Atomically Precise Molecules (APM)

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) seeks innovative proposals for new synthesis techniques for polymeric materials and nonlinear optical (NLO) materials, with full proposals due December 18, 2026 and abstracts due October 27, 2026. Awards will be made as Other Transaction Prototype Agreements under 10 U.S.C. 4022, with multiple awards anticipated; no set-aside applies.

Proposed research must investigate revolutionary approaches enabling advanced material synthesis scalable to application-relevant quantities, culminating in prototype demonstration of revolutionary NLO materials integrated into functional government-provided electro-optic modulators. Research resulting primarily in evolutionary improvements to existing practice, proposals employing solely inorganic materials without a polymeric component, and proposals modifying or repurposing existing NLO materials for incremental improvements are explicitly excluded. Proposals must include exceptional technical justification; claims lacking such justification are not acceptable.

The program spans 36 months structured as Phase 1 (12 months, base) and Phase 2 (24 months, option), with an anticipated performance start of April 1, 2027. Phase 1 includes two material demonstrations (months 6 and 11) with anticipated performer down-select at phase conclusion; Phase 2 includes two demonstrations (months 23 and 35) culminating in integrated device performance evaluation. Performance metrics require Phase 1 achievement of electrooptic coefficient n₃r₃₃ ≥ 3000 pm/V and optical loss of 1 dB/cm; Phase 2 targets n₃r₃₃ ≥ 8000 pm/V, voltage-length product VπL ≤ 0.0005 V·cm, and bandwidth ≥ 1 THz.

Only eligible U.S. organizations may serve as prime performers. FFRDCs, UARCs, and government entities are ineligible as primes but may participate as subcontractors if demonstrating unique, non-commercially available capabilities and committing to technology transition. Foreign entities cannot perform R&D tasks as primes, subcontractors, or team members; foreign national students and postdoctoral researchers may participate if affiliated with eligible U.S. institutions and complying with security and Controlled Unclassified Information guidelines. Multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional teams are encouraged but not required.

Performers retain title to Subject Inventions and commercialization rights; the government receives minimum Government Purpose Rights to foreground data and license rights for independent verification, validation, and performance metrics evaluation. CMMC Level 2 (Self) certification is required for information systems processing Federal Contract Information and Controlled Unclassified Information; an optional Phase 1 CMMC Compliance Milestone provides up to $25,000 in dedicated funding. Intellectual property terms are negotiated at award. All proposals must disclose pre-existing intellectual property with restrictions clearly justified, confirm acceptance of Government Purpose Rights for technical data and software, and provide sufficient Form, Fit, and Function data for government testing and evaluation.

A mandatory proposers' day was held September 30, 2026. NAICS code is 541715; PSC is AC12. Questions are directed to APM@darpa.mil.