Organoid Cytomorphic Intelligence Resulting from Convergent Understanding and Information Transfer (O-Circuit)

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document appears to be a template or guide for creating an abstract slide, likely for a presentation related to a research or development opportunity. It outlines the expected content and structure for an abstract slide.

• Abstract Title: Placeholder for the main title.
• Organization Name(s): Space to list participating organizations.
• Technical POC Name(s): Space to list technical points of contact.
• Graphic: Instruction to include a visual element.
• Content Description: Guidance to describe the need/problem, goal, new ideas, and existing approaches/state of the art.
• Sensitivity Note: Indicates "Information Competition Sensitive."

Bidders may need to use this template or follow its structure when preparing presentations or abstracts as part of their proposal submission. It provides insight into the type of information the government expects to see regarding the proposed work, emphasizing the problem, solution, and novelty.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation (DARPA-PS-26-28) from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Biological Technologies Office (BTO), seeks innovative approaches to develop a biological, converged Sense-Compute-Action system. The O-Circuit program aims to leverage biological processing units (BPUs) with learning and computing memory capabilities to control drone navigation tasks using odorant detection information. The program will develop advanced BPUs and integrate them with biologically based odorant sensing systems and drone navigation platforms.

• Task Area 1 (TA1): Architecture: Develop novel BPUs with advanced learning and memory capabilities. This includes creating complex BPU architectures (e.g., organoids, assembloids) and enhancing synaptic connectivity and plasticity.

• Task Area 2 (TA2): Action: Develop a Sense-Compute-Action system integrating BPUs with biologically based odorant sensing and drone navigation. This involves creating biological odorant sensor arrays and integrating them with BPUs to detect and respond to odorants for drone navigation.

• The program is a three-phase effort, with this solicitation covering Phase 1 (18 months) and Phase 2 (14 months).

• Anticipated Awards: Approximately five to seven awards.

• Total Value: $36M for Phase 1 and 2.

• Contract Type: Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype agreements.

• Period of Performance: 32 months (18 months for Phase 1, 14 months for Phase 2).

• Abstracts Due Date: May 20, 2026, by 5:00 PM ET.

• Proposer Workshop: April 10, 2026.

• Questions Due Date: May 7, 2026, by 5:00 PM ET.

• Acquisition Process: Two-stage process involving written abstracts, followed by invitations for oral proposal packages (OPPs) for selected proposers.

• Evaluation: Abstracts will be reviewed for technical comprehension and ability. Selected abstracts will lead to invitations for OPPs and oral presentations.

• Encourages solutions from all responsible sources, including large and small businesses, nontraditional defense contractors, and research institutions.

• Attachments include an Abstract Summary Slide Template, Abstract Template, and a Model Other Transaction (OT) Streamlined, Fixed form.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document serves as a mandatory template for abstract submissions for the DARPA-PS-26-28: Organoid Cytomorphic Intelligence Resulting from Convergent Understanding and Information Transfer (O-Circuit) Program Solicitation. It outlines the required components and formatting for abstracts, which must be submitted before an Oral Proposal Package (OPP).

• Format: PDF or Microsoft Word, English, 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper, 1-inch margins, minimum 12-point font (8 or 10-point for figures/tables).
• Page Limit: Maximum 8 pages for the abstract, including figures, tables, and charts. Does NOT include the Cover Sheet, Table of Contents, References, Technical Papers (optional, max 3), or Odorant List (TA2 Abstracts only).
• Content Sections:
  • Cover Sheet (includes organization, POCs, CAGE Code, funding, Task Area)
  • Table of Contents
  • Technical Understanding (max 1 page)
  • Proposed Technical Approach (max 6 pages)
  • Technical Ability
  • Budget Estimate (BE)
  • References (not included in page limit)
  • Odorant List (TA2 only, not included in page limit)

Proposers must use this template for their abstract submission. Failure to submit an abstract and receive an invitation to submit an OPP will result in the OPP not being reviewed. The abstract submission is a prerequisite for OPP submission. The document details the specific content requirements, page limitations, and formatting guidelines that bidders must adhere to for their initial abstract submission.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a sample template for an Other Transaction (OT) Prototype Agreement between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and a non-traditional defense performer. It outlines the terms and conditions for a research and development program, including scope, term, management, payment, intellectual property rights, data rights, and security requirements. It serves as a reference for establishing such agreements.

This document is a sample and not a solicitation. It provides insight into the contractual framework DARPA uses for Other Transactions, particularly for prototype development with non-traditional performers. Key areas for potential bidders to note include:

• Scope of Agreement: Details the R&D program, task description document (Attachment 1), and reporting requirements (Attachment 2).
• Payment Structure: Fixed payments tied to milestones as outlined in Attachment 3.
• Intellectual Property & Data Rights: Defines how inventions and data developed under the agreement will be handled, with the Government typically receiving Government Purpose Rights for data related to the prototype.
• Follow-on Potential: Article XI indicates the possibility of a follow-on production contract or OT after successful completion.
• Security & Reporting: Requirements for safeguarding covered defense information and cyber incident reporting are detailed in Article X.
• Attachments: Various attachments (Task Description, Reports, Milestones, Certifications, Property) are integral to the agreement and provide specific details on program execution and requirements.