasks 0-9) over a 12 month effort.

It appears that the Commercial Accelerator Partner has to provide a quote to DARPA in order to be considered for selection as a Commercial Accelerator Provider. Criteria are set out in the “Price Quote” section of the RFQ. How is a Commercial Accelerator Provider bidder supposed to come up with pricing without knowing the number of Performers or caliber of teams, etc.?

Historically each SCA would spend approximately 200, 300, 400 hours per DARPA Performer for simple, moderate and complex projects respectively. These level-of-effort (LOE) estimates are inclusive of all SCA Tasks (Tasks 0-9) over a 12 month effort.

Attachment 5

The RFQ has language to the effect that if an Accelerator is selected as one of the 4-6 Commercial Accelerator Providers, from time to time the Accelerator will receive a RFQ for a Firm Fixed Price Call Order / BPA to provide Embedded Entrepreneur services to the Performer. But it looks like we have to put a price the amount we are going to work for, and then DARPA will select the Commercial Accelerator Provider that offers best value to the government. If so, same question – how is the Commercial Accelerator Provider supposed to come up with a price quote to be competitive? Pricing relative to what?

Historically each SCA would spend approximately 200, 300, 400 hours per DARPA Performer for simple, moderate and complex projects respectively. These level-of-effort (LOE) estimates are inclusive of all SCA Tasks (Tasks 0-9) over a 12 month effort.

Attachment 5

Can you tell me if SOW tasks 9 and 10 will be included in the price quote? I only see SOW tasks 0-3 and 4-8.

Task 9 has been included with the SCA tasks. Task 10 will be negotiated at the Call Order level.

Attachment 1, Attachment 5

The SOW lists Task 9: Quarterly Reports and Task 10: Optional SCA Commercialization Tasks. These Tasks are not represented in the Price Quote Table in the RFQ. How should these Tasks be priced in the proposal?

Task 9 has been included with the SCA tasks. Task 10 will be negotiated at the Call Order level.

Attachment 1, Attachment 5

Task 2: Full Due Diligence contains Optional Sub Tasks. How should pricing for these tasks be included?

Task 2 Optional Sub Tasks will be negotiated at the Call Order Level. N/A

CLINs 0041, 1041 and 2041 are T&M CLINs for T&E. Should offerors include its own proposed labor categories and labor category rates for these CLINs?

T&E stands for Travel and Expenses. Travel and Expenses will be negotiated at the Call Order level. The Travel and Expense CLIN ceiling has been established at $800,000 over the life of the BPA.

Attachment 5

100 How are ODC's such as travel handled in the quoting process?

Travel and Expenses will be negotiated at the Call Order level. The Travel and Expense CLIN ceiling has been established at $800,000 over the life of the BPA.

CLINs 0041, 1041, and 2041 are described as “T&E” and not related SOW tasks. Can the agency confirm “T&E” is Test and Evaluation?

Further, does the agency intend on providing a task description for T&E to assist quoters with establishing a price for the requested services?

T&E stands for Travel and Expenses. Travel and Expenses will be negotiated at the Call Order level. The Travel and Expense CLIN ceiling has been established at $800,000 over the life of the BPA.

Attachment 5

I see the price quote on page 11 of the RFQ, but what resources should be included in the initial price quote? It seems standard coaching and mentoring should be included in the original budget but is there money for additional services that are performer specific?

For example, if a DARPA performer needs a regulatory consultant is there additional money that would be awarded once it is assigned?

Additional services will be negotiated at the Call Order level. N/A

How will DARPA perform cost realism analysis on submitted price quotes? What benchmarks or guidelines are used to assess the realism and reasonableness of proposed costs?

IAW Federal Acquisition Regulation 13.106-3(a)(1), DARPA will base price reasonableness on competitive quotations.

N/A

It is unclear if quoters should provide pricing for each CLIN included in the price table, or only CLIN 0001 (Stand-up Activities)?

Quoters shall provide pricing for each FFP CLIN. Attachment 5

On page 11 of the RFQ, what can be included in the price for each item listed in the description column of the quote? E.g., salary, supplies, event costs, student support, etc? All of the above?

Pricing shall include all costs to accomplish the associated SOW Tasks at a Firm Fixed Price.

N/A

Are there items DARPA would like to be prioritized in the quote over others?

No. N/A

107 Is there a cap for each item? No. N/A 108 Is there a cap for the entire yearly quote? No. N/A 109 Will there be a Volume II price quote template? See Attachment 5. N/A

With regard to pricing, it is part of Vol. 2 and does that mean it is NOT due on May 6?

Could this be in an appendix or would this be considered as one of the five pages?

Volume 2 should include all pricing information. Both Volumes are due at the same date and time outlined in the RFQ. An Appendix for pricing is not necessary. Pricing is not included in the Volume 1 page limits.

N/A

Could you clarify how DARPA anticipates awarding each of the call orders? Will they each be subject to competition, or will DARPA’s commercial team assess the best fit for each?

See Attachment 2. N/A

Do the SCAs pick existing EEs at our Commercial Accelerator or does DARPA pick them?

Currently DARPA chooses EEI/MVP Performers. SCAs and DARPA Performers may advise. There's a reasonable expectation that EE recruitment and tasks may be added to these BPAs in the future.

N/A

Who selects and hires the Embedded Entrepreneur (EE) that will be working with the Performer – the SCA or the Commercial Accelerator Provider? If CEP hires the EE, does the SCA get a veto right?

Currently DARPA chooses EEI/MVP Performers. SCAs and DARPA Performers may advise. There's a reasonable expectation that EE recruitment and tasks may be added to these BPAs in the future.

N/A

How should Commercial Accelerators collaborate with DARPA during the EEI recruitment process? Are there specific protocols or communication channels that need to be used? Do U.S. Federal government hiring rules apply to the Commercial Accelerators? If so, which ones?

Currently DARPA chooses EEI/MVP Performers. SCAs and DARPA Performers may advise. There's a reasonable expectation that EE recruitment and tasks may be added to these BPAs in the future. See applicable provisions and clauses for labor standards.

Attachment 8

What is the expected timeline for the recruitment of EEs? How does this timeline integrate with the overall project schedule for EEI?

DARPA recognizes that hiring capable EEs is challenging but EEI project schedule will remain independent of EE hiring challenges.

N/A

As part of the scope of work, does DARPA anticipate the SCA performer/providers identify potential transition companies or is that recommended by DARPA?

See Attachment 2. N/A

Could you provide further information on the selection process for DARPA performers to participate in the EEI? What are the criteria for evaluating their technical performance and potential for commercial success?

See Attachment 2. N/A

Could you clarify whether it is expected that performers who have developed technologies within a DARPA program will continue to engage in further development of these technologies under DARPA's auspices once they enter the commercialization phase? Or is the performer’s role envisioned to shift primarily towards commercializing the technology, with their involvement in the original DARPA program concluding?

Some DARPA Performers will have concluded the DARPA program and some will be in an ongoing DARPA program.

Can you provide more detail on the purposes, content, and differences between a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), a Purchase Requisition (PR), and a Call Order?

See Federal Acquisition Regulation 13.303 (https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-13#FAR_13_303).

In short, BPAs will be established with multiple qualified Accelerators as a result of this RFQ. Call Orders will be competed among just these Accelerators over the next three years and issued to one Accelerator for each DARPA Performer/technology nominated for the EEI program and SCA support. These Call Orders will be funded using PRs.

N/A

Will Senior Commercialization Advisors (SCAs) help DARPA Program Managers (PMs) with the commercialization / transition planning components of BAAs?

No. N/A

How will the government manage the selection process among multiple quoters, and what steps can applicants take to ensure their responses stand out?

See Attachment 5 N/A

Will the Commercial Accelerator Provider be able to select the Performer contracts to bid on? Is there a minimum number of bids that have to be submitted? How will DARPA prevent a “free rider” problem (a Commercial Accelerator Provider who is part of the panel but never bids)?

Accelerator BPA Holders may submit quotes to as many or as few Call Order RFQs as they wish. See Attachment 2. IAW Federal Acquisition Regulation 13.303-6(b)(1) Review procedures, DARPA will ensure that each BPA is reviewed at least annually and, if necessary, updated at that time.

N/A

Will SCAs be responsible for providing commercialization sessions to DARPA PMs and their teams (such as VC 101 / 102 presentations, the anatomy of a start-up)?

No. N/A

Does the government expect performers to directly provide all support or could we sub-contract as needed?

This should be an independent business decision. Subcontracting is not prohibited.

N/A

If multiple entities are interested in applying as a team to be as a Commercial Accelerator, are there any requirements or restrictions as to how any such joint venture entity should be structured or would it be preferable to have just one entity submit to be the Commercial Accelerator?

One entity is preferable. N/A

Can a non-profit and a for-profit go in on this together as a public/private partnership?

Yes. N/A

Does this mean that my company must be a currently funded DARPA program to qualify?

No. N/A

I would like to know if small businesses that were not funded by DARPA can still apply for this opportunity.

Yes. N/A

We would be applying from an academic medical institution (501 (c)(3)). Are we eligible to apply? We do have a DUNS number and registered on SAM.gov.

Yes. N/A

What exactly are the "commercial accelerator providers" DARPA is looking for? Could you provide some clarification on what that job description entails/who you are looking for?

See Attachment 1. N/A

Page 9 and much of the RFQ suggest that the Accelerator entities have investment funds. While this is a traditional definition not all Accelerators have dedicated funds or are investors. We have not opted to have a fund. Does this impact our evaluation?

Quotes will be evaluated IAW the Evaluation Methodology in Attachment 5.

N/A

Do the performers have to be EEs or can they be other non-EE performers?

See Attachment 1 Section 6.0. N/A

We are past our Series B funding round and do not have an active contract with DARPA, so we are likely not eligible. Can you confirm?

Please see Attachment 1 Section 3.0. N/A

The Volume I Quote Template MS Word document contains Table 1 from the RFQ. Is this table intended to be a summary of KPI inputs, with a narrative included below, or should the response be structured by addressing KPIs entirely within the table?

KPIs are expected to be addressed entirely within the table. Attachment 6

The KPI page seems to be structured as a data page (two columns with discrete data points to share e.g. funding amounts), and the two part review instructions imply that reviewers will be looking at the data first. But there are a number of items on the KPI page that appear to be “narratives” e.g. “how performers will help EEI companies access regional opportunities." Could you clarify whether you would like that sort of content in the KPI page or in the narrative section.

KPIs are expected to be addressed entirely within the table. Attachment 6

Are contractors permitted to use their own template when responding to Volume I – Key Performance Indicators and Quote Narrative, or must we use the template provided in the solicitation package as Attachment 6?

Use of Attachment 6 is preferred. N/A

The SOW states that, “The objective of this BPA is to have qualified Senior Commercial Advisor (SCA) Support providers across the US that meet the below Statement of Work Requirements”. Can the Government provide minimum qualifications desired for SCAs, such as education or years of experience, to ensure bidders are meeting expectations for this position?

SCAs shall be highly qualified to execute the SOW Tasks 7.2 N/A

Are the SCA's expected to work full time on the venture or support part time as needed?

This should be an independent business decision. N/A

How many SCAs is DARPA hoping to have access to? Are you anticipating these being full-time or part-time roles?

DARPA expects one SCA per Call Order. N/A

140 Do we have to have named SCAs identified before submitting? No but quoters may submit resumes. See Attachment 4. Attachment 4

141 How many SCAs per Commercial Accelerator is DARPA expecting? DARPA expects one SCA per Call Order. N/A

What are the most critical attributes the Commercial Strategy Office is looking for in a Senior Commercialization Advisor (SCA)?

SCAs shall be highly qualified to execute the SOW Tasks 7.2 N/A

What specific qualifications and experience should Senior Commercial Advisors (SCAs) and Embedded Entrepreneurs (EEs) possess? Are there industry-specific experiences that are particularly valued?

SCAs shall be highly qualified to execute the SOW Tasks 7.2 N/A

When are the commercial accelerators expected to be picked and when will they start working

See page 1 of the RFQ. N/A

145 What is the TRL level for DARPA transition technologies?

Initial Due Diligence and Due Diligence will inform a technology's readiness for commercialization, not any specified Technology Readiness Level.

At what TRL does DARPA expect space technology projects to enter the Commercial Accelerators program? How does DARPA envision the role of Commercial Accelerators in advancing these technologies to higher TRLs?

Initial Due Diligence and Due Diligence will inform a technology's readiness for commercialization, not any specified Technology Readiness Level. Per the SOW, the primary objective is to reduce business risk, not technology risk.

N/A

How many DARPA performers do you anticipate receiving EEI awards annually?

DARPA anticipates 60-100 Call Orders per year. N/A

How many programs are expected to be reviewed for EEI support annually?

DARPA anticipates 60-100 Call Orders per year. N/A

How many Performers are in DARPA’s Programs team? Can Commercial Accelerator Providers expect to see a cadence of 15-25 Performers bid out per quarter? (The RFQ mentions to expect 60-100 Firm Fixed Price Call Orders each year.)

DARPA Program Managers may elect to nominate one or more DARPA Performers in their Programs. Each nomination will result in one Call Order. DARPA anticipates 60-100 Call Orders per year. Specific cadence can't be anticipated.

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