Area-Multiplied Photonic-crystal Enhanced Devices (AMPED)

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for a proposal summary slide, intended for use by bidders responding to DARPA-PS-26-119 (AMPED).

• Full Proposal Title
• Organization Name(s)
• Technical POC Name(s)
• Graphic placeholder
• Section for describing the need and problem being addressed
• Section for describing the goal
• Section for describing new ideas
• Section for describing existing approaches/state of the art

Bidders should use this template to structure their proposal summary slide, ensuring all required information is presented clearly and concisely. It guides the content needed to effectively communicate the core aspects of their proposed solution.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "DARPA Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT) Submission Portal Guide." It provides instructions and guidance for users submitting proposals through the BAAT system. It is intended to help both first-time and returning users navigate the submission process.

• Account Creation: Step-by-step instructions for creating a new BAAT account, including email confirmations and password/MFA setup.
• Organization Registration: Details on completing the "Register Your Organization" form, including required fields for account holder and organization information. It notes that this form must be completed by each account holder, even if their organization has submitted before.
• Submission Process: Guidance on initiating a new submission, selecting the correct announcement, and filling out the "Create" submission form (e.g., Full Proposal, Executive Summary, Proposal Abstract).
• Form Fields: Outlines key fields within the submission forms, including Organization details, Submission Title, Proposed Cost, Duration, Proposer Information, Authorized Representative details, and Team Members.
• File Upload: Specifies that all submissions require a .zip or .zipx file containing the document(s) and that password-protected files cannot be uploaded.
• Saving and Finalizing: Instructions on saving progress and the importance of finalizing the submission before the deadline.
• Technical Support: Contact information for technical support (BAAT_Support@darpa.mil) and the solicitation coordinator.

This guide is crucial for any bidder intending to respond to a DARPA Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) that utilizes the BAAT system. It details the entire submission process from account creation to final submission, including critical steps like organization registration and form completion. Bidders should pay close attention to the advice on starting early to avoid submission deadline issues, account inactivity policies, and the requirement for a CAGE code. Understanding this guide will help ensure a smooth and compliant submission.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation, DARPA-PS-26-119, titled "Area-Multiplied Photonic-crystal Enhanced Devices (AMPED)," seeks innovative research proposals to develop single-mode, diffraction-limited, continuous-wave (CW) laser devices with high efficiency and an unprecedented chip-scale form factor. The program aims to achieve significant improvements over the current state-of-the-art in photonic-crystal surface-emitting laser (PCSEL) technology, addressing limitations in scaling power and beam quality.

• Focus on device-level innovation, not system-level beam combining or incremental improvements.

• Address two primary technical challenges: area scaling for single-mode emission and maximizing power density by minimizing loss.

• Develop a comprehensive device architecture that leverages three dimensions for expanded design flexibility.

• Emphasize architectural innovation, manufacturability, and domestic production.

• Deliverables include hardware, test plans, experimental results, and reports.

• Program Duration: 42 months, structured into two phases:

  • Phase 1: Technology Feasibility (24 months)
  • Phase 2: System Enablement (18 months)

• Anticipated Funding: $39M for Phase 1, $14M for Phase 2.

• Award Type: Other Transaction for Prototype Agreements under 10 U.S.C. 4022.

• Multiple awards are anticipated.

• Proposers Day: May 13, 2026

• Abstract Due Date: June 4, 2026

• Question Submittal Closed: June 25, 2026

• Intent to Propose Due Date: June 25, 2026

• Proposal Due Date: July 9, 2026

• Evaluation Criteria (descending order of importance): Overall Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution and Relevance to the DARPA Mission, and Budget and Price.

• Participation restricted to U.S. Citizens and U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) representing U.S. companies.

• Non-U.S. organizations and individuals cannot participate.

• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), and Government Entities are not eligible.

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Small Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Businesses, and Minority Institutions are encouraged but no portion is set aside.

• A Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Addendum is required and contains key technical details. Access requires completion of specific forms.

• Proposers must comply with DoD Instruction 5200.48 and NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 for CUI handling.

• Proposals must be submitted through the Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides mandatory instructions and a template for submitting proposals for the DARPA-PS-26-119: Area-Multiplied Photonic-crystal Enhanced Devices (AMPED) program. It details the required components of a full proposal, including oral presentation slides, written content, cost proposal, and various attachments.

Proposal Structure: Full proposals must include:

• Attachment C
• Volume I: Technical and Management Proposal (Oral presentation content and written content)
• Volume II: Cost/Price Proposal (Attachment E)
• Attachment F: DARPA Price Summary Spreadsheet
• Applicable Attachments: G, H, and I

Volume 1: Oral Presentations:

• Limited to 10 slides (12-point font minimum).
• 15-minute presentation time.
• Focus on technical discussion, innovative claims, technical approach, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Must demonstrate how the solution achieves program metrics with quantitative analysis and supporting evidence.
• Followed by a 30-minute Q&A session.
• Content must be in PDF or Microsoft PowerPoint.

Volume 1: Written Content:

• Limited to 12 pages (8-1/2 x 11 inch paper, 1-inch margins, 12-point font minimum; smaller for figures/tables).
• Includes sections such as Executive Summary, Goals and Impact, Technical Approach, Management Plan, Schedule and Milestones, Personnel, Capabilities, Data Rights, OCI, and Novelty.
• Specific page limits are provided for several sections.
• Must be submitted in PDF or Microsoft Word.

Cover Sheet: Requires specific proposer information, technical and administrative POCs, award instrument, place/period of performance, team members, pricing, SAM.gov UEI, TIN, CAGE code, DCMA/ONR/DCAA POCs, AI usage disclosure, and proposal preparation date/validity period.

This document is critical for potential bidders as it outlines the complete proposal submission requirements, format, content expectations, and page limitations for the AMPED program. Adherence to these instructions is mandatory for proposal consideration. It guides bidders on how to structure their technical and management proposals, including specific content requirements for oral presentations and written submissions, and details the necessary administrative information.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Other Transaction Certifications," is an attachment for the DARPA-PS-26-119 solicitation. It requires the proposer to provide certifications regarding debarment, suspension, drug-free workplace, compliance with nondiscrimination policies, lobbying restrictions, and prohibitions on contracting with entities that have unpaid tax liabilities or felony convictions, or that require certain internal confidentiality agreements. It also includes representations regarding telecommunications and video surveillance equipment.

• Certifications: Proposers must certify they are not debarred or suspended, will provide a drug-free workplace, and comply with nondiscrimination policies.
• Lobbying Restrictions: Certification regarding the use of appropriated funds to influence Federal contracting, with disclosure requirements for non-appropriated funds.
• Tax Liability & Felony Conviction: Representations concerning unpaid Federal tax liabilities and recent felony convictions.
• Confidentiality Agreements: Representation that the entity does not require employees or subcontractors to sign agreements that restrict reporting fraud, waste, or abuse.
• Telecommunications & Video Surveillance: Representations and disclosures related to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, as per Section 889 of the NDAA.
• Other Transactions Requirements: Information regarding team member qualifications (nontraditional defense contractor, nonprofit research institution, small business) and cost-sharing.

Completion and submission of these certifications and representations are mandatory for participation in the "Other Transaction" agreement under solicitation DARPA-PS-26-119. Bidders must carefully review each section and provide accurate information to ensure compliance with federal regulations and the terms of the solicitation. Failure to comply may impact eligibility for the award.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a pricing spreadsheet template for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the opportunity. It requires bidders to detail their proposed costs, broken down by direct labor, subcontractors, materials, equipment, travel, and other direct costs (ODCs), across various milestones.

• Phase 1 (24 Months) & Phase 2 (18 Months): Separate sections for each phase, with milestones defined within each.
• Cost Breakdown: Requires detailed input for Direct Labor (hours, rate, amount per category), Subcontractors & Consultants, Materials, Equipment, Travel, and Other Direct Costs (ODCs).
• Totals: Subtotals for direct labor, subcontractors, and the sum of materials, equipment, travel, and ODCs are required, culminating in a Total Price.
• Government vs. Performer Share: Fields for indicating the share of costs.
• Notes: Specific instructions for completion, including the requirement for fully burdened costs, prohibition of Level of Effort (LOE) calculations, and the need for supporting documentation.

This spreadsheet is critical for bidders to structure and submit their cost proposals. It dictates the format for presenting pricing information, including the breakdown of costs by category and phase, and the required level of detail for labor hours and rates. Bidders must adhere strictly to the provided format and notes, including the submission of separate spreadsheets for prime and subcontractors, and the inclusion of supporting documentation. The milestone-based payment structure is also highlighted.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides detailed instructions and a template for preparing the Cost/Price Proposal (Volume II) for the DARPA-PS-26-119 Area-Multiplied Photonic-crystal Enhanced Devices (AMPED) opportunity. It outlines the required format, content, and submission procedures for the cost volume and associated pricing spreadsheets.

• Scope: Covers both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the program.
• Formatting: 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper, 1-inch margins, minimum 12-point font (smaller for figures/tables). Submissions must be in English, PDF or Microsoft Word for the Cost Volume, and separate files for spreadsheets.
• Required Attachments: Full proposals must use Attachment E (this document) and Attachment F (DARPA Price Summary Spreadsheet).
• Cost Traceability: Costs must be traceable between the prime proposer, subcontractors, and the Statement of Work (SOW) tasks.
• Subcontractor Proposals: Prime proposer is responsible for compiling and submitting all non-proprietary subcontractor cost/price proposals. Proprietary proposals can be submitted directly by subcontractors via email to AMPED@darpa.mil.
• Template Sections: Includes a Cover Sheet, Cost Summary, and detailed Cost Details for Direct Labor, Indirect Costs, Materials, Equipment, Travel, Other Direct Costs (ODCs), Cost Sharing, Consultant Costs, Subawardee Costs, Rate Agreements, and specific requirements for Other Transaction for Prototype agreements.
• Pricing Spreadsheet: Proposers are required to use the provided Attachment F: DARPA Price Summary Spreadsheet, ensuring all tabs and tables are editable with intact calculation formulas.

This document is critical for bidders to accurately prepare and submit their cost proposals. It specifies the exact format, required detail, and submission methods, ensuring proposals can be evaluated efficiently. Failure to adhere to these instructions may result in proposals not being considered complete or compliant.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides mandatory instructions and a template for submitting abstracts for the DARPA-PS-26-119: AMPED solicitation. It outlines the required format, content, and submission procedures for abstracts, which are a prerequisite for submitting a full proposal.

• Format: PDF or Microsoft Word, English, 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins, minimum 12-point font (smaller for figures/tables).
• Page Limit: Maximum of 7 pages for the abstract. This limit includes all text, figures, tables, and charts within specific sections (Cover Sheet, Innovative Claims, Title Page, Technical Approach, Table of Contents, Capabilities/Management Plan, Bibliography, Budget/Price/Schedule, Technical Papers, CUI Protection). Certain sections have individual page limits (e.g., Innovative Claims - 1 page, Capabilities/Management Plan - 0.5 page).
• Content Sections: Requires a Cover Sheet, Innovative Claims, Technical Approach, Capabilities/Management Plan, Budget/Price/Schedule, and Ability to Protect Program CUI Information. Bibliography is optional.
• Cover Sheet Details: Must include Abstract Title, Proposer Organization, Technical and Administrative POCs (name, address, phone, email), Other Team Members, Estimated Total Cost, Estimated Period of Performance, information on other proposed solicitations, CUI system authorization status, and acknowledgment of publication restrictions.
• Submission: Abstracts must be submitted via the Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT) by the due date and time specified in the Overview Information.

This document is critical for any vendor intending to propose on the AMPED opportunity. It dictates the specific requirements for the initial abstract submission, including content, formatting, and page limitations. Failure to adhere to these instructions may result in the abstract not being reviewed. The abstract submission process includes a DARPA response indicating whether a full proposal is recommended, though this does not guarantee award. Bidders must carefully follow this template and instructions to ensure their abstract is compliant and effectively communicates their proposed concept.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment A, the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Materials Request Form for the DARPA-PS-26-119 Area-Multiplied Photonic-crystal Enhanced Devices (AMPED) opportunity. It outlines the process for interested parties to request CUI materials necessary for proposal preparation.

• Submission Method: Requests must be submitted via email to AMPED@darpa.mil with the subject line "Request for DARPA-PS-26-119 CUI Materials."
• Required Appendices: Both Appendix A (Request for CUI Materials via Electronic Delivery) and Appendix B (Request for Physical Copies of CUI Materials) must be submitted.
• Electronic Delivery Requirements: To receive CUI electronically via DoD SAFE, proposers must have a NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Score between 88-110, with an assessment conducted within the last three years. Scores will be verified via the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS).
• Physical Copy Requirements: To receive physical copies, proposers must affirm they have the necessary policies, procedures, and infrastructure to protect CUI. This includes logging receipt, secure storage, access control based on "need-to-know," and compliant disposal.
• Form Content: Both appendices require specific proposer details, including UEI, CAGE, company name, address, POC information, and for physical copies, a formal affirmation of security capabilities.

This form is critical for any bidder intending to access CUI materials for the AMPED opportunity. Bidders must carefully review the eligibility criteria for electronic versus physical CUI delivery, ensure their NIST SP 800-171 compliance if applicable, and be prepared to complete and submit both appendices accurately and by the deadline specified in the main solicitation. Failure to comply with these CUI material request procedures may prevent access to essential information for proposal development.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a model "Other Transaction" (OT) Agreement template provided by DARPA for potential proposers to review. It outlines the anticipated general terms and conditions (Articles) that will be included in a resulting award. Proposers have the opportunity to suggest edits to this model OT by submitting a version with track changes and a clear rationale addressing conflict, obstacle, and benefit for each proposed change. DARPA reserves the right to accept or reject any proposed changes.

This document is crucial for potential bidders as it provides insight into the standard contractual framework DARPA intends to use for prototype Other Transactions. It allows bidders to understand the anticipated terms and conditions and to proactively propose modifications they deem necessary for their strategic goals or to overcome specific obstacles. The document details various articles covering scope, term, management, payment, intellectual property rights (patent and data), foreign access to technology, security, and more. It also outlines reporting requirements, property disposition, and dispute resolution procedures. Understanding and potentially commenting on this model agreement can significantly influence the final award terms and conditions for proposers interested in the AMPED (Area-Multiplied Photonic-Crystal Enhanced Devices) opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the Schedule of Milestones and Payments for the Agreement, detailing the timeline, deliverables, and associated payments for both Phase 1 and Phase 2.

Agreement Term: 24 months for Phase 1.

Phase 1 (24 months):

• Milestone 1: Initial Program Execution Plan, CUI Readiness, and Kick-off (Due Month 1). Deliverables include execution plan, physics model, thermal management approach, resource evidence, and CUI compliance report.
• Milestone 2: Preliminary Design Review (PDR) (Due Month 4). Requires PDR package and CUI compliance documentation.
• Milestone 3: Device Fabrication Plan (Due Month 6). Deliverables include fabrication and risk mitigation reports.
• Milestone 4: Initial device demonstration (Due Month 10). Requires on-site demonstration and reporting on experimental vs. simulation results.
• Milestone 5: Device Design Improvement and Annual PI review (Due Month 13). Requires revised execution plan and design improvements.
• Milestone 6: Phase 1 Prototype Demonstration and Delivery (Due Month 20). Deliverables include 4 packaged prototypes and experimental characterization reports.
• Milestone 7: End of Phase 1 (Due Month 23). Requires final Phase 1 reports and presentations.

Phase 2 (18 months):

• Milestone 8: Phase 2 Execution Plan, Model Plan, and Kick-off (Due Month 25). Deliverables include Phase 2 execution plan, physics model, and thermal management plan.
• Milestone 9: Phase 2 Revised device design review (Due Month 28). Requires revised design technical package.
• Milestone 10: Device Fabrication Plan (Due Month 30). Deliverables include fabrication report and risk mitigation plan.
• Milestone 11: Phase 2 Prototype Demonstration and Delivery (Due Month 39). Deliverables include 8 packaged prototypes and experimental characterization reports.
• Milestone 12: End of Phase 2 (Due Month 42). Requires final Phase 2 reports and presentations.

Each milestone includes specific exit criteria, deliverables, and a maximum percentage allocation for DARPA payment.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the project's phased approach, key technical and programmatic milestones, required deliverables, and the payment schedule tied to successful completion of these milestones. It directly informs project planning, resource allocation, and proposal development regarding technical execution and timeline commitments.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Task Description Document (TDD) template intended to summarize and operationalize the proposed technical execution structure for incorporation into an Other Transaction (OT) Agreement. Bidders must complete this TDD in alignment with the Schedule of Milestones and Payments, the OT Price Summary Spreadsheet, and all solicitation requirements. Green instructional text within the document should be deleted prior to submission.

• Program Background: Overview of the proposed R&D effort, including intended capability, technical objectives, differentiators, impact, risks, and success indicators.
• Technical Approach and Execution Strategy: Detailed description of the technical approach and execution strategy for each phase, including organizations performing the work, dependencies, assumptions, and milestone completion approach.
• Major Risks and Mitigation Strategy: Identification of technical, programmatic, integration, manufacturing, schedule, or execution risks and their corresponding mitigation strategies.
• Technical Tasks, Subtasks, and Deliverables: Definition of the proposed technical execution structure, detailing technical objectives, methods, supported deliverables, linked milestones, and responsible performers for each task and subtask.
• Program Management and Execution: Description of how the effort will be managed, including oversight, communication, coordination, schedule, financial management, and reporting.
• Meeting & Travel Requirements: Outline of proposed or required meetings, reviews, demonstrations, test events, site visits, or travel.
• Government Furnished Information (GFI): Identification of any expected GFI or government-provided resources required. (Note: AMPED is not currently expecting to provide GFI).

This document requires bidders to detail their technical approach, execution strategy, risk mitigation, management plan, and specific tasks/deliverables. It serves as a critical component for outlining the proposed R&D effort and must be completed meticulously to align with the overall solicitation requirements and financial documentation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Guide for the DARPA Area-Multiplied Photonic-crystal Enhanced Devices (AMPED) program. It identifies aspects of the program that performers must handle as CUI and outlines requirements for protecting and disseminating this information.

• Program Overview: Briefly describes the AMPED program's goal of demonstrating single-mode, continuous wave, highly efficient laser devices with significant power improvements.
• CUI Definition and Authority: Defines CUI and cites the governing authority (DoDI 5200.48).
• Applicability and Scope: Applies to DARPA personnel, support contractors, mission partners, and industrial performers supporting AMPED.
• CUI Categories: Details categories of CUI relevant to AMPED, including Controlled Technical Information (CTI), General Proprietary Business Information, Export Controlled information, Export Controlled Research, and Operations Security (OPSEC).
• Protection Requirements: Outlines requirements for protecting CUI, including storage in locked facilities and processing on compliant DIB systems.
• Unauthorized Disclosure: Mandates immediate reporting of unauthorized disclosures or security incidents.
• Information Protection Guidance Charts: Provides charts to assist in identifying sensitive information, relevant markings, and dissemination controls.

Potential bidders must understand and comply with the CUI requirements outlined in this guide. This includes proper handling, protection, and dissemination of any CUI generated or received during contract performance. Failure to comply could impact contract execution and security. Bidders should pay close attention to the CUI categories and protection requirements to ensure compliance with program security directives.