Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) Office-wide

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, through its Microsystems Technology Office, has released a Broad Agency Announcement under reference HR001124S0028. This announcement, last amended on September 9, 2025, solicits innovative research proposals under DARPA’s statutory authority to support high-risk, high-reward scientific and technological advances. The Microsystems Technology Office has a long history of pioneering microelectronics, photonics, and advanced device innovations to ensure U.S. military and technological superiority. This announcement represents an office-wide call for revolutionary ideas not already addressed by existing DARPA programs, emphasizing fundamental innovation rather than incremental improvements. The purpose of the program is to create and prevent strategic surprise in the microsystems domain. Areas of interest include the development of photonic, quantum, and bio-organic circuits, as well as novel approaches to microsystem manufacturing and dual-use design strategies. Research proposals should be aimed at breakthroughs in science, devices, or systems that will push the boundaries of microsystem capabilities. Proposals that merely extend the current state of practice are specifically excluded. The thrust areas identified include scientific disruption to advance beyond Moore’s Law, sustainable manufacturing ecosystems, and dual-use by design strategies that promote both defense and commercial viability. Funding is available under research categories 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3, with multiple awards anticipated. The announcement allows for a variety of funding instruments including procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and other transactions. An accelerated award option is available for proposals not exceeding $2 million, under which selected awards may be executed within 30 days of selection notification. Proposers are expected to submit complete technical and cost volumes as outlined in the BAA’s attachments. In addition, DARPA requires proposers to disclose whether artificial intelligence tools were used in proposal preparation, though this information does not affect evaluation outcomes. The evaluation process is based on scientific review and considers three primary criteria: overall scientific and technical merit, contribution and relevance to the DARPA mission, and cost realism. Technical merit involves the novelty, feasibility, and clarity of the approach, as well as the qualifications of the proposing team. Contribution to the DARPA mission requires proposers to articulate how the research supports national security and technological leadership, including technology transition plans. Cost realism ensures that proposed budgets accurately reflect the work scope and necessary resources. Cost-sharing is not required but may be considered positively where commercial applicability is evident. Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis, with specific cut-off dates. As amended, abstracts may be submitted until October 10, 2025, full proposals until December 1, 2025, and questions until November 17, 2025, all by 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Abstract submission is encouraged but not mandatory, as it allows DARPA to provide feedback before proposers invest resources in full submissions. Full proposals received after the deadline will not be reviewed. Proposers should use the Broad Agency Announcement Tool or Grants.gov as applicable, and ensure compliance with DARPA’s submission validation timelines. Eligibility is broad and includes U.S. and non-U.S. sources, as well as universities, nonprofits, small and large businesses, and government research entities, provided they comply with applicable laws and regulations. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers and University Affiliated Research Centers must consult with the DARPA point of contact before applying. Additional compliance considerations apply, including DARPA’s Fundamental Research Risk-Based Security Review Process for non-FAR-based instruments involving fundamental research. This process requires submission of standardized biographical sketch and current and pending support forms for all key personnel. Restrictions related to controlled unclassified information, human subjects, or animal research may also apply, depending on the project scope. All proposals must be submitted in accordance with DARPA’s guidance, and awardees may be subject to publication and data release restrictions if their work involves non-fundamental research. Questions should be directed to the MTO BAA Coordinator at HR001124S0028@darpa.mil. The program office is located at 675 North Randolph Street, Arlington, Virginia. DARPAConnect and APEX Accelerators are available to assist potential proposers, and Project Spectrum offers compliance resources. DARPA may also issue targeted Pitch Day announcements under this BAA. This solicitation remains active through the posted deadlines, with multiple awards anticipated to support revolutionary advances in microsystems technology.