DARPA Program announcement (long, 2 of 3)

[Scott.Fahlman@B.GP.CS.CMU.EDU]

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Contracts Management (CMO),
1400 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA  22209-2308
A--BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT(BAA#89-04): NEURAL NETWORKS:  HARDWARE TECHNOLOGY
BASE DEVELOPMENT SOL BAA#89-04 DUE 030189 POC Douglas M. Pollock, Contracts,
(202)694-1771; Dr. Barbara L. Yoon, Technical, (202)694-1303.  The Defense 
Advanced Research Projects Agency, Defense Sciences Office, DARPA/DSO, is
interested in receiving proposals to develop hardware system components 
that capitalize on the inherent massive parallelism and expected robustness
of neural network models.  The objective of the present effort is to lay the
groundwork for future construction of full-scale artificial neural network
computing machines through the development of advanced hardware implementation
technologies.  DARPA does no intend to build full-scale machines at this stage
of the program.  Areas of interest include modifiable-weight synaptic
connections, neuron processing unit devices, and scalable neural net
architecture designs.  The technologies proposed may be analog or digital,
using silicon or other materials, and may be electronic, optoelectronic, 
optical, or other.  The technology should be robust to manufacturing and 
environmental variability.  It should be flexible and modular to accommodate
evolving neural network system architectures and to allow for scale-up to
large-sized systems through assembly/interconnection of smaller subsystems.
It should be appropriate for future compact, low-power systems.  It must
accommodate the high fan-out/high fan-in properties characteristic of
artificial neural network systems with high density interconnects, and it
must have high throughput capability to achieve rapid processing of large
volumes of data.  Only those proposals that clearly delineate how the 
objective enumerated above are to be achieved and that demonstrate extensive
prior experience in hardware design and fabrication will be favorably
considered.  If the proposal addresses a component technology, proposers
should provide a detailed description of the interface features required
for integration into a working artificial neural network system.  Whether
the proposed technology is adapted to a specific neural net model or,
conversely, is applicable to a broad range of models, the proposer
should clearly define the specific features of the proposed hardware
that underlie its particular applicability.  To the extent that availability
of the proposed technology will facilitate the implementation of advanced 
systems other that artificial neural network systems, that potential impact
should be described.  Hardware developers are encouraged to work in close
coordination with neural network modelers to better understand the range
of current projected architectural requirements. DARPA will also entertain
a limited number of proposals to develop near-term prototypes with high
potential for demonstrating the expected power of artificial neural networks.
This effort is a part of the DARPA program on Neural
Networks, the total funding for which is anticipated to be $33M over a 28
month period.  Proposals for projects covering less than 28 months are 
encouraged.  Proposals may be submitted any time through 4PM, March 1, 1989.
The proposal must contain the information listed below.  (1) The name, address,
and telephone number of the individual or organization submitting the proposal;
(2) A brief title that clearly identifies the application being addressed,
a concise descriptive summary of the proposed research, a supporting detailed
statement of the technical approach, and a description of the facilities to
be employed in this research.  Cooperative arrangements among industries,
universities, and other institutions are encouraged whenever this is 
advantageous to executing the proposed research.  Proprietary portions to
the technical proposal should be specifically identified.  Such proprietary
information will be treated with strict confidentiality; (3) The names, titles,
and proposed roles of this principal investigators and other key personnel
to be employed in the conduct of this research, with brief, resumes
that describe their pertinent accomplishments and publications; (4) A cost
proposal on SF1411 (or its equivalent) describing total costs, and an itemized
list of costs for labor, expendable and non-expendable equipment and
supplies, travel, subcontractors, consultants, and fees; (5) A schedule 
listing anticipated spending rates and program milestones; (6) The signature
of the individual (if applying on his own behalf) or of an official duly
authorized to commit the organization in business and financial affairs.  
Proposals should address a single application.  The technical content of the
proposals is not to exceed a total of 15 pages in length (double-spaced, 8 1/2
x 11 inches), exclusive of figures, tables, references, resumes, and cost
proposal.  Proposals should contain a statement of validity for at least
150 days beyond the closing date of this announcement.  Evaluation of proposals
received in response to the BAA will be accomplished through a peer or
scientific review.  Selection of proposals will be based on the following 
evaluation criteria, listed in descending order of relative importance;
(1) Contribution of the proposed work to the stated objectives of the
program; (2) The soundness of the technical approach; (3) The uniqueness
and innovative content; (4) The qualifications of the principal and supporting
investigators; (5) The institution's capabilities and facilities; and (6) The
reasonableness of the proposed costs.  Selection will be based primarily on 
scientific or technical merit, importance to the program and fund availability.
Cost realism and reasonableness will only be significant in deciding between 
two technically equal proposals.  Fifteen copies of proposals should be sub-
mitted to:  Barbara L. Yoon, DARPA/DSO, 1400 Wilson Blvd., 6th Floor, 
Arlington, VA  2209-2308.  Technical questions should be addressed to Dr. Yoon,
telephone (202)694-1303.  This CBD notice itself constitutes the Broad
Agency Announcement as contemplated in FAR 6.102(d)(2).  No additional written
information is available, nor will a formal RFP or other solicitation
regarding this announcement be issued.  Requests for same will be disregarded.
The Government reserves the right to select for award all, some or none of the
proposals received in response to this announcement.  All responsible sources
may submit a proposal which shall be considered by DARPA.