A -- A -- DEFENSE SCIENCES RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

Notice Date

October 19, 2001

Contracting Office

Other Defense Agencies, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Contracts Management Office, 3701 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA, 22203-1714

ZIP Code

22203-1714

Solicitation Number

BAA01-42

Response Due

August 29, 2002

Point of Contact

Leonard Buckley, DARPA Program Manager, Phone 703-696-2288, Fax 703-696-3999, Email none

Description

BAA 01-42, ADDENDUM 4, SPECIAL FOCUS AREA: BIO-OPTIC SYNTHETIC SYSTEMS (BOSS). The Defense Sciences Office is soliciting innovative research proposals for the development of radically new, bio-inspired optical devices through new materials and materials processing as well as novel lens designs that exploit these new materials. This is a two-phase program where Phase I, the development of new materials capabilities, is approximately two years with a quantifiable intermediate milestone. A two-year optional Phase II effort that would integrate the material advancements into an optical element such as a single lens system having a dynamically controllable field of view ranging from less than 1 degree to greater than 120 degrees is encouraged. The inspiration for this new effort is based on biological systems that demonstrate impressive optical performance at reduced size and complexity (when compared to conventional man-made systems). Examples of these systems can be found in crystalline fisheye lenses, which are remarkably compact and possess a varying index of refraction (via an inhomogeneous gradient of protein) allowing for a wide field of view and control of spherical aberration. This program will investigate novel synthetic routes to fabricate materials having extreme optical and electro-optical properties. The submission of white papers that address one or more of the following areas is encouraged: (1) Materials that can dynamically vary their index of refraction. (2) Fabrication techniques for engineering hierarchical structures that provide unique optical properties. (3) Self-assembly processes to fabricate materials with variable reflection in the visual to near-IR that act as a wavelength variable band-pass filter. White papers may include any combinations of the above areas and the formation of interdisciplinary teams integrated toward solutions to these challenging problems is encouraged. White papers should be no more than eight (8) pages including cover sheet information. It is essential that the preparation of white papers include the following areas: (1) A clear statement of the envisioned utility of the proposed research and development. This should include how the specific materials properties (index, index variability, reflectivity, etc) that will be achieved in the first phase of this program would enable the construct of an optical element such as a variable field of view lens. (2) A concise statement of the research challenges, approach, and potential anticipated solutions to the challenges that will be addressed. This should include explicit timelines for which progress toward the goals can be determined. Intermediate milestones of approximately 12-month periods with demonstrable metrics of performance must be included for the proposed work. (3) A cost estimation for resources required for the proposed timeline. This should include a clear description of the human resources needed as well as funding. A management plan that describes how the different disciplines represented on the team will be integrated is critical. White papers sent within 30 days of the publication of this Addendum will be evaluated immediately upon receipt and notification will be sent within 7 days. We expect to initiate new proposals expeditiously, upon scientific review, with the first wave of proposals being reviewed within 60 days after publication of this Addendum. White paper submissions may be made by attachment to an e-mail sent to DSOBAA01-42@darpa.mil. Word 97 or higher is recommended, but not required. Embedded text and Postscript are also acceptable. The body of the e-mail must include name, mailing address, phone number, and fax of the investigator. (If investigators choose not to use e-mail, U.S. mail may be used. White papers will not be accepted by way of facsimile transmissions.). Please put the phrase BIO-OPTIC SYNTHETIC SYSTEMS in the title of the white paper. For general administrative questions, please refer to the original CBD announcement, BAA 01-42, of 4 September 2001. Point of Contact Dr. Leonard J. Buckley, Program Manager, Defense Sciences Office, Phone 703-696-2288, Fax 703-696-3999, Email none

Web Link

Visit this URL for the latest information about this (http://www.eps.gov/spg/ODA/DARPA/CMO/BAA01-42/listing.html)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20011023/ASOL006.HTM (D-292 SN511126)