DARPA-BAA-13-06_ViSAR_System_Design_and_Development.pdf

Broad Agency Announcement

Video Synthetic Aperture Radar (ViSAR)

System Design and Development

STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGY OFFICE

DARPA-BAA-13-06

December 19, 2012

DARPA-BAA-13-06, ViSAR System Design and Development

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part One: Overview Information……………………………………………………………….4

Part Two: Full Text of Announcement

1. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

1.1. PROGRAM OVERVIEW

1.1.1 Goal

1.1.2 Background

1.1.3 Relationship with prior and ongoing DARPA electronics efforts

1.1.4 Relationship with prior ViSAR BAA

1.1.5 Summary of this BAA

1.2 Technical Area 1 (TA1) Flyable EHF-band high-power amplifier

1.2.1 Overview of the TA1 effort

1.2.2 TA1 Phase 1

1.2.3 TA1 Phase 2

1.3 Technical Area 2 (TA2) Design, fabricate and flight test ViSAR Demonstration System

1.3.1 Overview of TA2

1.3.2 Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) Available

1.3.3 TA2 Phase 1

1.3.4 TA2 Phase 2

1.3.5 TA2 Phase 3

1.4 PROGRAM METRICS

2. AWARD INFORMATION

3. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

3.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

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

3.2 COST SHARING/MATCHING

3.3 OTHER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

3.3.1 Collaborative Efforts

4. Application and Submission Information

4.1 ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

4.2 SECURITY AND PROPRIETARY ISSUES

4.3 CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

4.3.1 Abstract and Proposal Information

4.3.2 Restrictive Markings on Proposals

4.4 FORMATTING CHARACTERISTICS

4.4.1 Proposal Abstract Format

4.4.2 Proposal Format

4.5 SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

4.5.1 Abstract and Proposal Submission Deadline

4.6 FUNDING RESTRICTIONS _ Not Applicable

4.7 OTHER SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS - Not applicable

5. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

5.1 EVALUATION CRITERIA

5.1.1 Overall Scientific and Technical Merit

5.1.2 Proposer’s Capabilities and/or Related Experience

5.1.3 Cost and Schedule Realism

5.1.4 Potential Contribution and Relevance to the DARPA Mission

5.1.5 Plans and Capability to Accomplish Technology Transition

5.2 REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

6. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

6.1 SELECTION NOTICES

6.2 ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

6.2.1 MEETING AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

6.2.2 HUMAN USE

6.2.3 ANIMAL USE

6.2.4 PUBLICATION APPROVAL

6.2.5 EXPORT CONTROL

6.2.6 SUBCONTRACTING

6.2.7 ELECTRONIC AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

6.2.8 EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION

6.2.9 System for Award Management Registration and Universal Identifier Requirements

6.2.10 Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards

6.2.11 Updates of Information Regarding Responsibility Matters

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

6.2.13 Cost Accounting Standards Notice and Certification

6.2.14 Controlled Unclassified Information on Non-DoD Information Systems

6.2.15 Providing Accelerated Payment to Small Business Subcontractors

(DEVIATION)

6.3 REPORTING

6.4 ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

6.4.1 Representations and Certifications

6.4.2 Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF)

6.4.3 i-EDISON

6.5 AGENCY CONTACTS

7. OTHER INFORMATION

7.1 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

7.1.1 Procurement Contract Proposers

7.1.2 NonProcurement Contract Proposers

8. APPENDIX 1: PROPOSAL SLIDE SUMMARY

9. APPENDIX 2: ADDENDUM 1 REQUEST FORM

10. APPENDIX 3: Volume 1 COVER SHEET TEMPLATE

11. APPENDIX 4: Volume 2 COVER SHEET, CHECKLIST AND SAMPLES

Part One: Overview Information

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

Funding Opportunity Title –Video Synthetic Aperture Radar (ViSAR) System Design and Development

Announcement Type – Initial Announcement.

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

13–06 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers (CFDA) Not applicable Dates o Proposers Day: December 10, 2012 o Posting Date: December 19, 2012 o Proposal Abstract Due Date: January 7, 2013 o Proposal Due Date: February 20, 2013 o BAA Closing: June 17, 2013

Concise description of the funding opportunity – DARPA is soliciting innovative research proposals in the areas of (1) design and development of flyable Extremely High Frequency (EHF) band high power amplifiers and (2) design, development and flight test of a Video Synthetic Aperture Radar system.

Anticipated individual awards - Multiple awards are anticipated.

Types of instruments that may be awarded - Procurement Contracts are anticipated.

Agency contact o Points of Contact The BAA Coordinator for this effort may be reached at, fax (703)-807-9983, electronic mail: DARPA-BAA-13-06@darpa.mil.

DARPA/STO

ATTN: DARPA-BAA-13-06

675 North Randolph Street Arlington, VA 22203-2114

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.fbo.gov/. The following information is for those wishing to respond to the

BAA.

DARPA is soliciting innovative research proposals for the design, development and demonstration of a Video Synthetic Aperture Radar (ViSAR) system that enables US aircraft to engage maneuvering ground targets through clouds dust and other obscurants. 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

1.1.1 Goal

The objective of the DARPA ViSAR program is to overcome weather limitations by developing an active radar sensor that enables US aircraft to image, track and target maneuvering ground targets through clouds, dust or other obscurants. This new capability, if successful, would significantly increase the amount of time close-in air support is available and deny the enemy the ability to protect themselves by operating in cloudy weather conditions. This would also enable US aircraft to use clouds to their advantage by using clouds as a screen while engaging ground targets with the ViSAR system.

This BAA is for the design, development, and demonstration of a Video Synthetic Aperture Radar (ViSAR). Under a prior ViSAR-related BAA, DARPA solicited proposals to develop flyable Extremely High Frequency (EHF)-band exciters and receivers, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) scene simulation tools, and novel EHF-band SAR exploitation algorithms. The results of that BAA will be made available to the performers on this BAA in the form of Government Furnished Equipment and/or Government Furnished Information as described below.

This BAA has two technical areas. The first technical area is to develop a high-power transmitter amplifier operating in the frequency band of interest required for this application.

The second is to build and demonstrate a Video Synthetic Aperture Radar (ViSAR) system that provides the same targeting capabilities through clouds as current infrared targeting systems provide in clear weather. This second technical area includes design, development, integration and flight testing of a prototype ViSAR system. The flight testing will demonstrate the ViSAR performance through clouds for geometries typical of AC-130 engagements.

1.1.2 Background

Close-in air-support systems, such as the AC-130 gunship, typically use infrared targeting sensors to engage moving ground targets such as vehicles and dismounts. Since infrared sensors are not able to image through the clouds, close-in air support is currently limited to clear weather conditions. In certain regions of the world, the percentage of time there is cloud can exceed 50%, which can severely impact fire support for grounds operations. In addition, once engagements commence, infrared sensors are unable to image through the dust caused by explosions and incoming rounds.

This program will address these shortfalls by developing a radar system that can provide the same performance through clouds as infrared systems provide in clear weather. The ViSAR system will also provide the ability to image through dust caused by explosions to provide targeting capability and battle damage assessment throughout the engagement. The desired sensor performance (resolution, frame rate, field of regard, etc.) and geometries of interest are described in Addendum 1 to this BAA. The request form for requesting this addendum is given in Appendix 2 of this BAA.

The selection of radar frequency is a tradeoff between frame rate and atmospheric losses. For a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) with a given resolution, the frame rate is proportional to the frequency, thus moving to a higher frequency provides a higher frame rate. Moving to a higher frequency also reduces the size of the antennas, which is beneficial. In addition, as the frequency increases, it is expected that SAR imagery will become more sensitive to surface roughness and less dominated by strong returns from trihedrals structures, so the SAR imagery becomes similar to optical and IR imagery, which makes it easier for operators that are accustomed to optical and IR images. The disadvantage of increasing the radar frequency is that atmospheric effects become progressively more significant. Preliminary trade studies indicate the ViSAR system must operate at a SAR frequency of at least 170 GHz to provide an adequate frame rate while imaging through clouds. The first radiolocation band above 170 GHz is 231.5-235 GHz, thus this is the band that the ViSAR must operate within.

The AC-130 gunship is the primary transition path for this effort and so the ViSAR system developed under this BAA should be designed to provide the desired capabilities for geometries typical of AC-130 engagements. The ViSAR system will then be flight tested for those geometries at the end of this effort. The geometries typical of AC-130 engagements are described in Addendum 1. While the AC-130 is the primary transition path, there are a number of other possible transition paths, and the engagement geometries and desired capabilities for these other possible transitions paths are described in Addendum 1 of this BAA. It is desirable to have an approach that not only works for the AC-130 application but which can readily be modified to support some or all of the other applications as well.

There are a number of different possible configurations for the ViSAR system, including installation onto an airborne pod, or integration into a 15 or 20 inch class EO/IR gimbal and so the fundamental ViSAR design must be compatible with possible future migration into either a pod or a 15 to 20 inch class EO/IR gimbal. The purpose of this effort, however, is to demonstrate the technology and thus the ViSAR system developed under this BAA does not need to fit into a gimbal or airborne pod.

1.1.3 Relationship with prior and ongoing DARPA electronics efforts

It is anticipated that this effort will leverage technologies developed on prior and ongoing DARPA efforts to develop and mature EHF-band electronics. Those programs include the High Frequency Integrated Vacuum Electronics (HIFIVE) program, the Sub-millimeter Wave Imaging Focal-plane Technology (SWIFT) program and the THz Electronics program.

1.1.4 Relationship with prior ViSAR BAA

Under a prior BAA, DARPA-BAA-12-41, DARPA solicited proposals to develop a number of EHF-band capabilities. The BAA-12-41 efforts include:

Design, development and delivery of flyable EHF-band exciters and receivers Design, development and delivery of flyable EHF-band medium power amplifiers Development of an EHF-band SAR scene simulation tool Development novel EHF-band SAR exploitation algorithms

The results of DARPA-BAA-12-41 will be made available to the DARPA-BAA-13-06 performers as Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) and Government Furnished Information (GFI). More details on the GFE are provided in each technical area section.

1.1.5 Summary of this BAA

Under this BAA, DARPA seeks innovative proposals for two technical areas:

Technical Area 1: Design and develop a flyable EHF-band high-power amplifier Technical Area 2: Design, fabricate and flight test a ViSAR Demonstration System

Proposals should address the technical areas individually. Multiple approaches addressing a single technical area may be contained in a single proposal, recognizing the page limitations.

Technical Area 1 is not expected to involve Human Subject Research. Technical Area 2 will involve Human Subject Research after the initial phase.

1.2 TECHNICAL AREA 1 (TA1) FLYABLE EHF-BAND HIGH-POWER AMPLIFIER

1.2.1 Overview of the TA1 effort

The TA1 effort will develop a flyable EHF-band high power amplifier designed to be integrated with the demonstration ViSAR system being developed in Technical Area 2 (TA2).

The key attributes of the high power amplifier include:

Achieving the peak power, bandwidth and other specifications in Addendum 1 Packaging suitable for integrating onto the ViSAR system being developed in TA2

Ability to operate in the airborne environmental conditions (in particular the vibration environment), and with aircraft quality electrical power

Sufficient linearity and stability to support generating well-focused SAR images and localizing moving targets within the field of regard

In terms of SAR focusing, the amplifier should have sufficient phase and amplitude stability and linearity to support bandwidth-limited SAR image quality for RF bandwidths up to the full 231.5 to 235 GHz band, and coherent integration times suitable for the resolutions specified in Addendum 1.

Under DARPA-BAA-12-41, DARPA is funding two performers to develop flyable EHF-band medium power amplifiers. The design specifications for the DARPA-BAA-12-41 medium power amplifier components are included in the Addendum 1 to this BAA. Each of the medium power amplifier developers will produce and characterize a flyable medium power amplifier in the 2QFY14 time frame. One or more of the medium power amplifiers developed under DARPA-BAA-12-41 can be made available to each performer on this technical area as Government Furnished Equipment (GFE). These medium power amplifiers may be used as driver amplifiers for the high power amplifier being developed under this technical area.

TA1 will have two phases.

1.2.2 TA1 Phase 1.

In TA1 Phase 1, the performer will design, fabricate and test an EHF-band high power amplifier that meets the performance requirements defined in the Addendum 1. This phase will culminate with a laboratory test that demonstrates that the system can meet the requirements. The Phase 1 effort also includes developing calibration tables and/or other compensation techniques used to ensure the amplifier meets the linearity and stability goals. The Phase 1 amplifier does not need to be flyable, but the approach needs to be consistent with development of a flyable version in Phase 2.

This effort includes developing a laboratory acceptance test plan, conducting the laboratory tests, and documenting the results in a laboratory test report. The acceptance tests will include measurements that validate that the amplifier’s linearity and stability are sufficient to allow the system to generate well-focused SAR images and to detect and locate returns from moving targets.

During this phase the TA1 performer will work with the TA2 performers to develop Interface Control Documents (ICD) to ensure that the high power amplifier developed in TA1 can be integrated into the ViSAR demonstration system. As part of that effort, the TA1 performer will provide input to the TA2 performers on the Interface Control Documents for the high power amplifier.

As previously stated, the medium power amplifiers developed under DARPA-BAA-12-41 will be available to the TA1 performers as GFE in the 2QFY14 time frame. If the proposers intend to use these medium power amplifiers, the proposal should describe the risk mitigation strategy to ensure success if the DARPA-BAA-12-41 medium power amplifier were to fall slightly short of its requirements or is delivered later than scheduled. Proposers should describe the acceptance procedures they will perform to validate that the GFE medium power amplifier meets their requirements and is suitable for integration. The proposal should describe any interim test equipment that may be used until the GFE medium power amplifiers are available.

If proposers do not intend to use the GFE medium power amplifiers, the proposal should discuss why those amplifiers are not suitable for this application and substantiate why their approach results in lower program cost and risk.

Proposers must identify key technologies that are critical to the success of their approach and present their plan on how to retire technical risks. The proposal should describe their approach for achieving the key attributes for the high power amplifier and should define the metrics that their high power amplifier design should meet in terms of amplifier linearity, phase and amplitude stability and other attributes.

It is anticipated that this phase will last 12 months. For Phase 1, DARPA intends to make multiple awards to developers that offer compelling design concepts enabled through innovative technology.

1.2.3 TA1 Phase 2

Phase 2 of TA1 will be a separately priced option to develop, fabricate and acceptance test a flyable EHF-band high power amplifier which can be integrated with the ViSAR demonstration system. As part of this effort, the performer will conduct all environmental and electromagnetic compatibility testing that is necessary to ensure that the unit can be flown in the ViSAR demonstration system. A total of three identical flyable high power amplifiers will be delivered.

This effort includes developing an acceptance test plan for the flyable EHF high power amplifiers, conducting the tests, and documenting the results of the tests in the form of acceptance test reports. The acceptance tests will include measurements that validate that the amplifier’s linearity and stability are sufficient to allow the ViSAR system to generate well-focused SAR images and to detect and locate returns from moving targets.

The TA1 performer will coordinate with the TA2 performers to ensure that the high power amplifier is compatible with being integrated into the ViSAR demonstration system. The TA1 performer will develop risk mitigation approaches to minimize the impact on the overall system if there are delays in the delivery of the flyable high power amplifier and if the high power amplifier does not quite meet all the original specifications.

The proposal should describe the approach to fabrication and acceptance testing of the flyable unit. The proposal should describe the approach for built-in calibration and built-in test, as well as the approaches for conveying calibration information to the rest of the ViSAR .

TA1 Phase 2 is anticipated to last 12 months.

1.3 TECHNICAL AREA 2 (TA2) DESIGN, FABRICATE AND FLIGHT TEST VISAR

DEMONSTRATION SYSTEM.

1.3.1 Overview of TA2

Under this effort the performer will design and fabricate a flyable ViSAR demonstration system, test it in the laboratory, then install it on a contractor furnished aircraft, and flight test it to demonstrate performance.

The ViSAR demonstration system will provide the same performance (resolution, frame rate, field of regard) through clouds as current IR targeting sensors provide in clear weather. The desired sensor performance (resolution, frame rate, field of regard, etc.) and geometries of interest are described in the Addendum 1 to this BAA. Because moving targets are shifted and defocused in SAR imagery, the ViSAR system must process the returns from moving targets (including both vehicles and dismounts) to focus the returns and reposition them in the appropriate location in the image. Real-time onboard processing is required. The ViSAR system should be able to operate over a range of squint angles and grazing angles.

Since the ViSAR is a radar system, it could potentially provide additional capabilities that EO/IR systems cannot. DARPA is interested in concepts for using the ViSAR to provide such additional capabilities. Some of the additional capabilities of interest to DARPA are discussed in the Addendum 1.

The ViSAR demonstration system will use a medium power amplifier up through the first set of laboratory testing. Depending on schedules, the initial ViSAR flight tests may be conducted using the medium power amplifier. The final flight tests will be conducted with the high power amplifier developed under TA1 of this BAA.

For TA2, the performer will provide a suitable contractor-furnished aircraft for use in the TA2 Phase 3 flight demonstrations. The TA2 contractor will be responsible for managing all interfaces with the aircraft and for providing environmental data to the TA1 performer.

TA2 will involve imaging humans walking in the scene during the Phase 3 testing, and thus Phase 3 will involve Human Subject Research. The contractor will be responsible for developing the Human Subject Research protocols. The proposal should demonstrate that their organization has the required procedures and assurances in place to support Human Subject Research in Phase 3.

1.3.2 Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) Available

Under DARPA-BAA-12-41, DARPA is funding development of a number of components and algorithms as shown in Table 1. The specifications for the components developed under DARPA-BAA-12-41 are included in the Addendum 1 to this BAA.

Table 1. Components and algorithms being developed under DARPA-BAA-12-41 Technical Area

Items available as GFE/GFI Schedule

TA1 Flyable EHF-band receivers and Flyable EHF-band exciters

First versions acceptance tested

2QFY14.

First units available to TA2 performers May 2014.

TA2 Flyable EHF-band medium power amplifiers First versions acceptance tested

2QFY14.

First units available to TA2 performers 3QFY14.

TA3 EHF-band SAR scene Simulation Initial synthetic data sets available 4QFY13, additional drops released 1QFY14 time frame.

TA4 Final Reports describing EHF-band exploitation algorithms and results

Available to TA2 performers

4QFY13.

The components, data sets, and final reports shown in Table 2 will be made available to the TA2 performers after contract award. A summary of the requirements for the BAA-12-41 efforts is included in the Addendum 1 of this BAA.

In addition to the GFE from DARPA-BAA-12-41, the flyable EHF-band high power amplifier developed in TA1 of this BAA will be available to the TA2 performers as GFE in the June 2015 time frame.

TA2 will have three phases.

1.3.3 TA2 Phase 1

In TA2 Phase 1, the performer will conduct a system trade and subsystem requirement study and use the results to design of a flyable ViSAR demonstration system. This effort will involve in-process review and culminate in a Critical Design Review (CDR). Key trades such as antenna size and system bandwidth will be addressed, and processing algorithms, modes, capabilities, autofocus software and waveforms will all be defined. Performance specifications for key subsystems needed to support the ViSAR system requirements will be determined.

The performer will develop approaches for motion measurement and motion compensation to provide well focused images of the stationary background. The performer will also develop approaches for focusing returns from moving targets (vehicles and dismounts) and positioning these returns in their proper location in the image. The proposals should describe the processing and calibration approaches which will be employed to provide accurate geolocation on both stationary and moving targets. The proposal should describe any navigation system, GPS receivers, or inertial measurement units that will be integrated into the radar. The proposal should describe the type of information (if any) to be supplied by the aircraft navigation system and the assumptions about data quality.

The TA2 Phase 1 effort may include developing and characterizing additional capabilities such as (but not limited to) those listed in Addendum 1. The proposal should describe what additional capabilities, if any, will be explored in Phase 1. For each capability developed, the proposal should discuss how the new capability will be developed and the tests that will be conducted to characterize performance. The performance shall document the performance of the additional capabilities and estimate the systems implications (cost, size, weight, power, etc.) of providing those additional capabilities.

The proposal should address the contractor-furnished aircraft that will be used for flight testing and describe how it will be flown to emulate AC-130 engagement geometries. During TA2 Phase 1, the performer will validate the initial selection and shall provide all necessary interface information and necessary aircraft environment information (vibration, shock, thermal, electrical power quality, electromagnetic interference issues and so forth) to the TA1 ViSAR contractors and the DARPA-BAA-12-41 electronics components contractors.

Proposers should indicate if they intend to use as GFE any of the flyable EHF-band components developed under DARPA-BAA-12-41 and/or the flyable EHF-band high power amplifier developed in TA1 of this BAA. If proposers do not intend to use the GFE components, then the proposal should discuss why the GFE components are not suitable for this application and substantiate why the proposed approach results in lower program cost or risk.

The TA2 Phase 1 effort includes working with the component developers to develop Interface Control Documents (ICD) to ensure that the GFE components can be integrated into the ViSAR demonstration system. The performers should develop a risk mitigation plan for what their approach would be should the GFE components fall slightly short of their requirements or if one or more of them is delivered later than scheduled. The performers should also develop acceptance procedures that will be used to validate that the GFE components meets the requirements and are suitable for integration.

As was discussed earlier, the primary transition path is the AC-130 gunship, thus the TA2 effort will focus on developing a system that provides the desired capabilities for the typical AC-130 engagement geometries. As discussed in the Addendum 1, there are a number of other applications of interests. TA2 Phase 1 effort should include a task to identify approaches for how the baseline ViSAR design could be modified or extended for those applications.

The ViSAR demonstration system developed under this effort does not need to fit into a pod or EO/IR gimbal mount (15 to 20 inch class) but since both of those transition paths are of interest, the proposal should describe the path(s) by which a follow-on ViSAR system could be packaged to fit into each of these configurations.

During TA2 Phase 1, the performer should develop a Preliminary Ground Test Plan describing the laboratory testing and ground over-the-air testing that will be conducted in Phase 2. For convenience it may be useful to divide this into a Laboratory Test Plan that describes the testing done in the laboratory and the Over-the-Air Test Plan describing the over-the-air testing. The preliminary ground test plan should define the metrics that used to measure performance and describe the procedures that will be used to collect the appropriate data to support those measurements. The plan should also identify any calibration targets that will need to be fabricated or procured to support ground testing.

Offerors are encouraged to make their ViSAR concepts compatible with emerging Open Architecture standards. The Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) has developed a hardware independent processing architecture called the Modular Open System Approach (MOSA) Back End for RF Systems (MBE). During Phase 1, performers shall study the MBE reference architecture to consider implications of using MBE in the design of the ViSAR system. A draft Interface Control Document (ICD) and Interface Requirement Specification (IRS) for the MBE will be provided at contract award

It is anticipated that this TA2 Phase 1will last 9 months. For TA2 Phase 1, DARPA intends to make multiple awards to developers that offer compelling design concepts enabled through innovative technology.

1.3.4 TA2 Phase 2

Phase 2 of TA2 will be a separately priced option to develop, fabricate and integrate and ground test flyable ViSAR demonstration system. The ground testing includes laboratory testing and over-the-air ground tests. The performer will also conduct all environmental and electromagnetic compatibility testing that is necessary to ensure that the ViSAR demonstration can be flown in the contractor furnished aircraft in Phase 3.

The TA2 Phase 2 effort includes working with the component developers to update the Interface Control Documents (ICD) for the GFE components. The performer will also update the risk mitigation plan to ensure overall program success even if the GFE components were to fall short of their requirements or if one or more of them is delivered later than originally scheduled.

The performer should develop a Sensor Integration Plan describing how the ViSAR demonstration system will be installed on the contractor furnished aircraft during Phase 3. This plan should include all the on-aircraft tests that will be performed on the ground before flight in order to demonstrate that the system was installed properly and that it will not interfere with the aircraft’s flight controls.

The performer should develop a Preliminary Flight Test Plan describing the flight tests and demonstrations that will be conducted in Phase 3. This test plan will include plans for initial safety and checkout flights and airborne calibration flights and will describe the scenarios that will be used in testing and demonstrations. The preliminary flight test plan should define the metrics that the contractor proposes to use to measure performance and should describe the procedures that will be used during the flight tests to collect the appropriate data to support those measurements. The preliminary flight test plan should also identify any calibration targets that will need to be fabricated or procured to support airborne testing. The Preliminary Flight Test plan should also describe all the government furnished equipment and government arrangements for test range support that will be required during Phase 3.

The proposal should identify which additional capabilities will be developed further in Phase 2 and describe the testing that will be done in the laboratory testing and/or over-the-air testing to characterize performance.

The Phase 2 effort includes developing a spare parts plan and a software and hardware maintenance plan to enable the ViSAR demonstration system to be maintained in Phase 3. The spare parts and maintenance plans will describe how software, firmware, and hardware upgrades can be made and validated during the flight test program. These plans will also describe how the system can be maintained in a possible follow-on effort.

During TA2 Phase 2, the performer will develop all the appropriate Human Subject Research protocols and procedures to comply with all Human Subject Research regulations during the Phase 3 testing.

1.3.5 TA2 Phase 3

Phase 3 of TA2 will be a separately priced option to integrate the ViSAR demonstration system on a contractor furnished aircraft and flight test the ViSAR demonstration system to validate performance.

This effort includes installing the system on the aircraft and conducting all on-aircraft ground tests necessary to validate that the system was installed properly and that the aircraft can be flown safely with the system. The performer will then conduct safety of flight tests, checkout flights and calibration flights to calibrate the ViSAR demonstration system and ensure it is working properly. Once the ViSAR system is working properly, this effort will include flight demonstrations to validate performance.

The performer will update the risk mitigation plan for managing the concurrent development of the high power amplifier (TA1) and the ViSAR demonstration system.

The proposal should describe how any of the additional capabilities that were developed in Phases 1 and 2 will be tested in Phase 3. The proposal should describe what flight testing will be done and what additional calibration targets will be required to measure the performance.

The TA2 Phase 3 effort includes a task to conduct a trade study to define how the baseline ViSAR design would be modified or extended for the other applications (other than the AC-130 Gunship) of interest.

The performer will develop and maintain all Human Subject Research protocols and other documents required to support imaging humans in the field of regard during flight tests and demonstrations.

TA2 Phase 3 is anticipated to last 12 months.

Note that Phase 3 may commence prior to the end of Phase 2, so that there may be concurrent laboratory testing and flight testing.

1.4 PROGRAM METRICS

In order for the Government to evaluate the effectiveness of a proposed solution in achieving the stated program objectives, proposers should note that the Government hereby promulgates the program metrics in the Addendum 1 that may serve as the basis for determining whether satisfactory progress is being made to warrant continued funding of the program. Although the program metrics are specified, proposers should note that the Government has identified these goals with the intention of bounding the scope of effort, while affording the maximum flexibility, creativity, and innovation in proposing solutions to the stated problem. Proposals should cite the quantitative and qualitative success criteria that the proposed effort will achieve by the time of each Phase’s program metric measurement.

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 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.

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. The Government reserves the right to request any additional, necessary documentation. 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 6.2.4 for further information on fundamental, non-fundamental and restricted research.

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 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.

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. See Section 4.2 “Security and Proprietary Issues” regarding the proposers capabilities to perform research and development at the classification level they propose.

Applicants considering classified submissions (or requiring access to classified information during the life-cycle of the program) shall ensure all industrial, personnel, and information system processing security requirements are in place and at the appropriate level (e.g., Facility Clearance (FCL), Personnel Security Clearance (PCL), certification and accreditation (C&A)) and any Foreign Ownership Control and Influence (FOCI) issues are mitigated prior to such submission or access. Additional information on these subjects can be found at: www.dss.mil.

3.1.1 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 Bruce Wallace. 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 before time and effort are expended in preparing a proposal and mitigation plan.

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.

3.3 OTHER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

3.3.1 Collaborative Efforts

Collaborative efforts/teaming are encouraged.

4. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

4.1 ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

This solicitation contains all information required to submit a proposal. Except for the Addendum 1, no additional forms, kits, or other materials are needed. This notice, with the Addendum 1, 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.

4.2 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 effort being solicited by this BAA may be classified or otherwise involves access to or generation of classified information. Security classification guidance via a DD Form 254, “DoD Contract Security Classification Specification,” is provided as an attachment to the BAA.

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.

The effort being solicited by this BAA may be classified SECRET or otherwise involves access to or generation of classified information. A formal request for DARPA-BAA-13-06 Addendum 1 and the Security Classification Guide may be submitted by filling out the Addendum 1 Request Form (found in APPENDIX 2 to this BAA) and emailing the Request Form to DARPA-BAA- 13-06@darpa.mil with subject line titled “Request DARPA-BAA-13-06 Addendum 1 and Security Classification Guide.”

Proposers are encouraged to submit this request no later than January 3, 2013 to allow for adequate time for delivery of the FOUO material. The DARPA-BAA-13-06 Addendum 1 Request Form is the only method of request that will be accepted. All requestors will receive a confirmation email with a delivery tracking number. Prior to receipt of the Addendum 1 material, the request must be validated by the Program Security POC.

The DARPA-BAA Addendum 1 consists of:

Metrics for DARPA-BAA-13-06

Required sensor performance (resolution, frame rate, field of regard) and engagement geometries for the AC130 application and other applications of interest

List of potential additional capabilities of interest to DARPA

Metrics for the DARPA-BAA-12-41 electronics components (Technical Areas 1 and 2)

Please specify on APPENDIX 2 if you need the entire packet in paper form only, all other packets will be sent as a CD. Addendum 1 materials are covered by DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT D (“Distribution authorized to the Department of Defense and U.S. DoD contractors only”). Proposers must demonstrate ability to receive and access material covered by this distribution statement. All appropriate security safeguards must exist prior to receiving the Addendum 1. No extension of the proposal due date will be granted based on inability to acquire security accreditations in a reasonable timeframe.

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:

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency ATTN: Strategic Technology Office Reference: BAA-13-06

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

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.

4.3 CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

4.3.1 Abstract and Proposal Information

Proposers are strongly encouraged to submit a proposal abstract in advance of a proposal. This procedure is intended to minimize unnecessary effort in proposal preparation and review. The time and date for submission of proposal abstracts is specified in Section 4.5.1 below. DARPA will acknowledge receipt of the submission and assign a control number that should be used in all further correspondence regarding the proposal abstract.

DARPA will respond to abstracts with a statement as to whether DARPA is…