Microscale Rate Integrating Gyroscope (MRIG) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Microscale Rate Integrating Gyroscope (MRIG) opportunity?

MRIG is a DARPA Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA 10-39) focused on research in microscale inertial sensing, specifically vibratory microscale rate integrating gyroscopes. The effort targets next-generation micro-gyro technology that can accurately measure and integrate rotation over a wide range of real-world operating conditions.

What technical problem is DARPA trying to solve with MRIG?

DARPA is seeking gyroscope approaches that can handle both low-rate and high-rate angular motion without needing to switch to different sensor types or accept degraded precision when operating dynamics change. In other words, the goal is robust, accurate rotation integration across a broad span of conditions.

What type of research is DARPA looking for?

The solicitation emphasizes genuinely novel, high-impact research rather than incremental engineering. Proposals are expected to explore innovative concepts that could produce major advances in underlying science, fabrication/manufacturing methods, device designs, or complete sensing systems.

Is incremental improvement of existing MEMS gyroscopes considered responsive?

Based on the synopsis, DARPA explicitly states that work primarily delivering evolutionary improvements over the current state of practice is not of interest. The opportunity is aimed at disruptive ideas that could reset performance limits for microscale gyros rather than modest refinements to established architectures.

What research areas can proposals address under MRIG?

The synopsis indicates proposals may target major advances in the underlying science, fabrication/manufacturing methods, device designs, or complete sensing systems related to vibratory microscale rate integrating gyroscopes.

Which DARPA office is sponsoring this BAA?

This opportunity is sponsored by DARPA's Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) under BAA 10-39.

What is the CFDA number and category for this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed as CFDA 12.910, Research and Technology Development, and is categorized as a discretionary science and technology research and development opportunity.

What award instruments might DARPA use for MRIG?

DARPA notes that multiple award instruments may be used, including cooperative agreements, grants, other transactions, and procurement contracts. The specific instrument depends on what is most appropriate for the proposed effort and the relationship required between the government and the performer.

Is there a cost sharing or matching requirement?

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

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted. This generally indicates the opportunity is open to a broad range of applicant types (for example, companies, universities, nonprofits, and other organizations), subject to any clarifications contained in the full BAA.

What are the key dates for submission?

The posting date is April 28, 2010. Proposal abstracts are due by 12:00 PM (noon) Eastern Time on June 2, 2010. Full proposals are due by 12:00 PM (noon) Eastern Time on July 20, 2010, which is also listed as the closing date.

Is submission a multi-step process?

Yes. The timeline described includes an abstract submission step followed by a full proposal submission.

What time zone applies to the abstract and full proposal deadlines?

Both the abstract deadline and the full proposal deadline are specified as 12:00 PM (noon) Eastern Time.

What is Amendment 01, and does it change the program?

Amendment 01 exists solely to correct a typographical error on pages 8 and 9 of the full BAA document. The corrected sections are highlighted in yellow in the revised attachment. The amendment does not change the overall intent of the program as described in the synopsis, but applicants are expected to rely on the revised BAA text when preparing submissions.

Which version of the BAA should applicants use when preparing proposals?

Applicants should use the revised BAA text that incorporates Amendment 01, since the corrected sections are reflected in the updated attachment.

Where should applicants look for details on expected funding levels?

The summary record shows an award ceiling and floor of 0, which typically indicates that specific funding levels are not stated in the synopsis. Applicants should consult the full BAA for any details on expected program scale, funding ranges, or phased structures.

What do the listed award ceiling and floor of 0 mean?

In the context provided, it suggests that the synopsis does not specify funding amounts and that applicants should refer to the full BAA for any guidance on funding expectations.

When was the opportunity archived?

The announcement was archived on January 20, 2011.

How should administrative questions or correspondence be sent to DARPA?

DARPA directs administrative correspondence to the addresses listed in the solicitation and notes that email is preferred. The provided email address is DARPA-BAA-10-39@darpa.mil.

Who are the points of contact mentioned for this opportunity?

The posting references Andrei Shkel as the program manager (program point of contact) and also mentions a BAA coordinator contact for assistance, particularly for issues accessing the full announcement electronically.

What should applicants do if they have trouble accessing the full announcement electronically?

The posting indicates that a BAA coordinator contact can assist, especially in cases where applicants are having issues accessing the full announcement electronically.

Is this opportunity associated with a particular type of DARPA solicitation?

Yes. It is associated with DARPA MTO solicitations and is issued under a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA 10-39).