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)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/25fa27766901406eb3c6997410fdcad4/view
Timeline
    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
    DARPA-EA-25-02-03_Amendment_1_Summary_Document.docx
    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.
    DARPA-EA-25-02-03_Amendment_1.docx
    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.
    DARPA-EA-25-02-03-Amendment-01-CORRECTION.pdf
    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.
    DARPA-EA-25-02-03-Amendment-01.pdf
    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.
    DARPA-EA-25-02-03.pdf
    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.
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