The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) issued a Program Solicitation (DARPA-PS-24-25) for the POWER Receiver Array Demonstration (PRAD) on September 4, 2024. This program seeks innovative approaches to develop and demonstrate a ground-based laser power receiver as part of the Persistent Optical Wireless Energy Relay (POWER) initiative. Key dates include the Proposers Day on September 17, 2024, and Abstract submissions due by October 9, 2024.
The PRAD aims to test the efficiency and effectiveness of an optical laser power beaming system, which includes real-world demonstrations to validate performance under various conditions. Interested parties are encouraged to submit Abstracts, following which selected applicants will be invited for Oral Presentations. The solicitation emphasizes lower administrative burdens for proposers from all sectors, including small businesses and research institutions. AN Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype agreement is anticipated to support this effort, with a focus on immediate, prototype-level innovations for military applications.
Overall, the program aims to enhance the scalability, efficiency, and robustness of laser power receivers to improve military energy logistics, while fostering competition and innovation in defense-related technologies.
The DARPA Tactical Technology Office (TTO) has issued a Program Solicitation for the POWER Receiver Array Demonstration (PRAD) aimed at developing and demonstrating a ground-based optical laser power beaming receiver. This initiative addresses energy transfer challenges within the Persistent Optical Wireless Energy Relay (POWER) Program, supporting military applications. Key dates include an initial announcement on September 4, 2024, a Proposers Day on September 11, and deadlines for abstracts and oral presentations by September 30 and three weeks later, respectively.
The PRAD program seeks innovative solutions focusing on the performance and reliability of photovoltaic (PV) receiver arrays under real-world conditions, including alignment validation, efficiency measurement, and scalability. Proposers, including businesses and research institutions, are encouraged to submit abstracts that outline their technical understanding and approach to overcoming identified challenges. The government aims to reduce administrative burdens, foster competition, and facilitate quicker project initiation through a streamlined acquisition strategy involving abstracts and oral presentations. Awards will likely be made through an Other Transaction (OT) for prototype agreements, emphasizing the development and delivery of effective power receivers for military applications. Participants must provide evidence of compliance, technical capabilities, and cost-effectiveness throughout the evaluation process.
This document outlines a federal funding proposal for a project under DARPA, detailing a $350,000 budget split across various phases, including kick-off, technology readiness review (TRR), and close-out. The project includes clear objectives aimed at advancing key technologies with specified components and integration processes. Additionally, it defines the product outcome as a final system and articulates the anticipated impact of the project.
Participation details note the performing organization and any contributing government entities, establishing a collaborative approach. Key success criteria are presented with defined metrics to track progress and determine project viability. A timeline for project milestones projects completion within a six-month period after the authority to proceed is granted.
Overall, this proposal serves to secure federal funding while showcasing innovation and collaboration between private and government entities, emphasizing technological advancements and their societal benefits.