Neutron Star Industry User Guide

Neutron Strategic Technology
Advanced Research
(Neutron STAR)
Advanced Research Announcement (ARA)

Industry User Guide

14 Mar 2023

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1. Overview

2. Criteria for Use

CHAPTER 2: ARA SOLICITATION VARIATIONS

CHAPTER 3: OPEN ARA WHITE PAPER PREPARATION

1. Overview

2. White Paper Instructions

3. Proposal Instructions

CHAPTER 4: COMMUNICATION

CHAPTER 5: INDIVIDUAL SOLICIATION PROCESS

CHAPTER 6: REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Evaluation Criteria

2. White Paper Review and Selection Process

3. Proposal Review and Selection Process

CHAPTER 7: AWARD PROCESS

1. Notification of Award Decision

2. Model Document

3. Technical and Cost Negotiations

4. Science & Technology (S&T) Program Protection

CHAPTER 8: ASSISTANCE INSTRUMENTS

1. Background

2. General

3. When a Grant Would be Awarded
4. When a Cooperative Agreement Would be Awarded

CHAPTER 9: OTHER TRANSACTIONS

1. Background

2. 10 U.S.C. 4021 Research Projects

3. 10 U.S.C. 4022 Prototype Project

CHAPTER 10: DEFINITIONS

EXHIBIT A: GRAPHIC DEPICTIONS OF COMMON ARA SOLICITATION VARIATIONS

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment 1: Cover Page
Attachment 2: Standard Form 424 (Research and Related Senior/Key Person Profile) Attachment 3: Security Program Questionnaire
*The Government reserves the right to amend this user guide as necessary. The most current version will be updated to Government wide Point of Entry (GPE).

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1. Overview: 10 U.S.C.§4023 – Procurement for Experimental Purposes “The Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments may each buy ordnance, signal, chemical activity, transportation, energy, medical, space-flight, and aeronautical supplies, including parts and accessories, and designs thereof, that the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary concerned considers necessary for experimental or test purposes in the development of the best supplies that are needed for the national defense.”
2. Criteria for Use: Use of an ARA to solicit for research and development is encouraged when:  There is an increased focus on mission integration or need for an agile contracting methods for more advanced R&D programs
 The technology is a covered area under the five (5) topic areas listed in the solicitation and

10 U.S.C.§4023

 Necessary for experimental or test purposes in the development of the best supplies and designs for national defense

CHAPTER 2: ARA SOLICIATION VARIATIONS: Variations of the ARA Solicitation process are

available for use. The following types are commonly used, but are not considered all inclusive.