BioLogical Undersea Energy (BLUE)

Background
The BioLogical Undersea Energy (BLUE) program seeks to develop power supplies that capture and convert microscopic forms of marine biomass (e.g., dissolved organic matter (DOM), phytoplankton, zooplankton) and other substances (e.g., microplastics, nutrients) into electrical power. These power supplies are intended for onboard use by ocean-deployed sensor systems presently powered by batteries. They are to self-refuel and operate fully submerged and deliver battery-level power without being serviced far longer than is possible by comparably sized battery packs. BLUE power supplies will enable high capability and long endurance ocean-deployed sensor systems.

Work Details
The contractor shall provide the facilities and equipment necessary to develop the effort as described in the Statement of Work (SOW). The SOW includes tasks such as identifying forms of input materials, identifying marine environments with targeted forms of input materials, identifying key environmental parameters, and more. Additionally, the contractor is required to attend a kick-off meeting at DARPA, provide monthly financial progress reports, provide monthly technical reports, quarterly progress reports, participate in program level meetings held approximately every six months, and host a final contract review. The work also involves providing itemized lists of government furnished equipment (GFE) / contractor acquired property (CAP), anticipated travel for meetings between collaborators and meetings with DARPA, and ensuring that the work is unclassified.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for Phase I is expected to be 21 months, while Phase II spans from month 22 to month 30.

Place of Performance
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