Questions_and_Answers1.pdf

SBIR 2017-1

Questions and Answers #1 November 10, 2016

Q: When is the earliest time the proposals may be submitted for the cycle closing January 25, 2017? Is it possible to submit now?

A: You may submit your proposal as soon as you like. Typically, though, we do not get them until after the end of the question and answer period.

Q: Should we use submission forms from FY2017_SBIR_Phase_I_Solicitation_-_JEC_10-20- 2016_FI…, with doubled page numbers (from the forms and from the solicitation) or download them from elsewhere?

A: You may use the forms from the actual solicitation. We also made form fillable forms available on the FBO.gov website at: https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=a4c3ad8c528d532b28affc993c8 13d83&tab=core&_cview=1. This is the official website for the solicitation, amendments, and any questions and answers. You may want to consider registering at this website, so you receive system emails regarding any updates to this announcement.

Q: Are letters of support required?

A: No, letters of support are not required. But as indicated in Paragraph 4.3 of the solicitation under the Step 2 Phase, they may be taken into consideration in evaluation of the “Economic Impact” evaluation of the proposal.

Q: How is the proposal number generated or how the proposal’s individual pages identified, e.g.

what goes in header?

A: We have no specific requirements for the headers on each individual page. It would be helpful though if you would like to list the following:

- Title of Proposed Project (from from 9.1)

- Solicitation Subtopic No.

- Submitting Firm’s Name

Page numbers can be input at the bottom of the page.

In terms of the proposal number, NOAA will assign a number. We will assign a number to it and forward that information to you for future reference when corresponding with us regarding it (see Solicitation para. 6.2).

Q: How do we denote proprietary information?

https://www.fbo.gov/utils/view?id=f744fc795391927740b1d672b6164801 https://www.fbo.gov/utils/view?id=f744fc795391927740b1d672b6164801 https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=a4c3ad8c528d532b28affc993c813d83&tab=core&_cview=1 https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=a4c3ad8c528d532b28affc993c813d83&tab=core&_cview=1

A: As indicated in 3.3.1 of the Solicitation (bottom paragraph), the proprietary notice section on the end of the cover sheet has a spot where you can indicate what pages of the proposal are proprietary (Form 9.1). It is also discussed in 5.5.1 of the solicitation. A screen shot of the relevant section is included below:

Q: On Subtopic 8.3.2, is the lifting UAS required to be a fixed wing VTOL?

A: Yes. Fixed wing is needed for endurance and VTOL is needed for operation from a ship.

Q: On Subtopic 8.3.2, could a high-strength ballon or miniature seaplane work?

A: No. A balloon can not go high enough (12,000 feet) and a seaplane would be unworkable at wind speeds up to 30 kts.

Q: On Subtopic 8.3.2, what are the landing or launch size parameters?

A: 20 feet x 20 feet

Q: On Subtopic 8.3.2, what is the maximum and minimum mission duration? It is more than one day allowed?

A: 1 to 8 hours.

Q: On Subtopic 8.3.2, what is the flight ceiling desired for this platform?

A: 12,000 feet

In order to ensure fair competition, all communication must be routed through the CO to ensure all potential offerors receive the same information.