Maximally scalable Optical Sensor Array Imaging with Computation (MOSAIC) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - DARPA MOSAIC (DARPA-BAA-09-50)

What is the MOSAIC program?

MOSAIC stands for Maximally scalable Optical Sensor Array Imaging with Computation. It is a DARPA research and development program run by the Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) focused on new optical imaging system architectures that scale up in capability without the usual increases in size, weight, cost, and operational complexity.

What problem is DARPA trying to solve with MOSAIC?

The program targets a long-standing scaling bottleneck in optical imaging: when traditional cameras or telescopes are pushed to higher performance (especially higher resolution and wider field of view), they typically become disproportionately larger, heavier, more expensive, and more complex to operate. MOSAIC is aimed at breaking that scaling behavior.

What does DARPA mean by "scalable" in this solicitation?

In MOSAIC, scalability refers to imaging system designs where optical information throughput can increase close to linearly as the system scales up. Practically, DARPA is looking for approaches where you can add capability without suffering the typical penalties associated with larger apertures, larger lenses, or mechanically complex scanning approaches.

What is the core technical challenge described in the opportunity?

The solicitation calls for designing and demonstrating an imaging system that achieves very high angular resolution across a wide field of view while avoiding traditional tradeoffs such as large size and weight, increased temporal complexity (for example scanning, dithering, or multi-frame capture), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) degradation that can occur when combining many small sensors or relying heavily on post-processing.

What performance attributes does MOSAIC emphasize?

Based on the summary provided, the emphasis is on simultaneously achieving: (1) very high angular resolution, (2) wide field of view, and (3) practical performance without major penalties in size/weight, temporal complexity, or SNR.

Is MOSAIC focused on improving a single component (like better lenses or better sensors)?

No. The program explicitly emphasizes integrated, co-designed systems rather than isolated component improvements. DARPA is interested in end-to-end architectures that treat optics, sensor arrays, and computation as a unified imaging system.

What does "co-designed" optics, sensors, and computation mean in the context of MOSAIC?

It means DARPA is looking for system-level concepts where the way photons are captured (optics and sensor array design), how data is moved and transformed, and how computation is used to reconstruct or extract information are designed together as one architecture. Computation is treated as a first-class design variable rather than an add-on after the optical design is fixed.

Does DARPA expect purely computational fixes (heavy post-processing) to be sufficient?

The summary suggests DARPA is wary of approaches that depend on heavy post-processing to compensate for optical limitations when that leads to SNR degradation or other practical drawbacks. The emphasis is on integrated architectures that maintain practical sensitivity, data handling, and operational complexity.

What kinds of approaches is DARPA trying to avoid?

The opportunity highlights drawbacks associated with conventional scaling and certain acquisition strategies, including: reliance on large and heavy optics, increased temporal complexity from scanning/dithering/multi-frame capture that can reduce effective frame rate or complicate motion, and SNR degradation that can come from stitching many smaller sensors or compensating for optical limits through extensive computation.

What operational issues does the program mention?

MOSAIC references real-world operational complexity, including temporal complexity (such as scanning and multi-frame capture) that can reduce effective frame rate or complicate imaging of motion. It also highlights the importance of practical data movement and transformation, and power-efficient operation.

What is the funding opportunity type for MOSAIC?

MOSAIC is described as a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) style opportunity. The Funding Opportunity Number is DARPA-BAA-09-50.

Which DARPA office is running this opportunity?

The program is run by DARPA's Microsystems Technology Office (MTO).

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The summary lists CFDA 12.910 (Research and Technology Development).

What award instruments may be used under this opportunity?

The listing indicates multiple potential award instruments, including cooperative agreements, grants, other procurement contracts, and related mechanisms.

How many awards does the posting suggest may be made?

The source data in the summary lists an expected large number of awards, shown as 99.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is stated in the summary information provided.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning it is broadly open to qualified entities (for example, companies, universities, nonprofits, and others), subject to any additional eligibility details that may be included in the full BAA.

What are the key dates for this opportunity?

The posting shows it was posted/created on April 22, 2009. The first-round proposal due date is June 8, 2009. The original and current closing date is April 21, 2010.

Are the award floor and ceiling amounts specified?

In the summary fields provided, both the award ceiling and award floor are listed as 0. This typically indicates that the funding range is not specified in the synopsis and would be addressed in the full announcement materials or through program budget considerations and negotiations.

Where should administrative correspondence be sent?

Administrative correspondence for the solicitation is directed to DARPA via email at DARPA-BAA-09-50@darpa.mil, addressed to DARPA/MTO, DARPA BAA 09-50.

Who is the program manager contact listed for assistance?

The program manager contact identified is Dennis Healy, Ph.D., Program Manager at DARPA/MTO. The address listed is 3701 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203-1714. A fax number is provided as (703) 696-2206. A BAA coordinator is also referenced for administrative coordination.

What is DARPA ultimately seeking from MOSAIC performers?

Based on the summary, DARPA is calling for new imaging architectures that scale gracefully and use computation as a core part of the design. The goal is to enable high-resolution, wide-area imaging in smaller, lighter, more deployable packages than traditional optics-only scaling would allow, while maintaining practical sensitivity (SNR), manageable data handling, and realistic operational complexity.