ETA_Program_Announcement_DOI-ETA-FY26-30.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

In partnership with

The Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA)

EMERGING TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATOR (ETA) PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT

DOI-ETA-FY26-30

Issued By:

The Department of the Interior (DOI), Interior Business Center (IBC)

Acquisition Services Directorate (AQD)

United States Department of the Interior

INTERIOR BUSINESS CENTER

Washington, DC 20240

Contents

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENT INFORMATION

SECTION 1: FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

1.A. Program Overview

1.B. Test and Evaluation (T&E)

1.C. Program Metrics

1.D. Program Waypoints, Milestones, and Deliverables

1.D.1 Program Milestones, Waypoints, and Deliverables Timeline 1.D.2 Software Deliverable Formatting

1.E. Meeting and Travel Requirements

1.E.1 Technical Exchange Meetings (TEM) and Workshops 1.E.2 Anticipated Period of Performance (PoP) (Subject to Change post Technical Evaluations) Reference Attachment 1 – ETA Programs

1.F. Place of Performance

1.G. Program Specific Definitions

SECTION 2: AWARD INFORMATION

SECTION 3: ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

3.A. Eligible Applicants

3.A.1 Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI) 3.A.2 Multiple Submissions

3.B. U.S. Academic Institutions

3.C. Other Eligibility Criteria

3.C.1 Collaboration Efforts

SECTION 4: WHITE PAPER, PROPOSAL, SUBMISSION INFORMATION

4.A. Proposal Information

4.A.1 Submission Requirements 4.A.2 Proposal Evaluation Participants

4.B. Proposal Format and Content

4.B.1 Volume I: Technical and Management Proposal 4.B.2 Volume II: Cost Proposal (No Page Limit)

4.C. Submission Details

4.C.1 Due Dates 4.C.2 Proposal Delivery

4.D. Funding Restrictions

SECTION 5: PROPOSAL REVIEW INFORMATION

5.A. Technical and Funding Availability Evaluation Factors

5.A.1 Technical Evaluation Factor 5.A.2 Funding Availability Factor

5.B. Method of Evaluation and Selection Process

5.C. Negotiation and OT Award

5.D. Proposal Retention

SECTION 6: AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

6.A. Award Notices

6.B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

6.B.1 Proprietary Data 6.B.2 Intellectual Property 6.B.3 Human Subject Research 6.B.4 Animal Subject Research (ASR) 6.B.5 Publication Approval 6.B.6 Export Control 6.B.7 Subcontracting 6.B.8 Reporting 6.B.9 System for Award Management (SAM) 6.B.10 Lawful Use and Privacy Protection Measures 6.B.11 Public Access to Results 6.B.12 Other OT Requirements

Appendix A: Templates for Volume I: Technical Proposal Appendix A1: Cover Sheet Template for Volume I: Technical Proposal Appendix A2: Academic Institution Acknowledgment Letter Appendix A3: IP Rights Appendix A4: Organizational Conflicts of Interest Certification Letter Appendix A5: Three Chart Summary of the Proposal

Appendix A6: Research Data Management Plan (RDMP) Appendix B: Templates for Volume II, Section 1: Cost Proposal Appendix B1: Cover Sheet for Volume II: Cost Proposal Appendix B2: Cost Proposal Template Excel Format will be provided to those Proposers invited to submit Volume II Appendix B3: Software and IP Costs Appendix B4: Travel Costs and Trip Breakdown Appendix B5: Deliverables Table

DOI-ETA-FY26-30 Page 5 of 55

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENT INFORMATION

Via IARPA’s statutory authority (50 U.S.C. § 3024(m)(6)), this ETA Program Announcement will result in the award of multiple Prototype Other Transaction Agreements (OT).

Proposals received as a result of this ETA Program Announcement will be evaluated in accordance with (IAW) the evaluation criteria specified herein through a scientific review process. Awards based on responses to this ETA Program Announcement will be the result of a full and open competition.

The ETA Program Announcement will appear under Contract Opportunities: https://SAM.gov

A link will also be placed on the IARPA website: https://iarpa.gov

Federal Contracting Office Responsible for this ETA Program Announcement:

DOI/IBC/AQD

Announcement Type: Initial

Announcement Number: DOI-ETA-FY26-30

Announcement Period: Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 through FY2030

Electronic Mail: Questions pertaining to this ETA Program Announcement must be submitted no later than 13 May 2026 to the following e-mail addresses:

William_Galvin@ibc.doi.gov Kevin_Woody@ibc.doi.gov IARPA_DOI_ETA@ibc.doi.gov

All e-mails must include the name of the Proposer’s organization, valid e-mail address, name and phone number of the Proposer’s point of contact (POC), in the Subject Line include the Name of the Program (Reference Attachment 1 - Emerging Technologies Accelerator (ETA) Programs).

Do not send questions with proprietary content. Questions and Answers (Q&A) will be posted via Amendment to this ETA Program Announcement.

Number and Type of Anticipated Awards: Multiple Prototype OTs as a result of this full and open competition.

Resources made available under this ETA Program Announcement will depend on the quality of the proposals received and the availability of funds.

https://sam.gov/ https://iarpa.gov/ mailto:William_Galvin@ibc.doi.gov mailto:Kevin_Woody@ibc.doi.gov mailto:IARPA_DOI_ETA@ibc.doi.gov

DOI-ETA-FY26-30 Page 6 of 55

Program Websites: (Reference Attachment 1 – ETA Programs)

A R C A D E : h t t p s : / / w w w . i a r p a . g o v / r e s e a r c h - p r o g r a m s / a r c a d e

C O S M I C : h t t p s : / / w w w . i a r p a . g o v / r e s e a r c h - p r o g r a m s / c o s m i c

D E C I P H E R : h t t p s : / / w w w . i a r p a . g o v / r e s e a r c h - p r o g r a m s / d e c i p h e r

L o c U S : h t t p s : / / w w w . i a r p a . g o v / r e s e a r c h - p r o g r a m s / l o c u s

M O V E S : h t t p s : / / w w w . i a r p a . g o v / r e s e a r c h - p r o g r a m s / m o v e s

DOI/IBC/AQD Acquisition Office Points of Contact:

William Galvin Jr Agreements Officer E-Mail: William_Galvin@ibc.doi.gov

Kevin Woody Agreements Specialist E-Mail: Kevin_Woody@ibc.doi.gov https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iarpa.gov%2Fresearch-programs%2Farcade&data=05%7C02%7CWILLIAM_GALVIN%40IBC.DOI.GOV%7C6e9de3ff01694e9a0a2f08de3f38608f%7C0693b5ba4b184d7b9341f32f400a5494%7C0%7C0%7C639017708554083745%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=R6TPzsRJlZaSxCGIRqiAxvU%2B5VMAKfc3463rcJFw%2BwE%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iarpa.gov%2Fresearch-programs%2Fcosmic&data=05%7C02%7CWILLIAM_GALVIN%40IBC.DOI.GOV%7C6e9de3ff01694e9a0a2f08de3f38608f%7C0693b5ba4b184d7b9341f32f400a5494%7C0%7C0%7C639017708554065947%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=m3nQZbAcvebCjzfxr%2FsMJnlcls0bZ%2F%2BV5PtHTqU%2BwSc%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iarpa.gov%2Fresearch-programs%2Fdecipher&data=05%7C02%7CWILLIAM_GALVIN%40IBC.DOI.GOV%7C6e9de3ff01694e9a0a2f08de3f38608f%7C0693b5ba4b184d7b9341f32f400a5494%7C0%7C0%7C639017708554048086%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2B9dZ1PXSoVNUo8o8US4kHDbARCQFMX9NNeLHD115OHo%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iarpa.gov%2Fresearch-programs%2Flocus&data=05%7C02%7CWILLIAM_GALVIN%40IBC.DOI.GOV%7C6e9de3ff01694e9a0a2f08de3f38608f%7C0693b5ba4b184d7b9341f32f400a5494%7C0%7C0%7C639017708554027854%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=SNcbxqlUk3Vc8Zp%2B4mvgVjFH4DP74v0zScsZ%2BKEK5gg%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iarpa.gov%2Fresearch-programs%2Fmoves&data=05%7C02%7CWILLIAM_GALVIN%40IBC.DOI.GOV%7C6e9de3ff01694e9a0a2f08de3f38608f%7C0693b5ba4b184d7b9341f32f400a5494%7C0%7C0%7C639017708554005955%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=hVLoVVgARqcMK6AHjOYWdPAqXSB8I%2Bpk%2FaHemH0%2FEzk%3D&reserved=0 mailto:@ibc.doi.gov

DOI-ETA-FY26-30 Page 7 of 55

SECTION 1: FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

1.A. Program Overview

Reference Attachment 1 – ETA Programs

1.B. Test and Evaluation (T&E)

Reference Attachment 1 – ETA Programs

1.C. Program Metrics

Reference Attachment 1 – ETA Programs

Meeting program metrics is a performance indicator under all IARPA research programs.

Program metrics are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed solution in achieving the stated program goals/objectives, and to determine whether satisfactory progress is being made.

The metrics described in this ETA Program Announcement are shared with the intent to scope the effort, while affording maximum flexibility, creativity, and innovation to Proposers’ solutions to the stated problems/goals.

1.D. Program Waypoints, Milestones, and Deliverables

Waypoints provide a clear measure of progress towards meeting the program milestones so the IARPA Program Manager (PM) and advisors can provide more effective guidance/assistance to Performers. Performance against these waypoints will be reviewed throughout the program; the PM and advisors will use performance against the waypoints to assess whether course corrections are needed to ensure program success.

1.D.1 Program Milestones, Waypoints, and Deliverables Timeline

Reference Attachment 1 – ETA Programs

1.D.2 Software Deliverable Formatting

Reference Attachment 1 – ETA Programs

1.D.2.1 Program Application Programming Interface and Lexicon

Reference Attachment 1 – ETA Programs

1.E. Meeting and Travel Requirements

Reference Attachment 1 – ETA Programs

DOI-ETA-FY26-30 Page 8 of 55

1.E.1 Technical Exchange Meetings (TEM) and Workshops

Reference Attachment 1 – ETA Programs

1.E.2 Anticipated Period of Performance (PoP)

(Subject to Change post Technical Evaluations)

Reference Attachment 1 – ETA Programs

1.F. Place of Performance

Reference Attachment 1 – ETA Programs

1.G. Program Specific Definitions

Reference Attachment 1 – ETA Programs

DOI-ETA-FY26-30 Page 9 of 55

SECTION 2: AWARD INFORMATION

The Government reserves the right to select for negotiation all, some, one, or none of the proposals received in response to this ETA Program Announcement and to make awards without discussions. The Government also reserves the right to conduct discussions if it is later determined to be necessary.

IARPA reserves the right to accept proposals in their entirety or to select only portions of a proposal for award. If IARPA desires to award only a portion of a proposal, negotiations may be opened with the Proposer. The Government reserves the right to fund proposals incrementally, in phases, and/or options for continued work, as applicable.

The Government reserves the right to request additional, necessary documentation, which 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 (Articles), conditions, and/or cost/price within a reasonable time, and the Proposer fails to timely provide requested additional information.

IAW 50 U.S.C. § 3024(m)(6), to receive an OT, one of the following conditions must be met:

There is at least one Non-Traditional Defense Contractor (NDC) or non-profit research institution participating to a significant extent in the prototype project.

All significant participants in the transaction, other than the Federal Government, are small businesses (including small businesses participating in a program described under Section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638)) or NDCs.

At least one-third of the total cost of the prototype project is to be paid out of funds provided by sources other than the Federal Government.

NDC is defined as follows:

An entity that is not currently performing and has not performed, for at least the one year period preceding the solicitation of sources by DoD for the procurement or transaction, any contract or subcontract for the DoD that is subject to full coverage under the Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) prescribed pursuant to Section 1502 of Title 41 and the regulations implementing such section.

The Government may award a follow-on production Contract or OT for any award under this ETA Program Announcement if: (1) the participant in the OT, or a recognized successor in interest to the OT, successfully completed the entire prototype project provided for in the OT, as modified; and (2) the OT provides for the award of a follow-on production Contract or OT to the participant, or a recognized successor in interest to the OT. Follow-On Production Contracts/OTs shall follow the guidance from 10 U.S.C. § 4022 supplemented by additional criteria from 50 U.S.C. § 3024(m)(6)(C)(vii).

In all cases, the Government Agreements Officer (AO) shall have sole discretion to negotiate all terms and conditions (Articles) with selectees. The Government shall not reimburse Proposers for any proposal preparation costs incurred under this ETA Program Announcement.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/topn/small_business_act https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/638

DOI-ETA-FY26-30 Page 10 of 55

Exercise of Option Periods or the continued funding of Phases shall depend upon the quality of performance, program goals, the availability of funds, and IARPA’s priorities. Selection to perform Option Periods/Phases will be made via the Terms and Conditions contained within the Articles of the OT. Exercising Option Periods or the continued funding of Phases is at the sole discretion of the Government.

Awards shall be made to Proposers on the basis of the Evaluation Factors listed in this ETA Program Announcement, as well as the successful completion of negotiations.

The AO will contact Proposers whose proposals are selected for negotiation to obtain additional information. The Government may establish a deadline for the close of fact-findings and negotiations that allows a reasonable time for award. Proposers not responsive to Government deadlines established and communicated with the request may be removed from award consideration. Proposers may also be removed from award consideration should the parties fail to reach agreement within a reasonable time on terms, conditions, and cost/price.

SECTION 3: ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

3.A. Eligible Applicants

All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government’s needs and meeting the criteria in 50 U.S.C. § 3024(m)(6), may submit a proposal.

Government Agencies, Federally Funded R&D Centers, University Affiliated Research Centers (UARC), Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated facilities, Government Military Academies, and any other similar type of organizations that have a special relationship with the Government, that gives them access to privileged and/or proprietary information or access to Government equipment or real property, are not eligible to submit a proposal under this ETA Program Announcement or participate as team members under proposals submitted by eligible entities.

An entity of which only a portion has been designated as a UARC may be eligible to submit a proposal or participate as a team member subject to an organizational conflict of interest review.

Foreign entities and/or individuals may participate but only as a part of a U.S. based team and only IAW deemed export restrictions/licensing requirements, when applicable. The prime Performer must be a U.S. entity.

Foreign entities and individuals may participate as subcontractors or employees of a U.S. entity;

however, all foreign participation must comply with any necessary Non-Disclosure Agreements, Security Regulations, Export Control Laws, and other governing statutes applicable under the circumstances. Proposers are responsible for ensuring that the efforts of foreign participants do not either directly or indirectly compromise the laws of the United States, nor its security interests. As such, both foreign and domestic Proposers shall carefully consider the roles and responsibilities of foreign participants as they pursue teaming arrangements.

3.A.1 Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI)

Proposers are required to identify and disclose all facts relevant to potential OCIs involving the Proposers and any proposed team member (sub-contractor, consultant). Under this Section, the Proposer is responsible for providing this disclosure with each proposal submitted pursuant to

DOI-ETA-FY26-30 Page 11 of 55 this ETA Program Announcement. The disclosure must include the Proposer’s and as applicable, proposed team members’ OCI mitigation plan. The OCI mitigation plan must include a description of the actions the Proposer has taken, or intends to take, to prevent the existence of conflicting roles that might bias the Proposer’s judgment and prevent the Proposer from having an unfair competitive advantage. The OCI mitigation plan will specifically discuss the disclosed OCI in the context of each of the OCI limitations.

IARPA generally prohibits Performers from concurrently providing Scientific Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA), Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) or similar support services and being a technical Performer. Therefore, as part of the disclosure requirement above, address whether a Proposer or team member (e.g., subcontractor, consultant) is providing SETA, Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS), or similar support (e.g., T&E services) to IARPA under: (a) a current award or subaward; or (b) a past award or subaward.

If SETA, A&AS, or similar support is or was being provided to IARPA, the proposal must include:

(1) The name of the IARPA program or office receiving the support;

(2) The prime contract number, and;

(3) Identification of proposed team member (sub awardee, consultant) providing the support.

As part of the proposal, include either (a) a copy of the OCI notification including mitigation plan or (b) a written certification that neither they nor their subcontractor teammates have any potential conflicts of interest, real or perceived. A sample certification is provided in Appendix A-4.

The Government will evaluate OCIs and potential OCIs to determine whether they can be avoided, neutralized or mitigated and/or whether it is in the Government’s interest to grant a waiver. The Government will make OCI determinations, as applicable, for proposals that are otherwise selectable under this ETA Program Announcement Evaluation Factors. The Government may require Proposers provide additional information to assist the Government in evaluating OCIs and OCI mitigation plans.

If the Government determines that a Proposer failed to fully disclose an OCI; or failed to provide the affirmation of IARPA support as described above; or failed to reasonably provide additional information requested by the Government to assist in evaluating the Proposer’s OCI and proposed OCI mitigation plan, the Government may reject the proposal and withdraw it from consideration for award.

3.A.2 Multiple Submissions

Entities may participate as a prime or subcontractor in more than one submission to this ETA Program Announcement. However, if multiple submissions which include a common team member are selected, such common team members shall not receive duplicative funding (i.e., no one entity can be paid twice to perform the same task).

3.B. U.S. Academic Institutions

According to Executive Order 12333, as amended, paragraph 2.7: Elements of the Intelligence Community (IC) are authorized to enter into contracts or arrangements for the provision of goods or services with private companies or institutions in the United States and need not reveal the

DOI-ETA-FY26-30 Page 12 of 55 sponsorship of such contracts or arrangements for authorized intelligence purposes. OTs or arrangements with academic institutions may be undertaken only with the consent of appropriate officials of the institution.

Proposers must submit a completed and signed Academic Institution Acknowledgement Letter for each U.S. academic institution that is a part of their team, whether the academic institution is serving in the role of a prime, subcontractor or a consultant at any tier of their team, with their technical proposal. Each Letter must be signed by a Senior Official from the institution (e.g.

President, Chancellor, Provost, or other appropriately designated official). A template of the Academic Institution Acknowledgement Letter is enclosed in Appendix A-2.

Note: AO will not enter into negotiations with a Proposer whose team includes a U.S. academic institution until all required Academic Institution Acknowledgment Letters are received.

3.C. Other Eligibility Criteria

3.C.1 Collaboration Efforts

Collaborative efforts and teaming arrangements among potential Proposers are encouraged.

Specific content, communications, networking, and team formations are the sole responsibility of interested Proposers.

SECTION 4: WHITE PAPER, PROPOSAL, SUBMISSION INFORMATION

This notice constitutes the total ETA Program Announcement, which contains all information required to submit a proposal.

4.A. Proposal Information

4.A.1 Submission Requirements

Proposers shall submit a White Paper in advance of a full proposal.

Reference Attachment 1 – ETA Programs for a list of active programs.

Proposers will not propose to more than one program per White Paper. Proposers who wish to propose to more than one program must submit a separate White Paper for each program.

All submissions must be written in English with type not smaller than 12-point font. A smaller font may be used for figures, tables, and charts. Note: The excessive use of Artificial Intelligence to generate the White Paper is strongly discouraged.

Once the Government has received sufficient White Papers per Program, the AO will issue an ETA Program Announcement Amendment re-labeling the Program Title in Attachment 1 – ETA Programs from “Active” to “Not Active.”

White Papers received for a “Not Active” Program will not be considered or evaluated.

The AO will also issue an Amendment to add or delete Programs in Attachment 1 – ETA Programs as determined by IARPA’s priorities, mission, and availability of funds. For newly added programs in Attachment 1 – ETA Programs, the Amendment will include a timeline for the submission of Q&As.

DOI-ETA-FY26-30 Page 13 of 55

White Paper Format

Section I Administrative (1 Page)

Cover Sheet

ETA Program Announcement (i.e. DOI-ETA-FY26-30)

White Paper for Program “____________________” (Reference Attachment 1 – ETA Programs)

Organization submitting the White Paper: Name, Address, Unique Entity ID and CAGE Code.

Under which of the following three conditions from 50 U.S.C. § 3024(m)(6), does your organization qualify to receive an OT:

1. There is at least one NDC or non-profit research institution participating to a significant extent in the prototype project.

NDC or Non-Profit Research Institution Name?

Describe how the NDC or Non-Profit Research Institution is participating to a significant extent in the prototype project:

2. All significant participants in the transaction other than the Federal Government are small businesses (including small businesses participating in a program described under Section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638)) or NDCs.

List the significant participants that are small businesses or NDCs:

3. At least one-third of the total cost of the prototype project is to be paid out of funds provided by sources other than the Federal Government.

Total Funds Requested: $____________

One-third of the Total Cost paid by Performer: $____________

Other Team Members (Not Included Above)

Proposal Title (If Applicable)

Technical Point of Contact: First Name, Last Name, Address, Voicemail, E-Mail Address

Administrative Point of Contact: First Name, Last Name, Address, Voicemail, E- Mail Address

Date White Paper was submitted.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/638

DOI-ETA-FY26-30 Page 14 of 55

Section II White Paper Details (up to 8 Pages)

This section provides an overview of the proposed solution.

Executive Summary

Executive Summary of the approach (up to 250 words).

Innovative Claims

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

Technical Approach

Technical rationale, technical approach (segregated by task), and constructive plan for the accomplishment of the technical goals in support of innovative claims and deliverables. At a high level, describe the qualifications of your Team Members and the tasks they will be responsible to accomplish.

Deliverables

Deliverables associated with the proposed research and the plans and capability to accomplish the technology transition for IC operational use. Articulate what Intellectual Property (IP) Rights the Government will receive (i.e. Unlimited Rights, Government Purpose Rights (GPR)).

Cost and Schedule

Provide a high-level cost estimate/Rough Order of Magnitude, inclusive of Other Team Members, over the proposed timeline of the project by Federal Government FY. At this stage, do not submit a highly detailed Excel Spreadsheet.

Technical References (Exempt from Page Limit), if applicable

List of Technical References. Provide a copy of the Principal Investigator biography.

Note: Government Program Personnel will perform a high-level assessment of the White Papers.

The AO may invite Proposers to present in person in the Washington D.C. area to expand and further explain the white paper solution. Instructions such as location, time, and presentation format (i.e. PowerPoint), will be included in the AO invitation. A copy of the presentation will be kept by the Government. On a case-by-case basis, the AO may allow virtual presentations.

Once the Government assessment inclusive of the presentation described immediately above (if applicable) has been completed, the AO will notify the Proposer in writing whether the proposed solution was determined viable and whether the Government has an interest in pursuing it.

Government Program decisions are final. At the White Paper stage including the optional oral presentation, Proposers are not entitled to a debriefing.

DOI-ETA-FY26-30 Page 15 of 55

If the proposed solution is determined viable, the AO will extend an invitation to submit a written proposal (Volume I initially; Volume II if requested). The Government reserves the right to request a full proposal (Volumes I and II) simultaneously, if warranted.

Proposers are required to comply with the following submission requirements for proposals to be considered compliant. Proposals that are considered non-compliant will not be evaluated and will not be considered for award. Specifically, Proposers must comply with the following:

(1) Proposers must submit current, accurate and complete proposals (Volume I initially;

Volume II if requested) to receive consideration for award.

(2) Proposal (Volume I) must be received by the time and date specified in the AO’s invitation to submit a written proposal. A proposal received after the date/time specified will be deemed late, will not be evaluated, and will not be considered for award.

(3) If a cost proposal (Volume II) is requested, Proposers must use the Cost Proposal Template provided by the AO (Excel Format). Cost Proposals that do not use the AO provided template will not be evaluated. Proposers will be required to resubmit using the AO provided template, which may result in a delayed award or rejection.

(4) Proposals must comply with all the proposal format and content requirements specified in Section 4.B of this ETA Program Announcement.

(5) Proposals must comply with the page limitations outlined in Section 4 of this ETA Program Announcement. The Government will only evaluate Volume I, Technical Approach up to the page limit specified in Section 4.

(6) Additional supporting or background materials submitted with the proposal(s) not specified in Section 4 will not be evaluated.

(7) Selection for award remains contingent upon the technical evaluation, program balance, and funding availability described in Section 5.

4.A.2 Proposal Evaluation Participants

Both IARPA and DOI intend to use SETA support to provide expert advice, regarding portions of the proposals submitted and/or to provide logistical support in carrying out the evaluation and award process.

The following entities will be supporting IARPA:

• AirIn Technologies, Inc.

• Barone Intelligence &

Defense

• Bluemont Technology &

Research, Inc.

• Booz Allen Hamilton

• Crimson Phoenix, LLC

• Green Mountain Analytics

• Guidehouse, Inc.

• Infusement Group

• MBO Partners

• NAVSTAR Inc.

• Serco, Inc.

• SiteWorks

DOI-ETA-FY26-30 Page 16 of 55

All Government and SETA personnel shall have signed, and be subject to, the terms and conditions of non-disclosure agreements. By submission of its proposal, a Proposer agrees that its proposal information may be disclosed to employees of these organizations for the limited purposes stated above. Proposers who object to this arrangement shall provide clear notice of their objection as part of their transmittal letter. If Proposers do not send a notice of objection to this arrangement in their transmittal letter, the Government shall assume consent to the use of Contractor support personnel in assisting the review of submittal(s) under this ETA Program Announcement. Only Government personnel will make evaluation and award determinations.

4.B. Proposal Format and Content

To facilitate the evaluation of the proposal, the government encourages Proposers to submit proposals which: are clear and concise; limited to essential matters sufficient to demonstrate a complete understanding of the Government’s requirements; include sufficient detail for effective evaluation; and provide a convincing rationale to address how the Proposer intends to meet the requirements and objectives, rather than simply rephrasing or restating the Government’s requirements and objectives.

All proposals shall be in the format outlined below. Non-compliant proposals may be rejected without review. Proposals shall consist of “Volume I - Technical and Management Proposal” and only if requested “Volume II - Cost Proposal.” All proposals shall be written in English.

Additionally, when printed, text shall be black and paper size 8-1/2 by 11-inch, white in color with 1” margins from paper edge to text or graphic on all sides. Times New Roman font with font size not smaller than 12-point. Font size for figures, tables and charts no smaller than 10-point. All content shall be clearly legible with the unaided eye. Excessive use of small fonts, for other than figures, tables, and charts, or unnecessary use of figures, tables, and charts to present information may render the proposal non-compliant. Text and graphics may be printed on both sides of a sheet (double-sided). Front and backside of a single sheet are counted as two (2) pages if both sides are printed upon. Foldout pages are not permitted. The page limitation for full proposals includes all figures, tables, and charts. All pages shall be numbered. No other materials may be incorporated in any portion of the proposal by reference, to circumvent page count limitations.

All information pertaining to a volume shall be contained within that volume. Any information beyond the page limitations will not be considered in the evaluation.

The Government anticipates proposals submitted under this ETA Program Announcement will be UNCLASSIFIED. Proposals that contain classified information will not be evaluated.

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Each proposal submitted shall consist of the following:

Volume I – Technical & Management Proposal (Reference Section 4.B.1 below)

Section 1 - Cover Sheet (Reference Appendix A) & Transmittal Letter (A Table of Contents is not required but if included, will not be considered in the page count)

Section 2 – Detailed Proposal Information

Section 3 – Attachments. Attachments are not included in the overall page limit for Volume I. Proposals that include Human Subject Research (HSR) must include Attachment # 11.

Templates are included in Appendix A:

Attachment 1 – Cover Sheet. Template is required.

Attachment 2 – Academic Institution Acknowledgment Letter (Reference Appendix A-2). Template is required, if applicable.

Attachment 3 – IP Rights (Reference Appendix A-3). Estimated not-to-exceed 4 Pages.

Attachment 4 – OCI Notification or Certification (Reference Appendix A-4).

Template is required.

Attachment 5 – Three Chart Summary of the Proposal (Reference Appendix A-5).

Template is required.

Attachment 6 – Research Data Management Plan (Reference Appendix A-6).

Template is required.

Attachment 7 – Privacy Plan (No Template Provided).

Attachment 8 – Bibliography (No Template Provided).

Attachment 9 – Relevant Papers (No Template Provided).

Attachment 10 – Consultant Letters of Commitment (if needed). (No Template Provided).

Attachment 11 – HSR Documentation (No Template Provided).

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Volume II – Cost Proposal (Reference Section 4.B.2 below) (To be submitted only if requested by the AO)

Section 1 – Cover Sheet (Reference Appendix B-1) Section 2 – Estimated Cost Breakdown (Reference Appendix B-2) Section 3 – Supporting Information

4.B.1 Volume I: Technical and Management Proposal

Volume I shall not exceed 15 pages. Any pages exceeding this limit will not be considered during the evaluation process. Proposals shall be accompanied by an Official Transmittal Letter, using Proposer format.

Volume I may include an attached bibliography of relevant technical papers or research notes (published and unpublished), which document the technical ideas and approach on which the proposal is based. Other supporting materials will not be evaluated.

4.B.1.1 Section 1: Cover Sheet & Transmittal Letter

A. Cover sheet: (Reference Appendix A for template)

B. Transmittal Letter

The transmittal letter shall include the following (not to exceed 1 page):

Introduction of Proposer and team (subcontractors and consultants), the ETA Program Announcement Number, Program Name (Reference Attachment 1 – ETA Programs), Proposer’s Program Name (if applicable), the proposal validity period, any non-negotiable conditions on which the proposal is based, such as IP restrictions, etc., and the Proposer’s points of contact information: name, e-mail and phone number for both technical and administrative.

Note: Any information required elsewhere in the proposal must be included in the appropriate section of the proposal (i.e., including information in the transmittal letter alone may not be sufficient). If there is a conflict between the transmittal letter and the proposal, the proposal shall dominate.

4.B.1.2 Section 2: Detailed Proposal Information

This section shall provide a detailed, in-depth discussion of the proposed research as well as supporting information about the Proposer’s capabilities and resources. Specific attention shall be given to addressing both the risks and payoffs of the proposed research and how the proposed research will achieve the goals, objectives, metrics, and milestones. The Government reserves the right to reject a proposal if the information requested below is not adequately addressed. This part shall provide:

A. Task Description Document (TDD) - Clearly define the technical tasks and sub-tasks to be performed, their durations and the dependencies among them. For each task and sub-task, provide:

• A general description of the objective;

• A detailed description of the approach to be taken, developed in an orderly progression and in enough detail to establish the feasibility of accomplishing the

DOI-ETA-FY26-30 Page 19 of 55 goals of the task;

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

• The exit criteria for each task/activity (i.e., a product, event, waypoint, or milestone that defines its completion); and

• Identification of all deliverables (e.g., reports, software) to be provided to the Government as well as the data rights associated with each deliverable.

Awards will not contain a Proprietary TDD.

At the end of this section, provide a Gantt chart, showing all tasks and sub-tasks on the left with the performance period on the right. All milestones and decision points shall be clearly labeled on the chart. If necessary, use multiple pages to ensure legibility of all information.

B. A Detailed Description of the Objectives, Scientific Relevance, Technical Approach, and Expected Significance of the Work - Clearly identify key elements of the proposed work and how they relate to each other. Describe the technical methods or approaches that will be used to meet or exceed each program milestone along with an explanation outlining why the proposed methods/approaches are feasible. Additionally, describe any anticipated risks along with possible mitigations. Proposals containing only a general discussion of the problem without detailed description of approaches, plausibility of implementation, and critical metrics may be deemed not selectable.

C. State-of-the-Art - Compare the proposed approach to other on-going research, highlighting the uniqueness of the proposed approach and differences between the proposed effort and the current state-of-the-art. Identify advantages and disadvantages of the proposed work with respect to potential alternative approaches.

D. Data Sources - Identify and describe data sources to be utilized in pursuit of the stated research goals.

Proposers proposing to use existing data sets shall provide written verification that said data sets were obtained IAW U.S. laws and, where applicable, use will be in compliance with End User License Agreements, Copyright Laws, Terms of Service, and laws and policies regarding privacy protection of U.S. Persons.

Proposers proposing to obtain new data sets shall ensure that their plan for obtaining the data complies with U.S. Laws and, where applicable, with End User License Agreement, Copyright Laws, Terms of Service, and laws and policies regarding privacy protection of U.S. Persons.

Proposers shall also address IP restrictions on the use or transfer of such data sets, in Appendix A.3.

E. Deliverables - Based on the required deliverables, clearly identify the data to be delivered, including technical data and computer software. In Attachment 3 (Ref. Section 4.B.1.3 and Appendix A.3), Proposers shall address IP rights in such data.

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F. Cost, Schedule, Milestones - Describe the cost, schedule, and milestones for the proposed research, including cost estimates by cost element, for the PoP/Phase, option period(s) as applicable and the total program summary, and company cost share, if any, as well as cost by technical area(s) and tasks. The milestones shall not include proprietary information (Proposer can use their own format for milestones).

Note: Volume II - Cost Proposal is not required unless requested by the AO.

SAMPLE FORMAT

Cost Element (Burdened)

Phase 1 – Base

Phase 2 – Option

Phase 3 – Option

Labor Subcontracts/Consultant Materials & Equipment

Travel Other Direct Costs (Cost Share, if any)

Total

G. Proposer’s Previous Accomplishments - Discuss previous accomplishments and work in this or closely related research areas and how these will contribute to and influence the current work.

H. Facilities - Describe the facilities that shall be used for the proposed effort, including computational and experimental resources.

I. Detailed Management Plan - Provide a detailed Management Plan that clearly identifies organizations and individuals within organizations that make up the team, and delineate the expected duties, relevant capabilities, and task responsibilities of team members and expected relationships among team members. Identify the expected levels of effort (percentage of time, or fraction of a Full Time Equivalent (FTE)) for all Key Personnel.

Additionally, include a description of the technical, administrative, and business structure of the team along with an internal communication plan. Describe the project/function/sub-contractor relationships (including formal teaming agreements), Government research interfaces, planning, scheduling, and control practices utilized, as well as the team leadership structure. Provide a brief biography of all Key Personnel (including alternates, if desired) and significant contributors who shall be involved in the research along with the amount of effort to be expended by each person during the year.

Participation by Key Personnel and significant contributors is expected to exceed 25% of their time. A compelling explanation is required for any variation from this figure.

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If the team intends to use consultants, they shall also be included in the organizational chart with an indication of whether the person shall be an “individual” or “organizational” consultant (i.e., representing themselves or their organization), and organizational affiliation.

Reference Table below for the required format.

Team organization (Example)

Participants

Org

Role Unique, Relevant

Capabilities

Role: Tasks

Time

Dan Wind RST Univ Key Personnel Physics Design, FAB 90%

J. Resource Share - Include the type of support, if any, the Proposer might request from the Government, such as facilities, equipment, materials.

Also include, if applicable, resources the Proposer is willing to provide at no additional cost to the Government to support the research effort IAW 50 U.S.C. § 3024(m)(6)(C)(vii) (which cites and refers to 10 U.S.C. 4022(d)(1)):

At least one-third of the total cost of the prototype project is to be paid out of funds provided by sources other than the Federal Government.

Cost sharing is not required, and it is not an evaluation criterion but is encouraged where there is a reasonable probability of a potential application related to the proposed R&D effort.

K. Names of other Federal, State or Local Agencies or Other Parties Receiving the Proposal and/or Funding the Proposed Effort - If none, state “None.” Concurrent submission of the proposal to other organizations will not prejudice its review but may impact the decision to fund the effort.

L. Research Data Management Plan (RDMP) - Submit a RDMP that outlines how Research Data will be produced, collected, managed and preserved through the course of performance.

The RDMP may not require the preservation of all Research Data:

Proposers shall consider the cost and benefits of managing and preserving the Research Data in determining whether to preserve it. At a minimum, all Research Data associated with a peer-reviewed manuscript or final published article (hereinafter “Publications”) must be made publicly accessible by the award recipient before, on or at a reasonable time after the publication date. The Publications associated data must be covered in this

RDMP.

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Research Data is defined herein as the digital- recorded factual material commonly accepted in the scientific community as necessary to validate research findings including data sets used to support scholarly publications, but does not include laboratory notebooks, preliminary analyses, drafts of scientific papers, plans for future research, peer review reports, communications with colleagues, or physical objects, such as laboratory specimens.

The RDMP must address the following:

(1) Describe the types of Research Data collected or produced in the course of the project. Include standards to be used for Research Data and metadata content and format.

(2) A plan for making the Research Data that underlie Publications digitally accessible to the public before or, at the time of publication or conference presentation, or within a reasonable time after publication. The requirement could be met by including the data as supplementary information to the Publication or by depositing the Research Data in a searchable, machine readable and digitally accessible form suitable for repositories available to the public free of charge. Such repositories could be discipline-specific repositories, general purpose research data repositories or institutional repositories. The published article or conference paper shall indicate how the public may access Research Data underlying the paper’s results and findings. Proposers shall attempt to make the Research Data available for at least three years after published article or conference. (Note: Proposers shall make a best effort in identifying research data sets that may be used for Publications that occur after OT end. The Proposer shall deliver these data sets to the Government and make them available in repositories available to the public prior to the end of the PoP, if not included as supplementary information to Publications.)

(3) Policies and provisions for sharing and preservation, including a) policies and provisions for appropriate protection of privacy, confidentiality, security, and IP, b) descriptions of tools, including software, needed to access and interpret the Research Data, and c) policies and provisions for re-use, re-distribution, and production of derivatives.

(4) If, for legitimate reasons (e.g., privacy, confidentiality, security, IP rights considerations; size of data sets, cost; time), the Research Data underlying the results of peer-reviewed publications or conference papers cannot be shared and preserved, the plan must include a justification citing such reasons.

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In addressing these elements (e.g., types of data to be shared and preserved, standards to be used for data and metadata, repositories to be used for archiving data, timeframes for sharing and preservation), the RDMP shall reflect the best practices of the relevant scientific discipline and research community. At a minimum, Research Data underlying Publications and associated metadata shall include an acknowledgement of IARPA support and a link to the associated Publication.

4.B.1.3 Section 3: Attachments

Each attachment listed below shall be included with the proposal. They do not count against the Volume I page limit.

Attachment 1: Cover Sheet. A template is provided in Appendix A-1.

Attachment 2: Signed Academic Institution Acknowledgement Letter(s) (if applicable).

A template is provided in Appendix A-2.

Attachment 3: IP Rights. This attachment is estimated not to exceed 4 pages and shall address the following:

(1) Representation as to Rights - Proposer shall provide a good faith representation that they either own or have sufficient licensing rights to all IP that will be utilized in their proposal.

(2) Program-Specific IP Approach - IARPA requires sufficient rights to IP developed or used in the conduct of the proposed research to ensure that IARPA can successfully (a) manage the program and evaluate the technical output and deliverables, (b) communicate program information across Government organizations, and (c) support transition to and further use and development of the program results by IC users and others. IARPA can achieve this mission through Unlimited Rights. There may be any number of approaches to IP rights to achieve IARPA’s program goals. In addressing the approach to IP rights, Proposers shall (1) describe the intended use of patented invention(s) or data, including, technical data and computer software, in the conduct of the proposed research; (2) describe the rights being offered to the Government along with a justification if less than Unlimited Rights is being offered; (3) explain how IARPA will be able to reach its program goals with the rights offered to the Government; (4) identify the cost to the Government to acquire additional or alternative rights beyond those being offered, if applicable; and (5) provide possible alternatives in any area in which the offered rights may be insufficient for IARPA to achieve its program goals (e.g., the possibility of future licensing of privately-developed software to U.S. Government agencies at a reasonable cost.)

(3) Patented Inventions - Proposers shall provide documentation proving ownership of or sufficient rights to all inventions (or inventions for which a patent application has been filed) that will be utilized under the proposal for the IARPA program. If a patent application has been filed for an invention that the proposal intends to utilize, but the application has not yet been made publicly available and contains proprietary information, the Proposer may provide only the serial number, inventor name(s), assignee names (if any), filing date, filing date of any related provisional application, and a

DOI-ETA-FY26-30 Page 24 of 55 summary of the patent title, together with either: (1) a representation that the Proposer owns the invention, or (2) proof of sufficient licensing rights in the invention. Proposer shall also indicate its intention to incorporate patented technology into any deliverable -i.e., if Proposer intends for any deliverable to embody any invention covered by any patent or patent application listed by the Proposer in Volume I, Attachment 3 (Appendix A-3), Proposer shall also specify in the Attachment the deliverable to which the Proposer expects to incorporate the invention. In doing so, the Government requests that Proposers further specify any rights offered to the Government for inventions that will be utilized in the program (beyond the implied license that accompanies a patent owner’s sale of a patented product).

(4) Non-commercial Data - Proposers shall identify all non-commercial data, including technical data and computer software, that it plans to generate, develop and/or deliver in which the Government shall acquire less than unlimited rights. In doing so, Proposers must assert (a) the specific restrictions on the Government’s rights in those deliverables, (b) the basis for such restrictions, (c) the intended use of the technical data and non-commercial computer software in the conduct of the proposed R&D of applicable deliverables, and

(d) a supporting rationale of why the proposed approach to data rights is in the Government’s best interest.