Amendment to answer vendor questions.docx

RFI for Prototype: Reversible Signature Management Overwhite Garments Amendment to answer Vendor Questions:

Question #1 How do we request the classified KPP/KSA document? The attachment on SAM has several redacted metrics.

To receive classified KPP/KSA you’ll need to be on contract with the government, this will occur after submission to the BOTAA.

Question #2: The solicitation requests a BOTAA preproposal against DEVCOMBOTAA22-01. Does this imply that an RFI will be released in 60-90 days?

The RFI is the preproposal to the BOTAA. We are looking for a short paper and approximately 10 yards of fabrics to test next winter. If the materials show promise you can submit a white paper to the BOTAA.

Question #3: The Contractor would be producing 10 yards of fabric for government evaluation as part of the preproposal? Or would this activity be funded by CCDC SC?

Yes, if you have materials that fit the RFI the government would like samples. At minimum 6 x 6” but optimally 10 yards. CCDC SC can purchase these materials if they are available.

NEW QUESTIONS/ANSWERS 22 MAY 2024

Question #4: Are there any costing/ budget guidelines? I'm wondering if there are any general guidelines on typical budgets for projects and their timelines. Also how detailed does the costing information need to be? Is there a template you're able to provide for how this information is generally represented in short-papers?

Each budget and timeline is unique to each effort. For this effort since it focuses on overwhites we would like to have about 10 yards of fabrics ready by end of the calendar year. This allows us time to look at the fabrics out in an operational relevant environment which would be someplace cold with snow and would align with the winter (Jan-March) 2025 timeframe. As for a budget it can be as large or as small as you like what path you chose is up to you however for this effort anything under $1M is appropriate. Costs can be rough estimates of labor, supplies, travel and R&D.

Question #5: Regarding timelines, the RFI has mentioned technologies that are at TRL levels 3-4, but there is a request for a 10yard sample for field testing this winter. My understanding is that to produce samples of that size, we have to consider both the TRL and the MRL level of technologies. Depending on these, development can take more than 6-8 months. With decisions being given in the 60-90 days range, what does this mean for sample delivery?

Samples supplied to this RFI should be at least a TRL 3-4 however you do not have to deliver 10 yards. A 6” by 6” swatch is good enough for now. By winter time we would like to have yardage of fabrics even if its less than 10. We hope to test March 2025 so it gives as much time as possible however I cannot guarantee when the test will be just some point during the winter so it is best to plan for January.