DARPA-BAA-13-04_Final_For_Posting_2Nov2012.pdf

Broad Agency Announcement Pixel Network for Dynamic Visualization

Microsystems Technology Office

DARPA-BAA-13-04

2 November 2012

Table of Contents

Part I: Overview Information Part II: Full Text of Announcement

Sec. I: FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Sec II. AWARD INFORMATION Sec. III: ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligible Applicants B. Procurement Integrity, Standards of Conduct, Ethical Considerations, and Organizational Conflicts of Interest C. Cost Sharing/Matching D. Other Eligibility Criteria

Sec. IV: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION A. Address to Requst Application Package B. Content and Form of Application Submission

1. Security and Proprietary Issues

2. Proposal Submission Information

3. Full Proposal Format

4. Submission Dates and Times

5. Intergovernmental Review

6. Funding Restrictions

7. Other Submission Requirements

Sec. V: APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION A. Evaluation Criteria B. Review and Selection Process

Sec. VI: AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION A. Selection Notices B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

1. Meeting and Travel Requirements

2. Human Use

3. Animal Use

4. Publication Approval

5. Export Control

6. Subcontracting

7. Electronic and Information Technology

8. Employment Eligibility Verification

9. Additional Requirement and Responsibilities relating to Alleged Crimes by or against Contractor Personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan

10. System for Award Management Registration and Universal Identifier Requirements

11. Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards

12. Updates of Information Regarding Responsibility Matters

13. Representation by Corporations Regarding Unpaid Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction Under Any Federal Law

14. Cost Accounting Standards Notices and Certification Deviation 2012-00003 (Jan 2012) 37

15. Controlled Unclassified Information on Non-DoD Information Systems C. Reporting D. Electronic Systems

1. Representations and Certifications

2. Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF)

3. i-Edison

Sec. VII: AGENCY CONTACTS Sec. VIII: OTHER INFORMATION

A. Intellectual Property Procurement Contract Proposers

1. Noncommercial Items (Technical Data and Computer Software)

2. Commercial Items (Technical Data and Computer Software)

B. Non-Procurement Contract Proposers – Noncommercial and Commercial Items (Technical Data and Computer Software) C. All Proposers – Patents D. All Proposers – Intellectual Property Representations E. Other Transactions (OTs):

Part I: Overview Information

Federal Agency Name – Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Microsystems Technology Office (MTO)

Funding Opportunity Title – Pixel Network for Dynamic Visualization (PIXNET) Announcement Type – Initial Announcement.

Funding Opportunity Number – DARPA-BAA-13-04 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers (CFDA) – Not applicable.

Dates o Posting Date: November 2, 2012 o Proposal Due Date: January 11, 2013 o Estimated period of performance start: June 2013

Concise description of the funding opportunity: The PIXNET program shall focus on reducing the size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) of helmet mounted and clip-on (i.e.

weapon sight) camera configurations suitable for dismount payloads.

Anticipated individual awards – Multiple awards are anticipated.

Anticipated funding type - 6.2, and/or 6.3 Types of instruments that may be awarded – Procurement contract or other transaction.

Any cost sharing requirements – None.

Agency contact o Dr. Nibir Dhar, Program Manager BAA Coordinator: DARPA-BAA-13-04@darpa.mil

DARPA/MTO

ATTN: DARPA-BAA-13-04

675 North Randolph Street Arlington, VA 22203-2114

FAX: 703-807-9926

EMAIL: DARPA-BAA-13-04@darpa.mil

PROPOSERS ARE CAUTIONED THAT EVALUATION RATINGS MAY BE LOWERED

AND/OR PROPOSALS REJECTED IF PROPOSAL PREPARATION (PROPOSAL FORMAT,

CONTENT, ETC.) AND/OR SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS ARE NOT FOLLOWED.

Part II: Full Text of Announcement

Sec. I: 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 Grants.gov website at http://www.grants.gov/. The following information is for those wishing to respond to the BAA.

DARPA’s Pixel Network for Dynamic Visualization (PIXNET) program is seeking innovative research proposals to develop a small multi-band camera technology. The long-term goal of the PIXNET program is to provide each dismount and small combat unit (squad, teams, etc.) with an imager that will significantly enhance threat detection, recognition and identification (DRI tasks) in day or night, and under all weather and visibility conditions. The program will focus on reducing the size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) of helmet-mounted and clip-on (i.e., weapon sight) camera configurations suitable for dismount payloads. Further, the program will also focus on camera functionality leading to color fusion and rendition of images to user, thus enhancing the DRI tasks and ease of use. A low-cost approach for the design, materials, and prototype construction of the camera system, heavily weighing the performance and functionality versus the final SWaP-C trade will be important to realize the overall vision of PIXNET program.

The development of a soldier-portable PIXNET camera system will address a technology gap to increase battle-space situational awareness, cooperative tactics, and tactical decision making at the squad level. The PIXNET concept offers an opportunity to facilitate new techniques and applications that can provide the decisive edge needed in the modern battlefield environment.

PIXNET will take advantage of the reflective and thermal bands available within the atmospheric transmission windows (see section I.9) and will exploit the different phenomena that are inherent in these spectral bands. This program aims to develop enabling technologies for two types of PIXNET cameras: helmet-mounted (HM) and a clip-on weapon sight (CWS). The PIXNET camera (HM or CWS) can be integrated with COTS display appropriate for dismounts such that subsequent demonstration and field testing can be readily achieved. Also, each camera type will be wirelessly linked to an Android smart phone that can serve as an additional platform for multi-band image fusion, relevant data processing, image display, thus reducing the data and power budget of the camera. The PIXNET camera is expected to be network ready (see remark below) in conjunction with a smart phone to improve functionality.

Remark: Network-ready implies the ability to network the PIXNET camera within the user’s space (intra), in order to provide imagery to the user at the eye level. This intra network includes a smart phone, weapon sights and the camera. Additionally, network-ready also refers to the ability to network within a squad (inter) with modifications in the future. Inter-networking is not required in this program.

The combination of a smart phone and the PIXNET camera will enable more effective tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) over current capabilities and allow for future development.

The HM PIXNET camera design should account for soldier mobility and use fused imagery to provide the soldier with increased target discrimination capability. The CWS PIXNET design should consider the longest possible range for engagement. The HM and CWS designs should take advantage of fused imagery. In future applications, the availability of a PIXNET camera could enable a peer-to-peer networked system for image sharing within a squad, thereby providing a common operating picture of the battlefield, and significantly enhancing the warfighter’s situational understanding. However, this program will not include any developmental efforts for a peer-to-peer networked system for image sharing within a squad. The focus remains on the camera development to enhance individual soldier’s capability.

Proposed research should investigate innovative approaches that will enable revolutionary advances in science, materials, devices, or systems. Research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice will not be considered.

I.1 Introduction

The PIXNET vision is to enhance a small unit’s situational understanding of the battlespace, thereby enabling an informed decision. Development of a network-ready, multi-band image sensor is the key component that will ultimately lead to the PIXNET vision. The program is focused on developing high-performance camera prototypes with the lowest SWaP-C capable of demonstrating multi-band imaging and color fusion, as described in Section I.5. The camera system, based on the task(s) selected from the list below, must be fully integrated to demonstrate imagery and proposed functionalities at different phases of the program. Proposers may choose a single task or multiple tasks.

I.2 Background Focal plane arrays (FPA), optics, and computational algorithms, among others, are the technology enablers for an imaging system. These technologies have significantly matured over the past few decades. For example, FPAs for visible, low light level CMOS for visible-near infrared (V-NIR), short-wave infrared (SWIR), mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) have demonstrated low noise floors and large format arrays. The SWaP of micro-bolometers has decreased enough to be accommodated in a cell phone. Similarly, infrared quantum semiconductor detectors for MWIR and LWIR have reduced pixel size to five microns and have increased operating temperature from 77K to above 160K, thus reducing SWaP compared to previously cooled systems. Significant advances have also been made in the SWIR camera technology. Read-out integrated circuits (ROIC) in small unit cells have made significant progress. Novel optical designs have been investigated for broad and multiple spectral bands.

Thinner optics such as metamaterials and other photonic approaches have shown promise for IR applications. The field of computational imaging has revolutionized CMOS visible cameras and can do the same for infrared systems. Handheld devices such as smart phones have advanced with significant computational capability. The advancements in imaging components, when combined with smart phones, offer a new paradigm for camera architectures; allowing for increased functionalities and smaller form-factor designs. The state-of-the-art FPAs, optics, and computation can provide new insights for multi-band cameras with reduced SWaP for portability and helmet-mounted applications.

The PIXNET program fosters innovations to combine reflective and thermal bands for maximum visibility during the day or night, and takes advantage of features provided by the individual and fused bands. The combination of multiple bands allows for meaningful representation of the target information. For instance, shorter wavelengths (visible-SWIR) provide higher resolution while longer wavelengths (MWIR-LWIR) offer better atmospheric transmission, thus extending the range. By using an intelligent combination of short and long wavelengths the camera will have enhanced contrast, while providing improved detection and identification of targets. The human eye tends to have better scene understanding, recognition, reaction time, and faster object identification with color imagery than with monochrome imagery. It can be argued that for infrared imagery, a combination of different wavelength bands can offer opportunity to enhance

DRI.

The intent of the PIXNET program is to exploit the different spectral bands in order to maximize DRI. The key innovation for PIXNET is to solve the technical challenges that will enable the smallest SWAP-C, longest range, widest field of regard for DRI tasks, and functionalities that offer ease of use. There exists a design trade, but the resultant metric (size, weight, power, cost, SNR, FOV, etc.) would depend on the “functionality” that offers the best pathway towards the PIXNET vision.

Note: Approaches that show a path for faster transition are highly encouraged.

I.3 Program Objectives

The program objective is to develop a multi-band camera with the smallest possible SWaP-C for use in helmet- and weapon-mounted applications that will provide the warfighter with the highest possible DRI task capabilities. Multi-band soldier portable systems such as goggles, weapon sights, etc., have significant SWaP-C challenges. Because of the difficulties in building a multi-band camera, conventional multi-band designs have either employed physically separated FPAs and optics or incorporated filter wheels. This approach can result in severe penalties in SWaP and challenges in aligning the images. Furthermore, proximity electronics and image processing including color fusion compound the challenges of achieving low SWaP-C.

Innovation in optics, FPAs, electronics, algorithms and packaging will be necessary to achieve PIXNET objectives.

The specific objectives of PIXNET are two-fold, depending on the selected Task Element(s) A - D given in Section I.5 below:

Objective 1: Design, develop, fabricate, and demonstrate a helmet-mounted PIXNET camera.

Objective 2: Design, develop, fabricate, and demonstrate a weapon-mounted PIXNET camera.

The camera construct and operation should consider relevant CONOPS for small units in conventional and unconventional situations. The design and image/video rendering should take full advantage of the chosen spectral band combinations listed in the Tasks in Section I.5. The camera should be developed in accordance with best design practices that will provide a quantum leap over current capabilities and also provide a practical technology transition path towards manufacturability, producibility and reliability allowing for deployment of the technology to the warfighter.

I.4 Technical Challenges

The PIXNET program builds upon the various technological advances made in FPAs, optics and computation for single band imaging systems. The challenge of this program is to find the optimum intersection between the SWaP-C and functionality for a single multi-band system design. The minimization of SWaP-C and maximization of functionality depend on the clear understanding of the military applications and the technical trade space. For each of the Task Element selected from Section I.5, the offeror will provide concrete approaches in addressing the technical challenges associated with the development of that particular PIXNET camera. The multi-band capability of the PIXNET camera can be accomplished by employing an architecture with either a single or multiple aperture. At first glance, it may appear that the packaging of multiple apertures will provide an easier solution to the PIXNET challenge. However, the designer will have to contend with the challenges in achieving the desired SWaP-C and image alignment from the different FPAs. On the other hand, a single aperture approach will also have its challenges, especially with the realization of a low-cost broad-band optics. Non-traditional optical approaches using metamaterials and other photonic structures are encouraged. However, sufficient evidence should be provided to substantiate their viability with appropriate risk mitigation. Depending on the selected architecture, it is expected that the offeror will provide detailed discussions to address the numerous technical challenges, such as:

SWaP-C:

o What global camera architecture and optimization routine would yield minimum

SWaP-C and maximum performance for the entire PIXNET system?

Optics:

o How to achieve low cost, high performance, small form factor optics that cover a broad spectral range with high transmission?

o What is the best pathway for achieving optimum DRI?

o What F/# to use to optimize different bands?

Focal Plane Array:

o What FPA architecture is consistent with low SWaP-C and high performance?

o What FPA materials and format(s) add value to the user?

o How will pixel alignment for each band be accomplished to provide spatial registration in the composite image?

o What is the optimum pixel pitch for each band to achieve maximum range for

DRI tasks?

Electronics:

o What camera core electronics are required to meet SWAP-C as well as functionality requirements?

Image Fusion:

o How will the information from multiple bands be combined to provide a composite image that has more information content than a single-band image?

Image Rendering:

o How will the imagery (fused and individual) be displayed to the user to maximize

DRI tasks and minimize the cognitive burden of the viewer?

Smart Phone:

o How will the smart phone be synergistically used with the PIXNET camera to enhance connectivity, maximize functionality, and enable future upgrades?

Packaging:

o What integration and system design layout offer minimization of SWaP-C of the final camera?

I.5 Program Scope

The PIXNET program structure is designed to capture several combinations of spectral bands that are listed as Task Elements below. The proposed work should use an Android based smart phone as an integral component of the full PIXNET system. The proposers may choose a single task or multiple tasks. However, the Government reserves the right to select part, none or the whole proposal as described in Section II. The proposer should provide a detailed analysis to determine the complete flow-down metrics for the camera (HM or CWS) performance and functionalities. The offeror may use the guidelines given in Sections I.10.

Note: Guidelines in Sections I.10(a) & (b) are provided for reference purposes only. These guidelines are not a requirement, but can provide insights for future transition.

Task Element A: Design and develop a helmet-mounted PIXNET camera with imaging capability in Visible (color or monochrome), NIR, and LWIR.

Task Element B: Design and develop a helmet-mounted PIXNET camera with imaging capability in NIR, SWIR, and LWIR.

Task Element C: Design and develop a helmet-mounted OR clip-on weapon mounted PIXNET camera with imaging capability in SWIR and MWIR.

Task Element D: Design and develop a helmet-mounted OR clip-on weapon mounted PIXNET camera with imaging capability in NIR, SWIR and MWIR.

Proposers are requested to offer a trade analysis of the camera performance versus SWaP-C for any of the selected band/applications listed above and provide a complete camera prototype flow-down metrics. Based on the analysis, the proposal should include a discussion of the following:

1. Smallest form-factor achievable in terms of dimensions (in units of centimeters), volume (in units of cubic centimeter), and weight (in units of pounds or grams).

2. Power required for four (4) and eight (8) hours of operation with 25%, 50% and 100% duty cycles.

3. Selection of spectral band(s) as per the listed task elements above.

4. Example diagram and description of the camera implementation (helmet or weapon-mounted) onto a widely used or next generation platform.

5. Example of a CONOP.

6. Describe how each band will be used and how the imagery (single and fused channels) will be rendered - Functionality.

7. For each band, determine the percentage of probability characteristic acquisition criteria

(DRI tasks) at various ranges based on standard models. Use Table 1 for reference only.

8. Projection of camera performance metrics such as F/# (FOV), SNR, thermal time constant, frame rates, etc.

9. Wireless connectivity and video encoding protocol suitable for Android based smart phone.

10. Integration (wireless & wired) with Android based smart phone, camera electronics and processing. A smart phone can be used to partition camera processing schedules in conjunction with the camera electronics. For example, spectral fusion may be possible within the smart phone using a smaller window. The smart phone will also be used as a handheld display. Alternatively, the fusion processor could be a separate unit integrated with the camera through a fiber optic link, for example.

I.7 Program Structure

The PIXNET program is planned for a multi-phase period of performance (PoP) totaling 45 months with a 4-month System Design Study Phase (Phase 0), followed by two major phases (24-months – Phase I, and 17-months – Phase II). During the design phase, specific wavelength band combinations, system SWaP-C and overall design of the PIXNET camera will be evaluated. The proposer will provide a thorough application/scenario-based discussion of the advantages for using the selected bands in the chosen task(s) above. The PIXNET program will focus on several technology areas: the camera engine; FPA(s) and ROIC(s); camera optics;

wireless integration with a smart phone platform; image fusion; and image display. In addition to the technical approach and challenges, the proposer must provide a detailed schedule, milestones, and demonstration plan. A thorough description of all milestones and planned demonstrations must be shown along with a program roadmap that incorporates the critical path for achieving the end goals and overall vision of the PIXNET program. A complete roadmap must be developed for Phase I and Phase II for deliverables listed in Section I.8.

Proposers should provide a detailed program plan that will lead to the field testing of low SWaP- C, fused, reflective/thermal imagers for helmet or weapon mounted IR applications. Success of the PIXNET design will enable spinout technologies for a variety of other applications such as overhead surveillance using smaller UAS. The helmet- and weapon-mounted IR cameras must be configured for wireless connection to the smart phone, where more functionality could be added as smart phone applications in the future. The PIXNET program will not invest in the development of new display technologies. Instead, the proposer will utilize existing technologies and provide a discussion for their implementation in the helmet- or weapon-mounted architectures. For a helmet-mounted system, the smallest FPA format required for the primary soldier mobility sensor is 1280x1024 with a frame rate of 60 Hz. The spectral bands selected for soldier mobility must be chosen with full attention given to current technology that is used for such applications. The weapon-mounted design should consist of a FPA format size of at least 640X480. Depending on the spectral band and the respective tasks related to that band, image fusion may be performed in a smaller window including the band used for mobility. At a minimum, the PIXNET program will provide:

New architectures for multi-band (reflective/thermal) camera designs for future manufacturing;

Innovative designs for single or multiple aperture with the lowest optical and camera volume, lowest weight and longest operational time (power consideration) suitable for HM and CWS applications;

Phenomenology of reflective and thermal fusion for enhanced DRI; and, Small form-factor fused reflective/thermal camera cores that can be used with appropriate optics for many other applications, i.e. UAS surveillance.

The program execution is expected to be aggressive for rapid technology transition. Therefore, the plan should be structured to rapidly demonstrate the following for an application based on a

CONOP.

A scalable process for sensor package with a format leading to 1280x1024 or larger for helmet-mounted system and 640x480 or larger for weapon-mounted system. The helmet-mounted design should have a wide FOV suitable for mobility and the weapon mounted design should be appropriate for long range.

A scalable process to achieve the smallest possible pixel pitch with a clear trade between performance and SWaP-C.

A low-cost approach for optics and integration in a small form factor housing.

A low-cost potential for the entire camera system. The preferred cost goal in a manufacturing environment is $3,300 (HM PIXNET only).

A robust cost model with volume units and its validation.

Periodic and final reports on the progress toward the established milestones with complete characterization data for detectors, optics, electronics, algorithms, and integrated fused cameras.

Note: Early demonstration and a clear roadmap to technology insertion are highly encouraged.

A summary of the tasks for this program is as follows:

Phase 0: PIXNET Camera Architecture

Provide complete Design details for integrated camera/smart phone architecture per selected Task Element(s). Discussions should provide a clear path towards the realization of a camera with minimum SWaP-C and maximum performance. The offeror should provide a risk mitigation plan for each of the technical challenges.

Phase 1: Brass board level PIXNET camera Demonstrate the general form factor for the final camera system. All components should be commensurate with the final PIXNET camera package Show that SWAP-C will be achievable Validate Phase 0 design parameters Demonstrate image fusion using new architectures and algorithms Establish low-cost, high performance optics with final camera form-factor Demonstrate Focal Plane Arrays designed to meet performance and SWAP-C Show smartphone application with brass board camera Demonstrate fully functional camera core electronics

Phase 2: Final PIXNET camera

Finalize all PIXNET components as per design

Assemble components into package with designed form-factor

Evaluate camera performance against design metrics

Demonstrate wireless smartphone integration, image fusion, and image display on a smartphone and on a selected display at eye level

Complete prototypes

Conduct field test

I.8 Deliverables

1. Contractor shall deliver a full design at the PDR level at the end of Phase 0, one (1) brass board level PIXNET camera at the end of Phase I and two (2) fully integrated PIXNET cameras as the final delivery (end of Phase II) with appropriate display capabilities for government evaluations and testing.

2. Contractor shall provide hardware and support for all tests and evaluations.

3. Contractor shall submit monthly updates, quarterly technical reports, a mid-point report and a final report, with clear indication of all proprietary materials. The distribution list shall include the DARPA PM, COTR and other support staff (distribution list will be provided).

4. Attend and participate in quarterly reviews. These reviews could be via teleconferences.

I.9 Atmospheric Transmission Windows

The tactical transmission windows as a function of wavelengths are shown below.

I.10 General Guidelines for reference purposes only

I.10a Helmet-Mounted System:

1. Total weight added to the helmet should be less than or equal to two (2) pounds (Threshold). This includes all items needed to use the system in an operational environment (system, brackets, wiring, battery packs, batteries, etc.).

2. Maximum detection range will be defined by the proposer.

3. The proposer should provide the duration of a single channel and fused imagery on one battery set at 25%, 50%, and 100% duty cycles. The preferred operational time should be greater than or equal to 7.5 hours at all temperatures from –20 C to +49 C. Current acceptable battery set is four (4) lithium AA (L91) commercial batteries or CR123 batteries. The camera power budget does not include the smart phone battery.

4. The system shall maintain compatibility with laser pointers and illuminators (820 – 850 nm or 1-1.55 µm depending on band selection) out to a range of at least 300 m.

5. The forward projection from the eyepiece exit pupil should be a maximum of 135 mm.

6. The center of gravity in a horizontal plane should be a minimum of 55 mm behind the last element of the eyepiece lens and the eyepiece lens flange, and should be tested under the following conditions:

a) Mounted on the Advanced Combat Helmet (Size: Large);

b) The fore/aft position of the system on the helmet mount is set at full aft, which is as close to the face as possible;

c) The objective lens is set to the infinity focus position;

d) The eyepiece diopter adjustment is set to 0 +/- 0.5; and,

e) Batteries are contained within the battery pack.

The objective for the center of gravity is for the total head-borne weight (helmet and all attached items) to have a center of gravity in line with the Tragion Notch.

7. Provide an analysis describing the FOV required for a man size target detection, recognition, and identification tasks at ranges defined by the proposer. The preferred

FOV of the system is a minimum of 40 degrees horizontal. A full analysis of the FOV

vs. DRI tasks is desired.

8. Primary system magnification shall be unity (1x) to support Soldier mobility.

9. Sensor frame rates should support mobility operations (60 Hz).

10. The total image latency, defined as latency of the sensors (fused or individually), electronics (to include all processing/algorithms), and display (total time from photons hitting the sensors to photons emitted from the display) should be less than 30 milliseconds.

11. The system shall provide a minimum of 25 mm eye relief to provide compatibility with ballistic eyewear or be integrated with ballistic eyewear. Current Army approved eyewear list is available at www.peosoldier.army.mil.

12. The vision system shall have primary mobility sensors (those sensors expected to be used by the Soldier to walk, run, grasp items, etc.) and display in-line with the eye.

(This is not required if the system is capable of compensating for parallax such that there is no negative impact to a Soldier’s ability to move as described in the Soldier Common Task Manual and resolution and the FOV requirements are met.)

13. The primary mobility sensor should be a minimum resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels and the system should provide the Soldier with the ability to operate at the same or better performance than the AN/PVS-14 night vision goggle.

14. The system should be capable to display full color to provide differentiation between sensors (for example, low-light level versus thermal) and support the display of external information such as maps, images, etc.

15. Other system preferences:

a) Significantly shorter (smaller forward projection) systems.

b) System display integrated in the ballistic goggles/ballistic shield.

I.10b Weapon-Mounted System:

1. Total weight not to exceed two (2) pounds (Threshold). This includes all items needed to use the system in an operational environment.

2. The clip-on camera should be compatible, at a minimum, with the input aperture of a widely used combat optical gun sight.

3. The maximum range to be determined by the proposer.

4. In addition to being a weapon mounted device, the clip-on unit may be designed to function as a stand-alone handheld surveillance camera.

5. The design tradeoffs of the camera should incorporate manufacturing concepts that would yield the ruggedness and robustness, similar to currently deployed systems.

6. Provide the duration of single channel and fused imagery on one battery set at 25%, 50% and 100% duty cycles. The preferred operational time should be greater than or equal to 7.5 hours at all temperatures from –20 C to +49 C. Current acceptable battery set is four (4) lithium AA (L91) commercial batteries or CR123 batteries. The camera power budget does not include the smart phone battery.

7. The system should provide the compatibility with laser pointers and illuminators (820

– 850 nm or 1-1.55 µm depending on band selection) out to a range of at least 500 m.

8. The FOV and array format of the system to be defined by the proposer for the longest range to identify target(s) during night and through smoke and other obscurants, consistent with the requirements of low SWaP-C.

9. Primary system magnification to be defined by proposer for longest range.

10. Sensor frame rates to be defined by proposer for longest range.

11. The system should display full color to provide differentiation between sensors (for example, reflective versus thermal) and support the display of external information such as maps, images, etc. The Android smart phone can be used as a secondary display.

Task V50 Characteristic Acquisition Criteria

Detection # cycles This is understood as detecting in very low clutter, an upright, stationary adult human being.

Recognition # cycles

This is understood as permitting the operator to determine that personnel targets (one or more human adults, each with a characteristic dimension of 0.75 meters) are present and engaged in behaviors that warrant attention/response.

Identification # cycles

This is understood as permitting the operator to determine that personnel target(s) are present and that the target(s) are potentially an immediate threat (i.e., with RPG/Rifle) to the host vehicle/soldier/etc. The target is an upright, stationary adult human being with a characteristic dimension of 0.75 meters.

Table 1: For reference purposes only.

Sec II. AWARD INFORMATION

Multiple awards are anticipated. 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 it is later determined 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. 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. V.), 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 right 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 requested additional information.

As of the date of publication of this BAA, DARPA expects that program goals for this BAA cannot be met by proposers intending to perform 'fundamental research,' i.e., 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. Therefore, DARPA anticipates restrictions on the resultant research. Notwithstanding this statement of expectation, DARPA recognizes that proposed research solutions could be of either a fundamental or restricted nature.

Proposers should indicate in their proposal whether they believe the nature of the research included in their proposal is fundamental or restricted, with the understanding that in all cases, the DARPA contracting officer shall have sole discretion to select award instrument type and to negotiate all instrument provisions with selectees. See Section VI.B.4 for further information on fundamental, non-fundamental and restricted research.

Sec. III: ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. 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 address the following conditions. FFRDCs must clearly demonstrate that the proposed work is not otherwise available from the private sector AND must 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 sector 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.

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

Current federal employees are prohibited from participating in particular matters involving conflicting financial, employment, and representational interests (18 USC 203, 205, and 208).

The DARPA Program Manager for this BAA is Dr. Nibir Dhar. Once the proposals have been received, and prior to the start of proposal evaluations, the Government will assess potential conflicts of interest and will promptly notify the Proposer if any appear to exist. (Please note, the Government assessment does NOT affect, offset, or mitigate the Proposer’s own duty to give full notice and planned mitigation for all potential organizational conflicts, as discussed below.)

Without prior approval or a waiver from the DARPA Director, in accordance with FAR 9.503, a Contractor cannot simultaneously provide scientific, engineering, technical assistance (SETA) or similar support and also be a technical performer. Therefore, all Proposers as well as proposed subcontractors and consultants must affirm whether they (their organizations and individual team members) are providing 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, subcontractor, consultant, or individual supports and identify the prime contract number(s).

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 must include a description of the action the Proposer has taken or proposes to take to avoid, neutralize, or mitigate such conflict. If in the sole opinion of the Government after full consideration of the circumstances, a proposal fails to fully disclose potential conflicts of interest and/or any identified conflict situation cannot be effectively mitigated, the proposal 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) or has questions on what constitutes a conflict of interest, the Proposer should promptly raise the issue with DARPA by sending his/her contact information and a summary of the potential conflict to the BAA mailbox (DARPA-BAA-13-04@darpa.mil) before time and effort are expended in preparing a proposal and mitigation plan.

C. 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.

D. Other Eligibility Criteria

Collaborative efforts/teaming are encouraged. A teaming website has been established to facilitate the formation of teaming arrangements between interested parties. To gain access to the teaming website, located on the DARPA extranet, please provide your name, organization, address, and phone number in an email to DARPA-BAA-13-04@darpa.mil requesting access.

Specific content, communications, networking, and team formation are the sole responsibility of the participants. This website will be maintained for the duration of the BAA proposal period.

Once the BAA proposal period concludes this site will be deactivated and will not be archived.

Neither DARPA nor the Department of Defense (DOD) endorses the information and organizations contained therein, nor does DARPA or the DOD exercise any responsibility at the destination. This website is provided consistent with the stated purpose of this BAA.

Sec. IV: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. Address to Request Application Package

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.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

1. Security and Proprietary Issues

NOTE: If proposals are classified, the proposals must indicate the classification level of not only the proposal itself, but also the anticipated award document classification level.

The Government anticipates proposals submitted under this BAA will be unclassified. However, if a proposal is submitted as “Classified National Security Information” as defined by Executive Order 13526, then the information must be marked and protected as though classified at the appropriate classification level and then submitted to DARPA for a final classification determination.

Security classification guidance via a DD Form 254, “DoD Contract Security Classification Specification,” will not be provided at this time, since DARPA is soliciting ideas only. After reviewing the incoming proposals, if a determination is made that the award instrument may result in access to classified information, a DD Form 254 will be issued and attached as part of the award.

Proposers choosing to submit a classified proposal from other classified sources must first receive permission from the respective Original Classification Authority in order to use their information in replying to this BAA. Applicable classification guide(s) should also be submitted to ensure the proposal is protected at the appropriate classification level.

Classified submissions shall be appropriately and conspicuously marked with the proposed classification level and declassification date. Submissions requiring 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)

Classified submissions shall be in accordance with the following guidance:

Confidential and Secret Collateral Information: Use classification and marking guidance provided by previously issued security classification guides, the DoD Information Security Manual (DoDM 5200.01, Volumes 1 - 4) and the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (DoD 5220.22-M) when marking and transmitting information previously classified by another Original Classification Authority. Classified information at the Confidential and Secret level may be submitted via ONE of the two following methods:

1. 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.

OR

2. Mailed via appropriate U.S. Postal Service methods (e.g., (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.

The inner envelope shall be addressed to:

ATTN: Microsystems Technology Office

Reference: (DARPA-BAA-13-04) 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

All Top Secret materials: Top Secret information should 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.

Special Access Program (SAP) Information: SAP information must be transmitted via approved methods. Prior to transmitting SAP information, contact the DARPA SAPCO at 703-526-4052 for instructions.

Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI): SCI must be transmitted via approved methods. Prior to transmitting SCI, contact the DARPA Special Security Office (SSO) at 703- 526-4052 for instructions.

Proprietary Data: All proposals containing proprietary data should have the cover page and each page containing proprietary data clearly marked as containing proprietary data. It is the Proposer’s responsibility to clearly define to the Government what is considered proprietary data.

Proposers must have existing and in-place prior to execution of an award, approved capabilities (personnel and facilities) to perform research and development at the classification level they propose. It is the policy of DARPA to treat all proposals as competitive information, and to disclose their contents only for the purpose of evaluation. Proposals will not be returned. The original of each proposal received will be retained at DARPA and all other non-required copies destroyed. A certification of destruction may be requested, provided the formal request is received at this office within 5 days after unsuccessful notification.

2. Proposal Submission Information

Proposers are required to submit proposals by the time and date specified in the BAA in order to be considered during the single round of selections. Proposals received after the time and date specified in the BAA will be considered late and as such, will not be evaluated.

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.

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 may not be submitted by fax or e-mail; any so sent will be disregarded.

All proposals sent in response to DARPA-BAA-13-04 must be submitted through T-FIMS.

Proposals may not be submitted by fax or e-mail; any so sent will be disregarded. See https://baat.darpa.mil for more information on how to request an account, upload proposals, and use the T-FIMS tool. 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 administrative correspondence and questions on this solicitation should be directed to DARPA-BAA-13-04@darpa.mil DARPA intends to use electronic mail for correspondence regarding DARPA-BAA-13-04. DARPA encourages use of the Internet for retrieving the BAA and any other related information that may subsequently be provided.

3. Full Proposal Format

All full 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. Smaller font may be used for figures, tables and charts. The page limitation for full 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.

Maximum page lengths for each section are shown in braces { } below.