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The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) seeks proposals to develop technologies for a 100-channel, non-invasive brain-computer interface with 50-micron spatial and 100-microsecond temporal resolution, with Oral Presentation Proposal packages due November 9, 2026, and abstracts due October 19, 2026. The award instrument is an Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype Agreement under 10 U.S.C. 4022, with no set-aside restriction.

Proposers may address one or both of two independent Technical Areas: TA1 focuses on scalable components for dynamic rastering and scanning of coherent optical signals at 1310 nm wavelength targeting multiple regions of interest; TA2 focuses on analog domain data processing architectures to handle high data rates and computational burden of scaled neural data recording. Multiple awards are anticipated between $4,000,000 and $7,000,000 across all three phases. The program extends 36 months across three 12-month phases, with Phase 1 as the initial award and Phases 2 and 3 as option periods.

NAICS code is 541714, Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology). PSC code is AC12. Questions are due October 13, 2026 (4:00 PM ET). A Proposers Day is scheduled for September 21, 2026. Oral presentations are anticipated one week after OPP submission in the Washington, DC metro area; the Government will not reimburse travel costs.

Evaluation of abstracts weighs Technical Comprehension, Technical Ability, and Budget. Selected proposers submit OPP packages evaluated on technical approach (innovation, feasibility, risk mitigation), relevant qualifications (personnel experience and past performance in prototype development), and budget reasonableness and alignment with deliverables, in descending order of importance. All submissions must comply with CMMC Level 1 requirements and address organizational conflicts of interest. Cost sharing is not required unless the proposer is a traditional defense contractor not working substantially with a non-traditional partner. Non-traditional defense contractors are encouraged.