The ERDCWERX Process
What is ERDCWERX?
ERDCWERX is an innovation hub of DEFENSEWERX, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It was created under a Partnership Intermediary Agreement between DEFENSEWERX and the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) to help identify new partnerships for innovation and commercialization.
What is a partnership intermediary?
A partnership intermediary is a not-for-profit entity or agency which is owned, chartered, funded, operated in whole or in part by a State or local government "that assists, counsels, advises, evaluates, or otherwise cooperates with small business firms" or educational institutions "that need or can make demonstratively productive use of technology related assistance from a Federal laboratory" (Authority: 15 USC 3715).
How does the partnership intermediary benefit the ERDC?
The partnership intermediary allows the ERDC to:
Is there a cost to join the ERDCWERX ecosystem?
There is no cost to sign up/join the ERDCWERX ecosystem. Those signed up will directly receive announcements regarding new project opportunities. The ecosystem sign-up form can be accessed here.
Who are current participants in the ERDCWERX ecosystem?
The ERDCWERX ecosystem represents individuals who have requested to be added to a mailing list. Additionally, the list is supplemented with the names of individuals whose skills or organization capabilities could be a fit for current or upcoming projects.
How do I join the ERDCWERX ecosystem?
The ecosystem sign-up form can be accessed here.
Once I join the ERDCWERX ecosystem, what are the next steps?
Please watch for project announcements via email. Some projects will have open submission schedules while others will have specific deadlines. We encourage recipients to share project announcements with others in your network that you believe may have a potential interest or fit.
Who can join the ERDCWERX ecosystem?
Any individual, company, federal/non-federal agency, consortium, etc. Joining the ecosystem links you to ERDCWERX by adding you to the email distribution list which supports instant notification regarding all ERDCWERX opportunities.
ERDCWERX is an innovation hub of DEFENSEWERX, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It was created under a Partnership Intermediary Agreement between DEFENSEWERX and the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) to help identify new partnerships for innovation and commercialization.
What is a partnership intermediary?
A partnership intermediary is a not-for-profit entity or agency which is owned, chartered, funded, operated in whole or in part by a State or local government "that assists, counsels, advises, evaluates, or otherwise cooperates with small business firms" or educational institutions "that need or can make demonstratively productive use of technology related assistance from a Federal laboratory" (Authority: 15 USC 3715).
How does the partnership intermediary benefit the ERDC?
The partnership intermediary allows the ERDC to:
- drive technologies faster, more cost effectively, and through more channels to meet warfighter needs, accelerating tech transition;
- identify new opportunities for collaboration, leveraging ERDC technologies, IP portfolios, and unique testing and facility capabilities;
- solve complex technical challenges, finding new solution providers; structuring partnerships and facilitating technology transfer opportunities; and
- create new business environments, enabling the ERDC to do tasks that are difficult or impossible inside the fence, discovering unrealized opportunities that convert innovation into valued outcomes.
Is there a cost to join the ERDCWERX ecosystem?
There is no cost to sign up/join the ERDCWERX ecosystem. Those signed up will directly receive announcements regarding new project opportunities. The ecosystem sign-up form can be accessed here.
Who are current participants in the ERDCWERX ecosystem?
The ERDCWERX ecosystem represents individuals who have requested to be added to a mailing list. Additionally, the list is supplemented with the names of individuals whose skills or organization capabilities could be a fit for current or upcoming projects.
How do I join the ERDCWERX ecosystem?
The ecosystem sign-up form can be accessed here.
Once I join the ERDCWERX ecosystem, what are the next steps?
Please watch for project announcements via email. Some projects will have open submission schedules while others will have specific deadlines. We encourage recipients to share project announcements with others in your network that you believe may have a potential interest or fit.
Who can join the ERDCWERX ecosystem?
Any individual, company, federal/non-federal agency, consortium, etc. Joining the ecosystem links you to ERDCWERX by adding you to the email distribution list which supports instant notification regarding all ERDCWERX opportunities.
Tech Challenges
Who is eligible to participate in ERDCWERX tech challenges?
Industry, academia, national labs, individual innovators, and other parties are invited to apply for consideration. ERDCWERX tech challenges do not require that the applicant be certified to do business with the federal government. If registration in SAM.gov is a requirement, it will be specifically stated in the solicitation.
What is a Capability Assessment?
Capability assessments are a type of tech challenge in which ecosystem contacts and market research are utilized to invite submissions to solve a specific problem identified by government stakeholders.
Does it cost anything to submit for a tech challenge?
There is no cost associated with a submission to ERDCWERX for tech challenges.
How are participants selected from among the applications/submissions received?
Submissions are solicited and accumulated by ERDCWERX. Upon closing of the submission timeframe, a team established by and including a representative of our government partner (ERDC) will evaluate and conduct the downselect. This will determine which of the submitting parties will then be invited by ERDCWERX to participate in a virtual pitch, demonstration, or direct engagement with ERDC.
Do tech challenges involve prize awards or other recognition for those receiving the top scores?
ERDCWERX tech challenges may, at times, involve a funding prize award or other form of recognition. This will vary based on the requirements of the individual project. If needed, ERDCWERX may offer a subcontracting opportunity with the top performers in support of physical presentation or other deliverables.
How can I find out about future tech challenges from ERDCWERX?
We encourage interested parties to join the ERDCWERX ecosystem and follow ERDCWERX on social media to learn about tech challenges and other project opportunities.
Industry, academia, national labs, individual innovators, and other parties are invited to apply for consideration. ERDCWERX tech challenges do not require that the applicant be certified to do business with the federal government. If registration in SAM.gov is a requirement, it will be specifically stated in the solicitation.
What is a Capability Assessment?
Capability assessments are a type of tech challenge in which ecosystem contacts and market research are utilized to invite submissions to solve a specific problem identified by government stakeholders.
Does it cost anything to submit for a tech challenge?
There is no cost associated with a submission to ERDCWERX for tech challenges.
How are participants selected from among the applications/submissions received?
Submissions are solicited and accumulated by ERDCWERX. Upon closing of the submission timeframe, a team established by and including a representative of our government partner (ERDC) will evaluate and conduct the downselect. This will determine which of the submitting parties will then be invited by ERDCWERX to participate in a virtual pitch, demonstration, or direct engagement with ERDC.
Do tech challenges involve prize awards or other recognition for those receiving the top scores?
ERDCWERX tech challenges may, at times, involve a funding prize award or other form of recognition. This will vary based on the requirements of the individual project. If needed, ERDCWERX may offer a subcontracting opportunity with the top performers in support of physical presentation or other deliverables.
How can I find out about future tech challenges from ERDCWERX?
We encourage interested parties to join the ERDCWERX ecosystem and follow ERDCWERX on social media to learn about tech challenges and other project opportunities.
Broad Other Transaction Authority Announcement (BOTAA)
What is the definition of a prototype project?
The definition of a "prototype project" in the context of an OT is as follows: a prototype project addresses a proof of concept, model, reverse engineering to address obsolescence, pilot, novel application of commercial technologies for defense purposes, agile development activity, creation, design, development, demonstration of technical or operational utility, or combinations of the foregoing. A process, including a business process, may be the subject of a prototype project.
What is an OT and how do government entities use them?
Other Transactions (OTs) are a special class of assistance instrument used to increase involvement of commercial firms in defense research and development programs and for other purposes related to integrating the commercial and defense sectors of the nation's technology and Industrial Base. It is the intent to provide an effective means for the Government to engage with non-traditional, traditional and non-profit research institutions and entities to streamline access and investments for mission critical capabilities.
Is ERDCWERX a consortium?
No. ERDCWERX provides U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) the capability to advertise and solicit prototype opportunities. Any resulting agreement is made directly with the offeror and the government.
What are the current project opportunities/requirements?
Prototype opportunities will be announced through the ERDCWERX platform and/or through beta.sam.gov. New tech challenges are also announced through this platform as well.
How are notifications issued regarding new business opportunities?
Prototype opportunities will be posted via ERDCWERX platform. Email, social media, and/or through SAM.gov may be used to issue announcements.
Can my organization pursue multiple prototype focus areas listed?
Yes. Organizations can indicate which focus area to which their white paper applies. They can also indicate which of the prototype focus areas may be a fit with their organization’s capabilities.
Are a Unique Entity ID and CAGE code required to join the ERDCWERX ecosystem?
Unique Entity ID and CAGE code are NOT a requirement for joining the ERDCWERX ecosystem. They are, however, required in order to perform work with the U.S. government. Registration at SAM.gov will be required prior to award of any OT agreement.
How do I get a Unique Entity ID and CAGE code?
To learn how to view your Unique Entity ID or get a Unique Entity ID, click here. To receive a CAGE code, register to do business with government at SAM.gov.
How is an OT agreement different from a FAR contract?
Other Transactional Agreements are flexible contracting mechanisms outside of the purview of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Please visit the ERDCWERX website to access the OT Guide (2018) for additional detail.
What is a Prototype Other Transaction (OT)?
Prototype OTs are authorized by 10 U.S.C. 2371b. Transactions pursuant to this authority can take many forms and generally are not required to comply with Federal laws and regulations that apply to procurement contracts, grants and/or cooperative agreements. To the extent that a particular law or regulation is not tied to the type of instrument used (e.g., fiscal and property laws), it would generally apply to an OT.
Will all ERDC OT (Other Transactions) opportunities be competed?
Yes.
What is the difference between a Broad OTA Announcement (BOTAA) and a Project Specific Prototype Request?
The BOTAA allows white paper submissions in response to the stated focus areas at any time. Project Specific Prototype Requests allow white paper submissions in response to a specific need or capability gap for a limited time.
We are interested in sharing our capabilities. Is there a Program Manager to speak with?
Please submit a white paper online in accordance with the BOTAA to begin the review process.
Are there general orders of magnitude and/or timeframes on the website?
No. There are no general orders of magnitude and/or timeframes. Any and all white paper solutions that correspond with one or more of the focus areas identified are desired.
Is there a deadline for submission in response to the BOTAA?
No. The BOTAA is an open and continuous announcement. White Papers may be submitted at any time.
Are the maturity levels (TRL/MRL) of proposed solutions to the required focus areas expected to be at some minimum level?
No. There are no established minimum maturity levels required. Any and all white paper solutions that correspond with one or more of the focus areas identified are desired.
Is cost share a requirement to participate?
If the prime offeror is a nontraditional defense contractor (NTDC) or if the prime is a traditional defense contract (TDC) that proposes a solution including significant participation with an NTDC, cost share is not required to participate.
Do Cost Accounting Standard (CAS) requirements apply to my small business?
Contracts with small businesses are exempt from CAS.
Does our company need to obtain a Unique Entity ID, CAGE code and be registered in SAM to submit a white paper?
No. There is no requirement to have a Unique Entity ID, CAGE code or be registered in SAM to submit a white paper. However, this must be done prior to receiving an award with the Federal government. To obtain a Unique Entity ID, click here. Once a Unique Entity ID is issued, create an account through the System for Award Management (SAM) at SAM.gov. SAM will send your entity information to the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for CAGE Code assignment. Foreign entities must register for an NCAGE Code prior to creating an account through SAM.
Is it acceptable to propose that ERDC testing facilities may be used to conduct certain tests of the prototypes?
Yes.
What information should be included in ‘data rights assertions’ section of the white paper?
All information pertaining to anticipated licensing, data, patent and/or copyright assertions that may need further negotiating prior to award should be discussed in this section.
What should be included as supporting documentation in the ROM section? Would a brief narrative that explains the estimated price suffice?
Yes, a brief narrative is sufficient. If the white paper is selected, a full price proposal will be requested.
Can a white paper be submitted under more than one focus area?
Yes.
It is said that “proposals with detailed artwork are not desired...” Can we still include sketches to explain better the concepts being proposed?
Yes. However, the white paper shall be no more than three pages.
On the focus area section, do we need to explain our selection of the focus areas? or, would it be enough to just enlist the focus areas that we think the proposed solution represents?
There is no requirement to explain your selection of focus areas.
Do you have an idea of when funding may be available if a white paper is selected? Or do you know how long this white paper will stay in the electronic library?
There is no estimated timeframe on funding availability. White papers are maintained in the electronic library for up to three years after submission. If during the three-year availability funding does become available, the Agreements Officer will send a Request for Prototype Proposal.
Does the white paper have to be submitted through ERDCWERX?
Yes, all submissions must be made through ERDCWERX so it can be processed in accordance with the BOTAA.
Has ERDC awarded prototypes using the ERDCWERX process?
Yes. To date, several prototype other transactions have been awarded.
Is there a limit on total awards for each of the Military Engineering Focus Areas?
No.
Are foreign entities eligible for an award under this announcement?
Due to the nature of this program, Clause 252.225-7048 will be included in any resulting award. Per 252.225-7048, the Contractor shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding export-controlled items, including, but not limited to, the requirement for contractors to register with the Department of State in accordance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). The Contractor shall consult with the Department of State regarding any questions relating to compliance with the ITAR and shall consult with the Department of Commerce regarding any questions relating to compliance with the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Therefore, it would be upon the individual entity to ensure compliance.
What does “selected’’ mean?
"Selected" means your solution has been determined to meet all the white paper requirements set forth in the announcement and is potentially advantageous to the Military Engineering mission. Please note: Selection of a white paper does not guarantee funding will become available. If funding does become available, a Request for Prototype Proposal will be sent by the Agreement Officer.
The definition of a "prototype project" in the context of an OT is as follows: a prototype project addresses a proof of concept, model, reverse engineering to address obsolescence, pilot, novel application of commercial technologies for defense purposes, agile development activity, creation, design, development, demonstration of technical or operational utility, or combinations of the foregoing. A process, including a business process, may be the subject of a prototype project.
What is an OT and how do government entities use them?
Other Transactions (OTs) are a special class of assistance instrument used to increase involvement of commercial firms in defense research and development programs and for other purposes related to integrating the commercial and defense sectors of the nation's technology and Industrial Base. It is the intent to provide an effective means for the Government to engage with non-traditional, traditional and non-profit research institutions and entities to streamline access and investments for mission critical capabilities.
Is ERDCWERX a consortium?
No. ERDCWERX provides U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) the capability to advertise and solicit prototype opportunities. Any resulting agreement is made directly with the offeror and the government.
What are the current project opportunities/requirements?
Prototype opportunities will be announced through the ERDCWERX platform and/or through beta.sam.gov. New tech challenges are also announced through this platform as well.
How are notifications issued regarding new business opportunities?
Prototype opportunities will be posted via ERDCWERX platform. Email, social media, and/or through SAM.gov may be used to issue announcements.
Can my organization pursue multiple prototype focus areas listed?
Yes. Organizations can indicate which focus area to which their white paper applies. They can also indicate which of the prototype focus areas may be a fit with their organization’s capabilities.
Are a Unique Entity ID and CAGE code required to join the ERDCWERX ecosystem?
Unique Entity ID and CAGE code are NOT a requirement for joining the ERDCWERX ecosystem. They are, however, required in order to perform work with the U.S. government. Registration at SAM.gov will be required prior to award of any OT agreement.
How do I get a Unique Entity ID and CAGE code?
To learn how to view your Unique Entity ID or get a Unique Entity ID, click here. To receive a CAGE code, register to do business with government at SAM.gov.
How is an OT agreement different from a FAR contract?
Other Transactional Agreements are flexible contracting mechanisms outside of the purview of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Please visit the ERDCWERX website to access the OT Guide (2018) for additional detail.
What is a Prototype Other Transaction (OT)?
Prototype OTs are authorized by 10 U.S.C. 2371b. Transactions pursuant to this authority can take many forms and generally are not required to comply with Federal laws and regulations that apply to procurement contracts, grants and/or cooperative agreements. To the extent that a particular law or regulation is not tied to the type of instrument used (e.g., fiscal and property laws), it would generally apply to an OT.
Will all ERDC OT (Other Transactions) opportunities be competed?
Yes.
What is the difference between a Broad OTA Announcement (BOTAA) and a Project Specific Prototype Request?
The BOTAA allows white paper submissions in response to the stated focus areas at any time. Project Specific Prototype Requests allow white paper submissions in response to a specific need or capability gap for a limited time.
We are interested in sharing our capabilities. Is there a Program Manager to speak with?
Please submit a white paper online in accordance with the BOTAA to begin the review process.
Are there general orders of magnitude and/or timeframes on the website?
No. There are no general orders of magnitude and/or timeframes. Any and all white paper solutions that correspond with one or more of the focus areas identified are desired.
Is there a deadline for submission in response to the BOTAA?
No. The BOTAA is an open and continuous announcement. White Papers may be submitted at any time.
Are the maturity levels (TRL/MRL) of proposed solutions to the required focus areas expected to be at some minimum level?
No. There are no established minimum maturity levels required. Any and all white paper solutions that correspond with one or more of the focus areas identified are desired.
Is cost share a requirement to participate?
If the prime offeror is a nontraditional defense contractor (NTDC) or if the prime is a traditional defense contract (TDC) that proposes a solution including significant participation with an NTDC, cost share is not required to participate.
Do Cost Accounting Standard (CAS) requirements apply to my small business?
Contracts with small businesses are exempt from CAS.
Does our company need to obtain a Unique Entity ID, CAGE code and be registered in SAM to submit a white paper?
No. There is no requirement to have a Unique Entity ID, CAGE code or be registered in SAM to submit a white paper. However, this must be done prior to receiving an award with the Federal government. To obtain a Unique Entity ID, click here. Once a Unique Entity ID is issued, create an account through the System for Award Management (SAM) at SAM.gov. SAM will send your entity information to the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for CAGE Code assignment. Foreign entities must register for an NCAGE Code prior to creating an account through SAM.
Is it acceptable to propose that ERDC testing facilities may be used to conduct certain tests of the prototypes?
Yes.
What information should be included in ‘data rights assertions’ section of the white paper?
All information pertaining to anticipated licensing, data, patent and/or copyright assertions that may need further negotiating prior to award should be discussed in this section.
What should be included as supporting documentation in the ROM section? Would a brief narrative that explains the estimated price suffice?
Yes, a brief narrative is sufficient. If the white paper is selected, a full price proposal will be requested.
Can a white paper be submitted under more than one focus area?
Yes.
It is said that “proposals with detailed artwork are not desired...” Can we still include sketches to explain better the concepts being proposed?
Yes. However, the white paper shall be no more than three pages.
On the focus area section, do we need to explain our selection of the focus areas? or, would it be enough to just enlist the focus areas that we think the proposed solution represents?
There is no requirement to explain your selection of focus areas.
Do you have an idea of when funding may be available if a white paper is selected? Or do you know how long this white paper will stay in the electronic library?
There is no estimated timeframe on funding availability. White papers are maintained in the electronic library for up to three years after submission. If during the three-year availability funding does become available, the Agreements Officer will send a Request for Prototype Proposal.
Does the white paper have to be submitted through ERDCWERX?
Yes, all submissions must be made through ERDCWERX so it can be processed in accordance with the BOTAA.
Has ERDC awarded prototypes using the ERDCWERX process?
Yes. To date, several prototype other transactions have been awarded.
Is there a limit on total awards for each of the Military Engineering Focus Areas?
No.
Are foreign entities eligible for an award under this announcement?
Due to the nature of this program, Clause 252.225-7048 will be included in any resulting award. Per 252.225-7048, the Contractor shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding export-controlled items, including, but not limited to, the requirement for contractors to register with the Department of State in accordance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). The Contractor shall consult with the Department of State regarding any questions relating to compliance with the ITAR and shall consult with the Department of Commerce regarding any questions relating to compliance with the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Therefore, it would be upon the individual entity to ensure compliance.
What does “selected’’ mean?
"Selected" means your solution has been determined to meet all the white paper requirements set forth in the announcement and is potentially advantageous to the Military Engineering mission. Please note: Selection of a white paper does not guarantee funding will become available. If funding does become available, a Request for Prototype Proposal will be sent by the Agreement Officer.
Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)
This section contains general questions as well as questions for individual program requirements.
What is a 'validity' date?
The validity date tells the Government how long an entity’s proposal is valid. The CSO requires pricing to be valid for a minimum of 90 days.
In the CSO Solicitation, Section B, the naming convention for file submissions does not match the naming convention listed in solution brief template. Which naming conventions should we follow?
Updates have been made to the CSO Solicitation document to provide clarification.
In the CSO Solicitation, Section D, it states to 'see attached Areas of Interest/Topics for this CSO'. Can the Government please provide that file?
Further information on the Areas of Interest can be reviewed here.
For the 5 page solution brief and the 15 slide presentation deck, can we include a title page that will not be counted?
Per the CSO Solicitation document, the Solution Brief and slide-deck submissions should not, when printed, exceed the maximum number of pages allowed. The cover letter functions as a title page, which allows the technical volume to maximize the pages allowed for specific solution content.
What cost elements does the Government desire in the cost submission?
Initial submission pricing can be high level estimates because the Government does not intend to require more information than is completely necessary for a preliminary evaluation. The total for the solution being submitted is required. If the submission represents multiples years of effort, a yearly estimate is preferred. More detailed pricing will be requested if the solution is selected to proceed for award.
Can a university be the prime recipient of the contract, and if not, can a university be a subcontractor?
A university can be the recipient or a subcontractor of an award resultant from a solution submission. Note that the primary award vehicle is anticipated to be a contract, therefore entities will need to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) for all awards. Additionally, the applicable DPAP Policy only permits fixed-price type awards.
Will this solicitation be offered as a small business, 8aSetaside, Full and Open or Direct Award?
The Commercial Solutions Opening for the Installations of the Future is a Full and Open solicitation.
Is the funding currently allocated? If not, can you provide an estimated allocation date?
The funding is allocated and ready for award(s) should an acceptable solution be identified.
Can we propose a partial solution and then be matched with others to provide a total or do we need to team up with partners ahead of responding to provide a complete "total solution"?
Partial and total solutions will be considered.
Is there a due date for submissions responding to the Installation of the Future CSO RFP?
The general CSO is open continuously until the date stipulated, so solutions can be submitted at a time during the open period.
The cover sheet requires an AOI to be listed for each submission. What are the AOIs for an individual program requirement?
This is a standalone invitation for proposals, so just use the individual program requirement topic as the AOI.
Are all five Areas of Interest (AOIs) listed in Appendix D of the CSO applicable to individual program requirement submissions or only specific AOIs?
This is a standalone CSO invitation not within a limited AOI.
In the Installation of the Future solicitation, it states, "It is recommended (but not required) that more detailed information is included in the solution brief and higher information is included in the pitch deck." Could you please expand on what you mean by "higher information" in this context?
Slides (pitch decks) are meant to be more concise and get across the main idea, but the “brief” is essentially the more detailed proposal that drills down into the specifics of the solution being submitted.
In regards to the Installation Data Management, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Advanced Analytics area of interest, is it possible to get asset types (HVACs, boilers, water heaters, etc.) and rough estimate of quantities per installation? Also, is 320 total installations an accurate number for all the installations across the enterprise?
We estimate the Army at 254 installations; some installations may include multiple physical sites. Our estimate is that the Army has approximately 161 thousand buildings, 1.1 million HVAC components, and 73 thousand water heater components. This is a rough estimate based on known proportions from some BUILDER-assessed installations, extended to all installations. Notably, not all installations, systems, and components need to be addressed for a solution to be considered.
Confirming that there are no general formatting requirements for the CSO submission of solutions (i.e. margins, type font, rules for acronyms, etc.)?
There are no formatting requirements.
Are the CSO Areas of Interest for AOI – Installation Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Workflows, and AOI – Master Planning Modernization open to Traditional contractors or only non-traditional contractors. If selected, are matching funds from the contractor expected or will funds only come from ERDCWERX?
This depends on the type of award that is executed. The vast majority of awards are anticipated to be FAR-based contracts, which would result in the Government obligating all funding. The CSO authority does allow for Assistance (i.e. Cooperative Agreements and Grants), as well as Other Transactions to be executed. Cost sharing and “traditional” vs. “non-traditional” contractors are considerations under non-FAR based vehicles.
In the description of the Installation Digital Twin data modeling areas of interest, ERDC seeks proposals to apply this capability to all or portions of at least two Army installations (i.e. the ERDC campuses, and another Army installations such as Fort Carson, Fort Benning, or others). If, for example, it is Fort Carson, which areas of the installation will require the application of the digital twin capability (entire installation, cantonment area, training areas (i.e. Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site,), airfields, and/or annexes (to include its infrastructures/facilities for each area)?
At present, the coverage areas for digital twin capability application is not constrained to a particular installation area, but a strong proposal would defend and describe the benefits for application to the proposed area(s). The government has a preference for proposals that provide flexible options for potential application of technologies (e.g., per square foot costing, per facility costing, etc.), which may select specific area(s) for preliminary application or indicate the constraints to which pricing applies (e.g., specific data or network availability, etc.).
Does ERDC have an already existing and managed Cloud Based Data Platform it would expect all tools and solutions to be deployed in to? (RE: “Solutions should be compatible with or function as an IL-5 government cloud-hosted service”)
Yes. Though subject to change, ERDC has a cloud-based platform in the Government IL-4 Azure environment. Currently, that is the target environment.
I would like to clarify that though submissions are due 31 July, submissions will continue to be evaluated/accepted/awarded through 3 August 2022.
That is correct. The CSO Solicitation will be extended past 31 July 2022.
What is a 'validity' date?
The validity date tells the Government how long an entity’s proposal is valid. The CSO requires pricing to be valid for a minimum of 90 days.
In the CSO Solicitation, Section B, the naming convention for file submissions does not match the naming convention listed in solution brief template. Which naming conventions should we follow?
Updates have been made to the CSO Solicitation document to provide clarification.
In the CSO Solicitation, Section D, it states to 'see attached Areas of Interest/Topics for this CSO'. Can the Government please provide that file?
Further information on the Areas of Interest can be reviewed here.
For the 5 page solution brief and the 15 slide presentation deck, can we include a title page that will not be counted?
Per the CSO Solicitation document, the Solution Brief and slide-deck submissions should not, when printed, exceed the maximum number of pages allowed. The cover letter functions as a title page, which allows the technical volume to maximize the pages allowed for specific solution content.
What cost elements does the Government desire in the cost submission?
Initial submission pricing can be high level estimates because the Government does not intend to require more information than is completely necessary for a preliminary evaluation. The total for the solution being submitted is required. If the submission represents multiples years of effort, a yearly estimate is preferred. More detailed pricing will be requested if the solution is selected to proceed for award.
Can a university be the prime recipient of the contract, and if not, can a university be a subcontractor?
A university can be the recipient or a subcontractor of an award resultant from a solution submission. Note that the primary award vehicle is anticipated to be a contract, therefore entities will need to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) for all awards. Additionally, the applicable DPAP Policy only permits fixed-price type awards.
Will this solicitation be offered as a small business, 8aSetaside, Full and Open or Direct Award?
The Commercial Solutions Opening for the Installations of the Future is a Full and Open solicitation.
Is the funding currently allocated? If not, can you provide an estimated allocation date?
The funding is allocated and ready for award(s) should an acceptable solution be identified.
Can we propose a partial solution and then be matched with others to provide a total or do we need to team up with partners ahead of responding to provide a complete "total solution"?
Partial and total solutions will be considered.
Is there a due date for submissions responding to the Installation of the Future CSO RFP?
The general CSO is open continuously until the date stipulated, so solutions can be submitted at a time during the open period.
The cover sheet requires an AOI to be listed for each submission. What are the AOIs for an individual program requirement?
This is a standalone invitation for proposals, so just use the individual program requirement topic as the AOI.
Are all five Areas of Interest (AOIs) listed in Appendix D of the CSO applicable to individual program requirement submissions or only specific AOIs?
This is a standalone CSO invitation not within a limited AOI.
In the Installation of the Future solicitation, it states, "It is recommended (but not required) that more detailed information is included in the solution brief and higher information is included in the pitch deck." Could you please expand on what you mean by "higher information" in this context?
Slides (pitch decks) are meant to be more concise and get across the main idea, but the “brief” is essentially the more detailed proposal that drills down into the specifics of the solution being submitted.
In regards to the Installation Data Management, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Advanced Analytics area of interest, is it possible to get asset types (HVACs, boilers, water heaters, etc.) and rough estimate of quantities per installation? Also, is 320 total installations an accurate number for all the installations across the enterprise?
We estimate the Army at 254 installations; some installations may include multiple physical sites. Our estimate is that the Army has approximately 161 thousand buildings, 1.1 million HVAC components, and 73 thousand water heater components. This is a rough estimate based on known proportions from some BUILDER-assessed installations, extended to all installations. Notably, not all installations, systems, and components need to be addressed for a solution to be considered.
Confirming that there are no general formatting requirements for the CSO submission of solutions (i.e. margins, type font, rules for acronyms, etc.)?
There are no formatting requirements.
Are the CSO Areas of Interest for AOI – Installation Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Workflows, and AOI – Master Planning Modernization open to Traditional contractors or only non-traditional contractors. If selected, are matching funds from the contractor expected or will funds only come from ERDCWERX?
This depends on the type of award that is executed. The vast majority of awards are anticipated to be FAR-based contracts, which would result in the Government obligating all funding. The CSO authority does allow for Assistance (i.e. Cooperative Agreements and Grants), as well as Other Transactions to be executed. Cost sharing and “traditional” vs. “non-traditional” contractors are considerations under non-FAR based vehicles.
In the description of the Installation Digital Twin data modeling areas of interest, ERDC seeks proposals to apply this capability to all or portions of at least two Army installations (i.e. the ERDC campuses, and another Army installations such as Fort Carson, Fort Benning, or others). If, for example, it is Fort Carson, which areas of the installation will require the application of the digital twin capability (entire installation, cantonment area, training areas (i.e. Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site,), airfields, and/or annexes (to include its infrastructures/facilities for each area)?
At present, the coverage areas for digital twin capability application is not constrained to a particular installation area, but a strong proposal would defend and describe the benefits for application to the proposed area(s). The government has a preference for proposals that provide flexible options for potential application of technologies (e.g., per square foot costing, per facility costing, etc.), which may select specific area(s) for preliminary application or indicate the constraints to which pricing applies (e.g., specific data or network availability, etc.).
Does ERDC have an already existing and managed Cloud Based Data Platform it would expect all tools and solutions to be deployed in to? (RE: “Solutions should be compatible with or function as an IL-5 government cloud-hosted service”)
Yes. Though subject to change, ERDC has a cloud-based platform in the Government IL-4 Azure environment. Currently, that is the target environment.
I would like to clarify that though submissions are due 31 July, submissions will continue to be evaluated/accepted/awarded through 3 August 2022.
That is correct. The CSO Solicitation will be extended past 31 July 2022.
