Fleetwood

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation, "Fleetwood," from DARPA's Biological Technologies Office (BTO), seeks innovative technologies to convert lignin-rich waste biomass (agricultural, forestry, industrial residues) into high-value chemicals. The program aims to create a resilient domestic supply chain for the chemical manufacturing industry by harnessing lignin, a complex and underutilized component of biomass, as a source for valuable aromatic compounds.

• Two Focus Areas (FAs):

  • FA1: Develop catalytic pathways to extract lignin from diverse biomass feedstocks and demonstrate effective separation and conversion into monomers. Approaches should be feedstock-agnostic.
  • FA2: Develop catalysts to convert lignin-derived monomers into value-added chemicals (e.g., pharmaceuticals, specialty materials, lubricants). Focus on high selectivity, activity, yield, and stability.

• Technoeconomic Analysis (TEA): Perform comprehensive TEA and process modeling across three production scales to assess economic feasibility and scalability.

• Prototype Development: Develop a process for biomass separation and conversion into value-added chemicals.

• Type of Instrument: Other Transaction for Prototype (OT-P) Agreements.

• Total Funding: Estimated between $4,000,000 and $8,000,000.

• Period of Performance: 24 months total (12 months for Phase 1, 12 months for Phase 2).

• Abstract Submission Deadline: April 13, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET.

• Oral Presentation Package (OPP) Submission: For selected abstract proposers.

• Evaluation: Based on Technical Approach, Technical Ability, and Technical Comprehension.

• Industry Day: March 12, 2026.

• Question Submittal Deadline: April 6, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET.

• Open to all responsible sources, including large and small businesses, nontraditional defense contractors, and research institutions.

• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), and Government Entities are not eligible to propose or subcontract.

• Teaming is highly encouraged.

• Approaches involving pyrolysis, gasification, or hydrothermal liquefaction are out of scope.

• C1 and C2 chemicals are not considered value-added targets.

• Attachments include an Abstract Summary Slide Template and an Abstract Template.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides the mandatory abstract template and instructions for submitting abstracts to the DARPA-PS-26-23 Fleetwood Program Solicitation. It outlines the required format, content, and submission process for abstracts, which are a prerequisite for submitting an Oral Presentation Package (OPP).

• Format: PDF or Microsoft Word, English, 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper, 1-inch margins, minimum 12-point font (smaller for figures/tables).
• Page Limit: Maximum 5 pages (excluding cover sheet, table of contents, bibliography, and optional technical papers). Abstracts should be UNCLASSIFIED or CUI.
• Content Sections: Cover Sheet, Table of Contents, Executive Summary, Proposed Technical Approach, Technical Challenges, Technical Ability, Estimated Cost, and Bibliography.
• Cover Sheet Information: Includes Organization Logo, Abstract Title, Program Solicitation #, Proposer Organization, Technical and Administrative POCs, Other Team Members, Phase 1 OT-P Fixed-Price Cost Option, Estimated Period of Performance Phase 1, Estimated ROM Cost for Phase 2, and identification of other solicitations proposed to.
• Submission: Via the Broad Agency Announcement Tool by the due date listed in the Overview Information section.

This template is mandatory for all abstract submissions. Bidders must adhere strictly to the formatting, content, and page limitations to ensure their abstract is reviewed. The abstract submission is a critical first step, as DARPA will only invite proposers to submit an OPP after reviewing the abstract. Failure to submit an abstract and receive an invitation will result in any subsequent OPP not being reviewed.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document appears to be a template or guide for creating an abstract for a presentation or proposal, likely related to a DARPA opportunity. It outlines the key components required for an abstract.

• Title: The main title of the abstract.
• Organization Name(s): Names of the organizations involved.
• Technical POC Name(s): Names of the technical points of contact.
• Abstract Content: Guidance to include a graphic, describe the need/problem, the goal, new ideas, and existing approaches/state of the art.

This template provides bidders with a clear structure and content requirements for preparing an abstract, which is often a critical component of proposal submissions or initial concept outlines for DARPA programs. Understanding these requirements helps bidders tailor their submissions effectively.