Request for Information: Formal Methods to Deliver Resilient Systems (FMDRS)
ID: DARPA-SN-25-34Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

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

NAICS

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

PSC

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

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/1af518c646e44ced895efe56f71f6df6/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking feedback through a Request for Information (RFI) titled "Formal Methods to Deliver Resilient Systems" (FMDRS) to enhance the resilience of systems within the Department of Defense (DoD) using formal mathematical techniques. The RFI aims to gather insights from stakeholders experienced in formal methods to refine the draft FMDRS Guide, which outlines strategies for developing secure and reliable systems capable of withstanding various threats. This initiative is crucial for improving the security and integrity of DoD systems, ensuring they can effectively counter vulnerabilities in an increasingly complex technological landscape. Responses to the RFI are due by February 25, 2025, and interested parties should submit their feedback in accordance with the specified guidelines to DARPA at DARPA-SN-25-34@darpa.mil.

    Point(s) of Contact
    DARPA-SN-25-34@darpa.mil
    DARPA-SN-25-34@darpa.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    DARPA-SN-25-34-Amendment-01.pdf
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking feedback on the draft FMDRS Guide, which aims to establish formal methods for delivering resilient systems across various domains, including hardware and software. The RFI emphasizes the need for robust community input to improve the Guide, particularly from those experienced in formal methods. DARPA's goal is to secure and enhance the resilience of Department of Defense (DoD) systems by utilizing formal mathematical techniques, which help ensure that software operates as intended and is free from vulnerabilities. Respondents are encouraged to evaluate the Guide's effectiveness in aiding proposers, especially those lacking expertise in formal methods, and provide recommendations for improvement. Responses to the RFI are due by February 25, 2025, and must adhere to specific submission guidelines, including formatting and page limits. DARPA aims to create a comprehensive Resilient Systems Implementation Plan for future R&D solicitations, underlining the importance of formal methods in competitive proposals. This initiative signifies DARPA's commitment to cultivating a formal methods ecosystem and addressing security challenges within the DoD infrastructure.
    DARPA-SN-25-34-Amendment-02.pdf
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather feedback on its draft guide titled "Formal Methods to Deliver Resilient Systems" (FMDRS Guide). This RFI aims to enhance the understanding and application of formal methods—mathematically rigorous techniques for software development intended to bolster security against vulnerabilities—in creating resilient systems across various domains, including hardware and software. DARPA seeks input from diverse stakeholders, notably those experienced in formal methods, to assess the guide's effectiveness in aiding proposers who may lack specific expertise. The agency will use the collected feedback to refine the FMDRS Guide and inform future solicitations. Additionally, respondents are encouraged to propose tools for a related repository, evaluate the guide's guidance on addressing security concerns, and suggest any improvements or omissions. Submissions should be made by March 7, 2025, including non-proprietary responses and adherence to provided formatting guidelines. This initiative fortifies DARPA's commitment to advancing resilient system capabilities within the Department of Defense (DoD) framework, ultimately ensuring mission success in an increasingly complex and vulnerable technological landscape.
    DARPA-SN-25-34.pdf
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) designated DARPA-SN-25-34, seeking feedback on the draft "FMDRS Guide" aimed at enhancing the resilience of systems through formal methods. The RFI invites responses from various stakeholders, including companies, academic institutions, and research organizations, by February 25, 2025. The guide integrates formal mathematical techniques to improve software security, which is vital for safeguarding Department of Defense (DoD) capabilities. DARPA intends to incorporate input from this RFI to refine the guide for use in future solicitations and expects proposers to create a detailed implementation plan for resilient systems based on the guide. Key points include the RFI’s focus on system resilience across hardware, cyber-physical systems, and software, along with structured feedback on elements such as the comprehensiveness of the FMDRS Guide. DARPA emphasizes constructing a formal methods ecosystem and encourages participation in related initiatives. Responses should be submitted in specific formats, avoiding classified information. The RFI serves as an important step in fostering collaboration and improving the resilience of critical government systems while ensuring that formal methods are effectively integrated into future projects.
    Resilient_Systems_Best_Practices_Guide_-_1-9-2025.docx
    The DARPA Guide for Formal Methods to Deliver Resilient Systems (FMDRS) provides guidance for proposals addressing resilience through formal methods in response to DARPA Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) and other RFPs. It emphasizes the Department of Defense's focus on developing high-quality, secure systems capable of withstanding and recovering from attacks. The document outlines the importance of formal methods, which are mathematically rigorous techniques supporting software reliability and security. Proposals must delineate clear resilience goals, detailing the types of threats the system will counter and how those objectives will be achieved. Key areas of focus include system architecture, file formats, data formats, network protocols, type and memory safety, and isolation measures. An example project, the Resilient Octopus Controlled Spacecraft (ROCS), illustrates resilience plans encompassing environmental factors and adversarial threats, while employing robust software development practices in alignment with DARPA's standards for security and system integrity. The guide reinforces the necessity of specific resilience strategies while conforming to broader quality objectives without serving as a formal solicitation.
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    Request for Information: Formal Methods to Deliver Resilient Systems (FMDRS)
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