USSOCOM-BAAST-2020 QA.pdf

USSOCOM‐BAAST‐2020 Vendor Question and Answer List

18 May 2020

Question Answer are white papers below $3M threshold acceptable Submit white paper and if interested SOCOM could still contact contractor;

recommend that you address areas of strength within your lab and company, as well as how they can offer a unique and disruptive technical solution for the SOF operator. Propose a capability in your white paper that will differentiate you from other competitors and offer a solution that is nested within the SOF environment’s reach.

Regard the BAA document for 4.2, in order to decode the cellular device performance data, QUALCOMM propriety data format is needed, referred as QUALCOMM chipset ICD interface control document. The price for the document includes GSM, UMTS, LTE and 5GNR could cost about US$

1.2 million, and annual renew cost about $200‐300k. We want to understand if the BAA contract will pay the cost stand alone or offeror(s) include the cost into the ROM.

Yes, the Government will consider the licensing costs as part of an overall white paper. The vendor will need to disclose all service fees, licensing, and other associated costs as a part of the ROM submission in the white paper. It is preferred that these costs are broken out / separated from the technical work proposed in order to convey a complete understanding. The best answer is that you would include the cost of the chip set ICD and annual renewal as part of the ROM cost in the white paper.

After reading your BAA, RD‐CXR are investigating the proposition of partnering. We are reaching out to see if your timeline for execution (21 May 20) has been superseded or amended to a new date and if so, is there still time to add a topic on your BAA. If we can still submit what is the date of submission and would there be an issue for us in terms of generating a white paper, please advise.

The deadline has not been extended at this time. White Papers submitted by the deadline will be considered for upcoming funding cycle. BAA will remain open and can receive additional white papers addressing technology areas at any time. The Government will evaluate them as time and funding permits.

Can we propose a start that is some months out? I realize you wouldn’t pay a contractor before they perform work.

We have a couple of items that hopefully, will be in process this summer. One is standing up a lab and two is we may be starting an Army Phase III with related technology to

4.3.1.1 and that data and the aforementioned lab would help inform the study for this topic.

Yes, a company can propose something that will start in several months; Ensure that the technical approach in the white paper addresses the specific technology area and the reason for a delayed start (TRL, tech availability, something else)

1) Paragraph 5.1 of USSOCOM‐BAAST‐2020 states “All Offeror’s submitting white papers shall complete requisite data fields for USSOCOM‐BAAST‐2020 at the following URL:

//CAUTION//https://www.socom.mil/SOFATL/Pages/baa.a spx//CAUTION//”. This website is not working at this time.

In case of continued website error messages, can the Government post the data fields to Beta.SAM that contractors are required to fill out and submit via email?

The SOCOM BAA website is generating a statement to acknowledge receipt for each vendor's submission. Please let us know if you continue to have problems with the URL

1) Do offerors have the option to submit classified information in response to this BAA? If yes, will the Government issue a DD254 specific to this BAA?

There is a classified addendum to the BAA, mentioned in paragraph 4.1.2.

This

Can you confirm that white papers can be submitted from non‐US companies?

A foreign owned company may submit a white paper.

If a white paper is selected for an RFP what type of contract does SOCOM look to execute? FFP, CPFF, etc.

Any contract type that is appropriate for the requirement

With regard to the most recent USSOCOM BAAST 2020, once a white paper/ROM is selected, is the contractor then asked to submit an actual proposal?

Yes, typically RFPs will be communicated during the 1st and 2nd QTR of the next Fiscal Year.

Is there a limit to how many submissions a company can submit?

No. White papers should be submitted for each distinct solution that is offered.

Does the BAA allow for Human Performance Lab at Wright Pat to submit proposals for such. Please advise

Yes

As we narrow down to our final proposal in the next few days, would it be possible to send you and your team a very brief breakdown of the different technologies so we might get your insight as to which would be most responsive to SOCOM's envisioned needs?

No specific insight will be given to steer or shape white papers; It is recommended that you address areas of strength within your lab and company, as well as how they can offer a unique and disruptive technical solution for the SOF operator. Propose a capability in your white paper that will differentiate you from other competitors and offer a solution that is nested within the SOF environment’s reach.

1. When will USSOCOM‐BAAST‐2020 be added to //CAUTION//https://www.socom.mil/SOF‐ ATL/Pages/baa.aspx//CAUTION//?

The SOCOM BAA website is generating a statement to acknowledge receipt for each vendor's submission. Please let us know if you continue to have problems with the URL

1. Section 3.0 of the BAA states that “offerors who wish to be considered for award in the fiscal years 2020 and 2021 must submit white papers on or before 21 May 2020, at 11:00 a.m. EDT, unless superseded, amended, or cancelled.” Considering the COVID‐19 pandemic and the resource constraints that we are experiencing as a consequence, we would like to know if the Government plans to issue an amendment extending the 21 May deadline.

The deadline has not been extended at this time. White Papers submitted by the deadline will be considered for upcoming funding cycle. BAA will remain open and can receive additional white papers addressing technology areas at any time. The Government will evaluate them as time and funding permit.

1. I was wondering if SOCOM is able to articulate what the dollar ceiling might be for this BAA. I do see that SOCOM is looking for efforts scoped in the $3‐15M range over a 36‐72 month period but we’re trying to determine at what point funds may be expended.

USSOCOM S&T Investments may span the entire range depending upon the greatest technology need and the complexity of the technical approach.

Typically, S&T is looking for efforts that have multiple phases (technology development, concept demonstration, and prototype development) with anticipated deliverables to the Government at each phase.

1. What are the rules pertaining to Intellectual Property (IP) if government funds are used to further the development of our product? Or, where can I best find reference material?

The Government cannot provide advice related to vendors related to their IP. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 27 generally addresses IP;

however, this may or may not apply to any agreement arising from the BAA.

1. Other than this BAA opportunity, are there other more appropriate ways to obtain funding to further the development and retain full IP rates upon completion of the effort available to USSOCOM?

USSOCOM S&T is open to multiple different acquisition pathways (FAR, Non‐FAR, etc) and will consider cost‐ sharing or other agreements as required

Is it possible for someone on your team to send me a copy of a historical white paper that was awarded funding to use as an example/template?

no.

Is there a template for the USSOCOM‐BAAST‐2020 ‐ Integrated Master Schedule?

No template; Contract format is encouraged. The goal is to outline the top level activities and schedule drivers along with funding and other resource loading

Section 5.3.6 of USSOCOM‐BAAST‐2020 says that “The Offeror shall submit a quad chart following the example at Appendix A.” The Appendix, however, does not provide an example quad chart. Is there a formatting guideline, or is the format non‐specific, provided that the quad chart covers the items listed in 5.3.6?

No template; Contract format is encouraged. The goal is to outline the key aspects of your project and white paper concept, as well as to address the items listed in 5.3.6.

1. How firm is SOCOM on the format of the response, as we have an electronic response that ties in with the technology we are proposing and would like to respond using that format.

USSOCOM is not firm on the format;

contractor format is encouraged.

Ensure that the white paper response can stand alone to represent the proposed concept

2. One of the ancillary aspects of our technology proposal has a signature management component, but the majority is not, do we need to use the alternate method for our white paper if we include that feature?

No, submit to the technology focus area that is responsive to the technology needs listed. Note: All classified information (signature management or other technology) must be submitted through the Signature Management (Next Gen Mobility) area.

Regarding the disruptive technology approach for 4.2, can we have the existing network diagram to better guide the road?

No, SOCOM is not disclosing any existing network diagrams to define current state vs. disruptive

Do we have to cover the whole 4.2? or can we focus on specific technical focus points, for example 4.2.2.1?

No, you do not have to respond to the entire section within the Section 4.2, but we do request that you white paper concept address one or more of the technology gaps, concepts, ideas, listed in the associated paragraph that you are responding to within 4.2.2.1. Also be attuned to the cost and scope of the project to ensure that you are responsive.

If industry has relevant / viable solutions to meet the needs in the recent BAA but are well past TRL 7, can we still submit?

Yes, please submit your proposed technology, if it is addressed in the BAA technology areas (specifically, the SOF Enhancements and Incremental Development sections in each of the Capability Focus Areas). Please address what TRL you currently assess.

Additionally, please take a look at submitting this technology at the upcoming Technical Experimentation Event in July at Avon Park, FL. This is the place where we might adapt a TRL 9 technical solution to a SOF problem to see what may be the impact.

we have an innovative and compelling solution that addresses multiple areas of interest within section 4 of the BAA. Can our whitepaper address multiple areas of interest at once?

Yes, the white paper can address multiple technology areas at the same time when it makes sense (e.g. when the core technology area is / are dependent upon multiple areas.

Normally, each technical area generates it own white paper response, so a company may also submit multiple white papers addressing these focus areas.

I am a Contracts Specialist supporting pending submissions for the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in response to the subject BAA. We requested a classified addendum from Judy Medeiros for Technical area 4.1.2;

however, we have not received it yet.

Government POC: Bob McCaskey Chief Systems Engineer 813‐826‐5339 Office 813‐842‐7196 Mobile Robert.mccaskey@socom.smil.mil

Can you tell us if classified submissions are accepted for other technical areas? PNNL has several potential White Paper responses that cannot be submitted in OUO space. I understand that an unclassified description and verification statement will still be required on the SOF‐ATL portal.

Yes, classified submissions are accepted in response to every Capability Focus Area, as required. Ensure that the submission is responsive to the technology focus area needs listed.

Note: All classified white paper submissions and information (signature management or other technology) must be submitted through the Signature Management (Next Gen Mobility) area.

paragraph 4.3.1 indicates that the analysis for this paragraph must be performed at the classified level;

however it does not indicate if classified white papers are allowed to be submitted under this BAA.

Yes, classified submissions are accepted in response to every Capability Focus Area, as required. Ensure that the submission is responsive to the technology focus area needs listed.

Note: All classified white paper submissions and information (signature management or other technology) must be submitted through the Signature Management (Next Gen Mobility) area.

We are required to provide a quad chart per the solicitation that is required to follow the format as indicated in Appendix A. However, our internal team was not provided an attachment with a template or specifications to how the quad chart should be formatted.

Could you please provide me with the file that our internal team is to adhere to for the solicitation response?

Yes, an Integrated Master Schedule is desired. There is no specific template;

Contract format is encouraged. The goal is to outline the top level activities and schedule drivers along with funding and other resource loading

Question 1: Is “the quality assurance process” described one that the Offeror uses as part of their own quality

Yes, the quality assurance process that is referenced is designed to learn about process or is this a government process that we need to be aware of?

the contractor processes that may apply to this white paper project.

There are several mentions in the BAA of “holograms”.

Some of which fall into the disruptive categories while others fall into incremental. Can the government provide a better definition of what they envisioning? As you can imagine this is a very generic term and conjures up Hollywood images of “help me Obi Won, you’re our only hope” to the elaborate holographic sandtables in Avitar.

No specific insight will be given to steer or shape white papers; It is recommended that you address areas of strength within your lab and company, as well as how they can offer a unique and disruptive technical solution for the SOF operator. Propose a capability in your white paper that will differentiate you from other competitors and offer a solution that is nested within the SOF environment’s reach.

Just wondering if there are any restrictions on the attached around foreign companies, or companies that have non‐US investment or majority ownership. I have some startups who are interested.

A foreign owned company may submit a white paper.

Under the Supplemental Submission Instructions and Information for the USSOCOM‐BAAST‐2020 White Paper submission, there is a broken link:

The SOCOM BAA website is generating a statement to acknowledge receipt for each vendor's submission. Please let us know if you continue to have problems with the URL

Is an Integrated Master Schedule required for submission with a White Paper and quad chart at this phase?

Yes, an Integrated Master Schedule is desired. There is no specific template;

Contract format is encouraged. The goal is to outline the top level activities and schedule drivers along with funding and other resource loading

Looking for clarification ‐ the notice on beta.sam say 21 MAY 202, but we have heard from others that there is a classified document that calls out 26 JUNE 2020. Which is the correct submission deadline.

21 May is the correct date for all S&T responses to the BAA for consideration in the upcoming spend plan and funding cycle. The Classified Addendum does have a different submission date.

The Government POC is: Bob McCaskey Chief Systems Engineer 813‐826‐5339 Office 813‐842‐7196 Mobile Robert.mccaskey@socom.smil.mil

Are you making any allowance in response time for the COVID 19 lock down?

The deadline has not been extended at this time. White Papers submitted by the deadline will be considered for upcoming funding cycle. BAA will remain open and can receive additional white papers addressing technology areas at any time. The Government will permits.

I just wanted to clarify if the Appendix A – White Paper Format, Section A is the same as the cover page referenced in 5.3.3? Or is the cover page a separate document for the white paper?

Correct. It is the same cover page.

Our product is past TRL 6, probably closer to 8, can we still submit the white paper?

Yes, please submit your proposed technology, if it is addressed in the BAA technology areas (specifically, the SOF Enhancements and Incremental Development sections in each of the Capability Focus Areas). Please address what TRL you currently assess.

Additionally, please take a look at submitting this technology at the upcoming Technical Experimentation Event in July at Avon Park, FL. This is the place where we might adapt a TRL 9 technical solution to a SOF problem to see what may be the impact.

We are currently working on a whitepaper to submit to the USSOCOM‐BAAST‐2020 notice. What is the likelihood of the response date of 5/21/20 for FY20 and FY21 funding being extended?

The deadline has not been extended at this time. White Papers submitted by the deadline will be considered for upcoming funding cycle. BAA will remain open and can receive additional white papers addressing technology areas at any time. The Government will evaluate them as time and funding permits.

Space Based ISR

1. What are the desired frequency bands of interest for the final prototype?

2. Will intelligent networking with AI/ML among space entities for relaying and networking priority ISR data from the operational surveillance area be of interest?

3. Is spectrum agility as with a software‐defined AI/ML radio for space missions of interest?

4. What is the desired operational environment of interest for final prototype demonstration to achieve TRL‐6?

CubeSat networking with balloon test or ground(or in‐lab) demonstration of capabilities in ISM band?

Please focus on your areas of strength within your company in order to describe how they can offer a unique and disruptive technical solution for the SOF operator. The Next Generation ISR capability focus area is the area for your focus in LEO and space. The space based, small satellites, and payload technologies are a viable candidates that may be good white paper concepts in order to propose a follow on technology development in those capability areas. PEO Special Reconnaissance will be the best PEO to collaborate with on the small sat, payloads, and space based capabilities. The new PM for this area will be PM Remote Capabilities.

SIGINT

1. Are there any specific SWaP constraint you have in mind?

No specifics, look at what the market has to offer today by way of technology advancements

2. What are the desired inference (response) times of the model?

USSOCOM is not developing a material solution for a specific use case, please submit a white paper that is responsive based on the language within that BAA and in concert with your company / labs strengths

3. What are the desired frequency bands of operation for the final prototype?

All bands from Low UHF to VHF and other bands

4. Can you clarify on the level of interception capability desired, is it to the level of identifying the source of transmission type and recording the reception?

Interception capability; if you could intercept a signal of interest, what would you do with that information?

5. Is AI/ML that can detect and extract information from the RF reception to the level of modulation type, waveform recognition, emitter classification (hostile/friendly/neutral), waveform feature extraction (pulse repetition frequency, pulse width, bandwidth, etc.) of interest. Are there preferences among any of these capabilities?

Yes. Submit white paper and if interested SOCOM could still contact contractor. It is recommended that you address areas of strength within your lab and company, as well as how they can offer a unique and disruptive technical solution for the SOF operator.

Propose a capability in your white paper that will differentiate you from other competitors and offer a solution that is nested within the SOF environment’s reach.

6. Can DF be a user‐selectable feature that can resolve the Direction of arrival if the recognized waveform is of interest to the operator?

Yes, please ensure that you explain that information in your white paper concept.

Biometrics

1. Is this aligned to fingerprint extraction from pictures ?

touchless fingerprint extraction? Such as an AI/ML system that takes in picture as input to generate fingerprints which can be stored for use in the fingerprint database. Are we assuming a compliant source for taking such pictures?

Trying to understand the concept of operations.

Yes. Submit white paper and if interested SOCOM could still contact contractor. It is recommended that you address areas of strength within your lab and company, as well as how they can offer a unique and disruptive technical solution for the SOF operator.

Propose a capability in your white paper that will differentiate you from other competitors and offer a solution that is nested within the SOF environment’s reach.

2. We are assuming the focus of this effort would be to generate the fingerprint patterns in a touchless manner and is not to identify the fingerprint from a database. We are assuming such fingerprint matching systems already exist and the requirement at hand will be to develop a fingerprint extraction system that can generate high‐ quality fingerprints that can be used for matching or storing as required?

Yes, list your project assumptions at the beginning of your white paper submission and then describe how the technology concept works; given the reliance on certain assumptions / expectations in the physical environment.

Group 1 UAS Payloads

1. Is the solicitation seeking novel cross‐domain (vertical and horizontal ) networking capabilities of dismounted soldiers with group‐1 UAS?

Yes, Submit white paper and if interested SOCOM could still contact contractor. It is recommended that you address areas of strength within your lab and company, as well as how they can offer a unique and disruptive technical solution for the SOF operator.

Propose a capability in your white paper that will differentiate you from other competitors and offer a solution that is nested within the SOF environment’s reach.

2. Is there a desired physical layer communication standard of interest over which the networking solution will work?

No, but the White Paper may explain this issue in detail.

3. We are assuming a lower‐layer agnostic networking solution is preferred? Is that the case?

Yes, Submit white paper and if interested SOCOM could still contact contractor; It is recommended that you address areas of strength within your lab and company, as well as how they can offer a unique and disruptive technical solution for the SOF operator.

Propose a capability in your white paper that will differentiate you from other competitors and offer a solution that is nested within the SOF environment’s reach.

4. What are the desired end‐to‐end throughput requirements?

No specific insight will be given to steer or shape white papers. It is recommended that you address areas of strength within your lab and company, as well as how they can offer a unique and disruptive technical solution for the SOF operator. Propose a capability in your white paper that will differentiate you from other competitors and offer a solution that is nested within the SOF environment’s reach.

5. We are assuming the data to be relayed is delay‐ sensitive or would it involve delay‐tolerant as well?

No specific insight will be given to steer or shape white papers. It is recommended that you address areas of strength within your lab and company, as well as how they can offer a unique and disruptive technical solution for the SOF operator. Propose a capability in your white paper that will differentiate you from other competitors and offer a solution that is nested within the SOF environment’s reach.

1) There are two references in the BAA to an Integrated Master Schedule (that it is not included in the page count and it is not restricted in size). But nowhere does the BAA actually request that we submit an IMS. Could you clarify whether an IMS is necessary, and if so, what format should it be in?

Yes, an Integrated Master Schedule is desired. There is no specific template;

Contract format is encouraged. The goal is to outline the top level activities and schedule drivers along with funding and other resource loading

2) Appendix A of the BAA lists Sections A‐D. I’m interpreting Section A as the cover page (not included in the page limit) and Section D as the quad chart (obviously, also not included in the page limit). Are Section B and Section C both part of the 5‐page‐limit? Could you provide some guidance on the type of information you’re looking for in Task B? “Task objective and description of work to be performed” could be interpreted either as a statement‐ of‐work type listing of tasks or as an overall description of project objectives and technical scope.

The white paper has a 5‐page limit.

This does not include the quad and IMS as part of the submission. There is no template for the IMS or the quad;

Contract format is encouraged. The goal is to outline the key aspects of your project and white paper concept, as well as to address the items listed in capability focus area that directly apply to your concept/project.

3) We have a concept for demonstration that combines together a few of the Technology Areas of Interest. What is your guidance on how we should submit this, i.e. falling under multiple areas or under the area we find to be most appropriate?

The white paper can address multiple technology areas at the same time when it makes sense (e.g. when the core technology area is / are dependent upon multiple areas. Normally, each technical area generates its own white paper response, so a company may also submit multiple white papers addressing these focus areas. No specific insight will be given to steer or shape white papers; It is recommended that you address areas of strength within your lab and company, as well as how they can offer a unique and disruptive technical solution for the SOF operator. Propose a capability in your white paper that will differentiate you from other competitors and offer a solution that is nested within the SOF environment’s reach.

Is there a classified version of Subject Document available on JWCS?

We will accept white papers and concepts from anywhere / any company. Then we will deal with the foreign entity, as required (if there is a need to pursue the technology).

Is a foreign owned company eligible? A foreign owned company may submit a white paper.

I wanted to see if you guys had further instructions on how to submit a proposal for the attached BAA. Sections 4.5 and

5.1 describe how things are to be submitted however the link provided doesn’t work.

https://www.socom.mil/SOF‐ ATL/Pages/baa.aspx

I have a question about topic 4.3.1.2 (Precision Strike, page

13) in the enclosed BAA. For that topic, does the capability need to meet all of the attributes, or just one of them?

No, you do not have to respond to the entire section within the Section 4.3, but we do request that you white paper concept address one or more of the technology gaps, concepts, ideas, listed in the associated paragraph that you are responding to within 4.3.1.2. Also be attuned to the cost and scope of the project to ensure that you are responsive.

We have a whitepaper that we would like to submit for review through this vehicle, but wanted to see if you could give us some guidance on any of the specifics you might be looking for. Additionally, would it be helpful to have a MOU or something similar from USASOC? If you have some time this week to speak with us that would be much appreciated, otherwise we are happy to correspond over email.

Please focus on your areas of strength within your company in order to describe how they can offer a unique and disruptive technical solution for the SOF operator within the Next Generation ISR capability focus area;

propose viable candidates that may be good white paper concepts in order to pursue a follow on technology development in those capability areas.

USSOCOM conducts regular talks with USASOC in regards to S&T updates. The USASOC subject matter experts will assist in the evaluation. No MOU is required.

Page 15: “Section 5.0 Supplemental Submission Instructions and Information” provides White paper response guidance. Page 20: “Appendix A – White Paper Format” provides consolidated guidance. Do we need to follow the response outline described in both Section 5 and Appendix A or is only Appendix A sufficient?

No template; Contract format is encouraged. The goal is to outline the top level activities and schedule drivers along with funding and other resource loading

Paragraph 5.3.3 requires a cover page with company information. (Not included in the 5 page limit page count).Appendix A – White paper format, Section A requires the same information plus PoP and ROM Costs. Since Appendix A is included in the 5 page count limit, would the Government consider allowing the Cover page to be modified to include the additional Section A information and then removing the Section A requirement?

The white paper has a 5‐page limit.

This does not include the quad and IMS as part of the submission. There is no template for the IMS or the quad;

Contract format is encouraged. The goal is to outline the key aspects of your project and white paper concept, as well as to address the items listed in capability focus area that directly apply to your concept/project.

What level of detail do we need to include in the integrated master schedule? Normally these are not delivered until a formal proposal with a lot more known requirements.

No template; Contract format is encouraged. The goal is to outline the top level activities and schedule drivers along with funding and other resource loading

What level of detail do you need in the ROM? For low TRL items, there are many unknown variables that can contribute to variations in the cost.

No template; contractor format is encouraged. There should be sufficient detail for the evaluation team adequately review the submission.

How should we account for any COVID related delays in pricing or schedule? Some of our partners/subs/suppliers have already announced COVID related delays in their state.

The deadline has not been extended at this time. White Papers submitted by the deadline will be considered for upcoming funding cycle. BAA will remain open and can receive additional white papers addressing technology areas at any time. The Government will permits.

Please confirm if the 12point Times New Roman font requirements outlined in Section 5.3.1 Format applies to the Quad Chart submission or is it acceptable for Offerors to use a smaller font size?

Smaller font can only be used in tables and graphics.

Are offerors allowed to use smaller than 12 point Times New Roman font in drawings/schematics required in the Quad Chart?

Yes, only in tables and graphics.

Does your portal allow for more than one white paper per topic area by the same company?

Yes, the white paper can address multiple technology areas at the same time when it makes sense (e.g. when the core technology area is / are dependent upon multiple areas.

Normally, each technical area generates it own white paper response, so a company may also submit multiple white papers addressing these focus areas.

1) Will there be an extension for submission? The deadline has not been extended at this time. White Papers submitted by the deadline will be considered for upcoming funding cycle. BAA will remain open and can receive additional white papers addressing technology areas at any time. The Government will evaluate them as time and funding permits.

2) Because we are submitting a ROM, is an IMS mandatory?

An Integrated Master Schedule is desired. There is no specific template;

Contract format is encouraged. The goal is to outline the top level activities and schedule drivers along with funding and other resource loading

Can offerors provide additional detail in an appendix or annex, should S&T desire more information, that won’t be counted towards the five‐page limit?

The white paper has a 5‐page limit.

This does not include the quad and IMS as part of the submission. There is no template for the IMS or the quad;

Contract format is encouraged. The goal is to outline the key aspects of your project and white paper concept, as well as to address the items listed in capability focus area that directly apply to your concept/project.

In support of submissions pursuant to the subject BAA, are there any terms and conditions, FAR / DFARS clauses, data deliverables, safety requirements, security requirements, etc. that should be considered when developing the White Papers / ROMs? Appreciate your help.

Terms/conditions and clauses will be addressed in any subsequent contractual document.

For the subject BAA , if we have inter lapping solutions to offer, can we write a single “White Paper “ or do we write one white paper for each item ? Can you amplify : (1) Next Generation Effects “ (2) “Biotechnologies and Human Interface” for us ?? Thank you. If you prefer I can call either of you ; pl. give me a time ??

Yes, the white paper can address multiple technology areas at the same time when it makes sense (e.g. when the core technology area is / are dependent upon multiple areas.

Normally, each technical area generates it own white paper response, so a company may also submit multiple white papers addressing these focus areas.

I have some questions regarding proper formatting for submissions. The guidelines on Page 16 of the BAA under

5.3.3 Cover Page and section A under Appendix A request

different information, and 5.3.4 Technical requirements seem different than sections B and C also found in the Appendix A. Should response include the guidance from both areas (p.16 vs appendix) of the BAA or favor either one? Lastly Appendix A asks for the quad chart to be in PowerPoint but no naming convention is listed on page 16 like for the whitepaper but it is stated it does not count against page count. Is it preferred for a PowerPoint slide to be inserted into the whitepaper document or sent as a standalone attachment? Any guidance you can offer would be extremely helpful.

The white paper has a 5‐page limit.

This does not include the quad and IMS as part of the submission. There is no template for the IMS or the quad;

Contract format is encouraged. The goal is to outline the key aspects of your project and white paper concept, as well as to address the items listed in capability focus area that directly apply to your concept/project.

Is upload of a separate Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) required as part of the white paper submission? The IMS is mentioned in paragraphs 5.3.1 and 5.3.2 of the BAA, but is not mentioned in Appendix A, which summarizes the overall White Paper Format (Sections A‐D: Cover Page, White Paper, Quad Chart).

Yes, an Integrated Master Schedule is desired. There is no specific template;

Contract format is encouraged. The goal is to outline the top level activities and schedule drivers along with funding and other resource loading

I see that the announcement mentions using a power point for the Quad Chart, but I did not see any sort of template.

Could you help clarify the quad chart a bit more so I can submit a proper proposal

There is no specific template; Contract format is encouraged. The goal is to outline the top level activities and schedule drivers along with funding and other resource loading

Do you have an example proposal and quad chart available that you can share so I can make sure I am on the right track. Also, the BAA mentions that the closing date is May 21st for FY 20 and 21 funding. Does this mean there will be no additional openings to submit through FY21 or can we submit anytime and still be evaluated.

There is no specific template; Contract format is encouraged. The goal is to outline the top level activities and schedule drivers along with funding and other resource loading