SINTRA BAA QA Round 2 v2_clean.pdf

SINTRA Q&A

Round 2, IARPA-BAA-22-02

97. If an entity has a UARC program can they submit a proposal and what is expected for a conflict-of-interest review?

Answer: An entity of which only a portion has been designated as a UARC may be eligible to submit a proposal or participate as a team member, subject to an OCI review. If the UARC is unrelated to the BAA topic and there are sufficient firewalls in place, it may possible for the entity to participate. The specifics of each such case must be reviewed. Please reference BAA sections 3.A, Eligible Applicants, and 3.A.1 Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI).

98. Can the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) partner on the proposal? While we understand that they cannot receive any money from the program, we are considering placing our scientists at NRL to conduct the plasma physics experimental investigations. Would we under this arrangement be violating any requirements or laws?

Answer: As detailed in the SINTRA BAA Section 1.A.2, paragraph 9, the NRL plasma chamber will be offered for use to SINTRA performers. IARPA will provide two separate two-week experiments per Program Phase at no additional cost to the Performer. This testing is a Government-provided service. Offers must include any necessary travel costs in their proposal. An overview of the NRL plasma chamber is provided on the IARPA SINTRA Page, under Proposer’s Day Lightning Talks.

Also, please see BAA Section 3.A, Eligible Applicants, regarding use of Government Agencies, FFRDCs and UARCs. Also, see Answer to Question #2 in Round 1 Q&As.

99. Per my reading of the BAA, TA1 will be performed during Phase I (years 1-2) and TA2 will be performed during Phase II (years 3-4). This means that TA2 work cannot be carried out during years 1-2 and vice versa, correct?

Answer: Please refer to BAA Amendment #2, Section 1.A.2. The contract will have two contract line items (CLINs): CLIN 0001 for the Base period – Phase 1 TA1. CLIN 0002 (option) for Phase 2 TA2.

Typically, each CLIN will have a separate period of performance. However, as outlined in Table 1 of the BAA, a low level of work is anticipated for TA2 during Phase 1. For example, the debris detection time metric is aligned with TA2, and will be evaluated during Phase 2 Milestone 1, but a relaxed metric is provided in Phase 1 to allow for investigation. Therefore, minor exploration of TA2 work and associated costs for this minor work are acceptable during Phase 1 (CLIN 0001). Please ensure this work is clearly identified in the proposal. Additionally, as stated in BAA Section 1.A.2, regression testing will be conducted during Phase 2 to ensure that the Phase 1 performance of Performer software deliverables is maintained during Phase 2 development. The associated costs for this are acceptable during Phase 2 (CLIN 0002). Ensure to clearly identify in this work in the proposal.

100. Does the Phase I require making actual observations or theoretical trade studies are allowed/sufficient. Conversely, if hypothetically we are proposing to develop a new radar technology, do real observations need to be made since that will require a new radar system to be built?

Answer: Trade studies are out of scope. Actual performance against program metrics must be demonstrated. New space-based sensors can be demonstrated on the ground or in air in already existing facilities. IARPA will not be responsible for the construction of any infrastructure, see Question #69 in the first round of questions. Testing and validation cannot be dependent on launch.

101. Since novel and innovative approaches are likely to have their own limitations, is a team allowed to explore multiple innovative approaches and perhaps use an additive approach to overcome limitations of some of the methods? Would that be responsive to the BAA?

Answer: A combination of multiple approaches in one submission is acceptable to achieve program metrics. Multiple submissions are also acceptable. See BAA Section 3.A.2. Each submission must stand alone in responsiveness to the BAA requirements.

102. Recently I came to know about IARPA and saw that there is an open solicitation on SINTRA. I haven't participated in the presenter day since I did not know about this program. Can I submit my proposal?

Answer: Yes. Participation in the RFI workshop and/or Proposer’s Day is not required to submit a proposal. All Eligible Applicants can submit a proposal. Please see BAA Section 3.A., Eligible Applicants. All of the information presented at the Proposer’s Day for this program can be found on the IARPA website on the SINTRA page IARPA - SINTRA.

103. We would like to confirm that TA1 can be performed concurrently with TA2. Could you please advise?

Answer: Please refer to Question #99 above.

104. We would like to have a few minutes with Dr. Truitt to discuss our approach before committing to writing a proposal. Please advise if we can schedule a virtual session with Dr. Truitt this week or early next week.

Answer: Unfortunately, we are prohibited from talking to anyone directly during the open BAA period. All questions must be submitted through the process described in the BAA and all answers will be published on SAM.gov. If you have questions on the BAA, you should send them to dni-iarpa-baa-22-02@iarpa.gov prior to October 21 @ 5:00pm where they will be considered under the limitations imposed by all applicable laws and regulations.