MICA_Proposers_Day_Program_Overview_Revised__1_.pptx

Distribution Statement A – Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited Microsystem Induced CAtalysis (MICA) Todd Bauer Program Manager

DARPA MTO

MICA Proposers Day 23 January 2025, Revised 28 January 2025

MICA Proposers’ Day Agenda

DARPA’s Role in S&T Ecosystem Create breakthrough, paradigm-shifting solutions.

Accept and manage significant technology risk.

Disrupt or massively accelerate technology roadmaps.

DISTAR 39600

Scientific Disruption in MTO

MTO is pursuing ideas and people in photonic, quantum, and organic circuits

Quantum Circuits (QCs) Organic Circuits (OCs) Photonic Circuits (PCs)

Microsystem Induced CAtalysis (MICA) Todd Bauer Program Manager

DARPA MTO

MICA Proposers Day 23 January 2025

[1] 10nm Source: [1] J. L. Watson, Nature (2023) Prepare your questions!

What Is a Molecular Microsystem?

Distribution Statement A – Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited Catalysts integrated with a microsystem capable of directly controlling catalytic activity substrate high-impact product intermediate

Proposer’s Day Key Questions How can we use microsystems to actively control catalytic molecules?

What are the different microsystem physics that we can use to drive catalyst function?

What co-design approaches can we use to integrate the physics of microsystems and molecules?

Molecular Microsystem Applications Distribution Statement A – Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited Material synthesis Medical therapeutics and interventions Biothreat surveillance and mitigation

Enzyme 1 Enzyme 2 Enzyme 3 acetaminophen

Countermeasures

MICA Goals and Technical Approaches Distribution Statement A – Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited Program goal: Develop a new class of microsystem architectures to enable predictable control of catalytic molecules by microsystem-generated physical forces TC1: Achieving and maintaining functional accuracy TC2: Integrating microsystems with catalysts with attachment accuracy Two Technical Areas Key Insights:

Simulation breakthroughs combining machine learning with physics-based simulations Self-assembling structures for accurate molecule attachment

Technical Challenge 1 (TC1):

Achieving and Maintaining Functional Accuracy Distribution Statement A – Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited MICA is open to diverse modeling/sim approaches aligned with the program metrics and timeline Modeling Modeling

Molecular structure Surface physics

100 µm

50 nm

Challenges:

Catalyst design is based on studies of static samples in solution

Catalyst physics near microsystem surfaces is not known

Catalyst designed for solution loses structure and function near microsystem surface

Catalyst in solution Catalyst attached to microsystem [1]

Technical Challenge 2 (TC2):

Integrating Microsystems and Catalysts with Attachment Accuracy Distribution Statement A – Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited MICA is open to diverse design and fabrication approaches aligned with the program metrics and timeline

~15 nm Microsystem Inaccurate placement and orientation 5 nm Incomplete attachment at registration sites

Lithography limit

Challenges:

Accurate placement on microsystem required to achieve reliable catalyst function

Covalent chemistries and electrical charge can attach biomolecules to surfaces, but with yield and scalability issues

MICA Program Metrics Distribution Statement A – Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited

Extensibility

MICA Program Metrics - Notes Distribution Statement A – Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited Catalyst type refers to a catalytic chemistry that transforms substrate(s) into product(s) that could drive biological function or synthesize relevant material. Control physics refers to the force(s) generated by the microsystem that control the activity of the catalyst.

Structural accuracy is measured as the root mean square deviation (RMDS measured in angstroms [Å]) of a physical molecule attached to a surface, compared to the model.

Functional accuracy is measured as the relative activity of a molecule (with units of moles of product generated per second), attached to the surface and under the influence of the physical force delivered by the microsystem, compared to that predicted by the model.

Attachment sites are discrete locations on the microsystem where molecules are immobilized.

Placement is measured as the distance between the actual location of the attached molecule and the intended location of the attached molecule. This measurement will be applied across all successful attachments. The average difference in distance must be at or below the placement accuracy metric, measured in nanometers.

Placement yield is the fraction of physically attached molecules that meet the placement accuracy metric.

MICA Program Structure Distribution Statement A – Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited

FY25

FY26

FY27

FY28

FY29

Anticipated period of performance start: August 2025

Phase 1 – Establish Predictability Objective Prove the feasibility of microsystem induced catalysis Demonstrate control of at least a single catalyst type with at least 3 different control physics Assess ability to accurately predict the structure, function and placement of catalysts at the microsystem interface Key Metrics and Deliverables Predict structural accuracy of attached catalysts within 1 nm rms Predict functional accuracy of attached catalyst within 50% Demonstrate catalyst placement accuracy within 100 nm Deliver report on TA1:TA2 collaboration Deliver verification and validation plan for EOP demos Deliver a PDR for a Phase 2 reaction cascade(s) with at least 6 catalysts attached at 1000 sites Goals:

Single catalyst controlled by 3 physics Catalysts attached at 100 unique sites Fabrication yield of 50%

1 catalyst type, 3 different control physics

Phase 2 – Extend to Complex Functions Objective Demonstrate size and complexity scaling Demonstrate control of at least six catalyst types with at least 3 different control physics Improve ability to accurately predict the structure, function and placement of catalysts at the microsystem interface Key Metrics and Deliverables Predict structural accuracy of attached catalysts within 5 Å rms Predict functional accuracy of attached catalyst within 90% Demonstrate catalyst placement accuracy within 50 nm Deliver report on TA1:TA2 collaboration Deliver verification and validation plan for EOP demos Perform a live functional reaction cascade demonstration(s) Goals:

6 catalysts controlled by 3 physics Catalysts attached at 1000 unique sites Fabrication yield of 90%

Multi-catalyst reaction cascades under microsystem control

Each proposal must address a single technical area A single proposal must not address both technical areas Any given offeror can propose to both technical areas but each technical area requires a separate proposal A given offeror cannot participate in more than one proposal in a given TA Exception: foundry-based microfabrication service providers. A microfabrication foundry can be a subawardee on multiple TA2 proposals if the proposed approaches do not overlap. Overlap is determined by the Government Scientific Review Officer.

Notes on Program Structure Further details in the BAA

The BAA solicits technical and cost proposals for Phase 1 and Phase 2 Proposals should address the availability and access to any required specialized fabrication equipment as well as the development of test capabilities While not required, DARPA encourages performer teaming as appropriate to achieve program outcomes Proposals should address risks associated with fabrication equipment, test capabilities, and teaming agreements that might impact meeting program milestones on schedule To facilitate interactions between the two technical areas, TA1 and TA2 performers will engage under the provisions of associate contractor agreements Notes on Program Structure

Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) Distribution Statement A – Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited Testing the structure and function of catalysts at interfaces will present unique challenges All submitted proposals should outline technical tasks regarding developing a test plan and capability to demonstrate meeting or exceeding the metrics Innovations in test to support demonstration of program metrics are acceptable where proposals demonstrate necessity Direct experimental demonstrations of program metrics are required Where appropriate, proposers may propose to leverage government test facility capabilities Performers will be required to collaborate with the Government IV&V team in development of a performer-specific IV&V plans, which will detail the deliverables (e.g., data, algorithms), experimental results, and sufficient documentation to support evaluation, two months before the conclusion of each phase

Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) Distribution Statement A – Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited Without appropriate controls, technologies that interact with biology can pose risks All submitted proposals should include a concise plan to consider and report on the ethical, legal, and societal implications of their work Biocontainment, biosafety, biosecurity Compliance with Biological Weapons Convention, Chemical Weapons Convention, and U.S. legislation Each team should designate a team member to serve as their ELSI advocate Representative will report on and discuss approaches to efficiently manage ELSI for MICA technologies MICA ELSI activities will include:

Quarterly virtual meetings Interactions with independent ELSI working group Can we achieve engineering controls on the use of MICA technology?

Proposal submissions are anticipated to be unclassified The MICA program is anticipated to be a mix of unclassified fundamental research and non-fundamental research CUI protection is detailed in a program CUI guide Each proposal should have a plan that delineates the approach for ensuring compliance with the program CUI protection plan The MICA program is not seeking proposals that result in the production of chemicals on the US Munitions List or the Commerce Control List

All inquiries should be addressed to the BAA inbox: MICA@darpa.mil MICA Program Security

BAA Details

Abstracts are encouraged but not required (Attachments A and B) 5-page limit DARPA will provide feedback on whether a full proposal is encouraged or discouraged Allows feedback to proposers on whether a proposed approach or technology fits within the BAA Prevents effort spent by proposers on assembling a proposal that may not be successful Proposal Guidelines Questions: MICA@darpa.mil

Proposals (Attachments C, D, E + all other applicable attachments)

Written Content – 25-page limit Expand and refine the Abstract content Provide detailed Statement of Work (or Task Description Document) Include all required attachments; attachments do not count towards the page limit Cost Proposal – no page limit Proposal Guidelines

Overall:

Provide a detailed analysis that explicitly states how the proposed approach will overcome technical challenges to meet the program goals and objectives Provide a Statement of Work delineating the tasks and activities supporting the proposed approach Each phase of the program must be separately defined in the Statement of Work Include a SOW for each subcontractor and/or consultant in the Cost Proposal Volume.

In addition:

Proposers should provide an abbreviated discussion of the significance of the proposed chemistry, a vision for technology commercialization, and an application impact projection Elements of a Successful Proposal

Goal: Develop multiscale modeling and simulation tools that accurately predict the catalytic activity of attached catalysts in response to physical forces generated by the microsystem.

Describe the current state of catalyst structure and function prediction at inorganic interfaces Discuss projected accuracy tolerances of the proposed catalyst structure and function prediction tool(s) Discuss the computational approaches on which the proposed tool(s) is based Describe the physical systems, force fields and boundary conditions supported Describe desired feedback from measurements of physical instantiations to improve accuracy Include analysis of all factors limiting accuracy Discuss the computational resources required for the proposed tool(s) and future scaling projections Elements of a Successful Proposal - TA1

Goal: Develop design and fabrication approaches that result in accurate placement and robust attachment of catalytic molecules to microsystems to enable multi-catalyst reaction cascades.

Describe the current state of catalyst design for molecules integrated at inorganic surfaces Describe the proposed catalysts and their associated chemical reactions that produce high-impact products Discuss the detailed physical interactions between force field(s) and the catalyst(s) driving activity control Describe attachment methods for molecule placement and orientation control Describe how your attachment approach is manufacturable at various system scales (e.g., die, interposer, wafer) and is compatible with traditional microelectronics fabrication processes Describe how the approach can meet placement accuracy goals, while maintaining high-yield Discuss the anticipated process yield, reproducibility, and environmental robustness Describe desired feedback from modeling and simulation to improve structural and functional accuracy

Elements of a Successful Proposal - TA2

Proposal Timeline Distribution Statement A – Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited BAA Posting Date: 21 January 2025 Proposers Day: 23 January 2025 Abstract due date: 10 February 2025 at 1:00 PM ET Frequently Asked Questions deadline: 26 February 2025 at 4:00 PM ET Proposal Due Date: 20 March 2025 at 1:00 PM ET Estimated period of performance start: 1 August 2025

Overall Scientific and Technical Merit Demonstrate that the proposed technical approach is innovative, feasible, achievable, and complete.

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

Potential Contribution and Relevance to the DARPA Mission Discuss how the proposed effort addresses the DARPA goals of technology transition and facilitates access to MICA technologies for DoD applications.

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

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

Evaluation Criteria

DARPA prohibits contractors/performers from concurrently providing Systems Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA), Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS), or similar support services and being a technical performer, unless the DARPA Deputy Director grants a written waiver

To ensure fair competition across the ecosystem, UARCs and FFRDCs are prohibited from proposing in any capacity, whether as a Prime or Subcontractor

UARCs and FFRDCs interested in participating in MICA should contact the Agency Point of Contact (POC) listed in the Overview section of the solicitation to discuss potential participation as part of the Government team Eligibility Information

Submit early MICA abstracts are strongly encouraged Adhere to the abstract and full proposal guidance and templates provided as BAA Attachments Corroborate all technical claims with analytical or experimental evidence Submit only one proposal per lead organization When in doubt, refer to the BAA for guidance Reminders

Todd Bauer, Program Manager John M. Hoffman, Technical SETA Pierre-Alain Auroux, Technical SETA Jessica Dillard, Programmatic SETA Christopher Esch, Program Security The MICA Team www.darpa.mil

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

Microsystems Induced CAtalysis

(MICA)

Proposers Day

January 23, 2025

Brian Nuckols Contracting Officer DARPA Contracts Management Office

Proposers Day Disclaimer The purpose of Proposers Day is to make general information available to potential proposers to clarify program goals/objectives and proposal preparation instructions.

However:

The information/instructions in the BAA takes precedence over any other source of information to include proposers day.

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

Any response provided by the Government in the FAQ that’s different than what is provided in 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 BAAs allow for a variety of technical solutions The BAA defines the problem set, the proposer defines the solution (and SOW) Allows for multiple award instrument types:

Procurement Contract or Other Transaction Anticipated Funding Type: 6.2 (Applied Research) Restricted research for for-profit team members (prime or subcontractor) Fundamental research for universities (prime and subcontractor)

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

MICA BAA Timeline Dates/Time: All Times are Eastern Time Zone (ET)

Posting Date: 21 January 2025

Proposers’ Day: 23 January 2025

Abstracts Due: 10 February 2025, 1:00 PM

Question Submittal Closed: 26 February 2025, 4:00 PM

Proposal Due: 20 March 2025, 1:00 PM

Estimated Period of Performance Start: 1 August 2025

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

MICA Program Structure MICA will be a 39-month, two-phase program that will be executed in two separate but aligned technical areas (TA1 and TA2).

TA1, Phase 1 (Base) will be 21 months, Phase 2 (Option) will be 18 months TA2, Phase 1 (Base) will be 21 months, Phase 2 (Option) will be 18 months

Both TAs will run concurrently during the 21-month Phase 1.

Proposers should anticipate working directly and collaboratively with teams in the other technical area through Associate Contractor Agreements (ACAs) which must be executed prior to kickoff in each phase.

A single proposal shall not address both technical areas. However, proposers may submit two separate proposals, each addressing a single technical area.

In most cases, organizations can not be part of multiple proposal teams in a given technical area

MICA BAA Information and Special Considerations The MICA BAA will allow for multiple award instrument types to be awarded to include Procurement Contracts, and Other Transactions for Prototype.

Informational MICA Attachments will include Baseline Model Contracts, and Model Other Transaction for Prototype (proposer must confirm acceptance of the model, or justify and request minor revisions)

DARPA anticipates that submissions received under this BAA will be unclassified and may be CUI. However, the program is subject to MICA Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Guide.

Based on market intelligence and an alternate structured approach, the Fee range determined reasonable for procurement contract awards under MICA is 6.0% - 8.8%.

Proposers should propose a fee that falls within the above range and need not include any further fee justification. Elimination of fee as a negotiation item is expected to result in reduced contracting timelines for any proposal selected for award negotiation.

This structured approach may not apply to Other Transactions requested by nontraditional defense contractors.

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

To ensure fair competition across the ecosystem, UARCs and FFRDCs (including National Labs) are prohibited from proposing in any capacity, whether as a Prime or Subcontractor.

UARCs and FFRDCs interested in participating in MICA should contact the Agency Point of Contact (POC) listed in the Overview section of the solicitation prior to the proposal (or abstract) due date to discuss potential participation as part of the Government team.

Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI):

Cannot simultaneously serve in advisory (i.e., SETA, IV&V, etc.) and performer role Identify any conflicts If any are identified, a mitigation plan must be included

Proposal Eligibility Considerations, cont’d At the time of proposal submission:

Proposers must have a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code and a Unique Entity ID (UEI) registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at SAM.gov.

At the time of contract award:

Proposers must be registered in the prescribed Government invoicing system (Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF): https://wawf.eb.mil/xhtml/unauth/registration/notice.xhtml).

Proposal Abstracts Abstracts are strongly encouraged:

They minimize unnecessary effort in proposal preparation and review They reduce the potential expense of preparing an out-of-scope proposal

The abstract provides a synopsis of the proposed project (tech and budget)

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

Encourage full proposal, and may provide feedback Discourage full proposal, and will provide rational

DARPA will not communicate further (verbally or in writing)

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

Data Rights Government expects a minimum of GPR for all data or software to be delivered - however….

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

1. Identify the specific tasks within the Statement of Work (SOW), Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), or Task Description Document (TDD) to which the item applies and explain its relevance.

2. Specify the data or software to be delivered (not just the title). Indicate whether the item is a standalone deliverable. If it is not a standalone deliverable, describe its connection to or integration with other contract deliverables.

3. For items developed wholly or partially at private expense, provide a development timeline with key milestones and supporting documentation, such as private funding records, evidence of development history, and any proprietary information to confirm no Government funds were used.

4. Certify the item will not be developed, modified, or altered using Government funds during contract performance.

This information is assessed during evaluations (barriers to transition)

Tips for a compliant proposal Submit the proposal on time!

Proposal due date and BAA closing date are the same – do not be late!

Submit using the correct mechanism!

Unclassified proposals (for procurement contract or OT) ONLY to DARPA BAA website Classified proposals/information ONLY per “Security Information” section of the BAA

Submit both proposal volumes!

All proposals must include a full cost volume and supporting documents (FPRA, FPRR, PBR, Suppliers Quotes, Paystubs, Basis of Estimates) All proposals requesting an OT award instrument must include a detailed list of key, observable payment milestones (Milestone Plan) All proposals must include a list of identified deliverables (BAA requested and additional proposed)

Submit withing the page limitations described in the BAA!

Pages beyond the limit will not be reviewed

Follow the instructions in the BAA and attachments!

Submit the subcontract proposal/s Submit technical references and cost supporting documentation Use the DARPA Cost Proposal spreadsheet Ensure all sections are complete and accurate

Communication Prior to Receipt of Proposals (Solicitation Phase): No restrictions, however Gov’t (PM/PCO) shall not dictate solutions or transfer technology Typically handled through the FAQ, but see BAA exceptions

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 www.darpa.mil

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