HR001122S0028.pdf

Broad Agency Announcement

Ouija

Technical Area 2

STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGY OFFICE

HR001122S0028

July 25, 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I: OVERVIEW INFORMATION

PART II: FULL TEXT OF ANNOUNCEMENT

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Program Overview B. Program Metrics

II. Award Information A. General Award Information B. Fundamental Research

III. Eligibility Information A. Eligible Applicants B. Organizational Conflicts of Interest C. Cost Sharing/Matching D. Other Eligibility Criteria

IV. Application and Submission Information A. Address to Request Application Package B. Content and Form of Application Submission

V. Application Review Information A. Evaluation Criteria B. Review of Proposals

VI. Award Administration Information A. Selection Notices and Notifications B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements C. Reporting D. Electronic Systems

VII. Agency Contacts VIII. Other Information

IX. APPENDIX 1: PROPOSAL SLIDE SUMMARY

X. APPENDIX 2: CLASSIFIED ADDENDUM REQUEST FORM

XI. APPENDIX 3: VOLUME 1 COVER SHEET TEMPLATE

PART I: OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Federal Agency Name – Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Strategic Technology Office (STO) Funding Opportunity Title – Ouija, Technical Area- 2 (TA-2) Announcement Type –Initial announcement Funding Opportunity Number – HR001122S0028 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers (CFDA) – Not applicable Dates o Posting Date: 25 July 2022 o Proposal Due Date and Time: 8 September 2022 by 4:00 PM (ET) o Deadline to Request Classified Addendum: 4 August 2022 by 5:00 PM (ET) o Proposers Day: 3 August 2022 o Questions Due Date and Time: 1 August 2022 by 5:00 PM (ET) o Deadline to Notify Security of Intent to Submit Classified Proposal: 1 September

2022 by 5:00 PM (ET)

DARPA is soliciting innovative research proposals/approaches to develop novel techniques in the following focus areas: near real-time assimilative ionospheric modeling and high frequency (HF) radio frequency propagation modeling. Please request the Classified Addendum for additional information and allow up to 3 days for processing.

Multiple awards are anticipated Types of instruments that may be awarded – Procurement Contract or Other Transaction Additional information - https://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/ Agency contact

The Solicitation Coordinator for this effort can be reached at:

HR001122S0028@darpa.mil

DARPA/STO

ATTN: HR0011220028

675 North Randolph Street Arlington, VA 22203-2114 https://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/ mailto:HR001122S0028@darpa.mil

PART II: FULL TEXT OF ANNOUNCEMENT

I. Funding Opportunity Description

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals in the following focus areas: real-time assimilative ionospheric modeling and high frequency (HF) propagation modeling. Please request the Classified Addendum for additional information.

Proposed research should investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice.

One goal of Ouija Technical Area 2 (TA-2) is to develop near-real-time assimilative ionospheric models capable of modeling ionospheric disturbances at scales of 100 kilometers and below.

These models must assimilate ionospheric measurements taken with the scientific instrumentation packages to be flown on the Ouija TA-1 CubeSats in very low-Earth orbit (VLEO), in addition to standard vertical and oblique sounder data. The scientific instrumentation on the Ouija spacecraft will include Langmuir probes and/or similar devices to measure electron density and other quantities of interest. The objective is to predict the characteristics of the ionosphere at unprecedented resolution and fidelity in near-real-time.

The second goal is to develop HF propagation models capable of high-fidelity prediction of ground-to-VLEO propagation. The propagation models will be validated using on-orbit measurements taken from the Ouija spacecraft HF payload, which will receive test signals from cooperative terrestrial transmitters.

The Classified Addendum contains specific objectives and additional details. See APPENDIX 2 for instructions on how to request the Classified Addendum.

This BAA encourages solutions from all responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government’s needs, including large and small businesses, non-traditional defense contractors as defined in 10 U.S.C. § 3014, and research institutions as defined in 15 U.S.C. § 632.

This publication constitutes a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) as contemplated in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.102(d)(2) and 35.016 and 2 CFR § 200.203. Any resultant award negotiations will follow all pertinent law and regulation, and any negotiations and/or awards for procurement contracts will use procedures under FAR 15.4, Contract Pricing, as specified in the BAA.

A. Program Overview

The Ouija program seeks to develop a modeling capability to predict ground-to-space HF propagation at unprecedented fidelity. The program anticipates this will be accomplished by coupling a near-real-time ionospheric model capable of assimilating on-orbit measurements from Ouija TA-1 spacecraft to an HF propagation prediction model that will provide high-fidelity predictions of ground-to-space HF propagation. This modeling capability will be validated and updated with on-orbit measurements from the Ouija VLEO spacecraft.

Ouija TA-1 will develop a VLEO spacecraft that has a scientific payload and an HF payload.

The scientific payload will be used to measure ionospheric characteristics in near-real-time using Langmuir probes, magnetometers, global navigation satellites system (GNSS) devices to estimate electron density profiles using radio occultation and other relevant devices. The HF payload will consist of an HF reception system (antenna and receiver) designed to receive test signals from terrestrial transmitters.

This BAA, Ouija TA-2, will develop the required modeling capabilities. One objective is to be able to predict the ionosphere, at a suitable fidelity, and at a rate of 10 seconds per update. The current ionospheric models update at time intervals of minutes; this is inadequate to predict the local propagation impact of transient ionospheric disturbances. This detailed, near-real-time ionospheric information should drive an HF propagation model that must be capable of HF propagation predictions for ground-to-space HF links. Those propagation predictions will be validated with on-orbit measurements taken on the Ouija spacecraft.

The Ouija program consists of two TAs, but only proposals for TA-2 are sought in response to this BAA. Ouija TA-2 proposals must address both the assimilative ionospheric model development as well as the development of an HF propagation prediction model. Proposals must address Phase 1 (Base) and Phase 2 (Option). For the Phase 3 Option, proposal instructions will be provided to Phase 2 performers prior to the end of Phase 2.

Please request the Classified Addendum for additional information. There are specific objectives for Ouija TA-2 that are classified and are contained in the Classified Addendum. Proposals to this BAA must address the classified objectives of the program. See APPENDIX 2 for instructions on how to request the Classified Addendum. Requests for the Classified Addendum must be submitted by the deadline listed in Part I. Late submissions will not be accepted.

1. Phase 1 (Base)

The nine-month Phase 1 will begin the modeling effort before data from the Ouija VLEO satellites is available. Relevant government data will be made available to Phase 1 performers. This data will consist of sounder measurements from a terrestrial HF transmitter to low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites equipped with an HF receive payload. The objective of this phase will be to develop methods to predict the HF propagation to satellites in LEO orbit. There will be multiple performers in Phase 1. The data from a Phase 1 evaluation will be used to select multiple Phase 2 performers.

2. Phase 2 (Option)

A measurement campaign based on a single VLEO satellite will be executed in the middle of the twelve-month Phase 2 effort. Phase 2 performers will adapt their models to assimilate the VLEO measurements and produce electron density distributions that will drive Phase 2 HF propagation models. Phase 2 performers will be provided with Phase 3 proposal instructions prior to the end of Phase 2.

3. Phase 3 (Not currently being solicited)

In the sixteen-month Phase 3 effort, the models will be extended to assimilate on-orbit data from six Ouija satellites. These VLEO satellites will orbit as a flight of six in close proximity. This flight will be launched approximately thirteen months into the Phase 3 effort. There will be a capstone demonstration of the Ouija capability while the flight is on-orbit.

B. Program Metrics

The program metrics for Ouija TA-2 are classified. See the Classified Addendum. Proposals must address the classified metrics.

II. Award Information

A. General 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, as applicable.

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 (see Section IV.B.2.d)., “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/or cost/price within a reasonable time, and the proposer fails to timely provide requested additional information. Proposals identified for negotiation may result in a procurement contract, 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.

Proposers looking for innovative, commercial-like contractual arrangements are encouraged to consider requesting Other Transactions. To understand the flexibility and options associated with

Other Transactions, consult http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/contract-management#OtherTransactions.

In accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 4022(f), the Government may award a follow-on production contract or Other Transaction (OT) for any OT awarded under this solicitation if: (1) that 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.

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

B. 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 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 solicitation, the Government expects that program goals as described herein either cannot be met by proposers intending to perform fundamental research or the proposed research is anticipated to present a high likelihood of disclosing performance characteristics of military systems or manufacturing technologies that are unique and critical to defense. Therefore, the Government anticipates restrictions on the resultant research that will require the awardee to seek DARPA permission before publishing any information or results relative to the program.

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 determine whether the proposed research shall be considered fundamental and to select the award instrument type. Appropriate language will be included in resultant awards for non-fundamental research to prescribe publication requirements and other restrictions, as appropriate. This language can be found at http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/additional-baa.

http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/contract-management#OtherTransactions http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/contract-management#OtherTransactions http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/additional-baa

For certain research projects, it may be possible that although the research to be performed by a potential awardee is non-fundamental research, its proposed subawardee’s effort may be fundamental research. It is also possible that the research performed by a potential awardee is fundamental research while its proposed subawardee’s effort may be non-fundamental research.

In all cases, it is the potential awardee’s responsibility to explain in its proposal which proposed efforts are fundamental research and why the proposed efforts should be considered fundamental research.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

All responsible United States Enterprises capable of satisfying the Government’s needs may submit a proposal that shall be considered by DARPA. Organizations proposing as prime contractors must have a facility clearance (FCL) at the Secret level or higher at the time of proposal submission due to the classified goals of the program. Organizations without an FCL may be on a proposal team as a subcontractor.

1. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and Government Entities

a) FFRDCs FFRDCs are subject to applicable direct competition limitations and cannot propose to this solicitation 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, that (a) cites the specific authority establishing their eligibility to propose to Government solicitations and compete with industry, and (b) certifies the FFRDC’s compliance with the associated FFRDC sponsor agreement’s terms and conditions. These conditions are a requirement for FFRDCs proposing to be awardees or subawardees.

b) Government Entities Government Entities (e.g., Government/National laboratories, military educational institutions, etc.) are subject to applicable direct competition limitations. 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 and compete with industry. This information is required for Government Entities proposing to be awardees or subawardees.

c) Authority and Eligibility 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.§ 4892 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 and Government Entity eligibility submissions on a case-by-case basis; however, the burden to prove eligibility for all team members rests solely with the proposer.

B. Organizational Conflicts of Interest

FAR 9.5 Requirements

In accordance with FAR 9.5, proposers are required to identify and disclose all facts relevant to potential OCIs involving the proposer’s organization and any proposed team member (subawardee, consultant). Under this Section, the proposer is responsible for providing this disclosure with each proposal submitted to the solicitation. The disclosure must include the proposer’s, and as applicable, proposed team member’s 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 to prevent the proposer from having unfair competitive advantage. The OCI mitigation plan will specifically discuss the disclosed OCI in the context of each of the OCI limitations outlined in FAR 9.505-1 through FAR 9.505-4.

Agency Supplemental OCI Policy

In addition, DARPA has a supplemental OCI policy that prohibits contractors/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 FAR 9.5 disclosure requirement above, a proposer must affirm whether the proposer or any proposed team member (subawardee, consultant) is providing SETA, A&AS, or similar support to any DARPA office(s) under: (a) a current award or subaward; or (b) a past award or subaward that ended within one calendar year prior to the proposal’s submission date.

If SETA, A&AS, or similar support is being or was provided to any DARPA office(s), the proposal must include:

The name of the DARPA office receiving the support;

The prime contract number;

Identification of proposed team member (subawardee, consultant) providing the support; and

An OCI mitigation plan in accordance with FAR 9.5.

Government Procedures

In accordance with FAR 9.503, 9.504 and 9.506, the Government will evaluate OCI mitigation plans to avoid, neutralize or mitigate potential OCI issues before award and to determine whether it is in the Government’s interest to grant a waiver. The Government will only evaluate OCI mitigation plans for proposals that are determined selectable under the solicitation evaluation criteria and funding availability.

The Government may require proposers to provide additional information to assist the Government in evaluating the proposer’s OCI mitigation plan.

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

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. Cost sharing is encouraged where there is a reasonable probability of a potential commercial application related to the proposed research and development effort.

For more information on potential cost sharing requirements for Other Transactions for Prototype, see http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/contract-management#OtherTransactions.

D. Other Eligibility Criteria

The Government requires that proposers maintain Secret level (or higher) facility clearance and personnel clearance requirements in order to receive an award. Potential performers will be selected based on their capability to perform, their secure facilities, and their ability to meet security requirements for a collateral Secret program.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Address to Request Application Package

This announcement, any attachments, the Classified Addendum, and any references to external websites herein constitute the total solicitation. See APPENDIX 2 for instructions on how to request the Classified Addendum. If proposers cannot access the referenced material posted in the announcement found at www.darpa.mil, contact the BAA administrator at the address listed in Part I.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

All submissions, including abstracts and proposals must be written in English with type not smaller than 12-point font. Smaller font may be used for figures, tables, and charts. Copies of all documents submitted must be clearly labeled with the DARPA BAA number, proposer organization, and proposal title/proposal short title.

1. Proposals Format

All proposals must be in the format given below. 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. Proposals shall consist of two volumes: 1) http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/contract-management#OtherTransactions http://www.darpa.mil/

Volume I, Technical and Management Proposal (composed of 3 parts), and 2) Volume II, Cost Proposal. Bracketed numbers before each section denote recommended page limits.

NOTE: Non-conforming submissions that do not follow the instructions herein may be rejected without further review.

a) Volume I, Technical and Management Proposal

(1) Section I: Administrative

(a) Cover Sheet to Include

(1) BAA number (HR001122S0028)

(2) Technical area; TA2

(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 NONPROFIT”;

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

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

(7) Proposal title;

(8) Technical point of contact to include: salutation, last name, first name, street address, city, state, zip code, telephone, fax (if available), electronic mail (if available);

(9) Administrative point of contact to include: salutation, last name, first name, street address, city, state, zip code, telephone, fax (if available), electronic mail (if available);

(10) Total funds requested from DARPA, and the amount of cost share (if any); AND

(11) Date proposal was submitted.

(b) Official transmittal letter

(2) Section II: Summary of Proposal

A. {3 pages} Technical rationale, technical approach, and constructive plan for accomplishment of technical goals in support of innovative claims and deliverable creation. (In the full proposal, this section should be supplemented by a more detailed plan in Section III of the Technical and Management Proposal.)

B. {2 pages} Innovative claims for the proposed research. This section is the centerpiece of the proposal and should succinctly describe the uniqueness and benefits of the proposed approach relative to the current state-of-art alternate approaches.

C. {2 pages} Deliverables associated with the proposed research and the plans and capability to accomplish technology transition and commercialization. Include in this section all proprietary claims to the results, prototypes, intellectual property, or systems supporting and/or necessary for the use of the research, results, and/or prototype. If there are no proprietary claims, this should be stated. For forms to be completed regarding intellectual property, see Section IV.B.3.i of this BAA. There will be no page limit for the listed forms.

D. {1 page} General discussion of other research in this area.

E. {2 pages} A clearly defined organization chart for the program team which includes, as applicable: (1) the programmatic relationship of team member; (2) the unique capabilities of team members; (3) the task of responsibilities of team members; (4) the teaming strategy among the team members; and (5) the key personnel along with the amount of effort to be expended by each person during each year.

F. {3 pages}Slide Summary- A three-slide summary of the proposal in MS PowerPointTM that quickly and succinctly indicates the concept overview, key innovations, expected impact, and other unique aspects of the proposal. The format for the summary slides is included as APPENDIX 1 to this BAA and does not count against the page limit.

(3) Section III: Detailed Proposal Information

A. {10 pages} Statement of Work (SOW) - Clearly define the technical tasks/subtasks to be performed, their durations, and dependencies among them. The page length for the SOW will be dependent on the amount of the effort. For each task/subtask, provide:

A general description of the objective (for each defined task/activity);

A detailed description of the approach to be taken to accomplish each defined task/activity;

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

The completion criteria for each task/activity - a product, event, or milestone that defines its completion;

Define all deliverables (reporting, data, reports, software, etc.) to be provided to the Government in support of the proposed research tasks/activities; and Clearly identify any tasks/subtasks (to be performed by either an awardee or subawardee) that will be accomplished on-campus at a university, if applicable.

Note: The SOW should be developed so that each Phase of the program is separately defined.

Do not include any proprietary information in the SOW.

B. {2 pages} Description of the results, products, transferable technology, and expected technology transfer path to supplement information included in the summary of the proposal.

This should also address mitigation of life-cycle and sustainment risks associated with transitioning intellectual property for U.S. military applications, if applicable. See also Section IV.B.3.i of this BAA., “Intellectual Property.”

C. {15 pages} Detailed technical approach enhancing and completing that the Summary of Proposal. Additionally, proposals should clearly explain the technical approaches that will be employed to meet or exceed each program metric and provide ample justification as to why the approaches are feasible.

D. {2 pages} Comparison with other ongoing research indicating advantages and disadvantages of the proposed effort.

E. {3 pages} Discussion of proposer’s previous accomplishments and work in closely related research areas.

F. {3 pages} Description of Security Management architecture and/or approach for the proposed effort. Detail unique additional security requirements information system certification expertise for controlled unclassified information (CUI) or classified processing, OPSEC, program protection planning, test planning, transportation plans, work being performed at different classification levels, and/or utilizing test equipment not approved at appropriate classification level (may not be applicable for fundamental research).

G. {2 pages} Description of the facilities that would be used for the proposed effort (as applicable).

H. {3 pages} Cost schedules and measurable milestones for the proposed research, including estimates of cost for each task in each year of the effort delineated by the proposed awardee and major subawardees, total cost, and any company cost share. NOTE: Measurable milestones should capture key development points in tasks and should be clearly articulated and defined in time relative to start of effort. These milestones should enable and support a decision for the next part of the effort. Additional interim non-critical management milestones are also highly encouraged at regular intervals. Where the effort consists of multiple portions that could reasonably be partitioned for purposes of funding, these should be identified as Options with separate cost estimates for each.

I. {Template is provided in the classified addendum} Scientific and Technology Program Implementation Plan (S&T PIP) DRAFT.

b) Volume II, Cost Proposal

The Cost Proposal must be unclassified.

All proposers, including FFRDCs, must submit the following:

Cover sheet to include:

(1) BAA number: HR001122S0028

(2) Technical area: TA-2

(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 NONPROFIT”;

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

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

(7) Proposal title;

(8) Technical point of contact to include: salutation, last name, first name, street address, city, state, zip code, telephone, fax (if available), electronic mail (if available);

(9) Administrative point of contact to include: salutation, last name, first name, street address, city, state, zip code, telephone, fax (if available), and electronic mail (if available);

(10) Award instrument requested: cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF), cost-contract—no fee, cost sharing contract – no fee, or other type of procurement contract (specify), cooperative agreement, or Other Transaction;

(11) Place(s) and period(s) of performance;

(12) Total proposed cost separated by basic award and option(s) (if any);

(13) Name, address, and telephone number of the proposer’s cognizant Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) administration office (if known);

(14) Name, address, and telephone number of the proposer’s cognizant Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) audit office (if known);

(15) Date proposal was prepared;

(16) DUNS number;

(17) TIN number;

(18) CAGE Code;

(19) Subawardee Information; and

(20) Proposal validity period.

(2) Additional Cost Proposal Information

(a) Supporting Cost and Pricing Data

The proposer should include supporting cost and pricing information in sufficient detail to substantiate the summary cost estimates and should include a description of the method used to estimate costs and supporting documentation.

(b) Cost Breakdown Information and Format

Detailed cost breakdown to include:

Total program costs broken down by major cost items (direct labor, including labor categories; subcontracts; materials; other direct costs; overhead charges, etc.) and further broken down by task and phase;

Major program tasks by fiscal year;

Major program tasks by Phase;

An itemization of major subcontracts and equipment purchases;

Documentation supporting the reasonableness of the proposed equipment costs

(vendor quotes, past purchase orders/purchase history, detailed engineering estimates, etc.) shall be provided;

A summary of projected funding requirements by month;

The source, nature, and amount of any industry cost-sharing Identification of pricing assumptions of which may require incorporation into the resulting award instrument (e.g., use of Government Furnished Property/Facilities/Information, access to Government Subject Matter experts, etc.)

Tables included in the cost proposal should be in an editable (e.g. MS Excel) format with calculation formulas intact. NOTE: If PDF submissions differ from the Excel submission, the PDF will take precedence.

The Government requires that proposers use the provided MS ExcelTM DARPA Standard Cost Proposal Spreadsheet in the development of their cost proposals. A customized cost proposal spreadsheet may be an attachment to this solicitation. If not, the spreadsheet can be found on the DARPA website at http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/contract-management (under “Resources” on the right-hand side of the webpage). All tabs and tables in the cost proposal spreadsheet should be developed in an editable format with calculation formulas intact to allow traceability of the cost proposal. This cost proposal spreadsheet should be used by the prime organization and all subcontractors. In addition to using the cost proposal spreadsheet, the cost proposal still must include all other items required in this announcement that are not covered by the editable spreadsheet. Subcontractor cost proposal spreadsheets may be submitted directly to the Government by the proposed subcontractor via e-mail to the address in Part I of this solicitation. Using the provided cost proposal spreadsheet will assist the Government in a rapid analysis of your proposed costs and, if your proposal is selected for a potential award, speed up the negotiation and award execution process.

Per FAR 15.403-4, certified cost or pricing data shall be required if the proposer is seeking a procurement contract award per the referenced threshold, unless the proposer requests and is granted an exception from the requirement to submit cost or pricing data.

Certified cost or pricing data are not required if the proposer proposes an award instrument other than a procurement contract (e.g., a cooperative agreement or other transaction.)

(c) Subawardee Proposals The awardee is responsible for compiling and providing all subawardee proposals for the Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO)/Agreements Officer (AO), as applicable. Subawardee proposals should include Interdivisional Work Transfer Agreements (ITWA) or similar arrangements. Where the effort consists of multiple portions which could reasonable be partitioned for purposes of funding, these should be identified as options with separate cost estimates for each.

All proprietary subawardee proposal documentation, prepared at the same level of detail as that required of the awardee’s proposal and which cannot be uploaded with the proposed awardee’s proposal, shall be provided to the Government either by the awardee or by the subawardee organization when the proposal is submitted. Subawardee proposals submitted to the Government by the proposed awardee should be submitted in a sealed envelope that the proposed awardee will not be allowed to view. The subawardee must provide the same number of copies to the PCO/AO as is required of the awardee. See Section IV.B.5.b. of this BAA for proposal submission information.

(d) Other Transaction Requests All proposers requesting an OT must include a detailed list of milestones. Each milestone must include the following:

milestone description;

completion criteria;

due date; and payment/funding schedule (to include, if cost share is proposed, awardee and

Government share amounts).

http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/contract-management

It is noted that, at a minimum, milestones should relate directly to accomplishment of program technical metrics as defined in the BAA and/or the proposer’s proposal. Agreement type, expenditure, or fixed-price based will be subject to negotiation by the Agreements Officer. Do not include proprietary data.

2. Additional Proposal Information

a) Proprietary Markings

Proposers are responsible for clearly identifying proprietary information. Submissions containing proprietary information must have the cover page and each page containing such information clearly marked with a label such as “Proprietary.” NOTE: “Confidential” is a classification marking used to control the dissemination of U.S. Government National Security Information as dictated in Executive Order 13526 and should not be used to identify proprietary business information.

b) Security Information

(1) Program Security Information

(a) Program Security Proposers should include with their proposal any proposed solution(s) to program security requirements unique to this program. Common program security requirements include but are not limited to: operational security (OPSEC) contracting/sub-contracting plans; foreign participation or materials utilization plans; program protection plans (which may entail the following) manufacturing and integration plans; range utilization and support plans (air, sea, land, space, and cyber); data dissemination plans; asset transportation plans; classified test activity plans; disaster recovery plans; classified material / asset disposition plans and public affairs / communications plans.

(b) Proposers are required to submit a draft Science and Technology Protection Implementation Plan (S&TPIP) as part of their security package.

Refer to the Ouija Science & Technology Protection Plan (S&TPP) (part of Classified Addendum) for initial analysis and estimation of critical program protection risks identified for this program. The S&TPIP template is located with the Classified Addendum.

(2) Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) For unclassified proposals containing controlled unclassified information (CUI), applicants will ensure personnel and information systems processing CUI security requirements are in place. A DARPA Controlled Unclassified Information Guide (CUIG) for this effort has been produced and will be provided upon request of the classified addendum.

(a) CUI Proposal Markings If an unclassified submission contains CUI or the suspicion of such, as defined by Executive Order 13556 and 32 CFR Part 2002, the information must be appropriately and conspicuously marked CUI in accordance with DoDI 5200.48. Identification of what is CUI about this DARPA program will be detailed in a DARPA CUI Guide and will be provided as an attachment to the BAA or may be provided at a later date.

(b) CUI Submission Requirements Unclassified submissions containing CUI may be submitted via DARPA’s BAA Website (https://baa.darpa.mil) in accordance with Part II Section VIII of this BAA.

(c) Proposers submitting proposals involving the pursuit and protection of DARPA information designated as CUI must have, or be able to acquire prior to contract award, an information system authorized to process CUI information IAW NIST SP 800-171 and DoDI 8582.01.

(3) Classified Submissions For classified proposals, applicants will ensure all industrial, personnel, and information systems processing security requirements are in place and at the appropriate level (e.g., Facility Clearance Level (FCL), Automated Information Security (AIS), Certification and Accreditation (C&A), and any Foreign Ownership Control and Influence (FOCI) issues are mitigated prior to submission. Additional information on these subjects can be found at https://www.dcsa.mil/.

(a) Classified Proposal Markings DARPA anticipates that proposals submitted in response to this BAA may generate or involve access to classified information. Classified submissions shall be transmitted and marked in accordance with the following guidance. Security classification guidance via a Security Classification Guide (SCG) and/or DARPA DD Form 254, “DoD Contract Security Classification Specification,” will be provided as an attachment to the Classified Addendum.

Proposers must submit a request for the Classified Addendum no later than the deadline listed in Part I to allow for adequate time for delivery of the material. The HR001122S0028 Classified Addendum Request Form (See APPENDIX 2) is the only method of request that will be accepted.

If a submission contains Classified National Security Information or the suspicion of such, as defined by Executive Order 13526, the information must 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)”

NOTE: Classified submissions must indicate the classification level of not only the submitted materials, but also the classification level of the anticipated award.

Submissions containing both classified information and CUI must be appropriately and conspicuously marked with the proposed classification level as well as ensuring CUI is marked in accordance with DoDI 5200.48.

https://baa.darpa.mil/ https://www.dcsa.mil/

(b) Classified Submission Requirements and Procedures

Proposers must have cognizant security agency approved facilities, information systems, and appropriately cleared/eligible personnel to perform at the classification level proposed. All proposer personnel performing Information Assurance (IA)/Cybersecurity related duties on classified Information Systems shall meet the requirements set forth in DoD Manual 8570.01-M (Information Assurance Workforce Improvement Program). Additional information on the subjects discussed in this section may be found at https://www.dcsa.mil/.

Proposers choosing to submit classified information from other collateral classified sources (i.e., sources other than DARPA) must ensure (1) they have permission from an authorized individual at the cognizant Government agency (e.g., Contracting Officer, Program Manager); (2) the proposal is marked in accordance with the source Security Classification Guide (SCG) from which the material is derived; and (3) the source SCG is submitted along with the proposal.

When a proposal includes a classified portion, and when able according to security guidelines, we ask that proposers send an e-mail to HR001122S0028@darpa.mil by the deadline listed in Part I as notification to security that there is a classified portion to the proposal.

Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret Information Use transmission, classification, handling, and marking guidance provided by previously issued SCGs, the DoD Information Security Manual (DoDM 5200.01, Volumes 1 - 4), and the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, including the Supplement Revision 1, (DoD 5220.22-M and DoD 5200.22-M Sup. 1) when submitting Confidential, Secret, and/or Top Secret classified information.

Confidential and Secret Confidential and Secret classified information may be submitted electronically via a classified network at the appropriate level that is able to transmit material to a DARPA classified network.

Proposers wishing to submit classified material electronically must first send an unclassified email to the BAA Coordinator at the address listed in Part I to coordinate the submission.

Confidential and Secret classified information in hard copy or on a CD may be submitted via ONE of the two following methods to the mailing address listed in the contact information in Part I of this BAA:

Hand-carried by an appropriately cleared and authorized courier to the DARPA Classified Document Registry (CDR). At least five (5) business days prior to traveling, and in accordance with the advance notification required as outlined in part I of this BAA, the courier shall contact the DARPA CDR at 703-526-4052 to coordinate arrival and delivery. The courier shall also contact the DARPA Program Security Representative (PSR), Mr. Bryan Sammons, at 571-218-4256, bryan.sammons.ctr@darpa.mil and the program SETA, Mr. Ken Hyatt, at 571-218-4521, kenneth.hyatt.ctr@darpa.mil.

OR

https://www.dcsa.mil/ mailto:bryan.sammons.ctr@darpa.mil

Mailed via U.S. Postal Service (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. Senders should mail to the mailing address listed in the contact information herein. Prior to mailing, and in accordance with the advanced notification required as outlined in Part I of this BAA, proposers shall contact the DARPA PSR, Mr. Bryan Sammons, at 571-218-4256, bryan.sammons.ctr@darpa.mil.

The inner envelope shall be addressed to Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, ATTN:

Strategic Technology Office Mr. Bryan Sammons, and Mr. Kenneth Hyatt with a reference to the BAA number.

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.

Top Secret Information Top Secret information may be submitted electronically via a classified network at the appropriate level that is able to transmit material to a DARPA classified network. Proposers wishing to submit classified material electronically must first send an email to the BAA Coordinator at the address listed in Part I to coordinate the submission.

Top Secret information in hard copy or on a CD must 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. Pre-coordination must be provided no later than 3 weeks prior to the delivery date to the DARPA PSR, Mr. Bryan Sammons, at 571-218-4256, bryan.sammons.ctr@darpa.mil.

Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) SCI must be marked, managed, and transmitted in accordance with DoDM 5105.21 Volumes 1 -

3. Questions regarding the transmission of SCI may be sent to the PSR via the BAA mailbox or by contacting the DARPA Special Security Officer (SSO) at 703-812-1970.

Special Access Program (SAP) Information SAP information must be marked in accordance with DoDM 5205.07 Volume 4 and transmitted by specifically approved methods which will be provided by STO Program Security Officer (PSO) or their staff.

Proposers choosing to submit SAP information from an agency other than DARPA are required to provide the STO PSO written permission from the source material’s cognizant Special Access Program Control Officer (SAPCO) or designated representative. For clarification regarding this process, contact the DARPA STO PSO, Ms. Jamie Bugett, at 703-526-2687 or jamie.bugett@darpa.mil, or the DARPA SAPCO at 703-526-4102.

mailto:bryan.sammons.ctr@darpa.mil mailto:bryan.sammons.ctr@darpa.mil mailto:jamie.bugett@darpa.mil

c) Disclosure of Information and Compliance with Safeguarding Covered Defense Information Controls

The following provisions and clause apply to all solicitations and contracts; however, the definition of “controlled technical information” clearly exempts work considered fundamental research and therefore, even though included in the contract, will not apply if the work is fundamental research.

DFARS 252.204-7000, “Disclosure of Information” DFARS 252.204-7008, “Compliance with Safeguarding Covered Defense Information Controls” DFARS 252.204-7012, “Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting” The full text of the above solicitation provision and contract clauses can be found at http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/additional-baa#NPRPAC.

Compliance with the above requirements includes the mandate for proposers to implement the security requirements specified by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171, “Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in Nonfederal Information Systems and Organizations” (see https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/SpecialPublications/NIST.SP.800-171r2.pdf) and DoDI

8582.01 that are in effect at the time the solicitation is issued.

For awards where the work is considered fundamental research, the contractor will not have to implement the aforementioned requirements and safeguards. However, should the nature of the work change during performance of the award, work not considered fundamental research will be subject to these requirements.

d) Representations and Certifications In accordance with FAR 4.1102 and 4.1201, proposers requesting a procurement contract must complete electronic annual representations and certifications at https://www.sam.gov/.

In addition, all proposers are required to submit for all award instrument types supplementary DARPA-specific representations and certifications at the time of proposal submission. See http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/reps-certs for further information on required representation and certification depending on your requested award instrument.

e) Human Subjects Research (HSR)/Animal Use Proposers that anticipate involving human subjects or animals in the proposed research must comply with the approval procedures detailed at http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/additional-baa, to include providing the information specified therein as required for proposal submission.

f) Approved Cost Accounting System Documentation

Proposers that do not have a Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) compliant accounting system considered adequate for determining accurate costs that are negotiating a cost-type procurement contract must complete an SF 1408. For more information on CAS compliance, see http://www.dcaa.mil. To facilitate this process, proposers should complete the SF 1408 found at http://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/download/115778 and submit the completed form with the proposal.

http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/additional-baa#NPRPAC https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/SpecialPublications/NIST.SP.800-171r2.pdf https://www.sam.gov/…