QuestionandAnswers2.pdf

SBIR 2015-1

Questions and Answers #2 December 5, 2014

Q: What is the due date for the proposals?

A: Proposals are due on January 14, 2015.

Q: On Subtopic 8.1.1F: In reading the subtopic, it sounds like it is meant more for the east or west coasts. There are saltwater shrimp farmers in the midwest (such as Illinois and Indiana). We are wondering if we can potentially propose taking the marine system from the coast to inland. However, it is unclear to us if Midwest farmers and other small business organizations are eligible to qualify under this subtopic?

A: Midwest businesses/organizations are also eligible to apply. However, please note that the focus of the subtopic is improving seed production, thus proposals addressing hatching, larval survival, and other seed production bottlenecks will be given priority.

Q: On Subtopic 8.1.1F: Can you provide a little more information on the origination of this subtopic? We were curious if you are looking primarily for a West Coast solution to the problem?

A: Shortage of spat and seed for marine farms is an issue in most regions including East, West and Gulf Coasts, as well as Alaska and Pacific islands, for different reasons. It is not limited to the West coast.

Q: On Subtopic 8.1.1F: Can a University qualify to win this award?

A: SBIR awards are awarded to firms that meet the definition of small business, as discussed in the solicitation. Small businesses, though, can subcontract with Universities and other small or large businesses for portions of the work. As indicated in the solicitation under paragraph 1.5 for Phase I, the small business concern must complete a minimum of two-thirds of the research and/or analytical effort.

For Phase II, the small business concern must complete a minimum of one-half of the research and/or analytical effort.

Q: On Subtopic 8.1.2N, can you give any additional details on how the sample will be collected? That is, will the user wade out into water of a particular depth, or collect directly over the shore/sand? Will all elements of the test be performed at the waterside (batteries), or will the sample be taken to a location with a power outlet?

A: As currently envisioned the surface samples collected at the edge of the surf. Part of the project will be aimed at confirming the best location and method to collect the samples, but this does not have a significant bearing on the test kit. Whatever sampling method is chosen, the samples will be brought back onshore for analysis. Ideally the unit would be battery powered for maximal flexibility.

Q: On Subtopic 8.1.2N, what is a reasonable footprint for the test set? A briefcase? A multimeter?

A: Ideally the device should be a small handheld unit not much bigger than the palm of your hand and cost less than $500 so that local governments and NGOs can afford to purchase multiple units for routine monitoring.

Q: On Subtopic 8.2.1F: Is it better for the array to go deeper in the water column? Or should it go further astern to get away from the ship noise that is emitted from all power-plants on board?

A: Our survey methods require us to survey at 10 knots with the array no greater than 300m aft of the ship. While an increased depth of the array and distance astern of the ship would be preferred for some species, we have found it to be difficult given our constraints. Furthermore, we have found that we are able to sample even deep-diving species despite these constraints. We do require an array depth of at least 6m.