Simulating Microbial Systems (SMS)

Background
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking proposals for the Simulating Microbial Systems (SMS) program, which aims to develop comprehensive computational simulations to predict the behavior of Escherichia coli (E. coli).

The goal is to create simulation software that can forecast bacterial functions in various user-defined scenarios and to innovate experimental workflows for measuring E. coli, thereby generating data to validate and parameterize the simulation software. This initiative is intended to accelerate progress towards a generalizable simulation platform for predicting E. coli behavior.

Work Details
The contractor will be responsible for:
1. Developing computational simulations that accurately predict E. coli behavior in diverse scenarios.
2. Creating experimental workflows that measure E. coli effectively, generating data necessary for validating the simulation software.
3. Ensuring that innovations in simulation and measurement inform each other to enhance overall progress towards the program's goals.
4. Proposing a Schedule of Milestones and Payments based on observable technical events critical to achieving program objectives, with payments triggered by successful completion of these milestones.
5. Engaging in continuous interactions with Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) partners and Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) stakeholders.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for this contract is set for 18 months, during which DARPA will review Oral Proposal Packages (OPPs) and oral presentations to determine which proposed solutions meet the evaluation criteria.

Place of Performance
The work will primarily take place in the Washington, DC metro area, with provisions for virtual presentations if necessary.