DARPA-SN-23-01_STO_RFI_20221014.docx

Request for Information Strategic Technology Office (STO)

DARPA-SN-23-01

October 7, 2022

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Strategic Technology Office 675 North Randolph Street Arlington, VA 22203-2114

Request for Information Strategic Technology Office

Introduction

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Strategic Technology Office (STO) develops technology to give national security leaders trusted, disruptive capabilities to win in all physical domains (air, space, sea, and land) and across the spectrum of competition, from deterrence to high-end peer combat. Leveraging advancements in technologies such as advanced microelectronics, increased computing capacity, and applied machine learning/artificial intelligence, STO will pursue solutions in the areas of advanced active and passive sensing; battlefield effects; command, control, and communications; system of autonomous systems; and empowered human decision making. STO will develop and deliver solutions at a speed and scale to be operationally relevant in just a few years from the initiation of the project to proof of concept.

In order to reach the broadest set of potential performers for future office projects, this request for information (RFI) is seeking information from potential performers for any or all of the research areas listed below. This RFI is to provide a mechanism to inform the office of new capabilities and concepts and the potential performers who will provide them. DARPA will use this information to determine the companies and individuals that STO would invite to have further substantive discussions to inform future projects and programs in appropriately classified settings when necessary.

Background

Areas that are of continued interest to STO are technologies that enable significant advances in finding difficult, elusive “targets.” This includes new modalities, sensors, and signal processing techniques that create leap-ahead target detection, tracking, and recognition. STO also envisions a future of sensing and networking that, without any countermeasures, leaves “nowhere left to hide.” STO is interested in thwarting sensor and communication systems with the goal of providing sanctuary for military operations. Advances in autonomy for mobility and signal processing have enabled the advent of distributed systems for operations, sensing, and attack. The technologies for enabling higher levels of autonomy, the means to build trust in the autonomous systems, and the mechanisms to scale such autonomy and associated platforms are of interest. The technologies on how to address system failures and problems encountered by an autonomous system in an environment of limited communications are also of interest. Communications enable a large fraction of our modern lives with a direct tradeoff between trust in autonomous systems, training with respect to battle-management/command and control, and the capacity and robustness of our communication networks. Hardware and software efforts have created a robust eco-system of software defined radios across many of the radio frequency bands including highly directional radios. Other efforts have created adaptive gateways to bridge between highly disparate networks. STO is interested in new approaches to communication networks that are scalable for highly directional and widely disparate radio systems. STO understands that communications will be fleeting, at best, and thus a mission-level or information-centric approach for routing is needed. The potential for moving from end-point control to using intermediate gateways, routers, or end-points that can adapt to system/mission needs is of interest.

Areas that are of new interest come from STO’s broad span of research domains, which allow the office to rethink competition. The Department of Defense (DoD) has primarily focused on competition related to battlefield activities and to create asymmetries advantageous for U.S. forces. Recent world events have demonstrated the impact of other dimensions of competition such as economic, environmental, marketplace, and manufacturing. Therefore, STO is interested in technologies to create opportunities for asymmetries in these broad areas of competition. The goals of those asymmetries are to set favorable conditions and maximize optionality for infinite (versus finite, single-focus) contests that address these other dimensions. These infinite contests are highly complex and have significant ambiguity of state that require approaches similar to the observe–orient–decide–act (OODA) cycle. One approach may be developing a probe-sense-decide-adapt cycle. Technologies that may be applied to provide such capabilities include: active sensing, perturbation testing, active learning, experimental economics, and causal experiments. STO is interested in solutions and technologies that address alternative areas of competition that have impact for DoD missions. This includes the linkage between the competition area and the DoD mission, the desired asymmetry, and the technologies that can enable the asymmetry. Over the past three decades, commercial industry has monetized many technology areas that were originally the focus of the DoD. The impact of this has been significant and dominant level of resources for commercial research and development. STO is looking at the means to leverage these investments for DoD missions. STO is interested in the potential commercial systems, components, manufacturing processes, standards, and technologies that can be leveraged and/or augmented to provide new DoD capabilities for strategic surprise.

Request for Information

This RFI seeks responses that address several aspects:

1) List of the research areas each respondent can address to include the applicable physical domains.

2) Level of experience with technology transition and methods of technology adoption.

3) Clearance level of relevant classified facilities.

Responses should not focus on proposing specific solutions to address the research areas.

RESEARCH AREAS

Respondents are requested to align their responses to the research areas as defined in specific detail below. While not intended to be a comprehensive list and open to new and novel concepts, DARPA STO is only interested in unique aspects not attempted by others. Respondents can list any or all of the areas as long as they have recent experience developing novel solutions applied to field experiments and demonstrations or other operationally relevant scenarios.

Research Area 1. Advanced Sensors and Processing.

STO is interested in novel technology approaches for active and passive sensing across all phenomenology (radio frequency, acoustic, electro-optic/infrared) and in all physical domains (air, space, sea, and land). Example areas of STO interest include active and passive acoustic sensing and systems, electro-optic/infrared sensing and systems, high frequency sensors and systems, microwave and millimeter wave sensors and systems, radar and adaptive arrays, seekers and other expendable sensors and processing, advanced sensors and analytics, signal processing, space sensors - especially supporting proliferated low Earth orbit constellations, undersea and seabed sensors and systems.

Research Area 2. Battlefield Effects.

STO is interested in technologies and systems to achieve and counter kinetic and non-kinetic effects in all physical domains (air, space, sea, and land) and between all domains. A simple example would be the application of directed energy from sea to air. Example areas of STO interest include acoustic systems, combat identification, directed energy systems, effects chain functions (disaggregated find, fix, finish, target, engage, assess), novel kinetic effects, non-kinetic effects (electronic warfare, directed energy, cyber), photonics, strategy analysis with modeling and simulation technologies and systems to achieve and counter effects, and any other innovative counters to these technologies and systems as well as other potential threat effects.

Research Area 3. Command, Control, and Communications.

STO is interested in the exercise of command, control, and communications for highly distributed manned, unmanned, and manned-unmanned machine teams crewed, uncrewed, and human-machine teams in all domains and across the entire spectrum of conflict. Novel approaches should consider the minimum communication necessary to efficiently and effectively execute command and control in a highly dynamic threat environment. Features include adaptability, resilience and reliability. Example areas of STO interest include passive and active acoustic communication systems, combat identification, communications and networking - virtual and adaptive, distributed autonomy and teaming (machine-machine, human-machine), high frequency communication systems, logistics and supply chain analytics and command and control, integration and reliability technologies, interoperability, modeling and simulation, microwave and millimeter wave communications, radio technologies (especially software-defined and novel waveforms and processing), signal processing, space communications, autonomy, and architectures (especially supporting proliferated low Earth orbit constellations), tactics development technology, testing and data collection, and very low frequency technology.

Research Area 4. System of Autonomous Systems.

STO is interested in the development of autonomous system-of-systems technologies and concepts leading to system level demonstrations for highly distributed crewed, uncrewed, and human-machine teamsmanned, unmanned, and manned-unmanned machine teams in all domains and across the entire spectrum of conflict. The intent is to leverage commercial advancements and emerging research in advanced microelectronics, computing devices and architectures, higher density memory, and applied machine learning/artificial intelligence. Features include adaptability, resilience and reliability. Example areas of STO interest include novel architectures and advanced systems engineering, autonomy and control algorithms, data analytics, complexity management, critical infrastructure defense, DevOps and novel software development and integration, digital twins, distributed autonomy and teaming (machine-machine, human-machine), integration and reliability technologies, interoperability, modeling and simulation, robotics, strategy analysis technology, system of systems technology and concepts, tactics development technology, testing and data collection.

Research Area 5. Empowered Human Decision Making.

STO is interested in the development of technologies and concepts that empower human decision making at the tactical edge, up through operational to strategic decision support for all domains and across the entire spectrum of conflict. Features include adaptability, resilience, and reliability. Example areas of STO interest include complexity management, decision aids and command and control technology, distributed autonomy and teaming (machine-machine, human-machine), effects chain functions (disaggregated Find, Fix, Finish, Target, Engage, Assess), human behavior modeling, human-machine symbiosis, modeling and simulation, strategy analysis technology, tactics development technology, testing and data collection.

Submission Format

Respondents to this RFI are encouraged to be as succinct as possible, while also providing actionable insight. Page limits for each section are indicated below. Format specifications for responses include 12-point font, single-spaced, single-sided, 8.5 by 11-inch paper, with 1-inch margins in MS Word in .docx format. Submission should also include completion of the provided MS Excel spreadsheet in an editable .xlsx format.

To the maximum extent possible, respondents are encouraged to send non-proprietary information; if proprietary information is included, respondents are responsible for clearly identifying such information. Responses containing proprietary information must have each page containing such information clearly marked with a label such as “Proprietary” or “Company Proprietary.”

Each white paper shall consist of the following sections:

Complete the STO RFI Response Spreadsheet (provided) Organization If applicable, Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code[footnoteRef:2] [2: The CAGE Code is a five-position code that identifies contractors doing business with the Federal Government, NATO member nations, and other foreign governments. See https://cage.dla.mil/]

If applicable, sensitive compartmented information facility identification number (SCIF ID) Response Title Research Area(s) addressed (Area 1, 2, 3, 4, and/or 5) Applicable domain Technical point of contact (name, address, phone number, and email address) Administrative point of contact (name, address, phone number, and email address) If applicable, security point of contact (name, address, phone number, and email address) Presentation of Capability (limited to 5 pages) STO Research Areas and level of experience, including applicable domains (limited to 2 pages) – Provide one paragraph description for each Research Area addressed.

Provide examples demonstrating experience with technology transition and methods of technology adoption (limited to 2 pages) –Provide one paragraph description for each example.

Facilities (limited to 1 page): Provide a description of your facilities and assets available. If facilities have been approved for classified storage, processing, and discussion, indicate the level of classification.

Submission Instructions

Responses to this RFI must be submitted via appropriate channels in accordance with the instructions outlined below. Responses will be accepted at any time from the publication of this RFI until 4:00 p.m. (Eastern) on Month XX, 2023.

Unclassified Submission Instructions

Unclassified responses should be emailed to DARPA-SN-23-01@darpa.mil.

Classified Submission Instructions

Classified submissions shall be appropriately and conspicuously marked with the proposed classification level and declassification date. Use classification and marking guidance provided by the DoD Information Security Program Manual (DoDM 5200.01, Volumes 1-3) and the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (DoD 5220.22-M). When respondents choose to submit classified information from other collateral classified sources (i.e., sources other than DARPA), respondents must ensure (1) they have permission from an authorized individual at the cognizant Government agency (e.g. Contracting Officer, Program Manager); (2) the information is marked in accordance with the source Security Classification Guide (SCG) from which the material is derived; and (3) the source SCG is included along with the information submitted.

If a respondent believes a submission may contain classified information as defined by Executive Order 13526, but requires DARPA to make a final classification determination, the information must be marked and protected as though classified at the appropriate classification level (as defined by Executive Order 13526). Submissions requesting DARPA to make a final classification determination shall be marked as follows:

“CLASSIFICATION DETERMINATION PENDING. Protect as though classified____________________________ (insert the recommended classification level, e.g., Top Secret, Secret or Confidential)” Submissions containing both classified information and CUI must be appropriately and conspicuously marked with the proposed classification level as well as ensuring CUI is marked in accordance with DoDI 5200.48.

When submitted information includes a classified portion, and when able according to security guidelines, we ask that respondents send an e-mail to DARPA-SN-23-01@darpa.mil as notification that there is a classified portion to the submitted information. When submitting a hard copy of the classified portion according to the instructions outlined below, respondents should submit two (2) hard copies of the classified portion of their submission and two (2) CD-ROMs containing the classified portion of the submission as a single searchable PDF file.

Confidential, Secret, and Top-Secret Information

Use transmission, classification, handling, and marking guidance provided by previously issued SCGs, the DoD Information Security Manual (DoDM 5200.01, Volumes 1 - 3), and the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, including the Supplement Revision 1, (DoD 5220.22-M and DoD 5200.22-M Sup. 1) when submitting Confidential, Secret, and/or Top Secret classified information.

Confidential and Secret

Confidential and Secret classified information may be submitted via ONE of the two following methods to the mailing address listed below:

· Hand-carried by an appropriately cleared and authorized courier to the DARPA Classified Document Registry (CDR) at 675 North Randolph Street, Arlington, VA 22203-2114. At least five (5) business days prior to traveling, the courier shall contact the DARPA CDR at 703-526-4052 to coordinate arrival and delivery.

OR

· Mailed via U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Registered Mail or USPS Express Mail. All classified information will be enclosed in opaque inner and outer covers and double-wrapped. The inner envelope shall be sealed and plainly marked with the assigned classification and addresses of both sender and addressee. Senders should mail to the mailing address listed in the contact information herein.

The inner envelope shall be addressed to:

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency ATTN: Strategic Technology Office Reference: DARPA-SN-23-01 675 North Randolph Street Arlington, VA 22203-2114

The outer envelope shall be sealed with no identification as to the classification of its contents and addressed to:

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Security & Intelligence Directorate, Attn: CDR 675 North Randolph Street Arlington, VA 22203-2114

Top Secret Information

Top Secret information must be hand-carried by an appropriately cleared and authorized courier to the DARPA CDR. Prior to traveling, the courier shall contact the DARPA CDR at 703-526-4052 to coordinate arrival and delivery.

Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)

SCI must be marked, managed, and transmitted in accordance with DoDM 5105.21 Volumes 1 - 3. Questions regarding the transmission of SCI may be sent to the DARPA STO PSO via the DARPA-SN-23-01@darpa.mil email address or by contacting the DARPA Special Security Officer (SSO) at 703-812-1970.

Special Access Program (SAP) Information

SAP information must be marked in accordance with DoDM 5205.07 Volume 4 and transmitted by specifically approved methods which will be provided by STO PSO or their staff.

Respondents choosing to submit SAP information from an agency other than DARPA are required to provide the DARPA STO PSO written permission from the source material’s cognizant Special Access Program Control Officer (SAPCO) or designated representative. For clarification regarding this process, contact the DARPA STO PSO via the DARPA-SN-23-01@darpa.mil email address or the DARPA SAPCO at 703-526-4102.

Both Classified and Unclassified Submission

For a submission that includes both classified and unclassified information, the submission may be separated into an unclassified portion and a classified portion. The submission should include as much information as possible in the unclassified portion and use the classified portion ONLY for classified information. The unclassified portion can be submitted through the DARPA-SN-23-01@darpa.mil mailbox. The classified portion must be provided separately, according to the instructions outlined in the ‘Classified Submission Instructions’ section above.

All technical and administrative correspondence and questions regarding this RFI should also be sent to the same email address.

ELIGIBILITY

DARPA invites participation from all those engaged in related research activities and appreciates responses from all capable and qualified sources including, but not limited to, universities, university-affiliated research centers (UARCs), Federally-Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), private or public companies and Government research laboratories.

DISCLAIMERS AND IMPORTANT NOTES

· This is an RFI issued solely for information and new program planning purposes; it does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government as such.

· Responses do not bind DARPA to any further actions related to this topic including requesting follow-on proposals from respondents to this RFI.

· DARPA will not provide reimbursement for costs incurred in responding to this RFI.

· Respondents are advised that DARPA is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted under this RFI.

· DARPA will disclose submission contents only for the purpose of review. Submissions may be reviewed by the Government (DARPA and partners); Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs); and Scientific, Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support contractors.

DARPA-SN-23-01 STO RFI 1

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