INSPIRED_Proposers_Day_Slides.pdf

INtensity-Squeezed Photonic Integration for Revolutionary Detectors (INSPIRED) Proposer’s Day

Mark Rosker, MTO Director

Briefing prepared for INSPIRED Proposer’s Day

22 September 2023

Approved For Public Release; Distribution Unlimited

Our mission

C4ISR: Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance PNT: Positioning, Navigation, and Timing

High-performance, intelligent microsystems and next-generation components

Electronics Resurgence Initiative (ERI) 2.0 timeline

Original ERI ERI 2.0: Reinventing microsystems manufacturing for a new age

FY27FY26FY25FY24FY23FY22

NGMM: Next-Generation Microelectronics Manufacturing program

NGMM Phase 0 BAA August 2022

ERI Summit 2023 August 22-24 / Seattle, WA

MTO thrust areas Electronics Resurgence Initiative (ERI)

3D: Three-dimensional AI: Artificial Intelligence

AC

T Increasing the effectiveness of radiation on target

NA

VI

GA

TE

Embedding accurate positioning and timing

SE

E Gaining an advantage in sensing the physical world

TA

LK Securing communications

SE

CU

RE Overcoming security threats across the entire hardware lifecycle

HA

RD

EN Developing electronics for extreme environments

BU

IL

D Manufacturing complex 3D microsystems

CO

M

PO

SE

Optimizing design and test for complex circuits

CO

M

PU

TE Increasing information processing efficiency at the edge

DE

CI

DE Accelerating innovation in AI hardware https://www.darpa.mil/about-us/offices/mto 4Approved For Public Release; Distribution Unlimited

INtensity-Squeezed Photonic Integration for Revolutionary Detectors

(INSPIRED)

Approved For Public Release; Distribution Unlimited

INSPIRED will develop chip-scale optical detectors that surpass the quantum limit in sensitivity by 40x

Source: LIGO

Original image source: Thorlabs www.darpa.mil

Distribution Statement (A): Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited.

Intensity-Squeezed Photonic Integration for Revolutionary Detectors (INSPIRED)

Justin Cohen Program Manager, DARPA MTO

Proposers Day September 22, 2023

Slides 1-24 contain updates reflecting changes made to the

INSPIRED BAA in Amendment 1.

Slides 25-48 contain the presentation as originally given at

Proposers Day.

Sensitive Detectors Are Vital Components

Communications

Signal Processing

Sensing

Fundamental Science

NASA

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

Detector sensitivity dictates system-level design.

demodulation frequency po w er noise signal required SNR power at detector

Detector sensitivity dictates system-level design.

demodulation frequency po w er light path to source noise signal transduction(x) component loss propagation loss source power required SNR

Detector sensitivity dictates system-level design.

demodulation frequency po w er light path to source noise signal transduction(x) component loss propagation loss source power required SNR

Scaling system performance usually means increasing power and size…

… which is not always an option.

power at detector

DARPA

DARPA

Quantum Noise in Optical Detection

Distribution Statement (A): Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited. 6 po w er quantum shot noise limit

Homodyne Detector (simplified) signallocal oscillator

𝐼𝐼

𝑄𝑄

DUT

Surpassing the Quantum Noise Limit signallocal oscillator frequency po w er quantum shot noise limit squeezed noise

Squeezed-Light Detector (simplified artist rendition) squeezed light

Distribution Statement (A): Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited.

frequency po w er quantum shot noise limit

Homodyne Detector (simplified)

𝐼𝐼

𝑄𝑄

DUTsignallocal oscillator

𝐼𝐼

𝑄𝑄

DUT

SHGSPDC

A Revolution – Surpassing the Quantum Noise Limit

LIGO

frequency po w er quantum shot noise limit squeezed noise

Squeezed-Light Detector (simplified artist rendition) signallocal oscillator squeezed light

𝐼𝐼

DUT SHGSPDC

The INSPIRED Vision

Thorlabs

LIGO

LIGO

Another Revolution – Integrated Photonics

Integrated PhotonicsDiscrete Optics

1 foot

1 cm 1 cm

1 mm

Hypothesis: Chip-scale components can outperform discrete optics in surpassing the quantum noise limit

Distribution Statement (A): Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited.

Schnabel, Phys. Today, 2022: GEO 600

Schnabel, Phys. Today, 2022: GEO 600 Stanford: DARPA LUMOS

UC Santa Barbara: DARPA LUMOS

New Capabilities in Optics

Atomic Sensing Inertial SensingRemote Sensing

Quantum Computing and NetworkingBiological Sensing

Distribution Statement (A): Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited.

HoneywellNIST Velodyne

NISTLeica

Program Metrics

INSPIRED Test Article Metric Unit Phase 1 Phase 2 Squeezed-Light Generator Squeezing Ratio dB 16 -

Interferometer Circuit Aggregate Optical Loss dB 0.1 -

Integrated Squeezed-Light Detector Sensitivity zW/Hz - 10

Volume cm3 - 100

Distribution Statement (A): Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited. 13

Program Metrics – Squeezing Ratio

Squeezed-Light Generator Squeezing Ratio dB 16 -

Interferometer Circuit Aggregate Optical Loss dB 0.1 -

Integrated Squeezed-Light Detector Sensitivity zW/Hz - 10

Volume cm3 - 100

Distribution Statement (A): Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited.

May be met by:

• Direct squeezed quadrature measurement, and

• Extrapolation of anti-squeezed quadrature measurement,

• Consistent with noise model.

no ise le ve l pump power squeezing

Squeezing Ratio Evidence Illustration (measurement type will depend on proposed approach)

Program Metrics – Aggregate Optical Loss

Squeezed-Light Generator Squeezing Ratio dB 16 -

Interferometer Circuit Aggregate Optical Loss dB 0.1 -

Integrated Squeezed-Light Detector Sensitivity zW/Hz - 10

Volume cm3 - 100

Distribution Statement (A): Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited.

Loss: Including all losses encountered by squeezed light in the Interferometer Circuit

• Can exclude photodetector quantum efficiency in Phase 1

Phase sensitivity: Interferometer must lock to any quadrature across 2π radians to a precision of 10 mrad

Program Metrics - Sensitivity

Squeezed-Light Generator Squeezing Ratio dB 16 -

Interferometer Circuit Aggregate Optical Loss dB 0.1 -

Integrated Squeezed-Light Detector Sensitivity zW/Hz - 10

Volume cm3 - 100

Distribution Statement (A): Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited.

Assumes vacuum-squeezed homodyne detection

• Sensitivity calculated as version of Noise Equivalent Power for homodyne:

• One-sided noise power spectral density divided by the local oscillator power

• Commensurate with 16 dB of noise reduction from the shot-noise limit

• (2hc)/λ×10-1.6 ≈ 10 zW per Hz of bandwidth

• May be demonstrated by showing 16 dB of noise reduction from shot noise

Alternative approaches are allowed

Operating wavelength within 5% of 1064 nm, 1300 nm, or 1550 nm

• Scale the 10 zW/Hz sensitivity metric by factor of 1064/λ

Bandwidth spanning from 10 kHz to 10 GHz with output achieving:

• Sensitivity metric at any frequency in the band and with performer defined bandwidth

• Shot-noise limited by LO power at all other frequencies in the band

Program Metrics – Volume

Squeezed-Light Generator Squeezing Ratio dB 16 -

Interferometer Circuit Aggregate Optical Loss dB 0.1 -

Integrated Squeezed-Light Detector Sensitivity zW/Hz - 10

Volume cm3 - 100

Distribution Statement (A): Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited.

In the box:

• All optoelectronic components needed to perform measurement at sensitivity metric

Inputs and outputs:

• Optical: common fiber or a free space modes of standard lab equipment

• Electrical: standard connectors, can include multiple output ports to span spectrum and control the module

Original image source: Thorlabs local oscillator and pump signal (optional)

Integrated Squeezed-Light Detector

Squeezed-Light Generator

Interferometer Circuit

Ancillary Photonic and Electronic Components (Proposer Defined)

10 kHz – 10 GHz output(s) power supply and control(s)

Optical Inputs/Outputs Electrical Inputs/Outputs

• Financial Details

• Base (Phase 1) + Option (Phase 2)

• 6.2 Funding

• Multiple awards

• Major Goals and Outcomes

• Phase 1 – Develop the central chip-scale photonic devices required for a squeezed-light detector

• Phase 2 – Deliver compact squeezed-light detector prototype with sensitivity exceeding the quantum limit

Program Structure

Phase 2: 18 months Squeezed-Light Detectors deliver test articles metrics demo, deliver prototype

Phase 1: 18 months Platforms for Quantum Light

FY26 FY27FY25FY24

detector PDR

PDR: Preliminary Design Review CDR: Critical Design Review Distribution Statement (A): Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited.

metrics demo, detector CDRkickoff post-CDR review

• Realizing chip-scale photonic devices and circuits that can efficiently prepare, manipulate, and detect quantum states of light

• Achieving low aggregate loss in complex, multi-component circuits

• Generating a high squeezing ratio in size- and power-constrained devices

• Maintaining stable optical phase

• Mitigating classical noise

Meeting the challenges…

• Likely entails broad innovation in materials, design, and fabrication

• Any approach that demonstrates a credible path to satisfying all metrics and goals stated herein will be considered for selection

Technical Challenges

• Response to all program metrics, milestones, and deliverables stated in the BAA

• The method of squeezed-light generation and signal detection based on chip-scale photonic components

• Constructive plan to demonstrate the test articles

• List of the expected ancillary components, both photonic and electronic

• Technical approach elements that support meeting metrics

• Evidence that these elements can be achieved

• Calculations based on empirical parameters, simulations, or initial related experiments

• Other technical noise sources, loss sources, and stray light sources specific to the proposed approach, and plans to mitigate. For example:

• Resonator losses inherent in extracting squeezed light from a cavity

• Technical laser noise

• Amplifier noise in balanced photodetectors

Important Proposal Elements

1. Overall Scientific and Technical Merit o The proposed technical approach is innovative, feasible, achievable, and complete.

o Describe how the proposed approach will achieve each program metric with sufficient detail and supporting experimental measurements, modeling, calculations, and/or simulations.

2. Potential Contribution and Relevance to the DARPA Mission o DARPA’s mission is to make pivotal early technology investments that create or prevent strategic surprise for U.S.

National Security

3. Cost Realism o Ensure proposed costs are realistic for the technical and management approach and accurately reflect the goals and objectives of the solicitation.

o Verify that proposed costs are sufficiently detailed, complete, and consistent with the Statement of Work.

o Undue emphasis on cost may motivate low-risk ideas with minimum uncertainty and to staff the effort with junior personnel in order to be in a more competitive posture. DARPA discourages such cost strategies.

Evaluation Criteria (In Order of Importance)

• BAA Posting Date: September 21, 2023

• Proposers Day: September 22, 2023

• Abstract Due Date: October 27, 2022 at 4:00 PM

• FAQ Submission Deadline: November 29, 2023 at 4:00 PM

• DARPA will post a consolidated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document on a regular basis

• To access the posting go to https://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/opportunities

• Proposal Due Date: December 18, 2023 at 4:00 PM

• Estimated Period of Performance Start: June 1, 2024

Important Dates (All Times ET)

Questions: HR001123S0052@darpa.mil https://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/opportunities

Proposers Day Agenda

Distribution Statement (A): Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited. 24

Intensity-Squeezed Photonic Integration for Revolutionary Detectors (INSPIRED)

Justin Cohen Program Manager, DARPA MTO

Proposers Day September 22, 2023

Presentation as originally given at Proposers Day.

Communications

Signal Processing

Sensing

Fundamental Science

NASA

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

Detector sensitivity dictates system-level design.

demodulation frequency po w er noise signal required SNR

Detector sensitivity dictates system-level design.

demodulation frequency po w er light path to source noise signal transduction(x) component loss propagation loss source power required SNR

Detector sensitivity dictates system-level design.

demodulation frequency po w er light path to source noise signal transduction(x) component loss propagation loss source power required SNR

Scaling system performance usually means increasing power and size…

… which is not always an option.

power at detector

DARPA

DARPA

Quantum Noise in Optical Detection signal local oscillator frequency po w er quantum shot noise limit

Distribution Statement (A): Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited.

𝐼𝐼

𝑄𝑄

Homodyne Detector (simplified)

Surpassing the Quantum Noise Limit local oscillator frequency po w er quantum shot noise limit squeezed noise

Squeezed-Light Detector (simplified) squeezed light

Distribution Statement (A): Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited.

signal local oscillator frequency po w er quantum shot noise limit

Homodyne Detector (simplified)

𝐼𝐼

𝑄𝑄

𝐼𝐼

A Revolution – Surpassing the Quantum Noise Limit local oscillator squeezed light

Distribution Statement (A): Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited.

𝐼𝐼

𝑄𝑄

LIGO

Squeezed-Light Detector (simplified) frequency po w er quantum shot noise limit squeezed noise

LIGO

Thorlabs

LIGO

Another Revolution – Integrated Photonics

Integrated PhotonicsDiscrete Optics

1 foot

1 cm 1 cm

1 mm

Hypothesis: Chip-scale components can outperform discrete optics in surpassing the quantum noise limit

Distribution Statement (A): Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited.

Schnabel, Phys. Today, 2022: GEO 600

Schnabel, Phys. Today, 2022: GEO 600 Stanford: DARPA LUMOS

UC Santa Barbara: DARPA LUMOS

New Capabilities in Optics

Atomic Sensing Inertial SensingRemote Sensing

Quantum Computing and NetworkingBiological Sensing

Distribution Statement (A): Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited.

HoneywellNIST Velodyne

NISTLeica

Program Metrics

Squeezed-Light Generator Squeezing Ratio dB 16 -

Interferometer Circuit Aggregate Optical Loss dB 0.1 -

Integrated Squeezed-Light Detector Sensitivity zW/Hz - 10

Volume cm3 - 100

Distribution Statement (A): Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited. 37

Program Metrics – Squeezing Ratio

Squeezed-Light Generator Squeezing Ratio dB 16 -

Interferometer Circuit Aggregate Optical Loss dB 0.1 -

Integrated Squeezed-Light Detector Sensitivity zW/Hz - 10

Volume cm3 - 100

Distribution Statement (A): Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited.

May be met by:

• Direct squeezed quadrature measurement, and

• Extrapolation of anti-squeezed quadrature measurement,

• Consistent with noise model.

no ise le ve l pump power squeezing

Squeezing Ratio Evidence Illustration (measurement type will depend on proposed approach)

Program Metrics – Aggregate Optical Loss

Squeezed-Light Generator Squeezing Ratio dB 16 -

Interferometer Circuit Aggregate Optical Loss dB 0.1 -

Integrated Squeezed-Light Detector Sensitivity zW/Hz - 10

Volume cm3 - 100

Distribution Statement (A): Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited.

Loss: Including all losses encountered by squeezed light in the Interferometer Circuit

• Can exclude photodetector quantum efficiency in Phase 1

Phase sensitivity: Interferometer must lock to any quadrature across 2π radians to a precision of 10 mrad signal local oscillator

Simplified Detector Schematic (components in loss chain will depend on proposed approach) squeezed light

𝑃𝑃𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖

𝑃𝑃𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜

Program Metrics - Sensitivity

Squeezed-Light Generator Squeezing Ratio dB 16 -

Interferometer Circuit Aggregate Optical Loss dB 0.1 -

Integrated Squeezed-Light Detector Sensitivity zW/Hz - 10

Volume cm3 - 100

Distribution Statement (A): Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited.

Assumes vacuum-squeezed homodyne detection

• Sensitivity calculated as version of Noise Equivalent Power for homodyne:

• One-sided noise power spectral density divided by the local oscillator power

• Commensurate with 16 dB of noise reduction from the shot-noise limit:

• (2hc)/λ×10-1.6 ≈ 10 zW per Hz of bandwidth

Alternative approaches are allowed

• Sensitivity should be calculated as minimum detectable signal power

• In this case, metric shall be 16 dB lower than integrated shot noise

• Must be measured directly during the program

Operating wavelength within 5% of 1064 nm, 1300 nm, or 1550 nm

• Scale the 10 zW/Hz sensitivity metric by factor of 1064/λ

Bandwidth from DC – 10 GHz at 3 dB of sensitivity

Program Metrics – Volume

Squeezed-Light Generator Squeezing Ratio dB 16 -

Interferometer Circuit Aggregate Optical Loss dB 0.1 -

Integrated Squeezed-Light Detector Sensitivity zW/Hz - 10

Volume cm3 - 100

Distribution Statement (A): Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited.

signal local oscillator

Integrated Squeezed-Light Detector

Squeezed-Light Generator

Interferometer Circuit

Ancillary Photonic and Electronic Components (Proposer Defined)

DC – 10 GHz output(s) power supply

Optical Inputs Electrical Inputs/Outputs

In the box:

• All optoelectronic components needed to perform measurement at sensitivity metric

Inputs and outputs:

• Optical: common fiber or a free space modes of standard lab equipment

• Electrical: standard connectors, can include multiple output ports to span spectrum

• Financial Details

• Base (Phase 1) + Option (Phase 2)

• 6.2 Funding

• Multiple awards

• Major Goals and Outcomes

• Phase 1 – Develop the central chip-scale photonic devices required for a squeezed-light detector

• Phase 2 – Deliver compact squeezed-light detector prototype with sensitivity exceeding the quantum limit

Program Structure

Phase 2: 18 months Squeezed-Light Detectors deliver test articles metrics demo, deliver prototype

Phase 1: 18 months Platforms for Quantum Light

FY26 FY27FY25FY24

detector PDR

PDR: Preliminary Design Review CDR: Critical Design Review Distribution Statement (A): Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited.

metrics demo, detector CDRkickoff post-CDR review

• Realizing chip-scale photonic devices and circuits that can efficiently prepare, manipulate, and detect quantum states of light

• Achieving low aggregate loss in complex, multi-component circuits

• Generating a high squeezing ratio in size- and power-constrained devices

• Maintaining stable optical phase

• Mitigating classical noise

Meeting the challenges…

• Likely entails broad innovation in materials, design, and fabrication

• Any approach that demonstrates a credible path to satisfying all metrics and goals stated herein will be considered for selection

Technical Challenges

• Response to all program metrics, milestones, and deliverables stated in the BAA

• The method of squeezed-light generation and signal detection based on chip-scale photonic components

• Constructive plan to demonstrate the test articles

• List of the expected ancillary components, both photonic and electronic

• Technical approach elements that support meeting metrics

• Evidence that these elements can be achieved

• Calculations based on empirical parameters, simulations, or initial related experiments

• Other technical noise sources, loss sources, and stray light sources specific to the proposed approach, and plans to mitigate. For example:

• Resonator losses inherent in extracting squeezed light from a cavity

• Technical laser noise

• Amplifier noise in balanced photodetectors

Important Proposal Elements

1. Overall Scientific and Technical Merit o The proposed technical approach is innovative, feasible, achievable, and complete.

o Describe how the proposed approach will achieve each program metric with sufficient detail and supporting experimental measurements, modeling, calculations, and/or simulations.

2. Potential Contribution and Relevance to the DARPA Mission o DARPA’s mission is to make pivotal early technology investments that create or prevent strategic surprise for U.S.

National Security

3. Cost Realism o Ensure proposed costs are realistic for the technical and management approach and accurately reflect the goals and objectives of the solicitation.

o Verify that proposed costs are sufficiently detailed, complete, and consistent with the Statement of Work.

o Undue emphasis on cost may motivate low-risk ideas with minimum uncertainty and to staff the effort with junior personnel in order to be in a more competitive posture. DARPA discourages such cost strategies.

Evaluation Criteria (In Order of Importance)

• BAA Posting Date: September 21, 2023

• Proposers Day: September 22, 2023

• Abstract Due Date: October 20, 2022 at 4:00 PM

• FAQ Submission Deadline: November 29, 2023 at 4:00 PM

• DARPA will post a consolidated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document on a regular basis

• To access the posting go to https://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/opportunities

• Proposal Due Date: December 13, 2023 at 4:00 PM

• Estimated Period of Performance Start: June 1, 2024

Important Dates (All Times ET)

Questions: HR001123S0052@darpa.mil https://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/opportunities

Proposers Day Agenda

Distribution Statement (A): Approved for public release. Distribution unlimited. 48

Intensity-Squeezed Photonic Integration for Revolutionary Detectors (INSPIRED)

HR001123S0052

Distribution Statement A. Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited.

Proposers Day September 22, 2023

Amended as of October 2, 2023

Caroline Allen Contracting Officer

DARPA Contracts Management Office

Proposers Day Disclaimer

A copious amount of information is made available to potential proposers to clarify program goals/objectives and proposal preparation instructions.

However:

• Only the information/instructions in the BAA count

• Proposals will only be evaluated in accordance with the instructions provided in the BAA

• Answers for FAQs that differ from the BAA will be made formal by an amendment to the BAA

Only a duly authorized Contracting Officer may obligate the Government

Distribution Statement A. Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited.

BAA Overview

Described in Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 35:

– For the acquisition of basic and applied research

– BAAs allow for a variety of technical solutions

• FAR 35.016 (a): Shall only be used when “meaningful proposals with varying technical/scientific approaches can be reasonably anticipated.”

– The BAA defines the problem set, the proposer defines the solution (and SOW)

DARPA Scientific Review Process

– Proposals are evaluated on individual merit and relevance as it relates to the stated research goals/objectives rather than against one another

– Selections will be made to proposers whose proposals are determined to be most advantageous to the Government, all factors considered, including potential contributions to research program and availability of funding

Government may select for negotiation all, some, one, or none of the proposals received Government may accept proposals in their entirety or select only portions thereof Government may elect to establish portions of proposal as options

BAA Overview, Cont’d

Multiple Awards Anticipated

Multiple award instrument types:

– Procurement contract

– Cooperative Agreement

– Other Transaction

Phase 1 (Base Period)

– will develop the central chip-scale photonic devices required for a squeezed-light detector.

The two test articles for Phase 1 are a squeezed-light generator with high SR and a phase-sensitive interferometer circuit with low aggregate optical loss.

– 18 months

Phase 2 (Option Period)

– will demonstrate squeezed-light detector prototypes with sensitivity exceeding the quantum shot noise limit in a module with volume comparable to commercial photodetector components. .

– 18 months

BAA Process/Timeline

Distribution Statement A. Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited.

1. BAA published: September 21, 2023

2. Proposers Day: September 22, 2023

3. Abstracts Due: October 27, 2023

4. FAQ Submission Deadline: November 29, 2023

5. Proposals Due: December 18, 2023

7. Proposals are checked for BAA compliance

Non-conforming proposals are not reviewed (and cannot be selected)

8. Government conducts Scientific Review Process

Clarification requests may be sent to various proposers

8. Government sends out notification letters: ~ March 2024

9. Contracts negotiated & awarded (performance start): ~ June 2024

(can assume 1 June 2024 for Pricing)

See BAA for complete date/time information Monitor SAM.gov for any BAA amendment(s)

Eligibility Issues

All interested/qualified sources may respond subject to the parameters outlined in

BAA

Foreign participants/resources may participate to the extent allowed by applicable Security Regulations, Export Control Laws, Non-Disclosure Agreements, etc.

FFRDCs and Government entities:

- Are not prohibited by the BAA from proposing

- Are, however, subject to applicable direct competition limitations

- Are, however, required to demonstrate eligibility (sponsor letter)

The burden to prove eligibility for all such team members rests with the proposer

All elements of a proposal (tech and cost, prime and subs – even FFRDC team members) must be included in the prime’s submission

Conflicts of Interest:

– Real and/or Perceived

- Identify any conflict/s

- If any are identified, a mitigation plan must be included

Abstracts (1 of 2)

Abstracts are strongly encouraged:

1. They minimize unnecessary effort in proposal preparation and review

2. They reduce the potential expense of preparing an out of scope proposal

Government will reply by letter with one of two possible responses:

1. Encourage full proposal, and may provide feedback

2. Discourage full proposal, and will provide feedback

Regardless of DARPA’s response to an abstract, proposers may submit a full proposal

DARPA will review all full proposals submitted without regard to abstract recommendation/feedback

Distribution Statement A. Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited. 8

Abstracts must include the following components:

• Cover Sheet

• Technical Approach and Innovation

• Program Plan

• Proposer Capabilities

Submit UNCLASS submissions to the DARPA BAA Website (https://baa.darpa.mil) per the instructions in Section IV.C.2, “Abstract Submission Information,” of the BAA.

Abstracts (2 of 2)

Max of 6 pages

The total page limit does not include the cover sheet (required) or a submission letter (optional) https://baa.darpa.mil/

Full Proposal Ground Rules

KEY POINTS:

One Technical Area: TA1

Both Phases must be proposed (Base and priced Option)

An organization/company/individual can be on multiple proposals

Submit unclassified proposals ONLY to the DARPA BAA Website (https://baa.darpa.mil)

Click “Finalize Full Proposal” button (otherwise you have not submitted)

Do not submit classified proposals/information to the DARPA BAA Website

If unsure, please follow the instructions in the BAA for inquiring https://baa.darpa.mil/

• Submit drafts early…check your systems!

• Follow the instructions

• Address each of the technical challenges and limitations defined in the solicitation

• Clearly articulate the innovation of your approach (as applied to the technical challenge and limitations)

• Provide evidence of assertions within the proposal

• Develop a compliance matrix to ensure completeness

• Use cost realism

Proposal tips

Distribution Statement A - Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited

Volume 1: Technical/Management Proposal

– Be mindful of the page limitations (25 pages)

– Be sure to respond to all 11 of the required “Detailed Proposal Information” items

• Technical Approach – is the centerpiece of the technical proposal

• Statement of Work – Organize by Phase/Option, then by Tasks. Define all tasks (what you are doing, not how you are doing it) and deliverables (data, software, and material items, as applicable).

– Pay attention to key technical elements in the “Funding Opportunity Description” that must be addressed in all proposals

Volume 2: Cost Proposal

– No page limitations

– DARPA Standard Cost Proposal Spreadsheet (required for all instrument types)

– Fully detailed cost build-ups/estimates (Prime & Subcontractors)(All instrument types)

• Summary Cost Build-up: By phase and performer fiscal year

• Detailed Cost Build-up: By phase, technical task, and month

– Subcontractor proposals are required (to include SOW)

– No Rough Order of Magnitudes (ROMs)

– Certificate of Current Cost/Pricing Data will be required for any procurement contract award meeting the prescribed threshold (i.e., the adequate price competition exemption does not apply to BAAs)

Full Proposal Preparation

Volume 2: Cost Proposal

– DARPA Standard Cost Proposal Spreadsheet 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.

Use the single TA spreadsheet Do not make changes that are specifically prohibited by the instructions Questions are welcomed. Please direct them to costproposal@darpa.mil

Distribution Statement A. Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited.

Full Proposal Preparation, cont’d http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/contract-management

Data Rights

Government desires as few restrictions as possible

If asserting less than Unlimited Rights (e.g., Restrictions):

– Provide and justify basis of assertions using the prescribed format

– Explain how each item will be used to support the proposed research project

– Explain how the Government will be able to reach its program goals (including technology transition)

The proposer (prime) must submit a Data Rights Cert covering the entire team (prime and subcontractors), as applicable

Provide a Data Rights Cert no matter the instrument type being proposed

This information is assessed during evaluations (barriers to transition)

Non-Conforming Proposal Determinations

Failure to submit proposal on time – non-conforming!

– Proposal due date and BAA closing date are the same – so, late is late!

Failure to submit using the correct mechanism – non-conforming!

– Unclassified proposals ONLY to DARPA BAA website

– Classified proposals/information ONLY per “Security Information” section of the BAA

Failure to submit both proposal volumes – non-conforming!

– OT proposals must also include a full cost volume (Cost Realism is an evaluation criterion for all proposals)

– OT proposals must also include a detailed list of payment milestones (Milestone Plan)

Pages beyond the page limitation (tech prop) – additional pages will not be reviewed

ROM/s instead of full subcontract cost proposal/s – non-conforming!

– “I didn’t have time to get the subcontract proposal(s)” will not change the outcome

– “My subcontractor/s would not give me a proposal” will not change the outcome

Missing FFRDC or Government Entity cost proposal – non-conforming!

Communications

Prior to Receipt of Proposals (Solicitation Phase): Follow instructions in

BAA

Typically handled through the FAQ, but see BAA exceptions (e.g., security)

After Receipt of Proposals/Prior to Selections (Scientific Review Phase):

Limited to Contracting Officer or BAA Coordinator (with approval) to address clarifications requested by the review team Proposal cannot be changed in response to clarification requests

After Selection/Prior to Award (Negotiation Phase): Negotiations are conducted by the Contracting Officer PM and/or COR typically tasked with finalizing the SOW (with PI) PM and/or COR typically involved in any technical discussions (i.e., partial selection discussions) Pre-award costs will not be reimbursed unless a pre-award cost agreement is negotiated prior to award

Informal Feedback Sessions (Post Selection): May be requested/provided once the selection(s) are made

– If made on a timely basis (~2 wks after letter), all requests will be accepted

Referenced Links http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/contract-management#SolicitationContracting (General DARPA contract management information) (DARPA Standard Cost Proposal Spreadsheet) http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/additional-baa (general BAA info pertaining to all instrument types) http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/procurementcontracts (info pertaining to contracts) https://acquisitioninnovation.darpa.mil/ (info pertaining to OTs) http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/reps-certs (DARPA-specific reps and certs for all instrument types)

Distribution Statement A. Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited.

http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/contract-management#SolicitationContracting http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/additional-baa http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/procurementcontracts https://acquisitioninnovation.darpa.mil/ http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/reps-certs

INSPIRED Proposers Day September 22, 2023

Distribution Statement “A” (Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited)

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