The document outlines the requirements for submitting white papers in response to the DARPA-SCA-24-01 Artificial Intelligence Biological Technologies Office solicitation. Each submission must adhere to specific formatting and content guidelines, including a maximum of five pages in length, exclusive of the title page, cover letter, executive summary, and references. The submission deadline is set for October 9, 2024, at 4:00 PM EDT, and submissions must be in PDF format. Key sections of the white paper include an executive summary delineating the technical problem to be addressed, a proposed approach that outlines innovative methodologies, technical ability and qualifications of the proposer, and a fixed support amount with pricing options not exceeding $300,000. Additionally, proposers must confirm SAM.gov and PIEE registration status and ensure compliance with DARPA’s conflict-of-interest guidelines. This solicitation emphasizes a competitive bidding process aimed at advancing Artificial Intelligence technologies, requiring clear articulation of unique contributions and measurable impacts on the field. Overall, the document serves as a comprehensive guide for potential participants to prepare their submissions effectively for consideration in the DARPA Pitch Day selection process.

The DARPA-SCA-24-01 solicitation invites proposals in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Biological Technologies. White paper submissions are required to adhere to specified formatting guidelines, including page limits and submission deadlines (October 9, 2024, at 4:00 PM EDT). Each submission must include key organizational information and address specific topic areas linked to the overarching themes of prediction and health, autonomous science, biomanufacturing, scale challenges, or exciting frontiers. White papers are scored based on the quality of content, focusing on a clear problem-solution narrative, the revolutionary impact of the proposed solution compared to the current state of technology, and assessment of technical risks. The document emphasizes the importance of explicit performance metrics and past project execution to demonstrate the team's capability. Additionally, proposers must present a realistic plan regarding funding use and risk management strategies. This solicitation underscores DARPA's commitment to advancing innovative technology with significant potential and expects a high caliber of submission details to foster collaboration in developing transformative solutions.

The DARPA-SCA-24-01 solicitation outlines the mandatory guidelines for submitting white papers to the Artificial Intelligence Biological Technologies Office (AI BTO). Proposals must not exceed five pages, formatted for standard printing. Key submission details include the deadline of October 9, 2024, and a requirement to submit via the designated portal. Each proposal must include coherent sections such as a title page, cover letter, executive summary, proposed approach, technical ability, and a fixed amount of support with three pricing scenarios. Proposal evaluation criteria focus on clearly defining the problem and solution, the revolutionary impact of the technology, technical and programmatic risks, and team qualifications. Proponents must illustrate the unique attributes and significant improvements of their proposals compared to existing technologies, while showcasing their team's relevant expertise and past execution success. The document emphasizes the importance of writing a high-quality submission that clearly communicates the intended purpose and expected outcomes, reflecting the rigorous standards set by DARPA for future technological advancements.

The Valid Eval Registration Workflow provides a structured process for participants to apply for the AI BTO initiative. It begins with signing up through a specific website, where applicants must review detailed instructions to ensure adherence to the required format, as non-compliance may lead to disqualification. Upon successful signup, users can begin completing their application, saving progress as needed. The application features a progress indicator, and only completed applications can be submitted for review before the specified deadline. Applicants receive confirmation of their successful submission and are encouraged to reach out to the AIxBTO team for program-related inquiries or contact Valid Eval support for help with the signup process. This workflow outlines important steps for submitting proposals in alignment with federal grant processes, emphasizing the importance of following guidelines for potential funding consideration.

Amendment 1 to DARPA-SCA-24-01 clarifies details regarding cost sharing, white paper limits, and updates the submission template for the AI BTO Strategic Catalyst Announcement (SCA). Proposers may present up to three funding scenarios in increments of $100,000, with a total not exceeding $300,000—government funding only covers labor and direct costs, and profit is not authorized. Travel, publication costs, and the use of subcontractors are prohibited, with no cost sharing required from participants. The period of performance for proposals may be a maximum of 6 months but shorter proposals are encouraged. Each white paper must address a single Technical Area as delineated in the SCA, with no restriction on the number of submissions from the same organization. This document serves to streamline the application process and provide clearer guidelines for proposers seeking funding in AI research initiatives, reflecting federal grant and RFP practices.

Amendment 2 to DARPA-SCA-24-01 outlines critical updates to the AI BTO Strategic Catalyst Announcement (SCA). The amendment clarifies requirements for authorized signatories and selectability criteria, prioritizes evaluation metrics, and finalizes the white paper template. Proposers must certify the availability of the Principal Investigator for presentation at the AI BTO Pitch Day and ensure no personnel work for DARPA's support contractors. White Papers will be evaluated based on specific criteria, addressing problem identification, solution description, alignment with DARPA's technical areas, impact potential, performance metrics, scientific feasibility, technical risks, and team qualifications. DARPA emphasizes the need for exceptional proposals that demonstrate significant improvement over existing technologies and provide a clear plan with realistic budgets. The selection process seeks to ensure equitable evaluations, focusing on individual proposal merits rather than comparisons. Ultimately, DARPA aims to fund innovative projects that offer revolutionary advancements within the AI BTO framework, although limited funding means that not all eligible proposals may receive awards.

Amendment 3 to DARPA-SCA-24-01 concerns the AI BTO Strategic Catalyst Announcement (SCA) and specifically updates the deadline for White Papers submissions. The new deadline for White Papers is set for October 15, 2024, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time. This amendment ensures participants are informed of the revised timeline for their submissions. The document highlights the importance of adhering to the revised schedule for stakeholders interested in the AI BTO initiatives supported by DARPA. It serves as an official notification within the context of federal Request for Proposals (RFPs), which prioritize timely submissions and compliance with announced deadlines. This change underscores the ongoing efforts to facilitate advancements in artificial intelligence through government-supported initiatives.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is launching a Strategic Catalyst Announcement (SCA) under funding opportunity DARPA-SCA-24-01, aimed at fostering innovative research in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) across multiple biological technology categories. The SCA invites proposals for projects that address areas including Prediction and Health, Autonomous Science, Biomanufacturing, and more, with an overarching goal of enhancing national security capabilities. Proposals must be submitted as unclassified white papers by October 9, 2024, followed by a Pitch Day on December 5-6, 2024, where selected participants will present their ideas for potential funding. Up to $300,000 in government funding is available for successful proposals, with a total budget of $4.5 million anticipated for multiple awards. Eligibility is open to responsible sources, with a focus on new and non-traditional proposers, while existing government support contractors are disqualified. This initiative emphasizes high-risk, high-reward investments aimed at transformative advancements rather than incremental improvements. The document details registration requirements, funding structure, and guidelines for the submission process, emphasizing the importance of originality and feasibility in proposed solutions.

The DARPA-SCA-24-01 document outlines the Strategic Catalyst Announcement (SCA) for Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the Basic Technology Office (BTO), providing critical information regarding eligibility, proposal submission, and evaluation processes. It clarifies that while organizations can apply to both this call and the office-wide solicitation, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and government entities are ineligible to propose. Proposers must submit white papers by October 9, 2024, for consideration, and are encouraged to create distinct submissions for various technical areas without a limit on quantity. Key details include the need to outline three pricing options in a standardized format within prescribed budget limits. The evaluation will consider the strengths and weaknesses of each proposal in relation to set criteria. Additionally, international organizations can participate, and while proposals are expected to detail commercialization strategies, the SCA primarily focuses on innovative research. Importantly, awards are not guaranteed following a Pitch Day Presentation, as future funding is not assured. This document is fundamental for potential proposers seeking DARPA funding for advanced AI research initiatives and establishes a framework for submission and evaluation.