Photonic Integrated Circuit Architectures for Scalable System Objectives (PICASSO)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals for Photonic Integrated Circuit Architectures for Scalable System Objectives (PICASSO). This program aims to achieve revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems by developing scalable photonic circuits with predictable performance. The anticipated funding for this Other Transaction for Prototype (OT-P) agreement is $35 million. Proposals are due March 6, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
DARPA's Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) seeks to maximize processing in the optical domain to achieve significant gains in latency, efficiency, and bandwidth. The focus is on circuit-level innovation, not just individual component improvements. Proposals must address Technical Area 1 (TA1) - Fundamentals, which includes two phases: Signal Integrity and Generalizable Functions. Key requirements include developing circuit-level strategies to preserve optical signal integrity, minimize excess noise, and control modes for predictable behavior, utilizing existing devices and domestic photonic foundries.
Contract Details
- Award Instrument: Other Transaction for Prototype (OT-P) agreements under 10 U.S.C. § 4022.
- Anticipated Funding: $35,000,000.
- Period of Performance Start: July 1, 2026.
- Deliverables: Preliminary models, design reviews (PDR, CDR), reference system designs, characterization reports, interface documentation, and final reports.
- Set-Aside: None. Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Small Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Businesses, and Minority Institutions are encouraged to submit proposals.
Key Dates
- Proposers Day: January 16, 2026
- Proposal Abstract Due Date: February 2, 2026
- Deadline to Notify of Intent to Submit Proposal: February 20, 2026
- Question Submittal Closed: February 20, 2026
- Proposal Due Date: March 6, 2026, 1:00 PM ET
Submission & Evaluation
Proposals must include an abstract phase submission and be submitted via the Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT). Evaluation criteria, in descending order of importance, are: Overall Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution and Relevance to the DARPA Mission, and Budget and Price. Mandatory attachments include detailed instructions for technical (Volume I) and pricing (Volume II) proposals, a price summary spreadsheet, and various certifications.
Important Notes
A Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Addendum containing key technical details is available upon request; proposers must use Attachment K to request CUI materials and demonstrate NIST SP 800-171 compliance. Non-U.S. organizations/individuals, FFRDCs, UARCs, and Government Entities are not eligible to propose as lead. DARPA is interested in the extent to which AI tools are used in proposal preparation.