Bordeaux Program Solicitation

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Program Solicitation (PS) from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Information Innovation Office (I2O), titled "Bordeaux" (DARPA-PS-26-20). DARPA is seeking innovative research proposals focused on cybersecurity performance in Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically exploring revolutionary advances in AI models and AI hardware. Research that results in evolutionary improvements is excluded. The anticipated award type is Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype Agreements.

• The program is structured into a Security Startup Period (3 months), Phase 1 (18 months), and Phase 2 (18 months). Proposals are solicited for both 18-month phases.

• An estimate for a 12-month Transition Phase is also requested for planning purposes.

• The research should investigate innovative approaches in cybersecurity performance in AI.

• The program is expected to be thirty-six (36) months in duration, excluding the optional Transition Phase.

• Multiple awards are anticipated.

• Resource sharing may be required for OT for Prototype Agreements, particularly if the proposer is a traditional defense contractor not working with a nontraditional defense contractor.

• Proposal Due Date: May 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET.

• Classified Addendum Request Cutoff: March 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.

• Question Submittal Closed: April 3, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET.

• Q&A Response Release: April 10, 2026, no earlier than 9:00 AM ET.

• Proposers Day: March 16 & 17, 2026.

• Proposal Submission: Consists of a Technical Proposal (Volume I) and a Cost Proposal (Volume II).

  • Volume I includes a one-slide summary, a Technical Volume (25 pages max), Task Description Document (TDD), and an Intellectual Property (IP) Data Rights Assertion.
  • Volume II requires the use of specific DARPA templates for cost volume and spreadsheet, detailing program costs by major items and tasks/phases.

• Evaluation Criteria (in descending order of importance):

  • Overall Scientific and Technical Merit
  • Potential Contribution and Relevance to the DARPA Mission
  • Cost Realism

• Open to all responsible sources, including large and small businesses, nontraditional defense contractors, and research institutions.

• Non-U.S. organizations and/or individuals cannot participate.

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Small Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Businesses, and Minority Institutions are encouraged, but no portion is set aside.

• Prohibits contractors/performers from concurrently providing System Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA), Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS), or similar support services as a technical performer, unless a waiver is granted.

• UARCs and FFRDCs are strongly discouraged from proposing, and awards will only be made by exception.

• This solicitation involves classified information (TOP SECRET//SPECIAL ACCESS REQUIRED). Proposers must meet specific security, personnel, and facility qualifications to receive the classified addendum.

• Standard Government regulations (FAR/DFARS) do not apply to Other Transaction Agreements.

• Proposers must be registered in SAM and the Government invoicing system (Wide Area Work Flow).

• Award is not guaranteed, and DARPA reserves the right to make no award.

Other / Unclassified

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Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the requirements for Associate Contractor Agreements (ACAs) that will be included in any resultant award instrument for the Bordeaux research effort. It details the expectations for collaboration and information exchange between different performers involved in the project.

• Definition of Associate Contractors: All performers will be classified as Associate Contractors.
• Proprietary Information Exchange: Contractors must protect proprietary or confidential data received from Associate Contractors, using it solely for the Bordeaux research effort. Protection measures should align with the contractor's own data protection standards.
• Cooperation Requirements: Contractors must maintain a close liaison, a free and open information network, and delineate detailed interface responsibilities with other Associate Contractors.
• Written Agreement: A written ACA must be established with other Associate Contractors, outlining the substance and procedures of cooperation. A copy must be provided to the Contracting Officer.
• Dispute Resolution: If disagreements arise between Associate Contractors regarding interface matters or data provision, the Government Program Manager will be notified and will issue guidance.
• Subcontracting: The ACA requirements must be included in all subcontracts that involve access to Associate Contractor proprietary information.
• Identified Associate Contractors: Performer One, Performer Two, and Performer Three are listed as Associate Contractors for this effort.

Bidders should understand that if awarded, they will be required to enter into an ACA with other identified performers. This involves specific obligations regarding information sharing, cooperation, and dispute resolution, which may impact project execution and proposal planning.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the schedule of milestones and associated payments for the opportunity. It serves as a guide for tracking progress and understanding payment triggers.

• Task: Identifies distinct phases or components of the work.
• Month: Indicates the target month for completion of a milestone or deliverable.
• Milestone/Deliverable: Specifies the expected outcome or output at each stage.
• DARPA Payment: Denotes the payment amount associated with the completion of each milestone.
• Exit Criteria: References a classified TDD (Technical Development Document) for detailed criteria that must be met for each task.

This attachment is crucial for bidders to understand the project's phased approach, the timing of key deliverables, and the payment schedule. It helps in planning resource allocation and understanding performance expectations tied to payment.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for an "Other Transaction" agreement between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and a performer. It outlines the terms and conditions for a research and development project, specifically for prototypes.

• Agreement Structure: Defines the scope, term, management, payment, disputes, intellectual property rights (patent and data), foreign access, security, and other administrative and legal clauses.
• Attachments: References several attachments including a Task Description Document (TDD), Report Requirements, Schedule of Milestones and Payments, Agreements Officer's Representative (AOR) Appointment Memo, Certifications, and Property/Equipment.
• Key Articles: Covers critical areas such as Scope of Agreement (Article I), Term (Article II), Management (Article III), Obligation and Payment (Article V), Patent Rights (Article VII), Data Rights (Article VIII), Foreign Access to Technology (Article IX), Safeguarding Covered Defense Information (Article X), and Follow-On Production Contracts (Article XI).
• Definitions: Provides definitions for key terms used throughout the agreement.
• Placeholders: Contains numerous placeholders (e.g., (INSERT PERFORMER AND ADDRESS), (INSERT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TITLE), (INSERT COMPANY NAME)) that need to be filled in for a specific agreement.

This template provides potential bidders with a clear understanding of the contractual framework DARPA uses for "Other Transactions" for prototypes. It highlights the key areas of negotiation and compliance, including intellectual property rights, data rights, reporting requirements, and security protocols. Bidders can use this to anticipate the terms of a potential agreement and assess their ability to meet the outlined requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the DARPA Standard Cost Proposal Spreadsheet (Version 1.06.04), designed to assist proposers in detailing their cost proposals for various award instruments, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, other transactions, and technology investment agreements. It provides a structured format for breaking down costs by task and period of performance.

• General Tab: Collects proposer information (Name, CAGE, Solicitation No., Proposal ID), and provides instructions for using the spreadsheet. It emphasizes the proposer's responsibility for providing adequate supporting data and proving cost reasonableness.
• Instructions Tab: Details how to use the spreadsheet, emphasizing that these instructions do not supersede solicitation-specific guidance.
• Constants Tabs (Constants, Proposer Constants): Define organizational types, labor categories, indirect rate categories, and accounting periods.
• Labor Rates Tab: Requires detailed entry of labor categories, hourly rates, and associated fringe, overhead, and G&A rates for each fiscal year.
• Indirect Rates and Profit_Fee Tab: For listing and detailing indirect rates and profit/fee rates per fiscal year.
• Cost Detail Tabs (Base, Options O-I through O-V, Task Tabs): Used for entering detailed cost breakdowns for the base period and option periods, as well as specific tasks.
• Total Amount Tab: Consolidates costs from all Base and Option tabs.
• Supporting Sheets: Includes sections for Subcontractor costs, Consultant costs, Materials/Supplies, Equipment, Travel, Other Direct Costs (ODC), Animal-Related Costs, Human Subjects Research Costs, Expenditures by Month, and Milestones/Deliverables.

This spreadsheet is a mandatory tool for submitting cost proposals. Bidders must accurately complete all relevant sections, ensuring that all proposed costs are supported by adequate documentation and rationale. The spreadsheet guides the detailed breakdown of labor, indirect costs, and other direct costs across the base and option periods, and by task. It also outlines requirements for providing supporting documentation for rates and costs.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment C: Proposal Instructions and Volume II Template (Cost)," is a required template for all proposal submissions related to this opportunity. It outlines the necessary components and formatting for the cost proposal (Volume II).

• Cover Sheet: Requires specific proposer information including Proposal Title, Organization, POCs (Technical and Administrative), Award Instrument, Place/Period of Performance, Total Proposed Cost, and identification numbers (UEI, TIN, CAGE).
• Cost Proposal Guidelines: Mandates the use of the DARPA Standard Cost Proposal Spreadsheet, requiring all tabs and formulas to be in an editable format. Costs must be traceable across prime, subcontractors, and between the cost volume and the Task Description Document.
• Formatting Requirements: Submissions must be in English, 8.5"x11" pages, 12-point Times New Roman font with 1" margins. Figures/tables can use 8 or 10-point font. Elaborate marketing materials are prohibited.
• Content Requirements: Volume II must cover the full program (base + options) and include all described components. Content requirements are noted in blue font and should be deleted before submission.
• Submission Requirements: Volume II must be submitted in PDF or Microsoft Word format. The DARPA Standard Cost Spreadsheet must be in Microsoft Excel format. Specific file naming conventions are recommended. UNCLASSIFIED proposals must be submitted via the DARPA Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT). CLASSIFIED proposals follow separate instructions.
• Cost Breakdown: Detailed requirements for Cost Summary, Cost Details, Direct Labor, Indirect Costs, Materials, Equipment, Travel, Other Direct Costs (ODCs), Cost Sharing, Consultant Costs, and Subawardee Costs are provided, with specific documentation requirements for each.
• Rate Agreements: Proposers should provide any available approved rate information.
• Procurement Contract Requirements: Includes information on Certified Cost or Pricing Data, Small Business Subcontracting Plans, and Approved Cost Accounting System Documentation (SF 1408).
• Other Transaction for Prototypes Requirements: Specific information is required if proposing this award instrument, including nontraditional contractor status, cost share, and milestone details.

This template is critical for bidders to ensure their cost proposal is fully conforming and facilitates government analysis. Adherence to all instructions regarding content, formatting, and submission is mandatory for proposal acceptance.