Promethean Clay

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding the Promethean Clay program, Version 3, dated March 18, 2026. It clarifies technical requirements, program participation, and submission guidelines.

• Contact Information: Questions should be directed to Promethean Clay@darpa.mil.
• Proposer Day Materials: A recording of the Proposer Day presentation is available online.
• Technical Discussions: DARPA will not engage in discussions or review documents related to technical concepts.
• FFRDC/UARC Participation: FFRDCs and UARCs are permitted to propose as prime or subcontractor.
• Rigidity Definition: In this context, rigidity refers to pressure applied across components by materials like casing, which is to be eliminated in favor of a co-designed system.
• Malleable/Flexible Batteries: Solutions are of interest if they meet program metrics, though malleability is not a requirement.
• Energy Storage Type: The program focuses on electrical energy storage devices meeting specified metrics.
• Deliverables: Deliverables are the energy storage devices themselves, not integrated systems.
• Pouch/Coin Cells: These are not of interest as the program aims to overcome current limitations.
• Active vs. Inactive Components: Active materials include electrodes, separator, and electrolyte. All other components are inactive.
• Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI): LOI testing is required for safety, with specific requirements for individual components and the full device at different phases.
• Fundamental Research: Work may produce unclassified fundamental research, but the designation depends on publication and access restrictions. CUI-related work does not qualify as fundamental research.
• Team Modifications: Team members can be modified between abstract and full proposal submission, but the prime institution and PI cannot change.
• FFRDC/UARC/Government Entity Costs: Rough order of magnitude costs for these entities should be included in the abstract, with detailed SOW and cost information required for the full proposal. These costs are funded separately by DARPA.

This FAQ document clarifies aspects of the original Program Solicitation, providing essential details for potential bidders to refine their proposals and understand program expectations, particularly regarding technical requirements, safety, and participation guidelines.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding the Promethean Clay program (DARPA-PS-26-16), Version 2, dated March 18, 2026. It clarifies technical requirements, program participation, and submission guidelines.

• Contact Information: Questions should be directed to Promethean_Clay@darpa.mil.
• Proposer Day Materials: A recording of the Proposer Day presentation and slides is available online.
• Technical Discussions: DARPA will not engage in discussions or review technical concepts or applications prior to submission.
• FFRDC/UARC Participation: FFRDCs and UARCs are permitted to propose as prime or subcontractor.
• Rigidity Definition: Rigidity in energy storage systems refers to pressure applied across components by materials like casing; the program aims to eliminate this through co-design.
• Malleable/Flexible Batteries: Solutions are of interest if they meet program metrics, though malleability, deformability, or flexibility are not required.
• Energy Storage Focus: The program exclusively focuses on electrical energy storage devices.
• Pouch/Coin Cells: These are not of interest as the program aims to overcome current approaches.
• Deliverables: Deliverables are the energy storage devices themselves, not integrated systems.
• Active vs. Inactive Components: Active materials include electrodes, separator, and electrolyte. All other components are inactive.
• LOI Testing: Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) testing is required for components and packaged devices, with a minimum of >26% for safety.
• Fundamental Research: While the program anticipates unclassified fundamental research, prime efforts are classified as non-fundamental. University proposers can participate in non-fundamental research if CUI compliant.
• CUI Compliance: CUI safeguarding requirements apply to systems storing, processing, or transmitting CUI. Foreign nationals may access CUI and perform work outside the U.S. if compliance and export controls are met.

This FAQ document clarifies specific technical requirements (e.g., energy density, inactive mass, LOI testing), eligibility for participation (e.g., FFRDCs, foreign nationals), and submission details (e.g., abstract submission, teaming). Bidders should review these clarifications to ensure their proposals align with program expectations.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding the DARPA Promethean Clay program (DARPA-PS-26-16), clarifying technical requirements, program scope, and administrative procedures for potential proposers.

• Contact Information: Questions should be directed to Promethean Clay@darpa.mil.
• Proposer Day Materials: A recording of the Proposer Day presentations, including the Program Manager's presentation and slides, is publicly available at https://www.darpa.mil/research/programs/promethean-clay.
• Technical Discussions: DARPA will not engage in discussions or review documents related to technical concepts or applications of interest with potential performers.
• FFRDC/UARC Participation: FFRDCs and UARCs are permitted to propose as prime or subcontractor, with details in "Section IV Special Considerations" of the Program Solicitation.
• Rigidity Definition: Rigidity in energy storage devices is imposed by materials (e.g., casing) that apply pressure. Eliminating this allows for a device meeting program requirements without external stack pressure.
• Malleable/Flexible Batteries: These are of interest if they meet program metrics, though not explicitly required by the solicitation.
• Energy Storage Type: Only electrical energy storage devices are acceptable.
• Deliverables: Deliverables are the energy storage devices themselves, not integrated into other functional devices.
• Pouch/Coin Cells: These are not of interest as the program aims to overcome current approaches.
• Active vs. Inactive Components: Active materials include electrodes, separator, and electrolyte. All other components (e.g., casing, tabs) are inactive.
• Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI): LOI testing is required for components and the full device, with a minimum of >26% for continued combustion safety. Individual components must meet this requirement in Phase 1.
• Fundamental Research: Work involving Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or subject to dissemination controls is not considered fundamental research. University proposers can participate in non-fundamental research if CUI compliant, or as subcontractors for fundamental research portions.
• Team Changes: Team members can be modified between abstract and full proposal submission, but the prime institution and PI cannot change.
• Budget: No specific budget limits are indicated; proposals will be evaluated on cost realism.
• Energy Density & Packaging: Energy density requirements increase through phases, while packaging goals reflect fabrication improvements.
• Alkali Metal Batteries: Viable if used in a non-flammable component with LOI > 26%; pure alkali metals are too reactive.
• Energy Density Thresholds: These are absolute "go/no-go" criteria for proposal consideration and phase advancement.
• Power Density: While not explicitly listed as a metric, advantages in power density may be viewed favorably.
• Standalone Device: A standalone energy storage device meeting Phase 3 metrics, supported by an integration roadmap, is sufficient.
• U.S. Sourcing: Proposers must identify potential U.S. sources for materials.

This Q&A document clarifies numerous technical and administrative aspects of the Promethean Clay Program Solicitation, providing essential details for proposers to refine their technical approaches, understand submission requirements, and address potential ambiguities. Key clarifications include the definition of rigidity, acceptable battery types, LOI testing requirements, and the distinction between fundamental and non-fundamental research, all of which are critical for proposal development and evaluation.

Other / Unclassified

This document provides a link to a recording of the "Promethean Clay Proposers Day." The recording is hosted on YouTube.

This recording may contain information relevant to potential bidders regarding the Promethean Clay opportunity. It is recommended that interested parties review the recording for insights into the project, requirements, or other details discussed during the Proposers Day event.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (Amendment 01) modifies the original solicitation DARPA-PS-26-16 by changing several key dates:

• Abstract due date
• Question and Answer deadline
• Intent to Propose deadline
• Proposal due date
• Anticipated oral presentation dates
• Estimated period of performance start date

Additionally, Amendment 01 makes changes to the fundamental research paragraph within Section IV, Special Considerations.

• Dates/Time (Overview Information section)
• Section IV: Special Considerations (Fundamental research paragraph)

Proposal deadlines and other key dates have been adjusted. Bidders should refer to the updated dates for submission and related activities.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides instructions and a template for the Pricing Volume (Volume II) of proposals submitted for DARPA-PS-26-16: Promethean Clay. It outlines the required format, content, and submission procedures for pricing information, specifically for Other Transaction (OT) proposals.

• Proposal Format: Proposals must be in PDF or Microsoft Word. Spreadsheet files must be separate. All pages should be 8-1/2 by 11 inches with 1-inch margins and a minimum 12-point font size.
• Pricing Volume Content: Must address the full program (base + options) and include all specified components. No page limit is stated for this volume.
• Required Attachments: Proposers must use Attachment E (this document) and Attachment F: DARPA Price Summary Spreadsheet.
• Price Summary Spreadsheet (Attachment F): This editable spreadsheet with intact formulas is mandatory for the prime organization and all subcontractors. It aids in rapid price analysis and negotiation.
• Cover Sheet: Includes fields for proposal title, organization details, POCs, award instrument, place/period of performance, team members, total proposed price, UEI, TIN, CAGE code, DCMA/ONR POC, DCAA POC, and proposal validity period.
• Table of Contents: Outlines sections including Price Summary, Price Details (Direct Labor, Materials, Equipment, Travel, ODCs, Cost Sharing, Consultant Costs, Subawardee Price), and an optional Value Assessment.
• Price Details Breakdown: Requires detailed pricing for each phase, including labor categories, hours, rates, materials, equipment, travel, ODCs, cost sharing, consultant costs, and subawardee prices. Supporting documentation is required for costs exceeding $5,000.
• Subawardee Proposals: The prime proposer is responsible for compiling and submitting all non-proprietary sub-awardee price proposals. Proprietary proposals can be included in the Price Volume or emailed separately by the sub-awardee.
• Value Assessment (Optional): An opportunity to quantitatively demonstrate the unique value of the solution and the benefits of using an OT agreement (e.g., speed, flexibility, cost savings).

This document is critical for bidders to understand how to structure and submit their pricing proposals. Adherence to the specified format, content, and use of the provided spreadsheet (Attachment F) is mandatory for proposal completeness and evaluation. It details the specific cost elements that must be addressed and the supporting documentation required.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides mandatory proposal instructions and a template for Volume I (Technical and Management Proposal) for DARPA-PS-26-16: Promethean Clay. It outlines the required components of a full proposal submission, including oral presentation slides, written content, price proposal, and various attachments.

Full Proposal Components:

• Attachment D: Volume 1 (Technical and Management Proposal - includes oral presentation content and written content)
• Attachment E: Volume 2 (Price Proposal)
• Attachment F
• Applicable Attachments: G, H, I, J
• Phase 0 applicable Attachments: L, M

Volume 1: Oral Presentations:

• Mandatory for all submissions.
• Held via Microsoft Teams; schedule provided by DARPA.
• Maximum 20 slides (12-point font minimum).
• 30-minute presentation time limit, including video demonstrations.
• Focus on technical approach, design justification, technical risks/mitigation, and program metric achievement.
• Claims must be justified with quantitative analysis and supporting evidence (modeling, simulation, prior experimental work).
• Followed by a 45-minute interactive Q&A session.
• No information in slide notes will be evaluated.
• Presentations will be recorded by the Government for internal use.

Volume 1: Written Content:

• Maximum 10 pages (flexible allocation across sections).
• Formatted for 8-1/2 x 11-inch paper, 1-inch margins, 12-point font minimum (smaller for figures/tables).
• Page limit includes: Cover Sheet, Executive Summary (1 page), Official Transmittal Letter, Technical Approach, Manufacturing and Transition Plan (1 page), Management Plan (1 page), Schedule and Milestones (1 page), Personnel, Qualifications, and Commitments (1 page), Capabilities (0.5 page), Intellectual Property (IP) and Data Rights, Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) Affirmations and Disclosure, Novelty of Proposed Work.
• Page limit does NOT include: Table of Contents, Phase 0 Security Deliverables, Bibliography (Optional), Resumes (Optional).

Key Sections for Written Content:

• Executive Summary: Overview of technical approach, innovative claims, key challenges, and how the approach overcomes them to meet program metrics.
• Technical Approach: Detailed description of the solution, how it addresses challenges, quantitative analysis for achieving program metrics, milestones, technical risks/mitigation, manufacturing insights, and discussion of new application capabilities enabled by the non-rigid energy storage system.
• Manufacturing and Transition Plan: Justification for domestic sourcing, scalability of manufacturing, and plans for broad access to technology.
• Management Plan: Team summary, organization chart, task responsibilities, coordination plan, risk management, and security management architecture (including CUI handling and NIST SP 800-171 compliance).
• Schedule and Milestones: Gantt chart detailing tasks, milestones, and interrelationships.
• Personnel, Qualifications, and Commitments: Qualifications and effort of key personnel.
• Capabilities: Organizational experience, facilities, and prior relevant work.
• Intellectual Property (IP): Disclosure of IP to be used or delivered, including pre-existing IP and Government Purpose Rights (GPR).
• OCI: Affirmations and mitigation plans for any organizational conflicts of interest.
• Phase 0 Security Deliverables: Required documentation for handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), including System Security Plan, SPRS Score, NIST SP 800-171 Self-Assessment, POA&M, etc. Failure to meet security readiness may prevent award.

This document is critical for understanding the specific requirements for preparing and submitting a compliant proposal for the Promethean Clay program. It details the structure, content, page limits, formatting, and submission process for both the oral presentation and written technical/management proposal. Bidders must adhere strictly to these instructions to ensure their proposal is reviewed. Special attention should be paid to the technical requirements for the energy storage system, including achieving program metrics, addressing risks, and demonstrating novel capabilities. Security requirements for handling CUI are also a critical prerequisite for award.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "OTHER TRANSACTION CERTIFICATIONS," is an attachment for the DARPA-PS-26-16 Promethean Clay opportunity. It requires offerors to provide certifications regarding their compliance with various federal regulations and statutes. This form is crucial for bidders to complete and submit as part of their proposal to demonstrate eligibility and adherence to legal requirements.

1. Debarment, Suspension, and Ineligibility: Certification that the institution, organization, and its principals are not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from federal transactions.
2. Drug-Free Workplace: Certification to provide a drug-free workplace, with a section to specify the place of performance.
3. Nondiscrimination: Compliance with DoD Directive 5500.11 regarding nondiscrimination.
4. Lobbying Restrictions (for actions > $100,000): Certification that no appropriated funds have been used to influence federal contracting, and disclosure requirements if non-appropriated funds were used. Requires inclusion of this certification in subawards.
5. Tax Liability and Felony Convictions: Representation regarding unpaid Federal tax liabilities and felony convictions under Federal law within the preceding 24 months, as per appropriations acts for FY2015 and FY2016.
6. Confidentiality Agreements: Representation that the entity does not require employees or subcontractors to sign confidentiality agreements that would restrict reporting of fraud, waste, or abuse.
7. Telecommunications and Video Surveillance: Representation regarding the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, as per Section 889 of the NDAA for FY2019. Requires specific disclosures if covered equipment/services are used or will be provided.
8. Other Transactions for Prototypes: Requires information on whether team members qualify as nontraditional defense contractors, nonprofit research institutions, or small businesses. Also requires information on cost share contributions and the extent of participation by these entities.

Completion and accurate submission of these certifications are mandatory prerequisites for participating in this "Other Transaction" agreement. Failure to provide accurate certifications may render an offer ineligible. Bidders must carefully review each section and provide the required representations and disclosures.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation, DARPA-PS-26-16, titled "Promethean Clay," issued by DARPA's Microsystems Technology Office (MTO), seeks proposals for new and innovative energy storage systems. The program aims to develop revolutionary advances in energy storage at scales relevant to systems integration by rethinking energy storage devices through a mechanical and chemical co-design framework. The goal is to ameliorate the need for rigid exoskeletons, while incorporating thermal resilience and safety. DARPA is looking for research that leads to significant improvements beyond evolutionary advancements, focusing on complete energy storage systems rather than individual components, and avoiding proposals for new battery or fuel cell chemistries without addressing the need to overcome rigid materials.

• Co-design Framework: Develop energy storage systems using a mechanical and chemical co-design approach to overcome rigidity and eliminate the need for external pressure.

• Reduced Packaging: Achieve a generational improvement in energy storage by reducing packaging fraction, aiming for packaging materials that act as hermetic interfaces rather than rigid structures.

• Free-form Design: Enable energy storage devices with free-form design capabilities that can scale to different form factors and sizes.

• Domestic Sourcing: Ensure domestic sourcing pathways for all materials and manufacturing.

• Safety and Resilience: Maintain or surpass current safety, thermal resilience, and operational performance standards.

• Technical Challenge: Facilitate all electronic and ionic transport processes through co-design rather than external pressure, ensuring mechanical connectivity and uniform mechanical properties.

• Program Structure: The program is structured into three phases over 48 months: Phase 1 (24 months) for Power Source Design and Validation, Phase 2 (12 months) for Integration, and Phase 3 (12 months) for Application. A preliminary 3-month Phase 0 for security preparation may be required.

• Type of Instrument: Other Transaction for Prototype Agreements under 10 U.S.C. § 4022.

• Period of Performance: Estimated start date of August 1, 2026.

• Awards: Multiple awards are anticipated.

• Abstract Submission: Required as an initial screening step, due no later than the date specified in the Overview section.

• Full Proposal Submission: Due no later than the date specified in the Overview section.

• Evaluation Criteria: Abstracts will be evaluated on Technical Concept and Understanding, and Potential to Achieve Program Goals. Full proposals will be evaluated on Overall Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution and Relevance to the DARPA Mission, and Budget and Price.

• Key Deadlines:

  • Proposers Day: February 25, 2025
  • Proposal Abstract Due Date: March 11, 2026
  • Question & Answer Deadline: April 8, 2026
  • Letter of Intent to Propose: April 8, 2026
  • Proposal Due Date: April 22, 2026
  • Anticipated Oral Presentation Dates: May 5–14, 2026

• Eligibility: Non-U.S. organizations cannot participate. Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Small Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Businesses, and Minority Institutions are encouraged to submit proposals, but the solicitation is not set aside for these organizations.

• Security: Proposers whose efforts involve Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) must demonstrate compliance with NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2, verified via SPRS with a score of 88 or higher.

• NAICS Code: 541715 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.

• Agency Contact: Promethean Clay@darpa.mil

• Attachments: Numerous attachments provide detailed instructions, templates, and guides for proposal submission, including requirements for Phase 0.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides instructions and a template for submitting cost proposals specifically for Phase 0 of the Promethean Clay opportunity. It details the requirements for cost volume submissions, emphasizing that Phase 0 will be evaluated on a cost basis, while subsequent phases will use a price basis with milestone payments.

• Phase 0 Applicability: Only required for performers needing Phase 0 for security and safeguarding. Submission of cost information is mandatory only for these performers.
• Cost Volume Content: Must address Phase 0 costs only, with a concise summary. The period of performance for Phase 0 is up to three months, with a total "not to exceed" amount.
• Cost Information Requirements: Proposers must demonstrate reasonable, allocable, and consistent Phase 0 costs. Detailed cost element traceability or extensive documentation is not required.
• Submission Format: Phase 0 cost information must be provided using Attachment F (MS Excel™ DARPA Standard Cost Proposal Spreadsheet) in an editable format. The Cost Volume itself should be submitted in PDF or Microsoft Word format.
• Subcontractors/Consultants: If participating in Phase 0, they must be identified with their role and estimated cost. Separate subcontractor proposals are generally not required.
• Formatting: Standard 8½ x 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins, minimum 12-point font size (8 or 10-point for figures/tables/charts). Submissions must be in English.
• Cover Sheet: Requires proposal title, proposer organization details, technical and administrative POCs, award instrument requested, place and period of performance, other team members, total proposed cost for Phase 0, SAM.gov UEI, TIN, CAGE code, and DCMA/ONR/DCAA POCs if known.
• Cost Breakdown: Includes sections for Cost Summary, Direct Labor, Indirect Costs, Materials, Equipment Purchases, Travel, Other Direct Costs (ODCs), Cost Sharing, Consultant Costs, and Subawardee Costs, with specific guidance for each.

This document is critical for any bidder intending to propose for the Promethean Clay opportunity and requiring Phase 0 participation. It outlines the specific format, content, and level of detail required for the cost proposal, ensuring proposers understand how to structure their submissions to meet DARPA's evaluation criteria for Phase 0.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for an abstract summary slide, likely intended for use by proposers in response to DARPA-PS-26-16 Promethean Clay. It outlines the required content for an abstract summary slide.

• Abstract Title: The main title of the abstract.
• Organization Name(s): Names of the organization(s) submitting the abstract.
• Technical POC Name(s): Names of the technical points of contact.
• Abstract Content: Guidance to describe the need/problem, the goal, new ideas, and existing approaches/state of the art.
• Graphic Placeholder: Indicates where a graphic should be included.

This template guides bidders on how to structure and present their abstract summary, a crucial component for initial proposals or concept submissions under the Promethean Clay opportunity. Adhering to this template ensures all required information is presented clearly and concisely.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Schedule of Milestones and Payments," establishes the Government's baseline for anticipated deliverables and their timing for the PrometheanClay opportunity. Offerors must use this table as a starting point for their proposals. Minor adjustments to milestone content, timing, or payment percentages may be proposed with full justification; significant deviations will not be considered.

The document outlines a phased approach (Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3) with specific milestones, associated tasks, due dates (in months after award), milestone definitions, and DARPA payment allocations.

Phase 1 Milestones (Months 0-23):

• Milestone 0: Compliance with NIST 800-171 Rev 2 (Due: After Agreement Execution)
• Milestone 1: Initial Technical Approach Development Plan (Due: NLT 5 business days after kickoff)
• Milestone 2: LOI Safety Test Results (Due: End of Month 3)
• Milestone 3: Simulation or Technical Validation of Design (Due: End of Month 6)
• Milestone 4: Charge Cycling Test (Due: End of Month 9)
• Milestone 5: Midpoint Evaluation Report (Due: End of Month 11)
• Milestone 6: Manufacturing Mitigation Report I (Due: End of Month 15)
• Milestone 7: Government Day Presentation (Due: End of Month 18)
• Milestone 8: Revised Simulation Report (Due: End of Month 21)
• Milestone 9: End of Phase 1 Testing Report (Due: End of Month 23)

Phase 2 Milestones (Months 27-35):

• Milestone 10: Manufacturing Mitigation Report II (Due: End of Month 27)
• Milestone 11: Application Design Report (Due: End of Month 30)
• Milestone 12: Industry Day Presentation (Due: End of Month 30)
• Milestone 13: Revised Phase 3 Plan (Due: End of Month 33)
• Milestone 14: End of Phase 2 Testing Report (Due: End of Month 35) - Includes delivery of 5 energy storage devices.

Phase 3 Milestones (Months 39-47):

• Milestone 15: Manufacturing Mitigation Report III (Due: End of Month 39)
• Milestone 16: Government Transition Plan (Due: End of Month 42)
• Milestone 17: Charge Cycling Milestone (Due: End of Month 45)
• Milestone 18: Final Exam and Government Deliverables (Due: End of Month 47) - Includes delivery of 5 energy storage devices.

Agreement Term: Commences on the effective date and continues for INSERT # OF MONTHS.

This document is critical for proposal development. Bidders must align their technical approach, timelines, and cost proposals with these defined milestones and payment schedules. Understanding the specific deliverables, exit criteria, and due dates for each milestone is essential for a compliant and competitive submission. The payment allocations indicate the relative value assigned to each phase and milestone.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a template for an "Other Transaction for Prototypes" (OT) agreement between DARPA and a performer. It outlines the general terms and conditions that DARPA intends to include in a resulting award. The document specifies that proposers may suggest edits to this model OT for DARPA's consideration, to be submitted with track changes and rationale for non-administrative edits. These suggestions will not be evaluated as part of the proposal.

• Scope of the Agreement: Defines the purpose, background, definitions, and scope of the R&D effort, including the development of a prototype.
• Term and Termination: Outlines the agreement duration, conditions for termination by either party, and procedures for extending the term.
• Management: Details project management responsibilities, reporting requirements (technical and business status reports), and modification procedures.
• Obligation and Payment: Describes payment terms, milestone-based payments, and the use of the Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) system for invoicing.
• Disputes: Establishes procedures for resolving disagreements between DARPA and the performer.
• Patent Rights: Allocates rights to subject inventions, outlining disclosure, election of title, and government licensing provisions.
• Data Rights: Defines the government's rights to data developed under the agreement, including marking requirements and potential march-in rights.
• Foreign Access to Technology: Implements controls on the transfer of technology to foreign firms or institutions.
• Safeguarding Covered Defense Information: Requires performers to protect Covered Defense Information (CDI) and report cyber incidents.
• Follow-On Production Contracts: States the government's option to award follow-on production contracts or OTs.
• Property: Addresses title to and disposition of property acquired under the agreement.
• Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications: Includes restrictions related to covered telecommunications equipment and services.

This document serves as a template for the contractual terms of a potential Other Transaction award. Bidders should review it to understand the standard terms and conditions, including intellectual property rights, data rights, reporting requirements, and payment structures. It also provides a mechanism for proposers to suggest modifications to these terms for DARPA's consideration, though these suggestions are not part of the evaluation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a cost proposal spreadsheet template designed to assist proposers in detailing their cost breakdowns for government contracts. It provides a structured format for submitting cost information, ensuring consistency and facilitating government review. The spreadsheet is intended for use regardless of the award instrument (grant, cooperative agreement, contract, other transaction, or technology investment agreement).

• General Information: Outlines the purpose of the cost proposal and emphasizes the proposer's responsibility for providing adequate supporting data and proving cost reasonableness.
• Cost Breakdown: Requires detailed cost breakdowns by task and by period of performance (Base and Options).
• Worksheet Structure: Includes specific tabs for 'Base', 'Options' (O-I through O-V), 'Total Amount', 'Labor Rates', 'Indirect Rates and Profit_Fee', 'Proposer Constants', 'Constants', 'Instructions', and various detail sheets for 'Subcontractor', 'Consultants', 'Materials-Supplies', 'Equipment', 'Travel', 'ODC Details', and 'Expenditures by Month'.
• Data Entry: Yellow and clear cells are for data entry; gray cells contain formulas and should not be altered unless they do not match organizational business rules.
• Instructions: Detailed guidance is provided on each tab for filling out the required information, including how to add rows and manage formulas.

This spreadsheet is crucial for bidders to accurately and comprehensively present their proposed costs. It dictates the format and level of detail required for cost proposals, including labor rates, indirect costs, subcontracts, materials, equipment, travel, and other direct costs. Adhering to the structure and instructions within this document is essential for a compliant and well-supported cost proposal. Bidders must ensure all yellow fields are completed and that costs are broken down by task and performance period as specified.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides mandatory instructions and a template for submitting an abstract for the DARPA-PS-26-16 Promethean Clay solicitation. It outlines the required format, content, and submission process for abstracts, which are a prerequisite for submitting a full proposal.

• Format Requirements: Submissions must be in PDF or Microsoft Word, written in English, with specific page margins and font sizes (minimum 12pt, except for figures/tables). Technical Papers are optional and limited to 2.
• Page Limits: Abstracts are capped at 6 pages. Specific sections have suggested page allocations, but proposers have flexibility. Content exceeding 6 pages will not be considered.
• Required Sections: Cover Sheet, Technical Approach, Manufacturing and Transition Plan (0.5 page), Capabilities/Management Plan (0.5 page), Budget, Price, and Schedule (0.5 page), Ability to protect program CUI information (0.5 page).
• Optional Sections: Bibliography (1 page), Technical Papers (max 2).
• Cover Sheet Details: Requires information on the proposer, points of contact, estimated cost and period of performance, and acknowledgments regarding CUI protection and publication restrictions.
• Abstract Review: DARPA will notify proposers if they are invited to submit a full proposal within 30 days. Only invited proposers are eligible.

This template is crucial for potential bidders as it dictates the structure, content, and length of the required abstract submission. Adherence to these instructions is mandatory for an abstract to be considered and for a proposer to be eligible for submitting a full proposal. It details the specific information DARPA expects to see in an abstract, including technical approach, manufacturing plans, team capabilities, budget, and CUI protection measures.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Guide for the DARPA Promethean Clay program. Its purpose is to identify aspects of the program that performers must handle as CUI, ensuring protection of sensitive information.

• Program Overview: Briefly describes the Promethean Clay program's goal to redesign energy storage devices.
• CUI Identification: Details categories of information considered CUI, including Controlled Technical Information (CTI), General Proprietary Business Information (PROPIN), Export Controlled information, Export Controlled Research, and Operations Security (OPSEC) data.
• Protection Requirements: Outlines how CUI must be protected, including storage in locked offices and processing on compliant systems (DFARS 252.204-7012).
• Disclosure Procedures: Explains protocols for public disclosure, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, and foreign disclosure.
• Reporting: Mandates immediate reporting of unauthorized disclosures or security incidents.
• Information Protection Guidance Chart: Provides a table categorizing specific elements of information, their index, category, reason for control, distribution statements, and potential FOIA exemptions.

This guide is critical for potential bidders and performers on the Promethean Clay program. It informs them about:

• The types of program information that are considered sensitive and require specific handling (CUI).
• The security and safeguarding requirements for this information.
• The procedures for dissemination and disclosure.
• The importance of understanding and adhering to these controls to ensure compliance and protect sensitive program data.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a pricing spreadsheet template for the PrometheanClay opportunity, designed to capture proposed costs across different phases and cost categories. Bidders must use this template to detail their proposed pricing.

• The spreadsheet is divided into three sheets: Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3, each requiring a budget breakdown by month.

• Cost categories include Direct Labor (hours, rate, amount), Subcontractors & Consultants, Materials, Equipment, Travel, and Other Direct Costs (ODCs).

• It requires specific monthly hour and rate data for direct labor, not percentage-based effort.

• All costs should be fully burdened, including indirect costs and profit.

• The template includes fields for Government Share, Performer Share, and Total Project Cost.

• Bidders must complete this spreadsheet accurately to detail their proposed costs for each phase of the project.

• It serves as the basis for cost evaluation.

• Specific instructions emphasize that the provided 18-month format must be used without modification and that all fields and formulas must be retained.

• Proposers must submit a separate Price Summary for the prime and each subcontractor.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "Task Description Document (TDD) Template" for the "Promethean Clay" project, serves as a template for performers to outline their proposed research tasks and associated details. It guides bidders on the expected structure and content for defining project specifics.

• Project Overview: Requires a description of the project, its significance, goals, objectives, and defined metrics.
• Technical Tasks & Deliverables: Mandates clear identification of tasks and deliverables, including technical goals, approach, timelines (start/end dates in program months), responsible parties and organizations, and contributions to program milestones. Deliverable format and specific content details should be included here, delineated by phase.
• Program Management: Section for outlining program management tasks, including subcontractor management and reporting requirements.
• Meeting & Travel Requirements: Space for detailing any required meetings and travel.
• Government Furnished Information (GFI)/Government Furnished Property (GFP): Section to capture assumptions regarding GFI/GFP.

This template is crucial for bidders as it dictates the required format and content for their technical proposals. Understanding these sections will help bidders structure their responses to align with the government's expectations for defining project scope, tasks, deliverables, and management approach for the Promethean Clay opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for a Proposal Summary Slide, intended for use by bidders responding to DARPA-PS-26-16 Promethean Clay. It outlines the required content for a concise overview of the proposal.

• Full Proposal Title
• Organization Name(s) and Technical POC Name(s)
• Description of the targeted high-impact application and its relevance to DARPA.
• Projected performance improvement compared to benchmarks (SOA), emphasizing orders of magnitude improvement and strong scaling.
• Summary of the technical approach and innovative claims, highlighting groundbreaking and unique aspects.
• Information about the team composition, including roles, technical strengths, and unique capabilities.

This template guides bidders on how to structure and present essential information about their proposal, including the problem statement, technical innovation, team expertise, and expected impact. Adhering to this format is crucial for effectively communicating the proposal's value to DARPA.