High-efficiency Nitrogen Oxidation (HNO3)

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) solicits innovative proposals for foundational technologies to enable high-rate, energy-efficient, decentralized nitric acid (HNO3) manufacturing. The goal is to protect critical supply chains in the defense industrial base and redefine energetics manufacturing in contested logistics environments. Research should focus on revolutionary advances, excluding evolutionary improvements.

• Development of catalysts to boost electrochemical nitrogen oxidation while suppressing oxygen evolution.

• Design and fabrication of sub-scale and full-scale reactors for nitric acid generation.

• Integration of catalysts and reactors to achieve specific program metrics.

• Field demonstration of a full-scale prototype.

• Multiple award instrument types may be awarded: Procurement Contracts, Cooperative Agreements, and Other Transaction Agreements for Prototype.

• The program is structured in three phases over 42 months: Phase 1a (12 months), Phase 1b (12 months), and Phase 2 (18 months).

• Anticipated start date: August 2026.

• Proposal Abstract Due Date: December 18, 2025, 4:00 p.m. ET.

• Question Submittal Closed: January 26, 2026, 4:00 p.m. ET.

• Proposal Due Date: February 5, 2026, 4:00 p.m. ET.

• Proposals will be evaluated based on: Overall Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution and Relevance to DARPA Mission, Cost and Schedule Realism, Proposer's Capabilities or Related Experience, and Plans and Capability to Accomplish Technology Transition.

• All responsible sources are encouraged to submit proposals.

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

• Non-U.S. organizations and individuals may participate if compliant with regulations.

• Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 compliance is required for procurement contracts.

• Specific attachments and templates are provided for proposal submission based on award instrument type.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides mandatory instructions and a template for submitting abstracts for the High-efficiency Nitrogen Oxidation (HNO3) opportunity (HR001126S0005). It also specifies requirements for a full proposal submission.

• Abstract Submission: Must use this template and Attachment A (Abstract Summary Slide Template).
• Format: PDF or Microsoft Word, English language, 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper, 1-inch margins, minimum 12-point font (8-10 point for figures/tables).
• Page Limit: Maximum 5 pages for the abstract (excluding cover sheet, table of contents, bibliography, and optional technical papers).
• Content: Abstracts should cover Goals and Impact, Technical Approach, Capabilities/Management Plan, and Cost and Schedule.
• Submission: Abstracts must be submitted via DARPA’s Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT) by the deadline specified in the Overview Information. Do not submit through Grants.gov.
• Cover Sheet: Requires proposer organization, POCs (Technical and Administrative), estimated cost, period of performance, and any other solicitations proposed to.

This document is critical for potential bidders intending to submit an abstract. It outlines the mandatory format, content, page limitations, and submission process. Following these instructions is essential for an abstract to be considered. It also clarifies that a favorable abstract response does not guarantee full proposal selection, and proposers can submit a full proposal regardless of the abstract outcome. The document encourages submitting an abstract before a full proposal to receive feedback from DARPA.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides instructions and a template for submitting cost proposals for the High-efficiency Nitrogen Oxidation (HNO3) opportunity (HR001126S0005). It outlines the required format and content for the Cost Volume, which must address the full program including base and options.

• Format: Pages for 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins and a minimum 11-point font size. Cost Volume must be in PDF or Microsoft Word. Spreadsheet files must be separate.
• Content: Must include all components described, with no page limit specified for the Cost Volume. Information not related to cost will not be considered.
• Required Attachments: Proposers must use Attachment F (DARPA Cost Proposal Spreadsheet) regardless of award type. Proposers requesting a Cooperative Agreement must also complete the SF424 (R&R) Budget form via Grants.gov.
• Cost Traceability: Costs must be traceable between the prime proposer and subawardees, and between the Cost Volume and the Statement of Work (SOW), ensuring a consistent task structure.
• Subawardee Proposals: 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.
• Template Sections: Includes a Cover Sheet, Table of Contents, Cost Summary, and detailed Cost Details for Direct Labor, Indirect Costs, Materials, Equipment, Travel, ODCs, Cost Sharing, Consultant Costs, and Subawardee Costs.

This document is critical for bidders to understand how to structure and submit their cost proposals. It specifies the required format, content, and use of provided templates (Attachment F). Adherence to these instructions is essential for proposal completeness and evaluation. Bidders must pay close attention to cost traceability requirements and the handling of subawardee cost information.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a model "Other Transaction for Prototypes" (OT) agreement template provided by DARPA. It outlines the general terms and conditions that DARPA intends to include in future awards. Proposers are invited to suggest edits to this model OT with tracked changes as part of their proposal package. These suggested changes will not be evaluated but should be commensurate with the technical approach.

• Authority: 10 U.S.C. § 4022
• Scope of the Agreement: Details the research and development program for a prototype, based on the performer's proposal and a Task Description Document (TDD).
• Term & Termination: Outlines the period of performance and conditions for termination by either party.
• Management: Defines roles for the Performer and DARPA's Agreements Officer's Representative (AOR) and Program Manager (PM).
• Obligation and Payment: Specifies fixed payments for milestone completion, invoiced via Wide Area Workflow (WAWF).
• Disputes: Establishes procedures for resolving disagreements.
• Patent Rights: Details the allocation of rights for subject inventions, with DARPA generally receiving a paid-up license.
• Data Rights: Grants DARPA "Unlimited Rights" to data developed under the agreement, with specific marking requirements.
• Foreign Access to Technology: Imposes restrictions on transferring technology to foreign firms or institutions, requiring DARPA approval.
• Safeguarding Covered Defense Information: Primarily states that requirements do not apply if the research is fundamental, but will apply if the scope changes.
• Follow-On Production Contracts: Notes the possibility of a follow-on contract or OT after successful completion.
• Nontraditional Defense Contractor (NDC) Partner: Includes provisions for agreements where an NDC or nonprofit research institution participates significantly.

This model agreement provides insight into the contractual framework and terms DARPA typically uses for Other Transactions. Bidders should review it to understand the standard clauses regarding intellectual property, data rights, reporting, and potential follow-on opportunities. Proposers have the opportunity to suggest modifications to this model as part of their submission.

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 agreement details the terms, conditions, and administrative requirements for the research effort.

• Agreement Number: HR0011XX2XXXX

• Effective Date: XX XXX XXXX

• Period of Performance: Includes a Base Period (Phase 1) and an Option Period (Phase 2), with specific start and end dates to be determined.

• Total Funds Obligated: $ XXX,XXX

• Cost-Share: If applicable, a total amount of $XXX,XXX is noted, representing XX% of the total.

• The research effort is generally set forth in Exhibit B, Research Description Document, and the Recipient's proposal titled "XXXXXX".

• Grants Officer's Representative (GOR): Contact information to be inserted.

• Program Manager: Contact information to be inserted.

• Grants Officer: Contact information to be inserted.

• Administrative Grants Office (AGO): Contact information provided, with instructions for using the Delivery Schedule Manager (DSM) in PIEE for communication and reporting.

• Governed by Exhibit A, "DARPA ADDENDUM TO THE DOD R&D GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS," and the DoD Research and Development (R&D) General Terms and Conditions.

• Substantial involvement is expected between the Government and the Recipient in managing and directing the project.

• Required Reports: Annual and Final Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPR), Financial Status Report (SF-425), and Data Management Plan (DMP).

• Optional Reports: Quarterly Cost Report, Monthly/Quarterly Technical Status Report.

• Reports are to be submitted electronically via DARPA Vault, to the GOR, PM, ADPM, AGO (using DSM), DARPA Research Services, DTIC, and the DARPA Grants Officer.

• Public Release: Research is generally expected to be fundamental and approved for public release, with specific provisions for subawardees if applicable.

• Intellectual Property: Disclosures to be submitted via i-Edison.gov and DD Form 882 to the AGO.

• Payments: Made on a reimbursement basis via electronic funds transfer (EFT) through the Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) system.

• Certifications: Includes certifications regarding debarment, drug-free workplace, and lobbying.

• Exhibits: Lists key exhibits including Terms and Conditions, Research Description, GOR Appointment Memo, Certifications, and Property/Equipment.

Other / Unclassified

This document, "Baseline Model Contract Addendum," outlines supplemental contract clauses that may be included in awards based on specific circumstances, in addition to the baseline clauses for contracts under $2M.

This addendum is crucial for bidders to understand potential contract requirements that will be added based on the award value and specific contract characteristics. It details additional clauses that will be incorporated into contracts exceeding certain financial thresholds ($2M, $5M, $6M, $15M), as well as for contracts containing options or involving access to classified information, or those with educational institutions.

Contracts > $2M: Includes clauses related to limitations on pass-through charges, price reduction for defective certified cost or pricing data, subcontractor certified cost or pricing data, pension adjustments, notification of ownership changes, requirements for certified cost or pricing data, Cost Accounting Standards (for Large Businesses), and Contractor Business Systems (for Large Businesses).

Contracts > $5M: Includes post-award disclosure of employment of individuals working in the People's Republic of China.

Contracts > $6M: Includes clauses on Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct, Market Research, Agency Office of the Inspector General, and Display of Hotline Poster(s).

Contracts > $15M: Includes reporting of intended performance outside the United States and Canada.

Contracts Containing Options: Includes the option to extend the term of the contract.

Contracts Involving Access to Classified Information: Includes security requirements, filing of patent applications for classified subject matter, drug-free work force, and telecommunications security.

Contracts With Educational Institutions: Includes clauses related to Reserve Officer Training Corps and military recruitment, Cost Accounting Standards for educational institutions, and termination for convenience for educational and other nonprofit institutions.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document is a cost proposal spreadsheet template provided by DARPA for bidders to detail their proposed costs. It requires specific formatting and calculations for direct labor, subcontracts, other direct costs, and fee/profit. Separate tabs are provided for materials, equipment, travel, and other direct costs, with instructions for each.

• Total Amount Tab: Includes sections for Direct Labor, Subcontracts, Consultants, Other Direct Costs (Materials, Equipment, Travel, Other ODCs), G&A/F&A, Fee/Profit, and Facilities Capital Cost of Money. Requires traceable formulas for all calculations.
• Materials/Supplies Tab: For itemizing materials and supplies, including quantity, unit price, vendor, basis of estimate, and supporting documentation requirements for items over $5000.
• Equipment List Tab: For detailing proposed equipment, including justification, type, quantity, unit price, vendor, basis of estimate, and supporting documentation for items over $5000.
• Travel Tab: For itemizing travel costs, including purpose, origin/destination, number of people/days, airfare, lodging, per diem, and other transportation fees.
• Other ODCs Tab: For detailing miscellaneous other direct costs not covered in other sections, with similar requirements for basis of estimate and supporting documentation for items over $5000.
• Milestone Tabs: For outlining proposed milestones, due dates, deliverables, and payments, particularly relevant for Other Transaction (OT) awards.

Bidders must use this spreadsheet to submit their detailed cost proposals. It dictates the format for presenting all cost-related information, including labor, materials, equipment, travel, and overhead. Adherence to the instructions, especially regarding traceable formulas, supporting documentation, and specific tab requirements, is crucial for proposal compliance. The spreadsheet also guides the breakdown of costs across base and option periods.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for an abstract summary slide, intended to guide bidders in presenting key information about their proposed effort. It outlines the essential components to be included in an abstract summary.

• Abstract Title: The main title of 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: Description of potential risks associated with the effort.
• New Ideas: Presentation of innovative concepts or approaches.
• Team and Responsibilities: Outline of the project team and their respective roles.

This template provides a structured format for bidders to convey critical information about their proposal, including project scope, team capabilities, and risk assessment. It helps ensure that essential details are communicated clearly and concisely to the government evaluators.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for submitting proposal summaries, specifically for the HR001126S0005 HNO3 BAA opportunity. It guides bidders on the information required for their proposals, focusing on performance metrics and resource justification.

• Slide 1: Full Proposal Title & Organization Information
  • Requires the full proposal title and organization name(s), along with Technical POC name(s).
• Slide 2: Performance Metrics
  • Bidders must detail performance metrics for Phase 1 and Phase 2.
  • For each metric, provide the calculated value and the specific proposal section offering rationale and evidence.
  • Focus is on first-order calculations and basis of evidence for proposed approaches.
• Slide 3: Justification of Requested Resources
  • Requires justification for requested resources (labor, equipment, materials, other costs) for both prime and subcontractors.
  • Focus is on the rationale for resource requirements, not the total cost.
• Slides 4-5: Value Analysis Questions and Answers (Required only if requesting an Other Transaction)
  • Provides a series of questions related to understanding current technology, proposed solution's advancements, value to the government and commercial sectors, and technical risks.
  • Bidders should answer questions that best demonstrate the value of their proposed efforts.

This template outlines the essential components and structure for proposal submissions related to the HR001126S0005 HNO3 BAA. Bidders must use this template to present their technical approach, performance metrics, resource justifications, and value proposition, particularly if seeking an Other Transaction agreement.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document serves as the Proposal Instructions and Volume I Template for the High-efficiency Nitrogen Oxidation (HNO3) opportunity. It mandates the use of this template for all proposal submissions and outlines specific requirements for different award instruments (Procurement Contract, Other Transaction, or Cooperative Agreement).

• Format 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 (smaller for figures/tables).
• Page Limits: Technical and Management Volumes are limited to 25 pages, excluding cover sheets, transmittal letters, figures, tables, charts, and optional sections like resumes, bibliography, and technical papers.
• Proposal Content: Details required sections including Cover Sheet, Proposal Summary, Goals and Impact, Technical Plan, Capabilities, Statement of Work (SOW), Schedule and Milestones, Management Plan, Personnel Qualifications, and specific requirements for teams including Government Entities/FFRDCs, OCI, Novelty, Representations and Certifications, and Intellectual Property.
• Cover Sheet Information: Requires details on Proposal Title, Proposer Organization, Type of Organization, POCs (Technical and Administrative), 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.
• Submission Instructions: Proposals must be submitted by the due date and time listed in the Overview Information section.

This document is critical for bidders as it dictates the mandatory format, content, and submission requirements for their proposals. Adherence to these instructions is essential for proposal review and consideration. It outlines the structure for the Technical and Management Volume, including specific content expectations for each section, page limitations, and required administrative details. Bidders must carefully follow these guidelines to ensure their proposals are compliant and effectively communicate their technical and management approaches.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a "Baseline Model Contract" for a large business, with an estimated value of less than $2M. It outlines the terms and conditions for an award/contract, with "TBD" indicating information to be completed at the time of contract award. The contract is issued by DARPA and administered by DCMA.

• The contract includes CLIN 0001 for "Base Period" work under a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) completion contract, requiring tasks as depicted in the Statement of Work (SOW) and Additional Requirements (Attachment 1A). Data deliverables and reports are also required.

• CLIN 0002 covers "Reports and Deliverables" under a CPFF contract, with technical data, reports, and deliverables to be provided per Attachments 1 and 1A.

• CLIN 0003 is for "Contractor-Acquired Property" necessary for Attachment 1 SOW requirements, to be maintained via the contractor's CAP Disposition List.

• Contract Type: Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) completion.

• Period of Performance: Base Period (CLIN 0001), with "TBD" for delivery dates.

• Estimated Value: Less than $2M.

• Submission instructions are detailed within the various sections and attachments, including electronic invoicing via Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF).

• Evaluation criteria are not explicitly detailed in this excerpt, but the document references "Evaluation Factors for Award" in the Table of Contents.

• Key deadlines are indicated as "TBD" for delivery dates.

• The document is for a "Large Business" and does not appear to have specific set-aside requirements mentioned in this excerpt.

• The document incorporates numerous FAR and DFARS clauses by reference.

• Attachments include: Attachment 1 (Statement of Work), Attachment 1A (Additional Requirements), and Attachment 2 (Data Rights Assertions List).

• Payment instructions are detailed, including requirements for electronic invoicing through WAWF and specific payment procedures for DARPA.

• Public release or dissemination of information is restricted and requires prior written approval from DARPA.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a "Baseline Model Contract" (Small Business) for an opportunity with an estimated value of less than $2M. It serves as an award/contract document, indicating that a solicitation has occurred and a contract is being awarded or finalized. The specific purpose and nature of the procurement are not detailed in this document but are referenced in the "Table of Contents" under "Part I - The Schedule" and "Part III - List of Documents, Exhibits and Other Attachments."

• The "Section Supplies or Services and Price" details three CLINs (Contract Line Item Numbers):

  • CLIN 0001: Base Period, Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) completion, involving tasks depicted in the Statement of Work (SOW), Attachment 1, and Additional Requirements, Attachment 1A. Data deliverables and reports are to be provided per the SOW and Attachment 1A.
  • CLIN 0002: Reports and Deliverables, also CPFF. Technical data, reports, and other deliverables are to be provided per Attachments 1 and 1A.
  • CLIN 0003: Contractor-Acquired Property, CPFF, necessary to meet SOW requirements. Costs are included within CLIN 0001.

• Attachments 1 (SOW) and 1A (Additional Requirements) are referenced as containing key details.

• Contract Type: Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) is indicated for CLINs 0001, 0002, and 0003.

• Period of Performance: Indicated as "TBD" (To Be Determined) for the Base Period and other CLINs.

• Estimated Value: Less than $2M.

• The document is an award/contract form (SF 26), not a solicitation document with explicit submission instructions or evaluation criteria. These would be found in the original solicitation.

• Key deadlines are generally indicated as "TBD."

• The document title "Baseline Model Contract (Small Business)" suggests a small business set-aside or preference.

• The document is a "DRAFT" and contains numerous "TBD" entries, indicating that many details will be finalized at the time of contract award.

• Key clauses incorporated by reference and full text are listed, including those related to payment instructions (WAWF), contract clauses, and various FAR/DFARS requirements.