NextSTEP_BAA_Appendix_G_Q&A.pdf

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Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships -2 (NextSTEP-2)

Omnibus Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

Appendix G: Space Relay Partnership and Services Study NNH16ZCQ001K- SRP

Questions and Answers

Q1: Can NASA civil servants, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) employees, national laboratories, and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) partner with eligible proposers?

A1: No. As noted in section 4.1 “Eligibility of Applicants” of the BAA Instructions, NASA civil servants, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) employees, national laboratories, and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) shall not be eligible to propose on any effort associated with this announcement.

Q2: We desire clarification about the overall scope of architectures you are seeking, as we read different information in different documents. Specifically, we would like to know whether proposals being sought must be limited to Sun-Earth L1/L2 and cis-lunar relay architectures. Or will consideration of non-Earth, planetary relay systems will be allowed?

A2: The call is for studies of near-Earth relay communications architectures that can also be extensible to non-Earth, planetary communication architectures. Note: The Appendix G BAA package identifies near- Earth as to include LEO/MEO/HEO/GEO/Cislunar/Sun-Earth L1&L2….i.e. ground & space extensible to 2M Km consistent with near-Earth spectrum allocations.

Q3: We understand that the cap is $500,000, however, will offerors be evaluated on cost, profit, and total price? What is NASA's interest in cost and profit on an FFP type contract? Such details seem unnecessary for a FFP with such a low funding cap.

A3: As noted in section 6 “Proposal Review Information” of the BAA Instructions, price will be evaluated as follows: The Government will evaluate the overall cost reasonableness of the firm fixed price estimate and corporate contributions including the extent to which the Offeror complied with the specified dollar limits in this Announcement. The Government will evaluate the total direct labor hours by skill mix, travel, and subcontracts. In addition, an analysis will be done on the corporate contribution to ensure that it properly aligns with the proposed effort.

Q4: Request removal of this clause (Section E.2) because it only applies to contracts for supplies, and this contract deals with reports and briefings only.

A4: The clause shall remain. In accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations, the contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.246-16, Responsibility for Supplies, in solicitations and contracts for research and development, when a fixed-price contract is contemplated and the contract amount is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. The contracting officer may insert the clause in such solicitations and contracts when the contract amount is not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold and inclusion of the clause is authorized under agency procedures.

http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/52_246.htm#P279_51253

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Q5: What does the inspection and acceptance of all work will be performed at NASA GRC entail (Section E.3)?

A5: Inspection and acceptance of the study deliverables will be performed at NASA GRC. It will entail a detailed review of the study as specified in Appendix G BAA Section 5.1.2 Deliverables and Deliverable Schedule.

Q6: We understand that the maximum total contract period is 5 months, other than contract clauses H.3, and H.6 (if not removed). Should offerors estimate cost and schedule for this effort beyond 5 months?

A6: Contract will be no longer than a 5-month effort; bidders may propose a shorter period of performance. The model contract will be amended and the clauses H.3 and H.6 will be removed.

Q7: Clause (Section G.1) requires contractor to submit correspondence to the New Technology Representative. However, the link included in the clause requires a smart card to access. Request NASA identifies the New Technology Representative for this effort.

A7: Please see the below revised hyperlink which identifies the New Technology Representative for this effort.

https://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/techrep.html

Q8: Prescription clause 1852.232-80 requires 1852.232-80 in cost-reimbursement contracts only.

According to Section B, this is an FFP type contract. NFS 1852.232-80 appears not to apply. Please remove accordingly.

A8: This clause will not be removed. In accordance with NASA FAR Supplement, clause 1852.232-80 is required in all contracts.

Q9: This clause (Section G.3) applies to contracts with progress payments only or that include property clauses prescribed in FAR Part 45. Neither applies here. Also, this effort does not contemplate providing USG owned property. Therefore, please remove this clause.

A9: Correct. The model contract will be amended and the clause removed.

Q10: The milestone deliverable/payment schedule has a kick-off meeting, mid-term review, and contract completion as payment milestones. How does this align with the reports due under H.3, H.6, and H.8?

Does the "Final Briefing" constitute contract completion of the reports due under H.3, H.6, and H.8? Or does the Final Report under H.3 need to be completed/accepted before the final milestone can be paid?

Appendix G 5.1.2 states that payment milestones should reference studies complete for that payment but Model Contract G.6 does not include a space to reference studies completed. Where should contractors list studies?

A10: The model contract will be amended and the clauses H.3, H.6, and H.8 will be removed.

https://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/techrep.html

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Q11: Due to the limited timeframe and resources for this effort, recommend removal of this clause (Section H.8). The requirement for monthly reporting of additional requirements for monthly progress reports that must include 1) a technical progress summary, 2) current problems and 3) risk management in addition to TIMs and other meetings greatly diverts technical resources away from the actual work under the study to do administrative reporting. It would be a better use of the time and resources to dedicate the limited time and resources to performing the actual study/work. The time saved from monthly reporting would then be free to focus on providing the best technical responses possible within 5 months.

A11: Correct. The model contract will be amended and the clause removed.

Q12: Does NASA plan to direct conference attendance as part of this study (Section H.9)?

If so, such directions is required before the proposal submission is due to accurately price it.

A12: H.9 of the model contract will be amended and the clause removed. However, travel will be required to support the deliverable schedule in Section 5.1.2 of the Appendix G BAA.

Q13: This clause (Section I.15) should only be included if FAR 52.204-7 is included. FAR 52.204-7 is not included. Should FAR 52.204-7 be included in this contract?

A13: FAR clause 52.204-13 is to stay in the model contract. FAR 52.204-7 will be added to the model contract when it is amended.

Q14: BAA states - The Offeror shall describe the approach for data rights, and how they meet the objectives outlined in the omnibus BAA, Section 2.7, Intellectual Property Developed Under an Award.

Where is Section 2.7?

A14: Section 2.7 of the omnibus BAA can be found at:

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/nextstep-2_omnibus_baa_amendment_5.pdf

Q15: BAA states that the Offeror shall provide total direct labor hours by skill mix, travel, and subcontracts in accordance with the price proposal sample format set forth in the omnibus BAA, Attachment. Where is the price proposal sample format in Attachment A or price forms in the BAA instructions?

A15: The price proposal sample format in Attachment A can be found within the omnibus BAA at:

Q16: The BAA has identified 10 study topics. Does the proposal have to cover all 10 topics, or can it address just those topics we are more familiar with?

A16: The intent is to have offerors respond to each study topic. “All Offerors shall provide a single proposal that addresses all of the following study topics identified in Section 2.2”. Section 5.1.1 Approach to Conducting Studies (item IV page 18) provides additional guidance: “…For RF services only, payload accommodations (study topic 2.2.2) may not apply.”

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Q17: Will NASA be holding an Industry Day for this procurement?

A17: There will not be an Industry Day held for this procurement.

Q18: Are the topics listed in Section 2.2 equal in priority? Or, is there a relative weighting/importance attached to each of the 10?

A18: There is no weighting/importance of the 10 study topic areas. All are equal in priority.

Q19: For the NASA-provided architecture in Figure 2;

• Please provide confirmation that the Ka-band system requirement is 1.2 Gbps downlink?

• By identifying two government-owned spacecraft – does NASA intend to operate its own network in addition to the commercial networks?

• Is the downlink 200 Gbps or 100 Gbps?

A19:

• Please provide confirmation that the Ka-band system requirement is 1.2 Gbps downlink?

Attachment C Architecture Requirement 3.5.5 (page 24) Ka-band from relay to ground station will range from 300 kbps to 1.2 Gbps. Note the Architecture Requirements is a draft document for the BAA topic 2.1 which NASA is interested in comment and assessment as part of the BAA study.

• By identifying two government-owned spacecraft – does NASA intend to operate its own network in addition to the commercial networks?

NASA intends to own and operate the minimum capacity necessary to address NASA R&D, network testing, and capacity needed to support User Missions that require government ownership of the network. NASA does intend for commercial partner to operate its own commercial networks and to be interoperable with the NASA network. NASA will not offer services to users that would constitute competition with commercial providers. NASA expects to purchase the majority of its services from commercial providers.

• Is the downlink 200 Gbps or 100 Gbps?

Attachment C Architecture Requirement 3.5.3 states space to ground interface from 10 Gbps to 100 Gbps. Note the Architecture Requirements is a draft document for the BAA topic 2.1 which NASA is interested in comment and assessment as part of the BAA study. Also, NASA is envisioning future higher data rate that is scalable above 100 Gbps.

Figure 2 is a Notional Next Generation Relay Initial Operating Capability.

Q20: Page 5 in App. G: "Figure 2 depicts the early capability of one NASA Network relay and relays for two commercial partners’ PRSs." Does this imply that the first two commercial satellites will necessarily be procured from two different companies?

A20: Figure 2 is a depiction of a Notional Next Generation Relay Initial Operating Capability. NASA desires to partner with multiple providers for communication services to reduce mission risk and ensure service longevity. The procurement approach from single or multiple companies has not yet been decided, however the number of relays offered by the partner will depend on their commercial business plan and

5 | P a g e strategy. Part of the study is to assess potential demand beyond NASA’s missions which will drive the capacity that commercial partners would pursue.

Q21: Please explain how this BAA solicitation fits into the overall acquisition strategy leading to award of Partner 2 & Partner 3 Relay Systems. For instance, will this study BAA lead to a down select of Partner Relay Satellite 2 and Partner Relay Satellite 3 providers . . . or will NASA acquire the PRS2 and PRS3 through a separate competition? For planning purposes, when will the RFP for competing the PRS2 and PRS3 be released?

A21: This BAA study is not intended to down select the PRS provider(s). The BAA study will help NASA to formulate strategies and synthesize the requirements needed for the Next Gen Architecture and future acquisition. Future acquisitions will be through a separate and competitive process, which NASA is anticipating in FY20.

Q22: Which quarter of which fiscal year should we assume the Partner 1 (Government owned) spacecraft be launched and operational?

A22: NASA is targeting to have an operational PRS1 in 2025 (3rd Quarter FY25) which is based on anticipated capacity needs.

Q23: Which quarter of which fiscal year should we assume the NASA OCP be delivered to the commercial Partner 2 for integration on the commercially provided satellite?

A23: NASA is interested of when the Partner will need NASA OCP to be delivered in the partnership for the Partner earliest launch date. NASA OCP can be made available to the Partner in 3rd Quarter of FY24.

Q24: The BAA states NASA will add commercially provided RF satellite-to-satellite services, as the Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS) reach the end of their design lifetime and retire. What year should inter-satellite RF services be IOC on commercial Partner Relay Satellites and what types of RF services will be expected (e.g. high-bandwidth schedule services, low bandwith unscheduled services, etc.)?

A24: The Space Network’s TDRSS RF capability (S-, Ku-, and Ka-band) will continue to provide RF services to users into the 2030s. NASA anticipates part of the BAA study results (Topic 2.2.3, Optical and RF Commercial Services and Topic 2.2.7, Service Transition Plan) will unveil the types of RF services and a timeline of when these commercial services will be available for NASA to consider to use. NASA’s assessment and testing with commercially provided services could begin as soon as the services are available that meet NASA’s needs. RF services could be either high rate (Ka-band) or low-medium rate RF (S-band). The desired architecture will be capable of launching additional optical and RF capacity on short lead time based on disaggregated (modular) payloads.

Q25: There seems to be a disconnect in the following sections:

1) App. G, Section 1.2 (pg 8): "This procurement does not include commercializing the NASA-provided optical communications payload. If deemed appropriate by the Government, commercializing the NASA-provided payload will occur through other, separate procurement activities."

2) App. G, Section 2.2.2 (pg. 11): "Unlike a hosted payload service, these accommodations and terminals provide optical services to NASA missions and potentially may be used for a commercial purpose such as

6 | P a g e servicing other customers of the partner. In addition, the partner may consider incorporating NASA’s optical communication system into future commercial satellite nodes and ground infrastructure, which may further advance the service capability and availability."

In what timeframe (estimated fiscal year) can the NASA OCP be used for commercial purposes?

A25: NASA envisions multiple activities in partnership with industry related to the optical communication payload and commercially provided services. One current activity (e.g. App. G, Section 1.2 (pg 8)) is the commercialization (technology transfer) of the optical payload. This entails a transition of NASA optical technology to commercial partners for optical payload components (e.g., control electronics, modem, and optical module). This activity will be done under a separate procurement activity. A future procurement activity (e.g. App. G, Section 2.2.2 (pg. 11)) will be the development of one or more commercial nodes, which accommodates one of the NASA optical communication payloads. The details on possible transfers of NASA optical communication payloads to the partner companies are a task within this procurement activity, the Partnership and Services Study.

Q26: What are the restrictions on using ground terminals located outside the U.S.A. and using non-US subcontractors?

A26: This Appendix is open to non-Government U.S. institutions (companies, nonprofit organizations) only. NASA civil servants, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) employees, national laboratories, and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) shall not be eligible to propose on any effort associated with this announcement. Refer to the Draft Architecture Requirements 3.3. Note the Architecture Requirements is a draft document for the BAA topic 2.1 which NASA is interested in comment and assessment as part of the BAA study.

Q27: In Appendix G, Section 4.1, it states that "This Appendix is open to non-Government U.S.

Institutions (companies, nonprofit organizations) only." May the U.S. prime contractor utilize non-U.S.

subcontractors?

A27: This Appendix is open to non-Government U.S. institutions (companies, nonprofit organizations) only. NASA civil servants, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) employees, national laboratories, and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) shall not be eligible to propose on any effort associated with this announcement. A U.S. Company may utilize a U.S. subsidiary of a non-U.S.

company as partner or subcontractor.

Q28: In App. G, page 18, "Proof of Eligibility: Provide information showing that the Respondent and all team members are eligible participants as stipulated in Section 3 of the omnibus BAA and Section 4 of this Appendix. Describe compliance with eligibility requirements as needed. Explain how the required corporate contribution resources will be satisfied."

What is the definition of a team member?

A28: Offerors are required to show a minimum corporate contribution of 20% (10% for a Small Business as defined by the SBIR small business eligibility, as posted here:

(http://sbir.nasa.gov/content/nasa-sbirsttr-program-definitions) of the overall effort, made within the last year, that is directly relevant to the proposed effort for eligibility to participate in this solicitation. The overall effort is defined as the combination of corporate contribution and government resources invested in the proposed effort. 50% of the Corporate Contribution must be invested coincident with the period of

7 | P a g e performance of this effort. Offerors shall describe how they intend to meet this eligibility requirement in Section II of the proposal. Additional information on corporate resources is contained in the omnibus portion of this BAA.

Corporate contribution may be in the form of direct labor, travel, consumables or other in-kind contributions. Also, other reasonable forms of corporate contribution may include investments in special facilities or equipment, tooling or other prior private investment, and internally funded technology maturation such as Independent Research and Development (IRAD) are deemed acceptable for this effort.

For this BAA, state and local government contributions may be included with private corporate resources.

Criteria and procedures for the allowability and allocability of cash and non-cash contributions shall be governed by FAR Parts 30 and 31, and NFS Parts 1830 and 1831. NASA reserves the right to hold due diligence discussions to make reasonable determinations regarding corporate contributions.

A team member would be defined as a non-Government U.S. institution (companies, nonprofit organizations).

Q29: Please confirm if offerors will be required to address all study topics or a specific study topic. Section 2.1 mentions study topics where Section IV mentions topics and a specific study topic.

A29: Please see A16.

Q30: Please clarify what is meant in the statement below:

On page 11, Section 2.2.2, the second paragraph, “A partnership accommodating NASA’s optical communication payload includes the approach and trades for b) equipment transfer to the partner or from a commercial source as decided with the partner.”

A30: NASA OCP may come from NASA or commercial source(s). NASA is exploring ways under the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and FAR Supplements to transfer/acquisition of the NASA optical communication payloads to the partners.

Q31: Please clarify if there are any restrictions on the corporate contribution requirements. Can clarification be made regarding what is meant by “directly relevant to the proposed effort?”

A31: Corporate contribution may be in the form of direct labor, travel, consumables or other in-kind contributions. Also, other reasonable forms of corporate contribution may include investments in special facilities or equipment, tooling or other prior private investment, and internally funded technology maturation such as Independent Research and Development (IRAD) are deemed acceptable for this effort.

For this BAA, state and local government contributions may be included with private corporate resources.

Offerors are required to show a minimum corporate contribution of 20% (10% for a Small Business).

50% of the Corporate Contribution must be invested coincident with the period of performance of this effort.

Directly relevant to the proposed effort is a direct financial link to the project. The requirements and restrictions or constraints for corporate contribution are specified in Section 4.2 of Appendix G.

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Q32: What percentage of corporate contribution may be provided by subcontractors under a prime?

A32: No limit. NASA is interested in the overall contribution and it is up to the respondent and their partners or subcontractors to determine the appropriate percentage contribution.

Q33: Is the offeror required to propose to ALL topics in Section 2.2? If not, what is the minimum number of topics OR are there specific topics that an offeror is required to propose to study?

A33: Please see A16.

Q34: Is the scope of this paragraph (Section 2.2.10 paragraph 1), intended to be limited to Space-to- Space terminals or also apply to Ground to Space and Space to Ground terminals?

A34: The scope of this topic (2.2.10) is user space terminal interoperability (Space-to-Space) - Capabilities of user terminals and the functions needed to roam among multiple RF or optical service providers, yet are competitive with current single-provider user terminals in terms of mass, power, volume, and cost.

Section 2.2.4 Interoperability among Multiple Service Providers addresses the Ground to Space and Space to Ground aspects among service providers.

Section 2.2.4 - This study topic defines an approach for interoperability among service providers, (e.g., Government, commercial, or international space agency partner), enabling internetwork compatibility among the providers and the ability for user missions to “roam” or transition operations among service providers. Interoperability may entail accommodations from both the service providers (multiple) and corresponding user terminals with an appropriate role and actions by the Government.

Q35: Is NASA providing a Ka-band payload along with the first optical payload? If so, what components are included? Provide mass and power estimates is possible.

A35: No. Currently NASA does not plan to provide Ka-band payload.

Q36: Are there going to be any EAR/ITAR restrictions on passing NASA-provided documentation to foreign nationals or a foreign-owned entity who may be performing work for this study?

A36: Yes. Designated EAR/ITAR materials are to be handled in accordance with U.S. export control laws.

Q37: Are there going to be any EAR/ITAR restrictions on passing information, or anything related from this study that originate from foreign nationals or from a foreign-owned entity to NASA?

A37: Designated EAR/ITAR materials are to be handled in accordance with U.S. export control laws.

Q38: Is NASA providing a Ka-band payload along with the first optical payload? If so, what components are included? Provide mass and power estimates is possible.

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A38: Please see A35.

Q39: Would NASA accept a solution that calls for the U.S. entity to utilize an international partner for the purposes of providing technical background information on currently fielded space based optical systems and services that would be useful in determining how additional users (beyond NASA) could be served in conjunction with NASA users aboard future PPP spacecraft?

A39: NASA will accept a solution that calls for U.S. entity to utilize collaborators from non-US organizations for providing technical background information. While collaborators employed by non-U.S.

organizations may be identified as part of a proposal submitted by a U.S. organization, NASA funding through this BAA may not be used to support research efforts by non-U.S. organizations at any level.

However, the direct purchase of supplies and/or services that do not constitute research from non-U.S.

sources by U.S. award recipients is permitted.

Q40: Would an award under this BAA preclude a bidder from participating in a follow-on procurement by the government?

A40: No. Please see section 4.3 Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) within the BAA Instructions for additional details. Section 4.3 of the BAA Appendix G states “NASA has determined that the receipt of a contract from this appendix will not constitute an OCI based on biased ground rules that would prevent the recipients from proposing on subsequent solicitations regarding future Public-Private Partnerships described in this BAA.”

Q41: I am hoping to find out if there is an incumbent contractor currently performing these services or if this is a new requirement. If there is an incumbent, could you please provide the contract number?

A41: There is currently no contractor providing these services. This is a new requirement.

Q42: I am looking for the price proposal sample format and forms referenced in Sec 5.1.1, subsection VII of Appendix G. It refers to Attachment A, which is the Architecture and Optical Payload Overview document. Can you clarify where I might find the sample and the forms?

A42: The price proposal sample format in Attachment A can be found within the omnibus BAA at: