Photonic Integrated Circuit Architectures for Scalable System Objectives (PICASSO)

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to vendor questions regarding the DARPA PICASSO (Photonic Integrated Circuit Architectures for Scalable System Objectives) program.

• Circuit Functionality: PICASSO photonic circuits must include both processing and signal regeneration.
• Retiming: Retiming is not explicitly required but may be necessary depending on the architecture. Proposers should justify any retiming approach and define metrics.
• CUI Material: Additional Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) material will be distributed as available. A specific form (Attachment K) must be completed to receive CUI.
• Deadlines: Abstract and proposal deadlines are not currently extended. Any changes will be published on sam.gov.
• Payments & Exit Criteria: Final exit criteria will be defined during award negotiations, focusing on observable technical achievements. Specific metrics may be used as indicators, but the final determination will be a comprehensive assessment.
• Teaming: Teaming is not required, but the proposed team's expertise will be evaluated.
• Abstract Feedback: DARPA aims to provide timely feedback on abstracts to allow sufficient time for full proposal development.
• Foreign Nationals: Foreign nationals can work on subcontractor efforts deemed fundamental research, but cannot attend oral presentations unless they are U.S. Permanent Residents submitting specific forms.
• Foundry Use: While domestic foundries are preferred, overseas fabs can be used on a limited basis with justification. Foreign-sourced wafers are acceptable but require discussion on supply chain reliability.
• Intellectual Property (IP): The Government requires Government Purpose Rights (GPR) at a minimum. Proposers must detail any IP restrictions and how they might impact the Government's ability to transition the technology.

This Q&A document clarifies several aspects of the PICASSO program, including technical requirements, submission processes, and evaluation criteria. Bidders should review these clarifications to ensure their proposals accurately address DARPA's expectations.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation, DARPA-PS-26-13, from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Microsystems Technology Office (MTO), seeks innovative proposals for Photonic Integrated Circuit Architectures for Scalable System Objectives (PICASSO). The program aims to enable revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems by developing scalable photonic circuits with predictable performance to achieve system-level performance gains. It focuses on circuit-level innovation rather than individual component improvement, with the goal of maximizing processing in the optical domain to achieve gains in latency, efficiency, and bandwidth.

• Develop circuit-level strategies to preserve optical signal integrity and minimize excess noise.

• Develop strategies to control modes for predictable behavior in photonic circuits.

• Focus on composing photonic circuits with exceptional performance using existing devices.

• Utilize domestic photonic foundries and assembly/packaging services where available.

• Deliverables include preliminary models, design reviews (PDR, CDR), reference system designs, characterization reports, interface documentation, and final reports.

• Award instrument: Other Transaction for Prototype (OT-P) agreements under 10 U.S.C. § 4022.

• Anticipated Funding: $35M.

• Period of Performance Start: July 1, 2026.

• Program Structure: Two Technical Areas (TA). TA1 (Fundamentals) will be executed in two phases (Phase 1: Signal Integrity, Phase 2: Generalizable Functions). TA2 (Applications) is for informational purposes only and will be solicited separately.

• Key Deadlines:

  • Proposers Day: January 16, 2026
  • Proposal Abstract Due Date: February 2, 2026
  • Question Submittal Closed: February 20, 2026
  • Deadline to Notify of Intent to Submit Proposal: February 20, 2026
  • Proposal Due Date: March 6, 2026

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

• Proposals must include an abstract phase submission.

• Non-U.S. organizations and/or individuals cannot participate as lead proposers.

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

• FFRDCs, UARCs, and Government Entities are not eligible to propose.

• A Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Addendum contains key technical details and is available upon request.

• Proposals must address the goals of TA1 in their entirety; partial solutions will not be considered.

• DARPA is interested in the extent to which AI tools are used in proposal preparation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a price summary spreadsheet intended for bidders to detail their proposed costs for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the project. It requires bidders to break down costs by labor categories, subcontractors, materials, equipment, travel, and other direct costs (ODCs) over an 18-month period for each phase.

• Phase 1 and Phase 2 Budget by Month: Detailed breakdown of costs across 18 months.
• Direct Labor: Requires hours, rates, and amounts for each labor category. Proposers must avoid using percent level of effort (LOE) calculations and must include labor hours and rates.
• Subcontractors & Consultants: Space to list costs for any subcontractors or consultants.
• Materials, Equipment, Travel, ODCs: Categories for other direct costs.
• Profit: A section for proposed profit.
• Total Price: Overall cost calculation.
• Government Share / Recipient Share: Breakdown of cost allocation.
• Notes: Specific instructions for completion, including the requirement to use the provided 18-month format, include fully burdened costs, and submit separate spreadsheets for the prime and each subcontractor.

This spreadsheet is critical for bidders to accurately estimate and present their proposed costs. It dictates the format and level of detail required for pricing submissions. Bidders must adhere strictly to the provided structure and instructions, ensuring all cost elements are fully burdened and presented over the specified 18-month period for both phases. Failure to comply may impact proposal evaluation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides instructions and a template for the Pricing Volume (Volume II) of proposals submitted under DARPA-PS-26-13: PICASSO. It outlines the required format, content, and submission guidelines for pricing information, ensuring consistency and facilitating government review.

• Format: Proposals must be in PDF or Microsoft Word. Spreadsheet files (Attachment E) must be separate. Pages should be 8-1/2 by 11-inch with 1-inch margins and a minimum 12-point font size.
• Content: The Pricing Volume must cover the full program (base + options) and include all specified components. It requires detailed breakdowns of Direct Labor, Materials, Equipment Purchases, Travel, Other Direct Costs (ODCs), Cost Sharing, Consultant Costs, and Subawardee Prices.
• Required Attachments: Proposers must use Attachment E: DARPA Price Summary Spreadsheet, which should remain in an editable format with intact formulas. Additional spreadsheets may be included if beneficial.
• Cover Sheet: A template is provided for the cover sheet, requiring details such as Proposal Title, Proposer Organization, POC information, Award Instrument Requested (Other Transaction for Prototype), Place(s) and Period(s) of Performance, Team Members, Total Proposed Price, UEI, TIN, CAGE code, and administrative/audit office POCs.
• Price Details: Specific sections detail how to present costs for labor (including an Integrated Master Schedule with resource loading), materials, equipment, travel, ODCs, cost sharing, consultants, and subawardees. Supporting documentation is required for items exceeding $5,000.
• Value Assessment (Optional): Proposers may include an optional section to quantitatively demonstrate the unique value of their solution and the benefits of using an Other Transaction (OT) agreement.

This document is critical for bidders as it dictates the exact format and content required for the pricing proposal. Adherence to these instructions, including the use of the provided spreadsheet template and cover sheet, is essential for a complete and compliant submission. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in proposals not being considered complete. The detailed breakdown requirements will guide bidders in structuring their cost estimates and supporting documentation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides mandatory instructions and a template for submitting proposals for the DARPA PICASSO Program (DARPA-PS-26-13). It details the required proposal components, format, and submission procedures.

• Proposal Structure: Full proposals must include Volume 1 (Technical and Management Proposal - Attachment C) and Volume 2 (Price Proposal - Attachment D), along with other applicable attachments (E, F, G, H, I).
• Volume 1 Components:
  • Oral Presentation: Limited to 20 slides, 40 minutes presentation time. Focus on technical discussion, innovative claims, technical approach, risks, mitigation, and achievement of program metrics. Must be justified with quantitative analysis and supporting evidence. Q&A session follows.
  • Written Content: Limited to 10 pages. Includes sections such as Executive Summary, Goals and Impact, Technical Approach, Management Plan, Schedule and Milestones, Personnel, Capabilities, and Intellectual Property.
• Formatting Requirements: Specific page limits, font sizes (minimum 12-point), and file formats (PDF or Microsoft PowerPoint for presentations; PDF or Microsoft Word for written content) are mandated.
• Submission: Proposals must be submitted via the Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT) by the specified due date and time. Late submissions will not be reviewed.
• Cover Sheet: A detailed cover sheet template is provided, requiring information on proposer organization, technical and administrative points of contact, award instrument, place and period of performance, total proposed price, UEI, TIN, CAGE code, and AI-generated materials usage.

This document is critical for any vendor intending to bid on the PICASSO program. It outlines the exact requirements for proposal content, structure, and submission, including strict page limits and formatting rules. Adherence to these instructions is mandatory for proposal review. Bidders must pay close attention to the specific content expected in both the oral presentation and the written document, as well as the detailed requirements for the cover sheet and other sections.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides mandatory instructions and a template for submitting an abstract as part of the DARPA-PS-26-13 PICASSO solicitation. It outlines the required format, content, and submission process for abstracts.

• Format: PDF or Microsoft Word, English language, 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins, font size no smaller than 12 points (exceptions for figures, tables, charts).
• Page Limit: Maximum of 6 pages for the entire abstract. Specific page limits apply to sections like Innovative Claims (1 page), Capabilities/Management Plan (0.5 page), Budget, Price, and Schedule (0.5 page), and Bibliography (1 page, optional).
• Content Sections: Includes a Cover Sheet, Innovative Claims, Technical Approach, Capabilities/Management Plan, Budget, Price, and Schedule, Ability to protect program CUI information, and an optional Bibliography.
• Cover Sheet Details: Requires information on Abstract Title, Proposer Organization, Technical and Administrative POCs, Team Members, Estimated Cost and Period of Performance, and CUI information system compliance.
• CUI Information: Proposers must either certify NIST SP 800-171 and DoDI 8582.01 compliance or propose a plan to achieve it within 4 months.

This template is essential for any proposer intending to submit an abstract for the PICASSO opportunity. Adherence to these instructions, including page limits and content requirements, is mandatory for a complete and valid submission. The abstract submission is a prerequisite for submitting a full proposal, and DARPA will provide feedback on the abstract's recommendation for proceeding.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment K, the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Materials Request Form for the DARPA-PS-26-13 PICASSO program. It provides instructions and forms for proposers to formally request digital or physical copies of specific CUI materials related to the solicitation.

• CUI Materials Available: PICASSO Program CUI Guide, DARPA-PS-26-13 CUI Addendum, PICASSO Proposers Day Presentations.
• Request Method: Submit completed forms via email to PICASSO@darpa.mil with the subject line: “Request for DARPA-PS-26-13 CUI Information.”
• Electronic Delivery (Appendix A): Requires completion of Appendix A and certification of NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2 compliance. Proposers must have an SPRS score between 88-110, with an assessment within the last 3 years. Lower scores or older assessments require physical copy requests.
• Physical Copies (Appendix B): Requires completion of Appendix B, which includes a proposer affirmation of capability and commitment to protect CUI in accordance with Federal regulations, including logging, secure storage, access control, and compliant disposal.
• Processing Time: Allow at least two (2) business days for processing, plus delivery time. Requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

This form is critical for bidders who need access to specific CUI materials to prepare their proposals. Bidders must carefully review the requirements for both electronic and physical CUI requests, including the necessary security certifications and affirmations, to ensure they can obtain the required information by the solicitation's deadlines. Failure to meet these requirements may prevent access to essential program documentation.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a model "Other Transaction" (OT) agreement template provided by DARPA for potential proposers to suggest edits. It outlines the general terms and conditions that DARPA intends to include in a resulting award, though final terms will be specific to each award. Proposers can submit suggested edits with track changes as part of their proposal package; these edits will not be evaluated but should align with the technical approach.

• Model Agreement: Provides insight into the contractual framework DARPA uses for prototype Other Transactions.
• Edit Submission: Allows proposers to suggest modifications to the standard terms and conditions for DARPA's consideration.
• Key Sections: Details scope, term, project management, payment, disputes, patent rights, data rights, foreign access to technology, safeguarding covered defense information, follow-on production contracts, and property disposition.
• Attachments: References key documents such as the Task Description Document (TDD), Report Requirements, and Schedule of Milestones and Payments, which will define the specific project details.
• Reporting & Payment: Outlines requirements for technical and business status reports, milestone payments, and the use of the Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) system for invoicing.
• Intellectual Property: Defines patent and data rights, including government licenses and march-in rights.
• Security: Addresses safeguarding Covered Defense Information (CDI) and cyber incident reporting, referencing NIST SP 800-171.
• Follow-on Potential: Mentions the possibility of a follow-on production contract or OT upon successful completion.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the schedule of milestones and associated payments for the agreement. It serves as a guide for performers on how progress will be measured and compensated.

• Agreement Term: The duration of the agreement, to be specified.
• Milestones: A list of measurable events that mark completion of specific work phases. Each milestone includes:
  • Task(s) associated with the milestone.
  • Due Date (in months after award).
  • Milestone Definition (description of the measurable event).
  • Exit Criteria.
  • Deliverables.
  • DARPA Payment amount.
  • Performer Share amount.
• Payment Schedule: Payments are tied directly to the successful completion of defined milestones.
• Funding Information: Includes CLIN, ACRN, Funding Line, Amount of Funding Obligated (to be completed by the Government), PR, and Funding Date.

This document is crucial for bidders as it details the payment structure and performance expectations tied to specific, measurable milestones. It helps in understanding the project timeline, cash flow, and the specific deliverables and exit criteria required at each stage of the agreement. Bidders should carefully review the milestones, their definitions, due dates, and associated payments to assess the project's feasibility and their ability to meet the outlined requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for a Task Description Document (TDD) for the PICASSO program. It outlines the structure and content required for performers to detail their proposed research tasks and project objectives.

• Project Overview: Description of the project, its importance, goals, objectives, and metrics.
• Technical Tasks & Deliverables: Detailed breakdown of research tasks, including technical goals, approach, timelines (start/end dates in program months), responsible parties, and contribution to program milestones. Deliverable formats and specific content should be detailed here.
• Program Management: Requirements for program management tasks, including subcontractor management and reporting.
• Meeting & Travel Requirements: Any specified meeting and travel obligations.
• Government Furnished Information (GFI)/Government Furnished Property (GFP): Assumptions regarding GFI/GFP.

This template guides bidders on how to structure and present their technical approach and project details within their proposals. It clarifies the expected content for defining project scope, tasks, deliverables, and management aspects, ensuring alignment with program requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Other Transaction Certifications," is an attachment for the DARPA-PS-26-13 solicitation, "Photonic Integrated Circuit Architectures for Scalable System Objectives (PICASSO)." It requires offerors to provide certifications and representations regarding various compliance and eligibility matters.

• Debarment/Suspension Certification: Certifies the institution and its principals are not debarred, suspended, or declared ineligible by any Federal agency.
• Drug-Free Workplace Certification: Requires a commitment to provide a drug-free workplace, with a space for the place of performance to be filled in.
• Nondiscrimination Certification: Confirms compliance with DoD Directive 5500.11 regarding nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs.
• Lobbying Certification (for actions > $100,000): Certifies that no appropriated funds have been used to influence Federal contracting, and requires disclosure of lobbying activities if non-appropriated funds were used. It also mandates inclusion of this certification in subawards.
• Tax Liability and Felony Conviction Representation: Corporations must represent whether they have unpaid Federal tax liabilities or felony convictions under Federal law within the preceding 24 months.
• Confidentiality Agreements Prohibition: Offerors must represent that they do not require employees or subcontractors to sign confidentiality agreements that would restrict reporting of fraud, waste, or abuse.
• Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services/Equipment Representation (AUG 2020): Requires representations regarding the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, as defined by Section 889 of the NDAA. Offerors must disclose specific details if they will provide or use such equipment/services.
• Other Transactions for Prototypes Requirements: Requires information on whether team members qualify as nontraditional defense contractors, nonprofit research institutions, or small businesses. It also asks about cost-sharing contributions and the extent of participation by these entities.

Bidders must carefully review and complete all required certifications and representations within this document. Failure to provide accurate information or meet these requirements may impact eligibility for award. Specific attention should be paid to the representations concerning lobbying, tax liabilities, felony convictions, confidentiality agreements, and telecommunications equipment, as these can be disqualifying factors. The section on "Other Transactions for Prototypes" is crucial for identifying and documenting team member qualifications and cost-sharing, which are key conditions for this type of agreement.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for a Proposal Summary Slide, intended for bidders to use when submitting proposals for the DARPA PICASSO opportunity (DARPA-PS-26-13).

• Full Proposal Title: To be provided by the proposer.
• Organization Name(s) & Technical POC Name(s): Identification of the proposing organization(s) and key technical points of contact.
• Targeted High-Impact Application: Description of the application and its significance to DARPA.
• Expected Performance Improvement: Projection of performance gains, benchmarked against the State-of-the-Art (SOA), emphasizing orders of magnitude improvement and scaling.
• Technical Approach & Innovative Claims: Summary of the proposed research, highlighting groundbreaking and unique aspects.
• Team Composition: Details on team members, their roles, technical strengths, and unique capabilities.

This template guides bidders on the essential information and structure required for their proposal summary slide. It emphasizes the need to clearly articulate the proposal's impact, innovation, technical approach, and team qualifications to DARPA.