HR001124C0315 DARPA justification and approval for other than full and open competition
Awarded Limited / Sole Source Justification Posted
- Solicitation number
- HR001124C0315
- Agency
-
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
Department of Defense
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- Contract number
- HR001124C0315 Federal contract award
- NAICS code
- 541714 Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
- Place of performance
- Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency intends to award a sole-source modification to the University of Michigan to continue the Ice Control for Cold Environments (ICE) program into Phase III under FAR 6.302-1, "Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements," with an estimated total value not to exceed $5 million.
The ICE program, initially solicited in August 2022 for Phase I and Phase II, seeks to develop biologically sourced or inspired molecules to enable tuned inhibition or nucleation of ice crystallization, propagation, and adhesion for extreme cold weather Department of War operational challenges. DARPA justifies the sole-source Phase III continuation based on the University of Michigan's unique scientific progress, proprietary data and knowledge including filed patents, specialized personnel and team synergy, and the significant prior government investment of $8.356 million. DARPA determined that a new contractor would require an estimated 12–18 months to replicate specialized laboratory setups and validated testbeds. The justification is further supported by time-sensitive transition goals with DoD partners (CRREL, NAMRU-SA, NAWCAD, NAWCWD) and international testing partnerships (DNDC and NRC in Canada) planning demonstrations for winter 2026–2027 coinciding with major Arctic exercises. DARPA conducted market outreach through a DARPA Connect event but identified no alternative sources. Phase III is structured as a Cost-No-Fee contract with a period of performance of 12–18 months per award, focused on formulation, testing, and scale-up of unique ice-modulating molecules discovered during prior phases. Place of performance is Ann Arbor, Michigan. Award was made on September 24, 2026.
Notice text
The Ice Control for cold Environments (ICE) program BAA was solicited on August 15, 2022, for the purpose of seeking to develop solutions for extreme cold weather DoW operational challenges by discovering and optimizing biologically sourced or inspired molecules to enable tuned inhibition or nucleation of ice crystallization, propagation, and adhesion. The ICE BAA was solicited for Phase I and Phase II with a notional Phase III that was to be solicited at a later date.
This justification provides the rationale for awarding a sole-source modification to the current Phase II contractor, to continue this work into Phase III under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, "Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements."
Awarded contract HR001124C0315 to unknown vendor for unknown amount on 2026-09-24.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Justification_and_Approval_-_ICE_Program Fully U. of Michigan_Redacted.pdf |
Notice history
| Notice | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| This notice | Limited / Sole Source Justification | |
| HR001124C0315 Ice Control for cold Environments (ICE) | Award Notice |
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