Microsystems Technology Office Wide Broad Agency Announcement | Apply Online

FAQs: DARPA Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) Wide BAA (DARPA BAA 09-25)

What is DARPA BAA 09-25?

DARPA BAA 09-25 is a Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) Wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) that invites proposals for genuinely new, high-risk/high-payoff research ideas in microsystems and related technologies.

What is the main purpose of this BAA?

The purpose is to help the Department of Defense gain major capability advantages by exploiting breakthroughs in microsystems-relevant areas such as materials, electronic and photonic devices, circuits, and even mathematical approaches that can unlock new performance or functions.

What kinds of ideas is DARPA looking for under this opportunity?

DARPA is looking for breakthrough concepts that could lead to microsystems components beyond the current leading edge, enabling future platforms and systems to do things that are not feasible with today s technology. The BAA is intentionally broad and positioned as an entry point for novel concepts, especially early-stage research that could later mature into more focused DARPA programs.

Is this BAA tied to a single, specific problem statement?

No. Instead of prescribing a single problem statement, the announcement invites proposers to bring forward disruptive concepts with credible technical rationale and a path to revolutionary performance.

What technical areas are included in the scope?

The scope spans a wide range of microsystems-related fields, including electronics, photonics, MEMS (microelectromechanical systems), algorithms, and integrated approaches that combine multiple microsystem technologies.

What types of defense-relevant outcomes does MTO care about?

The outcomes discussed align with major defense needs, including improved sensing, more resilient or higher-capacity communications, new ways to generate or manage energy at small scales, advanced actuation and control, and better on-device processing of data and information.

What does "high-risk/high-payoff" mean in the context of this BAA?

Within this solicitation, it refers to research that is technically bold and potentially disruptive, with the potential to deliver revolutionary performance or new functions, even though the approach may carry substantial technical uncertainty compared to incremental development.

How important is "non-duplication" for proposals submitted to this BAA?

Non-duplication is a key theme. DARPA explicitly encourages proposers to review the current MTO program portfolio and other active MTO solicitations to avoid submitting work that duplicates ongoing efforts or that would fit better under a more targeted BAA.

What does DARPA mean by "white space ideas"?

In this context, "white space" refers to concepts not already covered by ongoing MTO programs or other published topics. This BAA is meant for novel ideas that are not currently being pursued under existing MTO efforts.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning it is broadly open to different types of organizations, subject to any additional eligibility clarifications contained in the full text of the BAA.

Does the opportunity require cost sharing or matching funds?

No. The summary information indicates that cost sharing or matching is not required.

What type of funding mechanism does DARPA use for this BAA?

The opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding and supports multiple award instruments depending on the work and DARPA needs, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and other procurement mechanisms.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA 12.910 (Research and Technology Development).

When was this BAA posted, and what are the key dates?

The posting date is February 17, 2009. The closing date is February 17, 2010. The archive date is March 17, 2010.

Are there set minimum or maximum award amounts?

The summary record lists both the award ceiling and award floor as 0, which typically indicates that specific funding levels are not pre-set in the summary. Actual award sizes would depend on the proposals received, the technical approach, and DARPA selection decisions described in the full announcement.

How should a strong proposal be positioned for this BAA?

Based on the description provided, strong proposals should clearly articulate a revolutionary technical concept, explain why it is not already addressed within the current MTO ecosystem, and outline a plausible research plan that can de-risk the idea enough to justify potential future, larger-scale program investment.

Where should administrative, technical, or contractual questions be sent?

Questions may be sent to the dedicated email address listed in the solicitation: BAA09-25@darpa.mil.

Is there a contact for help accessing the full announcement?

Yes. The solicitation notes that there is a point of contact for help accessing the full announcement, in addition to the dedicated email address for questions.

How does this BAA relate to other DARPA MTO programs?

This BAA functions as an MTO-wide catchment for disruptive ideas that are not already being pursued under existing MTO programs. It can serve as an entry point for early-stage research that may later transition into larger and more tightly scoped DARPA programs.

What should applicants do before submitting to avoid being redirected?

DARPA encourages proposers to review the current MTO program portfolio and other active MTO solicitations to confirm the idea is not duplicative and that it is not better suited for a different, more targeted BAA.