Questions_and_Answers_for_W911NF-18-Q-0002.docx.pdf

Questions and Answers 12 September 2018

1. In the background section on p. 4, the solicitation characterizes the challenge topic as “Army-relevant technology challenges.” Is there a more specific topic or focus area that can be provided? Has the specific technology problem to be solved been defined by the government, or is the topic open to those participating to propose and define?

Answer: This request for quote is for logistics support only and does not include providing technical support to the Government on topic areas.

2. Other than the goals stated in the background section on p. 4 paragraph 2, are there specific technology goals or challenge-specific goals that have been defined by ARL?

Answer: This request for quote is for logistics support only and does not include providing technical support to the Government on technology goals or challenge-specific goals.

3. On p. 4 under scope, does the planning referenced refer to planning of the challenge itself (goals, rules, requirements, etc.) or planning of the April event related to the challenge?

Answer: The planning referenced pertains to providing assistance in planning and supporting the April event related to the challenge.

4. On p. 4, are the dates beginning in 2018?

Answer: Yes the dates are beginning in 2018.

5. On p. 5 under General Support, does the planning, goals and objectives refer to assisting the government to define challenge goals, objectives and timeline?

Answer: This request for quote is for logistics support only and does not include providing technical support to the Government on defining challenge goals, objectives and timeline.

6. Would the government consider a proposed timetable (other than the one outlined on p. 4) to allow sufficient time for planning and challenge development, and recruitment of teams to ensure a sufficiently robust pool of competitors and sufficient time to produce quality concept papers based upon the approved rules and requirements?

Answer: This request for quote is for logistics support only and does not include providing technical support to the Government on defining challenge development and recruitment of teams.

7. Of the potential pool of 1700+ eligible institutions, have teams begun registering and completing competitor agreements to ensure eligibility under the prize authority? Has the challenge been announced and are potential participants already aware of the opportunity/upcoming deadline?

Answer: This request for quote is for logistics support only and does not include providing technical support to the Government on the challenge development and recruitment of teams. This request is to assist the Government with planning and executing the event. The Government is issuing a separate

Funding Opportunity Announcement for Universities that details the design challenge, registration information and upcoming deadlines.

8. What is the prize authority, is it America Competes or another authority?

Answer: The prize authority that will be issued separately is 10 U.S.C. § 2374a, the prize authority for the Secretary of Defense and is not a part of this requirement. This requirement is for logistics support.

9. Is the challenge open to U.S. entities only?

Answer: This request for quote is for logistics support only and does not include providing technical support to the Government on defining the challenge. Information about the challenge will be contained in a separate Funding Opportunity Announcement.

10. Have the technical requirements been developed for the concept paper due at the end of October?

Answer: This request for quote is for logistics support only and does not include providing technical support to the Government on concept papers.

11. Have the technical requirements been developed for the second phase of the competition?

Answer: This request for quote is for logistics support only and does not include providing technical support to the Government on concept papers.

12. Have the challenge rules been developed and approved? If not, does the government intent to have the contractor develop and coordinate approvals for rules and competitor agreements?

Answer: This request for quote is for logistics support only and does not include the contractor developing and coordinating approvals for rules and competitor agreements.

13. Has the sponsorship concept received legal review and approval?

Answer: This request for quote is for logistics support only and does not include the contractor providing technical support on the design challenge.

14. Will the challenge require a stand-alone website or will information be posted on a page within the ARL site?

Answer: The Government is not making it mandatory for the contractor to establish a stand-alone website. Information will be posted on a page within the ARL website.

15. Is the cost of signage production included in the figure listed for ODCs?

Answer: Yes the cost of signage production is included in the figure for ODCs.

16. May work be performed at the contractor’s location?

Answer: Work may be performed at the contractor's location as well as site visits to the location of the event.

17. Are in-person meetings at ARL anticipated?

Answer: There are no in-person meetings at ARL anticipated. Conference calls are anticipated.

18. Can the government share an approximate budget for the effort?

Answer: The Government is not able to share the budget for this effort.

19. Is there an incumbent?

Answer: There is not an incumbent.

20. Will the government consider extending the due date?

Answer: The due date has been extended to Monday, September 17, 2018 at 2:00 Eastern Standard Time.