Generating RF with Photonic Oscillators for low Noise (GRYPHON)

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), through its Microsystems Technology Office, issued a Broad Agency Announcement seeking proposals to develop compact, low-noise microwave frequency synthesizers under solicitation number HR001121S0022. DARPA seeks proposals for two technical areas involving the development of robust synthesizers achieving unprecedented noise and agility metrics, as well as fundamental research exploring performance beyond current limits. Proposals will be evaluated based on technical merit, transition potential, and cost/price, with proposals due by June 18, 2021 and awards anticipated to begin November 2021 for periods of performance up to 48 months.

The solicitation includes no set-asides. Research will fall under NAICS code 541715 for Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences and PSC code R408 for Advanced Electronic Development, Research, and Engineering Services. Multiple awards are expected across phases to demonstrate synthesizers meeting metrics and experimentally validate approaches, with estimated budgets ranging from $500,000 to $2,000,000 per year depending on scope and timelines. Technical Area 1 involves prototypes to technology readiness level 4-5 within 48 months, while Technical Area 2 explores fundamental limits within 36 months.