Area-Multiplied Photonic-crystal Enhanced Devices (AMPED)

DARPA's Area-Multiplied Photonic-crystal Enhanced Devices (AMPED) program seeks innovative research proposals for high-energy laser (HEL) devices. The program aims to revolutionize chip-scale laser technology by overcoming current limitations in power, beam quality, and size, weight, and power (SWaP) for defense applications. It focuses on architectural innovation, manufacturability using established semiconductor processes, and domestic production. The 42-month program is structured into two phases: Technology Feasibility (24 months) and System Enablement (18 months), with anticipated funding of $39M and $14M, respectively. Eligibility is restricted to U.S. citizens and permanent residents representing U.S. companies. Proposals will be evaluated based on scientific/technical merit, relevance to DARPA's mission, and budget realism. A Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Addendum with key technical details is available upon request, and compliance with CUI handling regulations (DoDI 5200.48, NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2) is mandatory for proposers.

This document outlines an Other Transaction for Prototypes agreement (HR0011-26-9-XXXX) between DARPA and a performer for a research and development program, specifically for AREA-MULTIPLIED PHOTONIC-CRYSTAL ENHANCED DEVICES (AMPED). The agreement details terms for intellectual property rights, data rights, and restrictions on foreign access to technology. It emphasizes safeguarding covered defense information and cyber incident reporting, requiring compliance with NIST SP 800-171 and rapid reporting of cyber incidents. The document also covers financial obligations, payment procedures via WAWF, and dispute resolution processes. It includes a prohibition on contracting for certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment from covered foreign countries, such as China. The Performer is required to complete instructional sections, outlining the project's purpose, technological context, and commercialization goals. The agreement is for 24 months, with options for extension and modifications by mutual written agreement. Property acquisition and disposition are also addressed.

The DARPA-PS-26-119_AMPED attachment details a two-phase schedule of milestones and payments for a 42-month program. Phase 1 spans 24 months, with seven milestones covering initial program execution, preliminary design review, device fabrication, initial device demonstration, design improvement, prototype demonstration, and an end-of-phase report. Key deliverables include program execution plans, physics device models, thermal management approaches, technical packages, fabrication and risk reports, device demonstrations, and prototypes. Payments for Phase 1 milestones range from up to 5% to 20% of the total allocation. Phase 2 spans 18 months, with five milestones focused on an execution plan, revised device design review, fabrication plan, prototype demonstration, and a final end-of-phase report. Deliverables for Phase 2 include updated execution plans, revised design packages, fabrication and risk mitigation plans, and a final prototype delivery. Payments for Phase 2 milestones range from up to 10% to 30% of the total allocation. Throughout both phases, compliance with CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information) standards, government approvals, and comprehensive reporting are recurring requirements.

The DARPA-PS-26-119_AMPED "Task Description Document" (TDD) outlines the structure for proposed research and development efforts, specifically for the AMPED program. This document is crucial for federal government RFPs, grants, and state/local RFPs. It requires proposers to detail their technical execution, aligned with milestone schedules, payment summaries, and solicitation requirements. Key sections include program background, project overview (addressing capabilities, objectives, differentiators, impact, risks, and success indicators), technical approach across phases, major risks and mitigation strategies, and detailed technical tasks with deliverables and responsible performers. It also covers program management, meeting/travel requirements, and any anticipated Government Furnished Information. The AMPED program aims to revolutionize High Energy Laser (HEL) capabilities by developing scalable, manufacturable, chip-scale laser sources with high single-mode performance, moving beyond traditional 1D and 2D architectures to holistic 3D device-level innovation.

This document, Attachment D: DARPA-PS-26-119 Volume I, outlines the mandatory proposal instructions and template for the DARPA Area-Multiplied Photonic-crystal Enhanced Devices (AMPED) program. It details the requirements for submitting full proposals, which include oral presentation slides, written content, a cost/price proposal, and a DARPA Price Summary Spreadsheet. The oral presentation is limited to 10 slides and 15 minutes, followed by a 30-minute Q&A, focusing on technical aspects, innovative claims, and risk mitigation. The written content, not exceeding 12 pages, must cover an executive summary, goals, technical approach, management plan, schedule, personnel qualifications, and capabilities. Specific formatting guidelines for both sections are provided, along with details on non-page-limited sections like the cover sheet, transmittal letter, intellectual property, organizational conflict of interest disclosures, and novelty of proposed work. Proposals must be submitted in English by the specified due date through the Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT).

The Controlled Unclassified Information Guide for the Area-Multiplied Photonic-crystal Enhanced Devices (AMPED) program outlines the requirements for protecting sensitive, unclassified information. This guide, dated April 21, 2026, applies to all personnel involved with AMPED and is issued by DARPA. It details the purpose, applicability, and scope of CUI protection, referencing DoDI 5200.48. Key aspects include handling CUI challenges, implementing Operations Security (OPSEC) for critical information (Defense, Export Control, Intelligence, Proprietary Business Information), and identifying CUI categories such as Controlled Technical Information (CTI) and Export Controlled Research. The guide also addresses Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) exemptions, procedures for public and foreign disclosure, CUI protection requirements, and reporting unauthorized disclosures. Specific information elements, like source architecture and program documents, are identified with their respective CUI categories, reasons for control, and distribution statements.

The DARPA-PS-26-119 AMPED document outlines essential certifications for government contracts, grants, and other transactions. It mandates that proposers certify they are not debarred or suspended, will maintain a drug-free workplace, and comply with non-discrimination provisions. For actions exceeding $100,000, it prohibits the use of federal funds for lobbying and requires disclosure of non-federal lobbying efforts. The document also includes representations regarding unpaid delinquent tax liabilities or felony convictions for corporations. Furthermore, it prohibits contracting with entities that require internal confidentiality agreements restricting employees from reporting fraud, waste, or abuse. A significant section addresses prohibitions on telecommunications and video surveillance equipment or services from specified foreign entities, requiring offerors to disclose their use of such technologies. Finally, it includes requirements for Other Transactions for Prototypes, asking offerors to identify and provide information on team members who are non-traditional defense contractors, nonprofit research institutions, or small businesses, or if they are providing a one-third cost share.

The DARPA-PA-25-01 Price Summary Spreadsheet, Version 2, dated 06/21/2022, is a competition-sensitive document designed for federal government RFPs, specifically for two phases of a project: Phase 1 (24 months) and Phase 2 (18 months). It serves as a template for proposers to detail cost and price information. The spreadsheet includes sections for direct labor (hours, rate, amount), subcontractor/consultant costs, and other direct costs (materials, equipment, travel, and three categories of ODCs). It also requires a breakdown of government and performer shares, culminating in a total proposed price for each phase. The document outlines various milestones with due dates for both phases (Milestone 1 to 7 for Phase 1, and Milestone 8 to 12 for Phase 2). A critical note emphasizes that proposers must input their cost/price data, and each submission requires separate spreadsheets for the prime contractor and all subcontractors. This document is crucial for transparent and structured cost proposals within the DARPA procurement process.

Attachment E: DARPA-PS-26-119, titled "Volume 2: Cost/Price Volume Template," provides detailed instructions for preparing cost and price proposals for the Area-Multiplied Photonic-crystal Enhanced Devices (AMPED) program. This document, crucial for federal government RFPs, outlines requirements for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the program, emphasizing the use of the DARPA Price Summary Spreadsheet (Attachment F) for detailed breakdowns. Proposers must present costs by phase, milestone, and Task Description Document (TDD) tasks, covering direct labor, indirect costs, materials, equipment, travel, other direct costs, resource sharing, and consultant/subawardee expenses. The template also mandates a cover sheet with organizational and contact details, total proposed prices, and specific requirements for those seeking Other Transactions for Prototypes, including milestone details and compliance information.

The DARPA Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT) Submission Portal Guide provides comprehensive instructions for users submitting proposals. It details account creation, organization registration, and the process for submitting various proposal types (Executive Summary, Proposal Abstract, Full Proposal). The guide emphasizes the importance of early submission due to potential heavy traffic on deadlines and offers technical support contacts (BAAT_Support@darpa.mil) for technical issues. Key steps include accessing the BAAT portal, creating a new account, completing organization information, and navigating the submission forms for specific announcements. Users are advised to regularly log in to prevent account deactivation, save progress frequently, and address validation errors promptly. A valid Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code is required for submissions. The guide also outlines procedures for modifying finalized submissions and managing multiple submissions.

The provided document is a template for a proposal summary slide, likely for a DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) program identified as DARPA-PS-26-119: AMPED. This template outlines key sections required for a full proposal, including the title, organization and technical point of contact information, a graphic, and descriptions of the need, problem, goal, new ideas, and existing approaches. It serves as a structured guide for applicants to present their concepts, impact, context, and approach for a competitive solicitation, emphasizing the organization of information for a government RFP process.

The DARPA-PS-26-119: AMPED solicitation provides mandatory instructions and a template for abstract submissions, requiring proposers to use Attachment A. Abstracts, limited to seven pages, must be in English, formatted for 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins and a 12-point font (8 or 10 points for figures/tables). The page limit includes innovative claims, technical approach, capabilities/management plan, budget/price/schedule, and ability to protect CUI, but excludes the cover sheet, title page, table of contents, bibliography, and technical papers. DARPA will review abstracts and provide a recommendation to submit a full proposal within 30 days. All abstracts must be submitted via the Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT) by the specified due date.

DARPA-PS-26-119, also known as Area-Multiplied Photonic-crystal Enhanced Devices (AMPED), requires interested parties to submit a Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Materials Request Form to receive CUI materials. This form includes two appendices: Appendix A for electronic delivery via DoD SAFE and Appendix B for physical copies. To receive electronic CUI, proposers must have a NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Score between 88 and 110, conducted within the last three years, which DARPA verifies via the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS). For physical copies, proposers must affirm their capability to protect CUI from unauthorized disclosure or loss, outlining specific security requirements such as logging, secure storage, access control, and compliant disposal. Both forms must be emailed to AMPED@darpa.mil with the specified subject line by the date outlined in DARPA-PS-26-119. Prime proposers are responsible for ensuring subcontractors also comply with CUI handling regulations.