DARPA Program Announcement (long, 3 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#89-03):  NEURAL NETWORKS: THEORY AND MODELING 
SOL BAA#89-03 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 and analyze new artificial neural network system
architectures/structures and training procedures; define the requirements
for scale-up to large-sized artificial neural networks; and characterize
the properties, limitations, and data requirements of new and existing
artificial neural network systems.  Proposers are encouraged to submit 
proposals that deal with, but are not limited to, any combination of the
following thrusts within these areas: (1) New artificial neural architectures
with one or more of the following features: (a) Potential for addressing
real-time sensory data processing and real-time sensorimonitor control; (b) 
Networks that incorporate features of sensory, motor, and perceptual processing
in biological systems; (c) Nodal elements with increased processing
capability, including sensitivity to temporal variations in synaptic
inputs; (d) Modular networks composed of multiple interconnected subnets;
(e) Hybrid systems combining neural and conventional information processing
techniques; (f) Mechanisms to achieve modifications of network behavior in
response to external consequences of initial actions;
(g) Mechanisms that exhibit selective attention; (h) Strategies
for developing conceptual systems and internal data representations well
adapted to specific tasks; (i) Means for recognizing and producing 
sequences of temporal patterns.  (2) Faster, more efficient training 
procedures that: (a) Are robust to noisy data and able to accommodate
delayed feedback; (b) Minimize the need for external intervention for
feedback; (c) Identify optimal choices of initial classification features
or categories; (d) Generate internal models of the external world to guide
appropriate responses to external stimuli. (3) Theoretical analyses that
address; (a) Data representations; (b) Scaling properties for new and
existing systems; (c) Matching of system complexity to the nature and
amount of training data; (d) Tolerance to nodal element and synaptic
failure; (e) Stability and convergence of new and existing systems; (f)
Relationships between neural networks and conventional approaches.  DARPA
will also entertain a limited number of proposals to address special
applications 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.