Q&A__5.pdf

SBIR 2018-1

Questions and Answers #5 November 27, 2017

ALL QUESTIONS PERTAINING TO THE SOLICITATION AND ITS SUBTOPICS ARE

DUE NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2017 AT 2:00 PM EASTERN.

Q: Can a non-US non-profit Organization participate in the SBIR Program?

A: This was discussed on Q&A # 3 & 4. I would also recommend viewing the following frequently asked questions from the SBIR website which answers a lot of different questions related to eligibility: https://www.sbir.gov/faqs/eligibility-requirements

Q: Are letters of support allowed/encouraged? Where would be put this in our proposal?

A: Per the solicitation in section 4.3 under Step 2, we do look at letters of support in evaluating economic impacts. So they are permitted. In order for them to be evaluated, though, they have to be included in the 26 page technical proposal. Typically, we see offers submit them at the end of their technical content and before the proposed budget form 9.3.

Q: Subtopic 8.2.7: Approximately how deep does the vehicle need to go to take column samples?

A: Depth is not the main goal of the announcement, gliders currently in use are already capable of reaching optimum depth for sampling. The main goal of the announcement is advancing the capacity to take reliable water samples, at or within 1 meter of the bottom, especially in shallow, highly stratified environments on the shelf. However, the goal is to also compliment the annual hypoxia survey cruises, which typically measure depths from 5.5m - 118m.

Q: Subtopic 8.2.7: Which sensors are needed or what would you like to sense? We see mention salinity, temperature, and depth, but are there other things that you would want measured?

https://www.sbir.gov/faqs/eligibility-requirements

A: The main sensors required would be D.O. salinity, temperature, depth. Also desired would be pH and chlorophyll but not required. The main need is for the glider and it's sensors to be able to collect data at approximately 1 m intervals through the water column, again, in a highly stratified shallow-water environment.

Q: Subtopic 8.2.7: How far apart need the samples be taken for the different depths?

For example, should it be sampled once of every square mile?

A: Again, the main goal of the competition is developing gliders that can compliment current ship-based monitoring programs. As said in the announcement, the main hindrance to this is obtaining accurate samples within 1m of the bottom, and in the nearshore highly stratified environments. As such, the gliders should be on par with previous equipment (page 9 of glider implementation plan), this entails approximately 15-25 km per day as minimum speed. Current depth samples covered by the various monitoring cruises range from 5.5 m - 118 m in depth. A sample taken once every 1 km throughout the entire water column would be sufficient.

Q: Subtopic 8.2.7: How often do the samples need to be taken? Once a week versus once a year?

A: At least monthly transects, at 4 locations. Transects should be completed in less than a week (ultimately 5 days would be best), during the summer hypoxia season.

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