Request for Information: Formal Methods to Deliver Resilient Systems (FMDRS)

Background
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking community feedback on the draft DARPA Guide to Formal Methods to Deliver Resilient Systems for Proposals (FMDRS Guide). This initiative aims to gather insights from capable sources, particularly those with experience in formal methods implementation, to enhance the FMDRS Guide's effectiveness.

The goal of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit robust feedback that will inform the use of the FMDRS Guide in future DARPA solicitations.

Work Details
Respondents are encouraged to address the following questions regarding the FMDRS Guide:
1. Does the FMDRS Guide assist potential proposers in articulating how to develop and demonstrate resilient software?
2. Does it help address DARPA’s security concerns while meeting DoD mission objectives?
3. Evaluate the list of system aspects suggested by DARPA for formal methods; identify which are easy or difficult to address and clarify any unclear aspects.
4. Suggest any system aspects that should be added or removed from the FMDRS Guide.
5. Provide input on a repository of tools related to this effort, including criteria for inclusion/exclusion and specific tool nominations with detailed descriptions covering usage, counter indications, maturity, acquisition, licensing information, expertise required, training materials, and distinctive usability features.
6. Assess the additional time, cost, and effort required for incorporating a resilient systems approach compared to not including it, along with potential tradeoffs in innovation and development pipelines.
7. Contribute contact information and bios for individuals interested in supporting a formal methods ecosystem planned for an event in 2025.

Period of Performance
The period of performance includes ongoing feedback collection leading up to future DARPA solicitations and events planned through at least 2025.