Optimum processing technology inside memory arrays (optima) program

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) awarded a multiple-award Other Transaction Indefinite Delivery Vehicle (IDV) to The Trustees of Princeton University on December 12, 2023, for the Optimum Processing Technology Inside Memory Arrays (OPTIMA) Program. This parent IDV carries a ceiling value of $18.6 million and operates under DARPA's Other Transaction authority, which provides contractual flexibility to rapidly procure innovative research and development services outside traditional Federal Acquisition Regulation constraints. Princeton University's Office of Research and Project Administration will deliver comprehensive research and development services through task orders issued against this vehicle. The award carries no set-aside designation, reflecting Princeton's status as a competitive, unrestricted contractor capable of meeting rigorous federal procurement standards. As a prestigious private research institution with demonstrated expertise across multiple scientific and engineering disciplines, Princeton is positioned to provide foundational and applied research services that support DARPA's mission to maintain technological superiority for the United States.

The OPTIMA Program IDV enables DARPA to leverage Princeton University's institutional capabilities in advanced computing, photonics, and emerging technology development. Princeton's Office of Research and Project Administration will issue task orders under this parent vehicle to address diverse technical areas critical to national defense objectives. The Other Transaction structure allows for flexibility in statement of work requirements, pricing mechanisms, and performance schedules across multiple task orders, enabling DARPA to rapidly acquire specialized research services without the constraints of traditional Federal Acquisition Regulation procurement procedures. This investment reflects confidence in Princeton's research and development capacity to support prototype development and innovation initiatives aligned with DARPA's strategic technology priorities. The specific technical scopes, performance periods, and individual task order values will be established through subsequent task order issuances against the $18.6 million ceiling.