Questions and Answers Amendment 2 Request for Proposals Vessel Design Challenge

Solicitation No. 693JF726R000016
URN-Vessel Design Challenge
Amendment No. 2
The purpose of amendment no. 2 is to respond to the following questions. Question-4.
Is MARAD open to all forms of propulsion to gain fuel efficiencies - for example, hybrid dieselelectric equipment with electric motors and batteries? Response-4.
There are no limits or specific requirements for the type of propulsion or fuel. Technologies, including fuels and propulsion, should be centered around performance and demonstrating the feasibility and economic achievability of these combined approaches and should be dictated by capacity needs set by industry requirements (tug capacity, crew capacity, operations support, range, TEU, cargo etc.). Designs should note specifically the technology readiness level and the commercial availability of any technologies used.
Question-5.
Under the Eligibility Information section of the subject notice, it states that the opportunity is "open to all types of domestic applicants other than individuals." In reviewing the statutory definition of a “domestic source” under 50 U.S.C. § 4555(7), “the term “domestic source” means a business concern— (A) that performs in the United States or Canada substantially all of the research and development, engineering, manufacturing, and production activities required of such business concern under a contract with the United States relating to a critical component or a critical technology item.”
Based on this definition, which appears to include qualifying Canadian businesses as domestic sources for certain USG
Response-5.
For the purposes of this RFP a domestic applicant is considered to be a contractor organized or existing under the laws of the United States. Keep in mind that the RFP states preference will be given to proposals with team leads represented by U.S. companies, those with U.S. headquarters, and those operating under the U.S. flag; the RFP does not exclude those with team leads or team members outside the U.S. "
Question-6.
Confidentiality of design information: Our understanding is that the final report and presentation will be publicly shared, while sensitive supporting information, such as calculations, design plans and drawings, modeling results, technology details, and cost information, can be provided to MARAD without being made public. The terms and conditions, however, grant MARAD broad rights to reproduce, distribute, and display project materials. Could you clarify whether sensitive