Strategic Technology Office-wide Innovation Solutions Opening Announcement

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides instructions and procedures for submitting classified information as part of a proposal to DARPA. It outlines requirements for handling, marking, and transmitting classified abstracts and proposals, including information related to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Classified National Security Information, Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), and Special Access Program (SAP) information.

• Classified Abstract Submissions: Instructions on where to register and inquire for submission processes.
• Classified Information Sources: Requirements for permission and adherence to source Security Classification Guides (SCGs) when using classified information from sources other than DARPA.
• Program Security Requirements: Examples of common security requirements that proposers may need to address, such as OPSEC, foreign participation, and program protection plans.
• CUI Handling: Procedures for marking and submitting unclassified information containing CUI, including system requirements.
• Classified Proposal Markings: Guidance on marking classified submissions, including the use of "CLASSIFICATION DETERMINATION PENDING" and the requirement to indicate the classification level of the anticipated award.
• Transmission Methods: Specific instructions for submitting Confidential, Secret, Top Secret, SCI, and SAP information, including hand-carrying and mailing procedures, and required contact information for coordination.
• Personnel and Facility Requirements: Emphasis on having appropriately cleared personnel, authorized facilities, and information systems in place prior to contract award.

This document is critical for any bidder planning to submit proposals that involve classified information. It details the specific security protocols, marking requirements, and submission methods that must be followed to ensure compliance and successful proposal submission. Failure to adhere to these instructions could result in non-compliance or rejection of the proposal. Bidders must carefully review these instructions to understand their obligations regarding classified and CUI data.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for an abstract summary slide, intended for use in presentations related to a DARPA opportunity (PS-26-09 STO Office-wide).

• Title: Placeholder for the abstract's title.
• Organization Name(s): Field for identifying the organization(s) involved.
• Technical POC Name(s): Field for listing technical points of contact.
• Abstract Description: Sections to describe the need/problem, goal, new ideas, and existing approaches/state of the art.

This template guides bidders on the expected format and content for an abstract summary slide, likely required as part of a proposal submission or briefing. It outlines the key information points that need to be conveyed regarding the proposed work.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides mandatory instructions and a template for submitting abstracts for the DARPA-PS-26-09 solicitation. It also includes Attachment A (Abstract Summary Slide Template).

• Abstract Submission Requirements: Must be submitted using this template, include Attachment A, and be in PDF or Microsoft Word format.
• Formatting: Written in English, 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper, 1-inch margins, minimum 12-point font (smaller for figures/tables/charts).
• Page Limits: Abstracts are limited to a maximum of 3 pages. This limit includes figures, tables, and charts but excludes a Cover Sheet, Table of Contents, Bibliography, and optional Technical Papers (max 3).
• Content Sections: The template outlines required sections: Goals and Impact, Technical Approach, Capabilities/Management Plan, and Bibliography.
• Abstract Review Process: DARPA will respond to abstracts indicating whether a full proposal is recommended, with rationale. This response does not guarantee future award.
• Submission Deadline: Abstracts must be received by the due date and time specified in Part One: Overview Information.

This document is critical for potential bidders as it dictates the format, content, and submission requirements for the mandatory abstract, which precedes a full proposal. Adherence to these instructions is essential for abstract consideration.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a DARPA Strategic Technology Office-wide Innovation Solutions Opening (ISO) announcement, DARPA-PS-26-09. It seeks revolutionary research ideas that enable advances in science, devices, or systems, specifically excluding research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements. The goal is to fund a limited number of proposals that investigate innovative approaches.

• The core requirement is to submit an abstract first, followed by an invitation to submit a full proposal. Proposals will be evaluated based on scientific and technical merit, potential contribution and relevance to DARPA's mission, and price realism/rough order of magnitude.

• Research areas of interest include, but are not limited to: Acoustic communication and sensing, Adaptability, Advanced computing, Additive manufacturing, Architecture and advanced systems engineering, Applied artificial intelligence, Autonomy and control algorithms, Combat identification, Command and control (C2), Communications and networking, virtual and adaptive, Complexity management, Contested logistics, Critical infrastructure defense, Decision aids and C2 technology, DevOps and novel software development and integration, Distributed autonomy and teaming, Economic security, Effects chain functions, Electro-optic/infrared sensors, Electromagnetic warfare (EW), High-frequency (HF) communications and sensing, High voltage electric power systems and architecture, Human behavior modeling, Human-machine symbiosis, Industrial engineering, Integration and reliability technologies, Interoperability, Modeling and simulation, Microwave and millimeter wave communications and sensing, Non-kinetic effects (EW, DE, cyber), Novel kinetic effects, Optical technologies, Photonics, Radar and adaptive arrays, Radio technologies, Resilient systems, Robotics, Scaled directed energy (DE), Seekers and other expendable sensors and processing, Sensors and analytics, Signal processing, Space sensors, communications, autonomy, and architectures, Strategy analysis technology, Supply chain analytics, System of systems, Tactics development technology, Testing and data collection, Very low earth orbit (VLEO) technology, Very low frequency (VLF) technology.

• Award instrument types may include: Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), Procurement for Experimental Purposes, or Cooperative Agreements.

• Some award instrument types may have specific cost-sharing requirements.

• Abstracts are required in advance of full proposals. Abstracts must be submitted on a rolling basis until the closing date.

• Proposals will be requested after successful abstract reviews, also on a rolling basis.

• Abstract due date: Rolling basis until closing date.

• Proposal due date: Rolling basis until closing date.

• Closing date: October 31, 2027.

• Evaluation criteria for abstracts: Overall Scientific and Technical Merit; Potential Contribution and Relevance to the DARPA Mission; and Price Realism/Rough Order of Magnitude.

• Evaluation criteria for proposals (if requested): Overall Scientific and Technical Merit; Potential Contribution and Relevance to DARPA Mission; and Price, Value, and Cost Realism.

• All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government's needs, including both U.S. and non-U.S. sources, may submit a proposal.

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Small Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Businesses, and Minority Institutions are encouraged to submit proposals, but no portion is set aside for these organizations.

• Entities are highly discouraged from proposing if they are UARCs or FFRDCs, unless by exception.

• Submissions must be made via DARPA's BAA Website (https://baa.darpa.mil).

• Abstracts are limited to three (3) single-sided 8.5" by 11" written pages.

• Indirect cost rate cap of 15% for Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) applies, with potential deviations based on legal orders.