Back to BAA 09-38

Q: Are extra pages allowed in the proposal for addressing the optional metrics in the proposal?

A: Per paragraph 4.4 of the BAA, "An additional 3 pages may be added to the 40 pages for each objective beyond 4 proposed as an option."

 

Q: Are the PowerPoint summary slides included in the proposal page count?

A: Per Modification 1, the summary slides (4.4.1, section II G) do not count towards the page count.

 

Q: Are the sub-contractor locations included in the proposal page count?

A: Yes. DARPA expects that the submitted proposals will be classified and that classified work will be performed under contracts awarded against this BAA. The description of the facilities (4.4.1, section III H) should include the address and CAGE code of the facilities at which classified work will be performed. Please include this information on a separate file so it can be passed to DARPA security.

 

Q: Will DARPA provide additional test sites for developmental testing?

A: The proposal should clearly specify plans for additional developmental data collections and include a GFE request for test sites as necessary.

 

Q: Do I need to develop different systems for planning and tactical phases? Can the CIR solution include blue forces entering the building with sensors?

A: No. DARPA does not require different system solutions for different phases of operation, but allows for a reconfiguration of a single system to transition from planning to execution. Whether CIR is providing actionable information in support of planning or execution phases, all performance metrics are measured under the restriction that no blue force person deploying or operating CIR is within 10 meters of the building (Table 1). Use of additional sensors carried by blue forces entering the building is outside of the scope of this BAA, but is meant to exemplify how CIR can fit into a larger operation (Section 1.1.1, paragraph 3).

 

Q: What is the purpose of saying that the building occupied, with movement among rooms (Table 1)?

A: DARPA asserts that an empty building is not representative of a normal urban environment.

 

Q: What is required in the proposal with regard to Human Use? Is a Human Use test plan required and is that part of the proposal page count?

A: Because DARPA asserts that a representative building is occupied, the proposer is required to identify whether their solution involves Human Use and identify any task(s) required to obtain necessary approvals. DARPA expects that the task description includes a synopsis of the protocol (research plan, study population, risks and benefits of study participation, recruitment and consent process, data collection, and data analysis) to enable DARPA to assess the appropriateness, scope and risk of the proposed human subject research. This is included in the page count for Volume 1.

 

Q: What if operational conditions do not allow a 10m standoff as required in the BAA?

A: The proposed solution is required under the Program Metrics to be able to operate at a 10 meter standoff while meeting the performance metrics.

 

Q: What is the availability of electricity? How many hours a day?

A: For the purposes of this BAA, it can be assumed that a building that has electrical wiring and is receiving electricity.

 

Q: Can a proposed solution include sensors that penetrate the building?

A: No. As stated in the BAA, the intention is to collect information on the building interior from the building exterior without "contact or deployments within the building".

 

Q: Is the 1 m accuracy required for wall layout averaged or absolute?

A: The 1 m accuracy is the mean absolute linear error.