RF Architectures Applying Photonic Timing and Routing (RAAPTR)

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) seeks innovative proposals for the RF Architectures Applying Photonic Timing and Routing (RAAPTR) program to develop radiofrequency system architectures employing optical timing precision for mobile land, air, and space-based defense platforms, with full proposals due August 24, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. ET. The procurement carries a CUI-gating requirement: only organizations that have requested and received the RAAPTR Controlled Unclassified Information Addendum by July 6, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET may serve as prime proposers; eligible entities must achieve and maintain NIST SP 800-171 assessment scores between 88 and 110 (completed within three years). FFRDCs, UARCs, Government entities, and National Laboratories are ineligible at all levels.

DARPA anticipates awarding $58 million across three to five individual performers using Other Transaction agreements for prototypes under 10 U.S.C. 4022, operating on fixed-price milestone-based payment structures with no initial payment at award. The 42-month program spans Phase 1 (24 months, component development and RF system architecture design) and Phase 2 (18 months, brassboard integration and airborne platform testing on Government-furnished equipment). Hardware deliverables include a packaged oscillator prototype and flight-test-ready integrated brassboards, which transfer to DARPA and remain indefinitely in Government possession.

Critical performance metrics require phase noise less than −120 dBc/Hz at 100 Hz offset and −150 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset, timing deviation not exceeding 1 picosecond over 1–100 second intervals, oscillator volume under 300 cubic centimeters, and oscillator performance maintained within 3 dB across a full analog-RF transceiver chain under temperature variation of −40 to 85°C and 7.7 grms vibration. Specifically excluded is research advancing non-optical methods of microwave generation or evolutionary improvements to existing state-of-practice solutions. Oscillators must employ optical approaches (integrated photonics, optical fiber-based methods, or other optical techniques) but need not include tunable frequency generation. Proposals must identify intended use cases demonstrating how optical devices overcome legacy electronic system limitations for compact mobile defense applications, though formal technology transition paths are optional.

Proposers must obtain CMMC Level 2 certification (current Final Level 2 status with annual affirmation in SPRS) and foreign nationals or U.S. Permanent Residents participating in oral presentations must submit a DARPA eForm 60 by the August 7 intent-to-propose deadline. Abstracts are due July 13 at 1:00 p.m. ET; DARPA typically responds within 30 days indicating whether to submit full proposals. Oral presentations are anticipated September 2–24, 2026, limited to 30 slides followed by 45-minute interactive Q&A, with Principal Investigator required in-person attendance and up to four additional in-person participants permitted. Program start is estimated December 1, 2026. All data developed under the program is subject to Government Purpose Rights. The NAICS code is 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology); PSC code is AC12 (National Defense R&D Services, DoD Military, Applied Research).