DARPA | RF Architectures Applying Photonic Timing and Routing (RAAPTR)
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
Application Deadline: August 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
DARPA is seeking proposals for the Radiofrequency Architectures Applying Photonic Timing and Routing (RAAPTR) program to develop next-generation radiofrequency (RF) system architectures that use optical timing technologies to improve performance on compact mobile defense platforms. The program focuses on vibration-hardened photonic microwave oscillators, supporting analog and mixed-signal components, and RF system architectures that can maintain ultra-low phase noise and timing precision in demanding military environments.
DARPA anticipates investing $58,000,000 through three to five Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype Agreements under 10 U.S.C. 4022. The program is structured as a 42-month effort consisting of a 24-month component development phase followed by an 18-month system integration and demonstration phase.
This opportunity is intended for organizations capable of developing breakthrough RF and photonic technologies rather than incremental improvements. DARPA specifically excludes research that advances non-optical methods of microwave generation or produces only evolutionary improvements to existing technologies.
Companies interested in applying should begin preparing immediately. Before submitting a full proposal, applicants must complete several required pre-proposal steps, including requesting the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Addendum, submitting a required abstract, and providing a Notification of Intent to Propose.
Key dates include:
CUI Addendum Request Deadline: July 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Required Abstract Due Date: July 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Notification of Intent to Propose: August 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Question and Answer Deadline: August 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Proposal Due Date: August 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Estimated Period of Performance Start: December 1, 2026.
How much funding would I receive?
DARPA anticipates providing:
Total anticipated funding: $58,000,000
Anticipated number of awards: Three to five individual awards
Award instrument: Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype Agreements under 10 U.S.C. 4022
The solicitation does not specify:
Individual award sizes
Minimum or maximum award amounts
Expected funding by performer
Funding allocations by technical area
Because DARPA expects only three to five awards across the full program budget, award values are expected to vary based on each selected proposal's scope of work and negotiated budget. The solicitation does not provide additional detail.
What could I use the funding for?
Funding is intended to support the development of RF system architectures that use an optical timing backbone to improve RF performance on compact mobile defense platforms.
DARPA is seeking work in several areas, including:
Develop vibration-hardened photonic microwave oscillators
Projects may focus on technologies capable of maintaining ultra-low phase noise and precise timing under challenging environmental conditions encountered by mobile military platforms.
Target component metrics include:
Phase noise less than -120 dBc/Hz at 100 Hz offset
Phase noise less than -150 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset
Relative timing error less than 1 picosecond for 1–100 second intervals
Oscillator volume less than 300 cc
Develop supporting RF components
Funding may support development of vibration-hardened ancillary analog and mixed-signal components needed to preserve optical timing performance throughout an RF system, including examples such as:
RF mixers
Amplifiers
Digitizers
Design complete RF architectures
DARPA is seeking architectures that use optical technologies throughout the RF system rather than simply replacing an oscillator.
Potential capabilities include:
Optical timing backbones
Low-noise frequency synthesis
Stable clock distribution
Time and frequency synchronization
High-bandwidth optical data transfer
Digital signal processing architectures that exploit optical timing and data movement
Demonstrate defense-relevant use cases
Proposers are expected to identify defense applications for their architectures. The solicitation identifies examples including:
Radar
Signal direction finding
Communications
Electronic warfare (EW)
Build and demonstrate integrated prototypes
The program concludes with integration of developed technologies into a brassboard prototype for testing under relevant environmental conditions on a Government-furnished airborne platform.
DARPA states that proposals should pursue revolutionary advances rather than incremental improvements to current RF technologies. Research that advances non-optical microwave generation methods or produces only evolutionary improvements is specifically excluded.
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
In addition to potential funding, selected performers may receive several forms of Government support during the program.
Government technical support
DARPA anticipates support from:
Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
NIST's Precision Photonic Synthesis Group within the Time and Frequency Division
The Government expects to provide information, analysis, and support related to vibration-hardened optical reference cavities and photonic microwave generation techniques.
Government-furnished information
By Month 6, DARPA anticipates providing performers with:
A Government reference design for a vibration-hardened chip-scale optical reference cavity
Associated design details
Test data
Government-furnished testing
At the end of Phase 2:
Final noise-performance testing will occur at a Government test facility.
Testing will use a Government-furnished airborne platform.
The Government will coordinate and execute the testing.
The Government will collect and post-process test data.
Potential follow-on opportunities
The solicitation states that:
Follow-on production contracts or transactions may be awarded pursuant to 10 U.S.C. § 4022.
During the transition between Phase 1 and Phase 2, DARPA intends to finalize technology application areas and notes there is potential for additional work based on architectural designs developed during Phase 1.
The solicitation does not guarantee any follow-on funding or production awards.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Key dates include:
CUI Addendum Request Deadline: July 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Required Abstract Due Date: July 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Notification of Intent to Propose: August 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Question and Answer Deadline: August 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Proposal Due Date: August 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Estimated Period of Performance Start: December 1, 2026.
The solicitation states that the RAAPTR program is planned as a 42-month effort, consisting of:
Phase 1 (24 months)
Component development
RF architecture design
Breadboard prototype development
Environmental testing
Phase 2 (18 months)
Brassboard integration
Environmental testing
Flight testing on a Government-furnished airborne platform
The solicitation does not specify exactly when individual award agreements will be executed or when awardees will receive funding. It states only that the Estimated Period of Performance Start is December 1, 2026.
Proposal Deadline: August 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
Where does this funding come from?
This funding opportunity is offered by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) through the Multi X Office (MXO).
The program is titled Radiofrequency Architectures Applying Photonic Timing and Routing (RAAPTR) and is intended to advance radiofrequency (RF) system architectures that employ optical timing technologies for defense applications.
DARPA plans to award funding through Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype Agreements under 10 U.S.C. 4022.
According to the solicitation, the program is intended to support technologies that contribute to DARPA's mission of making "pivotal early technology investments that create or prevent technological surprise." Proposed efforts are evaluated in part on their potential contribution to the national security technology base.
Who is eligible to apply?
DARPA states that all responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government's needs may submit proposals.
Eligible applicants include:
U.S. organizations
Non-U.S. organizations
U.S. and non-U.S. individuals, provided they comply with applicable security regulations, export control laws, nondisclosure agreements, and other governing statutes
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Small Businesses
Small Disadvantaged Businesses
Minority Institutions
Foreign participants must comply with:
International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), if applicable
Export Administration Regulations (EAR), if applicable
To be eligible for consideration, organizations must also satisfy several solicitation-specific requirements.
Applicants must:
Request and receive the RAAPTR Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Addendum using the procedures described in the solicitation.
Submit a timely, compliant required abstract.
Submit a proposal under the same organization identified by a unique CAGE code.
Meet the required Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 (Self-Assessment) requirements before award eligibility.
Submit proposals through DARPA's Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT).
Submission of the required abstract is mandatory. The solicitation states that only organizations that submit a timely, compliant abstract will be eligible to submit a full proposal.
Who is not eligible to apply?
The solicitation identifies several organizations and situations that are not eligible.
Organizations that are not eligible
The following organizations are not eligible to propose:
Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs)
University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs)
Government Entities, including National Laboratories
Organizations that will not be considered
DARPA states that proposals will not be considered if the organization:
Did not request and receive the RAAPTR CUI Addendum.
Did not submit a timely, compliant required abstract.
Does not meet the required CMMC Level 2 eligibility requirements before award.
Submits through a different CAGE code than the one authorized for the CUI Addendum.
Contractor conflicts
DARPA also states that contractors or performers are prohibited from concurrently:
Providing Systems Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA),
Providing Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS), or
Providing similar support services to DARPA,
while also serving as a technical performer on the program, unless a written waiver is granted by the DARPA Deputy Director.
The solicitation does not identify any additional eligibility exclusions.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
DARPA evaluates proposals using three criteria, listed in descending order of importance:
Overall Scientific and Technical Merit
Potential Contribution and Relevance to the DARPA Mission
Budget and Price
Based on these evaluation criteria, the strongest proposals are likely to:
Offer innovative technical approaches
DARPA states the proposed approach should be:
Innovative
Feasible
Achievable
Complete
Address the full technical challenge
Competitive projects will present a logical technical plan with clearly defined tasks, deliverables, milestones, and risk mitigation strategies.
Demonstrate strong technical teams
DARPA expects teams to possess the expertise and experience needed to complete the proposed work and to have clearly defined management structures, responsibilities, communication pathways, and decision-making authority.
Support DARPA's mission
Projects should demonstrate how they strengthen the national security technology base and create capabilities relevant to future defense systems.
Enable technology transition
DARPA will evaluate whether proposed intellectual property restrictions could significantly affect the Government's ability to transition the resulting technology.
Present realistic budgets
Budgets should:
Reflect the proposed technical approach.
Demonstrate an appropriate level of effort.
Align milestone payments with the solicitation's milestone schedule.
For projects with commercial application, the solicitation states that appropriate direct cost sharing may be a positive factor in the evaluation.
The solicitation also states that DARPA is seeking revolutionary advances in photonic RF technologies and specifically excludes research that advances non-optical microwave generation methods or results only in evolutionary improvements to the current state of practice.
How competitive will this solicitation be?
The solicitation does not specify an expected number of proposals or anticipated success rate.
However, several factors indicate that this opportunity is likely to be highly competitive.
DARPA anticipates:
$58,000,000 in total funding.
Three to five individual awards.
The program also includes multiple mandatory pre-proposal requirements, including:
Requesting the RAAPTR CUI Addendum.
Submitting a required abstract.
Submitting a Notification of Intent to Propose.
Participating in oral presentations if invited.
Additionally, proposals are evaluated on scientific merit, relevance to DARPA's mission, and budget, with technical merit receiving the greatest weight.
The solicitation also requires applicants to demonstrate capabilities across multiple disciplines, including photonic technologies, RF systems, analog and mixed-signal components, digital architectures, system integration, environmental hardening, and platform demonstration.
The solicitation does not provide historical award rates, anticipated proposal volume, or estimated funding rate.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Yes. This solicitation includes several technical, security, submission, and eligibility requirements that applicants should understand before investing time in preparing a proposal.
Certain research is specifically excluded
DARPA states that the following work is not responsive to this solicitation:
Research that advances non-optical methods of microwave generation
Research that results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice
The program is intended to support revolutionary advances in photonic RF technologies.
Submission of an abstract is mandatory
Organizations must submit a timely, compliant abstract to be eligible to submit a full proposal.
The required abstract is due:
July 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
Organizations that do not submit a compliant abstract will not be considered.
Organizations must receive the RAAPTR CUI Addendum
Only organizations that:
Request the RAAPTR CUI Addendum, and
Are provided access to it
may submit proposals.
The CUI Addendum request deadline is:
July 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
Organizations that do not receive the CUI Addendum will not be considered.
CMMC requirements apply
The required cybersecurity level is:
CMMC Level 2 (Self-Assessment) – Broad Protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
To be eligible for award, the proposer's CAGE code must have:
A valid, unexpired Final Level 2 CMMC status recorded in SPRS.
A current annual CMMC affirmation recorded in SPRS.
Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
The program operates under Controlled Unclassified Information requirements.
Applicants handling CUI must comply with:
DoD Instruction 5200.48
NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2
The solicitation also notes that portions of the program may involve classified information, although classified proposals are not required.
AI disclosure requirement
DARPA asks proposers to disclose whether artificial intelligence tools were used to prepare Volume 1 of the proposal.
If AI tools were used:
The proposal must identify the tools used.
AI-generated or AI-assisted technical content must include citations describing the tool, the content, and the purpose.
The solicitation states that this information will not be used for evaluation purposes.
Proposal submission restrictions
Applicants must:
Submit proposals through the DARPA Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT).
Submit before the deadline.
Email submissions will not be accepted.
Late submissions will not be accepted.
DARPA encourages applicants to submit at least 48 hours before the deadline.
Other restrictions
Additional restrictions include:
Pre-recorded oral presentations are not permitted.
Contractors performing SETA, Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS), or similar support services to DARPA may not simultaneously serve as technical performers without a written waiver.
Some awards may include publication restrictions depending on whether the research is determined to be fundamental or non-fundamental research.
The Government requires no less than Government Purpose Rights (GPR) to data developed under the program. Proposers must identify any pre-existing intellectual property restrictions that could affect technology transition.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
Applicants should plan for a substantial proposal preparation effort.
The solicitation requires several activities before a full proposal can be submitted, including:
Requesting access to the RAAPTR CUI Addendum.
Preparing and submitting a required abstract.
Submitting a Notification of Intent to Propose.
Preparing a full technical proposal using multiple required templates and attachments.
Preparing pricing documentation.
Completing milestone schedules.
Preparing for a potential oral presentation.
The solicitation also requires applicants to submit:
Proposal Summary Slide
Technical and Management Volume
Price Volume
DARPA Price Summary Spreadsheet
Other Transaction Certification
Task Description Document
Schedule of Milestones and Payments
Organizations must also satisfy applicable cybersecurity, CUI handling, and security screening requirements.
Because of these requirements, along with the technical complexity of the RAAPTR program, applicants should allow significant time to coordinate technical contributors, subcontractors, budgets, compliance documentation, and proposal development.
The solicitation does not specify how long proposal preparation is expected to take.
How can BW&CO help?
Applying to DARPA programs requires more than writing a compelling technical narrative. Successful proposals also require a compliant submission, a clear commercialization and transition strategy where applicable, disciplined program management, and careful coordination across technical teams.
BW&CO can support applicants by:
Determining whether the RAAPTR program aligns with your technology and business objectives.
Developing a compliant proposal package aligned with DARPA's solicitation requirements.
Coordinating technical writing across multiple contributors.
Preparing milestone-based project plans and budgets.
Reviewing proposal compliance before submission.
Helping position your technical approach around the evaluation criteria described in the solicitation.