Adaptive Capabilities Office (ACO) and Aerospace Projects Office (APO) Office-wide Broad Agency Announcement

Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) solicits innovative proposals for the Adaptive Capabilities Office (ACO) and Aerospace Projects Office (APO) at DARPA. The goal is to support revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems, specifically excluding evolutionary improvements. Proposals can address technology areas for either ACO or APO, but each proposal may only support one office. Efforts should be focused on a single, clearly identifiable research technical area with quantitative metrics.

Adaptive Capabilities Office (ACO) Focus Areas:

• Architecture: Creating and adapting kill webs, using data analytics, and combining resilience technologies. Developing networks for production, raw materials, workforce, and capital.
• Sensing and Tracking: Finding and tracking targets in diverse battlefield conditions, fusing data, and assessing production capabilities globally.
• Lethality: Concepts and applications to improve weapon system lethality.
• Survivability: Technologies to increase survivability for weapons, platforms, and critical infrastructure.
• Sustainability: Adapting combat power through industrial constructs for military and civil production demands.
• Communications: Innovative approaches for resilient, adaptive, and robust communications across all domains.
• Introspection, Forensics, and Reverse Engineering: Rapid analysis of component hardware and software.
• Next-generation network sensing: Techniques for sensing and monitoring networks to detect adversary activity.
• Next-generation tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs): Advancing TTPs for offensive and defensive operations, particularly in cyber and information warfare.
• Advanced Battle Management: Enabling timely, complex battlefield operations.
• Complex All-domain Experimentation: Efficient and credible exploration of kill webs.
• Relevant Non-kinetic Effects: Achieving goals through non-kinetic means.
• Faster Than Real Time Modeling and Simulation: Advanced modeling and simulation of kill webs and warfighting architectures, including supply chains.

Aerospace Projects Office (APO) Focus Areas:

• Structures and Materials: High-temperature metallic materials and structural concepts for thermally driven, weight-efficient airframes.

• High Speed Weapon Separation: Technologies for accommodating hypersonic separation of weapons and bays.

• Dual mode propulsion: Continuous powered operation of a Turbine Based Combined Cycle (TBCC) propulsion system.

• Power Generation: Sufficient power generation for modern avionics and sensor suites.

• Thermal Management Systems: Integrated solutions for managing aircraft and propulsion system thermal environments.

• High Mach Turbine Engine: Efficient TBCC operations during mode transitions.

• Award Instrument Types: Procurement contracts or Other Transactions (OTs).

• Estimated Value: Not stated.

• Period of Performance: Not stated.

• Abstract Due Date: November 30, 2025, 4:00 p.m. ET.

• Proposal Due Date: January 30, 2026, 4:00 p.m. ET.

• Q&A Period Closes: December 20, 2025, 4:00 p.m. ET.

• Evaluation Criteria (Descending Order of Importance):

  1. Overall Scientific and Technical Merit
  2. Potential Contribution and Relevance to the DARPA Mission
  3. Cost Realism

• Submission Process: Abstract phase required before full proposal. Submissions via the Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT).

• All responsible sources (U.S. and non-U.S.) are encouraged to submit.

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Small Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Businesses, and Minority Institutions are encouraged, but no portion is set aside.

• Contractors/performers providing SETA, A&AS, or similar support services are prohibited from being technical performers unless a waiver is granted.

• UARCs and FFRDCs are discouraged from proposing unless by exception; must contact POC prior to abstract due date.

• Multiple awards are anticipated.

• Submissions are anticipated to be unclassified.

• Specific templates and instructions are provided in BAA Attachments A through F.

• DARPA will post consolidated Q&A documents. Questions can be emailed to HR001125S0006@darpa.mil.

• Information on APEX Accelerators and Project Spectrum is provided for business support.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides mandatory proposal instructions and a template for Volume I (Technical and Management) submissions for the HR001125S0006 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) from DARPA's Adaptive Capabilities Office (ACO) and Aerospace Projects Office (APO). Use of this template is required for all proposal submissions.

• Format Requirements: Submissions must be in PDF or Microsoft Word, written in English, formatted for 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins and a minimum 12-point font size (smaller for figures/tables/charts).
• Page Limits: Technical and Management Volumes are limited to a maximum of 30 pages. This limit includes technical figures, tables, and charts but excludes the Cover Sheet, Official Transmittal Letter, Table of Contents, Resumes (Optional), References/Bibliography (Optional), and Technical Papers (Optional).
• Content Structure: The template outlines required sections including: Official Transmittal Letter, Proposal Summary, Goals and Impact, Technical Plan, Management Plan, Personnel Qualifications, Requirements for Government Entities/FFRDCs, Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) Affirmations, Capabilities, Statement of Work (SOW), Schedule and Milestones, Novelty of Proposed Work, Bibliography (Optional), Representations and Certifications, and Intellectual Property (IP).
• Submission Instructions: Proposals must be submitted through the Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT) by the due date and time specified in the Overview Information section.

This document is critical for bidders as it dictates the mandatory format, content, and submission requirements for the Technical and Management Volume of their proposals. Adherence to these instructions, including page limits and specific section content, is essential for proposal review. It also provides detailed guidance on what information to include regarding technical approach, management, personnel, OCI, IP, and other crucial aspects of the proposal.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides a template for bidders to summarize their proposals. It outlines the expected content for a proposal summary slide, including sections for the proposal title, organization name(s), technical POC name(s), a description of the need and problem being addressed, the goal of the proposal, new ideas, and existing approaches or state of the art.

• Proposal Title
• Organization Name(s)
• Technical POC Name(s)
• Description of Need/Problem
• Goal
• New Ideas
• Existing Approaches/State of the Art
• Placeholder for graphics

This template guides bidders on how to structure and present a concise summary of their proposal, likely for initial review or presentation purposes. It helps ensure that key aspects of the proposal are communicated effectively and consistently with the government's expectations for proposal content.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides mandatory instructions and a template for abstract submissions to the HR001125S0006 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) from the Adaptive Capabilities Office (ACO) and Aerospace Projects Office (APO). It must be used in conjunction with Attachment A (Abstract Summary Slide Template) to form a complete abstract submission.

• Format Requirements: Submissions must be in PDF or Microsoft Word, written in English, and formatted for 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins and a minimum 12-point font size (smaller fonts allowed for figures, tables, charts).
• Page Limits: Abstracts are limited to a maximum of 5 pages. This limit includes all figures, tables, and charts but excludes the Cover Sheet, Table of Contents, Bibliography, and optional Technical Papers (max 3).
• Content Sections: The template includes sections for a Cover Sheet, Table of Contents, Goals and Impact, Technical Approach, Capabilities/Management Plan, and Bibliography.
• Cover Sheet Information: Requires details such as Abstract Title, Proposer Organization, Technical and Administrative POCs, estimated cost and period of performance, and identification of other proposed concepts.
• Abstract Content Guidance: Provides specific questions and prompts for describing the proposed work, its innovative aspects, technical approach, limitations of current methods, DoD implementation, cost/timeline estimates, challenges, milestones, team expertise, and bibliography.

This template is essential for any proposer intending to submit an abstract for this BAA. Adherence to these instructions, including page limits, formatting, and content requirements, is mandatory for a valid submission. The abstract submission process is a prerequisite to submitting a full proposal, and DARPA will provide feedback on abstracts to guide proposers.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the DARPA Standard Cost Proposal Spreadsheet (Single Technical Area), November 2021 version. Its purpose is to assist government personnel in reviewing and evaluating cost proposals. Proposers are responsible for providing adequate supporting data and proving the reasonableness of proposed costs.

• The spreadsheet is designed for cost proposals regardless of award instrument (grant, cooperative agreement, contract, other transaction, or technology investment agreement).
• It requires cost breakdowns by task and by period of performance (Base and Options).
• Proposers must fill in yellow fields on the 'General', 'Proposer Constants', 'Labor Rates', and 'Indirect Rates' tabs before entering other data.
• Unpriced options are not accepted; all options must be fully priced.
• The spreadsheet includes tabs for 'Base', 'O-I' through 'O-V', 'Total Amount', and various detail sheets for subcontractors, consultants, travel, materials, equipment, etc.
• Proposers may add additional cost categories but must ensure they track to the 'Total Amount' tab.

This spreadsheet is a mandatory tool for submitting cost proposals for this opportunity. Bidders must use this template to detail all proposed costs, including direct labor, fringe benefits, overhead, subcontractors, consultants, travel, materials, and equipment. Accurate and complete data entry is crucial for proposal evaluation and negotiation. Specific instructions are provided within the spreadsheet tabs for data entry and formatting requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for an abstract summary slide, intended to guide presenters in organizing information about a project or opportunity. It outlines key sections to be included when describing a need, goal, and proposed solutions.

• Abstract Title: The main title for the summary.
• Organization Name(s): Identification of the involved organizations.
• Technical POC Name(s): Names of the technical points of contact.
• Description of Need/Problem: Articulation of the issue being addressed.
• Description of Goal: The intended outcome or objective.
• Description of New Ideas: Presentation of innovative concepts.
• Description of Existing Approaches/State of the Art: Overview of current methods or technologies.

While this is a template and not a solicitation itself, it provides insight into the type of information the government may expect or request in future submissions or presentations related to this opportunity (HR001125S0006). Bidders may find it useful to understand the structure and content expected for abstract summaries, particularly if they are required to provide similar information in their proposals or briefings.

Amendment / Modification

This addendum provides supplemental clauses that may be included in awards based on specific circumstances, in addition to the baseline model contracts for large and small businesses (typically for awards under $2M).

The following clauses are introduced based on contract value thresholds:

Contracts > $2M:

• 52.215-23 Limitations on Pass-Through Charges
• 52.215-10 Price Reduction for Defective Certified Cost or Pricing Data
• 52.215-12 Subcontractor Certified Cost or Pricing Data
• 52.215-15 Pension Adjustments and Asset Reversions
• 52.215-18 Reversion or Adjustment of Plans for Postretirement Benefits (PRB) Other Than Pensions
• 52.15-19 Notification of Ownership Changes
• 52.215-21 Requirements for Certified Cost or Pricing Data and Data Other Than Certified Cost or Pricing Data – Modifications
• 52.230-2 Cost Accounting Standards (Large Businesses Only)
• 52.230-6 Administration of Cost Accounting Standards (Large Businesses Only)
• 252.215-7002 Cost Estimating System Requirements
• 252.242-7005 Contractor Business Systems (Large Businesses Only)

Contracts > $5M:

• 252.225-7058 Postaward Disclosure of Employment of Individuals Who Work in the People's Republic of China

Contracts > $6M:

• 52.203-13 Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct
• 52.210-1 Market Research
• 252.203-7003 Agency Office of the Inspector General
• 252.203-7004 Display of Hotline Poster(s)

Contracts > $15M:

• 252.225-7004 Report of Intended Performance Outside the United States and Canada—Submission after Award

Contracts Containing Options:

• 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract

Contracts Involving Access to Classified Information:

• 52.204-2 Security Requirements
• 52.227-10 Filing of Patent Applications—Classified Subject Matter
• 252.226-7003 Drug-Free Work Force
• 252.239-7016 Telecommunications Security Equipment, Devices, Techniques, and Services

Contracts With Educational Institutions:

• 52.209-14 Reserve Officer Training Corps and Military Recruitment on Campus
• 52.230-5 Cost Accounting Standards—Educational Institution
• 52.249-5 Termination for Convenience of the Government (Educational and Other Nonprofit Institutions)

Bidders should review these clauses to understand potential contractual requirements based on the anticipated award value and specific circumstances of the contract. These clauses will be incorporated into the final contract if applicable.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for a Statement of Work (SOW) that will be incorporated into a contract. It outlines the structure and content required for defining project tasks, objectives, and deliverables.

• 1.0 BACKGROUND: To be populated with program background information from the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA).
• 2.0 PROJECT OVERVIEW: To describe the project's purpose, goals, objectives, and metrics. It should focus on what the performer is doing and why it matters, avoiding "proposal speak."
• 3.0 TASKS/TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: Details the specific tasks the contractor shall accomplish, organized by Base Period and subsequent tasks.
• 4.0 MILESTONES: To outline major milestones associated with the period of performance, including meaningful metrics.

This template serves as a guide for understanding the expected structure and content of the Statement of Work that will define the contractor's responsibilities and deliverables under the contract. Bidders should use this to anticipate the level of detail required in their proposals regarding technical approach and execution.

Other / Unclassified

This document is an "Other Transaction" agreement (10 U.S.C. § 4022) between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and a "Performer" (company name to be inserted) for a research and development program focused on developing a prototype. It outlines the terms and conditions governing the collaboration, including scope, term, management, payment, intellectual property rights, data rights, and security.

This document establishes the framework for a potential research and development project. Key aspects for bidders include:

• Scope: The Performer is responsible for developing a prototype as detailed in Attachment 1 (Task Description Document) and meeting reporting requirements in Attachment 2.
• Payment: Fixed payments are tied to milestone completion as outlined in Attachment 3 (Schedule of Milestones and Payments).
• Intellectual Property & Data Rights: Articles VII and VIII detail the rights of both the Government and the Performer regarding inventions and data generated during the agreement.
• Foreign Access: Article IX outlines restrictions on transferring technology to foreign firms or institutions.
• Cybersecurity: Article X mandates safeguarding Covered Defense Information (CDI) and reporting cyber incidents per NIST SP 800-171.
• Follow-on Opportunities: Article XI indicates the possibility of a follow-on production contract or Other Transaction after successful completion.
• Reporting: Various reports are required, including technical status, business status, a Data Management Plan, and final reports, to be submitted via the DARPA VAULT website.
• Property: Article XII addresses the acquisition and disposition of property, with specific clauses depending on whether property exceeds $5,000 in value.
• Public Release: Article XV requires prior DARPA approval for any public release of information developed under the agreement.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Baseline Model Contract (Small Business)" which serves as a template or form for a contract award. It outlines the structure and key sections of a contract, including administrative details, contract clauses, and attachments.

• Award/Contract Information: Includes contract number, effective date, issuing office, and contractor details (to be determined).
• Contract Type: Indicated as TBD, suggesting it will be specified at the time of award.
• Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs): Details are provided for CLIN 0001 (Base Period, CPFF), CLIN 0002 (Reports and Deliverables, CPFF), and CLIN 0003 (Contractor-Acquired Property, CPFF). Specific details for these CLINs are marked as TBD or NSP (Not Separately Priced).
• Table of Contents: Outlines the structure of the contract, divided into Part I (The Schedule), Part II (Contract Clauses), Part III (List of Documents, Exhibits and Other Attachments), and Part IV (Representations and Instructions).
• Incorporated Clauses: Numerous FAR and DFARS clauses are incorporated by reference, covering a wide range of topics including definitions, contract administration, payment instructions, safeguarding of information, equal opportunity, subcontracts, and more.
• Attachments: References Attachment 1 (Statement of Work), Attachment 1A (Additional Requirements), and Attachment 2 (Data Rights Assertions List).

This document provides the foundational structure and standard clauses for a contract. Bidders should review the incorporated clauses and the referenced attachments (SOW, Additional Requirements, Data Rights Assertions) to understand the specific requirements, terms, and conditions that will govern the awarded contract. The "TBD" entries indicate areas where specific details will be finalized during the award process.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides instructions and a template for preparing the Cost Volume of a proposal for the HR001125S0006 opportunity. It details the required format, content, and submission guidelines for cost proposals.

• Format: 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper, 1-inch margins, minimum 11-point font size (smaller for figures/tables). Submissions must be in English, PDF or Microsoft Word for the Cost Volume, and separate files for spreadsheets.
• Content: Must address the full program (base + options). No page limit specified for the Cost Volume. Information not related to cost will not be considered.
• Required Attachments: Use Attachment E (this document) and Attachment F (MS ExcelTM DARPA Standard Cost Proposal Spreadsheet).
• Cost Breakdown: Detailed requirements for Cost Summary (by phase/base+options and fiscal year) and Cost Details (broken down by phase, fiscal year, month, and SOW task). Specific sections cover Direct Labor, Indirect Costs, Materials, Equipment, Travel, Other Direct Costs (ODCs), Cost Sharing, Consultant Costs, and Subawardee Costs.
• Traceability: Costs must be traceable between prime and sub-awardees, and between the cost volume and the SOW, ensuring consistent task structure.
• Subawardee Proposals: Prime proposer is responsible for compiling and submitting all non-proprietary sub-awardee cost proposals. Proprietary proposals can be included in the Cost Volume or emailed separately by the sub-awardee.
• Cover Sheet: Includes fields for Proposal Title, Proposer Organization, Type of Organization, POCs, Award Instrument, Place/Period of Performance, Team Members, Total Proposed Cost, SAM.gov UEI, TIN, CAGE code, DCMA/ONR POC, DCAA POC, Date Prepared, and Proposal Validity Period.
• Specific Requirements: Includes sections for proposers requesting a procurement contract (Certified Cost or Pricing Data, Small Business Subcontracting Plan, Approved Cost Accounting System Documentation) and for those requesting an Other Transaction for Prototypes (nontraditional contractor status, teaming, cost share, milestones).

This document is critical for bidders to understand how to structure and submit their cost proposals accurately. Adherence to these instructions, including the use of the provided spreadsheet and detailed cost breakdowns, is essential for proposal completeness and evaluation. It outlines specific requirements for both procurement contracts and Other Transactions.