Critical Orientation of Mathematics to Produce Advancements in Science and Security (COMPASS)
ID: DARPA-EA-25-02-03Type: 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; BASIC RESEARCH (AC11)
Timeline
  1. 1
    Posted Jan 15, 2025, 12:00 AM UTC
  2. 2
    Updated Jan 31, 2025, 12:00 AM UTC
  3. 3
    Due May 12, 2025, 4:00 PM UTC
Description

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative research concepts through its Critical Orientation of Mathematics to Produce Advancements in Science and Security (COMPASS) initiative, aimed at enhancing national security applications via advanced mathematics. Researchers are invited to submit abstracts that propose novel mathematical frameworks capable of addressing complex defense challenges across various domains, including air, land, maritime, space, and cyberspace. This initiative underscores the critical role of robust mathematical solutions in improving military decision-making and operational effectiveness, with funding ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 for projects lasting up to 12 months. Abstract submissions will be evaluated on a rolling basis until May 12, 2025, and interested parties can reach out to the BAA Coordinator at COMPASS@darpa.mil for further information.

Point(s) of Contact
BAA Coordinator
COMPASS@darpa.mil
Files
Title
Posted
Jan 31, 2025, 5:04 PM UTC
The document outlines Amendment 1 to the DARPA proposal DARPA-EA-25-02-03, titled "Critical Orientation of Mathematics to Produce Advancements in Science and Security" (COMPASS). The primary purpose of this amendment is to extend the proposal's submission deadline from May 12, 2024, to May 12, 2025. All updates have been highlighted in yellow for clarity. Aside from this date modification, there are no additional changes to the original proposal. This extension allows for additional time for potential applicants to prepare their submissions, indicating a responsive approach by DARPA to enhance participation in the program aimed at advancing mathematics in science and security applications.
Jan 31, 2025, 5:04 PM UTC
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has announced an Advanced Research Concepts (ARC) Opportunity named COMPASS, focusing on innovative exploratory research in advanced mathematics for national security applications. This opportunity invites researchers to submit abstracts addressing how new mathematical frameworks can reshape problem formulations, particularly in complex and dynamic defense scenarios. Proposals should not only identify a novel mathematical application but also demonstrate substantial improvements over existing methodologies. Funding for each project ranges from $100,000 to $300,000, with a maximum project duration of 12 months. Abstracts will be evaluated on a rolling basis until May 12, 2025, emphasizing novel connections between mathematics and defense technologies. Key areas of interest include heterogeneous behavior in large systems, stochastic processes in variable environments, and high-dimensional random structures. Proposers are encouraged to collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure the relevance and applicability of their research. The submission process requires a detailed plan outlining objectives, methodologies, and evaluations to address significant gaps in current practices. The document underscores the critical role of advanced mathematics in enhancing national security and provides a framework for researchers to contribute innovative solutions to modern defense challenges.
Jan 31, 2025, 5:04 PM UTC
The Critical Orientation of Mathematics to Produce Advancements in Science and Security (COMPASS) ARC Opportunity, issued by DARPA, seeks innovative research concepts in advanced mathematics that support national security applications. Individual researchers or teams may submit abstracts that will be evaluated on a rolling basis until May 12, 2025. Proposed projects should aim for significant advancements in formulating problems using advanced mathematical frameworks. Each project is expected to require an effort equivalent to one full-time researcher over 12 months, with funding ranging from $100,000 to $300,000. The focus is on exploring new mathematical connections relevant to defense, such as complex systems and stochastic processes, and addressing gaps in current methodologies. Abstracts must include a literature review, a proposed research plan, and describe objectives and evaluation measures. Final awards will be granted under Other Transactions authority, with submissions encouraged to establish connections with subject matter experts. This initiative aims to develop robust mathematical solutions to enhance decision-making in increasingly complex military environments, thereby advancing capabilities across various operational domains.
Jan 27, 2025, 6:05 PM UTC
The document titled "DARPA‐EA-25-02-03 Amendment 1" focuses on an amendment to the original DARPA project proposal. It includes a call for review and approval of the updated document, which remains accessible on SharePoint. The instructions emphasize that highlights will persist in the document, ensuring that the core content and structure are unchanged. Stakeholders are required to complete their approval through the BAAM system, signifying a formal process for document validation. The procedure aligns with federal grant and RFP protocols, indicating a process of oversight and collaboration among government agencies. This amendment underscores the importance of maintaining and validating project documentation to facilitate transparency and compliance within government operations.
Jan 31, 2025, 5:04 PM UTC
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting Abstracts for innovative exploratory research in advanced mathematics through its Critical Orientation of Mathematics to Produce Advancements in Science and Security (COMPASS) initiative. This opportunity aims to develop novel mathematical frameworks that address complex national security challenges across multiple domains, including air, land, maritime, space, and cyberspace. Researchers are encouraged to propose unique mathematical approaches that can lead to significant advancements in defense-related problem formulations. Each project is expected to have a duration of 12 months with budgets ranging from $100,000 to $300,000, excluding profit and certain costs. Successful Abstracts may lead to an invitation for an Oral Proposal Package (OPP) and potential funding through Research Other Transactions. The submission deadline for Abstracts is May 12, 2024, and submissions will be evaluated on a rolling basis, focusing on innovative contributions that bridge mathematics and defense applications. A detailed literature review and a clear roadmap of the proposed research are essential components of the submission. Overall, COMPASS seeks to harness advanced mathematical insights to improve military decision-making and operational effectiveness.
Lifecycle
Title
Type
Similar Opportunities
Exponentiating Mathematics (expMath) Proposers Day
Buyer not available
The Department of Defense, through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is hosting a Proposers Day for the Exponentiating Mathematics (expMath) initiative on April 23, 2025. This event aims to inform potential proposers about the technical goals of expMath, which seeks to leverage artificial intelligence to significantly accelerate progress in pure mathematics by developing AI co-authors for automatic decomposition and formalization of mathematical problems. The initiative addresses current challenges in the slow pace of mathematical proofs and the complexities of translating mathematical concepts into programming languages, focusing on two technical areas: automation of mathematical tasks and evaluation of AI contributions to professional-level mathematics. Interested participants must register by April 16, 2025, with in-person attendance limited to 176 participants and virtual attendance available via Zoom. For further inquiries, potential proposers can contact the BAA Coordinator at expMath@darpa.mil.
Advanced Research Concepts (ARC)
Buyer not available
The Department of Defense, through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is soliciting proposals for the Advanced Research Concepts (ARC) program, aimed at exploring high-risk, high-reward research initiatives that support U.S. national security. Proposers are required to submit concise abstracts summarizing innovative technical ideas for projects that can be executed over a 12-month period with a budget not exceeding $300,000, engaging one Full-Time Equivalent (FTE). This initiative is critical for fostering disruptive technological advancements that can significantly impact defense capabilities. Interested parties must adhere to specific submission guidelines and contact the BAA Coordinator at Innovation@darpa.mil for further information, with the solicitation remaining open for one year.
Securing Artificial Intelligence for Battlefield Effective Robustness (SABER)
Buyer not available
The Department of Defense, through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is soliciting proposals for the "Securing Artificial Intelligence for Battlefield Effective Robustness (SABER)" initiative, aimed at enhancing the security and robustness of AI systems in military applications. The primary objective is to establish an operational AI red team capable of assessing vulnerabilities in AI-enabled battlefield systems, focusing on both ground and aerial autonomous systems that may be deployed within the next 1-3 years. This initiative is critical as it addresses the increasing reliance on AI technologies in defense strategies and the associated security risks, particularly in dynamic and adversarial environments. Interested parties must submit their proposals by May 6, 2025, with an abstract submission deadline of March 31, 2025. For further inquiries, contact the BAA Coordinator at SABER@darpa.mil.
Adaptive Capabilities Office (ACO) and Aerospace Projects Office (APO) Office-wide Broad Agency Announcement
Buyer not available
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for innovative proposals through its Adaptive Capabilities Office (ACO) and Aerospace Projects Office (APO). The primary objective is to solicit advancements in military technologies that enhance warfighting capabilities and address complex battlefield challenges, with a focus on adaptive warfighting architectures and reusable hypersonic air platforms. This initiative underscores the importance of cutting-edge research in maintaining national defense and technological superiority. Interested parties must submit abstracts and proposals by specified deadlines, with further inquiries directed to the BAA Coordinator at HR001125S0006@darpa.mil.
Program Announcement for MTO Pitch Day Solicitation
Buyer not available
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is hosting a Pitch Day Solicitation aimed at funding innovative research proposals in the areas of unconventional computing, biologically inspired microsystems, and commercially catalyzed defense development. This initiative seeks to encourage participation from small businesses and non-traditional proposers, with the goal of funding short-term efforts that have the potential to evolve into significant DARPA programs. Proposers are invited to submit abstracts by April 23, 2025, for the opportunity to present their ideas at the Pitch Day event scheduled for July 25, 2025, with funding available through Research Other Transaction agreements, not exceeding $400,000 across two phases. Interested parties can reach out to the MTO BAA Coordinator at MTO-PitchDay@darpa.mil for further information.
Defense Sciences Office (DSO) Office-wide BAA
Buyer not available
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is inviting proposals for its Defense Sciences Office (DSO) Office-wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), aimed at soliciting innovative research ideas that can lead to revolutionary advancements in national security applications. Proposals should focus on novel approaches rather than incremental improvements, covering key research areas such as Novel Materials & Structures, Sensing & Measurement, and Emerging Threats. This initiative is crucial for fostering advanced research that aligns with DARPA's mission to enhance national defense capabilities. Interested organizations can submit proposals until September 26, 2025, and should direct inquiries to the BAA Coordinator at HR001124S0039@darpa.mil.
Disruptioneering Program Announcement
Buyer not available
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking proposals for its "Disruptioneering Program Announcement" aimed at fostering high-risk, high-reward research initiatives in defense sciences. This program will utilize Other Transactions for Prototype agreements to fund projects that lead to prototype demonstrations, with a total funding cap of $2 million for combined projects and a minimum cost share of one-third in certain cases. The initiative emphasizes rapid exploration of emerging scientific advances and encourages collaboration with commercial entities, nonprofits, and universities, particularly benefiting nontraditional defense contractors with reduced restrictions. Interested parties can direct inquiries to the BAA Coordinator at DARPA-PA-24-04@darpa.mil, with proposals expected to adhere to specific guidelines and submission formats outlined in the program documentation.
Microsystems Exploration
Buyer not available
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting proposals for its Microsystems Exploration program, aimed at advancing high-risk, high-reward technologies in areas such as photonics, quantum computing, and hardware security. Proposals must address specific Microsystems Exploration topics and include a structured approach for a two-phase project: a Phase 1 Feasibility Study and a Phase 2 Proof of Concept, with a total budget not exceeding $2 million and a duration of up to 24 months. This initiative is critical for fostering innovation that supports U.S. national security and technological superiority. Interested parties should submit their proposals in compliance with the outlined guidelines, including technical, pricing, and administrative requirements, and can direct inquiries to the MTO Program Announcement Coordinator at DARPA-PA-25-01@darpa.mil.
Kallisti
Buyer not available
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals for the Kallisti program, aimed at enhancing national security strategies through the development of an algorithmic theory of mind that models adversaries’ situational awareness and predicts their future behavior. The program seeks to create a simulation environment for evaluating adversarial decision-making processes, incorporating advanced AI methodologies and modeling techniques to simulate military and geopolitical scenarios. This initiative is critical for improving defense capabilities by enabling a deeper understanding of adversarial behavior in complex environments. Interested parties must submit abstracts by February 28, 2025, with oral presentations scheduled for March 6-11, 2025. For further inquiries, contact the BAA Coordinator at kallisti@darpa.mil.
Chemistries and monoLayers for Anti-aging Kinematics (CLOAK)
Buyer not available
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is inviting proposals for the Chemistries and monoLayers for Anti-aging Kinematics (CLOAK) project, aimed at enhancing the longevity and performance of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) critical for precision positioning and navigation. This initiative seeks innovative solutions to address sensor drift and aging issues in MEMS, which are vital for operational reliability in GPS-denied environments, with a focus on achieving less than 10% performance degradation in Phase 1 and over 10 years of operation with ideally no degradation in Phase 2. Proposals must comply with DARPA's submission standards and include detailed cost breakdowns, with a total funding amount of up to $1.2 million available across two phases. Interested parties must submit their proposals by April 14, 2025, and can contact the BAA Coordinator at CLOAK@darpa.mil for further information.