The HR001125S0002 BAA outlines the abstract submission requirements for the Information Innovation Office (I2O). Proposers must use the provided template and submit abstracts in PDF or Word format, adhering to specific formatting guidelines including an 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper size, 1-inch margins, and a 12-point font. Abstracts are limited to five pages, excluding cover sheet, table of contents, bibliography, and optional technical papers. Submissions must be UNCLASSIFIED or CUI and clearly mark proprietary data. DARPA encourages abstract submission before full proposals, providing feedback within 30 days. However, this feedback does not guarantee a proposal's selection. Abstracts should include a cover sheet with proposer and contact information, estimated cost and performance period, and a table of contents detailing sections on Goals and Impact, Technical Approach, Capabilities/Management Plan, Cost and Schedule, and Bibliography. Abstracts must be submitted via the Broad Agency Announcement Tool by the specified due date, not through Grants.gov.

This document outlines the mandatory submission requirements for abstracts to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) HR001125S0002 I2O Office-Wide. Abstracts must adhere to a specific format, including an Abstract Summary Slide Template in Microsoft PowerPoint and an Abstract Instructions and Submission Template. Submissions must be in English, formatted for 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins, and a minimum 12-point font size for text, with 8 or 10-point allowed for figures, tables, and charts. The Abstract Summary Slide requires specific content sections: Concept, Impact, Context, and Approach, along with an Abstract Title, Organization Name(s), and Technical POC Name(s), and a graphic. Instructions in blue font on the template must be removed before submission. Non-compliant submissions may not be reviewed. This ensures standardization and clarity for all abstract submissions.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Information Innovation Office (I2O) has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (HR001125S0002) for proposals focusing on groundbreaking science and transformational capabilities in informational and computational spheres for national security. The BAA outlines four key thrust areas: proficient artificial intelligence, resilient/adaptable/secure systems, advantage in cyber operations, and confidence in the information domain. DARPA also welcomes unconventional computational approaches outside these areas that promise decisive information advantage for the U.S. and its allies. Proposals are evaluated based on scientific/technical merit, contribution/relevance to the DARPA mission, and cost realism. Abstracts can be submitted on a rolling basis until October 1, 2025, and full proposals until October 29, 2025. Multiple award types are anticipated, including procurement contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements.

The HR001125S0002 document outlines the mandatory instructions and template for submitting proposals to DARPA's Information Innovation Office (I2O). Proposers must adhere to specific formatting requirements, including page limits (25 pages for Technical and Management Volumes, excluding cover, table of contents, and appendices), font sizes, and submission formats (PDF or Microsoft Word). The proposal must include a summary slide, technical and management volume (Volume I), and a cost volume (Volume II), with the DARPA Standard Cost Proposal Spreadsheet being optional. Key sections of Volume I include a Cover Sheet, Official Transmittal Letter, Proposal Summary, Goals and Impact, Technical Plan, Management Plan, Personnel Qualifications, Capabilities, Statement of Work (SOW), Schedule and Milestones, and an Appendix for Key Personnel, Government/FFRDC team requirements, Organizational Conflict of Interest disclosures, Novelty of Proposed Work, Bibliography, Representations and Certifications, and Intellectual Property assertions. Proposals failing to meet these guidelines may not be reviewed.

HR001125S002 provides comprehensive instructions and a template for the Cost Proposal (Volume II) for the Information Innovation Office (I2O). Proposers must use this template, ensuring all cost information is submitted in PDF or Microsoft Word, with the DARPA Standard Cost Proposal Spreadsheet strongly encouraged in Excel. All submissions must be in English, formatted for 8.5x11 inch paper with 1-inch margins and 12-point font (8 or 10-point for figures/tables). The Cost Volume has no page limit and must detail the full program (base + options) by contractor fiscal year, broken down into categories like direct labor, indirect costs, materials, equipment, travel, ODCs, cost sharing, consultant, and subawardee costs. Prime proposers are responsible for compiling sub-awardee cost proposals, which can be submitted within the volume or emailed separately. The document emphasizes traceability of costs across all proposal documents and adherence to specific requirements for procurement contracts, including certified cost/pricing data, small business subcontracting plans, and approved cost accounting systems.

This document outlines the mandatory formatting and content requirements for proposal submissions to a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), likely from DARPA. It emphasizes the required use of specific templates for the Proposal Summary Slide, Technical and Management Volume, and Cost Volume. Key submission guidelines include using Microsoft PowerPoint for the summary slide, adhering to 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper format with 1-inch margins, and ensuring a minimum 12-point font size (8 or 10-point for figures). The summary slide must detail the proposed technical approach, rationale, team organization, milestones, and schedule, along with a cost summary per phase. Non-compliance with these instructions may result in proposals not being reviewed, underscoring the importance of strict adherence for full consideration.

The DARPA Standard Cost Proposal Spreadsheet (November 2021) is designed to help proposers submit comprehensive and well-supported cost proposals for various award instruments, including grants, contracts, and other transactions. The spreadsheet, comprising 25 worksheets, aims to streamline the government's review and negotiation processes. Proposers are responsible for providing adequate supporting data to establish cost reasonableness. Key sections include general information, direct labor, fringe benefits, labor overhead, subcontracts, consultants, other direct costs, material handling, and general and administrative costs. The document emphasizes that unpriced options will not be accepted. It also provides detailed instructions for filling out specific tabs like 'General,' 'Proposer Constants,' 'Labor Rates,' and 'Indirect Rates,' highlighting data entry cells and formulas. Proposers must ensure all costs are accurately tracked and that the sum of costs by task equals the total cost summary. Feedback for spreadsheet improvement is encouraged.

The I2O Office-Wide research effort mandates Associate Contractor Agreements for all performers to ensure open information exchange. These agreements require contractors to protect proprietary data, cooperate closely, maintain open communication, and delineate interface responsibilities. Contractors must establish written agreements, promptly providing copies to the Contracting Officer, and exchange proprietary information as needed for performance. Should disputes arise or data not be provided, contractors must notify the DARPA Information Innovation Office Program Manager for government guidance. This requirement extends to all subcontracts involving proprietary information. Current associate contractors include Contractor One, Contractor Two, and Contractor Three, highlighting the collaborative nature of this government research initiative.