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Terahertz Electronics
Program Manager and PoC: Dr. Mark Rosker
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Pout the instantaneous peak power or the average power?
A. Average power.
Q. How are you defining Power Added Efficiency? That is a term that is more commonly used for an SSPA than a TWT. The two TWT efficiencies that are most readily measured are RF efficiency and overall efficiency. RF efficiency is the RF output power at the output terminal divided by the product of the beam voltage and current. Overall efficiency is the RF output power divided by the sum of all of the input powers. I believe overall efficiency and power added efficiency are essentially the same.
A. Overall efficiency.
Q. Would you be interested in a [specific, named technical] solution to a THz receiver?
A. This is not a question that DARPA can answer in advance of a proposal. Propose to the BAA only if you are convinced that your approach is consistent with the goals of the BAA.
Q. What is the expected length of each phase of this program? I am assuming X months each.
A. DARPA does not determine the length of the phases; the proposer bids them consistent with their approach. Please see the BAA for further information.
Q. Does the use of the word “module” for the HPA effort refer to only the integrated RF chain (HPA+driver), or is it inclusive of the associated power supplies for controlling the RF chain? We were wondering what emphasis to place on a fully-integrated assembly, similar to conventional MPMs, where the power supply and control functions are packaged along with the driver and vacuum source. Or is the BAA wording meant to be open-ended, where either path may be proposed?
A. The three technical areas described in the BAA under “Technical Area II: Terahertz High Power Amplifier (HPA) Modules” all refer to the RF chain. Integration of the power supply and control functions, while desirable from the standpoint of transition, is not an area of focus for this program.
Q. We may have problem putting together the abstract by the due date. Is the abstract submission required?
A. While abstracts are strongly recommended, they are not required. You can submit a full proposal without an abstract.
Q. We are thinking about an approach based on [description of approach]. What do you think?
A. This is not a question that DARPA can answer in advance of a proposal. Propose to the BAA only if you are convinced that your approach is consistent with the goals of the BAA. Please note the abstract phase is the only process by which we can give recommendations.
Q. There is a paragraph in the BAA (page 20) that cites a mandated limit on indirect cost rates if 6.1 funds are used to fund any award. Does DARPA anticipate using 6.1 funds for any award or part of any award?
A. Given the nature of Broad Agency Announcements, in that each proposer defines the scope of their proposed research project in response to the stipulated research goals and objectives, DARPA can only state at this time that it is possible for one or more fundamental research awards to be made against this BAA. Proposers who state that the research they are proposing meets the definition of fundamental research, which in most cases would be university proposers, would have to abide by this requirement. Please note, however, that the contracting officer is, ultimately, the individual responsible for selecting the appropriate award instrument during negotiations.
Q. Can a PI be a non-U.S. citizen?
A. Non-US citizens may be utilized by Contractors; however, the Contractor shall comply with all U.S. export control laws and regulations. Furthermore, the Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining export licenses, if required, before utilizing foreign persons in the performance of this contract. Please refer to the BAA in Section VI, Part 7 (p. 30), under the heading "Export Control" for further information.
Q. The BAA states on Page 31, Section 8., Subcontracting that we are required to submit a subcontracting plan. Our subcontracting plan is over 40 pages. Can we just submit the approved memorandum of agreement which is two pages?
A. Please submit the entire subcontracting plan. It may be included in the cost proposal, where there is no page limit.
Q. The BAA states on Page 31, Section 2., Representation and Certifications, that we shall complete electronic annual representation and certifications at http://orca.bpn.gov
A. No - confirming in your proposal that you have completed Reps/Certs on ORCA will suffice.
Q. Where should the Intellectual Property claims be located in the full proposal? Is it okay to put them in the Cost Volume where there is no page limit?
A. Intellectual property claims may be included in the cost proposal; however, please note in your cover letter exactly where this information can be found.
Q. Does the technical approach description need to follow the order in which the tasks in the BAA are numbered?
A. It is encouraged, but not required, that the technical approach description follow the order in which the tasks in the BAA are numbered.
Q. Is there an approximate range/bound/target for budget and time that you were interested in for this effort?
A. There is no range/bound/target for budget or schedule. For both, you should bid what you believe is required to achieve the program goals as specified in the BAA.