Heimdall PS
ID: DARPA-PS-25-02Type: 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; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT (AC13)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is soliciting proposals for the Heimdall program, which aims to develop secure Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) aids to enhance the performance of naval gun systems, specifically the Mk 160 Gun Computer System on U.S. Navy surface combatants. Proposals must demonstrate the ability to align with existing government architecture and data formats, facilitating a rapid transition to operational units while adhering to federal guidelines and security protocols. This initiative is critical for advancing defense technology and improving naval capabilities, with a total funding amount of $1,600,000 allocated for various project milestones, including development and integration phases. Interested parties should direct inquiries to the TTO BAA Coordinator at DARPA-PS-25-02@darpa.mil, with key submission deadlines and an Industry Day scheduled for October 8, 2024.

    Point(s) of Contact
    TTO BAA Coordinator
    DARPA-PS-25-02@darpa.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The document outlines an Other Transaction for Prototype Agreement between a contractor and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) concerning the Heimdall project. The agreement, totaling $750,000, is designed to enhance Unmanned Aircraft Systems capabilities for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting. The initiative includes a focus on developing an undersea weapons concept over a six-month term, with specific milestones for payments based on the completion of tasks such as development meetings and simulation tests. Key sections detail the scope, management responsibilities, payment obligations, disputes resolution processes, intellectual property rights, and data rights, ensuring continuous government oversight. The contractor is expected to disclose inventions and data rights while safeguarding controlled unclassified information. Moreover, the agreement emphasizes the importance of protecting national security by regulating foreign access to developed technologies. This concise framework aims to ensure that the collaboration between DARPA and the contractor meets military needs effectively while adhering to federal guidelines, emphasizing accountability, transparency, and operational readiness.
    The DARPA Program Solicitation Heimdall (DARPA-PS-25-02) focuses on developing secure Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) aids to improve naval gun systems, particularly the Mk 160 Gun Computer System on U.S. Navy surface combatants. This initial announcement outlines a series of important dates, including an Industry Day on October 8, 2024, and various submission deadlines for proposals. Heimdall is structured into two phases: Development, which involves algorithm creation and in-lab evaluation within a simulation environment, and Integration, which includes coordination with government software teams and at-sea tests to validate technology for operational use. Proposers must demonstrate capabilities in AI/ML and have personnel with active SECRET clearances. Awards will be made through Other Transaction Agreements, emphasizing the need for compliance with export controls and ITAR regulations. Participants must show they understand the project's technical challenges and must submit unclassified abstracts for evaluation. Oral presentations by selected proposers will follow the abstract phase, with funding of up to $750,000 for the Development phase. Overall, the Heimdall program aims for rapid software component development while aligning with existing government infrastructure to enhance naval defense capabilities.
    The Darpa Tactical Technology Office outlines program management protocols for awarded contracts under DARPA-PS-25-02. Emphasizing collaboration, the document mandates regular meetings to keep the government informed on program status, including bi-weekly virtual tag-ups and quarterly program reviews, which align with agile software development practices. Awardees are expected to proactively identify technical and programmatic risks, facilitating risk reduction strategies throughout the program's lifespan. Proposals should detail a comprehensive approach to program and risk management, incorporating frequent teleconferences and in-person reviews at key milestones to assess progress and solicit government input. This structured management framework aims to ensure alignment with objectives and enhance communication and risk mitigation efforts within software development initiatives.
    The DARPA Tactical Technology Office (TTO) solicitation document emphasizes robust security protocols for proposals involving Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Controlled Technical Information (CTI), and classified submissions. Proposers must implement security requirements in accordance with applicable federal regulations, specifically Executive Order 13556 and DoDI 5200.48. Requests for CUI information can be made via unclassified email, and detailed guidance on handling classified information is outlined, discouraging the inclusion of Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret data in proposals. If necessary, classified information must follow strict submission protocols, including electronic submission, hand delivery by cleared couriers, or secure mailing methods. Special Access Program (SAP) information is also addressed, outlining additional requirements for submissions and the necessity for an approved SAP IT system. This document serves as a critical guideline for maintaining security standards during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with federal regulations while protecting sensitive information.
    The document outlines definitions relevant to the DARPA Tactical Technology Office program solicitation, specifically DARPA-PS-25-02. Key definitions include "Data," encompassing all forms of recorded information except financial and management data; "Government Purpose," which delineates activities involving U.S. government participation, and "Government Purpose Rights," allowing the government to use data strictly for governmental activities. Additionally, "Limited Rights" and "Restricted Rights" detail the conditions under which technical data and noncommercial computer software can be used, modified, or disclosed. A "Nontraditional Defense Contractor" is specified as a business not engaged in certain prior contracts with the Department of Defense. Specialized terms like "Other Transactions" and "Prototype Project" relate to innovative military projects. The document serves as a guide for contractors and stakeholders involved in federal RFPs and grants, clarifying what rights and restrictions surround various types of data produced or used within these agreements, thereby enhancing understanding of government collaboration and procurement processes.
    The "Other Transaction Certifications Template" outlines the essential certifications and representations required from offerors in response to federal contracting opportunities. It includes affirmations regarding debarment status, drug-free workplace compliance, nondiscrimination adherence, and limitations on lobbying expenditures for contracts exceeding $100,000. The document emphasizes that offerors must disclose any unresolved Federal tax liabilities or felony convictions within the last 24 months. Furthermore, it contains provisions prohibiting contracts with entities that impose internal confidentiality agreements restricting the reporting of fraud, waste, or abuse. Specific regulations concerning telecommunications and surveillance services are also addressed, particularly the prohibition on equipment and services linked to certain prohibited entities. Additionally, the document inquires whether team members qualify as non-traditional defense contractors or small businesses and whether the offeror is contributing at least one-third cost share to the project. The overall purpose is to ensure compliance with federal laws and regulations while promoting transparency and integrity in government contracting processes.
    The document titled "DARPA-PA-21-05 Price Summary Spreadsheet" outlines a funding proposal for a project under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). It includes a detailed budget breakdown, highlighting projected hours, rates, and amounts for various activities. The document designates specific milestones with corresponding funding amounts, totaling $1,600,000. Notable milestones include development kickoff, updates, simulation tests, and readiness reviews, each critically tied to project progress and funding phases. The price summary reflects anticipated costs for direct labor, subcontractors, consultants, and other direct costs, emphasizing the need for precise planning in contract fulfillment. While detailed cost figures are absent, categories are specified for clarity, underscoring the structured approach necessary for government RFP submissions. This proposal is vital for securing funding and demonstrating adherence to federal guidelines, showcasing accountability and transparency within project management. The ultimate goal is to facilitate advancements in defense technology through organized funding milestones and cogent cost assessment.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Heimdall PS
    Currently viewing
    Solicitation
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