Decentralized Artificial Intelligence through Controlled Emergence (DICE)

Other / Unclassified

This document outlines the requirements for Associate Contractor Agreements (ACAs) that will be included in any resultant award instrument for the Decentralized Artificial Intelligence through Controlled Emergence (DICE) program. It details the expectations for collaboration and information exchange between different performers on the program.

Potential bidders should be aware that if they are awarded a contract under this Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), they will be required to enter into an ACA with other identified performers. Key aspects include:

• Information Exchange: Contractors must cooperate and maintain a free and open information network with other Associate Contractors. This includes sharing information necessary for the performance of the contract.
• Proprietary Data: Any proprietary or confidential data received from an Associate Contractor must be used solely for the DICE program and protected according to the receiving contractor's own confidentiality standards. Only written information clearly identified as proprietary or confidential will be protected.
• Cooperation: This involves maintaining a close working relationship, delineating interface responsibilities, and entering into a written ACA with other Associate Contractors. A copy of this ACA must be provided to the Contracting Officer.
• Dispute Resolution: If disagreements arise between Associate Contractors regarding interface matters or data provision, the issue should be promptly reported to the DARPA Information Processing Techniques Office Program Manager for government determination and guidance.
• Subcontracting: The ACA requirements must be flowed down to any subcontracts that involve access to Associate Contractor proprietary information.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Guide for the Decentralized Artificial Intelligence via Controlled Emergence (DICE) program. It outlines the purpose, applicability, and responsibilities for managing sensitive but unclassified information generated by the DICE effort. The guide details CUI categories, protection requirements, and procedures for disclosure and unauthorized disclosure.

This guide is relevant to potential bidders as it specifies how information related to the DICE program, including technical data, algorithms, AI models, and performance metrics, must be handled and protected. Understanding these CUI requirements is crucial for any organization participating in or responding to solicitations related to the DICE program, ensuring compliance with government regulations (DoDI 5200.48, DFARS 252.204-7012, NIST 800-171) and proper information security practices.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) from DARPA's Information Processing Techniques Office (IPTO) solicits proposals for the "Decentralized Artificial Intelligence through Controlled Emergence (DICE)" program. The program aims to develop decentralized AI architectures for scalable, adaptive, and resilient multi-agent systems capable of executing long-horizon missions in contested environments. It seeks to move beyond brittle, centralized orchestration by developing self-organizing AI collectives that can operate autonomously while remaining under human control and adhering to user intent.

The program is structured into three Technical Areas (TAs):

• TA1: Self-organization via Peer-to-Peer Coordination and Distributed Consensus: Focuses on developing decentralized coordination mechanisms, distributed task planning, and resilient consensus algorithms.

• TA2: Role Coherence and Local Inference Control: Focuses on developing local inference-time control methods to ensure individual AI agents maintain role coherence and mission alignment over long horizons, balancing mission alignment with cognitive agility.

• TA3: Testing and Evaluation (T&E): Focuses on developing simulation environments, DoW-relevant use-cases, and metrics to evaluate the scalability, adaptability, and resilience of DICE collectives against centrally orchestrated baselines and team-vs-team competitions.

• Types of Instruments: Procurement Contract, Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype Agreement, OT for Research Agreement, Cooperative Agreement.

• Period of Performance: 36 months, divided into three phases: Phase 1 (9 months - Decentralization), Phase 2 (15 months - Adversarial Robustness), and Phase 3 (12 months - Scaling).

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but multiple awards are anticipated.

• Abstract Due Date: June 30, 2026

• Question Submittal Closed: August 18, 2026

• Proposal Due Date: August 25, 2026

• Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated based on Overall Scientific and Technical Merit, Technical Qualifications, Potential Contribution and Relevance to the DARPA Mission, Plans and Capability to Accomplish Technology Transition, and Cost Realism.

• Responsible sources, including U.S. and non-U.S. entities, are encouraged to submit proposals.

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Small Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Businesses, and Minority Institutions are encouraged to submit proposals.

• FFRDCs, UARCs, and Government Entities are not eligible to propose but may contact DARPA regarding potential participation as part of the government team.

• Proposals must address specific Technical Areas (TA1-TA2 together, or TA3 only).

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

• DARPA expects research to be open-sourced, but retains Government Purpose Rights (GPR) in all deliverables.

• Numerous attachments are provided, including proposal templates, CUI guides, and other relevant documentation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a form for collecting information on Senior/Key Personnel, Organization and Location, Proposals and Active Projects, and In-Kind Contributions. It also includes a certification section and privacy act/burden statement. Bidders will likely need to complete sections related to their proposed personnel, organizational details, and past/current projects to demonstrate capability and resources.

• Senior/Key Personnel Identifying Information: Fields for name, Persistent Identifier (PID), and Position Title.
• Organization and Location: Fields for organization name and location.
• Proposals and Active Projects: Sections to detail past and current projects, including title, status, award number, source, place of performance, dates, anticipated award amount, person-months, objectives, and potential overlap.
• In-Kind Contributions: Sections to detail contributions not provided as direct funding, including status, date, source, summary, person-months, dollar value, objectives, and potential overlap.
• Certification: A statement certifying the accuracy and completeness of the information provided, and attesting that the submitter is not part of a malign foreign talent recruitment program.
• Privacy Act and Burden Statement: Information regarding the NSF's authority for collecting this data, its use in proposal selection, potential disclosures, and reporting burden estimates.

This form is crucial for bidders to detail their team's qualifications, organizational capacity, and relevant past performance. Completing the project and in-kind contribution sections accurately will be essential for demonstrating the bidder's ability to meet the requirements of the opportunity and for the government's evaluation of the proposal. The certification section is a mandatory compliance requirement.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "Current and Pending (Other) Support Common Form," dated November 1, 2023. It provides instructions for individuals identified as senior/key persons on Federally funded research projects to disclose their current and pending (other) support. This disclosure is used to assess an individual's capacity, identify potential conflicts of commitment, and evaluate scientific and budgetary overlap with proposed research efforts.

• Identifying Information: Name, Persistent Identifier (PID), Position Title, Organization, and Location of the senior/key person.
• Proposals and Active Projects: Details on current and pending projects, including Title, Status of Support, Award Number, Source of Support, Primary Place of Performance, Start/End Dates, Total Anticipated Amount, Person-Months Devoted, Overall Objectives, and Statement of Potential Overlap.
• In-Kind Contributions: Disclosure of in-kind contributions valued at $5000 or more, including Status of Support, Receipt Date, Source of Support, Summary, Person-Months Devoted, US Dollar Value, Overall Objectives, and Statement of Potential Overlap.
• Certification: Senior/key persons must certify that the provided information is current, accurate, and complete, and that they are not party to a malign foreign talent recruitment program.
• Privacy Act and Burden Statement: Information regarding the solicitation of data, its use, potential disclosures, and the voluntary nature of the submission.

This form is critical for individuals who will be designated as senior or key personnel on a proposal. It outlines the specific information required for disclosure of all current and pending support, including research activities, financial support, and in-kind contributions. Bidders must ensure their key personnel accurately complete this form to comply with federal requirements and avoid potential issues related to conflicts of commitment or overlap. The instructions also highlight specific requirements for disclosing foreign government-sponsored talent recruitment programs.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a sample biographical sketch form, likely intended for use by individuals applying for or involved in a government contract or grant, possibly related to research or technical services. It outlines the required information for personnel qualifications.

• Senior/Key Personnel Identifying Information: Requires name and a Persistent Identifier (PID).
• Position Title: Specifies the role of the individual.
• Organization and Location: Details the employing organization and its location.
• Professional Preparation: A chronological listing (most recent first) of education, including organization, location, degree, dates, and field of study.
• Appointments and Positions: A chronological listing (most recent first) of past roles, including dates, title, organization, department, and location.
• Products: Information on authored or released products, including authors, title, publication date, and URLs.
• Certification: A statement by the individual certifying the accuracy and completeness of the information and attesting that they are not part of a malign foreign talent recruitment program.
• Signature and Date: Fields for official sign-off.
• Privacy Act and Burden Statement: Information regarding the collection and use of personal data, its disclosure, and the authority under which it is collected (National Science Foundation Act of 1950).

Bidders may need to complete and submit this form for key personnel as part of their proposal. Understanding the required information and the level of detail needed for professional preparation, appointments, and products is crucial for accurately representing the qualifications of their proposed team members. The certification and privacy statements are also important for compliance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the Biographical Sketch Common Form, used for submitting a biographical sketch for each individual identified as a senior/key person on a Federally funded research project. Its purpose is to assess the qualifications of the individual, team, or organization to conduct proposed activities.

• Identifying Information: Name, Persistent Identifier (PID), and Position Title.
• Organization and Location: Primary organization and its location.
• Professional Preparation: List of education and training in reverse chronological order, including degree, institution, dates, and field of study.
• Appointments and Positions: List of domestic and foreign professional appointments and positions held within the last three years, including title, organization, location, and dates.
• Products: List of publications, presentations, inventions, software, data, etc., demonstrating qualifications. Full citation information is required.
• Certification: Confirmation that the provided information is accurate and complete, and that the individual is not party to a malign foreign talent recruitment program.
• Privacy Act and Burden Statement: Information regarding the solicitation of data, its use, disclosure, and the voluntary nature of submission.

This form is critical for any individual identified as a senior or key person on a proposal. Bidders must ensure that all required information is accurately and completely filled out according to the specified format and instructions. It is essential for demonstrating the qualifications of the personnel involved in the project and for compliance with disclosure requirements related to foreign government-sponsored activities.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the DARPA Standard Cost Proposal Spreadsheet, designed to assist government personnel in reviewing and evaluating cost proposals. It serves as a template for all cost proposals, regardless of the award instrument (grant, cooperative agreement, contract, other transaction, or technology investment agreement).

• Proposer Information: Requires proposer name, CAGE code, and optionally, the top prime proposer's details.
• Cost Breakdown: Requires cost details for the Base and each Option period (O-I through O-V) across various worksheets. Costs must be broken down by task as identified in the statement of work.
• Data Entry: Bidders must fill in yellow cells on the 'General', 'Proposer Constants', 'Labor Rates', and 'Indirect Rates' tabs before entering other data. Gray cells contain formulas and should not be altered unless they do not align with the organization's business rules.
• Options: Unpriced options will not be accepted and will not be included in any resulting award.
• Instructions: Detailed instructions are provided on various tabs, including 'General', 'Instructions', 'Constants', 'Labor Rates', and 'Indirect Rates and Profit_Fee', guiding bidders on how to populate the spreadsheet correctly.

This spreadsheet is critical for bidders to accurately detail their proposed costs. It outlines the required format for cost proposals, including breakdowns by labor categories, indirect rates, subcontractors, consultants, and other direct costs. Adherence to the instructions and format is essential for a compliant and well-supported cost proposal. Bidders must ensure all yellow fields are completed and that the sum of costs across all tasks equals the total cost summary.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides a template and instructions for creating a Proposal Summary Slide, which is a required component for all proposal submissions to this Broad Agency Announcement (BAA).

• Format: Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx).
• File Naming Convention: "Organization_Proposal Summary Slide".
• Language: English.
• Font Size: Minimum 12-point for body text; 8 or 10-point allowed for figures, tables, and charts.
• Content Requirements: The template includes sections for:
  • Proposal Title, Organization, Principal Investigator (PI) with LOE, and Subcontractors.
  • Proposed Technical Approach, including how it addresses challenges, key innovations, and limitations.
  • Technical Rationale, goals (jargon-free), methodology, progress measurement, and risk mitigation.
  • Team organization, milestones, and schedule (with a compact illustration).
  • Cost summary per phase (using a provided table).
• Instructions: Content requirements are indicated in blue font and should be deleted before submission.

This template is critical for bidders to understand the specific format, content, and structural requirements for the Proposal Summary Slide. Adhering to these instructions is mandatory for proposal submission. It guides bidders on what information to include and how to present it effectively, ensuring compliance with the BAA's requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "VOLUME II (COST) VOLUME PROPOSAL GUIDELINES," is a mandatory template for all proposal submissions related to the DARPA opportunity. It outlines the required structure and content for the cost proposal volume. Proposers must use this template in conjunction with the DARPA Standard Cost Proposal Spreadsheet.

• Mandatory Template: Use of this template is required for all proposal submissions.
• Cost Proposal Spreadsheet: Proposers must use the provided DARPA Standard Cost Proposal Spreadsheet, ensuring all tabs and tables are in an editable format with intact calculation formulas.
• Traceability: Costs must be traceable between the prime proposer, subcontractors, and the Statement of Work (SOW), ensuring a consistent task structure across all proposal documents.
• Formatting: Submissions must be in English on 8.5" x 11" pages, using 12-point font with 1" margins. Figures, tables, and charts may use 8 or 10-point fonts.
• Content: The Cost Volume Proposal must address the full program (base + options) and include all described components.
• Submission: Volume II submissions must be in PDF or Microsoft Word. The cost spreadsheet must be in Microsoft Excel. Submissions are to be made via DARPA’s Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT), or Grants.gov for cooperative agreements.
• Subcontractor Costs: The prime proposer is responsible for compiling and submitting all subcontractor cost proposals. Proprietary subcontractor cost proposals can be included in Volume II or emailed separately to DICE@darpa.mil.
• Detailed Cost Breakdown: Requires detailed cost breakdowns for direct labor, indirect costs, materials, equipment, travel, other direct costs (ODCs), resource sharing, and consultant costs, with supporting documentation.
• Rate Agreements: Submission of any available approved rate information (e.g., FPRR, FPRA) is required.
• Contract Type Specifics: Includes requirements for proposers requesting procurement contracts (e.g., Certified Cost or Pricing Data, Small Business Subcontracting Plan, SF 1408) and Other Transactions for Prototypes (e.g., nontraditional contractor status, cost share, milestones).

This document is critical for bidders as it dictates the mandatory format and content for their cost proposals. Failure to adhere to these guidelines and use the specified templates may result in a non-conforming proposal submission. It provides detailed instructions on how to structure cost data, what supporting documentation is required, and how to submit the proposal.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides the required template and guidelines for submitting Volume I (Technical and Management) of a proposal. It outlines the expected structure, content, and formatting for a fully conforming proposal submission.

• Proposal Structure: Includes sections for Official Transmittal Letter, Proposal Summary, Goals and Impact, Technical Plan, Management Plan, Personnel, Qualifications, Commitments, Requirements for Government Entities/FFRDCs, Organizational Conflict of Interest, Capabilities, Statement of Work (SOW), Schedule and Milestones, Novelty of Proposed Work, Bibliography, Representations and Certifications, and Intellectual Property (IP).
• Page Limits: Proposals should not exceed 25 pages, excluding specific sections like the Coversheet, Table of Contents, SOW, Appendix A, Resumes, and References.
• Formatting: Submissions must be in English, 8.5" x 11" pages, 12-point font with 1" margins. Figures, tables, and charts may use 8 or 10-point fonts.
• Content: Specific content requirements are noted in blue font within the template and should be deleted prior to submission.
• Submission: Volume I must be submitted in PDF or Microsoft Word formats using the naming convention "Organization Name_DICE Volume I." Submissions are encouraged via DARPA’s Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT) for unclassified or CUI proposals. Cooperative agreement submissions may use Grants.gov.
• Appendix A: Required for all proposals, detailing Key Personnel and Subawardees/Consultants.

This template is critical for bidders to ensure their proposal meets all administrative and technical requirements. Adherence to the specified structure, page limits, formatting, and submission instructions is necessary for a conforming proposal. It guides the content required for each section, including technical plans, management strategies, personnel qualifications, and intellectual property assertions.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a required template for abstract submissions related to a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). It outlines the specific format and content requirements for proposers.

• Abstract Title, Technical Area, Proposer Organization, Technical POC, Administrative POC, Other Team Members: Fields for identifying the proposing entity and key personnel.
• Award Instrument Requested: Selection of the type of agreement sought (e.g., contract, OT, cooperative agreement).
• Estimated Total Cost & Period of Performance: Fields for financial and timeline estimates.
• Other Solicitation Proposals: Space to identify related proposals.
• SAM.gov Unique Entity ID (UEI): Required identifier for the proposing organization.
• Abstract Guidelines: Specifies page limits (7 pages for TA1/TA2 and TA3, excluding cover sheet, TOC, technical papers, and bibliography), formatting requirements (12-point font, 1" margins), and content requirements (detailed under each section).
• Security Requirements: Differentiates security levels for TA1/TA2 (UNCLASSIFIED) and TA3 (UNCLASSIFIED or CUI).
• Submission Requirements: Specifies PDF or Microsoft Word formats, recommended file naming convention, and submission via DARPA’s Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT).
• Content Sections: Includes placeholders for Goals and Impact, Technical Approach, Capabilities/Management Plan, Cost and Schedule, Publications, and Bibliography, with specific instructions for each.

This template is critical for bidders to ensure their abstract submission is fully conforming. Adherence to the specified page limits, formatting, content, security, and submission requirements is mandatory for consideration. Bidders must use this template and delete the instructional text (in blue font) before submission.