High-efficiency Nitrogen Oxidation (HNO3)
ID: HR001126S0005Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA)DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCYARLINGTON, VA, 222032114, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; APPLIED RESEARCH (AC12)
Timeline
    Description

    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals for the High-efficiency Nitrogen Oxidation (HNO3) program, aimed at developing decentralized nitric acid manufacturing technologies. The objective is to create high-rate, energy-efficient production methods that reduce reliance on imported ammonia and traditional energy-intensive processes, thereby enhancing the resilience of critical supply chains in the defense industrial base. This initiative is crucial for redefining energetics manufacturing in contested logistics environments, with proposals expected to demonstrate revolutionary advances rather than incremental improvements. Interested parties should direct inquiries to the BAA Coordinator at HNO3@darpa.mil, with the program spanning 42 months and requiring detailed technical and cost proposals, including specific deliverables and reporting requirements.

    Point(s) of Contact
    BAA Coordinator
    HNO3@darpa.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    This document outlines a template for an Abstract Summary Slide, likely for a government Request for Proposal (RFP) or grant application, specifically identified as HR001126S0005 for "High-efficiency Nitrogen Oxidation (HNO3)." The template requires information across several key sections: "CONCEPT," which describes new ideas; "RISKS," detailing potential challenges of the effort; "TEAM," outlining the team structure and responsibilities; and "APPROACH." It also specifies fields for the "Abstract Title," "Organization Name(s)," and "Technical POC Name(s)," alongside a requirement for a graphic. The document explicitly labels this information as "Source Selection Information," indicating its use in evaluating proposals under federal acquisition regulations.
    The HR001126S0005: High-efficiency Nitrogen Oxidation (HNO3) abstract template is a mandatory document for all abstract submissions to this Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). Proposers must also include Attachment A (Abstract Summary Slide Template) for a complete submission. Abstracts should not exceed five pages, excluding the cover sheet, table of contents, optional bibliography, and up to three optional technical papers. Submissions must be in English, formatted for 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins and a minimum 12-point font (8 or 10-point for figures/tables/charts). Abstracts should be UNCLASSIFIED or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) level, with proprietary data clearly marked. DARPA encourages abstract submission before full proposals, providing feedback within 30 days. Regardless of DARPA’s response, proposers can submit a full proposal, which will be reviewed based on published evaluation criteria. Abstracts must be submitted via DARPA’s Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT) by the specified due date and time, not through Grants.gov.
    This document outlines the requirements for a full proposal submission under the HR001126S0005 HNO3 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). It details essential sections for proposers, including a concept overview, strengths and weaknesses of the proposed approach, and an approach description. A critical component is the performance metrics section, requiring calculated values and justification from the proposal for each metric across two phases. The document also specifies the need for a detailed justification of requested resources, breaking down labor (prime and subcontractors), equipment, materials, and other costs with accompanying rationales. Furthermore, it includes a comprehensive Value Analysis section, mandatory for proposals requesting an Other Transaction. This section comprises ten questions designed to elicit the proposer's understanding of current technology, how their solution offers increased capability and value to federal entities and commercial markets, its disruptive potential, and a detailed outline of technical risks and how DARPA's engagement accelerates value, schedule, and transition timelines.
    The HR001126S0005 Volume I is a mandatory template for proposals submitted to the DARPA High-efficiency Nitrogen Oxidation (HNO3) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), outlining strict formatting and content requirements. It details the structure for technical and management proposals, including sections for a cover sheet, proposal summary, goals, technical plan, capabilities, statement of work, schedule, management plan, personnel qualifications, and specific requirements for government entities or FFRDCs. Proposers must also address organizational conflicts of interest, novelty of work, intellectual property, and submit required representations and certifications. The document emphasizes conciseness, specific examples, and adherence to page limits, with proposals not meeting these guidelines potentially not being reviewed.
    The HR001126S0005 Volume 2: Cost Volume Template outlines instructions for preparing cost proposals for federal government RFPs, specifically for High-efficiency Nitrogen Oxidation (HNO3) projects. It details requirements for both Procurement Contracts and Other Transactions for Prototypes. The document mandates the use of Attachment F (DARPA Cost Proposal Spreadsheet) for all award types, emphasizing detailed cost breakdowns, traceability between prime and subawardees, and consistency with the Statement of Work. Proposers must include a cover sheet with organizational and cost summaries, followed by detailed cost information for direct labor, indirect costs, materials, equipment, travel, other direct costs, cost sharing, consultants, and subawardees. Specific requirements for procurement contracts include certified cost or pricing data, small business subcontracting plans, and approved cost accounting system documentation, while Other Transactions for Prototypes require information on nontraditional defense contractor status or cost sharing, and detailed milestones. The template aims to standardize cost submissions for efficient review and negotiation.
    The DARPA Streamlined Cost Proposal Spreadsheet is a comprehensive template for federal government RFPs and grants, requiring detailed cost information from both prime contractors and subcontractors. It mandates traceable formulas for all calculations across various cost categories, including direct labor, fringe, overhead, subcontracts, consultants, materials, equipment, travel, and other direct costs. The document outlines specific instructions for each section, emphasizing accurate period of performance (PoP) dates, indirect rate application, and detailed justifications for expenses over $5,000. It also provides a structured approach for reporting milestones and payments, particularly for Other Transaction (OT) awards, stressing that payments must align with the actual costs of achieving each milestone. The guide ensures transparency, consistency, and compliance with federal cost principles in all proposals.
    This document outlines a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Other Transaction (OT) Agreement for prototype research and development. It details general terms and conditions, allowing proposers to suggest edits. Key articles cover the agreement's scope, term, project management, financial obligations, dispute resolution, patent and data rights, foreign access to technology, property disposition, safeguarding covered defense information, follow-on contracts, civil rights, public release of information, and prohibitions on certain telecommunications equipment. The agreement emphasizes continuous government involvement, milestone-based payments, and rigorous reporting requirements through the DARPA VAULT website. It also addresses the participation of nontraditional defense contractors or nonprofit research institutions and the option to extend the agreement.
    This government contract (HR00112XCXXXX) is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) agreement for research and development, including reports and deliverables, and contractor-acquired property. The contract outlines specific requirements for invoicing through the Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF) system, detailing document types, routing information, and payment instructions. It incorporates numerous Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clauses covering areas such as safeguarding contractor information systems, equal opportunity, subcontracts, and intellectual property. Key personnel are designated, and strict guidelines for public release of information and period of performance extensions are included. The contract also specifies reporting requirements for R&D status, financial status, and a final report, all to be submitted electronically via the DARPA Vault tool.
    This government file outlines a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract, HR00112XCXXXX, issued by DARPA CMO. It details the contractual agreement for supplies and services, emphasizing electronic invoicing via the Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF) system and specific payment instructions. The contract includes clauses for safeguarding covered contractor information, equal opportunity for veterans and individuals with disabilities, and subcontracting requirements. Key deliverables include R&D status reports, financial status reports, and a final report, with specific instructions for submission and content. The document also addresses controlled unclassified information, key personnel, travel reimbursement, incremental funding, invention disclosures, and public release restrictions, underscoring compliance and security protocols.
    This document outlines additional clauses for government contracts, supplementing baseline model contracts for awards under $2M. These clauses are categorized by dollar thresholds, with requirements being cumulative for higher-value contracts. Contracts exceeding $2M include clauses related to pass-through charges, price reductions for defective data, subcontractor data, pension adjustments, postretirement benefits, ownership changes, and cost accounting standards for large businesses. Contracts over $5M add post-award disclosure of employment in China. Above $6M, clauses cover business ethics, market research, agency inspector general, and hotline poster display. Contracts over $15M require reporting intended performance outside the US and Canada. Special clauses are also included for contracts with options, those involving classified information (e.g., security requirements, patent applications), and educational institutions (e.g., ROTC, cost accounting, termination for convenience). This addendum ensures comprehensive coverage for various contract types and values within federal, state, and local government procurements.
    This document outlines a Cooperative Agreement (No.: HR0011XX2XXXX) between DARPA and a recipient for research supporting a DARPA program. It details the agreement's purpose, term, and conditions, including a two-phase performance period (base and option). The agreement specifies financial aspects, such as the total amount of base and unexercised option ($XXX,XXX), potential cost-share ($XXX,XXX), and total funds obligated ($XXX,XXX). It also outlines reporting requirements, including Annual and Final Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPR), Financial Status Reports, and Data Management Plans. Key provisions cover intellectual property, security, human subjects, animal welfare, and certifications regarding debarment, drug-free workplace, and lobbying. The agreement emphasizes substantial involvement between the U.S. Government and the recipient in managing and directing the research.
    DARPA's High-Efficiency Nitrogen Oxidation (HNO3) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) seeks innovative proposals for decentralized nitric acid manufacturing from air and water. This initiative addresses vulnerabilities in the current Haber-Bosch/Ostwald process, which relies on imported ammonia and is energy-intensive. The program aims to develop catalysts and reactor designs to achieve high-rate, energy-efficient nitric acid production. The 42-month program is structured in three phases, focusing on lab-scale prototype development (1L/day) and culminating in a field demonstration of a full-scale prototype (50L/day). Key metrics include reaction rate, energy efficiency, and minimization of side products. Proposals must detail technical rationale, catalyst selection, reactor design, scalability plans, and risk mitigation. The program emphasizes collaboration with a Government Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) team for testing and evaluation.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Solicitation
    Similar Opportunities
    High-efficiency Nitrogen Oxidation (HNO3) Proposer's Day
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is hosting a Proposers Day for the High-efficiency Nitrogen Oxidation (HNO3) program on December 12, 2025, in Arlington, VA. This event aims to introduce the research community—including industry, academia, and government—to the program's vision and goals, explain the mechanics of DARPA programs, and encourage collaboration among organizations with relevant expertise in nitric acid generation technology. The HNO3 program seeks to address current production challenges, such as reliance on foreign precursors and high energy consumption, by developing foundational technology for nitric acid generation via direct nitrogen oxidation from air and water. Interested parties can contact the BAA Coordinator at HNO3@darpa.mil for more information.
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