DARPA-BAA-14-46.pdf

Defense Sciences Office Office-wide

Broad Agency Announcement

DARPA-BAA-14-46

JUNE 16, 2014

PART I: OVERVIEW INFORMATION

PART II: FULL TEXT OF ANNOUNCEMENT

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

II. AWARD INFORMATION

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

B. PROCUREMENT INTEGRITY, STANDARDS OF CONDUCT, ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS,

AND ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

C. COST SHARING/MATCHING

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

B. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

1. Security and Proprietary Issues

2. Executive Summary Submission Information

a. Executive Summary Submission Methods

b. Executive Summary Format

3. Proposal Abstract Submission Information

a. Proposal Abstract Submission Methods

b. Proposal Abstract Format

4. Full Proposal Submission Information

a. Full Proposal Submission Methods

b. Full Proposal Format

5. Submission Dates and Times

a. Executive Summary Date

b. Proposal Abstract Date

c. Full Proposal Date

6. Funding Restrictions

7. Other Submission Requirements

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. EVALUATION CRITERIA

B. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. SELECTION NOTICES

B. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

1. Meeting and Travel Requirements

2. Human Subjects Research

3. Animal Use

4. Export Control

5. Subcontracting

6. Electronic and Information Technology

7. Employment Eligibility Verification

8. System for Award Management Registration (SAM) and Universal Identifier Requirements

9. Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards

10. Updates of Information Regarding Responsibility Matters

11. Representations by Corporations Regarding an Unpaid Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction Under Any Federal Law – Fiscal Year 2014 Appropriations (Deviation 2014-O0004) ...34

12. Representation by Corporations Regarding an Unpaid Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law—Fiscal Year 2014 Appropriations (Deviation 2014-OO00009) 35

13. Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) Notices and Certification

14. Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) on Non-DoD Information Systems

15. Safeguarding of Unclassified Controlled Technical Information

C. REPORTING

D. ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

1. Representations and Certifications

2. Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF)

3. i-Edison

VII. AGENCY CONTACTS

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

Part I: Overview Information

• Federal Agency Name – Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Defense Sciences Office (DSO)

• Funding Opportunity Title – DSO Office-wide

• Announcement Type – Initial announcement

• Funding Opportunity Number – Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

DARPA-BAA-14-46

• Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers (CFDA) – 12.910

Research and Technology Development

• Dates o Posting Date June 16, 2014 o Executive Summaries are due by 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), May 1, 2015 o Proposal Abstracts are due by 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), May 18, 2015 o Full Proposals are due by 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), June 16, 2015 o Closing Date, 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), June 16, 2015 o FAQ question submission deadline is 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), June 8, 2015 o DSO Office-wide BAA Proposers’ Day (DARPA-SN-14-36)

June 19- 20, 2014, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Eastern Time)

• Concise description of the funding opportunity - The mission of DSO is to identify and pursue high-risk/high-payoff research initiatives throughout a broad spectrum of science and engineering disciplines and to transform these initiatives into important, radically new military capabilities. In support of this mission, DSO is soliciting innovative research concepts of interest to defense and national security.

• Anticipated individual awards – Multiple awards are anticipated.

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

• Any cost sharing requirements – None.

• Agency contact

The BAA Administrator for this effort can be reached at:

E-mail: DARPA-BAA-14-46@darpa.mil

DARPA/DSO

ATTN: DARPA-BAA-14-46

675 North Randolph Street Arlington, VA 22203-2114

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – a FAQ for this solicitation can be viewed at http://www.darpa.mil/Opportunities/Solicitations/DSO_Solicitations.aspx mailto:DARPA-BAA-14-46@darpa.mil http://www.darpa.mil/Opportunities/Solicitations/DSO_Solicitations.aspx

Part II: Full Text of Announcement

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) often selects its research efforts through the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) process. This BAA is being issued, and any resultant selection will be made, using procedures under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 35.016 and the Department of Defense Grant and Agreement Regulatory System (DoDGARS) Part 22 for Grants and Cooperative Agreements. Any negotiations and/or awards will use procedures under FAR 15.4, Contract Pricing, as specified in the BAA (including DoDGARS Part 22 for Grants and Cooperative Agreements). Proposals received as a result of this BAA shall be evaluated in accordance with evaluation criteria specified herein through a scientific review process. The following information is for those wishing to respond to the BAA.

DARPA BAAs are posted on the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) website, https://www.fbo.gov/, and, as applicable, the Grants.gov website, http://www.grants.gov/. The following information is for those wishing to respond to this BAA.

The mission of DSO is to identify and pursue high-risk/high-payoff research initiatives throughout a broad spectrum of science and engineering disciplines and to transform these initiatives into important, radically new military capabilities. In support of this mission, DSO is soliciting innovative research concepts of interest to defense and national security.

The DSO Office-wide BAA invites proposers to submit their basic or applied research concepts with the potential to enable revolutionary improvements in one or more of the technical areas listed below. Proposers may submit their concepts in the form of an executive summary, proposal abstract, or full proposal. However, proposers are strongly encouraged to submit an executive summary in advance of a proposal abstract or full proposal in order to ascertain interest from DSO. DSO is explicitly not interested in approaches or technologies that make incremental or evolutionary advancements over the state of the art.

DSO investments are structured across a range of focus areas, encompassing physics, chemistry, and mathematics as well as multidisciplinary topics such as materials, supervised autonomy, novel sensing and complexity. The BAA seeks responses relating to the following Focus Areas:

https://www.fbo.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/

General Topics:

• Physical Sciences DSO is interested in leading edge experimental and/or theoretical research that explores scientific boundaries and advances our understanding of physics and chemistry to generate unique capabilities for national security. Examples of topics in this area might include, but are not limited to: exploration of emerging quantum sciences ranging from quantum information to novel photonic devices, design of new chemical processes for the synthesis of unique molecules, novel metrology, advanced armor concepts, and new methods for achieving molecules with unique chemical and biological functionalities.

• Mathematics

DSO is interested in the development and implementation of advanced mathematics and modeling tools for applications of interest to national security. Examples of topics in this area might include, but are not limited to:

novel mathematical advances that accelerate discovery in physics, chemistry, and materials science; new approaches to electromagnetic modeling and simulation; major conceptual advances that lead to novel computation at scale; and advanced mathematics and modeling tools needed to efficiently propagate multiple sources of uncertainty to make accurate predictions about stochastic, complex systems.

Multidisciplinary Topics:

• Transformative Materials DSO is interested in investigating the structure/function relationships that control physical, electrical, and chemical properties and how to de-couple these properties through hierarchical structural control. In addition, the office is interested in how to design and fabricate new materials across multiple length scales that deliver superior performance. Examples of topics in this area might include, but are not limited to: thermoelectric materials with tailored operating temperatures;

multiferroic materials; robust functionally graded and multifunctional materials;

engineered nonlinear optical materials; new quantum materials; engineered materials with novel combinations of photonic, electronic, and phononic properties; nanoscale and microscale assembly; self-assembly; and robotic manufacturing.

• Supervised Autonomy

DSO is interested in developing both hardware and computational tools to enable systems to operate with intermittent access to supervision in resource-constrained environments where there is limited or no infrastructure. Examples of topics in this area might include, but are not limited to: extended autonomous operation in unknown environments; new control and communication approaches to minimize size, weight, and power; distributed control, planning, task allocation, and coordination of multi-agent, heterogeneous systems; perception and intelligent decision-making; human cognition-based models for natural user interfaces and understanding of autonomous system behaviors; and new modeling and simulation tools to predict the behavior of autonomous systems in various environments.

• Novel Sensing and Detection Enabled by New Science

DSO is interested in applying novel approaches to sensing and detecting Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) materials and devices. Examples of topics in this area might include, but are not limited to:

new detection technologies for nuclear materials, IEDs, and chem-bio warfare agents (e.g., optical frequency comb technologies that span ultraviolet through infrared frequency ranges); novel combinations of detection capabilities for new inspection approaches (e.g., x-ray and neutron spectrometry); improved spectroscopies and clutter rejection capabilities; and new compact energetic sources for standoff detection.

• Complexity

DSO is interested in exploring the science of complexity and developing novel approaches for accelerating discovery in complex materials and systems.

Examples of topics in this area might include, but are not limited to: methods for leveraging prior domain-specific scientific knowledge and large volumes of observed data for efficient learning; high precision analytical representation of complex science and engineering systems that enable functional inference and big-hypothesis testing; new techniques in computer and information sciences to model and synthesize complex dynamic physical systems; continuum models that connect top-down system behavior to bottoms-up rule-based interactions for analysis and synthesis of complex systems; knowledge representation platforms and languages to enable compact representation of multi-modal, multi-scale information; multi-body quantum systems (e.g., plasma dynamics); and robust ad hoc networks and information distribution systems.

Please note that regardless of the technical area, the ultimate success of a proposal is based on the specific technical idea(s) advanced within these areas and especially the uniqueness of the proposed approach. Consequently, proposing within one of these topic areas is not sufficient to make a compelling case for funding. For this reason, submitting an executive summary and/or proposal abstract is strongly suggested before submitting a full proposal.

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. 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. 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, whether or not the research is classified as Fundamental Research, and other factors.

In all cases, the Government contracting officer shall have sole discretion to select award instrument type and to negotiate all instrument terms and conditions with selectees.

Proposers are advised that if they propose grants or cooperative agreements, DARPA may select other award instruments, as it deems appropriate. DARPA will apply publication or other restrictions, as necessary, if it determines that the research resulting from the proposed effort will present a high likelihood of disclosing performance characteristics of military systems or manufacturing technologies that are unique and critical to defense. Any award resulting from such a determination will include a requirement for DARPA permission before publishing any information or results on the program. For more information on publication restrictions, see the section below on Fundamental Research.

Fundamental Research

It is DoD policy that the publication of products of fundamental research will remain unrestricted to the maximum extent possible. National Security Decision Directive (NSDD) 189 established the national policy for controlling the flow of scientific, technical, and engineering information produced in federally funded fundamental research at colleges, universities, and laboratories. The Directive defines fundamental research as follows:

‘Fundamental research’ means 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.

As of the date of publication of this BAA, the Government cannot identify whether the work under this BAA may be considered fundamental research and may award both fundamental and non-fundamental.

Proposers should indicate in their proposal whether they believe the scope of the research included in their proposal is fundamental or not. While proposers should clearly explain the intended results of their research, the Government shall have sole discretion to select award instrument type and to negotiate all instrument terms and conditions with selectees. Appropriate clauses will be included in resultant awards for non-fundamental research to prescribe publication requirements and other restrictions, as appropriate.

For certain research projects, it may be possible that although the research being performed by the prime proposer is restricted research, a subawardee may be conducting contracted fundamental research. In those cases, it is the prime proposer’s responsibility to explain in its proposal why its subawardee’s effort is contracted fundamental research.

The following statement or similar provision will be incorporated into any resultant non-fundamental research procurement contract or other transaction:

There shall be no dissemination or publication, except within and between the contractor and any subcontractors, of information developed under this contract or contained in the reports to be furnished pursuant to this contract without prior written approval of DARPA’s Public Release Center (DARPA/PRC). All technical reports will be given proper review by appropriate authority to determine which Distribution Statement is to be applied prior to the initial distribution of these reports by the contractor. With regard to subcontractor proposals for Contracted Fundamental Research, papers resulting from unclassified contracted fundamental research are exempt from prepublication controls and this review requirement, pursuant to DoD Instruction 5230.27 dated October 6, 1987.

When submitting material for written approval for open publication, the contractor/awardee must submit a request for public release to the PRC and include the following information: (1) Document Information: document title, document author, short plain-language description of technology discussed in the material (approx. 30 words), number of pages (or minutes of video) and document type (e.g., briefing, report, abstract, article, or paper); (2) Event Information: event type (conference, principal investigator meeting, article or paper), event date, desired date for DARPA's approval;

(3) DARPA Sponsor: DARPA Program Manager, DARPA office, and contract number;

and (4) Contractor/Awardee's Information: POC name, e-mail and phone. Allow four weeks for processing; due dates under four weeks require a justification. Unusual electronic file formats may require additional processing time. Requests may be sent either by-mail to prc@darpa.mil or via 675 North Randolph Street, Arlington VA 22203- 2114, telephone (571) 218-4235. Refer to the following for link for information about DARPA’s public release process: http://www.darpa.mil/NewsEvents/Public_Release_Center/Public_Release_Cent er.aspx.

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.

Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and Government entities (e.g., Government/National laboratories, military educational institutions, etc.)

are subject to applicable direct competition limitations and cannot propose to this BAA in any capacity unless they meet the following conditions: (1) FFRDCs must clearly demonstrate that the proposed work is not otherwise available from the private sector.

(2) FFRDCs must provide a letter on official letterhead from their sponsoring organization citing the specific authority establishing their eligibility to propose to Government solicitations and compete with industry, and their compliance with the associated FFRDC sponsor agreement and terms and conditions. This information is required for FFRDCs proposing to be prime awardees or subwardees. 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 and contractual authority, if relevant, 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 FFRDC eligibility submissions on a case-by-case basis; however, the burden to prove eligibility for all team members rests solely with the proposer.

mailto:prc@darpa.mil http://www.darpa.mil/NewsEvents/Public_Release_Center/Public_Release_Center.aspx http://www.darpa.mil/NewsEvents/Public_Release_Center/Public_Release_Center.aspx

Non-U.S. organizations and/or individuals may participate to the extent that such participants comply with any necessary nondisclosure agreements, security regulations, export control laws, and other governing statutes applicable under the circumstances.

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 U.S.C. §§ 203, 205, and 208). 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. The Government assessment does NOT affect, offset, or mitigate the proposer’s responsibility 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. As part of the proposal submission, all members of the proposed team (prime proposers, proposed subawardees, 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). 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 a conflict of interest exists or may exist (whether organizational or otherwise) or has questions on what constitutes a conflict of interest, the proposer should send his/her contact information and a summary of the potential conflict to the DARPA-BAA-14-46 mailbox before time and effort are expended in preparing a proposal and mitigation plan.

C. Cost Sharing/Matching

Cost sharing is not required; however, it 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.

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

All administrative correspondence and questions on this solicitation, including requests for information on how to submit an executive summary, proposal abstract or full proposal to this BAA, should be directed to the e-mail address below.

BAA Administrator

DARPA intends to use e-mail for correspondence regarding DARPA-BAA-14-46.

Executive summaries, proposal abstracts or full proposals may not be submitted by fax or e-mail; any so sent will be disregarded. DARPA encourages use of the Internet for retrieving the BAA and any other related information that may subsequently be provided.

DARPA will post Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to http://www.darpa.mil/Opportunities/Solicitations/DSO_Solicitations.aspx on an ongoing basis until the closing date of DARPA-BAA-14-46 as stated in Part I. In order to receive a response, submit your question to DARPA-BAA-14-46@darpa.mil by no later than June 8, 2015, 4:00 PM (Eastern Time).

Failure to comply with the submission procedures may result in the submission not being evaluated.

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 solicitation.

No additional information is available, except as provided at https://www.fbo.gov or http://Grants.gov, nor will a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) or additional solicitation regarding this announcement be issued. Requests for the 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.

http://www.darpa.mil/Opportunities/Solicitations/DSO_Solicitations.aspx mailto:DARPA-BAA-14-46@darpa.mil http://grants.gov/

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:

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

ATTN: DSO

Reference: DARPA-BAA-14-46

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. Administrative Note (classification and handling markings): Confidential, Secret and Top Secret are classification markings used to control the dissemination of U.S. Government National Security Information (NSI) as dictated in Executive Order 13526 – “Classified National Security Information.” When identifying proprietary business information, please refrain from using any combination of the NSI caveats unless the content is classified.

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.

If submitting a classified proposal, executive summaries and proposal abstracts are not requested.

2. Executive Summary Submission Information

Proposers are strongly encouraged to submit an executive summary prior to proposal abstracts or full proposals. The recommended order of submissions is executive summary, proposal abstract, full proposal. Please note it is not mandatory to submit an executive summary and/or proposal abstract before submitting a full proposal. This procedure is intended to minimize unnecessary effort in proposal preparation and review.

Proposers are required to submit executive summaries by the time and date specified in the BAA in order to be considered. Executive summaries received after the time and date specified in Section IV.B.5.a may be considered late and as such, will not be evaluated.

Executive summaries may be submitted via DARPA’s BAA website (https://baa.darpa.mil) or as hard copy. They may not be submitted by fax, e-mail or Grants.gov; any so sent will be disregarded.

DARPA will respond to executive summaries with a statement as to whether DARPA is interested in the idea. DARPA will attempt to reply to executive summaries via e-mail within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt. Regardless of DARPA’s response to an executive summary, proposers may submit a proposal abstract or full proposal. DARPA will review all full proposals submitted using the published evaluation criteria and without regard to any comments resulting from the review of an executive summary.

a. Executive Summary Submission Methods

Executive summaries must be submitted via one of the following methods. DARPA will acknowledge receipt of the submission and assign a control number that should be used in all further correspondence regarding the submission. If no confirmation is received within five business days, please contact the BAA Administrator at DARPA-BAA-14- 46@darpa.mil to ensure the proposal was submitted properly.

For Proposers Submitting Executive Summaries to DARPA’s BAA Website (Not Submitting Hard Copies/CD-ROM):

Executive summaries sent in response to DARPA-BAA-14-46 may be submitted via DARPA’s BAA website (https://baa.darpa.mil). Visit the website to complete the two-step registration process. Note: If an account has already been created it may be reused.

If no account currently exists, submitters will need to register for an Extranet account (via the form at the URL listed above) and wait for two separate e-mails containing a username and temporary password. After accessing the Extranet, submitters may then create an account for the DARPA BAA website (via the “Register your Organization” link along the left side of the homepage), view submission instructions, and upload/finalize the executive summary. Proposers using the DARPA BAA website may https://baa.darpa.mil/ encounter heavy traffic on the submission deadline date; it is highly advised that submission process be started as early as possible.

All executive summaries submitted electronically through DARPA’s BAA website must be uploaded as zip files (.zip or .zipx extension). The final zip file should contain only one file (the executive summary) and be no greater than 50 MB in size. Only one zip file will be accepted per executive summary and executive summaries not uploaded as zip files will be rejected by DARPA.

Technical support for the BAA website may be reached at action@darpa.mil and is available during regular business hours, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).

For Executive Summaries Being Submitted as Hard Copies/On CD-ROM:

Proposers must submit an original hard copy and one (1) electronic copy of the executive summary (PDF preferred) on a CD-ROM to the mailing address listed in Part I. Each copy must be clearly labeled with DARPA-BAA-14-46, proposer organization, technical point of contact, and proposal title (short title recommended).

Please note that submitters via hardcopy/CD-ROM may still need to visit https://baa.darpa.mil to register their organization concurrently to ensure the BAA office can verify and finalize their submission.

b. Executive Summary Format

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

All executive summaries must be in the following format. Submissions that do not follow the format may be rejected without review. The document should be clearly marked "EXECUTIVE SUMMARY" and the total length shall not exceed one (1) page.

One page shall be printed on 8-1/2 by 11 inch paper in a font type no smaller than 12-point. Smaller font may be used for figures, tables and charts. The page limitation includes all point of contact information, figures, tables, and charts. The executive summary must be in a PDF or MS Word readable application. All executive summaries must be written in English.

3. Proposal Abstract Submission Information

Proposers are strongly encouraged to submit a proposal abstract in advance of a full proposal. This procedure is intended to minimize unnecessary effort in proposal preparation and review.

https://baa.darpa.mil/

Proposers are required to submit proposal abstracts by the time and date specified in the BAA in order to be considered. Proposals received after the time and date specified in Section IV.B.5.b will be considered late and, as such, may not be evaluated.

Proposal abstracts may be submitted via DARPA’s BAA website (https://baa.darpa.mil) or as hard copy. They may not be submitted by fax, e-mail or Grants.gov; any so sent will be disregarded.

DARPA will respond to proposal abstracts with a statement as to whether DARPA is interested in the idea. DARPA will attempt to reply to proposal abstracts via e-mail within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt. If DARPA does not recommend the proposer submit a full proposal, DARPA will provide detailed feedback to the proposer regarding the rationale for this decision. Regardless of DARPA’s response to a proposal abstract, proposers may submit a full proposal. DARPA will review all full proposals submitted using the published evaluation criteria and without regard to any comments resulting from the review of a proposal abstract.

a. Proposal Abstract Submission Methods

Proposal abstracts must be submitted via one of the following methods. DARPA will acknowledge receipt of the submission and assign a control number that should be used in all further correspondence regarding the proposal abstract. If no confirmation is received within five business days, please contact the BAA Administrator at DARPA- BAA-14-46@darpa.mil to ensure the proposal was submitted properly.

For Proposers Submitting Proposal Abstracts to DARPA’s BAA Website (Not Submitting Hard Copies/CD-ROM):

Proposal abstracts sent in response to DARPA-BAA-14-46 may be submitted via DARPA’s BAA website (https://baa.darpa.mil). Visit the website to complete the two-step registration process. Note: If an account has already been created it may be reused.

If no account currently exists, submitters will need to register for an Extranet account (via the form at the URL listed above) and wait for two separate e-mails containing a username and temporary password. After accessing the Extranet, submitters may then create an account for the DARPA BAA website (via the “Register your Organization” link along the left side of the homepage), view submission instructions, and upload/finalize the abstract. Proposers using the DARPA BAA website may encounter heavy traffic on the submission deadline date; it is highly advised that submission process be started as early as possible.

All proposal abstracts submitted electronically through DARPA’s BAA website must be uploaded as zip files (.zip or .zipx extension). The final zip file should contain only one file (the proposal abstract) and be no greater than 50 MB in size. Only one zip file will be accepted per proposal abstract and proposal abstracts not uploaded as zip files will be rejected by DARPA.

Technical support for the BAA website may be reached at action@darpa.mil and is available during regular business hours, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).

For Proposal Abstracts Being Submitted as Hard Copies/On CD-ROM:

Proposers must submit an original hard copy and one (1) electronic copy of the proposal abstract in (PDF preferred) on a CD-ROM to the mailing address listed in Part I. Each copy must be clearly labeled with DARPA-BAA-14-46, proposer organization, technical point of contact, and proposal title (short title recommended).

Please note that submitters via hardcopy/CD-ROM may still need to visit https://baa.darpa.mil to register their organization concurrently to ensure the BAA office can verify and finalize their submission.

b. Proposal Abstract Format

The typical proposal abstract 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 abstract.

All proposal abstracts must be in the following format. Nonconforming proposal abstracts may be rejected without review. Proposal abstracts need only include Sections I.A and II of the Full Proposal Format (IV.B.4.b) as stated below. No official transmittal letter is required for proposal abstracts. The cover sheet should be clearly marked “PROPOSAL ABSTRACT” and the total length should not exceed 5 pages, excluding the cover sheet and executive summary slide. All pages shall be printed on 8-1/2 by 11 inch paper in a font type no smaller than 12 point. Smaller font may be used for figures, tables and charts. The page limitation includes all figures, tables, and charts. The proposal abstract must be in a PDF or MS Word readable application. All proposal abstracts must be written in English.

4. Full Proposal Submission Information

Proposers are required to submit full proposals by the time and date specified in the BAA in order to be considered. Proposals received after the time and date specified in Section IV.B.5.c will be considered late and, as such, may not be evaluated.

Full proposals may be submitted via DARPA’s BAA Website (https://baa.darpa.mil), Grants.gov (as applicable) or as Hard Copy. They may not be submitted by fax or e-mail;

any so sent will be disregarded.

a. Full Proposal Submission Methods

Full proposals must be submitted via one of the following methods. DARPA will acknowledge receipt of the submission and assign a control number that should be used in all further correspondence regarding the submission. If no confirmation is received within two business days, please contact the BAA Administrator at DARPA-BAA-14-46@darpa.mil to ensure the proposal was submitted properly.

For Proposers Requesting Grants or Cooperative Agreements

Proposers requesting grants or cooperative agreements may submit full proposals through one of the following methods: (1) hard copy mailed directly to DARPA; or (2) electronic upload per the instructions at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html.

Grant or cooperative agreement proposals may not be submitted through any other means. If proposers intend to use Grants.gov as their means of submission, then they must submit their entire proposal through Grants.gov; applications cannot be submitted in part to Grants.gov and in part as a hard-copy. Proposers using Grants.gov do not submit hard copy proposals in addition to the Grants.gov electronic submission.

Grants.gov requires proposers to complete a one-time registration process before a proposal can be electronically submitted. If proposers have not previously registered, this process can take between three business days and four weeks. See the Grants.gov registration checklist at http://www.grants.gov/documents/19/18243/OrganizationRegChecklist.pdf for registration requirements and instructions.

Once Grants.gov has received a proposal submission, Grants.gov will send two e-mail messages to advise proposers as to whether or not their proposals have been validated or rejected by the system; IT MAY TAKE UP TO TWO DAYS TO RECEIVE THESE E-MAILS. The first e-mail will confirm receipt of the proposal by the Grants.gov system; this e-mail only confirms receipt, not acceptance, of the proposal. The second will indicate that the application has been successfully validated by the system prior to transmission to the grantor agency or has been rejected due to errors. If the proposal is validated, then the proposer has successfully submitted their proposal. If the proposal is rejected, the proposal must be corrected and resubmitted before DARPA can retrieve it.

If the solicitation is no longer open, the rejected proposal cannot be resubmitted. Once the proposal is retrieved by DARPA, the proposer will receive a third e-mail from Grants.gov. To avoid missing deadlines, proposers should submit their proposals in advance of the final proposal due date with sufficient time to receive confirmations and correct any errors in the submission process through Grants.gov. For more information on submitting proposals to Grants.gov, visit the Grants.gov submissions page at: http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html.

Upload two separate documents, Volume I, Technical and Management Proposal and Volume II, the Cost Proposal as attachments to the application package. No other Grants.gov forms are required. Please note that Grants.gov does not accept zipped or http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html http://www.grants.gov/documents/19/18243/OrganizationRegChecklist.pdf http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html encrypted proposals. More detailed instructions for using Grants.gov can be found on the Grants.gov website.

Proposers electing to submit grant or cooperative agreement proposals as hard copies must complete the SF 424 R&R form (Application for Federal Assistance, Research and Related) available on the Grants.gov website http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/RR_SF424_2_0- V2.0.pdf. Technical support for Grants.gov submissions may be reached at 1-800-518- 4726 or support@grants.gov.

Please note that submitters via Grants.gov may still need to visit https://baa.darpa.mil to register their organization concurrently to ensure the BAA office can verify and finalize their submission.

For Proposers Submitting Full Proposals to DARPA’s BAA Website (Not Submitting Hard Copies/CD-ROM):

Full proposals sent in response to DARPA-BAA-14-46 may be submitted via DARPA’s BAA website (https://baa.darpa.mil). Visit the website to complete the two-step registration process. Note: If an account has already been created it may be reused. If no account currently exists, submitters will need to register for an Extranet account (via the form at the URL listed above) and wait for two separate e-mails containing a username and temporary password. After accessing the Extranet, submitters may then create an account for the DARPA BAA website (via the “Register your Organization” link along the left side of the homepage), view submission instructions, and upload/finalize the abstract. Proposers using the DARPA BAA website may encounter heavy traffic on the submission deadline date; it is highly advised that submission process be started as early as possible. Classified submissions and proposals requesting assistance instruments (grants or cooperative agreements) should NOT be submitted through DSO’s BAA website (https://baa.darpa.mil), though proposers will likely still need to visit https://baa.darpa.mil to register their organization (or verify an existing registration to ensure the DSO BAA Administrator can verify and finalize their submission.

All full proposals submitted electronically through DARPA’s BAA website must be uploaded as zip files (.zip or .zipx extension). The final zip file should contain only two files (a Volume I, Technical Proposal and a Volume II, Cost Proposal) and be no greater than 50 MB in size. Only one zip file will be accepted per full proposal and full proposals not uploaded as zip files will be rejected by DARPA.

Technical support for the BAA website may be reached at action@darpa.mil and is available during regular business hours, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).

http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/RR_SF424_2_0-V2.0.pdf http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/RR_SF424_2_0-V2.0.pdf mailto:support@grants.gov https://baa.darpa.mil/ https://baa.darpa.mil/

For Proposers Submitting Full Proposals as Hard Copies/ On CD-ROM:

Proposers must submit an original hard copy, one (1) electronic copy of the full proposal (PDF preferred) on a CD-ROM to the mailing address listed in Part I. Each copy must be clearly labeled with DARPA-BAA-14-46, proposer organization, proposal title (short title recommended).

Please note that submitters via hardcopy/CD-ROM may still need to visit https://baa.darpa.mil to register their organization concurrently to ensure the BAA office can verify and finalize their submission.

b. Full Proposal Format

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

All full proposals must be in the format given below. Nonconforming proposals may be rejected without review. Proposals shall consist of two volumes in two separate files.

All pages shall be printed on 8-1/2 by 11 inch paper in a font type no 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. The full proposal must be in a PDF or MS Word readable application. All full proposals must be written in English. Volume I, Technical and Management Proposal, may include an attached bibliography of relevant technical papers or research notes (published and unpublished) which documents the technical ideas and approaches upon which the proposal is based. Copies of not more than three (3) relevant papers may 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. Volume I, Technical and Management Proposal, shall not exceed 30 pages, excluding the cover sheet and executive summary slide.

Volume I, Technical and Management Proposal

Section I. Administrative

A. Cover sheet to include:

(1) BAA number (DARPA-BAA-14-46);

(2) Technical area;

(3) Lead Organization submitting proposal;

(4) Type of organization, selected among the following categories: “LARGE

BUSINESS”, “SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS”, “OTHER SMALL

BUSINESS”, “HBCU”, “MI”, “OTHER EDUCATIONAL”, or “OTHER

NON-PROFIT”;

(5) Proposer’s reference number (if any);

(6) Other team members (if applicable) and type of organization for each;

(7)…