BioLogical Undersea Energy (BLUE)
ID: 352441Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

DARPA - Biological Technologies Office (DOD-DARPA-BTO)

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Science and Technology and other Research and Development

Funding Instrument

Procurement Contract

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking innovative proposals for the BioLogical Undersea Energy (BLUE) program, which aims to develop self-refueling power supplies that convert microscopic marine biomass into electrical power for ocean-deployed sensor systems. The program's objectives include creating power supplies that can operate fully submerged for over a year without servicing, thereby enhancing the endurance and capability of marine sensor technologies. This initiative is critical for advancing sustainable energy solutions in oceanic environments while minimizing ecological impact. Interested applicants must submit proposals by April 30, 2024, and can reach out to the BAA Coordinator at BLUE@darpa.mil for further information. Additional details can be found on the SAM.gov Contract Opportunities website.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The document outlines a government proposal team's objectives, focusing on addressing current limitations in existing practices related to the program's goals. It articulates a clear vision for improvement, emphasizing the desired qualitative and quantitative changes that the team's innovations will bring. The impact section discusses the potential effects of the team's success, including specific metrics and milestones to measure progress. Additionally, it explores prospective applications resulting from the technologies developed through this initiative. By defining both immediate goals and broader impacts, the proposal emphasizes a strategic approach to achieving meaningful advancements in the target area. This summary serves to highlight the proposal's intent to secure funding or support through federal or local RFP processes by illustrating its relevance and potential for significant societal benefits.
    The document outlines the Statement of Work (SOW) for a proposed effort under DARPA's HR001124S0010, indicating the parameters for a research project focused on identifying marine input materials and environmental factors. The structure includes a detailed scope with tasks to be performed in two phases: Phase I focuses on identifying materials and their marine environments, while Phase II follows with additional tasks. The contractor is responsible for providing necessary facilities and equipment and must adhere to project management protocols, including a kickoff meeting, monthly and quarterly progress reports, and a final contract review. Travel is anticipated for collaboration with DARPA, and the document emphasizes milestones, performance metrics, and deliverables. The project aims to maintain compliance with unclassified security guidelines and outlines responsibilities for government-furnished equipment and contractor-acquired property. Overall, the SOW serves as a framework for executing the proposal, ensuring thorough oversight, and fostering effective communication between the contractor and DARPA.
    The BioLogical Undersea Energy (BLUE) program, announced by DARPA's Biological Technologies Office, seeks innovative proposals to develop self-refueling power supplies that convert microscopic marine biomass into electrical power. Primarily targeted for ocean-deployed sensor systems, these supplies must operate fully submerged, deliver consistent energy for over a year, and require no service. The program spans 30 months, divided into two phases: Phase I focuses on feasibility and includes a 30-day field demonstration, while Phase II concentrates on scaling up technology. Proposals must adhere to strict guidelines regarding ecological impact, biosafety, and the use of specific input materials. The anticipated outcome is to provide sustainable, high-capacity energy solutions for marine applications, with multiple awards available to qualified applicants. A structured proposal process includes abstract submissions and detailed project plans that address technical, environmental, and performance metrics, with ongoing government support and evaluation throughout the phases. This program reflects a significant federal initiative to advance technological capabilities in oceanic energy solutions, prioritizing minimal environmental impact and operational reliability.
    Similar Opportunities
    Defense Sciences Office (DSO) Office-wide BAA
    DARPA - Defense Sciences Office
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is inviting proposals through its Defense Sciences Office (DSO) Office-wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) HR001124S0039, aimed at fostering innovative scientific research for national security applications. The BAA specifically seeks revolutionary advancements in six key technical areas: Novel Materials & Structures, Sensing & Measurement, Computation & Processing, Enabling Operations, Collective Intelligence, and Emerging Threats, while excluding research focused on incremental improvements. This opportunity is crucial for advancing cutting-edge technologies that enhance defense capabilities, with proposals accepted on a rolling basis until September 26, 2025. Interested parties can contact the BAA Coordinator at HR001124S0039@darpa.mil for further details, and are encouraged to submit preliminary executive summaries for feedback prior to full proposal submissions.
    Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) Office-wide
    DARPA - Microsystems Technology Office
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative research proposals through the Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) under Broad Agency Announcement HR001124S0028. This opportunity aims to foster high-risk, high-reward technologies that are not currently being addressed by existing MTO programs, with a focus on emerging circuit technologies such as quantum, photonic, and bio/organic circuits, as well as the development of a sustainable microsystems manufacturing ecosystem. The BAA encourages participation from all responsible sources, including minority and disadvantaged businesses, and emphasizes the importance of addressing national security implications in proposals. Interested parties should submit abstracts on a rolling basis until March 9, 2025, with full proposals due by May 9, 2025. For further information, contact Dr. Whitney Mason at HR001124S0028@darpa.mil, and additional details can be found at the SAM.gov Contract Opportunities page.
    DE-FOA-0003520 Maximizing Algal System Yield (MASY)
    Golden Field Office
    The Department of Energy's Golden Field Office is offering a funding opportunity titled "DE-FOA-0003520 Maximizing Algal System Yield (MASY)" aimed at addressing technical challenges in algal systems to enhance algae as a domestic bioenergy resource. This cooperative agreement seeks applications for high-impact, applied research and development focused on improving the economics of biofuels and bioproducts through the alleviation of cultivation and preprocessing challenges. With an estimated total program funding of $10 million and an award ceiling of $3.5 million, the agency anticipates making approximately six awards. Interested applicants must submit a Concept Paper by February 21, 2025, and a Full Application by May 15, 2025, with further inquiries directed to FY25BETOMASYNOFO@ee.doe.gov.
    Information Innovation Office (I2O) Office-Wide
    DARPA - Information Innovation Office
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is inviting proposals for the Information Innovation Office (I2O) Office-Wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) HR001125S0002, aimed at fostering revolutionary research in information and computational technologies to enhance national security. Proposals should focus on innovative ideas not currently addressed by existing I2O programs, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, resilient systems, and cyber operations, while avoiding duplication of previous efforts. This opportunity is critical for advancing defense capabilities through pioneering research and is open to all responsible sources capable of meeting the government's needs. Proposals will be accepted until October 29, 2025, with interested parties encouraged to submit abstracts for preliminary feedback. For further details, contact the BAA Coordinator at HR001125S0002@darpa.mil or visit the SAM.gov Contract Opportunities page.
    Neutralization In Challenging Environments Using Lethal Effects (NICELE)
    Office of Naval Research
    The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is seeking proposals for the "Neutralization In Challenging Environments Using Lethal Effects" (NICELE) initiative, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) forces in neutralizing underwater threats such as mines and water-borne improvised explosive devices (WBIEDs). This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) encourages the development of innovative payloads for delivery by divers or Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), focusing on maximizing standoff distance and operational effectiveness in maritime security operations. Interested applicants, including academia, industry, and the research community, are invited to submit white papers by March 20, 2025, with funding decisions expected by May 27, 2025; for further inquiries, contact Veronica Lacey at veronica.y.lacey.civ@us.navy.mil.
    Sustainable Propane and Renewable Chemicals (SPARC)
    Golden Field Office
    The Department of Energy's Golden Field Office is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "Sustainable Propane and Renewable Chemicals (SPARC)" aimed at advancing research and development in the production of bio-based chemicals and sustainable propane from biomass and waste resources. This initiative supports the development of innovative production methods for value-added chemicals and seeks new pathways for producing liquefied propane and petroleum gases from renewable feedstocks, thereby enhancing energy independence and bolstering rural economies. The total estimated funding for this program is $23 million, with individual awards ranging from $1 million to $2.5 million, and a total of approximately 12 awards expected. Interested applicants must submit a Concept Paper by March 14, 2025, and a Full Application by May 30, 2025, with inquiries directed to sparcnofo@hq.doe.gov.
    Systems Biology Research to Advance Bioenergy Crop Production
    Office of Science
    The Department of Energy's Office of Science is inviting applications for the funding opportunity titled "Systems Biology Research to Advance Bioenergy Crop Production" (NOFO Number DE-FOA-0003453). This initiative seeks to enhance understanding of the molecular mechanisms that influence bioenergy feedstock productivity and the role of microbial communities in supporting plant vigor, particularly under suboptimal environmental conditions. The program aims to contribute to the development of sustainable bioenergy systems by addressing critical knowledge gaps in bioenergy crop performance, ultimately supporting the United States' energy and environmental security goals. The total funding available is up to $75 million, with individual awards ranging from $5 million to $15 million, and applications are due by March 26, 2025. Interested applicants can reach out to SC.GrantsandContracts@science.doe.gov for further information.
    TTO Office Wide (OW) BAA
    DARPA - Tactical Technology Office
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals through its Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) HR001124S0023, aimed at enhancing national security via the Tactical Technology Office (TTO). Proposals should focus on key areas such as Platform Innovation, Missionized Autonomy, Managing Complexity, Freedom’s Forge 2.0, and Disruptive Emergent Technology, with the goal of demonstrating revolutionary platforms and systems that can be rapidly built and adapted. This initiative is critical for fostering technologies that can disrupt traditional defense paradigms and improve operational efficiency. Interested parties must submit executive summaries by April 19, 2025, with full proposals due by June 20, 2025; for further details, contact the BAA Coordinator at HR001124S0023@darpa.mil.
    FY 2024 – 2026 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR)
    DOC NOAA - ERA Production
    The Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) under the Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced the FY 2024 – 2026 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) inviting applications for special projects and programs aligned with NOAA's strategic goals. This grant opportunity is open to a diverse range of eligible applicants, including institutions of higher education, nonprofits, commercial organizations, and various levels of government, with the aim of advancing science and technology research and development. The BAA serves as a mechanism for funding innovative projects that support NOAA's mission, with no specified funding ceiling or floor, and applications must be submitted by September 30, 2026. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Diane Brown, Grants Manager at diane.brown@noaa.gov.
    S&T FY 2024 – 2026 - Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Announcement Type: Initial
    DOC NOAA - ERA Production
    The Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is inviting applications for special projects through its Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for fiscal years 2024 to 2026. This opportunity aims to support innovative research, education, and outreach initiatives that align with NOAA's strategic goals, particularly in areas such as ocean exploration, climate adaptation, and resilient coastal communities. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, nonprofits, and state or local governments, with no mandatory cost-sharing requirements. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until September 30, 2026, and interested parties should ensure they are registered with Grants.gov and the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to submission. For further inquiries, applicants can contact the relevant NOAA Line Offices as detailed in the announcement.