Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), Contracts Management Office (CMO), 3701 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203-1714

A -- IR DETECTOR MATERIALS RESEARCH SOL BAA 95-44 DUE 120495 POC Mr. Ray Balcerak, Technical POC, Fax (703) 696-2201, e-mail: rbalcerak@arpa.mil. The Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) is seeking innovative research efforts to realize dramatic performance improvements in uncooled infrared (IR) materials for thermal detectors, including bolometers and pyroelectric devices responsive in the eight to fourteen micrometer spectral region, operating nominally at room temperature. The uncooled devices have the potential to significantly simplify infrared sensor packaging, addressing a major cost and logistics element associated with infrared systems. PROGRAM OBJECTIVE AND DESCRIPTION: The major technical objectives are to develop high quality thin film infrared sensitive materials, establish an efficient interface between the detector and the signal processor, and ensure that the materials deposition and processing techniques are compatible with integrated circuit fabrication. Quantitatively, the technical objective is to develop materials consistent with a detector noise equivalent temperature difference of 0.01 degrees Celsius to 0.005 degrees Celsius, operating at a 30 Hz frame rate with an f/1 optical system, and capable of being produced in detector unit cells of 4E-6 to 1E-6 square inches. Innovative teaming arrangements, which include at least one industrial and one academic partner are encouraged. Specific areas of interest for this solicitation encompass: (1) Thin Film Thermal Detector Material, (2) Thermal Isolation Structure Design and Fabrication, and (3) Read-out Integrated Circuit Design and Fabrication. The fabrication and testing of small test arrays of the proposed design is required. Additional information on technologies of interest and complementary ARPA programs is provided in the Areas of Interest section of the BAA 95-44 Proposer Information Pamphlet referenced below. PROGRAM SCOPE: Proposals should compare the advantages of using the proposed techniques relative to alternative means of achieving the same performance, and discuss the relationship of the proposed approach to the state of the art in uncooled infrared material and devices. Proposers should graphically (performance curves) compare current technology t the improved technology. A single proposal abstract/proposal may apply to any or all areas. Innovative teaming arrangements, which include at least one industrial and one academic partner, are encouraged. Representatives from the military services will participate in source selection, contracting, and management of the awards. Awards are anticipated to be for 24 to 36 month performance periods. Additional optional years may be included in the proposed work. During the first half of the calendar year, the Government anticipates making multiple awards totalling approximately $10 million over three years. GENERAL INFORMATION: Proposers must obtain a pamphlet, BAA 95-44 Proposer Information Pamphlet, which provides further information on areas of interest, the submission, evaluation, and funding processes, and proposal and proposal abstract formats. This pamphlet may be obtained by fax, electronic mail, or mail request from the administrative contact address given below. Proposals not meeting the format described in the pamphlet may not be reviewed. In order to minimize unnecessary effort in proposal preparation and review, proposers are strongly encouraged to submit brief proposal abstracts in advance of full proposals. An original and nine (9) copies of the proposal abstract must be submitted to ARPA/ETO, 3701 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203-1714 (ATTN: BAA 95-44), on or before 4:00 PM, October 20, 1995. Proposal abstracts received after this date may not be reviewed. Upon review, ARPA will provide written feedback on the likelihood of a full proposal being selected and the date and time for submission of a full proposal. Proposers not submitting proposal abstracts must submit an original and nine (9) copies of the full proposal to ARPA/ETO, 3701 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203-1714 (ATTN: BAA 95-44), on or before 4:00 PM, December 4, 1995 in order to be considered. This notice, in conjunction with the pamphlet, BAA 95-44 Proposer Information, constitutes the total BAA. No additional information is available, nor will a formal RFP or other solicitation regarding this announcement be issued. Requests for same will be disregarded. The Government reserves the right to select for award all, some, or none of the proposals received. All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government's needs may submit a proposal which shall be considered by ARPA. Historically Black Collees and Universities (HBCU) and Minority Institutions (MI) are encouraged to submit proposals and join others in submitting proposals, however, no portion of this BAA will be set aside for HBCU and MI participation due to the impracticality of reserving discrete or severable areas of research in IR Detector Materials. All administrative correspondence and questions on this solicitation, including requests for information on how to submit a proposal abstract or proposal to this BAA, should be directed to one of the administrative addresses below, e-mail or fax is preferred. ARPA intends to use electronic mail and fax for correspondence regarding BAA 95-42. Proposals and proposal abstracts may not be submitted by fax or e-mail, any so sent will be disregarded. EVALUATION CRITERIA: Evaluation of proposal abstracts and proposals will be accomplished through a technical review of each proposal using the following criteria, which are listed in descending order of relative importance: (l) overall scientific and technical merit, (2) potential contribution and relevance to the ARPA mission, (3) contribution to the overall balance of the ARPA infrared detector research program, (4) the schedule and quantitative measures associated with technical demonstrations and the transition of the proposed technology, (5) the offeror's capabilities, related experience, key personnel, facilities, techniques or unique combination of these which are integral factors for achieving the proposed objectives, (6) effectiveness of management plan, and (7) cost realism. Note: Cost realism will only be significant in proposals which have significantly under- or over- estimated the cost to complete their effort. The administrative addresses for this BAA are: Fax: 703-351-8616 (Addressed to: ARPA/ETO, BAA 95-44), Electronic Mail: BAA95-44@arpa.mil, Mail:ARPA/ETO, Attn.: BAA 95-44, 3701 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203-1714. (0258)

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