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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALSASTM Exo TechnologyCenter of Excellence
LETTERS OF INTENT DUE: JUNE 27, 2019 BY 5:00 P.M. (EASTERN STANDARD TIME)PROPOSAL DUE: JULY 29, 2019 BY 5:00 P.M. (EASTERN STANDARD TIME)
(Late proposals cannot be accepted).
ASTM Exo CoE RFP
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALSOverviewASTM International (ASTM) is seeking proposals to establish an ASTM Exo Technology (Exo) Center of Excellence (CoE) as a partnership to launch a global hub for exo technology research, development, and support activities. The Exo CoE will provide a critical forum for pre-competitive discussions and collaboration between stakeholders across disparate sectors and disciplines and will leverage its international network and expertise to solve common challenges, promote a fair and open marketplace, and educate industry, users, and policy makers.
This innovation hub will:
1. BUILD - Support the health of exoskeleton community by sponsoring innovative research and development (R&D) that advances standards, education and workforce development (E&WD), and related activities.
2. CONNECT - Provide a neutral forum for pre-competitive discussion and collaboration between stakeholders across disparate sectors and disciplines, giving them a framework to identify and address the greatest needs in the field and fostering the creation of a fair and effective marketplace for exo technologies.
3. ENERGIZE - Leverage its international network and expertise to solve common exo community challenges, promote a fair and open global marketplace, and educate industry, users, and policy makers.
ASTM anticipates one award under this Request for Proposal (RFP) competition. ASTM will consider proposals for a CoE for up to five years with annual reviews, with a three-year base period and a two-year option period. The total anticipated amount for the award is up to $250K annually for five years, which may change because of potential provided in-kind contributions combined with cash that might exceed $250K. The total amount of funding made available to fund a successful proposal may vary, based on the quality, nature, or characteristics of received proposals and the availability of funds or in-kind contributions. Detailed information about funding is available in Section II.
ASTM will evaluate proposals using a combination of independent reviews and peer review panel meetings, with evaluation and selection criteria specified in Section V. ASTM reserves the right to select some or none of the proposals.
Summary Award InformationAward Organization NameASTM International100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959
Request for Proposals TitleASTM Exo Technology Center of Excellence
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ASTM Exo CoE RFP
Anticipated Funding AmountUp to $250K annually for five years, which may change because of potential provided in-kind contributions combined with cash that might exceed $250K
Award PeriodAnnually by calendar year for up to five years with annual reviews (by calendar year), with a three-year base period and a two-year option period
Key DatesApplicant letters of intent to submit a full proposal must be received electronically by June 27, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. (EST).
Proposal inquiries and questions must be received in writing by electronic mail no later than June 28, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) to be considered.
ASTM will host an informational webinar for potential applicants who have sent a letter of intent to submit a proposal to the Exo CoE RFP on July 2, 2019, at 10 a.m. (EST). Please note, applicants must send a letter of intent in order to attend this webinar.
Proposals must be received electronically by July 29, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. (EST) to be considered.
All applicants will be notified in writing of ASTM’s final decision of regarding their application in September 2019.
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ASTM Exo CoE RFP
Table of ContentsREQUEST FOR PROPOSALS........................................................................................................................... i
Overview.................................................................................................................................................. i
Summary Award Information................................................................................................................... i
I. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION.....................................................................................................................1
Summary.................................................................................................................................................1
Background..............................................................................................................................................1
Objective.................................................................................................................................................2
Exo Center of Excellence Overview.........................................................................................................2
Role of the Exo Center of Excellence.......................................................................................................3
Success Criteria of the Exo Center of Excellence.....................................................................................4
II. AWARD INFORMATION.......................................................................................................................4
Award Period...........................................................................................................................................4
Funding Availability.................................................................................................................................4
Cost Sharing.............................................................................................................................................5
III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION..............................................................................................................5
Eligible Applicants....................................................................................................................................5
Limit on Number of Proposals Per Organization......................................................................................5
IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION.............................................................................5
Application Submission...........................................................................................................................5
Required Form of Application Submission...............................................................................................6
Informational Webinar............................................................................................................................8
V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION.................................................................................................9
Evaluation and Selection Criteria.............................................................................................................9
Review and Selection Processes............................................................................................................10
VI. SELECTION NOTICE INFORMATION................................................................................................11
Selection Notices...................................................................................................................................11
VII. CONTACT INFORMATION...............................................................................................................11
Proposal Inquiries and Questions..........................................................................................................11
General Inquiries and Questions...........................................................................................................12
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ASTM Exo CoE RFP
ASTM Exo CoE RFP
I. PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONSummaryASTM International (ASTM) is seeking proposals to establish an ASTM Exo Technology (Exo) Center of Excellence (CoE) as a partnership to launch a global hub for exo technology research, development, and support activities. The Exo CoE will provide a critical forum for pre-competitive discussions and collaborations between stakeholders across disparate sectors and disciplines and will leverage its international network and expertise to solve common challenges, promote a fair and open marketplace, and educate industry, users, and policy makers.
This innovation hub will:
1. BUILD - Support the health of exoskeleton community by sponsoring innovative research and development (R&D) that advances standards, education and workforce development (E&WD), and related activities.
2. CONNECT - Provide a neutral forum for pre-competitive discussion and collaboration between stakeholders across disparate sectors and disciplines, giving them a framework to identify and address the greatest needs in the field and fostering the creation of a fair and effective marketplace for exo technologies.
3. ENERGIZE - Leverage its international network and expertise to solve common exo community challenges, promote a fair and open global marketplace, and educate industry, users, and policy makers.
ASTM anticipates one award under this Request for Proposal (RFP) competition. ASTM will consider proposals for a CoE for up to five years with annual reviews, with a three-year base period and a two-year option period. The total anticipated amount for the award is up to $250K annually for five years, which may change because of potential provided in-kind contributions combined with cash that might exceed $250K. The total amount of funding made available to fund a successful proposal may vary, based on the quality, nature, or characteristics of received proposals and the availability of funds or in-kind contributions. Detailed information about funding is available in Section II.
ASTM will evaluate proposals using a combined review process of independent reviews and peer review panel meetings, with evaluation and selection criteria specified in Section V. ASTM reserves the right to select some or none of the proposals.
BackgroundASTM is an international standards organization that develops technical standards for a wide range of materials, systems, and services. A leading non-profit organization devoted to the development of international standards, ASTM has served society as a leading venue for consumers, industry, and regulators to work collaboratively under a balanced and consensus–based process to craft voluntary standards for more than 100 years. ASTM standards are used globally in research and development, product testing, quality systems, commercial transactions, and more. ASTM also meets the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles for developing international standards.
ASTM is unique among standards organizations for its pioneering role in the technical standards for exo technologies. ASTM established Committee F48 on Exoskeletons and Exosuits in 2017 to develop standards addressing safety, quality, performance, ergonomics, and terminology for systems and
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ASTM Exo CoE RFP
ASTM Exo CoE RFP
components during the full life cycle of exo products. The six technical committees of F48 are supported by experts on more than 20 subcommittees focused on materials, testing and evaluation, and related processing technologies.
Exoskeleton technology presents a tremendous opportunity to transform society through the augmentation of human physical and mental capabilities, with applications in healthcare, industry (e.g., construction), public safety, recreation, and military defense. This emerging technology needs a center to stimulate, coordinate, and align community efforts under common needs and priorities. A CoE can also promote the creation of a shared body of data on exoskeleton performance and safety to accelerate widespread adoption and investment. There is interest and opportunity within the current exo technology landscape, and many stakeholders are waiting for others to lead the way before they commit significant time and resources. ASTM recognizes the need to establish a global hub for exo technologies leveraging its existing expertise, resources, and partnerships with other organizations.
The work of the ASTM Exo CoE will be aligned around the following initiatives:
1. Identify and support high-priority R&D topics that accelerate the development of standards by coordinating with ASTM committees and promoting communication and collaboration among experts from the medical, industry, military, academic, insurance, and regulatory sectors.
2. Connect researchers, medical professionals, industry, users, government, and other relevant experts to identify common challenges and recommend strategic activities to address them.
3. Support education and training, certifications, and proficiency testing through E&WD programs and similar activities.
4. Collect and share knowledge of exo technology safety, performance, reliability, and other valuable topic areas that best support community efforts.
5. Support exo technology standards development through organizing community events; providing access to related standards, data, and other references; and increasing awareness.
ObjectiveProposals are sought to establish an ASTM Exo CoE as a partnership to launch a global hub in support of exo technology development and support activities.
Exo Center of Excellence Overview VisionThe ASTM Exo CoE’s vision is for people of all ages to be free to pursue a high-quality life and participate fully in work and society thanks to safe and reliable exo technologies.
MissionThe ASTM Exo CoE’s mission is to build, connect, and energize exo standards, research, and applications.
Topics and ActivitiesWhile the CoE activities will feed into Committee F48’s topic areas, the CoE may engage a wider variety of topics depending on the partner’s interests and areas of expertise. For questions regarding appropriate CoE topics and activities, please contact ASTM Standards Development Director Pat Picariello via email at [email protected].
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ASTM Exo CoE RFP
ASTM Exo CoE RFP
Role of the Exo Center of ExcellenceThe ASTM Exo CoE’s role is to support exo technology standards, research, and applications through targeted pre-normative research, coordination of community efforts, and knowledge sharing. The Exo CoE will be a:
Advocate of innovative R&D efforts that advance standards, regulations, and policies.
Central repository of knowledge and talent for pre-normative R&D activities.
Global hub for exo education and training.
Neutral forum to discuss common challenges related to standards, research, workforce, regulations, and policy.
Library of community resources including databases, research articles, education programs, and other reference materials.
Coordinator of a global partnership for harmonizing international exo standards, regulations, and policy.
Exo CoE as an Advocate of R&D for StandardizationWith many potential R&D projects in need of resources, a central hub can ensure that the projects most critical to needed exo technology standards, regulations, and policies have the necessary support and momentum. The Exo CoE will identify R&D projects that could drive the creation of needed standards and regulations and coordinate the funding, expertise, and resources to ensure those projects move forward.
Exo CoE as a Central Repository of Knowledge for R&D ActivitiesCoordination between R&D and standards development activities allows researchers and manufacturers to build on each other’s lessons learned and avoid duplicate work efforts, accelerating the development of the field as a whole. The ASTM Exo CoE can act as a lead and coordinator to enable efficient and targeted R&D activities that are aligned with the most critical standards needs to facilitate growth of the exo technology industry.
Exo CoE as a Global Hub for Exo Technology Innovation and TrainingASTM expects the Exo CoE to be a central location for collaborative efforts around exo technology innovation, R&D support, and standardization activity support. The CoE’s facilities will serve as a source for proficiency testing programs, a demonstration platform for R&D generation, and a destination for those learning exo technology to receive hands-on training and industrial experience. Offering workshops, conferences, interlaboratory studies (ILS), and round robins, the CoE will serve as a base for satellite exo centers outside the United States.
Exo CoE as a Neutral Forum for Exo SectorsASTM expects the exo CoE to serve as a consortium platform for exo sectors. Because exo technology has applications across diverse sectors—including industry, healthcare, and the military—and draws on many technological areas—including augmented reality, real-time health monitoring, big data, artificial intelligence, automation, and human-machine interaction—it has the potential to be engaged by multiple types of research bodies: industry, governmental, and national laboratories. A CoE can connect disparate technological areas and ensure that they are fully utilized in supporting the development of exo technology, while also ensuring that lessons learned are shared across different sectors and applications.
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ASTM Exo CoE RFP
ASTM Exo CoE RFP
Exo CoE as a Library of Community ResourcesThe Exo CoE can align community activities around exo technology development by publishing and disseminating innovative community resources. This could include an R&D roadmap linking standards needs with potential R&D topics, educational programs, databases, or consolidated research.
Exo CoE as a Coordinator of a Global PartnershipExo technologies have stakeholders around the world involved in all aspects of the product lifecycle. An exo CoE can establish a global partnership to ensure that standards have international support and are aligned with the needs of the global marketplace.
Success Criteria of the Exo Center of ExcellenceThe success of the Exo CoE will depend on its ability to address key barriers to advancing the exo technology industry. The CoE will focus on meeting the exo community’s most critical needs, including:
Building a framework of standards, regulations, and policies that enable the demonstration of the safety and reliability of exo technology
Conducting studies that assess the exo technology’s capability for injury prevention
Developing common product performance criteria to support a fair and transparent marketplace
Promoting exo community support through the complete lifecycle (e.g., R&D, testing, design and manufacturing, application, maintenance, and disposal)
II. AWARD INFORMATIONAward PeriodThe award made under this RFP will support the establishment of an ASTM Exo CoE. The anticipated period of performance is five years with annual reviews, with a three-year base period and a two-year option period.
Funding AvailabilityASTM anticipates one award under this RFP competition. ASTM will consider proposals for up to five years with annual reviews, with a three-year base period and a two-year option period. The total anticipated amount for the award is up to $250K annually for five years, which may change because of potential provided in-kind contributions combined with cash that might exceed $250K. The total amount of funding made available to a successful proposal may vary, based on the quality of received proposals, the availability of funds, and the in-kind support and program development resources from ASTM’s related pre-existing activities. These include ASTM education and training, certification and proficiency testing program development, connection with top exo experts through ASTM’s Committee F48 on Exoskeletons and Exosuits, and the offered workshops, meetings, conferences, and more that are designed for ASTM’s over 30,000 members.
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ASTM Exo CoE RFP
ASTM Exo CoE RFP
Cost SharingASTM does not require a fixed percentage of cost sharing or in-kind sharing for this proposal; however, applicants are encouraged to provide cost sharing to support the CoE (e.g., for operational cost). The proposed cost sharing/matching will not be an evaluation and selection criterion.
III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATIONEligible ApplicantsProposals may only be submitted by the following:
Commercial, non-profit, and profit R&D entities located in or outside the United States.
Four-year accredited colleges with a campus located in or outside the United States.
Government agencies or offices.
As an international organization, ASTM is not limiting proposals to any type of organization (i.e. university, corporate R&D, or non-profit) or specific region and therefore welcomes proposals from our global stakeholders. ASTM is interested in establishing a center with physical locations capable of addressing the CoE objectives with no predetermined geographical location.
Any programs or projects should not involve any International Traffic and Arms Regulations (ITAR) or export-control related technologies.
Limit on Number of Proposals Per OrganizationThere are no restrictions or limits of principal investigators (PI) or co-PI per proposal. However, ASTM will not consider proposals that contain a sub award(s). In addition, each university or organization is limited to one, single proposal submission.
IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATIONApplication SubmissionApplicant letters of intent to submit a full proposal MUST be submitted via email as follows:
Email Instruction: Email with subject header “ASTM Exo CoE Letter of Intent: name of applicant/organization” to Pat Picariello at [email protected]. A letter of intent should NOT contain any proprietary information. For further information please contact:
Standards DevelopmentPat PicarielloEmail: [email protected]: +1.610.832.9720
Letters of Intent Due Dates and Time: ASTM must receive letters no later than June 27, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. (EST) to be considered.
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ASTM Exo CoE RFP
ASTM Exo CoE RFP
Electronic Form: A letter of intent should be one page as a Portable Document Format (PDF) document.
Please note, a letter of intent must be submitted in order to be eligible to attend an informational webinar for potential applicants on July 2, 2019, at 10 a.m. (EST).
The proposal MUST be submitted via email as follows:
Email Instruction: Email with subject header “ASTM Exo CoE Proposal: name of applicant/organization” to Pat Picariello at [email protected]. A technical proposal should NOT contain any proprietary information. For further information please contact:
Standards DevelopmentPat PicarielloEmail: [email protected]: +1.610.832.9720
Application Due Dates and Time: ASTM must receive proposals no later than July 29, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. (EST) to be considered. ASTM highly recommends submitting applications early.
Electronic Form and Proposal Attachment: All required forms should be combined as a single PDF document for attachments.
Applicant letters of intent and proposal applications delivered to a different address may be rejected. Applicant letters of intent and proposal applications that are delivered in a different form than prescribed in this RFP, that do not follow the required confidentiality requirements, or are received after the designated time and date, may be rejected. Due to the nature of this RFP, there will be no public opening of letters of intent and proposals.
Required Form of Application SubmissionASTM aims to make the proposal submission procedures simple for applicants. The following is a summary of required forms:
Required Forms Cover Sheet (1-page limit)
o Title of proposed CoE: Note that this should be publicly releasable
o Applicant information
Summary (up to 300 words)
o Proposed CoE overview: This should be a concise abstract of 300 words or less, and should be publicly releasable for the technical and nontechnical communities
Table of Contents (no page limit)
CoE Narrative (17-page limit including 2-page budget justification)
o Statement of objectives
o Statement of proposed structure/work
o Impact and significance of proposed work
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ASTM Exo CoE RFP
ASTM Exo CoE RFP
o Detailed plan of work: Apart from a detailed plan of work, it would be desirable to include a brief 2-page budget justification, including a plan to leverage ASTM’s available resources. A more detailed explanation of ASTM’s possible in-kind support is described in the ASTM Exo RFP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Description of PI, Collaborators, and Other Affiliations (2-page limit)
o Description of CoE team
o Description of previous experience
o Explanation of roles and responsibilities
Biographical Sketch of PI(s)
References Cited (no page limit)
Description of Facilities, Equipment, and Other Resources (2-page limit)
Budget Sheet (1-page for each year)
o Each proposal should include an annual budget plan for each year of support requested.
o ASTM follows the National Science Foundation (NSF)’s budget sheet format because quite a few potential applicants are already familiar with it. For further information on budget and budget justification, consult NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide.1
Other Attachments (optional)
Applicants must not include confidential or proprietary information in the proposal. ASTM will not consider a proposal if applicants include confidential or proprietary information in any part of the proposal.
Additional Forms Letter(s) of support (no limit on number of letters, and no page limit)
o Support from various Exo stakeholders is essential for the success of proposed CoE.
For a facilitated proposal submission process, at this RFP stage ASTM will not ask applicants to submit certifications or supporting documents including:
Certification regarding conflict of interest Certification regarding drug-free workplace Certification regarding debarment and suspension Certification regarding nondiscrimination Certification regarding organizational support
If a proposal is selected in the first review stage described below, ASTM may request additional reference information or supporting documentation from applicants during the final decision-making process.
Proposal Format Paper Size: 8.5 x 11-inch paper Margins: One-inch margins Column and Spacing: Single column and single spacing
1 https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=papp
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ASTM Exo CoE RFP
ASTM Exo CoE RFP
Font: Arial 10 or larger or Times New Roman/Calibri 11 or larger Page Limitation: As described above Content: As described above
ASTM will not consider any applications that do not follow the page limits and proposal format in the evaluation.
Informational WebinarASTM will host an informational webinar for potential applicants on July 2, 2019, at 10 a.m. (EST). This one-hour webinar is open to applicants who have submitted a letter of intent to submit a full proposal and are interested in learning more about the ASTM Exo CoE RFP. ASTM encourages potential applicants to participate in the RFP Q&A webinar before submitting their full proposal. Please note, a letter of intent must be submitted in order to be eligible to attend this webinar. More information is available in the RFP FAQ, available under “Additional Information” at https://www.astm.org/COMMITTEE/F48.htm which will be continuously updated.
If an applicant has proposal inquiries and questions, please contact ASTM’s primary point of contact by email:
ASTM Global Business Development and Strategy Leonard MorrisseyEmail: [email protected] Phone: +1.610.832.9719
or
Nexight GroupDr. Changwon SuhEmail: [email protected]: +1.240.667.7634
All questions should be submitted in writing by email. Include “Proposal Inquires: ASTM Exo CoE” in the subject line. If submitting a question by telephone, you may not receive a response. Proposal inquiries and questions must be received in writing by electronic mail no later than June 28, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. (EST) to be considered. Proposal inquiries and questions may not be able to be answered if received later than that date.
V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATIONEvaluation and Selection CriteriaApplicants should show strength in as many of the evaluation and selection criteria as possible to demonstrate core competencies.
Principal Evaluation and Selection Criteria (100 points)ASTM will use five equally important selection criteria to review and evaluate ASTM Exo CoE proposals. These criteria assess the ability of the proposed partnership to embody the desired attributes of an Exo CoE. These attributes include adherence to major exo research, standard-centeredness, best collaborative exo technology solutions, expandability to cover various exo technology sectors, and industry-relevant research necessary to create synergy and evolve the exo industry.
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ASTM Exo CoE RFP
ASTM Exo CoE RFP
The five criteria and their explanations are listed below.
Adherence to Originality and Innovativeness of Exo R&D (20 points): The CoE should be an innovative center for exo R&D that advances standards, regulations, and policies through pre-normative R&D projects and related activities. Engaging the common challenges and major technological topic areas of interest to the exo community are important aspects of promoting innovation. This criterion will measure the potential to fill critical knowledge gaps for accelerated exo R&D generation.
Standard-Centeredness (20 points): The CoE should be a significant contributor to exo standard development. It is important to lead the rapid development of new standards that provide guidance, clarity, and confidence for exo stakeholders and users. This criterion will assess the ability of R&D activities to advance standardization efforts (e.g., exo design, quality assurance, and others).
Exo Impact and Cooperative Linkages (20 points): The CoE should be a neutral forum for exo collaboration. The COE must be trusted by researchers, industry, and government so these parties are able to share and provide access to data and products. The potential contribution of the exo CoE will be an improved exchange of the ideas and information that are crucial for the structured communication, interaction, and engagement with internal and external experts. The CoE can provide easy access to shared information and resources across the worldwide exo community. This criterion will assess the nature and scope of linkages within the CoE, and ability to deliver desired impact.
Broad Engagement of Exo Sectors (20 points): The CoE should be a consortium that engages diverse exo sectors, covering topics ranging from military defense to medical and consumer applications. This criterion will estimate the Center’s current breadth and potential to expand to other relevant areas of exo technology such as augmented reality, real-time health monitoring, big data, artificial intelligence, automations, and/or seamless human-machine interfaces.
Industry Relevance of Research (20 points): There is a need for synergy among all exo stakeholders, ranging from large-scale manufacturers to small vendors, to ensure R&D efforts are focused on industry’s needs. By incorporating all aspects of the exo technology spectrum, exo technology developers, industrial stakeholders/customers, government agencies, and academia will be able to collaborate with a level of transparency appropriate for progress. This criterion will measure the ability to provide the necessary leadership and coordination to enable, mediate, and encourage communication for exo industry- and manufacturing-research needs necessary to evolve the exo industry.
Additional Evaluation and Selection Criteria (15 extra points)Applicant’s qualifications, center capabilities, facilities, and related experience (15 extra points): ASTM will consider an applicant’s qualifications, center capabilities, facilities, and related experience as a whole. It should be noted that this criterion is less important than the combined principal evaluation and selection criteria described above.
No further evaluation criteria will be used for proposal selection. The proposed cost and budget plan will be considered, but will not be an evaluation and selection criterion (see below the details of cost review procedures). In addition, the cost sharing responses will not affect the CoE selection process or factor into ASTM’s final decision.
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ASTM Exo CoE RFP
ASTM Exo CoE RFP
Review and Selection ProcessesTransparent, Merit-Based Review ProceduresProposals received in response to this RFP will go through a two-step selection process:
1st Independent Review: During the initial stage of the selection process, ASTM will distribute proposals to an independent panel of exo technology experts for a first-round peer review. Each proposal will have three to four reviewers selected by the ASTM leadership. Reviewers may include key experts from industry, academia, or government agencies, and will adhere to the process described in this section and apply the evaluation and selection criteria detailed above. Reviewers will then independently evaluate and assign a preliminary score to their assigned proposals. Each proposal’s preliminary scores will then be combined to create an initial average score. ASTM estimates that four or five proposals will be selected for the second review. The proposals and review scores from the selected proposal from the review panel will then be forwarded to the ASTM leadership for the second stage of the selection process.
2nd Peer Review Panel Meeting: ASTM leadership will lead the second review process, working closely with its technical committees and other independent experts, which will be identified and invited by ASTM. The second stage of the selection process will be an in-person (or virtual) review panel meeting, focusing on the potential impact of the proposed CoE, as well as ensuring alignment with ASTM’s mission and goals.
Final Decision: One final awardee will be recommended by the panel, and the final decision will be made by ASTM leadership.
Peer Review Disclosure ProceduresFor transparent review procedures, all review panels will include nondisclosure agreements that prohibit disclosure of any information submitted to other parties.
Conflict of Interests: All reviewers of both selection procedures will not be affiliated with an applicant’s organization. However, if a reviewer has an affiliation or financial connection with the institution or the person submitting the proposal that might be construed as creating a conflict of interest, the invited reviewer should inform ASTM immediately.
Confidentiality of Proposals and Peer Reviews: ASTM will receive proposals from applicants in confidence. In addition, the identity of reviewers will be kept confidential to the maximum extent possible. All reviewers will sign nondisclosure agreements that prohibit disclosure of any information submitted to other parties. Reviewers will be advised on how to access and handle the proposals being reviewed. When reviewers have completed their review, ASTM will destroy the proposals.
Applicants or their surrogates are prohibited from contacting any ASTM staff to advocate on behalf of a proposal submitted in response to this RFP. Violation of this rule will disqualify an applicant’s proposal from consideration.
Cost Review ProceduresIf a proposal is selected for possible award, ASTM will review the budget plan and justification in detail. To make sure the proposed costs are realistic and reasonable, ASTM may request additional necessary information before making a final decision.
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ASTM Exo CoE RFP
ASTM Exo CoE RFP
No Guaranteed AwardASTM reserves the right to reject any and all proposals. ASTM does not guarantee that any award will be made under this RFP competition.
VI. SELECTION NOTICE INFORMATIONSelection NoticesAll applicants will be notified in writing of ASTM’s final decision regarding their application in September 2019. If a proposal is selected for a possible award, an email will be sent to the PI. Please note that ASTM’s selection notice is not an authorization to start a proposed work and is not an award guarantee. ASTM will contact applicants further for additional questions and to negotiate specific award terms including cash and in-kind support, and conditions.
Unselected proposals will not be shared externally and will be destroyed or returned to the applicants based on the applicant’s preference. Any questions about the review may be made to ASTM leadership, but please note that all decisions are final. ASTM cannot offer feedback on unselected proposals.
VII. CONTACT INFORMATIONProposal Inquiries and QuestionsSubmit all proposal questions in writing by email. Include “Proposal Inquires: ASTM Exo CoE” in the subject line, addressed to:
ASTM Global Business Development and Strategy Leonard MorrisseyEmail: [email protected] Phone: +1.610.832.9719
or
Nexight GroupDr. Changwon SuhEmail: [email protected]: +1.240.667.7634
Submit all questions in writing by email. If a question is submitted by telephone, there may not be a response. Proposal inquiries and questions must be received in writing by email no later than June 28, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. (EST) to be considered. Proposal inquiries and questions may not be able to be answered if received later than that date.
General Inquiries and QuestionsSubmit all questions in writing by email. Include “General Inquires: ASTM Exo CoE” in the subject line, addressed to:
ASTM Global Business Development and StrategyLeonard MorrisseyEmail: [email protected]: +1.610.832.9719
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ASTM Exo CoE RFP
ASTM Exo CoE RFP
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