Question #1
Question #1: Our interest seems to be gelling about Task 1. The solicitation is looking for a prototype for a certain of functions. a. Is the consortium looking for one comprehensive prototype to address the entire scope of items in the solicitation? Or may a consortium member submit a prototype for a subset of the scope? For example, if we choose to submit a proposal for a prototype for the communication network that would be used in the overall control system for the hypersonic vehicles, would this be a valid prototype?
Answer #1: Challenge projects are meant to be multi-disciplinary and projects that typically require a diverse team. As stated in the solicitation “ Proposals should outline the path to develop simulation environments anchored in physically realizable capabilities to assess variables such as platform sequencing for sufficient time for response and re-targeting, control limits of hypersonic platforms, sensor limitations, communication constraints, etc.
While proposals concentrating on only communications are useful, it is preferred that you team with organizations that can address the other parts of the challenge as well to help solve the challenge.
Question #2
Questions #2a – f: Do you have a description of what the initial and interfacing conditions and restrictions are that our proposal needs to consider? There are no specifications or details in the solicitation for us to begin our proposal from. For example:
a. How many hypersonic vehicles should we consider in the set?
b. Should we presume that the vehicles are fed with information from satellites? Or ground sources? Or what?
c. What speed, height, etc will the vehicles travel? Do we need to worry about ionization of the air as an inhibitor to communications?
d. Should we consider specific frequencies for communications with the ground, with satellites, or between hypersonic vehicles?
e. Should we interface with specific vehicle controls on speed, trajectory, altitude, etc?
f. Do we need to build in capabilities for our prototype to withstand electromagnetic warfare threats or cyber-security threats?
Answer #2a-f:
a. A minimum of two (2) hypersonic vehicles should be considered
b. Vehicles may communicate with each other, satellites or ground sources.
c. These vehicles will travel in the typical battlespace for glide or cruise high-speed systems. Ionization may be present at high Mach numbers and could be considered as a factor for some glide systems.
d. Details on specific frequencies for communications with the ground, with satellites, or between hypersonic vehicles is not available for this solicitation.
e. Interface with specific vehicle controls may important to vehicles in this scenario and a potential useful aspect of the proposal.
f. While prototype capabilities to withstand electromagnetic warfare threats or cyber-security threats are a very useful addition, it is not required to be responsive to the SON.
Question #3
Question #3: Do you have any references or histories you can provide that describe prior research efforts?
Answer #3: Not at this time.
Question #4
Question #4: Who are the members of consortium who are eligible to submit proposals? Do you have a list of member educational institutions you can share?
Answer #4: Any consortium member university can submit a proposal. University Consortium Members can be found on our website, https://hypersonics.tamu.edu/membership/university-members/.
Question #5
Question #5: Definition of “prototype”: I am predisposed to thinking of a prototype being a physical instantiation of a concept to demonstrate proof of principle. However, it seems here that the terminology may differ. For task 1, it appears that the delivery of an algorithm suffices as a prototype. I understand that, if that is the intent. I would appreciate affirmation from you that this is the expectation. The more difficult question I have relates to the second task, where the deliverable seems to be an experimental methodology and data from experiments. Personally, I would not call these matters a “prototype.” Notwithstanding, can you verify that you consider experimental planning and experiments to be a prototype within the meaning of the pending solicitation?
Answer #5: For Topic #1 the delivery of an algorithm suffices as a prototype. For Topic #2, the product of this effort should include a standardized database of all available validation data and documented modeling practices for implementation across future DoD endeavors. The prototype or methodology for validation could be helpful to guiding future system designs toward realistic control of the vehicle.
Questions #6
Questions #6a-b: Non-Citizens and “Sub-Agreements”: My next questions pertain to the words highlighted below.
Except as addressed in the next paragraph, individuals supported by a Sub-Agreement awarded as a result of this RWP/RPP process must be United States (U.S.) citizens prior to award. Since research projects are expected to include CUI, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Distribution Statement C information, the fundamental research exclusion (National Security Decision Directive 189) is not expected to apply. Universities responding to this RWP/RPP must be able to appropriately maintain and handle sensitive data. Hence, all publications will require review and approval.
(a) What does “Sub-Agreement” mean, as opposed to more simply “Agreement?” Does the term “Sub” mean subordinates to the principal(s) who will be delivering the prototype. (In our case, we are looking at the University faculty in conjunction with grad students and/or post-Docs being the main actors. We may them for niche or specialized functions, but the bulk of the effort would be done by the University staff). Does the restriction to US citizens apply to subs only but not the principals? (b) What is the agreement? Will this ultimately be a performance-based contract, or a grant, or what?
Answers #6 a-b: 6a. The funding for these proposals will flow through TEES as the consortium manager and be issued as Sub-Agreement to the selected lead university. The citizenship restriction applies to anyone who will work on or have access to the research. 6b. The Sub-Agreement will be issued under a Federal Other Transaction Agreement.
Question #7
Question #7: What information are you expecting in the letters of intent, which are due May 4th?
Answer #7: The Notice of Intent form can be found on our website under the project call and can be accessed by each university’s AOR. The form includes topic being proposed to, university information, and Co-PI information.
