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) initiative, aimed at developing decentralized nitric acid manufacturing technologies from air and water. This program seeks to address vulnerabilities in the current Haber-Bosch/Ostwald process, which is heavily reliant on imported ammonia and is energy-intensive, by fostering advancements in catalysts and reactor designs to achieve high-rate, energy-efficient nitric acid production. The initiative is critical for enhancing the resilience of the defense industrial base and redefining energetics manufacturing in contested logistics environments. Proposals are due by February 5, 2026, and interested parties can contact the BAA Coordinator at HNO3@darpa.mil for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    BAA Coordinator
    HNO3@darpa.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    DARPA's Agreement No. HR0011-XX-9-XXXX outlines the terms and conditions for Other Transactions (OTs) for prototypes, emphasizing flexibility for proposers to suggest edits. The agreement details administrative procedures, including proposal submission, payment milestones, dispute resolution, and intellectual property rights (patent and data). It mandates adherence to NIST SP 800-171 for safeguarding Covered Defense Information (CDI) and reporting cyber incidents. Restrictions on foreign access to technology and prohibitions on certain telecommunications equipment from specific foreign entities are included. The document also addresses property disposition and public release of information, underscoring the government's interest in national security and technological advancement through research and development.
    This document outlines a template for an Abstract Summary Slide, likely for a federal government Request for Proposal (RFP) or grant application, specifically identified as HR001126S0005 for "High-efficiency Nitrogen Oxidation (HNO3)". The template requires information on the abstract title, organization name(s), and technical point of contact (POC) name(s). Key sections to be addressed include a graphic, a description of the risks involved in the effort, an articulation of new ideas (concept), and details about the team and their respective responsibilities. The document also notes that it contains "Source Selection Information – see FAR 2.101 & 3.104," indicating its relevance to federal procurement processes and the need for careful handling of the information provided.
    The HR001126S0005: High-efficiency Nitrogen Oxidation (HNO3) abstract template is mandatory for all submissions to this Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). Proposers must also include an Abstract Summary Slide Template. Abstracts are limited to five pages, excluding the cover sheet, table of contents, bibliography, and optional technical papers. Submissions should be UNCLASSIFIED or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). DARPA encourages abstract submissions before full proposals, providing feedback within 30 days. This feedback is advisory, and proposers can submit a full proposal regardless of the response. Abstracts must be submitted through DARPA’s Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT) by the specified due date. The abstract content should detail goals, impact, technical approach, capabilities, management plan, and cost and schedule. It also requires a cover sheet with proposer and contact information, estimated cost, and period of performance.
    The document outlines the structure and requirements for a full proposal submission under the HR001126S0005 HNO3 BAA. It details essential sections for proposers, including the concept, strengths, weaknesses, and approach, along with performance metrics for Phase 1 and Phase 2, requiring calculated values and proposal section justifications. The proposal also mandates a detailed justification of requested resources across categories like labor (prime and subcontractors), equipment, materials, and other costs. Furthermore, it includes a comprehensive Value Analysis section with ten questions designed to assess the proposed solution's understanding of current technology, increased capability, federal entity enablement, potential cost savings, future value to the DOD/federal government and commercial sector, commercial best practices, market disruptiveness, and technical risks, particularly if requesting an Other Transaction.
    The HR001126S0005 Volume I document provides mandatory instructions and a template for technical and management proposals related to High-efficiency Nitrogen Oxidation (HNO3). It outlines formatting requirements, page limits (25 pages for technical and management volumes, excluding cover sheet, table of contents, and specific optional sections), and submission guidelines. The template details 15 sections, including proposal summary, goals, technical plan, capabilities, statement of work, schedule, management plan, personnel qualifications, and requirements for government entities/FFRDCs. It also addresses organizational conflicts of interest, novelty of work, representations and certifications, and intellectual property. Proposers must complete specific attachments or forms based on the requested award instrument (Procurement Contract, Other Transaction, or Cooperative Agreement).
    The HR001126S0005 Volume 2: Cost Volume Template outlines instructions for preparing and submitting cost proposals for federal government contracts, particularly for the High-efficiency Nitrogen Oxidation (HNO3) program. It details requirements for both Procurement Contracts and Other Transactions for Prototypes, emphasizing the use of the Attachment F: DARPA Cost Proposal Spreadsheet by prime organizations and subcontractors. The document specifies formatting guidelines, content requirements for cost breakdowns (direct labor, indirect costs, materials, equipment, travel, ODCs, cost sharing, consultant, and subawardee costs), and mandates traceability between costs, the Statement of Work, and all team members. It also includes specific requirements for proposers requesting procurement contracts, such as certified cost or pricing data and small business subcontracting plans, and for those requesting Other Transactions for Prototypes, including milestones and cost share information.
    The DARPA Streamlined Cost Proposal Spreadsheet (SEPT 2025) is a mandatory financial reporting tool for all primes and subcontractors involved in federal government RFPs and grants. It requires detailed cost breakdowns across various categories, including direct labor, fringe benefits, overhead, subcontracts, consultants, and other direct costs. The spreadsheet emphasizes traceable formulas for all calculations and includes specific instructions for different entities, such as universities using F&A rates. It outlines requirements for documenting materials, equipment, travel, and other direct costs with supporting documentation and sequential reference numbers. Additionally, the document details the structure for proposing milestones and associated payments, particularly for Other Transaction (OT) awards, stressing that payments must reflect actual costs for milestone completion rather than arbitrary divisions. The overarching purpose is to standardize and streamline cost reporting, ensuring transparency and compliance with federal cost principles for DARPA projects.
    This DARPA model Agreement No. HR0011XX9XXXX outlines the general terms and conditions for research and development prototypes, under 10 U.S.C. § 4022. It details performer responsibilities, government involvement, payment milestones, intellectual property rights (patents and data), and restrictions on foreign technology transfers. Key articles cover project management, dispute resolution, safeguarding covered defense information (CDI), and public release of information. The agreement emphasizes adherence to federal regulations, defines reporting requirements via the DARPA VAULT website, and includes prohibitions on certain telecommunications equipment. It also addresses options for follow-on contracts and participation by non-traditional defense contractors. The document is structured to guide proposers through DARPA’s expectations and requirements for prototype development.
    The provided government file outlines a contract for research and development, detailing the scope of work, payment instructions, and various clauses governing the agreement. The contract, identified as HR00112XCXXXX, is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) completion CLIN. Key aspects include tasks related to the Statement of Work (SOW), reports, deliverables, and contractor-acquired property, all subject to inspection and acceptance by the Government at the destination. The document emphasizes electronic invoicing via the Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF) system and specifies routing data for payment requests and receiving reports. It also incorporates numerous clauses by reference and full text covering topics such as safeguarding covered contractor information systems, equal opportunity for veterans and individuals with disabilities, subcontracts, and public release of information. The contract requires monthly R&D status and financial reports, as well as a final report, with specific instructions for submission and distribution.
    This government file outlines a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract, HR00112XCXXXX, issued by DARPA for research and development. The contract details three main items: accomplishing tasks outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW) and Additional Requirements (CLIN 0001), delivering technical data and reports (CLIN 0002), and managing contractor-acquired property (CLIN 0003). Inspection and acceptance for all items will occur at the destination by the Government. The document emphasizes electronic invoicing via the Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF) system and specifies payment instructions, including incremental funding and how funds will be disbursed. 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 rights. The contract also includes requirements for various reports and deliverables, such as R&D Status Reports, Financial Status Reports, and a Final Report, along with instructions for public release of information and invention disclosures. Attachments include the Statement of Work, Additional Requirements, and Data Rights Assertions List.
    This government file, "Baseline Model Contract Addendum," outlines additional clauses for federal government contracts based on specific circumstances, primarily contract value and nature. It details supplemental clauses that extend the baseline model contracts for both large and small businesses. For contracts exceeding $2 million, clauses related to pass-through charges, price reductions for defective cost data, subcontractor cost data, pension adjustments, post-retirement benefits, ownership changes, and certified cost or pricing data are included. Larger contracts, over $5 million, introduce clauses concerning post-award disclosure of employment in the People's Republic of China. Contracts exceeding $6 million incorporate clauses on business ethics, market research, agency inspector general, and hotline posters. For contracts over $15 million, reporting intended performance outside the U.S. and Canada is required. The document also specifies clauses for contracts with options (e.g., extending terms), those involving access to classified information (security requirements, patent applications, drug-free workforce, telecommunications security), and contracts with educational institutions (ROTC/military recruitment, cost accounting standards, termination for convenience). This addendum ensures that contracts are tailored with appropriate legal and regulatory requirements based on their scope and specific conditions.
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has issued Cooperative Agreement No. HR0011XX2XXXX to fund research for its XXXX Program. This agreement outlines terms for project execution, funding, and reporting, with substantial government involvement in research direction. Key aspects include a two-phase performance period, with a total base and unexercised option amount of $XXX,XXX, and an approved XX% cost share. The agreement mandates electronic payments via SAM and WAWF, detailed reporting requirements including Annual and Final Research Performance Progress Reports, and adherence to specific terms and conditions outlined in Exhibit A. Provisions for public release, intellectual property, human and animal welfare, and certifications regarding debarment and drug-free workplaces are also included, emphasizing compliance with federal regulations and DARPA's programmatic requirements. Subcontracting and significant deviations from research objectives require prior written approval.
    Amendment 1 to the HR001126S0005 High-efficiency Nitrogen Oxidation (HNO3) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) clarifies and corrects specific details within the original document. The amendment specifies that producing greater than 68% nitric acid is acceptable, rectifies the location of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and confirms that program goals can be achieved through both fundamental and non-fundamental research efforts. All alterations are highlighted in yellow, and no other changes have been made to the original HR001126S0005 document, ensuring clarity and accuracy for potential applicants.
    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 (HBO) 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, moving from lab-scale prototypes (1L/day) to full-scale field demonstrations (50L/day) over 42 months. Proposals must detail technical approaches, catalyst selection, reactor design, scalability plans, and risk mitigation, with an emphasis on direct nitrogen oxidation methods. Evaluation prioritizes scientific merit, relevance to DARPA's mission, cost/schedule realism, proposer capabilities, and technology transition plans. Key dates include a proposal due date of February 5, 2026.
    DARPA's High-Efficiency Nitrogen Oxidation (HNO3) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) seeks innovative proposals for decentralized nitric acid manufacturing from air and water. This 42-month program, detailed in HR001126S0005, aims to reduce reliance on imported ammonia and traditional energy-intensive methods. It targets high-rate and energy-efficient nitric acid production, with metrics for reaction rate, energy consumption, and product yield across three phases. Phase 1 focuses on catalyst development and a 1 L/day prototype, while Phase 2 scales up to a 50 L/day field demonstration. Proposals must detail technical rationale, catalyst and reactor designs, scalability, risk mitigation, and team expertise. Key deliverables include quarterly reports, catalyst samples, and reactor prototypes for government evaluation.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Solicitation
    Similar Opportunities
    Adaptive Capabilities Office (ACO) and Aerospace Projects Office (APO) Office-wide Broad Agency Announcement
    Dept Of Defense
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for innovative proposals through its Adaptive Capabilities Office (ACO) and Aerospace Projects Office (APO). The primary objective is to solicit advancements in military technologies that enhance warfighting capabilities and address complex battlefield challenges, with a focus on adaptive warfighting architectures and reusable hypersonic air platforms. This initiative underscores the importance of cutting-edge research in maintaining national defense and technological superiority. Interested parties must submit abstracts and proposals by specified deadlines, with further inquiries directed to the BAA Coordinator at HR001125S0006@darpa.mil.
    Disruptioneering Program Announcement
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is announcing the Disruptioneering Program, aimed at soliciting rapid, focused exploratory investments in innovative research leading to prototype demonstrations. This program will utilize "Disruption Opportunities" (DOs) to target specific technical domains critical to national security, allowing DARPA to initiate new investments for unclassified efforts within 120 days from idea inception. Proposals must respond to individual DOs announced on SAM.gov, with evaluations based on scientific merit, relevance, and price reasonableness, and awards anticipated to be made as Other Transactions (OTs) for prototype agreements. Interested parties can contact the BAA Coordinator at DARPA-PA-25-07@darpa.mil for further information, with funding contingent on proposal quality and availability.
    Biological Technologies
    Dept Of Defense
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting proposals for its Biological Technologies Office (BTO) under Broad Agency Announcement HR001126S0003, aimed at leveraging biological properties and processes to enhance the protection of U.S. warfighters. The BAA invites innovative research proposals that focus on various areas, including biological and chemical technologies for national security, AI/ML applications, combat casualty care, and environmental solutions, with a clear exclusion of evolutionary improvements to existing practices. Proposals will be evaluated based on scientific merit, relevance to DARPA's mission, and cost realism, with multiple award types anticipated, including contracts and cooperative agreements, and an accelerated award option available for proposals under $2 million. Interested parties should submit abstracts and proposals on a rolling basis until September 30, 2026, and can contact the BAA Coordinator at BTOBAA2026@darpa.mil for further information.
    Research and Development Innovations Broad Agency Announcement
    Dept Of Defense
    The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is soliciting innovative research and development proposals through its Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) HDTRA1-22-S-0003, aimed at countering weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and emerging threats. The BAA invites proposals for technologies at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1-7, focusing on five key thrust areas: understanding WMD threats, enabling deterrence, controlling and defeating threats, protecting forces, and cross-cutting capabilities. This multi-year solicitation, active from February 2022 to February 2027, anticipates contract awards ranging from $500,000 to $5,000,000 over 1-3 years, with a two-phased proposal process. Interested parties should direct inquiries to the BAA Program Manager at dtra.belvoir.rd.mbx.rd-baa-inbox@mail.mil, and adhere to submission deadlines, including a final proposal submission date of September 19, 2025, for the latest addendum.
    Defense Sciences Office (DSO) Office-wide BAA
    Dept Of Defense
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting proposals through its Defense Sciences Office (DSO) under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) numbered HR001125S0013, aimed at advancing innovative research for national security applications. The BAA specifically seeks revolutionary advancements in four technical thrust areas: Materials, Manufacturing, and Structures; Sensing, Measuring, and Affecting; Math, Computation, and Processing; and Complex, Dynamic, and Intelligent Systems, while excluding research that results in only evolutionary improvements. Proposals will be evaluated based on scientific and technical merit, relevance to DARPA's mission, and cost realism, with multiple awards anticipated utilizing various instruments such as Cooperative Agreements and Procurement Contracts. Interested parties must submit executive summaries or abstracts by June 2, 2026, and can reach the BAA Coordinator at HR001125S0013@darpa.mil for further inquiries.
    Carbon Crunch Future Program Announcement
    Dept Of Defense
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is announcing the upcoming Carbon Crunch program, which aims to innovate the production of hypersonic aeroshells through advanced composite manufacturing methods, particularly focusing on carbon-carbon (C-C) materials. The program seeks to develop faster, scalable manufacturing processes that ensure high-quality and cost-effective production from pre-form layup to near-net-shape densification, ultimately supporting hypersonic programs of record. A Proposers Day is scheduled for early February 2026 in Arlington, VA, and interested parties can find the Program Solicitation on sam.gov. For further inquiries, contact the TTO BAA Coordinator at CarbonCrunchSupport@darpa.mil.
    Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) Office-wide
    Dept Of Defense
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking innovative research proposals through its Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) under Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) HR001124S0028. The focus is on revolutionary research ideas in microsystems technology that are not currently addressed by ongoing MTO programs, specifically targeting three thrust areas: Scientific Disruption (including photonic, quantum, and bio/organic circuits), Microsystems Manufacturing Ecosystem (emphasizing sustainable fabrication), and Dual Use by Design (promoting commercial viability for defense applications). This initiative is crucial for advancing U.S. technological superiority and national security through high-risk, high-reward research. Interested parties must submit abstracts by January 15, 2026, and full proposals by March 2, 2026, with further details available from the BAA Coordinator at HR001124S0028@darpa.mil.
    TTO Office Wide (OW) BAA 2025
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is soliciting innovative proposals under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "TTO Office Wide (OW) BAA 2025." This initiative aims to enhance national security by fostering technological advancements in areas such as system design, manufacturing, and disruptive innovation, with a focus on improving military capabilities and operational effectiveness. Proposals should align with DARPA's mission to create revolutionary platforms and systems, and must adhere to specific submission guidelines, including a maximum of 25 pages for technical proposals and a two-page limit for executive summaries. Interested parties must submit their proposals by June 22, 2026, and can direct inquiries to the BAA Coordinator at HR001125S0011@darpa.mil.
    On-orbit Nuclear Power Concepts Workshop
    Dept Of Defense
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking information on technologies related to on-orbit satellite nuclear power systems through its Tactical Technology Office (TTO). The primary objective is to gather insights on producible and cost-effective nuclear reactors, focusing on practical applications rather than bespoke designs. This initiative is crucial for advancing on-orbit nuclear power capabilities, which are essential for future space missions. Interested parties must submit non-proprietary white papers by February 6, 2026, and selected respondents will be invited to a workshop on March 31 and April 1, 2026, in Arlington, VA, to discuss key technology risks and foster collaboration. For further inquiries, contact the TTO BAA Coordinator at DARPA-SN-26-21@darpa.mil.
    NASA Agency-wide Acquisition of Nitrogen and Oxygen (NANO) 4 – 2025 Opt-In
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking proposals for the Agency-wide Acquisition of Nitrogen and Oxygen (NANO) 4 opt-in opportunity, aimed at supplying liquid nitrogen and liquid oxygen to support operations at various NASA centers across the United States. This procurement is critical for current and future aerospace flight, simulation, research, development, and testing operations, with the contract's ordering period valid through June 30, 2029. Interested contractors, including new entrants and current NANO-4 contractors, must submit a Capability Form detailing their production and distribution capabilities by January 30, 2026, with questions directed to Kristal Kerr and Justin Ko via email. The opportunity is part of a larger initiative that has already awarded contracts to six companies, and it encourages participation from new suppliers to enhance competition and capability in the supply chain.