Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) Office-wide

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) is issuing the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) HR001124S0028, titled "Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) Office-wide." This funding opportunity was first posted on May 9, 2024, with multiple amendments, the latest being Amendment 05, issued on March 18, 2025. DARPA's MTO has historically invested in compact microelectronic components and now seeks revolutionary research ideas to advance microsystems-related technologies, focusing on creating and preventing strategic technological surprises. The objective of this BAA is to solicit innovative research proposals in emerging areas not addressed by current MTO programs. The areas of interest include quantum circuits, biological circuits, photonic circuits, advanced manufacturing ecosystems, and dual-use technologies. Research is expected to be high-risk, high-reward and must offer revolutionary, not evolutionary, advances. Awards under this announcement can be made as procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other transactions. Eligible applicants include all responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government’s needs, including both U.S. and non-U.S. entities, provided they comply with applicable regulations. Proposals can be submitted on a rolling basis until the final closing date, with abstracts encouraged for preliminary feedback. Proposals must address scientific disruption, advancements in microsystem manufacturing ecosystems, and dual-use designs that balance military utility and commercial viability. Applications must follow specific submission templates and instructions provided in the attachments to the BAA. Evaluation criteria for selection include overall scientific and technical merit, potential contribution and relevance to the DARPA mission, and cost realism. Specific deadlines have been extended, with the new abstract submission deadline on August 9, 2025, proposal submission deadline on October 9, 2025, and the deadline for question submission on September 25, 2025. For further assistance, applicants may contact the MTO BAA Coordinator at HR001124S0028@darpa.mil. Additional resources such as DARPAConnect and APEX Accelerators are available to help proposers navigate the process, including understanding DARPA's solicitation methods and improving cybersecurity readiness for small and medium businesses.