Congress Avoids Shutdown and Moves Forward
Unexpected by many across the DC landscape, a government shutdown has been avoided – for now – with the passing of a continuing resolution (CR) late Saturday night (September 30) that will continue funding the federal government through Friday, November 17.  However, the bill does not include additional funding for Ukraine, despite bipartisan calls in the Senate, nor emergency disaster assistance.  With McCarthy relying on bipartisan support to avoid a shutdown, Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-FL) filed a “motion to vacate” and Congressman McCarthy was officially ousted of his leadership position, leaving the Office of the Speaker of the House vacant.  Before the last-minute shutdown vote, the House of Representatives passed multiple security-related appropriations bills, including its FY 2024 Defense Appropriations Act, H.R. 4365, with a partisan vote of 218 to 210. 

As Congress continues to race against the clock, so does the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) process.  The House anticipates starting NDAA negotiations as early as the first week in October, with the hope to agree on a final, bipartisan bill before Thanksgiving recess in mid-November, but now without a Speaker of the House that timeline is unrealistic until a new Speaker is agreed upon. You can read the full article here. 

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NATIONAL SECURITY NEWS

DOD Releases Unclassified 2023 Cyber Strategy Summary 
The Department of Defense (DOD) released an unclassified summary of its 2023 Cyber Strategy.  The strategy draws lessons learned from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and describes China as the most significant challenge to U.S. cybersecurity.  The strategy aims to invest in the cyber workforce through four lines of effort:

• “Defend the nation
• Prepare to fight and win the nation’s wars
• Protect the cyber domain with allies and partners
• Build enduring advantages in cyberspace.”

The full unclassified summary can be found here.  You can read the full article here. 

DOD Releases Space Policy Review 
The Department of Defense (DOD) released a review of the Department’s space policy combined with a strategy for the protection of satellites, satisfying two separate requirements from previous National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAA).  The report highlights key threats and capabilities posed by Russia and China that could impact our space capabilities and the services the U.S. needs to be prepared to respond.  DOD will accomplish this through a range of approaches to minimize the impact of cyber-attacks, including disaggregation, distribution, diversification, proliferation, protection, and deception methods.

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Opportunity	Agency     Name	Program Description	Posted Date	Close Date
HR001123S0050   Synthetic Quantum Nanostructures (SynQuaNon)	DARPA - Defense Sciences Office	Solicits research in synthetic quantum materials that enhance capabilities for quantum information science.	8/11/2023	10/10/2023
W911NF-23-S-0016 Adversarial Resilient Cyber Effects of Decision Dominance Collaborative Research Program	Office of the Secretary of Defense	Invites research to expand understanding of cyberspace windows of superiority to provide military leadership with courses of action.	8/16/2023	10/13/2023
DOI-BAA-ARTS-FY24-01 Anonymous Real-Time Speech	IARPA- Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity	Seeks proposals to develop algorithms that modify speech in real time to protect individual privacy.	9/7/2023	10/23/2023
DARPA-EA‐23-01-04 Grip Likelihood in Underwater Environments (GLUE) Webinar	DARPA - Defense Sciences Office	DSO sponsors the GLUE Webinar to include information on the GLUE Advanced Research Concepts opportunity.	9/29/2023	10/25/2023 (registration deadline); 10/26/2023 (webinar)
DARPA-PA-23-03-05 Measurement-based Quantum Information and Transduction (MeasQuIT)	DARPA – Defense Sciences Office	Invites submissions on scalable preparation, control and error mitigation of quantum circuits relevant to quantum-enhanced computing.	9/15/2023	10/30/2023
W911NF23S0015  DoD Research and Education Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU/MI) Research Fiscal Year 2024	Dept. of the Army – Materiel Command	Seeks basic research projects with innovative approaches to develop a more robust base of scientific study related to long-term national security needs.	8/16/2023	10/30/2023
NSWC-DD-BAA-N00178-24-0002  Naval Engineering Education Consortium (NEEC) Broad Agency Announcement for FY24	NAVSEA – Naval Sea Systems Command Warfare Centers	Solicits research that supports the Naval Engineering Education Consortium, with a focus on Quantum Computing, Hypersonic Weapons Advancement, and more.	8/30/2023	10/30/2023
W911NF-23-S-0012  Foundations of Superconducting Digital Logic (FSDL)	Dept. of the Army – Materiel Command	Solicits proposals for research in superconducting electronics to increase reliability and circuit density.	7/12/2023	10/31/2023; 8/15/2023 (White Papers)
DARPA-PA-23-03-06 Structural Evaluation through Non-contact Sensor Embedding (SENSE) Disruption Opportunity (DO)	DARPA – Defense Sciences Office	Invites submissions of research concepts that explore ways to embed sensors in metallic structural components.	9/29/2023	11/21/2023
HR001123S0054 Optomechanical Thermal Imaging (OpTIm) Technical Area (TA) 2	DARPA – Defense Sciences Office	Invites research proposals focused on devices or science that support thermal imaging and infrared detection.	9/13/2023	12/4/2023
HQ003423NFOEASD13 Minerva Research Initiative's (Minerva) Defense Education and Civilian University Research (DECUR) Partnership	Office of the Secretary of Defense	Seeks proposals to enhance research on social sciences and expand partnerships between Professional Military Education (PME) and civilian institutions.	8/21/2023	12/12/2023
HR001123S0052 Intensity-Squeezed Photonic Integration for Revolutionary Detectors (INSPIRED)	DARPA – Microsystems Technology Office	Seeks proposals to develop compact, ultra-low-noise optical detectors to ultimately advance precision optical sensing.	9/21/2023	12/13/2023; 10/20/2023 (Abstracts)
HR001123S0051 Ultra-Wide BandGap Semiconductors (UWBGS)	DARPA – Microsystems Technology Office	Invites research proposals to develop materials and technology that enhance the productivity and longevity of semiconductor electronics.	9/29/2023	10/5/2023 (Proposers Day); 12/15/2023 (Proposal due date)
N00014-23-S-F007  FY24 Department of the Navy (DoN) Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI) Program	Office of Naval Research	Seeks to enhance research capabilities of HBCUs and MSIs in areas critical to the mission of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.	7/14/2023	12/15/2023;  9/8/2023 (White Papers)
W912HZ-23-BAA-01  ERDC Broad Agency Announcement	Dept. of the Army – Corps of Engineers	Solicits research proposals of interest to Army Corps Engineering Research and Development Center (ERDC).  Successful proposals require frequent engagement with ERDC program managers and congressional involvement.	3/31/2023	1/1/2024
N00014-23-S-B003  FY23 Science and Technology for Advanced Manufacturing Projects (STAMP) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)	Office of Naval Research	Seeks systems engineering proposals critical to the design, fabrication, and manufacture of key components at more desirable weights, performance, cost, and/or survivability.	6/27/2023	1/16/2024
N00014-23-S-F006  Class of 2024 Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship (VBFF) Program	Office of Naval Research	Seeks single investigators to conduct basic, unclassified research that could spark new and revolutionary capabilities. Sponsored by the Department of Defense Basic Research Office and managed by ONR.	7/18/2023	2/9/2024
HR001122S0030  Microsystems Technology Office (MTO)	DARPA - Microsystems Technology Office	Invites innovative research ideas not being pursued by current MTO programs.	3/16/2022	3/16/2024
N00014-23-S-F005   The Office of Naval Research (ONR) Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) Program	Office of Naval Research	Develops efforts that correlate with ONR science and technology areas and that supply solutions that establish, build, and/or maintain STEM educational pathways and workforce opportunities.	4/3/2023	4/2/2024
HR001123S0003 Strategic Technology Office (STO)	DARPA – Strategic Technology Office	Invites innovative research ideas not being pursued by current STO programs.	11/1/2022	4/30/2024
N66001-23-S-4702  C4ISR, Information Operations, Cyberspace Operations and Information Technology System Research, Cryogenics and Quantum Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)	Dept. of the Navy – Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific	Seeks unique and innovative research to develop next generation C4ISR capabilities.	6/7/2023	6/8/2024
HR001123S0042  Broad Agency Announcement Redefining Possible – 2023	DARPA – Tactical Technology Office	Solicits abstracts, proposals, and executive summaries for research to redefine warfighting across air, ground, maritime, and space.	6/16/2023	6/14/2024
HR001123S0045  Biological Technologies	DARPA –  Biological Technologies Office	Seeks research ideas for topics not currently being addressed by the Biological Technologies Office.	6/22/2023	6/20/2024
N00421-23-S-0001  Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Office-Wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)	Dept. of the Navy – Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division	Seeks white papers for research projects to advance and improve NAWCAD operations.	6/23/2023	6/22/2024
DARPA-PA-23-03-04  Disruption Opportunity: Drag Reducing Architected Geometries	DARPA - Defense Sciences Office	Seeks research projects in the area of drag reduction on objects with sprays or coatings.	8/7/2023	6/26/2024
NSWCDD-24-0001  Dahlgren University Research and Development (R&D) Projects and Capstone Projects	Dept. of the Navy – Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division	Seeks proposals for student and faculty projects in areas of interest to NSWCDD to develop student interest in Naval engineering.	7/18/2023	7/17/2024
DARPA-RA-23-02  Forward-Looking Experimentation (FLEX)	DARPA - Microsystems Technology Office	Seeks research proposals for ideas in information and communication technology addressing challenges for a data focused future.	8/9/2023	8/9/2024
HQ003423NFOEASD17 Defense Security Cooperation University – Research Grants NFO	Defense Security Cooperation University	Promotes access to and production of knowledge on security cooperation to develop allied and partner security capabilities.	8/8/2023	9/7/2024
N0001424SB001 Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Navy and Marine Corps Science and Technology	Office of Naval Research	Seeks proposals for basic and applied research across science and engineering that address the long term needs of the Navy and Marine Corps.	10/2/2023	9/30/2024
FA8650-20-S-6008 Arman Readiness Medical Research (ARMR) Hybrid BAA	Air Force Research Laboratory	Solicits white papers focused on conducting medical research to ensure medical availability and investigate how the flight environment affects health and performance.	7/14/2020	5/1/2025
FA865021S2205 Collaboration for Innovative Research on Aircraft Structure	Air Force Research Laboratory	Solicits research in aircraft structural design, analysis, and experimentation in a list of specific technical areas.	5/11/2021	5/11/2026
W911NF-23-S-0003  DEVCOM Analysis Center Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Applied Research	Dept. of the Army – Materiel Command	Seeks proposals to maintain and expand professional competence fulfilling the ARO mission in collaboration with external research institutions.	1/5/2023	1/4/2028
N00421-23-S-0001  United States Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) Broad Agency Announcement	Dept. of the Army – Materiel Command	Soliciting research proposals of interest to ARI to improve human performance and Army Readiness.  Prospective awardees must meet certain standards on financial resources and responsibility, among others.	5/1/2023	4/30/2028
FA2391-23-S-2403  Pioneering Aerospace Capabilities, Engineering and Research (PACER)	Air Force Research Laboratory	Solicits white papers in research areas related to the BAA.  Calls may be issued over the period of the BAA to request white papers or proposals in specific areas of interest.	7/26/2023	5/10/2043

CDMRP Releases Final FY 2023 Research Topic Solicitations
The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) is currently accepting proposals for its final fiscal year (FY) 2023 topics:

• Kidney Cancer
• Neurofibromatosis

FY 2024 research program solicitations will not be released until they are funded by FY 2024 appropriations legislation.  All open funding opportunities and pre-announcements are available here.  Interested applicants can subscribe for real-time updates, including forthcoming solicitations here.  

BARDA Announces 2023 Industry Day Dates and Location
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) recently announced the dates and location of its 2023 Industry Day.  The 2023 BARDA Industry Day will take place from November 13-14 at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, D.C. and will also offer a virtual option.  BARDA Industry Day aims to foster new collaborations, share goals, objectives, and opportunities for partnership, and discuss opportunities for partnership and funding for companies and institutions interested in working with the U.S. government to achieve its medical countermeasure (MCM) priorities.  Registration for the 2023 BARDA Industry Day will be opening soon, and more information can be found here.  You can read the full article here. 

DTRA Chemical and Biological Technologies Department Announces 2024 Chemical and Biological Defense Science & Technology Conference Dates and Location
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s (DTRA) Chemical and Biological Technologies Department recently announced the dates and location of the 2024 Chemical and Biological Defense Science & Technology (CBD S&T) Conference.  The CBD S&T Conference will take place from December 2-5, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Interested attendees can subscribe to the Conference’s mailing list to receive updates here.  You can read the full article here. 

DOD Energy & Environment Innovation Symposium Registration Now Open
Registration is now open for the 2023 Energy & Environment Symposium hosted by the Strategic Environmental Research & Development Program and the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (SERDP/ESTCP) held on November 28-December 1, 2023, in Arlington, VA.  The symposium allows researchers to meet with SERDP/ESTCP leaders and program managers, learn more about the SERDP/ESTCP solicitation and proposal process, and network with researchers in similar fields.  You can read the full article here. 

DARPA To Hold Contest to Increase AI Use in Cybersecurity 
In August, the White House announced that the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) would be leading a two-year “AI Cyber Challenge” (AIxCC) that will see teams compete to design new and innovative cybersecurity solutions using artificial intelligence (AI) for potential government use.  Registration will open on November 1, 2023.  Interested teams or researchers can find more information here.  You can read the full article here. 

DARPA DSO Releases Two New Disruption Opportunities: SENSE & MeasQuiT
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)’s Defense Sciences Office (DSO) has released two new Disruption Opportunities (DOs) focused on sensing and quantum utility.  As reported in prior newsletters, DARPA DSO announced earlier this summer its Disruptioneering Program which will issue DOs through pre-solicitation notices that will identify the specific technology domains that DARPA wants research conducted on with the goal of determining future investment and prototyping. 
 
The Measurement-based Quantum Information and Transduction (MeasQuIT) DO will support research on approaches to scaling, preparing, controlling, and reducing errors of quantum circuits that are used in quantum computing, sensing, and information processing.  Proposals are due by 4:00 PM on October 30, 2023.  More information is available in the full solicitation here.
 
The Structural Evaluation through Non-contact Sensor Embedding (SENSE) DO will support research on embedded structural health monitoring by discovering new ways to embed sensors with “metallic structural components during production.”  Proposals are due on November 21, 2023 at 4:00 PM ET.  More information is available in the full solicitation here.  You can read the full article here.  
WHAT WE'RE READING

Replicator Success Depends on Communication and Production Capacity
DefenseNews reported in September about industry concerns over the Replicator Initiative’s goal to field thousands of autonomous systems over the next two years.  As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks revealed the Replicator program at the National Defense Industrial Association’s Emerging Technologies conference on August 28, highlighting its capacity to “galvanize progress in the too-slow shift of U.S. military innovation.”  While dual-use companies with commercial and defense markets are currently well equipped to respond to production needs, small and medium sized firms requested clearer messaging from DOD on the Replicator Initiative on investment strategies for manufacturing.  The program is overseen by the Deputy’s Innovation Steering Group, chaired by Deputy Secretary Hicks and the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, which industry representatives hope will streamline communication on production goals. 

IBM Releases Strengthening the Future of the AUKUS Partnership Report
The IBM Center for The Business of Government released a new report on Strengthening the Future of the AUKUS Partnership.  The AUKUS partnership, between Australia, the United Kingdon, and the United States was announced in September 2021 to deepen diplomatic and national security ties between the three countries.  The paper focused on Pillar Two of the AUKUS agreement, which laid out eight key technology areas for collaboration including: cyber capabilities; artificial intelligence; quantum technologies; undersea capabilities; advanced capabilities; hypersonic capabilities; electronic warfare; innovation; and information sharing.  The report highlights how success depends on each country openly sharing their data in these areas with each other, growing their own capabilities and improving their efficiencies, and finding ways to allocate workforce between partners as needed.  For each of the eight technology areas laid out above, the report lays out specific actions that need to be taken to ensure the partnership is as effective as possible.

Senior DOD Officials Urge Faster Deployment of Emerging Technologies
A recent DefenseNews article highlights concerns from senior DOD officials that the Department is unable to identify and deploy crucial new technologies quick enough to respond to emerging threats.  The article cites comments from U.S. Central Command’s chief technology officer, Schuyler Moore, indicating that DOD would like to deploy new technologies within a year.  However, Moore notes that the current rate of deployment is “faster than what our budget cycles move at.”  In the article, Joe Larson, Deputy of the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, notes that the advancement of “capabilities require(s) constant innovation and investment” as well as an assessment of DOD’s underlying infrastructure, especially when focusing on emerging technologies tied to artificial intelligence (AI) or autonomy.