Bordeaux Program Solicitation

DARPA-PS-26-20 solicits innovative research proposals for the Bordeaux program, focusing on cybersecurity performance in AI. This classified solicitation, extended to a proposal deadline of June 12, 2026, seeks proposals for a 36-month program structured into a security startup period and two 18-month phases. Eligibility is open to all responsible sources, including nontraditional defense contractors, but non-U.S. organizations are excluded, and UARCs/FFRDCs are discouraged. Proposals must include technical and cost volumes, adhering to strict security requirements for handling TOP SECRET//SPECIAL ACCESS REQUIRED information. Proposers need to qualify personnel and facilities for classified access by March 27, 2026, to receive the classified addendum. Evaluation criteria prioritize scientific merit, relevance to DARPA’s mission, and cost realism. Awards will be Other Transaction for Prototype Agreements, with multiple awards anticipated.

This document outlines the detailed requirements for Volume II (Cost) proposals for DARPA-PS-26-20, Bordeaux, emphasizing a standardized approach for cost submissions. Proposers must use the provided DARPA Standard Cost Proposal Spreadsheet, ensuring all tabs and tables are editable with intact calculation formulas for traceability. The proposal must include a cover sheet with organizational and contact information, proposed costs by fiscal year, and unique entity identifiers. Detailed cost breakdowns are required for direct labor, indirect costs, materials, equipment, travel, other direct costs, consultant costs, and subawardee costs, with specific supporting documentation for each. The document also addresses requirements for proposers requesting a procurement contract, including certified cost or pricing data, small business subcontracting plans, and approved cost accounting system documentation, as well as specific information for those requesting an Other Transaction for Prototypes, such as nontraditional Defense contractor status and detailed milestones. All submissions must be unclassified and submitted via the DARPA Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT), with specific instructions for classified and proprietary subawardee submissions.

DARPA's Information Innovation Office has released Program Solicitation DARPA-PS-26-20, titled

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DARPA's Information Innovation Office (I2O) issued Amendment 01 to Program Solicitation DARPA-PS-26-20,

The document outlines the requirements for Associate Contractor Agreements within the Bordeaux research effort, emphasizing open information exchange and cooperation among performers. Any resultant award from the Program Solicitation will classify performers as “Associate Contractors,” necessitating an agreement between them. Key provisions include protecting proprietary or confidential data received from associate contractors, using such data solely for the Bordeaux research, and maintaining confidentiality with the same controls as their own proprietary information. Contractors must closely cooperate, maintain open information networks, delineate interface responsibilities, and enter into written agreements with other associate contractors, providing copies to the Contracting Officer. They are also responsible for exchanging proprietary information when necessary for performance. In case of disputes or delayed technical data, the DARPA Information Innovation Office Program Manager must be notified for corrective action. Subcontracts requiring access to proprietary information must include similar requirements. Performers for this effort include Performer One, Performer Two, and Performer Three.

The DARPA-PS-26-20 document, specifically Attachment 3, outlines a "Schedule of Milestones & Payments" for a project. This schedule details five distinct tasks, each associated with a specific month, a DARPA payment, and exit criteria. The document explicitly states that further details regarding these criteria are available in a classified Technical Design Document (TDD). This attachment serves as a contractual framework, establishing a timeline for deliverables and corresponding payments, indicating a structured approach to project execution and financial disbursement within a government contract or grant context.

This document outlines a prototype agreement between DARPA and a performer for research and development in cybersecurity performance in artificial intelligence (AI), specifically the "Bordeaux program." It details the scope, terms, management, and administration of the project, including payment schedules tied to milestones and reporting requirements. Key articles cover intellectual property rights (patent and data rights), foreign access to technology, safeguarding covered defense information, cyber incident reporting, and the prohibition of certain telecommunications equipment from specified foreign countries. The agreement emphasizes adherence to federal laws and regulations, outlines dispute resolution, and defines responsibilities for property management and public information release. It also includes provisions for potential follow-on production contracts and mandates the use of the DARPA VAULT website for electronic reporting.

The DARPA Standard Cost Proposal Spreadsheet (November 2021) is a mandatory tool for proposers submitting cost proposals for various award instruments, including grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. Its primary purpose is to streamline the government's cost analysis and expedite negotiations and award execution. The spreadsheet, comprising 25 worksheets, requires proposers to provide comprehensive supporting data and justify all proposed costs to ensure accuracy and reasonableness. Key sections include general information, detailed cost breakdowns for base and option periods, labor rates, indirect rates, and profit/fee calculations. Proposers must fill in specific yellow fields, avoid deleting existing rows/columns, and ensure consistency across all linked worksheets. The document emphasizes the proposer's responsibility for providing a fully supportable and well-prepared cost proposal, with provisions for certified cost or pricing data as required by FAR 15.403-4.