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  • SSP Task Initiation Process
  • How to Prepare the IGCE
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  • FAQ for Government Task Sponsors
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FAQ for Government Task Sponsors

Q. How should I send SSP requests to ARO, e-mail, hard copy or fax?
A. New SOWs and modification requests to existing task order must be submitted through the SSP Portal at the link below.

https://extranet.aro.army.mil/SSP

For assistance with technical issues send an email to Aror.extranet@us.army.mil or call Mr. Jim Ward at 919-549-4279.

Q. How can I get the fastest possible turn-around?
A. ARO will not process new task requests or modifications to existing task orders until all required documentation is submitted via the portal. Submitting a partial package will delay your requested action. If your task requires expedited handling in order to meet impending schedule requirements or agency requirements, please advise Melony Wicker at melony.p.wicker.ctr@mail.mil if the urgent requirement(s). The urgent requirements will be reviewed/considered on a case by case basis.

Q. When I do the IGCE, what should be included?
A. If you anticipate that the work will be done by an individual consultant/analyst, estimate an hourly or daily rate, the number of hours/days, travel, and material costs. For companies and educational institutions, make the same estimates for the PI and any support staff but also include an estimate for their overhead/indirect costs. See How to Prepare the IGCE for additional information. An example IGCE is included in the SSP SOW Template.

Q. How accurate does the IGCE have to be?
A. At a minimum the estimated number of hours/days and travel should match the level of effort described in section 7. of the SOW. The dollar amounts should be estimated to the best of your knowledge. If the Battelle proposed cost, arrived at through negotiations with the prospective subcontractor, is lower than your estimate, usually a task order is awarded without further discussions. If the proposed cost is higher than your estimate, the COR will be contacted to determine a course of action.

Q. What is the legal review requirement on Attachment 2, Determinations and Signatures?
A. This review is not intended to be a review of the actual task order under the Scientific Services Program prime contract. Instead, the SSP legal review should be completed by the attorney, who does not have a direct interest in the work being proposed, to determine the following:

• Is this request is for non-personal services? (Personal services are not allowed).
• Does the SOW as written fall within the scope of the activity's mission (i.e., is this something they should be doing at all)?
• Do the terms of the specific tasks and the various elements of work make sense (i.e., are they consistent, are they complete)?

Q. Who is the ARO Finance Point of Contact?
A. Brenda Garland
Fax: 919 549-4378 (DSN 832-)
Phone: 919 549-4358 (DSN 832-)
E-mail: brenda.d.garland.civ@mail.mil

Mailing address:
U.S. Army Research Office
P.O. Box 12211
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2211

Q. How will I know when a task order has been issued?
A. ARO will e-mail a copy of the task order award to the COR. The prime contractor will notify the selected performer(s) of their authorized start date (to be determined by issuance of a Purchase Order by a Battelle subcontracting officer).

Q. What if I want to modify a task order?
A. Submit your request via the SSP portal.

Your request should include a detailed description of the change and a brief justification. For example, if you are requesting a no-cost extension of the period of performance or the final report due date, indicate how long of an extension and the reason for the extension. Please keep in mind that this extension shall not cause the contract total period of performance to exceed the 18onth limit for SSP contracts. If you want to increase the current scope, describe the specific tasks to be added, estimate the number of additional working hours/days, and, if necessary, indicate the new period of performance end date, final report due date (should be the same as the period of performance ending date in most instances), and any additional travel. For scope change modification requests, be sure to e-mail or fax a MIPR to ARO as described above. See Modifications to Existing SSP Tasks and the SSP Modification Request Template for additional information.