The Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) at DARPA regularly publishes BAAs requesting responses to specific program topics. This announcement seeks revolutionary research ideas for topics not addressed by ongoing MTO programs or other published BAA solicitations.
Since its inception in 1991, MTO has helped create and prevent strategic surprise through investments in compact microelectronic components such as microprocessors, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and photonic devices. MTO’s revolutionary work applying advanced capabilities in areas such as wide-band gap materials, phased array radars, high-energy lasers, and infrared imaging have helped the United States establish and maintain technological superiority for more than two decades.
MTO seeks to develop high-risk, high-reward technologies that continue DARPA’s mission of creating and preventing strategic surprise, help to secure the Department of Defense’s (DoD) technological superiority, and address the complex threats facing U.S. national security. Proposed research should investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice.
Deadlines:
o Abstract Due Date: Abstracts may be submitted on a rolling basis until 1:00PM on January 6, 2024.
o Proposal Due Date: Proposals may be submitted on a rolling basis until 1:00PM on March 16, 2024.
As MTO evolves to address future microsystems-related challenges, the office has identified four thrust areas: (1) Embedded Microsystem Intelligence and Localized Processing, (2) Next Generation Front-End Component Technologies for Electromagnetic (EM) Spectrum Dominance, (3) Microsystem Integration for Increased Functional Density and Security, and (4) Disruptive Defense Microsystem Applications. Each of these overlapping spaces present significant opportunities for exploring new and creative technologies.
This BAA is primarily, but not solely, intended for early stage research (studies) that may lead to larger, focused, MTO programs in the future. Studies are defined as single phase efforts of short duration (< 12 months) costing less than $1,000,000. Whereas proposers are strongly encouraged to submit studies to this BAA, multi-phase efforts will also be considered. Multi-phase efforts are defined as efforts with more than one phase that may span longer than 12 months and that may cost more than $1,000,000. Multi-phase efforts must also cover clearly identifiable research topic areas with quantitative technical metrics. Proposals for studies that are 12 months or less in duration, cost $500,000 or less, and for which the performer is seeking an assistance instrument (grant or cooperative agreement) are provided a streamlined proposal preparation process (see Section IV.B.2, “Full Proposal Format”).
