SERDP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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GENERAL FAQs

PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL FAQs

COST AND FUNDING FAQs

SON-SPECIFIC FAQs

GENERAL FAQs

  • 1. Are there any opportunities to learn more about the SERDP solicitations other than what is available in the instructions?

    SERDP will host a webinar entitled “SERDP Funding Opportunities” on November 13, 2012, from 2:00-3:00 PM Eastern Time. Participants may ask questions about the funding process, the current SERDP solicitation, and the proposal submission process. Pre-registration for this webinar is required. To register, visit https://cc.readytalk.com/r/k2xnbacyfs63.

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  • 2. Is SERDP issuing a SEED solicitation for FY 2014?

    Yes. SERDP issued a FY 2014 SERDP Exploratory Development (SEED) solicitation on October 25, 2012. The SEED solicitation is a means for researchers to test proof of concept with a limited amount of funding (not to exceed $150,000) in a project approximately one year in duration. Successful SEED projects may lead to more extensive follow‑on efforts. Proposals are sought for FY 2014 funding in response to two Statements of Need (SONs); one each in the Munitions Response and the Weapons Systems and Platforms program areas. Proposals submitted in response to the SEED Solicitation are due March 12, 2013.

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  • 3. Can a Limited Scope Proposal be submitted against a Core SON?

    Yes. Limited Scope Proposals may be submitted in response to any Core SON. Proposers with innovative approaches to a SON that entail high technical risk and/or have minimal supporting data may submit a Limited Scope Proposal for a limited amount of funding (up to $150,000) for projects approximately one year in duration, to develop the data necessary to provide for risk reduction and/or proof of concept. Proposers should submit these Limited Scope Proposals in accordance with the Core Solicitation instructions and deadlines. Such proposals, if successful, may be eligible for follow-on funding if they result in a successful initial project.

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  • 4. Can I contact the SERDP Office to discuss exactly what you are looking for in the Statements of Need?

    Due to the competitive nature of the solicitation process, we do not discuss the Statements of Need (SON) with individuals. However, from time to time a SON needs clarification. If you find a SON to be confusing or unclear, the best course of action is to send an e-mail asking for clarification to the contact person noted at the end of that SON. If we agree that the SON requires clarification, we will issue an amendment to the solicitation so that all may have equal access to the clarification.

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  • 5. I have heard that SERDP projects are required to have a field work component. Is this true?

    No. There is no such requirement. While some projects would not be complete without some field work, many SERDP projects do not have a field component.

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  • 6. How do you deal with intellectual property rights?

    We follow standard DoD procedures concerning intellectual property rights in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations. The creator will control commercial rights but the government reserves the right to use and develop the technology for its own purposes.

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  • 7. Our proposal will include proprietary information. Will this information be protected when we submit our proposal?

    Yes. All proprietary information in proposals is protected. Everyone who handles proposals has signed a non-disclosure agreement or is bound to non-disclosure under the terms of their employment.

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  • 8. I submitted a proposal last year that was not selected for funding. I would like to resubmit this year. How can I do this?

    If the proposal is responsive to a current Statement of Need, please feel free to submit a pre-proposal. Proposal submissions that do not address a current Statement of Need will not be considered.

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PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL FAQs

  • 9. I work for a Federal organization. In previous years I submitted proposals through my organization’s Executive Working Group representative. Do I go through the same process this year?

    No, the submittal process for Federal organizations has been changed. All Federal proposers must submit pre-proposals directly to SERDP through the on-line system. For complete instructions, refer to the web site at www.serdp-estcp.org/Funding-Opportunities/SERDP-Solicitations.

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  • 10. I am from a company or an academic institution and want to partner with a government lab to submit a proposal. How do I submit the proposal?

    There are two submission routes to SERDP for proposals that have a Federal partner and a private sector partner. If the private sector partner is designated as the lead on the project, then the pre-proposal is submitted through the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). If the Federal organization is the lead on the project, then the pre-proposal is submitted through the Federal Call for Proposals.

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  • 11. Is it true that proposals submitted in response to SERDP solicitations are required to have a DoD partner?

    No. Proposals do not require a DoD partner. 

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  • 12. Can foreign organizations submit proposals to SERDP?

    Yes. We are currently funding efforts in both Canada and Europe.

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  • 13. Is it possible to have an international partner on a SERDP project and can Federal dollars be allocated to an international institution?

    You may have international partners. Their costs must be indicated in U.S. Dollars. Contracts must be handled by the lead institution including the exchange of funds to the partner's currency. These subcontracts will not be handled through SERDP's contracting office.

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  • 14. Can I submit more than one proposal?

    Yes. There is no limit to the number of pre-proposals that organizations can submit. You will need to create a separate proposal cover page for each proposal. If submitting more than one proposal, please be careful to upload the correct proposal with the corresponding cover page.

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  • 15. Can I submit a proposal by e-mail or facsimile?

    No. Proposals will not be accepted if received via e-mail or facsimile. You must submit your proposal in accordance with the instructions for the solicitation to which you are responding. Detailed instructions may be found on the SERDP and ESTCP web site at www.serdp-estcp.org/Funding-Opportunities/SERDP-Solicitations.

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  • 16. Can I get an extension on the deadline for proposal submittal?

    No. The deadlines cannot be waived.

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  • 17. Can I submit a full proposal in response to the Core solicitation if I did not submit a pre-proposal?

    No. You must submit a pre-proposal and subsequently be asked to submit a full proposal.

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  • 18. For the pre-proposal, does the 5-page limit include references?

    No. This 5-page limit does not include references.

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  • 19. What font and size should be used in the pre-proposals and proposals?

    The minimum acceptable font size is 11. We do not specify a font, but whatever you opt to use must be readable.

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  • 20. Does an Authorizing Representative have to sign the pre-proposal?

    The only signature that we require on a pre-proposal is that of the principal investigator. Your organization may have other specific restrictions concerning this issue. Only the full proposal requires the signature of an individual empowered to bind your organization.

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  • 21. Where do I get the DUNS CAGE number?

    This number is available from your contracting office. If you do not have one, this section can be left blank.

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COST AND FUNDING FAQs

  • 22. As a foreign proposer, should I cost the proposal in U.S. dollars or in my local currency?

    Proposals must reflect U.S. dollars.

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  • 23. There is no specific annual funding or total funding limit identified in the Core solicitation. How do I determine financial needs?

    It is true that there are no funding limits specified. You should determine how much money you will require to adequately fund the work you have proposed. SERDP funds projects ranging in size from under $150 thousand to about $1 million per year.

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  • 24. If I am selected for funding, when can I expect to receive my funds?

    This can vary depending on when SERDP receives its funding. For planning purposes, performers can expect to receive their funds in March.

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  • 25. Will I receive all of the funds for the entire project at one time?

    No. All SERDP projects are incrementally funded on a year-by-year basis. Only one-year efforts, primarily SEEDs and Limited Scope Projects, will receive all funds at project initiation.

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SON-SPECIFIC FAQs

  • 26. Questions related to WPSON-14-01...

    Question (added 11-8-12): In the Objective it states, “Potential solid propellant technologies need to have a low flame temperature…” What is meant by “low flame temperature”?

    Answer: Low flame temperature would be 1000-2000 °C.

    Question (added 11-8-12): For the gas generator function, is steam viable as a major component of the gas?

    Answer: Proposals in which steam is a major component of the gas would be considered. However, prospective submitters should keep in mind that monopropellants sometimes must operate at temperatures as low as -65 °F which could pose challenges for using steam as a major component.

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