Bioeffects Research of Directed Energy Exposure (BRDEE)
The Air Force Research Laboratory's Human Effectiveness Directorate is seeking research contractors for the Bioeffects Research of Directed Energy Exposures (BRDEE) program, a critical scientific initiative examining electromagnetic spectrum effects on biological systems. The solicitation is a two-step Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) under the Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring, and Sustaining (CHEERS) Multiple Authority Announcement. Key research objectives include developing computational tools for dosimetry, conducting in vitro and in vivo studies of biological responses to directed energy exposure, and engineering bioeffects applications with expertise in programming, cell culture, genomics, microscopy, and animal research. White papers are due March 2, 2025, with full proposals requested from selected offerors, and the government will evaluate submissions based on technical merit, innovative approach, understanding of scope, and technical soundness. Successful offerors must have Secret clearance and be prepared to comply with extensive security and data handling requirements.
The solicitation is an unrestricted competition that encourages small business participation, with an anticipated total program value of $39.7 million and individual contract awards structured as Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF). The period of performance spans from August 28, 2025 to November 27, 2030, with work to be performed at Building 3260, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Animal subject research is anticipated, though human subject research is not planned. The government seeks unlimited rights to technical data and computer software developed under the contract, with expected deliverables including modeling and simulation software, RF hazard evaluation tools, specialized test equipment, and custom high-power amplifiers. Contractors will have access to government-provided facilities and equipment, and must be prepared to generate both classified and unclassified research outputs related to directed energy device and system bioeffects research.
FA2384-25-S-B003 Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Research Laboratory
1/28/25, 10:22 AM Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) Office-wide
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) is seeking revolutionary research ideas through a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for topics not currently addressed by ongoing MTO programs or other published solicitations. The BAA targets three primary thrust areas: Scientific Disruption (developing new integrated circuit technologies), Microsystems Manufacturing Ecosystem (developing sustainable manufacturing infrastructure), and Dual Use by Design (leveraging commercial scaling for defense applications). Proposals will be evaluated based on overall scientific and technical merit, potential contribution and relevance to DARPA's mission, and cost realism. The solicitation accepts abstracts on a rolling basis until March 9, 2025, with full proposals due by May 9, 2025, and questions accepted until April 4, 2025. Multiple award instruments are anticipated, including procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and other transactions, covering funding types 6.1, 6.2, and/or 6.3.
No specific set-aside designations are applied to this solicitation, and no incumbent contractors are named in the documents. An accelerated award option is available for proposals not exceeding $2 million, with potential awards to be made within 30 days of selection notification. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly defined, the BAA indicates multiple awards are expected across different research areas and funding types. The solicitation is open to both U.S. and non-U.S. sources, with proposals covering research in quantum circuits, biological circuits, photonic circuits, and advanced manufacturing technologies. The period of performance and specific contract details will be negotiated based on individual proposal submissions, with the potential for base periods and option periods to be determined during the award process.
HR001124S0028 Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
5/9/24, 12:41 PM Program Announcement for Artificial Intelligence Exploration (AIE)
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking innovative research proposals through its Artificial Intelligence Exploration (AIE) program to advance AI technologies critical to national security. The program aims to fund rapid research projects that can potentially transform AI capabilities, with a focus on developing trusted and collaborative machine partners for solving national security challenges. Proposals must include two sequential phases: a 3-9 month Phase 1 Feasibility Study and a 9-15 month Phase 2 Proof of Concept, with total combined efforts not exceeding 18 months. Evaluation criteria will include Overall Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution to DARPA Mission, and Price. Key submission dates span from December 5, 2024, to December 4, 2025, with proposals required to be submitted within 30 days of each individual AIE Opportunity posting.
The solicitation does not include any specific set-aside designations and is open to non-traditional defense contractors, nonprofit research institutions, and small businesses. Total award value is limited to $1,000,000, including potential cost sharing, with awards to be made as Other Transactions (OT) for prototype projects under 10 U.S.C. 4022 authority. Non-traditional defense contractors will be required to provide cost sharing of at least one-third of the total project cost. Proposals must be unclassified and submitted by entities registered in SAM.gov with a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number. The research will be conducted across various locations, primarily focusing on advancing AI technologies with potential military and national security applications, with a goal of maintaining the United States' technological advantage in artificial intelligence research and development.
DARPA-PA-25-03 Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
12/5/24, 12:11 PM Information Innovation Office (I2O) Office-Wide
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) through its Information Innovation Office (I2O) seeking revolutionary research ideas across four primary technology domains: proficient artificial intelligence, resilient and secure systems, advantage in cyber operations, and confidence in the information domain. The solicitation encourages innovative proposals that address topics not currently covered by existing I2O programs, with a focus on advancing AI capabilities, enhancing software security, developing trustworthy cyber tools, and protecting information domain health. DARPA will evaluate proposals based on overall scientific and technical merit, potential contribution to the agency's mission, and cost realism. Proposal abstracts may be submitted on a rolling basis until October 1, 2025, with full proposals due by October 29, 2025. The BAA allows for multiple award instruments including procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and other transactions, and welcomes participation from both traditional and non-traditional sources such as small businesses and academic institutions.
The solicitation does not have a specific set-aside designation and is open to a wide range of potential performers across the research and development landscape. While specific incumbent contractors are not named, the BAA indicates that multiple awards may be made across various research domains. The document does not specify a precise budget range, but suggests flexibility in award mechanisms and funding levels based on the quality and innovativeness of proposed research. Proposers are expected to submit comprehensive technical and cost volumes, including detailed project plans, team qualifications, intellectual property considerations, and milestone schedules. The place of performance is not explicitly restricted, though proposers will need to comply with DARPA's security review processes, which may include provisions for handling classified research components. A Proposers Day is scheduled for November 7, 2024, providing an opportunity for potential contractors to gain additional insights into the solicitation's requirements and expectations.
HR001125S0002 Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
10/30/24, 10:01 AM Future Program: Reengineering Enabling Sleep Transitions in Operationally Restrictive Environments (RESTORE)
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Defense Sciences Office has issued a Special Notice for the Reengineering Enabling Sleep Transitions in Operationally Restrictive Environments (RESTORE) program. This notice serves to publicly announce upcoming research areas of interest related to a new initiative focused on sleep optimization for military personnel. The program specifically targets developing technologies and methodologies to enhance cognitive performance under extreme sleep restriction conditions. DARPA is seeking innovative approaches to address the challenges of maintaining operational effectiveness when service members are limited to minimal sleep during combat or high-intensity military operations. The special notice is preliminary to a formal solicitation that will be posted on sam.gov at a future date.
The RESTORE program aims to develop non-invasive neuromodulation technologies that can increase sleep efficiency under severely constrained conditions, such as less than 3 hours of sleep during combat or less than 6 hours during regular duty. Potential contractors interested in this opportunity should be prepared to explore precision control of sleep macro- and micro-architectures that differ significantly from civilian sleep optimization approaches. The opportunity is open to researchers and organizations with capabilities in advanced sleep science, neurotechnology, and performance optimization. Interested parties can access preparatory materials through DARPAConnect, a free resource providing guidance on proposal preparation and introduction to DARPA processes. Technical inquiries should be directed to Gregory Witkop, the program manager, via email at RESTORE@darpa.mil. The special notice was posted on February 6, 2025, with a response deadline of April 1, 2025, giving potential contractors approximately two months to prepare their submissions.
DARPA-SN-25-43 Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
2/6/25, 2:41 PM