SI-ST Industry Day Slides_FY25_Final for SAM.pdf

Deter. Prevent. Prevail.

DEFENSE THREAT REDUCTION AGENCY

UNCLASSIFIED

SI-ST Research Topic Information Session (Industry Day)

UNCLASSIFIED

Cleared for Public Release

August 22, 2024

This information session introduces a new Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for the Strategic Trends Office.

This BAA seeks to leverage the CWMD community in conducting strategic research on future WMD and emerging technology challenges.

FY25-29 STRATEGIC TRENDS RESEARCH INITIATIVE

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT

https://sam.gov/opp/4df41ca0f88148c0b4bd59de47ae2b17/view Notice HDTRA124S0003 Original Published Date: Aug 02, 2024

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

https://sam.gov/opp/4df41ca0f88148c0b4bd59de47ae2b17/view

Virtual Etiquette

General

• Camera/video use when speaking is optional but preferred.

• Keep chat box open for notifications and questions.

• Participant microphones will be muted except during Q&A segments.

• If you get disconnected, simply rejoin (no need to leave a message in chat).

Asking Questions

• Speakers will answer questions at specific points in the presentation.

• Use the “raise your hand” feature or post a question in the chat box.

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Agenda

• Welcome/introductions

• DTRA overview

• SI-ST overview

• FY25-29 Broad Agency Announcement and Government Call

• Research interests and thrusts discussion

• Eligibility, submission process, and awards

• White paper technical evaluation process and criteria

• General Q&A

This “industry day” serves as a mechanism to share information about DTRA Strategic Trends’ FY25 applied research requirements and specific topics of interest as outlined in HDTRA1-24-S-0003 BAA and Amendment 01 and the associated Government Call. The submission process and related requirements will also be explained.

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Team Introductions

Sponsor: Strategic Integration Directorate, Strategic Trends Office (SI-ST)

Contracts: Acquisition, Contracts, and Logistics Directorate, Contracts Department, Mission Support Contracts Division (AL-ACB)

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DTRA OVERVIEW

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As both a Defense Agency and Combat Support Agency, DTRA provides cross-cutting solutions to enable DoD, USG, and international partners to:

• Deter strategic attacks against the United States and its allies.

• Prevent, reduce, and counter WMD and emerging threats.

• Prevail against WMD-armed adversaries in crisis and conflict.

DTRA Mission

DEFENSE AGENCY

In this more strategic role, we reduce global WMD and emerging threats by deterring adversaries’ acquisition and use of such materials.

We support key DoD policy and priorities through cross-service, DoD-wide programs such as nuclear assurance, treaty support, and building partner capacity.

COMBAT SUPPORT AGENCY

In this more operational role, we work to identify, develop, and field solutions to counter WMD and emerging threats, leveraging unique capabilities and expertise in direct support of Joint Staff and Combatant Command requirements.

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DTRA Core Functions

Deter, Prevent, Prevail

Provide Expert Strategic and

Operational Support

Ensure a Reliable, Resilient Strategic

Deterrent

Support the Joint Force in Addressing CBRN

Risk

Prevent, Reduce, and Eliminate CBRN

Threats

Develop and Deliver Innovative

Capabilities

DTRA leverages the breadth of our core functions to provide tailored and agile solutions

As a Defense Agency, we… As a Combat Support Agency, we…

Over the next year, DTRA will address identified gaps and augment our core functions through five cross-agency initiatives to deliver expedited results, leverage integrated approaches, and develop/deliver innovative solutions:

• Operationalize Campaign Approaches

• Modernize and Enhance Data Analytics and Dynamic Decision

Support

• Strengthen Future Arms Control

• Build an Integrated and Forward-Thinking Agency

• Advance the Workforce of the Future

Agency Initiatives

STRATEGIC TRENDS OFFICE (SI-ST) OVERVIEW

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Strategic Trends Office

Mission: Provide understanding and implications for future WMD and emerging technology threats over the next 5–10 years to enable mission adaptation, crisis/conflict response, and critical resource allocation across DTRA, within the U.S. Government, and in collaboration with allies and partners.

• Generate timely, credible, actionable insights into emerging threats within DTRA’s mission space, aligned to national defense priorities

• Analyze WMD threats and emerging technology trends to enable and guide warfighter understanding and increase preparedness and response options

• Sponsor strategic research studies and multi-national international dialogues (Track 1.5 and 2) of relevance to the Agency and the warfighter, focusing on actionable recommendations for senior leaders

• Monitor geopolitical, technological, and environmental factors shaping WMD threat trends

• Conduct workshops and symposia to inform the Agency, CWMD community, and warfighter of the changing nature of the threat environment and to leverage strategic/functional expertise for the Agency

• Develop planning, training, and wargaming scenarios that reflect future WMD challenges

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Strategic Trends Research Initiative (STRI)

Focus: Deliver credible, timely, and actionable research (insights and recommendations) for DTRA, DoD, and allies and partners to inform future operations, activities, and investments and mitigate the impact of emerging WMD threats and/or challenges.

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• Identify emerging WMD-related trends, enabling or disruptive technologies, and challenges associated with the future (5–10 years) battlespace

• Provide clear and concise analysis tailored to a primarily USG audience of mid-level to senior personnel with diverse expertise and a range of interests

• Audience priority order: DTRA, DoD, Interagency, and (as appropriate) allies and partners, research community

• Aims for year-after-year advancement and cross-pollination across projects

• Encompasses primarily UNCLASSIFIED research studies and strategic dialogues but welcomes white papers for classified research from Government Call community

STRI Enduring Characteristics

• Promote nonpartisan, intellectually honest endeavors to achieve results with lasting impact

• Ensure balanced participation to embrace diversity of thought on future challenges

• Balance current national and defense priorities with an evolving, uncharacterized future

• Balance geopolitical issues and technical issues for robust understanding of CBRN threats

• Foster integration between projects to share research results

• Embrace innovative approaches to solving problems and achieving results

• Involve key stakeholders to further enhance portfolio’s impacts across USG, allies, partners

• Sponsor emerging CWMD researcher efforts to cultivate scholarship and leadership

• Expand performer-base across the university, think tank, and NGO ecosystem

• Ensure insights are shared with those responsible for adapting and responding to future threats

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NEW BAA AND GOVERNMENT CALL OVERVIEW

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New Broad Agency Announcement and GovCall

• Replaces HDTRA1-22-S-0004/GovCall

• Covers FY2025–FY2029

• $35,880,000 (subject to availability of funds)

• Historical individual award range: $50,000 to $1,300,000

• New “Emerging CWMD Researcher” thrust area (3 total thrust areas)

• New deliverables

• Security considerations

• Award types

• Contracts (BAA)

• MIPRs and interagency agreements (GovCall)

• No grants

• Periods of performance—12 months or less

• Research topics updated via amendments at least annually

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THRUST AREAS AND RESEARCH PRIORITIES

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STRI Thrust Areas

NOTE: Please identify the thrust that aligns best to your proposed project; submit to one thrust

ONLY.

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Thrust Area 1:

WMD-relevant strategic international dialogues

Thrust Area 2:

WMD-relevant analytical studies

Thrust Area 3:

WMD-relevant emerging CWMD researcher projects

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Definitions Track 1.5 and Track 2 Dialogue Description: Unofficial, bilateral, or multilateral meetings that provide an engagement framework for structured but informal discussions on sensitive strategic issues with foreign counterparts outside of official diplomatic channels (Track 1)

Track Environment Official Government Participation

Non-Government/ Expert Participation

1 Official Yes No

1.5 Unofficial Yes (in private capacities) Yes

2 Unofficial No, but can include a limited number of observers Yes

Thrust Area 1: International Dialogues (Description and Guidance)

Thrust Area 1: International Dialogues (Description and Guidance) (cont’d)

• Meetings must include both U.S. and foreign representatives.

• Track 1.5 dialogues must include an appropriate number of officials and parity of rank.

• Expert roundtables or working groups that involve non-U.S. participants may not always meet the definition of a dialogue—consider Thrust Area 2.

• DTRA will not dictate participating countries but has interests in:

• Shared security objectives and/or threat considerations.

• Potential for cooperation on defense and military-related issues for enhancing deterrence, reducing

WMD threats.

• Discussions must include WMD-relevant topics and a 5–10-year future focus.

• White papers must identify and justify proposed countries.

• Dialogues require substantial coordination with DTRA on final research questions, agenda, and participant identification/outreach.

• The primary expected output is analysis and recommendations from the dialogue (the dialogue itself is not the primary output).

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• Developing responses to adversary nuclear use, strengthening U.S./allied resiliency in WMD conflicts

• Elucidating nuclear weapons threats (with SE Asian nations)

• Understanding nuclear perceptions, strategy, stability, crisis dynamics (Track 1.5)

• Exploring potential risk reduction approaches, arms control arrangements and agreements

• Developing potential collective, integrated responses to Iranian WMD threats

• Devising concepts for increased U.S. access and basing rights along the first island chain

• Examining possible outcomes to Ukraine war (with NATO states)

• Strengthening allied assurance and deepening defense cooperation with ROK, Japan, Poland

• Constraining adversary access to dual-use technologies that support WMD development

• Deepening U.S. and allied defense ties with India

• Understanding how adversaries’ use of foreign malign influence impacts nuclear deterrence

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Thrust Area 1: International Dialogues (Priorities)

• Must explore specific WMD-relevant threats, challenges, and issues of concern to the DoD, Combatant Commands, U.S. CWMD interagency community

• Should define and explore the nature of the threat/challenge as well as assess implications for the United States/allies and partners to maintain operational military advantage and preserve U.S. leadership and global international order

• Can include a range of methodologies to inform analyses (e.g., literature reviews, expert interviews, roundtables, TTXs, etc.)

• Like other thrust areas, studies must produce actionable recommendations the United States can take to address the threat/challenge.

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Thrust Area 2: Studies (Description and Guidance)

• Exploring conventional-nuclear integration (both U.S./allied and adversary)

• Enhancing integrated military posture in the Indo-Pacific theater

• Examining concepts and tools for future arms control

• Identifying potential solutions for addressing Iran’s nuclear program

• Exploring implications of emerging tech concepts and systems (quantum, biotech, nanotech, neurotech) on WMD development, WMD programs, and deterrence and escalation dynamics

• Exploring missile and space technology trends and implications for U.S./allied defense advantages

• Examining potential adversary threats to U.S. strategic nuclear deterrent and U.S. nuclear surety

• Enhancing understanding of emergent chemical and biological weapons threats (including toxins)

• Identifying and mitigating WMD-related foreign malign influence

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Thrust Area 2: Studies (Priorities)

New Thrust Area

• Targets novice researchers in CWMD field (includes students, recent grads, and mid-career or seasoned researchers new to CWMD subject area)

• Aims to cultivate and expand CWMD research community and improve CBRN literacy broadly

• Projects can encompass a variety of research methods but should be aligned overall to the format and approach of Thrust Area 2 (Studies). No international efforts.

• White papers must identify both:

• Principal Investigator (i.e., the emerging CWMD researcher)

• Senior Mentor (e.g., college professor, senior think tank expert)

• Proposed scope, scale, and cost should be commensurate with educational aim.

• Include risk mitigation plan

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Thrust Area 3: Emerging CWMD Researcher (Description and Guidance)

• Examining concepts for future deterrence approaches

• Examining concepts for future risk reduction and arms control options for CBRN capabilities and emerging/disruptive S&T

• Exploring adversary emerging and disruptive technologies and implications for United States

• Understanding potential threats at nexus of warfighting domains and adversary CBRN capabilities

• Exploring simultaneity, multi-actor deterrence, and escalation management

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Thrust Area 3: Emerging CWMD Researcher (Priorities)

Additional Considerations

• STRI is not seeking:

• Development of databases or datasets as sole output of research.

• Development of hardware, software, models, simulations, or technologies.

• Projects that require subscriptions or purchases.

• Projects that solely “data mine,” review, and/or provide summaries of the extant literature base.

• Projects that exclusively involve the planning and execution of an event.

• Research primarily focused on:

• Broad geopolitical issues without direct WMD relevance.

• Threat domains and topics outside DTRA’s WMD-focused mission.

• Issues where U.S. agencies other than DoD have lead responsibility.

• Domestic or foreign policy issues.

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PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS

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Project Management

• Each project has an assigned DTRA project manager/contracting officer’s representative (PM/COR).

• DTRA will provide best practices document to Principal Investigators (PIs).

• The PI is responsible for project obligations and must maintain close, proactive contact with USG

PM/COR.

• Monthly Progress Reports are required for all projects.

• Invoices and cost vouchers must be timely.

• The PI must seek advance permission and provide updated cost estimates to USG PM/COR prior to any ODC or travel expenditures.

• The PI must seek contract modification 45 days in advance for moving funds between CLINs, adding funds to contract, or extending PoP.

• The PI should honor DoD Joint Travel Regulations.

• The PI should proactively support DTRA in timely deobligation of unused funds.

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Project Deliverables

All projects have the same core deliverables (those in red are new in FY25):

All deliverables must be included in the Statement of Research Work. Additions to this list should be identified as tasks in SoRW.

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Monthly technical and financial progress reports

Briefings: kickoff, midpoint progress reviews, and end of project (outbrief)

Final closeout report Draft and final 1-3 pg executive summary and 12-15 pg technical report (not including covers/TOC/appendices)

Project abstract and keyword list

Communication and Engagement Plan

Risk Mitigation Plan Event invitation language and invitee list

Event read-ahead package

ELIGIBILITY, SUBMISSION PROCESS, AND

AWARDS

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Eligibility

Broad Agency Announcement:

• U.S.-based industrial and commercial entities, including small businesses

• U.S.-based, not-for-profit research organizations, including think tanks

• Accredited, degree-granting public and private colleges and universities in the United States Government Call:

• Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs), including U.S. Department of Energy

National Laboratories (submit sponsor authorization with white paper submission)

• University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) (submit sponsor authorization with white paper submission)

• U.S. professional military educational institutions, U.S. military laboratories and research centers

• Independent organizations commissioned by USG to conduct research and development assessments on behalf of USG

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Eligibility (cont’d)

Organizational Requirements:

• Only U.S.-based organizations may serve as prime contractors.

• Foreign research organizations in U.S. treaty ally countries may partner with U.S.-based organizations to submit unclassified white papers.

Citizenship Requirements:

UNCLASSIFIED

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Personnel Requirements

Principal Investigator Limited to:

• U.S. citizens

• U.S. green card holders

• Citizens of U.S. treaty ally countries

Subordinate Team Members and Consultants

May include non-U.S. citizens from ally or partner nations (citizenship must be identified in white paper)

Submission Process – Two Phases

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Phase 1: White paper

Three components:*

1. Cover sheet (1 page)

2. Technical Concept (4 pages)

3. Cost estimate (1 page) 6 pages maximum

Remember, proposed concept must:

• Focus on challenge/threat in 5–

10-year future timeframe

• Must be driven by specific research questions

Upon

DTRA

request

Phase 2: Proposal

Four components:*

1. Technical Proposal (14 pages)

2. Cost proposal:

• Cover sheet (1 page)

• Cost spreadsheet (use template)

• Cost narrative (10 pages)

3. Draft SoRW (use template)

4. Supplemental Information

(includes current projects, resumes/CVs, disclosures, Data Rights Assertion List) (no page limit)

*Government Call highlights specific modifications for this community

Submission Instructions

All white papers and proposals, plus any questions regarding the BAA or GovCall, shall be submitted to:

dtra.belvoir.si.mbx.hdtra1-stri-adm@mail.mil

• Provide at least two points of contact to ensure DTRA responses reach intended recipient.

• Ensure that emails from DTRA are not blocked by “spam blocker” software or other means that the recipient’s internet service provider may have implemented to block the receipt of certain email messages.

Do NOT send the papers to any individual DTRA email addresses or “cc” DTRA personnel on the submissions.

UNCLASSIFIED

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mailto:dtra.belvoir.si.mbx.hdtra1-stri-adm@mail.mil

Submission Suspense

This DTRA BAA and GovCall are open-ended, but for priority FY25 funding consideration, please submit white paper(s) by 11:59 PM (EDT) Wednesday, September 18, 2024.

• DTRA accepts submissions on a rolling basis, but utilizes priority review periods.

• White papers received after 11:59 PM (EDT) on September 18, 2024 will be evaluated but not until after evaluation of timely submissions is complete.

• DTRA will not consider submissions that begin in FY 2026 (start after October 1, 2025) during this review period.

• Consult SAM.gov for future amendments.

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Award Types

• Contract

• Military Interdepartmental Purchase Request (MIPR)

• Interagency Agreement

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Period of Performance and Option Periods

Period of Performance (PoP)

• The base shall not exceed 12 months;

if option periods proposed, total PoP shall not exceed 36 months.

• Shorter durations are welcome so long as they can be completed in the proposed timeframe. We appreciate timely research, but all products must also be thorough and credible.

Option Periods

• DTRA will consider up to two option periods if proposed, but reserves the right to award contracts without option periods.

• All submissions will be evaluated equally whether or not they include option periods. If proposing option periods:

• State what will be accomplished in each.

• Explain the need/additional benefit to Government.

• Detail costs associated with each option period.

• Deliverables must be submitted at the end of each period (base or option period).

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WHITE PAPER TECHNICAL EVALUATION PROCESS

AND CRITERIA

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White Paper Evaluation Process

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Review Tier Evaluation Criteria

Compliance • Adherence to submission guidelines, internal consistency, and completeness

• Authorization by corporate officer

• Description of specific goals/objectives (research questions)

• Cost (to determine consistency within the limits of the BAA funding ceiling)

Technical Review • Alignment with strategic guidance

• Research team qualifications

• Project focus

• Alignment of research objectives and methodology

• Presence of risk mitigation

Advisory Group • Relevance to WMD problem set

• Project focus

• Research topic (to determine if it fills gaps or complements existing body of work)

• Proposed methods, participants, and research goals (to determine return on investment)

White Paper Evaluation Process (cont’d)

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Review Tier Evaluation Criteria

Research Manager

• Applicability to portfolio goals/objectives and known gaps in knowledge

• Research team qualifications

• Proposed research approach (to determine if it is viable)

• Risk mitigation plan

• Project focus

Selection Authority

• Technical merits of project that lead the Government to understand the likelihood of beneficial return on investment (ROI)

• Scope and complexity (to determine if USG staff can accommodate what is proposed [manpower, time constraints, allocated funds])

• Project construction, including research objectives, assembled team, and methods (to determine if the project will allow for ROI and if risk to portfolio, Agency, and USG is allowable)

White Paper Review and Evaluation Process

Keep in mind:

• DTRA reserves the right to forgo a technical evaluation if submission does not include required information.

• All applicants will be notified regarding acceptance or rejection via email.

• An email notice of intent to award should not be construed as an obligation on the part of the

Government.

• Only Contracting Officers (KO) are legally authorized to bind the Government. This will be done by issuing a contract document to the selected applicants.

• The email notice of intent to award must not be used as a basis for accruing costs to the Government prior to award. Selected applicants are not authorized to begin work, as any award is subject to successful negotiations (if determined necessary by DTRA) between DTRA contracting personnel and the selected organization and to the availability of funds.

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Q&A

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