Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Contracts Management Office (CMO), 3701 N. Fairfax Dr., Arlington VA 22203-1714

A -- INTEGRATED IMAGING SENSORS SOL BAA 96-32 DUE 101896 POC Raymond Balcerak and Anis Husain, DARPA/ETO, FAX (703) 696-2206. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking innovative research efforts to realize dramatic improvements in night-vision technology, specifically integrated imaging sensors and systems. Proposed research should investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES AND DESCRIPTION: DARPA is soliciting research proposals in the area of Integrated Imaging Sensors. The goal of this program is to provide new capabilities and improved performance with solid-state sensors that combine infrared and low-light-level sensor information and can be integrated into a lightweight, low-power, rugged, reliable package/system. DARPA seeks proposals in two broad technology areas: (I) integrated sensors: sensor(s) that respond to a broad spectral range, capable of performing multiple functions, integrated into a compact package, (IA) low-light-level (visible/near infrared) sensors, (IB) uncooled infrared sensors, and (II) advanced sensor concepts. Additional information on these technology areas is provided in the Areas of Interest section of the BAA 96-32 Proposer Information Pamphlet referenced below. Proposals may be submitted under either one or both of these two areas. 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 between the proposed approach and the state-of-the-art. Proposers should graphically (e.g., performance curves) compare current technology to the improved technology. A single proposal abstract/proposal may apply to any or all areas. Proposals for individual efforts should not exceed thirty-six (36) months in length. Technologies that have a broad impact will be given the highest priority. To ensure technology transfer in this program, there will be an emphasis on collaborative research and development among university and industry partners. Because this program will span multiple disciplines and capabilities, the formation of appropriate teaming arrangements to integrate the diverse technical areas is encouraged. Awards totaling approximately $30 million over three years are expected to be made during the last quarter of the calendar year 1996. Multiple awards are anticipated, with the majority of funds directed toward area (I) integrated sensors. The technical POCs for this effort are Raymond Balcerak and Anis Husain, Fax (703) 696-2206, electronic mail: rbalcerak@darpa.mil or ahusain@darpa.mil. GENERAL INFORMATION: Proposers must obtain a pamphlet, BAA 96-32 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 to 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 proposal abstracts in advance of full proposals. An original and nine (9) copies of the proposal abstract must be submitted to DARPA/ETO, 3701 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203-1714 (ATTN: BAA 96-32), on or before 4:00 P.M., August 16, 1996. Proposal abstracts received after this date may not be reviewed. Upon review, DARPA will provide written feedback on the likelihood of a full proposal being selected and the time and date for submission of a full proposal. Proposers not submitting proposal abstracts must submit an original and nine (9) copies of the full proposal to DARPA/ETO, 3701 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203-1714 (ATTN: BAA 96-32), on or before 4:00 P.M., October 18, 1996, in order to be considered. This notice, in conjunction with the BAA 96-32 Proposer Information Pamphlet, 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 to be considered by DARPA. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) 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 integrating low-light-level and infrared sensors. 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. DARPA intends to use electronic mail and fax for correspondence regarding BAA 96-32. Proposals and proposal abstracts may not be submitted by fax or e-mail, any so sent will be disregarded. EVALUATION CRITERIA: Evaluation of 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 quality, technical merit, and realism, (2) potential contribution and relevance to the DARPA mission, (3) demonstration of significant quantitative performance improvement, and decreases in size, weight, and power, relative to current capability, (4) schedule of technical demonstrations, and quantitative measures for technology transition, (5) offeror's capabilities, related experience, key personnel, facilities, techniques or unique combinations of these which are integral factors for achieving the proposed objectives, (6) effectiveness of the 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: DARPA/ETO, BAA 96-32), Electronic Mail: BAA96-32@darpa.mil, Mail: DARPA/ETO, Attn: BAA 96-32, 3701 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203-1714. This announcement and the Proposer Information Pamphlet may be retrieved via the WWW at URL http://www.darpa.mil/ in the solicitations area. (0193)

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