Farseer: Quantum Sensing for ISR - HQ0034-20-9-DIU
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is seeking mature quantum sensing and timing technologies through its Farseer program to rapidly transition commercial quantum capabilities into operational Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) applications for the Department of War (DoW). The program focuses on four Lines of Effort (LoEs): magnetometers, gravimeters, portable clocks, and enabling component technologies. Solutions must demonstrate prototype readiness, a clear transition path to operational deployment, and a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4. Vendors may submit one solution brief per LoE and may apply to multiple LoEs. Responses are due by 2026-07-10 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time. Companies with mature quantum technologies that can be demonstrated in operational environments within three to nine months of award should strongly consider applying.
How much funding would I receive?
The solicitation does not specify award amounts but typically awards from DIU range from $500,000 to about $5 million.
What could I use the funding for?
Funding may support prototype projects related to:
Quantum magnetometers for ISR applications.
Scalar absolute gravimeters and single-component gravity gradiometers.
Portable quantum clocks for Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT), resilient communications, and coherent sensor networks.
Component technologies that reduce Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) or improve manufacturability of quantum sensing and timing systems.
Prototyping, manufacturing, integration, field testing, ruggedization, and operational demonstrations of qualifying technologies.
Agile development activities and iterative technology insertions throughout the program lifecycle.
Lines of Efforts (LoE):
LoE 1: Magnetometers
The DoW seeks commercial solutions to prototype magnetometers for strategic ISR needs. Magnetometers detecting signals above 100 Hz are of potential interest, with solutions expected to operate in specific frequency ranges that are relevant to targeted DoW and commercial applications.
LoE 2: Gravimeters
The DoW seeks commercial solutions to prototype scalar absolute gravimeters and single-component gravity gradiometers for warfighter needs suitable for static, low-dynamics (e.g., maritime), or high-dynamics (e.g., airborne) contexts. Representative operational metrics are provided in Tables 2-4 based on potential applications in each context. Submissions should specify expected sensor performance in targeted DoW and commercial applications. Example commercial applications include mineral surveying, oil & gas field monitoring, and detection of sink holes or underground voids.
LoE 3: Portable Clocks
The DoW seeks commercial solutions that progress prototyping, manufacturing, integration, and field testing of portable clocks for warfighter needs that achieve the operational metrics given in Table 3. Submissions may propose solutions focused on (a) scaling clock manufacturing, or (b) integration of existing prototypes into new and legacy platforms. Platforms of relevance include Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) capabilities, resilient communications, as well as coherent sensor network applications. For the latter category of submissions, solutions may optionally focus on ruggedization of existing prototypes to military specifications and hardware/software interfaces that enable fusion of portable clock outputs with existing timing infrastructure on DoW platforms. System integration submitters can assume tactical clock RF outputs of 10 MHz, 100 MHz and 1 PPS, with the SWaP metrics indicated in Table 5.
LoE 4: Component Technologies
The DoW seeks commercial solutions to reduce the SWaP and improve the manufacturability of the current generation of quantum platforms described in LoEs 1-3 or less mature but relevant quantum sensors for ISR applications such as Rydberg electric field sensors. Maturation of components such as chip-scale lasers, micro-optics, photonic integrated circuits, cryogenics, and vapor cells that are necessary to enable operational utility of quantum sensors and clocks.
Compelling solutions will have one or more of the following characteristics:
Clear insertion pathway to quantum sensor or clock technical solutions, which may occur in mid-course development spirals.
Modular and broad applicability to multiple types of quantum platforms.
Production that can scale to mature manufacturing/microfabrication processes involving trusted manufacturers/foundries, if they are not already mature.
Contributes to quantum supply chain robustness.
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Potential benefits include:
Opportunity to demonstrate technology in operational military environments.
Participation in a multi-phase program that includes functional and operational demonstrations.
Potential integration with Department of War mission partners.
Eligibility for award through an Other Transaction (OT) agreement under 10 U.S.C. 4022.
Potential direct award of follow-on production contracts or transactions without further competition upon successful completion of a prototype effort.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Application deadline: 2026-07-10 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time.
The solicitation follows a three-phase process:
Solution Brief submission.
Pitch session for selected companies.
Full proposal submission for companies invited to continue.
DIU states it will strive to notify companies within approximately 30 days if it is interested in learning more through a pitch. The solicitation does not specify award dates, contracting timelines, or funding disbursement dates. Prototype periods of performance may not exceed 24 months.
Where does this funding come from?
The opportunity is offered by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) on behalf of the Department of War through the Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) process. Any resulting agreements will be awarded under Other Transactions Authority (OTA) pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 4022.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include:
U.S. vendors.
International vendors.
Vendors applying independently or collaboratively.
Vendors that currently have or previously had contracts with DIU.
Traditional defense contractors.
Nontraditional defense contractors.
Nonprofit research institutions, where otherwise eligible under OTA requirements.
Companies proposing solutions with a minimum current TRL of 4.
Who is not eligible to apply?
The solicitation states that:
Solutions below TRL 4 are not eligible.
Projects with periods of performance longer than 24 months are not eligible.
Respondents must be eligible to receive an award under 10 U.S.C. 4022.
Companies that are suspended, debarred, prohibited by law, or otherwise determined ineligible for federal award may not receive an agreement.
No additional eligibility exclusions are explicitly specified.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
Based on the stated evaluation criteria and desired solution attributes, competitive projects are likely to demonstrate:
Mature prototypes ready for operational testing within three to nine months after award.
Clear transition pathways to operational deployment within two to three years.
Improvements in sensitivity and SWaP beyond current state-of-the-art solutions.
Strong technical merit and feasibility.
Open Systems Architecture and Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) alignment where applicable.
Evidence of manufacturability, scalability, and supply chain robustness.
Previous laboratory, field, defense, or commercial testing results.
Dual-use commercial market potential.
Clear insertion pathways into military ISR applications.
Unique, innovative, or underutilized technologies relevant to the stated mission needs.How competitive will this solicitation be?
ONR plans to fund approximately five to six awards, indicating a limited number of available selections.
The solicitation does not specify the expected number of applicants, historical success rates, or anticipated competition levels.
How competitive will this solicitation be?
The solicitation is expected to be competitive.
DIU states that it routinely receives more solution briefs than it has resources to award and that only a select group of submissions will be invited to pitch. Solution briefs are evaluated on relevance to the Area of Interest, technical merit, feasibility, innovation, and company viability.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Key restrictions include:
Vendors may submit no more than one solution brief per Line of Effort.
Solutions must have a minimum current TRL of 4.
Periods of performance may not exceed 24 months.
Solution briefs must be submitted through the DIU website.
Late submissions will not be reviewed.
Submissions must be unclassified.
Respondents must be eligible for award under OTA authority.
Technical data with military applications may require export approvals or licenses.
Companies must register in SAM prior to award.
Any awarded agreement will require compliance with Section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
The solicitation requests a solution brief that is approximately:
Five written pages or fewer, or
Fifteen slides or fewer.
Applicants must provide technical, business, prototype readiness, transition readiness, ruggedness, and commercialization information. The solicitation does not estimate preparation time.
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can help your team:
Determine the most appropriate Line of Effort.
Assess alignment with DIU evaluation criteria.
Position your technology around prototype readiness, transition readiness, and dual-use value.
Develop a compliant solution brief and supporting materials.
Prepare for DIU pitch sessions.
Structure technical narratives around operational military outcomes and commercialization potential.
Support proposal development if invited to Phase 3.
