Phase II/IIB Commercialization Assistance Program (CAP) Support for the SBIR/STTR Program

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DACS08P2170 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Q1: In Section V, Deliverables, of the above referenced Request for Proposal, are proposing companies allowed any latitude on the deliverable schedules? A1: The timeline for the deliverables found in section C.V (page 9) are fixed and there should be no deviation. Q2: May we ask what the selection criteria to judge commercial potential may be to get to the short list of grantees eligible for the proposed program? Could you be as specific as possible, e.g., criteria, individuals and their backgrounds relative to development and application of the criteria before passing the short list on to the contractor? A2: The selection criteria for the short list (40 grantees) is not publicly available. The 40 grantees will represent typical NSF Phase II grantees. Q3: How many industry sectors may be represented by a shortlisted selection of grantees? A3: All industry sectors that the NSF SBIR currently supports will be represented in the group of companies the contract will support. Q4: Do you have any insights on the geographic range of grantees? A4: The grantees are from across the nation. Q5: In Section B.2 and again in the SOW Section C.II: The RFP states the quantity of grantees to be 40 per year. However, it is not clear how long the contractor is required to work with each set of 40 grantees. Can this be clarified? A5: The engagement will typically start at the beginning of the Phase II award and will last throughout the life of the Phase II/IIB project. Q6: In Section M.3.III Factor 3 - Past Performance: Can the score be less than neutral if the proposal evaluation deems the past performance not relevant? A6: The neutral score will be assigned only to offerors with no prior past history. Pursuant to FAR 15.305 (2) (iv), in the case of an offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available, the offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance. Q7 : In Section C.B Component Two: IP Assessment Tool: a. Does regular access mean periodic or constant access to the analysis tools? b. Is the NSF requesting on-line, on-demand access to an IP search and analysis tool or IP search and analysis as performed by the contractor? A7: a. The offeror should provide sufficient access to ensure that the IP strategy can be maintained/enhanced throughout the period of performance of the resulting contract. A7: b. NSF is requesting a process and on-line tool to enable maintenance/enhancement of the IP strategy throughout the period of performance of the resulting contract. Q8: Does the 12 point font requirement extend to the mentor write-ups as well, or may we use smaller fonts there? A smaller point would allow some of the longer bios/resumes to fit on one page without editing. A8: The 12 pt font requirement is maintained throughout the entire response. Q9: Does the requirement call for support of Phase IIB grantees, in addition to Phase II grantees? Or does it call only for providing commercialization to Phase II grantees? A9: The engagement will typically start at the beginning of the Phase II award and will last throughout the life of the Phase II/IIB project. Q10. With regard to the $6.5 million business size standard, does this refer to the annual revenues notation in CCR and ORCA filings, or some minimum business size standard NSF requires? A10. Pursuant to FAR 19.102 (a), the Small Business Administration (SBA) establishes the small business size standards on an industry-by-industry basis. Q11. We have a GSA (MOBIS 874-1) contracting vehicle. A11. This procurement is being conducted using the procedures established at FAR 15 – Contracting by Negotiation. FAR 8.404, Use of Federal Supply Schedules is not applicable in this instance.