Automated Discovery for Design and Control of Turbulent Systems (AutoDIDACTS)

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) from DARPA's Defense Sciences Office solicits innovative proposals for the data-informed development of generalizable models and principles for aeronautical design and the optimal control of turbulent systems. The program, named AutoDIDACTS, aims to enable revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems, specifically excluding evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice. The principal objective is to demonstrate the use of precision ground-truth experimental data to derive macroscale design principles and surrogate models that can guide aeronautical design.

Proposals should focus on one of two areas for Phase I (24 months):

1. Development of macroscale design principles that are more generalizable and exhibit greater predictive capability across flow regimes and boundary conditions.
2. Development of predictive surrogate models amenable to design exploration and optimization across a wide class of airfoils, flow conditions, and multi-objective constraints.

Key challenges include rigorous uncertainty quantification, interpretability of models, and demonstration of universality.

• Anticipated award instrument types: Procurement contracts, cooperative agreements, or Other Transaction Agreements for Research.

• Multiple awards are anticipated.

• Phase I is a 24-month base period. Phase II (24 months) will focus on challenge problems to be specified in a future solicitation.

• Target start date: September 2026.

• Proposal Abstract Due Date: April 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET

• Question Submittal Closed: May 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET

• Proposal Due Date: May 20, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET

• Evaluation Criteria: Overall Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution and Relevance to the DARPA Mission, and Cost and Schedule Realism.

• 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 to submit, but no portion is set aside.

• Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 1 compliance is required for procurement contracts.

• This BAA is for Phase I only. Phase II Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) information is requested for planning purposes.

• Collaboration among performers is expected.

• Proposals must address all goals of Phase I; partial solutions will not be considered.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides the instructions and template for submitting the Cost Volume of a proposal for the HR001126S0008: Automated Discovery for Design and Control of Turbulent Systems (AutoDIDACTS) opportunity. It is intended for proposers requesting a Procurement Contract or Other Transaction (OT) for Research. Proposers requesting a Cooperative Agreement should use the SF424 (R&R) Budget form via Grants.gov.

• Cost Volume Content: Must address the full program (base + options) and include all specified components. Information not related to cost will not be considered.
• Formatting: 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper, 1-inch margins, minimum 11-point font (8 or 10-point for figures/tables). Submissions must be in English, PDF or Microsoft Word format.
• Required Spreadsheet: All proposers must use Attachment F (DARPA Cost Proposal Spreadsheet) in an editable format with intact formulas. This spreadsheet must be used by the prime and all subcontractors.
• Cost Traceability: Costs must be traceable between the prime and subawardees, and between the cost volume and the SOW, ensuring a consistent task structure.
• Subawardee Costs: Prime proposer is responsible for compiling and submitting non-proprietary subawardee cost proposals. Proprietary proposals can be included in the Cost Volume or emailed separately by the subawardee.
• Cover Sheet: Includes fields for Proposal Title, Proposer Organization, Type of Organization, POCs (Technical and Administrative), Award Instrument Requested, Period of Performance, Other Team Members, Place of Performance, Total Proposed Cost (by Government Fiscal Year and Calendar Year), UEI, TIN, CAGE code, DCMA/ONR POC, DCAA POC, Date Prepared, and Proposal Validity Period.
• Cost Breakdown: Detailed sections for Cost Summary, Cost Details, Direct Labor, Indirect Costs, Materials, Equipment Purchases, Travel, Other Direct Costs (ODCs), Cost Sharing, Consultant Costs, and Subawardee Costs.
• Specific Requirements: Includes sections for Rate Agreements, requirements for procurement contracts (Certified Cost or Pricing Data, Small Business Subcontracting Plan, Approved Cost Accounting System Documentation), and requirements for Other Transaction for Prototypes (nontraditional contractor status, teaming, cost share, milestones).

This document is critical for bidders to understand the specific requirements for developing and submitting their cost proposals. It outlines the required format, content, and submission procedures, including the mandatory use of the DARPA Cost Proposal Spreadsheet and the need for cost traceability. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in a non-compliant proposal.

Cooperative Agreement

This document outlines a Cooperative Agreement between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and a recipient for research supporting DARPA's XXXX Program. The research will be conducted generally as described in Exhibit B, Research Description Document, and the Recipient's proposal.

• Period of Performance: Includes a Base Period (Phase 1) and an optional Phase 2. Specific start and end dates are TBD.

• Substantial Involvement: The U.S. Government expects significant involvement in managing, controlling, directing, and performing the research, including influencing research direction and approving analysis mechanisms.

• Exhibits: The agreement incorporates several exhibits, including DARPA's Addendum to DoD R&D General Terms and Conditions (Exhibit A), Research Description Document (Exhibit B), GOR Appointment Memo (Exhibit C), Certifications (Exhibit D), and Property/Equipment (Exhibit E).

• Total Funds Obligated: $XXX,XXX (specific amounts for Base and Option periods are detailed).

• Cost Share: If applicable, committed cost share is XX% and must meet criteria in §200.306(b).

• Payment: Reimbursement basis via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) through the Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) system.

• Performance Reports: Annual and Final Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPR) are required.

• Financial Reports: A Financial Status Report (SF-425) is due 120 days after award completion.

• Data Management Plan: Due 30 days after award.

• Other Reports: Monthly/Quarterly Technical and Cost Reports may be required, depending on PM direction.

• Grants Officer’s Representative (GOR)

• Program Manager (PM)

• Grants Officer

• DARPA Research Services

• Assistant Director, Program Management (ADPM)

• Administration Office

• Principal Investigator (PI)

• Public Release: Generally assumes fundamental research, allowing for unlimited distribution unless research character changes. Specific procedures for public release requests are outlined.

• Intellectual Property: Subject inventions must be reported via i-Edison.gov.

• Prohibition on Confidentiality Agreements: Prohibits agreements that restrict reporting of fraud, waste, or abuse.

• University Student/Researcher Funding: Provisions for continued funding of Ph.D. students and post-docs if research activities end early.

• Required certifications include Debarment/Suspension, Drug-Free Workplace, Lobbying, and representations regarding unpaid tax liability and felony convictions. A certification regarding internal confidentiality agreements is also required.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a model "Other Transaction" (OT) agreement template that DARPA provides for proposer consideration. It outlines the general terms and conditions that DARPA intends to include in awards made under this authority. Proposers may suggest edits to this model OT, providing a copy with track changes as part of their proposal package. Any suggested changes will not be evaluated and may be rejected at DARPA's discretion.

• Agreement Structure: Details the articles and attachments governing the "Other Transaction" agreement, including scope, term, management, payment, disputes, patent rights, data rights, foreign access, safeguarding information, and property.
• Scope of Agreement: Defines the research and development effort, including background, definitions, scope, and goals/objectives.
• Term and Termination: Outlines the agreement duration and conditions for termination.
• Milestones and Payments: Specifies that payments are tied to milestone completion as detailed in Attachment 3.
• Intellectual Property: Covers patent rights and data rights, including government purpose rights and unlimited rights under certain conditions.
• Reporting Requirements: Details various reports required, including technical status, business status, data management plans, and final reports.
• Certifications: Includes required certifications for performers.

This document is crucial for potential bidders to understand the contractual framework and terms that will govern any award. It allows proposers to identify specific clauses they may wish to propose modifications for, ensuring alignment with their proposed technical approach and business objectives. Reviewing this model OT is essential for assessing the overall terms of potential awards.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the Associate Contractors Agreement (ACA) required for the AutoDIDACTS research effort. It details the expectations for collaboration, information exchange, and coordination among associate contractors to ensure the success of the research effort. This agreement language may be included in procurement contract awards against HR001126S0008.

• Information Exchange: Emphasizes the need for open exchange of information between Associate Contractors.
• Proprietary Data: Defines how proprietary or confidential data received from other Associate Contractors must be handled, protected, and used solely for the AutoDIDACTS research effort.
• Cooperation: Requires close cooperation, including maintaining liaison, an open information network, delineating interface responsibilities, and entering into written agreements with other Associate Contractors.
• Dispute Resolution: Outlines a process for notifying the Government Program Manager if Associate Contractors cannot agree on interface matters.
• Subcontracting: Mandates that the ACA language be included in all subcontracts requiring access to Associate Contractor proprietary information.

Potential bidders should review this agreement to understand the collaborative requirements and data handling protocols expected if they are selected as an Associate Contractor. It highlights the necessity of close coordination with other entities involved in the AutoDIDACTS research effort and the procedures for managing proprietary information.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a cost proposal spreadsheet template provided by DARPA for bidders to detail their proposed costs for the opportunity. It requires detailed breakdowns of direct labor, subcontracts, other direct costs, and fee/profit.

• Direct Labor: Requires breakdown by labor category, hours, rates, and associated costs (direct, fringe, overhead) for Base Phase 1 and Option Phase 2.
• Subcontracts/Interorganizational Transfers: Space to list subcontractor names, CAGE codes, and associated costs.
• Other Direct Costs (ODCs): Includes categories for Materials/Supplies, Equipment, Travel, and Other ODCs, each requiring detailed breakdowns.
• Indirect Costs: Provisions for Overhead, Subcontract Overhead, Material Handling, and General & Administrative (G&A) / Facilities & Administrative (F&A) costs.
• Fee/Profit: A section to specify the proposed rate and total fee.
• Period of Performance (PoP): Bidders must specify the PoP for Base Phase 1 and Option Phase 2.
• Instructions & Notes: Detailed guidance is provided within the spreadsheet regarding calculations, required documentation, and specific data entry for various cost elements, including specific notes for universities and Other Transaction (OT) awards.

This spreadsheet is critical for bidders to accurately calculate and present their proposed costs in a format required by DARPA. It dictates the level of detail needed for labor, materials, equipment, travel, and other expenses. Bidders must ensure all calculations have traceable formulas and that supporting documentation is provided as instructed, particularly for items exceeding certain thresholds or for specific cost categories like indirect rates and ODCs.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document serves as the mandatory template for proposal submissions, specifically for the Technical and Management Volume (Volume I) of the HR001126S0008: Automated Discovery for Design and Control of Turbulent Systems (AutoDIDACTS) BAA. Adherence to this format is required for proposal review.

• Formatting Requirements: Submissions must be in PDF or Microsoft Word, in English, on 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins and a minimum 12-point font size (8 or 10-point for figures, tables, charts).
• Page Limits: Technical and Management Volumes are limited to a maximum of 20 pages. This limit includes Sections 2-7 and the Table of Contents. It excludes the Cover Sheet, Official Transmittal Letter (Section 1), technical figures/tables/charts, resumes, references/bibliography, and technical papers (max 3).
• Content Sections: The template outlines required sections including Official Transmittal Letter, Proposal Summary, Goals and Impact, Technical Plan, Capabilities, Statement of Work (SOW), Schedule and Milestones, Management Plan, Personnel Qualifications, Requirements for Government Entities/FFRDCs, Organizational Conflict of Interest, Novelty of Proposed Work, Representations and Certifications, Intellectual Property (IP), and an optional Bibliography.
• Cover Sheet Information: Requires details such as Proposal Title, Proposer Organization, Type of Organization, Technical and Administrative Points of Contact, Award Instrument Requested, Period(s) of Performance, Total Proposed Cost (by Government Fiscal Year and Calendar Year), SAM.gov UEI, TIN, CAGE code, DCMA/ONR POC, DCAA POC, Date Prepared, and Proposal Validity Period.

This template is critical for bidders to understand the required structure, content, and formatting for their technical and management proposal. Failure to comply may result in the proposal not being reviewed. It details specific information required for each section, including page limitations and mandatory data points on the cover sheet, ensuring proposers can prepare a compliant submission.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment C_Proposal_Summary_Slide_Template.pptx", provides a template for bidders to structure their proposal summaries, focusing on key aspects required by the government. It is intended to guide bidders in presenting critical information clearly and concisely.

• Slide 1: Title slide, requiring the full proposal title and organization/technical POC names.
• Slide 2: Performance Metrics, requiring bidders to detail proposed metrics, calculated values, and the specific proposal sections providing rationale and evidence. It emphasizes providing first-order calculations or basis of evidence for high-risk approaches.
• Slide 3: Justification of Requested Resources, requiring a breakdown by category (Labor, Equipment, Other Costs) for both prime and subcontractors, along with the rationale for their necessity to achieve program goals.
• Slides 4-5: Value Analysis Questions and Answers, required only if requesting an Other Transaction. These slides prompt detailed answers regarding the understanding of current technology, proposed solution's increased capability, federal/DOD savings, future value, commercial best practices, market disruption, and technical risks.

This template outlines specific information and formats expected for proposal submissions, particularly concerning performance metrics, resource justification, and value proposition. Bidders must use this template to ensure their proposals address all required elements, facilitating a clear and comprehensive evaluation by the government.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides mandatory instructions and a template for submitting abstracts for the HR001126S0008: Automated Discovery for Design and Control of Turbulent Systems (AutoDIDACTS) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). It also specifies requirements for a companion Abstract Summary Slide Template (Attachment A).

• Format: PDF or Microsoft Word.
• Language: English.
• Page Size & Margins: 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins.
• Font Size: Minimum 12-point for text; 8 or 10-point allowed for figures, tables, and charts.
• Page Limit: Maximum 5 pages for the abstract. Figures, tables, and charts count towards the limit. The cover sheet, table of contents, bibliography, and technical papers (max 3) do NOT count towards the page limit.
• Classification: Abstracts should be UNCLASSIFIED or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Proprietary data must be marked.
• Cover Sheet Information: Requires Abstract Title, Proposer Organization, Technical Point of Contact (POC), Administrative POC, Other Team Members, Estimated Total Cost, Estimated Period of Performance, and identification of any other solicitations to which the concept has been proposed.
• Abstract Content Sections: Goals and Impact, Technical Approach, Capabilities/Management Plan, Cost and Schedule, and an Optional Bibliography.

This template is essential for bidders intending to submit an abstract. Adherence to these instructions, including page limits, formatting, and content structure, is mandatory for a valid submission. The document outlines the information DARPA requires to evaluate abstracts and provides feedback on whether to proceed with a full proposal. Submissions must be made via DARPA’s Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT) by the specified due date and time.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for an abstract summary slide, likely intended for use by offerors to present key information about their proposed effort. It serves as a structured format for conveying essential details.

• Abstract Title: A concise title for the proposed project.
• Organization Name(s): Identification of the bidding organization(s).
• Technical POC Name(s): Contact information for the technical point of contact.
• Risks: A description of potential risks associated with the effort.
• New Ideas: Presentation of innovative concepts or approaches.
• Team and Responsibilities: Outline of the proposed team structure and assigned roles.

This template guides bidders on the specific information required for an abstract summary, which is often an early submission in a procurement process. Understanding and utilizing this template effectively is crucial for presenting a clear and comprehensive overview of their proposed solution, including risks, innovative aspects, and team capabilities.