13.1_QAMatrix_Round_1.pdf

DHS SBIR-2013.1 Question and Answer Matrix

As of 12/27/2012

ID# Date

Answered

Topic Area Question Answer

1 12/21/2012 SB013.1-

• 'The goal is for the quick disconnect device/cable to sense when “disengagement” from the supporting structure may be necessary, to be able to safely, quickly, and reliably “disengage” without causing damage to the cable or its support structure, and support rapid restoration (i.e., the ability to “quick connect” the distribution line back up) following the event.'

- It is not clear to us whether the requested device is for "support structure" (as stated above) only or both "a utility pole or support structure" cited in the previous paragraph of the SBIR. (Does this statement mean/imply that the "quick disconnect device/cable" is required only where the cited Siemens Distribution Class Disconnects are used?) Please clarify which locations are to be addressed.

- Secondly, is the goal for a "sensor" only (possibly to operate with, or actuate upon certain conditions, the referenced

Siemens Distribution Class Disconnects) or is this for a new type sensor/connector that will be added it at more "utility poles or support structures" than the referenced disconnects. (A later sentence includes "is based on existing distribution cable designs" which doesn't clarify whether the "preference" is for the cable, the disconnect, or these together.) It would appear that the referenced disconnects are not located at enough locations that it would be useful in preventing damage at every location which a tree or weather and other cited causes would occur. Please clarify the expected locations for the "quick disconnect device/cable" to be used and whether the "quick disconnect device/cable" is it's own device (possibly including a sensor) or a modification/upgrade/improvement to the the referenced Siemens Distribution Class Disconnects.

- Lastly (at this point of time) - If the "quick disconnect device/cable" is to be used broadly, are we to presume that the design would not be limited to the cited Siemens Distribution Class Disconnects or will this program use the cited diconnects as a basis for broader use? (This point becomes mute if an answer to the previous questions make it clear that the goal is something "new".)

• 'The system should not impact normal operations.'

- Is "the system" equivalent to "quick disconnect device/cable" or does "the system" imply that their is a process for monitoring the installed "quick disconnect device/cable" (other than on site visual)? If such a monitoring system is required, would it have to integrate with what may exist at the utilities already?

• 'The quick-disconnect cable system must meet all applicable ANSI/IEEE industry standards, as well as any applicable safety and environmental standards.'

- Having experience with government/military contracts, the "scope" of design is very "open to interpretation" (and subsequently incurs "unexpected" costs/delays in so many circumstances). Can you provide reference to specifications that need to be complied with for the product's design?

- The support structure is assumed to be a utility pole – the requested device is therefore for the utility pole. It does not mean that its only required where Siemens Distribution Class Disconnects are used – that was provided as an example of an existing disconnect (we are not requesting modifications/upgrades/improvements to the Siemens device)

- The goal is for a connector that can sense when it needs to disconnect from the utility pole (something new).

The device could be located anywhere within the distribution system (not associated with the Siemens

Disconnects). It is its own device.

- The system refers to the quick disconnect device/cable – it should have minimal impact to normal every-day operations (no false “disconnects”). If a monitoring feature is incorporated, it should integrate with what already exists at the utilities.

- As this is a new concept, our intent is to keep the scope fairly open.

- The support structure is assumed to be a utility pole – the requested device is therefore for the utility pole. It does not mean that its only required where Siemens Distribution Class Disconnects are used – that was provided as an example of an existing disconnect (we are not requesting modifications/upgrades/improvements to the Siemens device)

- The goal is for a connector that can sense when it needs to disconnect from the utility pole (something new).

The device could be located anywhere within the distribution system (not associated with the Siemens

Disconnects). It is its own device.

- The system refers to the quick disconnect device/cable – it should have minimal impact to normal every-day operations (no false “disconnects”). If a monitoring feature is incorporated, it should integrate with what already exists at the utilities.

- As this is a new concept, our intent is to keep the scope fairly open.'