Centers in Integrated Photonics Engineering Research (CIPhER) | Apply Online

CIPhER (DARPA RA 09 35) - Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is the CIPhER opportunity?

CIPhER stands for Centers in Integrated Photonics Engineering Research. It is a DARPA Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) Research Announcement (DARPA RA 09 35) seeking proposals to create university-led research centers focused on integrated photonics engineering.

2) What is DARPA trying to achieve through CIPhER?

The stated goal is to fund center-scale research programs that pursue high-risk, high-payoff ideas with the potential to produce revolutionary advances in photonics-related science, devices, or systems. The emphasis is on dramatic field-advancing concepts rather than incremental improvements to existing technologies.

3) What kinds of advances does the solicitation appear to encourage?

Based on the synopsis, the opportunity is oriented toward breakthroughs enabled by integrated photonics, including new concepts, novel device and integration approaches, or system-level breakthroughs that move photonics forward in a transformative way.

4) What is meant by a "center-scale" program in this context?

The solicitation is framed around a university research center model, where the program is organized as a coordinated center effort rather than a single-investigator project, and is intended to operate with a structured collaboration involving partners (including industry and other collaborators).

5) Who is expected to lead the proposed effort?

The description indicates that proposed efforts are expected to be university-led research centers working closely with industry and other partners.

6) Is cost sharing required?

Yes. Cost sharing is described as a formal requirement, reflecting DARPA's expectation that universities and collaborating partners invest meaningful resources alongside federal funding.

7) What cost share model is described in the synopsis?

The original synopsis describes a phased cost-share structure: Years 1 and 2 at 75% DARPA funding and 25% partner cost share, and Years 3 and 4 at 50% DARPA funding and 50% partner cost share.

8) Does Amendment 05 change the cost share requirements?

Yes. The notice states Amendment 05 reduces the cost share requirement. Even though the summary text retains the older cost-share structure, applicants are directed to rely on the conformed DARPA RA 09 35 document (with changes highlighted) for the controlling revised terms.

9) Does Amendment 05 change the program duration?

Yes. Amendment 05 is described as shortening the overall program length. The conformed RA document is identified as the authoritative source for the revised duration.

10) Which document controls if the synopsis and the amendment summary appear inconsistent?

The posting directs applicants to consult the conformed DARPA RA 09 35 document (with changes highlighted) for the exact revised terms. The synopsis notes that the amendment changes key business terms, so the amended conformed RA is the controlling reference.

11) Are in-kind contributions allowed to count toward cost share?

They may count only when they have an explicit, accountable monetary value tied to the proposed university-industry collaborative effort, as described in the notice.

12) What rules govern the allowability and documentation of cost share?

The notice states that partner contributions must comply with the Department of Defense Grant and Agreement Regulations (DoDGARs), which govern allowability, documentation, and related compliance expectations for cost sharing in DoD assistance agreements.

13) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is identified as a discretionary funding opportunity under CFDA 12.910 (Research and Technology Development).

14) What funding instruments might DARPA use for CIPhER awards?

The posting lists cooperative agreements, grants, other forms of assistance, and potentially procurement contracts. This indicates DARPA may select the agreement type based on the nature of the proposed work and the expected level of government involvement.

15) Who is eligible to apply?

The eligible applicant pool is described as unrestricted in the synopsis, meaning it is broadly open to different entity types, subject to any eligibility clarifications contained in the full Research Announcement.

16) What were the key dates listed in the posting?

The synopsis indicates the opportunity was originally posted on April 27, 2009. It lists an original and current closing date of April 27, 2010. It also specifies that first-round proposals were due February 19, 2010.

17) Is this opportunity still active?

No. The notice lists an archive date of May 11, 2010, which indicates the opportunity is no longer active.

18) Were minimum or maximum award amounts specified in the synopsis?

No. The award floor and ceiling values are shown as zero in the summary fields, which typically indicates the public synopsis did not specify a fixed minimum or maximum award amount. The synopsis suggests applicants would need to consult the full RA document for funding expectations, center size guidance, or budgeting constraints.

19) Where were applicants directed to retrieve the full Research Announcement?

The notice references the DARPA MTO solicitations page as the place to retrieve the full Research Announcement.

20) What email address was provided for administrative correspondence and questions?

DARPA directed administrative correspondence and questions to DARPA.RA.09.35@darpa.mil.

21) What communication methods did DARPA indicate it intended to use?

The notice states DARPA intended to use email and fax for correspondence regarding the solicitation.

22) Who was listed as a point of contact for access issues or assistance?

For applicants who had difficulty accessing the full announcement, the point of contact listed is Michael Haney/Scott Rodgers at DARPA/MTO, identified as the RA Coordinator contact for DARPA RA 09 35.

23) What mailing address was provided for the RA Coordinator contact?

DARPA/MTO, ATTN DARPA RA 09 35, 3701 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203-1714.

24) What is the main structural model DARPA appears to be seeking for CIPhER?

Based on the description, CIPhER is organized around a university-led consortium/center model with substantial partner participation (including industry) and formal cost sharing as part of the program structure.

25) What is the most important nuance applicants needed to pay attention to in this posting?

The synopsis highlights that Amendment 05 changes two major business terms (cost share and program length). As a result, accurate interpretation of requirements depends on the amended, conformed DARPA RA 09 35 document rather than older summary language preserved in the original synopsis.