APM_Proposers_Day_Combined_Slides.pdf

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Atomically Precise Molecules (APM) Dr. John M. Hoffman

Program Manager (MXO)

Redefining Polymeric Materials

Proposers’ Day

September 30, 2026

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APM Proposers’ Day Goals

1. To introduce the science and technology community (industry, academia, and government) to the APM program vision and goals;

2. To facilitate interaction between researchers with capabilities and interests relevant to the APM program goals;

3. To encourage and promote teaming arrangements among organizations that have the relevant expertise, research facilities, and capabilities for executing research and development responsive to the APM program goals;

4. To discuss approaches to IP and data rights to facilitate both:

a) successful technology commercialization and

b) long term government access to APM technologies;

5. To collect questions during the event that DARPA may answer during the event

a) Please send questions to APM@darpa.mil BEFORE THE LIGHTNING ROUND

Questions: APM@darpa.mil mailto:APM@darpa.mil

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Proposers’ Day Agenda

START TOPIC Speaker 8:00 AM Check-In/Poster Set-Up All 9:00 AM Welcome/Security Robert Shearer 9:05 AM MXO Overview Dr. Jonathan Hoffman 9:10 AM Program Overview and Structure Dr. John M. Hoffman 9:35 AM Contracting with DARPA Natalie Kent 9:50 AM DARPAConnect Sana Hoda

9:55 AM BREAK

10:05 AM Lightning Round

11:45 AM Q&A Responses Dr. John M. Hoffman 12:00 PM LUNCH (on your own)

1:00 PM Networking Time/Poster Session In person ONLY 1:00 PM One-on-ones (by appointment only) In person ONLY

5:00 PM ADJOURN

APM Program Overview

Basics of programmable precision polymeric (PPP) materials

Sequence, orientation, and composition of monomers define performance across length scales

Single polymers (Å scale)

Local structure (nm scale) Long-range structure

(nm-mm scale)

= adhesive

= non-linear optics If sequence, orientation, and composition can be controlled, we will have access to a near infinite palette of materials

100 nm doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-18005-7, 10.1126/science.adr7175 doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-08360-6DISTRIBUTION A: Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited

Current synthesis approaches can’t make PPPs

Stereo Selective Catalysts

Monomers Iterative Step Grow th Polymerization

Monomer Sequence

Monomer Composition

Monomer Orientation

Monomers

Monomer Sequence

Monomer Composition

Monomer Orientation

Organo Metallic Coordination Polymerization

Challenge: simultaneously control of sequence, orientation, and composition

Monomer Orientation

Monomer Sequence Monomer Composition

DISTRIBUTION A: Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited 6doi: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101677

Material 𝑟𝑟33 = 𝛽𝛽𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 ⋅ 𝜌𝜌𝑛𝑛 < 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐3𝜃𝜃 >⋅ 𝐺𝐺

Device

𝑉𝑉𝜋𝜋𝐿𝐿 =

𝜆𝜆0 𝜔𝜔𝑠𝑠 Γ 𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑒3𝑟𝑟33

𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵~

𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑒3𝑟𝑟33

𝐿𝐿

Current materials can’t provide desired performance 𝜔𝜔𝑠𝑠

𝐿𝐿

𝜆𝜆0

Non-linear organic material

Modulator

Or ga ni c

Dy es

< 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐3𝜃𝜃 >: Acentric Order 𝜌𝜌𝑛𝑛: Density

APM

Polym ers 𝛽𝛽𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒: Hyperpolarizability 𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑒 : Refractive index 𝐺𝐺: Local field factors doi: 10.1063/5.0145212

Barium Titanate

(BTO)

Lithium Niobate

Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate (KDP)

APM

Organic dyes

Random Polymer

Liquid Crystal

Quantum shapes

APM contributes to the Programmable Matter Economy

Sequence Defined Polymers

Non-linear photonics

New to nature catalysis Dyes and pigments

Molecular Computing

A new path to new materials with new functions across a wide variety of components and systems

APM Program Description

Goal: Catalyze future materials capabilities through scalable PPP synthesis approaches, where the sequence, orientation, and composition of materials are programmable

Generalizability Polymer Design Material Design Technology Sustainability

APM Foundation: All proposals MUST address these four pillars

APM Application: Non-linear Optical (NLO) Materials

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APM Program Structure

Quest Commercial day

Design Review Performance, scaling, and transition

Demo 2 non-linear assessment

Design Review Device design material integration

Phase 1 (12 mo) – New chemistries Material development

Phase 2 (24 mo) – New materials Material integration and device fabrication

Demo 4 Integrated device performance

FY27 FY28 FY29 FY30

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 Q7 Q8 Q9 Q10 Q11 Q12

Demo 3 Revolutionary non-linear assessment

APM Program Milestones

Demo 1 Synthesis

Assessment

Evaluate material properties and device fabrication

IV&V

Demonstrations will be held throughout the program to evaluate sequence definition, material properties, and non-linear optical properties

Design Reviews will occur in Phase 2, the first focused on device design and material integration mid phase, and a second review focused on performance, scaling, and transition.

Quest will be cash prizes awarded to performers that demonstrate capabilities beyond program metrics.

Quest specifics will be announced during the course of the program.

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APM Program Metrics

Metric Current SOA Phase 1 Phase 2 Organics Demo 1 (month 6) Demo 2 (Month 11) Demo 3 (Month 23) Demo 4 (Month 35)

Ph ys ica l

Performer Defined* Performer Defined

Performer Defined: must include quantitative criteria for physical properties of the proposed synthesis approach that enable the non-linear properties of the material and device at the corresponding demonstration

Pe rfo rm an ce n3r33 (pm/V) ~4000 ≥ 3000 ≥ 8000 ≥ 8000 Optical Loss (dB/cm) 3 1 1 1

VpiL (V cm) ~0.009 ≤ 0.0005 Bandwidth (Hz) ~1011 ≥ 1012

*Proposers must identify appropriate quantitative metrics for each demonstration that facilitate tracking of the research progress towards the overall phase and program goals as described in the solicitation.

• Include a comparison against the SoA for each metric selected.

• Discuss thoroughly all details for meeting the metrics set forth for the program as well as the associated risks and risk-mitigation strategies to achieve those metrics and related milestones.

• Provide detailed technical rationale supporting the ability to achieve each milestone and plan for the testing and evaluation of tools, capabilities, materials, and/or devices at each milestone

An example: if proposing a linear polymer synthesis approach, potential quantitative metrics might include degree of polymerization, number and class (e.g., polar, nonpolar, charged) of monomers included in the polymer, stepwise monomer addition yield, dispersity, degree of tacticity, glass transition temperature, and purity required for material and/or device integration

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Phase 1 – Programmable precision polymer synthesis

Objective

• Demonstrate new chemistries to synthesize programmable precision polymers with sequence, orientation, and composition control

• Employ these chemistries to synthesize polymeric materials with NLO properties

Key Metrics and Deliverables

• Demonstration (Month 6) to assess progress towards synthesis of programmable precision polymers

• Demonstrate PPP library synthesis

• Characterize PPP library including thermal, physical, chemical, and/or optical properties

• Demonstration (Month 11) of progress towards NLO properties that exceed the SoA (n3r33 ≥ 3000 pm/V and an optical loss of 1 dB/cm)

Goals:

• Synthesize Programmable Precision Polymers that show progress towards NLO properties exceeding the SoA (n3r33 ≥ 3000 pm/V and an optical loss of 1 dB/cm)

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Phase 2 – Revolutionary NLO materials integrated in microsystems

Objective

• Demonstrate new chemistries can synthesize a revolutionary non-linear optical material

• Integrate this material into a modular and demonstrate a new state of the art in NLO performance

Key Metrics and Deliverables

• Demonstration (Month 23) to assess progress towards synthesis of revolutionary NLO material

• Demonstration (Month 35) to assess progress towards material integration in a microsystem

• Report on polymer/materials stability

• Report on polymer/materials scaling and manufacturing integration

• Delivery of full technical specifications

Goals:

• Synthesize materials that show progress towards revolutionary NLO performance (n3r33 ≥ 8000 pm/V and an optical loss of 1 dB/cm)

• Demonstrate progress towards modulators with VpiL ≤

0.0005 V/cm and a bandwidth of ≥ 1012 Hz

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Evaluate physical properties of polymers synthesized through performer’s approach

Evaluate optical properties of materials composed of those polymers

Work with performer teams to design, build, and evaluate modulators that accommodate those materials

Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V)

• A government team will independently evaluate metrics throughout the program

• Performers will deliver materials to the IV&V team for evaluation

• Performers will work with IV&V team to develop an IV&V plan to facilitate evaluations

3 Major Roles of IV&V

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PS Details

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In and out of scope for APM

Questions: APM@darpa.mil

Out of scope:

• Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice, or research that pivots on exceptional claims that cannot be technically justified in the proposal

• Proposals aiming to employ solely inorganic materials without a polymeric component

• Proposals aiming to modify/repurpose existing NLO materials resulting in incremental improvements to the state-of-the-art (SoA)

In Scope:

We are open to a wide range of approaches that employ novel synthesis techniques that deliver previously synthetically inaccessible polymers/materials

Approaches must address the four pillars discussed previously

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Security Overview

Questions: APM@darpa.mil

NOTE: the Government expects that the program goals as described herein cannot be met by performers intending to perform fundamental research

Element of Information Index Category Reason LDC or Distribution Statement Remarks

Synthesis and modeling processes of PPPs with non-linear optical properties, scale up process integration, and performance data applicable in next-generation military systems is protected as CUI and may be

CTI.

Defense Controlled Technical Information (CTI)

Executive Order#14104 - Federal Research & Development in Support of Domestic Manufacturing and US Jobs dated 28 July 2023

Distribution statements B through F

FOIA Exemptions 4 & 3 may be applicable

Data contractually identified as controlled by a business or individual as proprietary.

Proprietary Business Information

General Proprietary Business Information

(PROPIN)

18 U.S. Code § 1905

18 U.S. Code § 664

Federal Employees and Contractors Only (FEDCON)

FOIA Exemption 3 may be applicable

Information or data defined within the Commerce Control List (CCL), United States Munitions List (USML), or applied license applications to control export.

Export Control Export Controlled 10 USC 130(a), 13 USC 301(g), 42 USC 2077(a), 42 USC 2156, 42 USC 2168(a), 50 USC 4614(c), 50 USC 4605(l)(5), 15 CFR 718.3, 15 CFR 736 Supplement 2, 15 CFR 748.1(c), 15 CFR 760.5(c)

15 CFR 772.1, 15 CFR 774 Supplement 1, 15 CFR 774 Supplement 2, 22 CFR Part 120, 22 CFR 124.9(a)(5), 22 CFR 126.10(b), 32 CFR 250.4(a), 32 CFR 250.9

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT D.

Distribution authorized to the Department of Defense and U.S.

DoD contractors only Export Controlled, (Date). Other requests shall be referred to DARPA, Microsystems Technology Office.

FOIA Exemptions 4 & 3 may be applicable

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Evaluation Criteria (part 1)

1. Overall Scientific and Technical Merit o Demonstrate that the proposed technical approach is innovative, feasible, achievable, and complete.

o The proposed technical team has the expertise and experience to manage and accomplish the proposed technical approach, tasks, cost, and schedule. The proposal details the approach to team integration and how collaboration will be managed. Similar efforts completed/ongoing by the proposer in this area are fully described including identification of other Government sponsors.

o Provide quantitative justification (e.g., modeling/simulation, preliminary experimental results) for technical claims, including proposer-defined metrics.

o Demonstrate that task descriptions and associated technical elements provided are complete and in a logical sequence with all proposed deliverables clearly defined such that a final outcome that achieves the goal can be expected as a result of award. The proposal identifies major technical risks and planned mitigation efforts are clearly defined and feasible.

2. Potential Contribution and Relevance to the DARPA Mission o Discuss how the potential contributions of the proposed effort bolster the national security technology base and support DARPA’s mission to make pivotal early technology investments that create or prevent technological surprise.

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Evaluation Criteria (part 2)

3. Budget and Price o The proposed solution is realistic and affordable. The budget is realistic and accurately reflects the technical goals and objectives of the solicitation and reflects a sufficient understanding of the level of effort and staffing needed to successfully accomplish the proposed technical approach.

o Each price element provides commensurate technical, schedule, or execution value, and is it necessary, appropriately scaled, and neither materially overestimated nor underestimated.

o It is expected that the effort will leverage all available relevant prior research in order to obtain the maximum benefit from the available funding.

o For proposals that contain resource share, the proposer has provided sufficient rationale as to the appropriateness of the resource share arrangement relative to the objectives of the proposed solution.

4. Plans and Capability to Accomplish Technology Transition o Clearly demonstrates its capability to transition the technology to the research, industrial, and/or operational military communities in such a way as to enhance U.S. defense and long-term commercial viability.

o The evaluation will take into consideration the extent to which the proposed IP rights structure will potentially impact the Government’s ability to assess deliverables and to transition the technology.

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Elements of a Successful Technical Proposal

Further details available in the Program Solicitation Questions: APM@darpa.mil

Goal: Catalyze future materials capabilities through scalable PPP synthesis approaches, where the sequence, orientation, and composition of materials are programmable

• Provide a detailed review of the synthesis approach, including the chemical mechanisms that result in PPPs

• Provide a detailed description on the approach to selection of monomers and subsequent polymers that will be pursued for materials with NLO applications

• Provide a detailed description of the analytical methods that will be employed

• Describe how computational approaches will be used to enhance material development

• Describe the vision for scaling material production and material integration into manufacturing/fabrication processes

• Identify and justify appropriate quantitative metrics for each demonstration

• Include data, from previous experiments and/or modeling, to reinforce technical assertions and projections

• Discuss risks associated with your approach and potential mitigations

• Discuss a plan to met CUI requirements for the program

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Reminders o Submit early o APM abstracts will be mandatory o Those wishing to submit a full proposal must provide notification o Adhere to the abstract and full proposal guidance and templates provided in the solicitation o Corroborate all technical claims with analytical or experimental evidence o Submit only one proposal per lead organization o Organizations can be part of multiple proposing teams (as subs) o When in doubt, refer to the Program Solicitation for guidance

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Anticipated Timeline

• Proposer’s Day: 30 September 2026 (today)

• Abstract due date: 27 October 2026 at 1:00 PM ET

• Frequently Asked Questions deadline: 4 December 2026 at 1:00 PM ET

• Deadline to Submit Intent to Propose: 4 December 2026 at 5:00 PM ET

• Proposal Due Date: 18 December 2026 at 4:00 PM ET

• Estimated period of performance start: 01 April 2027

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APM Team

John M. Hoffman, Program Manager

• Michael Dambach, Technical SETA

• Rebecca Levine, Technical SETA

• Trupti Brahmbhatt, Technical SETA

• KK Law, Technical SETA

• Chelsea Haughn, Technical SETA

• Jeff Stone, Programmatic SETA

• Robert Shearer, Program Security

Distribution Statement 24

Slide H1 long (adjusted width) Slide H2 header / Detail (add width to text box as needed) https://cvent.me/8oLRbrRegistration closes Oct 18!

Nov 2-4, 2026 Chicago, IL https://cvent.me/8oLRbr

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Atomically Precise Molecules (APM)

DARPA-PS-26-141

Proposers Day

September 30, 2026

Natalie Kent Agreements Officer

DARPA Contracts Management Office

Proposers Day Disclaimer

• Proposer Day seeks to provide general information to clarify program goals, objectives, and proposal preparation instructions.

• Ensure proposers understand that the Program Solicitation (PS) takes precedence over all other sources of information, including Proposers Day materials.

• Proposals will be evaluated solely in accordance with the instructions provided in the PS.

• Any FAQ responses differing from the PS will be formalized through an amendment to the PS, with a note indicating the impending amendment.

• Only a duly authorized Contracting/Agreements Officer may obligate the Government.

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3Distribution Statement A. Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited.

APM

• Phase 1 (Base) – 12-month period of performance

• Phase 2 (Option) – 24-month period of performance

• Other Transaction for Prototype under 10 U.S.C. § 4022

• Fixed Milestone Payment Structure

• Proposers are responsible for establishing milestone payment amounts that align technical progress, cash flow requirements, and tangible Government value.

• Milestone valuations should represent a balanced allocation of risk and verifiable technical output.

• Milestones that propose large upfront payments - such as disproportionately high kickoff meetings, initial planning sessions, or preliminary design reviews without corresponding deliverable substance - will be challenged or rejected during negotiations.

Provided for Informational Purposes – DO NOT PRICE

• Proposals should not include costs for device fabrication.

• Phase II Quest Opportunities

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• APM is subject to program-specific CUI Guide

• Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 (Self)

• 110 NIST SP 800-171 R2 controls

• Two paths:

• Provide evidence your self-attestation is recorded in the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) database; OR

• Provide details on path to compliance

• Optional CMMC Compliance Milestone (Milestone 2) – up to $25,000

• Limited milestone value allocated to Milestone 1 (Initial technical approach and development plan) to reflect only basic administrative and non-CUI kickoff activities

• Not authorized to performer any additional work until Milestone 2 is met

• Questions on CMMC – https://dowcio.war.gov/CMMC/

CMMC Requirements https://dowcio.war.gov/CMMC/

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APM Special Considerations

• Prototype OT under 10 U.S.C. § 4022

• The OT agreement will not require cost sharing unless the offeror is a traditional defense contractor who is not working with a nontraditional defense contractor participating in the program to a significant extent.

• Fundamental Research

• Program goals cannot be met by proposers intending to performer fundamental research.

• Publication review will be implemented for APM

• Intellectual Property

• Performers shall maintain ownership of all IP developed under any APM Agreement resulting from this solicitation and have rights to commercialize the IP

• Minimum of Government Purpose Rights to Foreground Data developed under the Agreement

• Background IP/Data developed prior to the Agreement at Private Expense

• Identified in the proposal

• License rights for the government to use to operate, maintain, inspect, test, analyze, and evaluate any asserted BIP solely for the purposes of performing IV&V, technical milestone verification, and performance metrics evaluation under the Agreement.

Proposal should focus on what the government can do with data; not a long list of restricted or limited rights.

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• Non-U.S. organizations cannot participate in this solicitation.

Proposer Eligibility Considerations

• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), University-Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), and Government Entities (including national laboratories) may propose as prime or subcontractors if they:

• Offer unique and innovative approaches to this solicitation; and

• Can accomplish integral tasks that cannot be met by government or contractor resources.

• FFRDCs must provide a letter, on official letterhead from their sponsoring organization, that (a) cites the specific authority establishing their eligibility to propose to government solicitations and compete with industry, and (b) certifies the FFRDC’s compliance with the associated FFRDC sponsor agreement’s terms and conditions.

• UARCs must provide an OCI mitigation plan due to status as DARPA trusted advisor

• Government Entities must clearly demonstrate that the work is not otherwise available from the private sector and provide written documentation citing the specific statutory authority and contractual authority, if relevant, establishing their ability to propose to government solicitations and compete with industry.

If proposing one of these entities as a team member, ensure the Prime proposals includes the documentation above AND costs are presented as segregable.

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• No common Statement of Work. DARPA describes the problem, propers provide their solution

• Proposals are evaluated on individual merit and relevance as it relates to the stated research goals/objectives rather than against one another

• Selections will be made to proposers whose proposals are determined to be most advantageous to the

Government, all factors considered, including potential contributions to research program and availability of funding

• Evaluation Criteria

• Overall Scientific and Technical Merit …. Quantitative justification (e.g., modeling/simulation, preliminary experimental results) is provided for technical claims, including proposer-defined metrics…

• Potential Contribution and Relevance to the DARPA Mission … support DARPA’s mission…

• Budget and Price … price element provides commensurate technical, schedule, or execution value, and is necessary, appropriately scaled…

• Plans and Capability to Accomplish Technology Transition …will take into consideration the extent to which the proposed IP rights structure will potentially impact the Government’s ability to assess deliverables and to transition the technology…

• See Full Evaluation Criteria are in Section II of the PS

Scientific Review Process

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Dates/Time: All Times are Eastern Time Zone (ET)

• Posting Date: September 25, 2026

• Proposers Day: September 30, 2026

• Proposal Abstract Due Date: October 27, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

• ABSTRACTS ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A FULL PROPOSAL! DON’T BE LATE!

• CREATE YOUR BAAT ACCOUNT 24-48 HOURS PRIOR!

• Questions Due Date: December 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

• Deadline to Notify of Intent to Submit Proposal: December 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

• ASSIST IN SCHEDULING THE IN PERSON ORAL PROPOSALS

• EFORM60 FOR ANY U.S. PERMANENT RESIDENTS AND FOREIGN NATIONALS

• Proposal Due Date: December 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

• ENSURE BAAT ACCOUNT IS ACTIVE 24-48 HOURS PRIOR!

• Anticipated Oral Presentation Dates: January 5 – 20, 2027

• Estimated Period of Performance Start: April 1, 2027(for pricing purposes)

APM Timelines

9Distribution Statement A. Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited.

Tips for a compliant proposal

• Submit the abstract and proposal on time!

– Proposal due date and PS closing date are the same – do not be late!

– ENSURE BAAT ACCOUNT IS ACTIVE AT LEAST 1-DAY PRIOR TO SUBMISSION! Inactive accounts will be deleted if inactive for 30-days per DoW policy. ACCOUNTS MAY BE DEACTIVATED BETWEEN ABSTRACT

AND PROPOSAL.

– Confirm any proprietary subperformer information has been provided directly to the DARPA.

• Submit all required Attachments!

– READ instructions contained within each Attachment!

– If using an FFRDC, UARC, or Government Entity please be aware of all the required documentation!

– PRIMES – please ensure all the required sub-perfomrer information is included

– All proposals must include a detailed list of key, observable payment milestones (Milestone Plan)

• Submit within the page limitations described in the PS!

– Pages beyond the limit will not be reviewed

10Distribution Statement A. Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited.

Communication

• Prior to Receipt of Proposals (Solicitation Phase): No restrictions, however Gov’t (PM/PCO) shall not dictate solutions or transfer technology

– Typically handled through the FAQ, but see PS exceptions

• After Receipt of Proposals/Prior to Selections (Scientific Review Phase): Limited to Agreements Officer or PS Coordinator (with approval) to address clarifications requested by the review team

– Proposal cannot be changed in response to clarification requests

• After Selection/Prior to Award (Negotiation Phase): Negotiations are conducted by the Contracting/Agreements Officer

– PM and/or AOR typically tasked with finalizing the SOW/TDD (with PI)

– PM and/or AOR typically involved in any technical discussions (i.e., partial selection discussions)

– Pre-award costs will not be reimbursed unless a pre-award cost agreement is negotiated prior to award

• Informal Feedback Sessions (Post Selection): May be requested/provided once the selection(s) are made

– If made on a timely basis (~2 wks. after letter), all requests will be accepted

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