OPTIMA_FAQ_03.20.2023.pdf

Optimum Processing Technology Inside Memory Arrays (OPTIMA)

HR001123S0026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Updated on 3/20/2023

Question 1: At what temperature are the performance metrics measured?

Answer 1: Room temperature or 300 K.

Question 2: What is the 8-bit weight and input?

Answer 2: The BAA specifies that TOPS/W in the MAM will be measured for an 8-bit integer multiply–accumulate (MAC) operation with full 8-bit arithmetic accuracy (see the program metrics table on page 9 of the BAA). The full 8-bit arithmetic accuracy is a Blackbox-in Blackbox-out 8-bit accuracy.

Question 3: What are the metrics specifications on the write of the memory?

Answer 3: The proposer can specify write time and endurance to provide additional insight but is not required as part of the metrics.

Question 4: Is the read speed a precision value?

Answer 4: It is an overall value including the MAM read speed.

Question 5: Are there any guidelines on the large data set for use in testing and demonstrating program goals?

Answer 5: The proposer is expected to develop the necessary data sets, algorithms, software, and/or supporting hardware required to test and demonstrate the program metrics, as stated in the BAA page 8.

Question 6: Are there any reliability requirements?

Answer 6: The BAA does not specify.

Question 7: Is there a maximum MCE array?

Answer 7: MAM deliverables need be greater than 256 X 256 MCEs, as stated on page 8 and page 9 of the BAA.

Question 8: After meeting throughput, energy efficiency, and area efficiency, is it important for the read speed to be less than 1ns?

Answer 8: To ensure low latency, the read speed should be less than 1ns.

Question 9: Is there an emphasis for non-volatile memory?

Answer 9: While non-volatile is desirable, the BAA does not require the proposed MCE consists of non-volatile memory.

Question 10: Why is no weight given to online training/programming?

Answer 10: OPTIMA is primarily focused on technology development for inferencing operations with 100 TOPS throughput, 300 TOPS/W power efficiency, and 20 TOPS/mm2 area efficiency.

Question 11: What is the program Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) requirements?

Answer 11: The proposer is expected to review and propose consistent with the program CUI Guide, which outlines the specific requirements for how CUI must be handled within the program. Refer to Attachment 3: OPTIMA Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Guide posted with the OPTIMA solicitation on https://sam.gov.

Question 12: Will there be government IV&V?

Answer 12: Government IV&V is expected as stated on page 9 of the BAA.

Question 13: Are you interested in applications where the CIMA could be used for imaging or integrated with a readout integrated circuit (ROIC) or is this BAA more geared towards GPUs and machine learning type applications?

Answer 13: OPTIMA’s objective is to develop a CIMA with technical metrics stated in section D on page 8 of the BAA, and the program is not geared towards any specific application.

Question 14: If the program officials (e.g., DARPA) have a conflict of interest with a proposer's sub-contractor, how will it be handled??

Answer 14: Prior to the commencement of proposal evaluations, DARPA will undertake a thorough review of the proposed teams (prime and subcontractor) and mitigate any conflicts of interest present for any members of the OPTIMA evaluation team.

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