Crystal Substrate Bonding Technologies and Algorithms (CRYSTAL)
ID: DARPA-EA-25-02-04Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA)DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCYARLINGTON, VA, 222032114, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; BASIC RESEARCH (AC11)
Timeline
    Description

    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting proposals for the Crystal Substrate Bonding Technologies and Algorithms (CRYSTAL) initiative, aimed at advancing research in wafer bonding of thin-film crystals for national security applications. This opportunity invites researchers to develop innovative modeling frameworks that enhance the understanding and prediction of wafer bonding processes, with projects expected to achieve significant advancements within a 12-month timeframe and budgeted between $100,000 and $300,000. The initiative is critical for enhancing materials science capabilities relevant to future technologies, emphasizing empirical model development across various materials and conditions. Proposals are accepted until June 16, 2025, and interested parties can contact the BAA Coordinator at CRYSTAL@darpa.mil for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    BAA Coordinator
    CRYSTAL@darpa.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The document outlines an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) for research and development between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and a selected performer, detailing the cooperative initiative aimed at advancing critical technologies. The agreement consists of various articles addressing scope, term, management, obligation and payment, patent rights, and safeguarding information. Key sections emphasize the purpose of the agreement, including the current technological context, industry support, and the potential for dual military and commercial applications. The performer will undertake a defined research program, receiving milestone-based payments contingent upon meeting specific objectives. Both parties commit to regular reporting, dispute resolution, and maintaining proper safeguarding of sensitive information. Patent rights are addressed with the performer retaining rights to inventions while granting the government licenses. Data rights and cybersecurity protocols are highlighted, ensuring compliance with national security regulations and rapid incident reporting. Overall, the agreement reflects the government's intent to support technological advancements while managing contributions and ensuring public dissemination of beneficial results. This document serves as a foundational guide for performing government-funded research projects.
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is inviting submissions for its Advanced Research Concepts (ARC) Opportunity titled Crystal Substrate Bonding Technologies and Algorithms (CRYSTAL). This initiative aims to foster innovative research in wafer bonding of thin-film crystals, targeting national security applications. Researchers are encouraged to propose ideas focused on creating generalizable modeling frameworks that enhance understanding and prediction of wafer bonding processes. Each project should yield significant advancements within a 12-month period and manage costs between $100,000 to $300,000. Proposals should detail the selected multi-functional materials, computational approaches, and experimental frameworks, addressing technical gaps in current wafer bonding methods. The submission period extends until June 16, 2025, evaluated on a rolling basis. Selected abstracts may lead to invitations for Oral Proposal Packages (OPPs), with awards structured as Research Other Transactions under the authority of 10 U.S.C. § 4021. This program seeks to expedite the development and integration of advanced materials, emphasizing the importance of empirical model development and assessment across various materials and conditions. Overall, CRYSTAL represents a strategic initiative to enhance materials science capabilities pertinent to future technologies and applications.
    Lifecycle
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    Type
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