Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) Office-wide

The Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has released a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), HR001124S0028, to solicit groundbreaking proposals aligned with its core mission to develop advanced microsystems technologies that create or prevent strategic surprise. This office-wide funding opportunity is designed to attract revolutionary ideas not currently covered by existing MTO programs or solicitations. MTO encourages innovative approaches to microsystems design, fabrication, and integration that break from evolutionary advancements and instead explore bold, high-risk, high-reward avenues. With an eye toward future defense and commercial relevance, the BAA is open to a wide range of research institutions and offers multiple potential funding instruments including procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and other transactions. MTO's primary research thrusts include Scientific Disruption, Microsystems Manufacturing Ecosystem, and Dual Use by Design. The Scientific Disruption focus targets fundamental breakthroughs in integrated circuit design through novel modalities such as photonic, quantum, and bio/organic circuits. The Manufacturing Ecosystem thrust explores new fabrication techniques, sustainable resource use, and recycling strategies to mitigate the increasing environmental and material costs of microsystems production. The Dual Use by Design component encourages defense technologies that can also find commercial applications, promoting economically viable innovations that can transition from lab to field at scale. Key areas of interest under this BAA include quantum interconnects and sensors, photonic circuits for novel applications, advanced nanoscale manufacturing, energy reclamation, and secure, reconfigurable microsystems that address both military and commercial needs. Proposals should offer transformative potential and clearly articulate how the research supports U.S. national security objectives. MTO values proposals that describe feasible technical approaches, delineate specific milestones and deliverables, and anticipate major technical risks with credible mitigation strategies. Proposals will be reviewed based on three weighted criteria: overall scientific and technical merit, potential contribution to the DARPA mission, and cost realism. Successful proposals will demonstrate high-impact potential, a robust transition strategy, and a clear plan for addressing IP and national security requirements. While matching funds are not explicitly required, cost sharing is encouraged for efforts with commercial applicability. The application process includes an optional but strongly encouraged abstract submission to streamline proposal development. Full proposals are accepted on a rolling basis until March 2, 2026. Early abstract submissions will be reviewed for feedback, helping applicants align their proposals with MTO’s strategic interests. Several proposal attachments are required, including technical volumes, cost spreadsheets, and a public abstract for grant submissions. Applicants must also disclose the use of AI tools in proposal development and submit cybersecurity and personnel compliance documentation when applicable. All applications must comply with DARPA’s Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) guidelines. The CMMC Level 2 certification is required for procurement contracts awarded under this opportunity, and foreign participation is permitted subject to applicable U.S. laws and security reviews. The BAA is recurring, with new amendments released regularly to clarify requirements, extend deadlines, and provide updated guidance to potential applicants.

Abstracts allow early feedback and reduce prep effort; clearly outline technical goals, risk mitigation, transition plans, and cost realism.