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NEOVISION2 (DARPA 09-58) Grant Opportunity FAQs

What is NEOVISION2 (Funding Opportunity Number DARPA 09 58)?

NEOVISION2 is a research solicitation from DARPA's Defense Sciences Office focused on fundamentally upgrading the technology base behind unmanned sensor systems using ideas drawn directly from biology, particularly neuroscience and biological vision.

What is the central research goal of this solicitation?

The central goal is to emulate key aspects of the mammalian visual pathway across the full chain of visual processing, from the retina through intermediate stages and onward to the visual cortex, rather than focusing on a single isolated algorithm or component.

What kinds of research are encouraged under NEOVISION2?

The solicitation points to research that builds advanced computational models and algorithmic implementations that reflect how biological vision senses, filters, compresses, detects patterns, and builds increasingly meaningful representations of the world.

Does the opportunity emphasize end-to-end vision processing or individual components?

It emphasizes end-to-end visual processing concepts inspired by neuroscience, spanning early sensing through progressively higher-level representations, consistent with the idea of modeling the biological visual pathway as a processing chain.

What outcomes does DARPA expect from neuroscience-inspired approaches in this program?

The expectation described is that biologically inspired end-to-end approaches could yield major gains in autonomy, robustness, and performance for unmanned platforms operating in complex real-world conditions.

What application area is this program targeting?

The program is described as targeting unmanned sensor systems and unmanned platforms, with a focus on improving operation in complex real-world environments through advances in vision-inspired processing.

How is this opportunity categorized from a funding/administrative standpoint?

It is categorized as discretionary research and development in science and technology under CFDA 12.910 (Research and Technology Development).

What types of award instruments may DARPA use for this solicitation?

DARPA indicated multiple possible award instruments, including cooperative agreements, grants, other procurement contracts, and procurement contracts. This provides flexibility for DARPA to select the mechanism that fits each proposed effort and the expected level of government involvement.

Is cost sharing or matching required to apply?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is listed for this solicitation, meaning applicants are generally not required to contribute their own funds as a condition of eligibility based on the information provided.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning it is broadly open to a wide range of entity types, subject to any additional clarifications that may be included in the full Broad Agency Announcement (BAA).

What kinds of organizations does "unrestricted eligibility" typically include?

Based on the description, unrestricted eligibility typically implies that universities, non-profits, for-profits, research institutes, and other capable organizations may participate, including teaming arrangements, as long as they comply with the BAA requirements.

When was the announcement posted?

The announcement was posted and created on May 13, 2009.

What was the closing date for submissions?

The original and current closing date listed is May 12, 2010.

Is this opportunity still open?

No. The solicitation was archived on June 13, 2010, and the closing date was May 12, 2010, indicating it was time-limited and is no longer accepting submissions.

Where were full details such as technical areas and submission instructions provided?

Full details (including technical areas, submission instructions, evaluation criteria, and specific research thrusts) were referenced via an additional information link labeled "DARPA BAA 09 58."

Who could applicants contact for help accessing the full announcement?

DARPA provided a point of contact through the BAA Administrator associated with DARPA BAA 09 58 for applicants needing help accessing the full announcement.

What does the solicitation suggest about the type of work being proposed?

It suggests work that develops computational models and algorithmic implementations of biological vision processes, with an emphasis on building representations that become increasingly meaningful across stages of processing, akin to the mammalian visual pathway.

Does the information provided include the evaluation criteria or specific research thrusts?

No. The information provided indicates those details exist in the full announcement, referenced as "DARPA BAA 09 58," but they are not included in the summary provided here.

Does the information provided specify submission format or application steps?

No. The summary notes that submission instructions are part of the full BAA, but it does not provide the submission format or step-by-step application process.

Does the information provided specify a maximum award amount, total funding, or project period?

No. The summary does not include award size, total program funding, or the length of performance; these would typically be found in the full solicitation.