Biological Technologies
ID: HR001124S0034Type: Solicitation
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; BASIC RESEARCH (AC11)
Timeline
  1. 1
    Posted Sep 11, 2024, 12:00 AM UTC
  2. 2
    Updated Apr 2, 2025, 12:00 AM UTC
  3. 3
    Due Sep 10, 2025, 4:00 PM UTC
Description

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking innovative research proposals under its Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Biological Technologies, aimed at enhancing national security through advancements in various biological technology areas. This opportunity invites revolutionary research ideas that are not currently addressed by ongoing programs, with a focus on topics such as machine learning applications, human performance enhancement, and biosecurity measures. Proposals will be evaluated based on scientific merit, relevance to DARPA's mission, and cost realism, with submissions accepted on a rolling basis until September 18, 2025. Interested parties can contact the BAA Coordinator at BTOBAA2024@darpa.mil for further information and guidance on submission requirements.

Point(s) of Contact
BAA Coordinator
BTOBAA2024@darpa.mil
Files
Title
Posted
Apr 2, 2025, 8:10 PM UTC
The HR001124S0034 Proposal Abstract outlines the submission guidelines for proposals related to Biological Technologies under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). All abstract submissions must be formatted according to specified requirements, including a maximum of two pages, with options for additional figures, tables, charts, and optional technical papers. The document emphasizes the importance of preliminary abstracts, which will be reviewed by DARPA to provide feedback on whether to pursue full proposals. However, favorable feedback does not guarantee selection for funding. The abstract must include critical components such as a cover sheet, goals and impacts of the proposed project, details of the technical approach and expected outcomes, as well as a management plan summarizing team capabilities. Additionally, a bibliography with relevant references is required. The overall purpose is to facilitate innovative proposals while adhering to federal guidelines and ensuring compliance with submission protocols, ultimately aiming to enhance the capabilities within the biological technologies sector.
Apr 2, 2025, 8:10 PM UTC
The document outlines the proposal instructions and template for the Biological Technologies Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), HR001124S0034. It emphasizes the mandatory use of the specified format for submissions, clarifying requirements based on the type of award sought (e.g., procurement contracts, cooperative agreements). Proposals must not exceed 20 pages in the Technical and Management Volume, which must include various sections such as project summaries, goals, technical plans, schedules, and management plans. It details the necessary components of each section, including background information and definitions of tasks and milestones. Proposers must ensure compliance with submission guidelines, including formatting, language, and file types. Additional points of emphasis include organizational conflict of interest disclosures, intellectual property assertions, and the importance of addressing technical challenges with credible plans. The BAA aims to solicit innovative proposals that significantly advance the state of biological technologies through rigorous evaluation by the government. Overall, the document serves as a structured guideline for potential proposers to ensure clarity and focus in presenting their project proposals to the Department of Defense research activities.
Apr 2, 2025, 8:10 PM UTC
The document provides guidelines and requirements for submitting a cost volume proposal for the HR001124S0034: Biological Technologies RFP. It emphasizes that the Cost Volume must encompass both base and optional program components without exceeding any specified page limits. It must include all relevant financial information concerning direct and indirect costs, materials, travel, and contractor expenses, formatted in an editable spreadsheet format for efficiency in government analysis. Proposals must trace costs accurately across all participants, ensuring a clear alignment with the statement of work (SOW). Each prime proposer is required to compile non-proprietary subawardee proposals and submit proprietary ones separately. Moreover, detailed documentation is needed for various cost categories, and requirements differ for those seeking procurement contracts versus cooperative agreements. Additionally, proposers may be asked to provide supporting documentation for cost estimates and must adhere to specific formats and standards outlined throughout the document. This comprehensive instructional guide is essential for ensuring compliance and facilitating a smoother proposal process in federal contracting contexts.
Apr 2, 2025, 8:10 PM UTC
The DARPA Standard Cost Proposal Spreadsheet serves as a tool for proposers to detail and submit cost proposals for federal procurement contracts. It necessitates comprehensive information on direct labor, overheads, and costs associated with subcontractors and consultants. The spreadsheet requires proposers to fill specific fields and follow guidelines to ensure the consistency and reliability of the submitted cost data. Notably, the document emphasizes the importance of justifying proposed costs, adhering to FAR regulations regarding certified cost or pricing data, and presenting a breakdown of costs by task, facilitating efficient government evaluation. It highlights the necessity for clarity in cost categorizations, ensuring that all required documentation is provided for both prime and subcontractors. The instructions delineate how each tab should function within the spreadsheet, ensuring complete and structured submissions that expedite the government’s analysis during award negotiations. This framework ultimately underscores DARPA’s commitment to an organized and transparent procurement process, facilitating an effective partnership with proposers while maintaining compliance with financial and contractual standards.
The document outlines the classified submission instructions and requirements for proposers responding to the Broad Agency Announcement HR001124S0024 by DARPA. It emphasizes that classified submissions should not be made through the DARPA BAA website or Grants.gov, although registration or verification with DARPA is necessary. Proposers must ensure they have appropriate security measures, facilities, and cleared personnel. Guidelines for handling confidentiality across different classification levels (Confidential, Secret, Top Secret) are provided, detailing acceptable methods for submission, including secure mailing addresses and protocols for classified information transportation. Additionally, special instructions are provided for submitting Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Special Access Program (SAP) information, with emphasis on compliance with specific Department of Defense manuals. The document stresses the necessity of separating classified and unclassified content within proposals and directs proposers to notify DARPA of classified submissions through an unclassified email. This comprehensive guide is essential for ensuring data security and regulatory compliance, reflecting the government's stringent protocols for handling classified information in the context of federal RFPs and grants.
Apr 2, 2025, 8:10 PM UTC
The document serves as a Controlled Unclassified Information Guide (CUIG) for the Biological Technologies Office (BTO) of DARPA, outlining protocols for marking, protecting, and handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). The guide aims to standardize information safeguarding in compliance with federal regulations, using directives from the Department of Defense and other security policies. It categorizes CUI, details the responsibilities of the Program Security Officer (PSO), and delineates the scope and applicability of CUI protections. Specific categories highlighted include Controlled Technical Information, Export Control, General Financial Information, and Privacy. The guide also addresses operational security measures, unauthorized disclosures, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) exemptions, providing clarity on safeguarding sensitive information while recognizing legal boundaries for public disclosure. It emphasizes the importance of reporting unauthorized disclosures and establishes protocols for information protection, ensuring all BTO personnel adhere to these standards. Overall, the document articulates a structured approach for managing sensitive unclassified information critical to DARPA’s biological technology initiatives, reflecting the agency's commitment to security and regulatory compliance in federal programs, grants, and RFPs.
The Accelerated Award Option introduced by DARPA under its Biological Technologies Office (BTO) aims to expedite funding awards for projects under $2 million. Proposers who opt for this option agree to predefined terms, ensuring contract awards within 30 days of selection notification. Key conditions include: working with unclassified projects; delivering certain data rights (Unlimited Rights, Government Purpose Rights, or SBIR Rights); using the DARPA Cost Proposal Spreadsheet; and including an adequate accounting system for cost reimbursement contract proposals. Different stipulations apply for both procurement contracts and Other Transactions for Prototypes, including fee and profit caps. Proposers must provide a signed Election Form and comply with all outlined requirements; failure to comply could lead to revocation of the accelerated award. This initiative is designed to foster innovation by providing rapid funding for foundational technologies within DARPA’s strategic framework.
This government contract document outlines a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) agreement between DARPA and a designated contractor for a project involving research and development activities. The contract's central focus is to accomplish tasks as specified in the statement of work, with deliverables, including technical data and reports, being integral components of the contract. The organization will be required to maintain Contractor-acquired property, submit various reports such as financial and R&D status updates, and comply with specific safeguarding, reporting, and invoicing protocols established within the clauses of the contract. The document encompasses sections referencing inspection and acceptance procedures, contract administration, and clauses that govern contract execution, including those related to safeguarding sensitive information. It also delineates requirements for subcontracting, travel reimbursement, and handling of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of public release approval for disseminating contract-derived information. This agreement reflects the government's commitment to ensuring compliance with procurement regulations while fostering effective collaboration with contractors to achieve project objectives.
The document outlines a federal contract awarded by DARPA, designated HR00112XCXXXX, for supplying services under a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) arrangement. It details expectations for the contractor, including tasks encapsulated in a Statement of Work (SOW), reporting requirements, and invoice submission procedures via the Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF) system. The contract includes provisions for Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) protection, travel-related reimbursement based on the type of performer, and emphasizes the importance of milestone and financial status reporting. Key aspects regarding personnel changes and the process for contract modifications are also highlighted. Overall, the contract emphasizes compliance with federal regulations and the need for regular progress reporting, which is crucial for ensuring timely project execution. This document reflects the federal government's structured approach to managing contracts, particularly in the research and development sector, ensuring accountability and transparency at every stage.
The document outlines the Accelerated Award Option Election and Attestation Form pertaining to proposals submitted under DARPA's Broad Agency Announcement HR001124S0034. Organizations seeking this option must affirm that their proposal adheres to specific conditions, including a cost cap of $2,000,000, an unclassified scope of work, and compliance with data rights stipulations. For procurement contracts, additional requirements include having an adequate accounting system and a small business subcontracting plan if applicable. Conversely, for Other Transactions (OT) agreements, organizations must agree to the model OT terms and limits on profit percentages. The form requires the authorized signatory to attest that failure to meet any stipulation may result in revocation of the accelerated award commitment by DARPA. This document serves as a critical compliance mechanism for organizations aiming to expedite their award process under DARPA’s initiative for prototype funding.
The document outlines an Other Transaction Agreement between a performing company and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for research and development under 10 U.S.C. § 4022. The agreement is initiated to develop a specified prototype, with set milestones dictating payments to the performer upon successful milestone completion. It encompasses various articles detailing management, patent rights, data rights, and dispute resolution procedures, among other operational guidelines. Key aspects include the program's management structure, obligation for protections surrounding covered defense information and cybersecurity, and stipulations for public dissemination of results. The agreement emphasizes the importance of the performer maintaining compliance with NIST standards and the mechanisms for termination and changes in project scope. Explicitly noted is the government's ability to claim data and intellectual property generated under the agreement while ensuring that foreign access to developed technology is controlled to safeguard national security. This document exemplifies the procedural framework and regulatory requirements inherent in government contracts, focusing on research and prototype development.
Apr 2, 2025, 8:10 PM UTC
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Biological Technologies, with an amendment to introduce an accelerated award option and clarify submission processes for Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and University-Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs). This funding opportunity, numbered HR001124S0034, aims to leverage biological capabilities to enhance national security, focusing on areas like machine learning, human performance, materials and sensors, ecosystem management, and biosecurity. Proposals are welcomed on a rolling basis until September 18, 2025, with evaluations based on scientific merit, relevance to DARPA's mission, and cost realism. Multiple award types are possible, including procurement contracts and cooperative agreements. The BAA encourages participation from diverse organizations, including historically Black colleges and small businesses, while adhering to security regulations and providing a framework for innovative research in biological technologies. This announcement represents DARPA’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge research that addresses pressing national defense challenges.
Apr 2, 2025, 8:10 PM UTC
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for its Biological Technologies Office (BTO) to fund innovative research and development in various biological technology areas. Proposals are welcome on a rolling basis until September 10, 2025, under funding opportunity number HR001124S0034. The BAA covers multiple topics, including machine learning applications in biological data, enhancing human performance, developing novel materials and sensors, advancing biosecurity measures, and biomedical advancements for warfighter health. Key evaluation criteria for proposals focus on scientific merit, contributions to DARPA's mission, and cost realism. Multiple award types may be granted, including procurement contracts and cooperative agreements. Submissions must adhere to specific guidelines described in multiple required attachments. DARPA encourages participation from diverse organizations, including minority institutions and small businesses, while emphasizing the importance of compliance with government mandates and safety considerations related to human and animal research. The BAA aims to harness biological technologies to enhance national security and improve operational capabilities for military applications.
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Biological Technologies
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