Microsystem Induced CAtalysis (MICA) Proposers Day

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has issued a Special Notice announcing a Proposers Day for the Microsystem Induced CAtalysis (MICA) program on January 23, 2025. The event will be held in-person at Booz Allen Hamilton in McLean, VA from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET. This Proposers Day is designed to provide information about the MICA program, facilitate discussion, address potential proposer questions, and create opportunities for teaming arrangements. The notice is part of DARPA's efforts to advance research in microsystems and molecular catalysis, specifically focusing on developing innovative approaches to modulate molecular catalyst activity. The event is classified under the Research and Development in Nanotechnology NAICS category and National Defense R&D Services PSC category.

The primary objective of the MICA program is to develop advanced concepts for using microsystems to control and modulate molecular catalysts, with a particular emphasis on biomolecular catalysts. Contractors interested in participating must register by January 16, 2025, with attendance limited to 147 in-person participants and 300 virtual attendees. Proposers are required to submit their profiles by January 21, 2025, and non-U.S. citizens must submit foreign visit documentation by the registration deadline. The program seeks hardware demonstrations of molecular catalysts immobilized on microsystem surfaces and controlled by physical forces, with a focus on accurate placement and robust attachment of catalytic molecules. Key technical requirements include compatibility with standard microelectronics manufacturing and the ability to couple with digital logic platforms like FPGA or CMOS. The event will feature technical presentations, lightning round sessions (limited to 12 presenters with 5 minutes each), and poster sessions to showcase potential research approaches and capabilities.