Opportunity Information: Apply for DARPA BAA 09 26
Apply for DARPA BAA 09 26
- The DARPA Microsystems Technology Office in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Optical Radiation Cooling and Heating in Integrated Devices (ORCHID)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.910 Research and Technology Development.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jul 22, 2009 and posted on Apr 15, 2009.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 15, 2010 Due Dates Posting Date 15 April 2009 Proposal Abstract Due Date 15 May 2009 Proposal Due Date 27 July 2009. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Optical Radiation Cooling and Heating in Integrated Devices (ORCHID) opportunity is a DARPA Microsystems Technology Office Broad Agency Announcement (DARPA BAA 09-26) seeking research and development proposals in cavity optomechanics, specifically integrated device concepts that use light to control the motion of mechanical resonators. The central idea behind the program is to exploit optomechanical interactions between high quality-factor (high-Q) optical cavities and high-Q mechanical resonators so that optical radiation forces can either damp (cool) or amplify (heat/drive) selected vibrational modes of a macroscopic mechanical device. In this context, "cooling" refers to suppressing motion in specific mechanical modes rather than lowering the overall bulk temperature of the structure, which is important because those same modes are often the ones that limit performance in precision mechanical sensors due to thermal noise.
ORCHID emphasizes that targeted optomechanical damping can be used as an in situ method to reshape the dynamic behavior of mechanical sensors, including adjusting bandwidth and dynamic range and reducing constraints imposed by thermomechanical noise. The program frames this as a pathway to higher-performing transducers and mechanical sensing platforms by actively controlling the vibrational modes that participate in signal transduction. A longer-term, higher-impact goal is reaching an optomechanical cooling regime strong enough to remove phonons from the relevant modes, at which point quantum mechanical behavior is expected to become observable at the device level. DARPA signals that this could enable new classes of sensing and signal processing functionality that rely on quantum-limited or quantum-enabled operation rather than purely classical performance improvements.
In addition to cooling and damping, the solicitation highlights the complementary regime in which energy is transferred from the optical cavity into the mechanical oscillator, producing amplification of motion. This "heating" or regenerative drive mechanism is positioned as a route to high-frequency regenerative optomechanical oscillators. These oscillators are expected to offer improved spectral purity, specifically reduced linewidth and lower phase noise, and they stand out because they are envisioned to use purely optical input and output for both power delivery and signal extraction. In other words, DARPA is looking for oscillator technologies where the interfaces are fundamentally photonic rather than electrical, potentially enabling novel integration strategies and reduced coupling to electrical noise sources.
Administratively, the posted notice describes Amendment 02 to the BAA. The amendment does not change the technical thrust of ORCHID, but it makes two practical updates to the solicitation package: it adds information about an available teaming website (referenced as being on page 15 of the conformed BAA), and it corrects a typographical error regarding the maximum number of pages allowed for Volume 1 of the proposal (noted as being on page 20). The amendment explicitly states that the proposal due date remains unchanged, and it indicates that the conformed BAA document highlights all changes in yellow so offerors can quickly identify what was modified.
From a funding and eligibility standpoint, the opportunity is listed as discretionary and is open to unrestricted applicants, meaning any type of proposing organization may apply unless additional eligibility language in the full BAA narrows it. The listed funding instruments include cooperative agreements, grants, other transaction-type mechanisms, and procurement contracts, giving DARPA flexibility in how awards are structured depending on the nature of the work and performer. No cost sharing or matching is required. The CFDA number associated with the program is 12.910 (Research and Technology Development). Award floor and ceiling values are shown as 0 in the synopsis, which typically indicates that specific funding ranges are either not predetermined in the synopsis or are provided in the full announcement rather than the summary fields.
Key dates in the synopsis include a posting date of April 15, 2009, a proposal abstract due date of May 15, 2009, and a full proposal due date that is shown as July 27, 2009 in the current due-date section (with an earlier July 15, 2009 date appearing as an original value). The overall closing date for the BAA is listed as April 15, 2010, with an archive date of May 6, 2010. Questions and administrative correspondence are directed to DARPA/MTO, with the email address darpa_baa_09_26@darpa.mil and a fax number of 703-496-2069. The notice also provides a point of contact for access issues with the full announcement, listing Joe Mangano at DARPA/MTO along with a physical mailing address in Arlington, Virginia.
ORCHID (Optical Radiation Cooling and Heating in Integrated Devices) FAQ
What is the ORCHID grant opportunity?
ORCHID (Optical Radiation Cooling and Heating in Integrated Devices) is a DARPA Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) research and development opportunity under Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) DARPA BAA 09-26. It seeks proposals in cavity optomechanics, with an emphasis on integrated device concepts that use light to control the motion of mechanical resonators.
What technical area does ORCHID focus on?
ORCHID focuses on cavity optomechanics, specifically the interaction between high quality-factor (high-Q) optical cavities and high-Q mechanical resonators. The goal is to use optical radiation forces to damp (cool) or amplify (heat/drive) selected vibrational modes of mechanical devices.
What does "cooling" mean in the context of this program?
In ORCHID, "cooling" refers to suppressing motion in specific mechanical vibration modes rather than lowering the overall bulk temperature of the device. This distinction matters because the targeted modes are often the ones that limit precision mechanical sensor performance due to thermomechanical (thermal) noise.
Why is targeted optomechanical damping important for sensors?
The solicitation emphasizes that in situ optomechanical damping can reshape the dynamic behavior of mechanical sensors. This includes adjusting bandwidth and dynamic range and reducing constraints imposed by thermomechanical noise, which can translate into higher-performing transducers and mechanical sensing platforms.
What is the longer-term goal beyond classical performance improvements?
A longer-term, higher-impact goal is to reach an optomechanical cooling regime strong enough to remove phonons from the relevant mechanical modes. At that point, quantum mechanical behavior is expected to become observable at the device level, enabling sensing and signal-processing functions that are quantum-limited or quantum-enabled rather than purely classical.
Does ORCHID only support "cooling" approaches?
No. In addition to cooling/damping, ORCHID highlights the complementary regime where energy is transferred from the optical cavity into the mechanical oscillator, amplifying mechanical motion. This is described as "heating" or regenerative drive.
What is the "heating" or regenerative drive approach intended to enable?
The solicitation positions regenerative drive as a route to high-frequency regenerative optomechanical oscillators. These are expected to offer improved spectral purity, including reduced linewidth and lower phase noise.
What is notable about the input/output interfaces of the envisioned oscillators?
DARPA describes oscillator technologies that use purely optical input and output for both power delivery and signal extraction. This means the interfaces are fundamentally photonic rather than electrical, which may enable novel integration strategies and reduced coupling to electrical noise sources.
Which DARPA office is sponsoring ORCHID?
ORCHID is sponsored by DARPA's Microsystems Technology Office (MTO).
What is the solicitation identifier for this opportunity?
The opportunity is under DARPA BAA 09-26 (a Broad Agency Announcement).
What is Amendment 02, and what changed?
The posted notice describes Amendment 02 to the BAA. According to the notice, the amendment does not change the technical thrust of ORCHID. It makes two practical updates: (1) it adds information about an available teaming website (referenced as being on page 15 of the conformed BAA), and (2) it corrects a typographical error regarding the maximum number of pages allowed for Volume 1 of the proposal (noted as being on page 20).
Did Amendment 02 change the proposal due date?
No. The amendment explicitly states that the proposal due date remains unchanged.
How can offerors quickly identify what was modified in the conformed BAA?
The notice indicates that the conformed BAA highlights all changes in yellow so offerors can quickly identify modifications.
Is this opportunity discretionary, and who can apply?
The synopsis lists the opportunity as discretionary and open to unrestricted applicants. This means any type of proposing organization may apply unless additional eligibility language in the full BAA narrows it.
What types of funding instruments may be used for awards?
The synopsis lists multiple possible award instruments: cooperative agreements, grants, other transaction-type mechanisms, and procurement contracts. This gives DARPA flexibility in structuring awards depending on the work and performer.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. The synopsis states that no cost sharing or matching is required.
What CFDA number is associated with ORCHID?
The CFDA number associated with the program is 12.910 (Research and Technology Development).
Are award floor and ceiling amounts provided?
The synopsis shows award floor and ceiling values as 0. This typically indicates that specific funding ranges are not predetermined in the synopsis or are provided in the full announcement rather than in the summary fields.
What are the key dates listed in the synopsis?
The synopsis lists a posting date of April 15, 2009; a proposal abstract due date of May 15, 2009; and a full proposal due date shown as July 27, 2009 in the current due-date section. An earlier July 15, 2009 date appears as an original value. The overall closing date for the BAA is listed as April 15, 2010, with an archive date of May 6, 2010.
Which full proposal due date should applicants rely on based on the provided information?
Based on the information provided, the current due-date section shows July 27, 2009 as the full proposal due date, while July 15, 2009 appears as an earlier original value. The notice also states the proposal due date remains unchanged under Amendment 02.
Where are questions and administrative correspondence directed?
Questions and administrative correspondence are directed to DARPA/MTO using the email address darpa_baa_09_26@darpa.mil. A fax number is also provided: 703-496-2069.
Who is the point of contact for access issues with the full announcement?
The notice lists Joe Mangano (DARPA/MTO) as the point of contact for access issues with the full announcement, and it provides a physical mailing address in Arlington, Virginia.
Is there a teaming resource mentioned for applicants?
Yes. Amendment 02 adds information about an available teaming website, referenced as being on page 15 of the conformed BAA.
Browse more opportunities from the same agency: DARPA Microsystems Technology Office
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: ROSES 2009 Ocean Biology and Biogeochemistry
Previous opportunity: East Asian Security Studies Program, Whittier College
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for DARPA BAA 09 26
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DARPA BAA 09 26) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| ROSES 2009 Ocean Biology and Biogeochemistry Apply for NNH09ZDA001N OBB Funding Number: NNH09ZDA001N OBB Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Electric Field Detector (E FED) Apply for DARPA BAA 09 34 Funding Number: DARPA BAA 09 34 Agency: DARPA Microsystems Technology Office Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY09 DOD Prostate Cancer Pathology Resource Network Award Apply for W81XWH 09 PCRP PCPRNA Funding Number: W81XWH 09 PCRP PCPRNA Agency: Dept. of the Army USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Model analysis of integrated surface and ground water hydrologic response to climate change Apply for 09SS10WTR003 Funding Number: 09SS10WTR003 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Pacific Northwest Region Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $203,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit , Rocky Mountain CESU Apply for 09HQPA0030 Funding Number: 09HQPA0030 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Efficient Linearized All Silicon Transmitters ICs (ELASTx) Apply for DARPA BAA 09 36 Funding Number: DARPA BAA 09 36 Agency: DARPA Microsystems Technology Office Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Gulf War Investigator Initiated Research Award Apply for W81XWH 09 GWIRP IIRA Funding Number: W81XWH 09 GWIRP IIRA Agency: Dept. of the Army USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DOD Gulf War Illness Clinical Trial Award Apply for W81XWH 09 GWIRP CTA Funding Number: W81XWH 09 GWIRP CTA Agency: Dept. of the Army USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Maximally scalable Optical Sensor Array Imaging with Computation (MOSAIC) Apply for DARPA BAA 09 50 Funding Number: DARPA BAA 09 50 Agency: DARPA Microsystems Technology Office Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Low Cost Lightweight Portable Photovoltaics (PoP) Apply for DARPA BAA 09 45 Funding Number: DARPA BAA 09 45 Agency: DARPA Defense Sciences Office Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU Apply for 09HQPA0031 Funding Number: 09HQPA0031 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Active Cooling Modules (ACM) Apply for DARPA BAA 09 44 Funding Number: DARPA BAA 09 44 Agency: DARPA Microsystems Technology Office Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Building EPSCoR State/National Laboratory Partnerships Apply for DE PS02 09ER09 11 Funding Number: DE PS02 09ER09 11 Agency: Chicago Service Center Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Reorganization and Plasticity to Accelerate Injury Recovery (REPAIR) Apply for DARPA BAA 09 27 Funding Number: DARPA BAA 09 27 Agency: DARPA Defense Sciences Office Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Informal Science Education (ISE) Apply for 09 553 Funding Number: 09 553 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Computing and Communication Foundations (CCF) Core Programs Apply for 09 555 Funding Number: 09 555 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Computer and Network Systems (CNS) Core Programs Apply for 09 556 Funding Number: 09 556 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Information and Intelligent Systems (IIS) Core Programs Apply for 09 557 Funding Number: 09 557 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| CISE Cross Cutting Programs FY 2010 Apply for 09 558 Funding Number: 09 558 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Centers in Integrated Photonics Engineering Research (CIPhER) Apply for DARPA RA 09 35 Funding Number: DARPA RA 09 35 Agency: DARPA Microsystems Technology Office Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "DARPA BAA 09 26", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.