MODIFICATION
A -- Defense Sciences Research and Technology
- Notice Date
- 2/10/2005
- Notice Type
- Modification
- NAICS
- 541710
— Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- 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
- BAA05-19
- Response Due
- 2/7/2006
- Archive Date
- 2/7/2006
- Description
- Description NEUROTECHNOLOGY FOR INTELLIGENCE ANALYSTS (NIA), SOL BAA05-19, Addendum 1, DUE: 4/15/04. POC: Dr. Amy Kruse, DARPA/DSO, Ph: 571-218-4338, Email: baa05-19@darpa.mil; Website Submission: http://www.sainc.com/dso0519. PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: The Defense Research Advanced Projects Agency (DARPA) is interested in receiving innovative proposals to conduct research and development on neuroscience-based tools to aid intelligence analysts. The vision for the Neurotechnology for Intelligence Analysts (NIA) program is to revolutionize the way that analysts handle intelligence imagery, increasing both the throughput of imagery to the analyst and accuracy of their assessments. Analysts are currently faced with an enormous volume of imagery, only a fraction of which can be processed or reviewed in a timely operational manner. Unfortunately, computer-based target detection efforts have failed to yield the speed, flexibility and accuracy of the human visual system. We hypothesize that the human visual system is still the best target detection apparatus currently in use and with the addition of neuroscience-based measurement capabilities it can surpass the throughput of the unaided human several-fold. Using electroencephalograpy (EEG), Thorpe et al (Nature, 1996) have described a fast signal in the brain associated with the early detection of targets within static imagery using a Rapid Sequential Visual Presentation (RSVP) paradigm. This phenomenon suggests that it may be possible to extract target detection signals for complex imagery in real-time using non-invasive neurophysiological assessment tools to indicate the presence of targets significantly faster than waiting for overt indications. In order to transform this phenomenon into a capability for defense applications, DARPA is pursuing a 12 month Phase 1 effort to achieve the following technical goals: 1) Discover and characterize the neural signatures for target detection events in the human brain. Imagery of interest: a) Static imagery b) Large/Broad Area imagery c) Video imagery Phase 1 will concentrate on static imagery; however, proposals should consider the technical challenges necessary to uncover related signatures in broad area and video imagery. Proposers may utilize any type of neurophysiological sensors (COTS or novel); however only fast signals, on the order of milliseconds, are of interest for this effort. 2) Measure neural signatures in real-time for the on-line classification of target detection signals in the brain. Proposers may utilize signal processing techniques already described, or suggest the development of novel processing algorithms; however, only single-trial (ie non-trial-averaged) methods are of interest. 3) Demonstrate the measurement and classification of neural signals for target detection in real-time. The Phase 1 goal demonstration is an image ?triage? system in which subjects are rapidly shown static imagery, signals are classified in real time and the corresponding imagery shown is then sorted ? based on the classification of the neural signatures ? into sets of images that contain targets/regions of interest versus those that contain none. At the end of the 12 month Phase 1 effort a demonstration, as described, is expected. Phase 1 efforts will be evaluated on the technical goals as stated in 1)-3), and on performance goals including 1) the ability to increase the number of images shown to analysts over a constrained period of time (throughput) 2) the accuracy with which the triage systems are able to correctly categorize imagery based on the neural signatures (false positives and false negatives) as compared to a non-neurally-based triage baseline condition. Based on the success of Phase 1, there is the potential for an 18 month Phase 2 effort to mature successful demonstrations into prototype systems for transition to operational use. Proposers are invited, although not required, to outline a Phase 2 effort in their submissions. If a Phase 2 is discussed, proposers should consider all necessary research and technical efforts to develop a successful prototype brain-based triage system for eventual deployment in an office-based analysis setting. OTHER NOTES: Although the initial phenomenon has been described with EEG, this solicitation is open to the use of any number of sensors or sensor combinations to achieve the program vision. If multiple sensor types are proposed, one MUST be neurophysiologically-based in order to be evaluated for award. Designs for novel sensors will be considered as part of this effort, provided offerers address the three stated technical goals. Efforts that combine computer processing and neuroscience-based capabilities will be considered. However, this program is not focused on the design of computer vision or biomimetic target detection systems and proposers offering solutions involving solely that approach will not be considered for award. Through the program, awardees will have the opportunity to use UNCLAS image sets in their testing provided by potential transition partners. SUBMISSIONS: White papers (10 pages or less) will be accepted in response to this announcement. The white paper should be organized as follows: 1. An Executive Summary. A clear statement of the uniqueness of the idea. We are looking for ideas that will generate revolutionary capabilities if the proposed work is successfully completed over a 3 year period of performance; 2. A concise statement of the scientific and technical challenges, unique approaches, and anticipated potential technical solutions to the challenges that will be addressed. This statement should demonstrate that the proposer has a clear understanding of the state-of-the-art; 3. Explicit timelines and milestone achievements by which progress toward the goals can be evaluated. These milestones must reflect a period of performance of 12 months for Phase 1. Milestones must be associated with demonstrable metrics of performance; 4. 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; 5. A brief summary of the technical expertise of the proposed principal investigator and other key team members and a management plan for multi-organizational teams. 6. Brief list of relevant references. White papers sent in response to this addendum are due at DARPA no later than 1600 hours ET, March 7, 2005. Proposers submitting white papers will be notified within 15 business days of that date if a full proposal will be requested. To facilitate the submission process, a website has been established, http://www.sainc.com/dso0519/. Not withstanding the disposition of white papers, DARPA will accept full proposals for this addendum. FORMAT AND CONTENT OF FULL PROPOSALS. Follow the general guidelines for full proposal format and content provided at: http://www.darpa.mil/baa/baa05-19. To receive consideration under this addendum, PROPOSALS ARE DUE AT DARPA NO LATER THAN 1600 ET APRIL 15, 2004, at the address shown below. Proposals received after that date, will be considered under the open BAA only. A website http://www.sainc.com/dso0519/ has been established to facilitate the submission of full proposals electronically. This site will allow the filling in of contact information and the uploading of a full proposal created with the requirements listed in this addendum and in accordance with the original BAA05-19 published. Note: if the website is not used, please use the U.S. mail system at the address listed below or the BAA e-mail account. Each proposal should: 1) explicitly address tests, demonstrations, and other research activities planned in the areas of interest described above, 2) include at least two specific and quantitative scientific and/or technical objectives for each scientific/technical area of interest addressed in the proposal that clearly demonstrate the research is on track for meeting the ultimate program goal, 3) include identification and assessment of critical scientific and/or technical barriers to the program objective and plausible approaches to develop solutions or overcome their limiting effects. Upon award, specific deliverables and appropriate level demonstrations of the science and/or technology elements will be required periodically, and a final demonstration of the deliverable system is required at the end of the program. Given the breadth of the areas of interest, it is anticipated that only comprehensive and fully integrated team efforts addressing the entire challenge problem will be funded and, therefore, bidder teaming is highly encouraged. Proposed Phase 1 efforts should not exceed 12 months; however, proposers are invited to submit proposals for a full Phase1/Phase 2 research program. If multiple awards are made, down-selection may occur annually based on technical progress and achievements. Proposals with cost share should clearly identify the specific tasks to be cost shared in the technical proposal and separately break out the corresponding costs in the cost proposal. The number of awards will be dependent on the suitability of proposals received and availability of funds. PROPOSAL EVALUATION: Evaluation of the proposals will be in accordance with BAA05-19. For complete details on writing a full proposal, please see original FEDBIZOPPS solicitation, BAA05-19, http://www.darpa.mil/dso/solicitations/solicit.htm. Address for Submission of Unclassified White Papers or Full Proposals: DARPA/DSO, ATTN: BAA05-19, Addendum 1, 3701 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203-1714, E-Mail: baa05-19@darpa.mil FOREIGN PARTICIPATION: No foreign nationals, or foreign company participation will be allowed on this program effort. Proposers are encouraged to evaluate their potential teams prior to submission of proposals. HUMAN USE: Proposals selected for funding are required to comply with provisions of the Common Rule (32 CFR 219) on the protection of human subjects in research (http://www.dtic.mil/biosys/downloads/32cfr219.pdf) and the Department of Defense Directive 3216.2 (http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/html2/d32162x.htm). All proposals that involve the use of human subjects are required to include documentation of their ability to follow Federal guidelines for the protection of human subjects. This includes, but is not limited to, protocol approval mechanisms, approved Institutional Review Boards, and Federal Wide Assurances. These requirements are based on expected human use issues sometime during the entire length of the proposed effort. For proposals involving ?greater than minimal risk? to human subjects within the first year of the project, performers must provide evidence of protocol submission to a federally approved IRB at the time of final proposal submission to DARPA. For proposals that are forecasted to involve ?greater than minimal risk? after the first year, a discussion on how and when the proposer will comply with submission to a federally approved IRB needs to be provided in the submission. More information on applicable federal regulations can be found at the Department of Health and Human Services ? Office of Human Research Protections website (http://www.dhhs.gov/ohrp/). GENERAL INFORMATION: In all correspondence, reference BAA05-19, Addendum 1. Technical Point of Contact: Amy Kruse, Defense Sciences Office, Phone: (571) 218-4338, Email: akruse@darpa.mil Original Point of Contact: Brett Giroir, Deputy Director, Defense Sciences Office, Phone: (571) 218-4224, Fax: (571) 218-4553, Email: bgiroir@darpa.mil Original Point of Contact Brett Giroir, Deputy Director, DSO, Phone (571) 218-4224, Fax (571) 218-4553, Email bgiroir@darpa.mil Current Point of Contact Brett Giroir, Deputy Director, DSO, Phone (571) 218-4224, Fax (571) 218-4553, Email bgiroir@darpa.mil
- Record
- SN00749536-W 20050212/050210212442 (fbodaily.com)
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