Q: If a NORDTECH member is interested in applying to a technical area not covered by NORDTECH should we still submit our proposal to NORDTECH, or to another hub?

A: NORDTECH is focused on the following four technical areas: Artificial Intelligence/Hardware, Secure Edge Computing/Internet of Things, Commercial Leap-Ahead Technologies, Quantum Technology.  Project Summary proposals related to 5G/6G Technology and Electromagnetic Warfare submitted to NORDTECH are unlikely to be selected to move forward to full Proposal, thus it is advised to submit such proposal to an alternate Hub. 

Q: Can Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) participate in the Call for Projects? What about federal labs?

A: Yes, both FFRDCs and federal labs can participate. For federal labs, their associated budget should be included just like every other participant, however, their funding will not flow through NSTXL, NORDTECH, and the lead entity. Instead, a MIPR would be used to transfer funds from OUSD (R&E) to the lab.

Q: Is there a limit to how many project summaries can be submitted per organization?

A: No, there is no limit. However, when submitting your summary, please make sure to identify any part of your project that is being submitted multiple times, including to other hubs.

Q: Are respondents allowed to purchase goods and services from non-US entities in the project performance?  If so, can respondents purchase goods and services from non-US entities located outside the United States?

A: Based on our read of the CFP, goods and services can be purchased from non-US entities, including those located outside the US. There are exceptions, however, around “countries of concern” (China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea) and purchasing certain telecommunications equipment.

Q: Is there a citizenship requirement beyond compliance with export law in the project performance?

A: Based on our read of the CFP, there is no additional citizenship requirement.

Q: Can a project proposal be directed towards two Topics, i.e., proposed as a solution to two Topics within a technical area?

A: No, please select the most relevant single topic area.

Q: For estimation purposes, what start date should respondents use for project proposals?

A: Our understanding is that awards are targeting the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, so June 2024 is probably a good start date.

Q: How should we handle EDA/IP costs?

A: This is still an evolving topic. We have been hearing from vendors that academics cannot use their academic licenses. We’re still working to understand those limitations. The overall eight Microelectronics Commons hubs are working to see if there is a “Commons-wide” solution to this, but there are no firm details. We also understand that academic institutions probably do not have access to commercial costs and that the EDA/IP vendors are not going to be able to field every quote request in time for the 4-page summary due date. Therefore, in the 4-page project proposal summary, there is a question about what EDA/IP needs the project has. Whether or not academic or commercial costs are included will not affect your rating or potential selection for developing a full proposal. NORDTECH will use that information to explore the possibility of a hub-wide EDA/IP solution and will work with the lead entities that are creating full proposals to incorporate the EDA/IP costs in the full proposal. To summarize: please include costs to the best of your ability and list what EDA/IP needs your project has so that NORDTECH can help cost a solution before the full proposals are due.

Q: Is there a blanket NDA that covers discussions across project teams?

A: We encourage folks to submit the 4-pager at the non-confidential level. If you must include confidential information, the lead entity should establish NDAs with the project team to cover discussions and development of the 4-pager. In addition, please contact us a info.nordtechub@gmail.com to get the NDA template between RF SUNY (the legal entity administering NORDTECH) and the lead entity.