2. The Government's decision as to whether to exercise the option would be informed by one (or more) interim assessment events known as "knowledge points".

3. A "knowledge point" occurs when key information becomes available that indicates progress toward program goals. A "knowledge point" could be a discrete event or the culmination of multiple events. While focused on technical performance metrics (TPMs) and risk reduction, a "knowledge point" could also provide programmatic information.

Examples would include "knowledge points" supported by TPMs related to Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) and Weight. It is anticipated that vendor unique "knowledge points" and supporting TPMs exist as well.

4. The Government requests identification of potential "knowledge points" throughout the 22 month period of performance. Of most interest are those "knowledge points" that would inform the decision to exercise the contract option during the 22 month TD effort.

Your discussion of recommended "knowledge points" should include rationale as to their relevance to achieving the work identified in the NGJ draft specification and statement of work (SOW), previously offered for review via FEDBIZOPS notice published on 17 Jan 2012. The Government is interested in leveraging vendor planned "knowledge points" to perform assessments, not creating arbitrary decision points.

5. The Government requests the vendor identify how the TD contract work scope would be divided between the base and option to align with the recommended "knowledge points". The division of work should provide for an efficient transition between the contract base and option. While the duration of the base and option are notionally 11 months each, the contractor should recommend timing and duration to align with their "knowledge points".

6. In conclusion, the Government requests that respondents provide the following by 28 Feb 2012 to Mary Dodds at [email protected]:
a) Identification of relevant "knowledge points" - both the event and the prospective timing of that event (i.e. months after contract award)
b) Identify the technical performance measure(s), risk reduction information or other information associated with each such "knowledge point"
c) A description of the work scope division (basic contract versus contract option performance) that aligns with the "knowledge points" and discussion of performance efficiency impacts, if any, associated with said division. The response should include the duration of both the base and option, along with the timing of the option (i.e. months after contract award).
d) An overall assessment of the viability of the prospective option contracting approach