Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Contract Management Directorate (CMD), 3701 N. Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA 22203-1714

A -- SYNTHETIC MULTIFUNCTIONAL MATERIALS (SMFM) SOL BAA00-02 DUE 011400 POC Dr. Leo Christodoulou, DARPA/DSO, fax (703) 696-3999 SYNTHETIC MULTIFUNCTIONAL MATERIALS (SMFM), SOL BAA00-02, DUE 011400, POC: DR. LEO CHRISTODOULOU, DARPA/DSO, Fax: 703-696-3999, Email: lchristodoulou@darpa.mil, URL: http://www.darpa.mil/baa00-02/dso. PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is interested in receiving proposals for research, development and proof-of-concept demonstrations of multifunctional materials and structures to realize improved, new or unique systems for military utility. The specific objectives of this program are the development and demonstration of 1) synthetic multifunctional materials, 2) the establishment of rules for their design, and 3) tools for their incorporation into structures. Synthetic Multifunctional Materials (SMFM) are materials explicitly designed to realize multiple performance objectives. For the purposes of this program, multifunctional materials and structures are defined as structural materials utilizing compositional and morphological arrangements to perform at least one additional function. Domains of multiple functions of interest include, but are not limited to, structural capability plus power (energy generation), structural capability plus self-repair, structural capability plus sensing, and structural capability plus ballistic and/or blast protection. For the purposes of this solicitation, materials or structures that require extensive externally-supplied electrical power or communication, command and control support (i.e., complex arrangements of sensors, actuators and control systems) to exhibit useful multifunctionalities are not of interest. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: Each proposal should: 1) identify a specific challenge problem that generates basic knowledge and understanding about the integration of multiple functions into structural materials; 2) explicitly identify the multiple functions of the material or structure in the selected challenge problem; 3) synthesize materials and fabricate appropriate laboratory-scale demonstration items via suitable processing/fabrication techniques; and 4) outline a methodology for the development of broadly applicable approaches, rules and tools for the design of multifunctional materials, and the design of components with multifunctional materials. The following are considered desirable: a) approaches that extract and selectively exploit lessons from natural systems; b) user-friendly design and modeling approaches that integrate across multiple size scales and can be implemented in design codes; c) materials and approaches that are conducive to flexible processing/fabrication; and d) integrated, multidisciplinary, collaborative efforts or teaming arrangements among industry, universities, federal laboratories, and users. GENERAL INFORMATION: Proposers should obtain the Proposal Information Package (PIP), BAA00-02 for required forms, submission format details and background. Pre-proposals and full proposals not following this format may not be evaluated. This pamphlet may be requested from the World Wide Web (www) at URL http://www.darpa.mil/DSO/solicitations, or by writing, faxing or e-mailing your request to DARPA/DSO, Attn: BAA00-02, 3701 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22203-1714, fax: 703-696-3999, email baa00-02@darpa.mil. The technical point of contact (POC) is Dr. Leo Christodoulou, DARPA/DSO. In all correspondence, reference BAA00-02. Early submission of proposals is strongly encouraged. Selections for awards may be made at any time during the evaluation process. Proposals will not be returned. All proprietary material should be clearly marked and will be held in strict confidence. Restrictive notices notwithstanding, proposals may be handled, for administrative purposes only, by a support contractor. All support contractors are bound by appropriate non-disclosure requirements. Input on technical aspects of the proposals may be solicited by DARPA from non-Government consultants/experts who are bound by appropriate non-disclosure requirements. Non-Government technical consultants will not have access to proposals that are labeled by the offerors as "GOVERNMENT ONLY." The proposed research programs should be no longer than 48 months. Proposals should be phased as outlined in the PIP. Phase I should not exceed twelve (12) months. Multiple awards are expected. Cost sharing is encouraged, but not required. PRE-PROPOSALS: To minimize unnecessary effort in proposal preparation and review, proposers are strongly encouraged to submit pre-proposals in advance of full proposals. The pre-proposal should not exceed eight (8) pages in length, including the title page, all charts, figures and appendices. Offerors should submit one (1) original and eight (8) copies of the pre-proposal due no later than 1600 ET 15 November 1999 to the address shown below. Facsimile transmissions or electronic media transmissions will not be accepted. Separate attachments such as institutional brochures, reprints, disks, or videotapes will be ignored. The pre-proposal should cover the following topics: 1) the need, novelty, advantages and potential impact of the selected challenge problem; 2) the essence of the multifunctional material or structure clearly identifying its multiple functions and the (postulated) operative physical mechanisms; 3) the modeling approach and its potential for incorporation into existing or new design tools; 4) the overall technical approach, including key challenges and how they will be addressed; 5) the potential for producing the materials or structures (one-of-a-kind demonstrations that cannot be made into a practical structure will not be acceptable); 6) a list of anticipated participants and their contributions; and 7) a chart showing tasks, milestones and funding levels versus time. Within ten (10) business days, DARPA will acknowledge receipt of the pre-proposal submission and assign a control number that should be used in all further correspondence. Recommendations for full proposal submission will be made within approximately thirty days of receipt. DARPA reserves the right to select for award specific sections of any proposed effort and/or to encourage teaming between competing proposers. All full proposal submissions will be evaluated regardless of the disposition of the pre-proposal. FULL PROPOSALS: Full proposals shall consist of two volumes, technical and cost. Offerors should submit one (1) original and eight (8) copies of the full-proposal due no later than 1600 ET 14 January 2000 to the address shown below. Facsimile transmissions or electronic media transmissions will not be accepted. Separate attachments such as institutional brochures, reprints, disks, or videotapes will be ignored. Volume 1: Technical. The technical volume is limited to a maximum of 35 pages, including the special cover sheet bearing the pre-proposal control number (if applicable), all figures, references, tables, charts, and appendices. The technical proposal shall consist of: 1) an executive summary (two pages or less); 2) a technical approach section that includes a description of the proposed multifunctional material or structure, its attributes, its design methodology, how it advances the state-of-the-art, and the approach for the development of design rules and tools; 3) a plan for the design, materials selection, fabrication and performance demonstration phases to include technical risk mitigation steps; 4) a time-phased schedule-milestone chart; 5)organizational structure of the team and management approach; 6) summary of relevant prior work; 7) brief description of applicable expertise, facilities and equipment; and 8) short resumes also of key individuals. The level of effort and specific roles and qualifications of key individuals should be included. Volume 2: Cost. The cost volume shall contain a summary cost breakdown and a detailed cost breakdown. The summary cost breakdown should be shown to the level of major tasks and should indicate manpower levels of effort, equipment and supplies, travel, and miscellaneous expenses for the tasks of the entire program, broken out by performer and time. Details of the cost sharing to be undertakenby the offeror (if applicable) must be included in the summary section of volume 2 of the proposal. EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS: Evaluation of the proposals will be based on the following criteria in decreasing order of importance: 1) the scientific and technical merits of the proposed effort as they address the program requirements listed above, and the degree to which the effort demonstrates innovation, understanding of the materials and issues, robust modeling approaches, fabrication protocols and other factors that affect performance of the proposed multifunctional material or structure in the intended application(s); 2) the likelihood that the proposed development will provide unique and/or new capabilities to the Department of Defense and result in broadly applicable design rules and tools; 3) the qualifications of the principal investigator and other key personnel, and adequacy of the equipment and facilities to meet the objectives; and 4) cost realism. BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT: This Commerce Business Daily (CBD) notice, in conjunction with the BAA00-02 PIP, constitutes the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) as contemplated by FAR6.102 (d) (2). A formal RFP or other solicitation regarding this announcement will not be issued. Requests for the same will be disregarded. Evaluation and selection of proposals for award will be made to those offerors whose proposal is considered most advantageous to the Government. The Government reserves the right to select for award all, some, or none of the proposals received in response to this announcement. Proposals identified for funding may result in a procurement contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or "Technology Investment Agreement (TIA)," depending upon the nature of the work proposed, the required degree of interaction between parties, and other factors. The offeror must submit a separate list of all technical data or computer software that will be furnished to the Government with other than unlimited rights (see DFARS Part 227). All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government's needs may submit proposals that will be evaluated if received in the correct format by the closing date. Because of the technical breadth implied in this solicitation, no portion of this BAA will be set aside for HBCU and MI participation. However, these organizations are encouraged to apply and/or team with other proposers. ADDRESS FOR SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS: DARPA/DSO, Attn: BAA00-02, 3701 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22203-1714 Posted 09/29/99 (W-SN386155). (0272)

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