BAA 09-22 11 Mar 2009.docx

DARPA-BAA-09-22, Strategic Technologies

DARPA-BAA-09-22, Strategic Technologies

Strategic Technology Office (STO) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

DARPA-BAA-09-22

Strategic Technologies 11 March 2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part One: Overview Information

· Federal Agency Name – Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Strategic Technologies Office

· Funding Opportunity Title – Strategic Technologies

· Announcement Type – Initial announcement

· Funding Opportunity Number – Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) DARPA-BAA-09-22

· Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers (CFDA) – 12.910 Research and Technology Development

· Dates

· BAA Posting Date: 11 March, 2009

· BAA Closing Date: 10 March, 2010

· Anticipated individual awards – Multiple awards are anticipated.

· Types of instruments that may be awarded -- Procurement contract, grant, cooperative agreement or other transaction.

· Agency contact --The BAA Coordinator for this effort can be reached at BAA09-22@darpa.mil.

Part Two: Full Text of Announcement

1. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency often selects its research efforts through the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) process. The BAA will appear first on the FedBizOpps website, http://www.fedbizopps.gov/, and/or Grants.gov website at http://www.grants.gov/. The following information is for those wishing to respond to the BAA.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Strategic Technology Office (STO) is soliciting innovative proposals under this BAA for the performance of research, development, design, and testing that directly supports Strategic Technology Office (STO). This includes Space and Near-Space Sensors and Systems; Strategic and Tactical Networks; Information Assurance; Counter Underground Facilities; Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Defense; Small Unit Operations; Maritime Operations; and Core Strategic Technologies. Proposed research should investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice.

1.1. PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Research supporting any of STO's broad mission objectives identified in the Introduction above may be submitted under this BAA. Topic areas of specific interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

I. Space and Near-Space Sensors and Systems

a. Active damping and smart materials for precision control of space structures;

b. Concepts for space systems, sensors, structures, components and materials;

c. Concepts supporting affordable access–and thus proliferation–of high-performance space sensors and systems;

d. Extremely large space apertures and structures, including large space structures that have extremely small payload volumes (e.g., rigidized inflatables, isogrid composites, etc.);

e. Global tailored tactical surveillance;

f. High performance micro- and picosat systems;

g. Innovative sensor systems for space control applications including extremely large, lightweight and stowable aperture technologies;

h. Large distributed array remote sensing systems, both space based and ground based for space object location and identification;

i. Lightweight and low-mass active/passive membranes;

j. Next generation power generation systems including electrodynamic and momentum tethers, advanced solar systems, and others;

k. Next generation space technologies & systems;

l. Novel space-based sensor modalities and systems;

m. Novel systems and enabling technologies for high-resolution, deep sub-canopy surveillance;

n. Remote optical sensing technologies;

o. Technologies supporting next-generation tactical space operations including rapid access, SSA, protection, servicing, robust anti-jam SATCOM, and persistent tactical grade sensing approaches;

p. Wide-area urban tracking architectures;

q. Space environmental awareness and space weather forecasting;

r. Temporary systems to quickly duplicate the mission capabilities of damaged satellites;

s. Manufacturing technologies for the development of large space apertures.

II. Strategic and Tactical Networks

a. Free space optical communications and supporting technologies;

b. Applications, architecture, control and management, and hardware systems for multi-terabit, fiber-optic core, edge and mobile-platform networks;

c. Approaches to inter-connect wave-division multiplexed backbone communications infrastructures with IP-based metropolitan networks (may include route discovery/distribution and new addressing schemes);

d. Approaches to make tactical networks auto-configuring for both voice and data with the goal of reducing the manpower requirements (may include the complete replacement of IP as the underlying data protocol);

e. Distributed, grid, and networked computing systems;

f. Hybrid passive/active radar systems that are agile over available bandwidth;

g. Information and communication technologies to enable "power to the edge" for air, land, space and maritime systems;

h. Innovative urban sensing systems and networked architectures;

i. Miniature, low power sensors and networks;

j. Network centric warfare, including novel approaches to the development, implementation, and control of networked weapons systems;

k. Network storage and caching protocols for reducing long-haul communications loads;

l. New approaches to self-forming, wireless, mesh networks of over 10,000 devices with high throughput (at least 50 Mbps across the network between two end-points. This may include work on multiple frequencies, graph partitioning, and sub-net allocations;

m. Novel approaches for the development, implementation and control of heterogeneous networks of human decision makers and human-operated or autonomous sensors and weapons;

n. Novel approaches to effect collaboration among human decision makers in heterogeneous, coalition environments;

o. Novel approaches to monitor, visualize and recommend alternative courses-of-action in the management and defense of massive, heterogeneous wide-area networks (5 million nodes);

p. Signature reduction (low probability of detection/intercept);

q. Size-weight-power reduced soldier electronics and communications devices;

r. Sensing and communication applications in high multipath urban environments;

s. Unmanned systems – Heterogeneous networks of vehicles and sensors.

III. Information Assurance

a. Autonomous protection or reconstitution of large network environments from cyber attacks;

b. Computer forensic and software protection technologies;

c. Quantum Key Distribution and Quantum Data Encryption across a long-haul fiber optic network

d. Low-cost military grade encryption mechanisms / devices;

e. Novel approaches to derive confidence of identity of remote information, users, processes, and devices in dynamic, untrusted, networked environments;

f. Novel approaches to measure, compare, and assess alternative information operations tools and effects;

g. Novel approaches to quantify information assurance security;

h. Novel methods to deter cyber adversaries;

i. Novel microprocessor/computing architectures to support secure computing;

j. Trustworthy computing in mobile environments;

k. Wide area network firewalls and proxies, capable of dealing with asymmetric data flows and speeds in excess of 40Gbps;

l. Distributed multi-static sensor networks;

m. Novel technologies to revolutionize cyber security testing and evaluation;

n. Methods to protect against network disruption.

IV. Counter Underground Facilities

a. Close-in and standoff sensor concepts;

b. Determining structural layout or locations of specific vulnerabilities;

c. Development and demonstration of technologies to find unknown facilities, on both strategic and tactical timelines;

d. Identification of facility function;

e. Monitoring pace of activity;

f. Enhancing post-attack bomb damage assessment (BDA);

g. Exploitation algorithms and signal processing;

h. Exploitation of novel observables or substantially improved methods of detecting/analyzing observables, including active source methods;

i. Improved communications across rugged terrain among assets, and for exfiltration uplinks;

j. Improved deployable ground and airborne sensors;

k. New methods for characterizing activities associated with tunnels and caves, to include small and unimproved sites, in both urban and rural areas;

l. New methods for sensor and system modeling;

m. Large geophysical inversions of multi-source data;

V. Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Defense

a. Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and environmental sensors and deconflict;

b. Defense against chemical, biological, and radiological weapons;

c. Sensing approaches for material identification;

d. Collection technology for atmospheric, terrestrial, and marine samples;

e. Automated chemical analysis of trace materials;

f. Devices and methods for managing biological heat stress;

g. Proximate sensing using cellular automata;

h. Long-Range Sensing of WMD Development and Deployment; Countermeasures.

VI. Small Unit Operations

a. Advanced explosives for special operations;

b. Advanced sighting systems for tactical operations;

c. Detection of indirectly fired mortars and RPGs;

d. Direction finding capabilities for urban applications;

e. GPS-free guidance and navigation;

f. Low-cost (<$100) expendable GPS sensors;

g. Low cost stand-off concealed weapons detection;

h. Miniature, low power sensors and networks;

i. Non-acoustic bullet detection and tracking technology;

j. Non-cooperative LPD building interior imaging systems;

k. Non line-of-sight designation and elimination of urban targets;

l. Novel approaches for the development and implementation of asymmetric warfare;

m. Novel laser remote sensing, laser radar, LADAR and LIDAR systems concepts, techniques and enabling technologies;

n. Novel methods for tracking, localization, and identification;

o. Novel miniature, low cost RADAR system concepts;

p. Novel precision navigation and real-time targeting systems concepts and technologies;

q. Novel systems and enabling technologies for high-resolution, deep sub-canopy imaging;

r. Novel technologies to enable tactical, operational, and strategic level distributed operations;

s. Personal navigation and high precision targeting technology in GPS-denied and -compromised environments;

t. Positive detection of urban threats;

u. Signature reduction (low probability of detection/intercept);

v. Size-weight-power reduced soldier electronics and communications devices;

w. Soldier survivability materials, systems, and devices;

x. Tactical lighting and imaging devices and technologies (including both visible and IR spectrum);

y. Tactical optical systems that aid and enhance the ability of the warfighter;

z. Technologies and systems for the detection of suspicious urban vehicles;

aa. Vehicle survivability materials, systems, and devices;

ab. Wide-area urban tracking architectures;

ac. UAV and aircraft icing detection and risk mitigation technologies;

ad. Novel technologies and systems to identify threats prior to building entry;

ae. Stand off explosive detection;

af. Novel technologies for the translation of information requirements to sensor parameters, and optimization of sensor suites for addressing information needs;

ag. Sensor systems for determining building layouts and personnel within buildings;

ah. Denial and demilitarization of munitions and facilities;

ai. Medical mobility and disaster relief support technologies;

aj. RPG and unguided rocket identification and defeat technologies for ground and air vehicles;

ak. RPG/line of sight threat prelaunch detection;

al. Novel low weight/high efficiency power generator technologies;

am. All-weather terrain following and obstruction avoidance systems;

an. Ultra-fast sensors for tracking EFP fragments;

ao. Ultra-fast active protection technologies for EFP mitigation;

ap. Maintenance of human physiology as though at sea-level in any environment;

aq. Warfighter self-sustainment;

ar. Dense nutritional supplements;

as. Potable water harvesting;

at. Anti-icing;

au. Portable manufacturing;

av. Non-kinetic RSTA;

aw. Universal, symbol-based command and control;

ax. Standoff health monitoring;

ay. Standoff health care;

az. Field survival pack for any environment;

ba. Bio-hardening;

bb. Field medic test diagnostics;

bc. Broad spectrum detection and characterization of bio-hazard indicators.

VII. Maritime Operations

a. Maritime surveillance systems and technologies;

b. Miniature, low power underwater (water column and bottom-mounted) sensors and networks;

c. Novel approaches to significantly reduce the cost of undersea warfare, without compromising capability;

d. Novel underwater high-maneuverability propulsion system;

e. Unmanned long-duration, high-speed underwater vehicles;

f. Concepts supporting an affordable replacement for submarine organic sensors with a single hull-mounted sensor to include: sensor, materials, processing and support technologies and systems; supporting physics and mathematical concepts and modeling;

g. Active and passive ship board detection systems for ship board protection and maritime contraband detection technology;

h. Unique concepts for tagging, tracking, and locating;

i. Signature reduction (low probability of detection/intercept);

j. RPG and unguided rocket identification and defeat technologies for sea vehicles;

k. Non-traditional approaches for active low-power sonar;

l. Solutions for rapid deployment of multiple small-scale sensors;

m. Novel communications for distributed sensors and platforms over expansive maritime operating areas;

n. Novel submarine signature exploitation for detection and classification;

o. High-power density air independent propulsion;

p. Revolutionary drag reduction technologies;

q. Shock mitigation for high speed maritime platforms;

r. Unmanned systems for riverine applications;

s. Submarine laser communications;

t. Non-acoustic anti-submarine warfare.

VIII. Strategic Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance

a. Advanced 3D image processing, analysis and feature extraction approaches;

b. Lensless and Computational Imaging;

c. Enabling active electro-optical sensing technology and system concepts for advanced sensing and countermeasures;

d. Ultra-sensitive R.F. receivers;

e. Remote detection of concealed explosives;

f. Long-range laser radar systems;

g. High-resolution 3-D imaging systems;

h. Arctic Indications and Warnings technologies and systems;

i. 3-D imaging of ice flows;

j. Non-kinetic ISR;

k. Large-scale data fusion of heterogeneous phenomenologies;

l. Standoff sensing through buildings, weather, water, foliage, and other challenges to conventional sensing approaches;

m. Standoff detection and characterization of weapons, explosives, as well as chem/bio/radiological/nuclear threats.

IX. Core Strategic Technologies

a. Advanced electronic vision and situation awareness devices, algorithms, and systems;

b. Biofabrication processes for improved nanostructured devices and materials;

c. Biomimetic object-vision recognition;

d. Innovative methods to visualize complex, self-organizing systems;

e. Novel three-dimensional data visualization and projection methods;

f. Power harvesting technologies and devices;

g. Self assembly and/or manufacture techniques;

h. Exploitation of human visual physics and physiology of visual perception for efficiently conveying or hiding information;

i. Materials and composites with spatially tunable elastic properties;

j. Radiation damage to microelectronic systems;

k. Applied quantum mechanics;

l. Energy-related power systems and portable power technologies;

m. Core technology development for medical and disaster relief and preparedness.

n. Advanced methods of large-scale electromagnetic field generation and exploitation;

o. Breathalyzer for rapid and sensitive determination of human health;

p. Remote environmental sensing technologies;

q. High-power pulsed lasers;

r. Non-mechanical laser beam steering and zooming;

s. Advanced battlefield forensic techniques to track highly mobile insurgent forces;

t. Geothermal energy systems;

u. Energy harvesting, generation, conversion, storage, distribution, and control;

v. Technology for deterrence operations;

w. Technology for systems to adapt rapidly to changing operational and/or environmental needs;

x. Technology for tamper-resistant systems;

y. Assured operations in austere environments;

z. Rapidly deployable infrastructure.

2. AWARD INFORMATION

Multiple awards are possible. The amount of resources made available under this BAA will depend on the quality of the proposals received and the availability of funds.

The Government reserves the right to select for negotiation all, some, one, or none of the proposals received in response to this solicitation, and to make awards without discussions with proposers. The Government also reserves the right to conduct discussions if the Source Selection Authority later determines them to be necessary. If warranted, portions of resulting awards may be segregated into pre-priced options. Additionally, DARPA reserves the right to accept proposals in their entirety or to select only portions of proposals for award. In the event that DARPA desires to award only portions of a proposal, negotiations may be opened with that proposer. If the proposed effort is inherently divisible and nothing is gained from the aggregation, proposers should consider submitting it as multiple independent efforts. The Government reserves the right to fund proposals in phases with options for continued work at the end of one or more of the phases.

Awards under this BAA will be made to proposers on the basis of the evaluation criteria listed below (see section labeled “Application Review Information”, Sec. 5.), and program balance to provide overall value to the Government. Proposals identified for negotiation may result in a procurement contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or other transaction depending upon the nature of the work proposed, the required degree of interaction between parties, and other factors. The Government reserves the right to request any additional, necessary documentation once it makes the award instrument determination. Such additional information may include but is not limited to Representations and Certifications. The Government reserves the rights to remove proposers from award consideration should the parties fail to reach agreement on award terms, conditions and cost/price within a reasonable time or the proposer fails to timely provide required additional information.

As of the date of publication of this BAA, DARPA expects that program goals for this BAA may be met by proposers intending to perform 'fundamental research,' as well as proposers intending to perform ‘advanced research’. For these purposes, fundamental research is defined as basic and applied research in science and engineering, the results of which ordinarily are published and shared broadly within the scientific community, as distinguished from proprietary research and from industrial development, design, production, and product utilization the results of which ordinarily are restricted for proprietary or national security reasons. Advanced research is considered to be an applied research effort that presents a high likelihood of disclosing performance characteristics of military systems or manufacturing technologies that are unique and critical to defense. Notwithstanding these statements of expectation, DARPA is not prohibited from considering and selecting research proposals that, while perhaps not qualifying as 'fundamental research' or ‘advanced research’ under the foregoing definitions, still meet the BAA criteria for submissions. In all cases, the contracting officer shall have sole discretion to select award instrument type and to negotiate all instrument provisions with selectees.

3. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

3.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government's needs may submit a proposal that shall be considered by DARPA. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Small Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Businesses and Minority Institutions (MIs) are encouraged to submit proposals and join others in submitting proposals; however, no portion of this announcement will be set aside for these organizations’ participation due to the impracticality of reserving discrete or severable areas of this research for exclusive competition among these entities.

Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and Government entities (Government/National laboratories, military educational institutions, etc.) are subject to applicable direct competition limitations and cannot propose to this BAA in any capacity unless they meet the following conditions. FRRDCS must clearly demonstration that the work is not otherwise available from the private sector AND they also provide a letter on letterhead from their sponsoring organization citing the specific authority establishing their eligibility to propose to government solicitations and compete with industry, and compliance with the associated FFRDC sponsor agreement and terms and conditions. This information is required for FFRDCs proposing to be prime or subcontractors. Government entities must clearly demonstrate that the work is not otherwise available from the private section and provide written documentation citing the specific statutory authority (as well as, where relevant, contractual authority) establishing their ability to propose to Government solicitations. At the present time, DARPA does not consider 15 U.S.C. 3710a to be sufficient legal authority to show eligibility. While 10 U.S.C. 2539b may be the appropriate statutory starting point for some entities, specific supporting regulatory guidance, together with evidence of agency approval, will still be required to fully establish eligibility. DARPA will consider eligibility submissions on a case-by-case basis; however, the burden to prove eligibility for all team members rests solely with the proposer.

Foreign participants and/or individuals may participate to the extent that such participants comply with any necessary Non-Disclosure Agreements, Security Regulations, Export Control Laws, and other governing statutes applicable under the circumstances.

3.1.1 Procurement Integrity, Standards of Conduct, Ethical Considerations, and Organizational Conflicts of Interest

Certain post-employment restrictions on former federal officers and employees may exist, including special Government employees (including but not limited to Title 18, Section 207, United States Code, the Procurement Integrity Act, 41 U.S.C. 423, and FAR 3.104).

Current federal employees are prohibited from participating in particular matters involving conflicting financial, employment, and representational interests (18 USC 203, 205, and 208). Prior to the start of proposal evaluations, the Government will assess whether any potential conflict of interest exists in regards to the DARPA Program Manager as well as those individuals chosen to evaluate proposals received under this BAA. The Program Manager is required to review and evaluate all proposals received under this BAA and to manage all selected efforts.

All Proposers and proposed subcontractors must affirm whether they are providing scientific, engineering, and technical assistance (SETA) or similar support to any DARPA technical office(s) through an active contract or subcontract. All affirmations must state which office(s) the Proposer supports and identify the prime contract numbers. Affirmations shall be furnished at the time of proposal submission. All facts relevant to the existence or potential existence of organizational conflicts of interest (FAR 9.5) must be disclosed. The disclosure shall include a description of the action the Proposer has taken or proposes to take to avoid, neutralize, or mitigate such conflict. In accordance with FAR 9.503 and without prior approval or a waiver from the DARPA Director, a Contractor cannot simultaneously be a SETA and Performer. Proposals that fail to fully disclose potential conflicts of interests and/or do not have plans to mitigate this conflict will be rejected without technical evaluation and withdrawn from further consideration for award.

If a prospective Proposer believes that any conflict of interest exists or may exist (whether organizational or otherwise), the Proposer should promptly raise the issue with DARPA by sending Proposer’s contact information and a summary of the potential conflict by email to the mailbox address for this BAA at BAA09-22@darpa.mil before time and effort are expended in preparing a proposal and mitigation plan If, in the sole opinion of the Government after full consideration for the circumstances, any conflict situation cannot be effectively mitigated, the proposal may be returned without technical evaluation and withdrawn from further consideration for award under this BAA.

3.2 COST SHARING/MATCHING

Cost sharing is not required for this particular program; however, cost sharing will be carefully considered where there is an applicable statutory condition relating to the selected funding instrument (e.g., for any Other Transactions under the authority of 10 U.S.C. § 2371). Cost sharing is encouraged where there is a reasonable probability of a potential commercial application related to the proposed research and development effort.

4. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

4.1 GENERAL GUIDANCE

This solicitation contains all information required to submit a proposal. No additional forms, kits, or other materials are needed. This notice constitutes the total BAA. No additional information is available, nor will a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) or additional solicitation regarding this announcement be issued. Requests for same will be disregarded.

In order to reduce the administrative burden on proposers and the Government and in an attempt to mitigate unnecessary costs associated with the generation of proposals that are not of interest to DARPA/STO, described herein is the Government’s process for submittal of information for evaluation. Any responsible proposer is encouraged to respond.

4.1.1 Restrictive Markings on Proposals

All proposals should clearly indicate limitations on the disclosure of their contents. Proposers who include in their proposals data that they do not want disclosed to the public for any purpose, or used by the Government except for evaluation purposes, shall-

(1) Mark the title page with the following legend:

This proposal includes data that shall not be disclosed outside the Government and shall not be duplicated, used, or disclosed-in whole or in part-for any purpose other than to evaluate this proposal. If, however, a contract is awarded to this proposer as a result of, or in connection with, the submission of this data, the Government shall have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose the data to the extent provided in the resulting contract. This restriction does not limit the Government's right to use information contained in this data if it is obtained from another source without restriction. The data subject to this restriction are contained in sheets [insert numbers or other identification of sheets]; and

(2) Mark each sheet of data it wishes to restrict with the following legend:

Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the restriction on the title page of this proposal.

Markings like "Company Confidential" or other phrases that may be confused with national security classifications shall be avoided. See Section 6.0, for additional information.

4.1.2 Proposal Handling

It is the policy of DARPA to treat all proposals as competitive information and to disclose their contents only for the purpose of evaluation. No proposals will be returned. The original of each proposal received will be retained at DARPA and all other copies of non-accepted proposals destroyed. Documentation related to the source selection process will be marked “SOURCE SELECTION INFORMATION – SEE FAR 2.101 AND 3.104”.

DARPA/STO will endeavor to respond to all submissions in an expeditious and timely manner. DARPA will assign a control number that should be used in all further correspondence regarding the submission.

4.1.3 Submission Guidelines

Executive summaries, proposal abstracts, and full proposals sent in response to BAA 09-22 must be submitted via the web-based TFIMS application at http://www.tfims.darpa.mil/baa. Email or fax submissions of proposal abstracts and full proposals will not be accepted. A thorough read of the instructions available at http://www.tfims.darpa.mil/baa guarantees successful submission to T-FIMS and explains all the necessary steps to submitting proposals through T-FIMS. Because proposers using T-FIMS may encounter heavy traffic on the web server, and T-FIMS requires a registration and certificate installation for all proposers, proposers should not wait until the day the proposal is due to create an account in T-FIMS and submit the proposal. All proposers using T-FIMS must also encrypt the proposal, as per the instructions below.

All proposals submitted electronically by means of an Electronic Business Application Tool or proposal submission web site (not including Grants.gov) must be encrypted using WinZip or PKZip with 256-bit AES encryption. Only one zipped/encrypted file will be accepted per proposal and proposals not zipped/encrypted will be rejected by DARPA. An encryption password form must be completed and emailed to BAA09-22@darpa.mil at the time of proposal submission. See https://www.tfims.darpa.mil/baa/ for the encryption password form.

Note the word “PASSWORD” must appear in the subject line of the above email and there are minimum security requirements for establishing the encryption password. Failure to provide the encryption password may result in the proposal not being evaluated. For further information and instructions on how to zip and encrypt proposal files, see https://www.tfims.darpa.mil/baa/.

Proposers may elect to use the Grants.gov APPLY function if the applicant is seeking a grant or cooperative agreement. Such submissions may be made via www.grants.gov by using the “Apply for Grants” function. The APPLY function replaces the proposal submission process that other proposers follow. The APPLY function does not affect the proposal content or format. The APPLY function is electronic; proposers do not submit paper proposals in addition to the Grants.gov APPLY electronic submission.

All administrative correspondence and questions on this solicitation, including requests for information on how to submit a proposal abstract or proposal to this BAA, should be directed to BAA09-22@darpa.mil. DARPA intends to use electronic mail and fax for correspondence regarding DARPA-BAA-09-22. DARPA encourages use of the Internet for retrieving the BAA and any other related information that may subsequently be provided.

4.2 SUBMISSION ORDER AND FORMAT SPECIFICS

For all responses to this BAA, the responder must clearly identify the technical topic area(s) the proposed effort seeks to address.

4.2.1 Executive Summary Information

Proposers are strongly encouraged to submit an executive summary in advance of a proposal. This procedure is intended to minimize unnecessary effort in proposal preparation and review. Executive summaries will be reviewed as they are received. DARPA will acknowledge receipt of the submission and assign a control number that should be used in all further correspondence regarding the executive summary.

DARPA will attempt to review executive summaries within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt. If DARPA/STO does not have interest in your Executive Summary you will be notified by a formal letter. If DARPA/STO is interested in receiving more information on your submission, you will be notified, by a formal letter, of the Program Manager (PM) to whom your executive summary has been assigned. Proposers should then expect to develop a Proposal Abstract (see paragraph 4.2.2.).

4.2.1.1 Executive Summary Format

All submissions must be in the following format – nonconforming submissions may be rejected without further review. The executive summary should be clearly marked "EXECUTIVE SUMMARY" and the total length shall not exceed one (1) page. A page is defined as being no larger than 8.5” by 11.0”. (Accordion-style foldouts will be counted as multiple pages equivalent to the expanded size.) Proposals must be written in English, and with 1-inch margins (left, right, top, and bottom) on each page and contain no smaller than 12-point font type.

The page limitation for executive summaries includes all point of contact information, figures, tables, and charts. Do not submit additional copies of the same executive summary for different technical topic areas. If an executive summary applies to more than one area, simply indicate that fact.

Proposers must submit their one-page executive summary via the web-based TFIMS application at http://www.tfims.darpa.mil/baa. (NOTE: University submissions may be made via www.grants.gov by using the “Apply for Grants” function.) The executive summary must be in PDF or an MS Word readable application. No facsimile or hard copy submissions will be accepted.

DARPA/STO will endeavor to respond to executive summaries in an expeditious and timely manner. If DARPA/STO does not have interest in your Executive Summary you will be notified by a formal letter. If DARPA/STO is interested in receiving more information on your submission, you will be notified, by a formal letter, of the Program Manager (PM) to whom your executive summary has been assigned. Proposers should then expect to develop a Proposal Abstract (see paragraph 4.2.2.).

4.2.2 Proposal Abstract and Discussion with a DARPA/STO PM

Discussions at this step with the DARPA/STO PM are intended to further explore the concepts, ideas, and other areas of interest presented in the Executive Summary. Proposers will be able to further discuss the technical merits of their concept with a DARPA/STO Program Manager. The purpose of the Proposal Abstract is to permit the submitter to present a more detailed explanation of the idea/concept, its technical merit and military relevance. The submitter should articulate the innovative concept and technology development needed with respect to demonstrable metrics. The submission of the Proposal Abstract should be used by the proposer to avoid unnecessary expense in proposal generation for ideas that may not be selected within this BAA. Proposers should explain in the Proposal Abstract the feasibility of idea/concept transition to the military, other government agencies or organizations, or other interested users, as applicable. Additionally, proposers should clearly specify the intended demonstrable improvements over current systems, explain transition paths, specify tentative schedules, and provide a rough estimate of cost. DARPA/STO will endeavor to respond to proposal abstracts in an expeditious and timely manner.

DARPA will respond to proposal abstracts with a statement as to whether DARPA is interested in the idea. DARPA will attempt to reply to proposal abstracts via letter within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt. Should a proposer be discouraged from submitting a full proposal, the letter will contain feedback for the proposer regarding the rationale for the decision not to recommend a full proposal be submitted. Proposal abstracts will be reviewed in the order they are received. Regardless of DARPA’s response to a proposal abstract, proposers may submit a full proposal. DARPA will review all full proposals submitted using the published evaluation criteria and without regard to any comments resulting from the review of a proposal abstract.

4.2.2.1 Proposal Abstract Format

All submissions must be in the following format; nonconforming submissions may be rejected without further review. The total abstract length shall not exceed six (6) pages, including the table of contents. A page is defined as being no larger than 8.5” by 11.0”. (Accordion-style foldouts will be counted as multiple pages equivalent to the expanded size.) Proposals must be on single-sided pages, written in English, and with 1-inch margins (left, right, top, and bottom) on each page. The Technical Proposal shall contain no smaller than 12-point font type.

The page limitation for abstracts includes all figures, tables, and charts. No formal transmittal letter is required.

Proposers must submit their proposal abstracts via the web-based TFIMS application at http://www.tfims.darpa.mil/baa. (NOTE: University submissions may be made via www.grants.gov by using the “Apply for Grants” function.) The submission shall include one (1) electronic copy of the proposal abstract. Electronic copies must be in PDF or an MS Word readable application.

The Proposal Abstract shall have a cover sheet. Format is to be followed using the template found in APPENDIX 1 to this solicitation (not included in the six page limit).

4.2.3 Proposal Format

The typical proposal should express a consolidated effort in support of one or more related technical concepts or ideas. Disjointed efforts should not be included into a single proposal.

Regardless of the recommendation during the executive summary or proposal abstract phases, the decision to propose is the responsibility of the proposer. All submitted proposals will be fully reviewed regardless of the disposition of the executive summary or proposal abstract.

Restrictive notices notwithstanding, proposals may be handled, for administrative purposes only, by a support contractor. This support contractor is prohibited from competition in DARPA technical research and is bound by appropriate nondisclosure requirements. Proposals and proposed abstracts may not be submitted by fax or e-mail; any so sent will be disregarded.

All proposals must be in the format given below. Nonconforming proposals may be rejected without review. Proposals shall consist of two volumes. All pages shall be printed on 8-1/2 by 11 inch paper with type not smaller than 12 point. The page limitation for proposals includes all figures, tables, and charts. Volume I, Technical and Management Proposal, may include an attached bibliography of relevant technical papers or research notes (published and unpublished) which document the technical ideas and approach upon which the proposal is based. Copies of not more than three (3) relevant papers can be included with the submission. The bibliography and attached papers are not included in the page counts given below. The submission of other supporting materials along with the proposals is strongly discouraged and will not be considered for review. The total length of Volume I shall not exceed 50 pages. All proposals must be written in English.

Proposers must submit their full proposal via the web-based TFIMS application at http://www.tfims.darpa.mil/baa. (NOTE: University submissions may be made via www.grants.gov by using the “Apply for Grants” function.) The submission shall include one (1) electronic copy of the proposal abstract. Electronic copies must be in PDF or an MS Word readable application.

4.2.3.1 Volume I, Technical and Management Proposal

Section I. Administrative A. Cover sheet. Format to be followed using the template provided as APPENDIX 2 to this announcement.

B. Official transmittal letter.

Section II. Summary of Proposal

A. Innovative claims for the proposed research. This section is the centerpiece of the proposal and should succinctly describe the uniqueness and benefits of the proposed approach relative to the current state-of-art alternate approaches.

B. Deliverables associated with the proposed research and the plans and capability to accomplish technology transition and commercialization. Include in this section all proprietary claims to the results, prototypes, intellectual property, or systems supporting and/or necessary for the use of the research, results, and/or prototype. If there are not proprietary claims, this should be stated.

C. Cost, schedule and milestones for the proposed research, including estimates of cost for each task in each year of the effort delineated by the prime and major subcontractors, total cost and company cost share, if applicable. Note: Measurable critical milestones should occur regularly after start of effort. For efforts that exceed a single phase of short duration, the proposer shall describe clear and well-defined research go/no go metrics to be used as exit and entry criteria for government approval to progress through phases of the proposed effort. NOTE: The proposer is not required to submit proposed go/no go metrics for single phase/short duration (12 months or less) efforts.

D. These milestones should enable and support a go/no go decision for the next part of the effort. Additional interim non-critical management milestones are also highly encouraged at a regular interval.

E. Technical rationale, technical approach, and constructive plan for accomplishment of technical goals in support of innovative claims and deliverable production. (In the proposal, this section should be supplemented by a more detailed plan in Section III.)

F. General discussion of other research in this area.

G. A clearly defined organization chart for the program team which includes, as applicable: (1) the programmatic relationship of team member; (2) the unique capabilities of team members; (3) the task of responsibilities of team members; (4) the teaming strategy among the team members; and (5) the key personnel along with the amount of effort to be expended by each person during each year.

H. A one-slide summary of the proposal in PowerPoint that quickly and succinctly indicates the main objective, key innovations, expected impact, and other unique aspects of the proposal.

Section III. Detailed Proposal Information

A. Statement of Work (SOW) - In plain English, clearly define the technical tasks/subtasks to be performed, their durations, and dependencies among them. The page length for the SOW will be dependent on the amount of the effort. For each task/subtask, provide:

· A general description of the objective (for each defined task/activity);

· A detailed description of the approach to be taken to accomplish each defined task/activity);

· Identification of the primary organization responsible for task execution (prime, sub, team member, by name, etc.);

· The exit criteria for each task/activity - a product, event or milestone that defines its completion;

· Define all deliverables (reporting, data, reports, software, etc.) to be provided to the Government in support of the proposed research tasks/activities.

Note: It is recommended that the SOW be developed so that each Phase of the program is separately defined. Do not include any proprietary information in the SOW.

B. Description of the results, products, transferable technology, and expected technology transfer path enhancing that of Section II. B. See also VI (B)(2) “Intellectual Property.”

C. Detailed technical rationale enhancing that of Section II.

D. Detailed technical approach enhancing and completing that of Section II.

E. Comparison with other ongoing research indicating advantages and disadvantages of the proposed effort.

F. Discussion of proposer’s previous accomplishments and work in closely related research areas.

G. Description of the facilities that would be used for the proposed effort.

H. Detail support enhancing that of Section II, including formal teaming agreements which are required to execute this program.

I. Cost schedules and milestones for the proposed research, including estimates of cost for each task in each year of the effort delineated by the primes and major subcontractors, total cost, and any company cost share. Note: Measurable critical milestones should occur regularly after start of effort. These milestones should enable and support a go/no go decision for the next part of the effort. Additional interim non-critical management milestones are also highly encouraged at regular intervals. For efforts that exceed a single phase of short duration, the proposer shall describe clear and well-defined research go/no go metrics to be used as exit and entry criteria for government approval to progress through phases of the proposed effort. The proposed approach for satisfying the proposed program go/no-go metrics should be explicitly described and clearly substantiated. Where the effort consists of multiple portions which could reasonably be partitioned for purposes of funding, these should be identified as options with separate cost estimates for each.

Section IV. Additional Information A brief bibliography of relevant technical papers and research notes (published and unpublished) which document the technical ideas upon which the proposal is based. Copies of not more than three (3) relevant papers can be included in the submission.

4.2.3.2 Volume II, Cost Proposal – {No Page Limit}

Cover sheet. Format to be followed using the template provided as APPENDIX 3 to this solicitation.

Detailed cost breakdown to include:

(1) total program cost broken down by major cost items to include:

i. Direct labor, including individual labor categories or persons, with associated labor hours and direct labor rates. [Note: Labor hours for Key Personnel and associated task should be specifically identified and correspond to the technical proposal];

ii. If consultants are to be used, proposer must provide consultant agreement or other document which verifies the proposed loaded daily/hourly rate;

iii. Indirect costs including Fringe Benefits, Overhead, General and Administrative Expense, Cost of Money, etc. (At a minimum, must show base amount and rate application to derive the proposed cost across);

iv. Travel – Number of trips, number of days per trip, departure and arrival destinations, number of people, etc.;

v. Other Direct Costs – Should be itemized with quoted costs or estimated costs. Backup documentation, e.g., specific or relevant quotes for purchase material or services items, should be submitted to support proposed costs.

(2) cost of major program tasks (consistent with the proposed statement of work) by month and by U.S. Government fiscal year;

(3) the prime is responsible for compiling and providing all subcontractor proposals. All prime and subcontractor proposals should separately identify any Interdivisional Work Orders (IWO), or similar arrangements. An itemization of all major subcontracts, IWO, and equipment/material purchases, to include: a cost proposal as detailed as the prime’s cost proposal, shall be provided. All equipment/material should be specifically itemized with quoted costs or estimated costs. An explanation of any estimating factors, including their derivation and application, shall be provided. Please include a brief description of the proposers’ procurement method to be used and provide all major subcontract analysis. All proprietary subcontractor proposal documentation of which cannot be uploaded to T-FIMS shall be provided to the Government either by the prime or by the subcontractor organization when the proposal is submitted. Subcontractor proposals submitted to the Government by the prime should be submitted in a sealed envelope that the prime will not be allowed to view. The subcontractor must provide the same number or hard copies and/or electronic proposals as is required of the prime;

(4) an itemization of any information technology ( IT)[footnoteRef:2] purchase including subcontractor cost (NOTE: For IT equipment purchases, include a letter stating why the proposer cannot provide the requested resources from its own funding); [2: IT is defined as “any equipment, or interconnected system(s) or subsystem(s) of equipment that is used in the automatic acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information by the agency.