The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) has released the Microsystems Exploration (μE) Program Announcement (DARPA-PA-25-01) to solicit innovative research proposals that explore high-risk, high-reward microsystem technologies. This program is designed to rapidly initiate new investments, aiming to finalize awards within 120 days from concept inception. The Microsystems Exploration program emphasizes targeted, short-duration projects that develop prototype technologies in key areas such as photonics, quantum computing, organic circuits, hardware security, and advanced fabrication tools.

Unlike traditional BAAs, this announcement does not accept direct proposal submissions. Instead, Microsystems Exploration Topics (μEs) are announced via Pre-Solicitation Notices on https://sam.gov/, each with a maximum 60-day open period for proposal submissions. Each μE focuses on rapid prototyping efforts that lead to new game-changing defense technologies. Research efforts should demonstrate feasibility and clarify the potential for further investment.

The funding opportunity is open to nontraditional defense contractors, small businesses, academic institutions, and research organizations. However, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and U.S. Government entities are not eligible to apply. Non-U.S. organizations may participate, provided they comply with export control laws, security regulations, and nondisclosure agreements. Projects under this announcement will be awarded as Other Transactions (OTs) for Prototype Projects under 10 U.S.C. § 4022, with awards structured around fixed payable milestones rather than traditional cost-based contracts.

Each μE topic will consist of either one or two phases:

Phase 1 – Feasibility Study (base effort)
Phase 2 – Proof of Concept (optional follow-on effort)
The total duration of an award is limited to 24 months, and the funding cap is $2,000,000 per award, including cost-sharing. Although follow-on acquisitions are not planned, successful prototype projects may be modified for further development, fabrication, and delivery under DARPA’s discretion.

The submission process requires proposers to respond to a specific μE Pre-Solicitation Notice rather than the overarching Program Announcement. Proposals must be unclassified and submitted through the DARPA Submission website (https://baa.darpa.mil/). Proposers must register and use the provided templates for submission.

Evaluation criteria prioritize Overall Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution and Relevance to the DARPA Mission, and Price Reasonableness. Proposals should demonstrate technological innovation, feasibility, and alignment with DARPA’s mission of creating and preventing strategic surprise.

For inquiries, proposers can contact DARPA-PA-25-01@darpa.mil. Specific email contacts for μE topics will be listed in their respective Pre-Solicitation Notices. Additional details are available at https://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/contract-management.