The Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) Office-wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), released by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), seeks revolutionary research proposals aimed at advancing microsystems technology. DARPA, through MTO, is focused on fostering technological breakthroughs that support the Department of Defense’s mission of maintaining national security and technological superiority. Since its establishment in 1991, MTO has been instrumental in pioneering innovations such as microprocessors, MEMS, and photonic devices, all of which have significantly influenced U.S. defense capabilities.

This BAA, numbered HR001124S0028, is structured to solicit innovative, high-risk, high-reward proposals that could lead to fundamental advancements in microsystem science, devices, or systems. Importantly, the announcement explicitly discourages proposals that offer only incremental improvements over existing technologies. The program highlights three primary thrusts: Scientific Disruption, Microsystems Manufacturing Ecosystem, and Dual Use by Design. Within these thrusts, the solicitation identifies specific research interests including photonic, quantum, and biological circuits; advanced manufacturing techniques; and technologies enabling dual commercial and defense applications.

MTO’s areas of interest include novel interconnects for quantum states, high-throughput molecular readers, photonic systems beyond the capability of traditional electronics, and sustainable microsystem manufacturing methods. Also emphasized are tools for rapid design and manufacturing, energy-efficient production processes, and adaptable technologies suitable for both defense and commercial use. The BAA supports a range of award instruments such as contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and other transactions. Special accelerated awards of up to $2 million may be issued within 30 days for qualifying proposals.

Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis with the current abstract deadline extended to August 9, 2025, and the proposal deadline to October 9, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit abstracts before full proposals to facilitate early feedback. DARPA provides detailed submission templates and instructions through various attachments associated with the announcement. Submissions must clearly state whether AI tools were used in proposal preparation and must comply with DARPA’s Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) requirements.

Evaluation of proposals will consider scientific and technical merit, relevance to DARPA’s mission, and cost realism. Proposals should also detail any anticipated use of human or animal subjects and include appropriate compliance documentation. Contact with DARPA MTO staff prior to submission is encouraged to ensure alignment with agency goals and to clarify eligibility, especially for non-traditional or foreign entities. The designated contact for this BAA is the MTO BAA Coordinator, available at HR001124S0028@darpa.mil.

DARPA encourages participation from a diverse set of proposers, including small businesses, minority institutions, and non-U.S. entities (with restrictions). Additional resources such as DARPAConnect and the APEX Accelerators program are available to guide applicants through the proposal process. Updates and Q&A documents related to this BAA are posted regularly on DARPA’s official website.