Space Power Conversion Electronics (SPCE)

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency seeks proposals to develop compact point-of-load voltage converters that are radiation tolerant, efficient, and can achieve an 85% conversion rate from a 48V input to 1V output with over 500W/in3 power density and radiation tolerance exceeding 75MeV-cm2/mg. Proposals are due December 6, 2022 and will be evaluated based on the technical approach, offeror qualifications, and ability to meet technical objectives over multiple phases. Frequently asked questions were addressed on October 3rd and 19th.

The solicitation has no set-aside designations. The predominant NAICS code is 541712 and primary PSC code is R408. Approximately $60 million in funding is anticipated to be awarded across multiple contracts for technical area one involving radiation hardened transistors and converters, with $3 million available for technical area two involving fundamental device exploration. Phase one awards are expected to be made in May 2023 for periods of performance to advance compact power conversion technologies critical to space-based systems.