BAA Questions and Answers Oct 2024 rev.docx

BAA Questions (2024):

1) We have concepts which we feel potentially address well SCO's BAA, but are not clear on which Technical Area may be the best fit. Thus, is it possible to set up an appropriate exchange with SCO to introduce the concepts in order to learn the best BAA Technical Area alignment from SCO?

A: Currently, we are not having technical discussions. Once white papers are received, we will review and decide if they are of interest. Offerors should use their best technical judgement in determining which Technical Area may be the best fit for their concept. Those desiring to submit under multiple technical areas must submit separate white papers. There is no limit to how many white papers an entity may submit against the BAA’s five primary technical areas through its effective date.

2) Can you provide the total anticipated contract value of the BAA and the anticipated value per award?

A: There is no anticipated contract value or anticipated value per award. The resources made available under this BAA will depend on the quality of submissions received and the availability of funds.

3) Is there an estimated award size or range in terms of dollar amount per year? Would it be considered analogous to a Phase I and Phase II SBIR, as described in this SCO document (https://rt.cto.mil/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/SCO-20.2-DPII-_v1.pdf), or would it be more analogous to APFIT (https://ac.cto.mil/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/APFIT_Trifold.pdf)?

A: There is no anticipated award size or range in terms of dollar amount per year. In addition, the Government reserves the right to accept proposals in their entirety or select only portions for award.

4) Can an FFRDC, serve as our subcontractor? It is not clear to me what this statement means for FFRDCs: "must clearly demonstrate that the proposed work is not otherwise available from the private sector" A: FFRDC’s cannot propose to this BAA in any capacity, including as awardee or sub-awardee unless they can demonstrate that what they are providing is not available in the private sector. Reference FAR 35.017(a)(2) which states “an FFRDC may perform work for other than the sponsoring agency under the Economy Act, or other applicable legislation, when the work is not otherwise available from the private sector.” In addition, FAR 35.017-1(c)(4) includes a prohibition against an FFRDC competing with any non-FFRDC concern in response to a Federal agency request for proposal other than the operation of an FFRDC. If considering an FFRDC, please ensure the conditions stated in the BAA under Section IV.A.1.a.1 for FFRDC eligibility are met. SCO will consider FFRDC and government entity eligibility submissions on a case-by-case basis; however, the burden to prove eligibility for all team members rests solely with the offeror.

5) What is the maximum budget that can be requested for each proposal in HY0233-SCO-24-BAA-0001 A. There is no minimum or maximum established. Reference responses to Questions 2 and 3.

6) Can you provide clarity on the difference between HQ0034-SCO-24-BAA-0001 and the recently released HY0233-SCO-24-BAA-0001?

A. HQ0034-SCO-24-BAA-0001 is being replaced by HY0233-SCO-24-BAA-0001.

7) How are ‘calls’ issued under the BAA for the topic areas of interested listed. Is SCO soliciting whitepapers at specific dates TBD?

A. HY0233-SCO-24-BAA-0001 is an open BAA. SCO will not be soliciting calls. White papers should be submitted based on the offer’s best technical judgement in determining which Technical Area may be the best fit for their concept.

8) Are there specific mission timelines that SCO is considering when evaluating BAA submissions??

A. SCO does not have an established timeline. White papers are reviewed as received with the Government intent to respond within a month. Proposals review time will be on a case-by-case basis due to complexity of the effort and availability of Government personnel.

9) I see submission categories for White Papers and Proposals, but not for Executive Summaries. Does your office allow the submission of a short (2ish page) Executive Summary to gauge interest in the topic before committing resources to more complete submissions, like DARPA does?

A. At this time SCO does not fee that 2 pages does not allow a proper evaluation to determine if we’re interested. Executive Summaries will not be accepted in leu of White Papers.