Bordeaux Program Solicitation

The Bordeaux Program Solicitation, identified as DARPA-PS-26-20, was intended to procure innovative research in cybersecurity performance within artificial intelligence, including AI models and hardware, through an Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype Agreement authorized under 10 U.S.C. § 4022. This instrument bypasses standard FAR and DFARS requirements, instead operating under flexible, non-traditional contract terms focused on rapid prototyping and revolutionary scientific advancement, explicitly excluding proposals that offer only incremental improvements. The program’s scope requires proposers to develop a deliverable prototype, submit detailed technical documentation as outlined in Attachment 2, and adhere to a milestone-driven payment structure tied to specific performance events tracked via Attachment L. Evaluation prioritizes overall scientific and technical merit—assessing innovation, feasibility, team expertise, technical foundation, task completeness, and risk mitigation—followed by cost evaluation ensuring alignment with effort, technical linkage to budget, and milestone-specific value. Offerors must submit proposals in two volumes: a technical volume limited to 25 pages plus supporting documents, and a cost volume using the mandatory DARPA Standard Cost Proposal Spreadsheet in Excel format with intact formulas; both must include required entity identifiers (UEI, CAGE, TIN) and organization type certifications. Proposals must be submitted by email to Bordeaux@darpa.mil by the revised deadline of June 12, 2026, and proposers must comply with stringent security requirements, including U.S. citizenship and TOP SECRET clearance for up to twelve personnel seeking SAP access, NISPOM compliance, and disclosure of any organizational conflicts of interest. The solicitation also outlines administrative procedures including invoicing through WAWF, registration in SAM, and payment by DFAS upon AOR verification of milestone completion, with records to be retained for three years after final payment. As of June 5, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time, this solicitation has been suspended with immediate effect due to a DARPA system discrepancy, halting all proposal preparation and submission activities. No submissions, whether received before or after the suspension notice, will be reviewed unless the solicitation is reinstated by a formal amendment. The government retains the option to either amend the current solicitation or close it and issue a new Broad Agency Announcement or Program Solicitation. The point of contact for administrative and contractual matters is Mark Jones, DARPA Agreements Officer, reachable at Bordeaux@darpa.mil. The program’s performance is