Advanced Cyber Operations Prototypes (A-COP) Dept Of Defense
Presolicitation DEPT OF DEFENSE is seeking to develop cyber operations prototypes for transition into operational DoD platforms to facilitate superiority in the Cyber Domain. The total funding for this Advanced Cyber Operations Prototypes (A-COP) project is approximately $499.9M, with individual awards ranging from $10M to $50M and the potential for awards up to $99.98M. Multiple awards are anticipated, and the Air Force reserves the right to award zero, one, or more Other Transactions. The type of instruments that may be awarded include FAR based procurement contracts or other transactions (OT) under 10 USC 4021 and 10 USC 4022. Interested parties should submit white papers by 30 DEC 2028. For more information, contact Thomas Parisi at thomas.parisa.1@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at Amber.Buckley@rl.af.mil.
Strategic Technology Office (STO) Office-wide Dept Of Defense
Presolicitation notice from the Department of Defense's Strategic Technology Office (STO) seeks innovative ideas and disruptive technologies to provide the U.S. military and national security leaders with trusted, disruptive capabilities. The goal is to win in all physical domains (Air, Space, Sea, and Land) and across the spectrum of competition, from deterrence to high-end peer combat. STO aims to develop high-risk, high-reward "breakthrough" technologies that achieve significant changes or fundamental shifts in technical capabilities, giving warfighters new ways to fight. The office will focus on creating new "proof-of-concept" mission systems and developing and demonstrating new capabilities that expand what is technically possible.
DEVCOM ANALYSIS CENTER BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR APPLIED RESEARCH Dept Of Defense
Solicitation: DEPT OF DEFENSE is seeking proposals for applied research through the DEVCOM ANALYSIS CENTER BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT. The purpose of this announcement is to fund research proposals that support the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Analysis Center (DAC). The DAC's mission is to inform Army modernization and readiness decisions through objective analysis, tool development, and data curation. The DAC is looking for cutting-edge innovative research that could enable new and improved Army technologies and operational capabilities. Proposals are sought from various organizations, including institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, foreign organizations, and for-profit organizations. Interested parties should review the DAC BAA topics website for research topics and submission requirements.
ADVANCING SYSTEMS OF SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIES FOR RAPID ADOPTION (ASTRA) Dept Of Defense
The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force Research Laboratory, has issued an Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) titled "Advancing Systems of Systems Technologies for Rapid Adoption (ASTRA)." The goal is to encourage innovative research and development to enhance the rapid integration of diverse systems and subsystems into cohesive Systems of Systems (SoS). This effort aims to improve military effectiveness and ensure U.S. superiority by streamlining the adoption of emerging technologies.
The Air Force seeks proposals for developing software prototypes, employing open system architectures, and conducting integration events for U.S. military systems. The focus should be on enhancing the System-of-systems Technology Integration Tool Chain for Heterogeneous Electronic Systems (STITCHES) and designing a DevOps government cloud-based platform. Offerors should demonstrate an understanding of the Air Force's requirements and present their capabilities to rapidly integrate new technologies across platforms.
The ARA has an open two-step submission process. Step one involves submitting 3–5 page white papers by the following recommended deadlines: October 27, 2023 for FY24; September 16, 2024 for FY25; September 15, 2025 for FY26; September 15, 2026 for FY27; and September 15, 2027 for FY28. The final extended deadline is July 24, 2028. These white papers will be evaluated based on scientific merit, cost effectiveness, and alignment with the stated focus areas.
Selected offerors may then be invited to submit formal proposals. It is anticipated that multiple awards will be granted through FAR-based procurement contracts or Other Transactions. Individual awards will typically range from $1 million to $25 million but may reach up to $49.9 million. The total estimated funding for this ARA is $200 million.
Offerors are encouraged to communicate with the Technical Point of Contact, Gerard Wohlrab, for technical inquiries and with Amber Buckley, the contracting officer, for business-related questions. All submissions and communications should reference the ARA number and title.
OUSD R&E Seeks Industry Collaboration to Close Critical Capability Gaps Dept Of Defense
The Department of Defense (DoD) issues a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) under the auspices of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E). The goal is to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative technologies to address critical capability gaps in defense applications.
This opportunity seeks to foster collaboration between the DoD and industry partners. The focus is on exchanging developmental capabilities and maturing technologies, specifically those falling within Technology Readiness Levels 3 through 7. The DoD aims to establish non-funded Information Exchange Agreements (IEAs) to facilitate the exchange of technical information. Additionally, Other Transaction (OT) agreements will be considered for research, prototyping, and potential follow-on production.
The BAA encourages submissions from a diverse range of organizations, including large businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, and minority institutions. These submissions should address specific Capability Focus Areas (CFA) detailed in periodic amendments. The initial CFA seeks concepts and technologies for assured space operations and improved multi-domain collaborative autonomy.
Interested parties should submit concise white papers or presentations outlining their concepts, technologies, or solutions. White papers should be limited to two pages, while presentations should not exceed four pages. Submissions will be evaluated based on their relevance, technical merit, and alignment with the DoD's objectives and mission.
The BAA will remain open for one year, and amendments containing new CFAs will be posted with a 45-day deadline for submissions. Virtual Industry Day is scheduled for June 28, 2024, providing an opportunity for potential applicants to gain further clarification and insight.
For general inquiries, contact the Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) RPAB through the provided email address. Technical questions should be directed to the designated Technical Point of Contact. Ensure that all submissions and inquiries reference the BOTA number HQ003424BOTA1.
Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) Office-wide Dept Of Defense
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), through its Microsystems Technology Office (MTO), has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) seeking revolutionary research ideas in the realm of microsystems technology. The focus is on developing cutting-edge solutions that advance DARPA's mission and address national security challenges.
This BAA aims to procure high-risk, high-reward technologies in three key areas:
Scientific Disruption: Exploring next-generation transistor technology, including photonic, quantum, and bio/organic circuits, and advancing photonic interconnects, quantum computing, and biomolecular computing.
Microsystems Manufacturing Ecosystem: Developing sustainable and efficient fabrication methods for advanced microsystems, with an emphasis on additive manufacturing, predictive process control, and material reuse.
Dual Use by Design: Strengthening the partnership between the DoD and commercial enterprises to ensure the rapid deployment of military microsystem technologies with commercial applicability.
DARPA seeks unique and innovative approaches that are not currently being explored in its ongoing programs or other published solicitations. The agency encourages proposals for a range of topics within these thrust areas, including fault-tolerant quantum computing, biochemical processors, and data-starved fabrication processes.
The agency plans to award multiple contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements for research and development. The BAA offers an accelerated contract award option for proposals with a cost limit of $2 million, ensuring a swift award within 30 days of selection. This option streamlines the process for procuring cost-reimbursement contracts and encourages applicants to opt for this efficient path.
Proposers should submit abstracts of no more than 6 pages by March 9, 2025, which will undergo an initial review for uniqueness and potential impact. Full proposals are due by May 9, 2025, and should include a technical and management volume as well as a cost volume, following the specified templates and guidelines.
The technical proposal should highlight the technical approach, SOW, schedules, and milestones, while the cost proposal must provide a comprehensive breakdown of expenses across various categories. Organizations seeking the accelerated award option should agree to the stipulated terms, including data rights assertions and fee limitations, and submit a completed DARPA cost proposal spreadsheet.
Proposals will be evaluated based on their scientific and technical merit, potential contribution to DARPA's mission, and cost realism. Besides the accelerated option, DARPA also emphasizes the protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in its solicitations and expects proposers to adhere to the specified handling and marking instructions.
Interested organizations should contact Dr. Whitney Mason at HR001124S0028@darpa.mil for clarification or further information. The BAA encourages applicants to submit innovative solutions, focusing on the technical approach, impact, and potential for revolutionary advancements in microsystems technology.
Disruptioneering Program Announcement Dept Of Defense
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is announcing the Disruptioneering Program, inviting proposals for high-risk, high-reward research initiatives aimed at advancing national security applications. This program seeks to rapidly investigate new technologies through targeted Disruption Opportunities (DOs), enabling the development of innovative prototypes within a streamlined timeframe of less than 120 days from idea inception. Proposals must be unclassified and adhere to specific submission formats, with funding awards anticipated to reach up to $2 million, requiring a minimum one-third cost share. Interested parties can contact the BAA Coordinator at DARPA-PA-24-04@darpa.mil for further details and guidance on proposal submissions.