Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.
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The Atomically Precise Molecules (APM) program, solicitation DARPA-PS-26-141, is a Department of Defense initiative managed by the DARPA Multi X Office. The program seeks innovative synthesis techniques for programmable precision polymers (PPPs) to develop revolutionary nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. The primary objective is to create scalable materials with strictly controlled monomer sequences and composition, culminating in a prototype demonstration integrated into a government-provided electro-optic modulator. Key technical goals include achieving modulation greater than 1THz and meeting specific optical loss metrics. The program is structured in two phases, with an anticipated start date of April 1, 2027, and a performance period extending through 18 months.
Awards will be issued as Other Transaction for Prototype Agreements, with payments tied to a schedule of milestones and processed via the Wide Area Workflow system. Proposals are evaluated based on scientific and technical merit, relevance to the DARPA mission, budget realism, and the capability for technology transition. Strict eligibility requirements apply, as non-US organizations are prohibited from participating. Additionally, performers must adhere to rigorous cybersecurity standards, including CMMC Level 2 self-certification and compliance with NIST SP 800-171 R2 controls for the protection of Controlled Unclassified Information. Full proposals, including technical, management, and pricing volumes, must be submitted through the Broad Agency Announcement Tool by December 18, 2026.
General Info
DARPA seeks US-based synthesis of precision polymers for nonlinear optical materials by 2027.
HighAI Summary for DARPA APM Task Description Document (TDD) Template: A template for the Task Description Document (TDD) for the Atomically Precise Molecules (APM) program. It provides instructions for performers to define the technical scope, project overview, technical tasks, deliverables, and program management requirements. The document specifies that the TDD will serve as the technical scope document incorporated into the final agreement.
DOCX
DOCX, High priority: read this first30 pages · contract-document
HighAI Summary for DARPA Model Other Transaction for Prototype (Attachment I): This document is a model Other Transaction (OT) agreement provided by DARPA for the APM program. It serves as a template of the general terms and conditions for resulting awards, allowing proposers to suggest edits. It includes standard articles covering scope, management, payment, data rights, and intellectual property, as well as a list of required attachments such as the Task Description Document and Schedule of Milestones.
DOCX
DOCX, High priority: read this first4 pages · sow
HighAI Summary for DARPA-PS-26-141 APM Attachment A Abstract Template: This document is a mandatory template for the submission of abstracts for the DARPA APM solicitation. It outlines strict formatting requirements, page limits, and required sections, including Proposed Approach, Technology Challenges, Technical Ability, Estimated Cost and Schedule, and CMMC Level 2 certification/compliance plans. It serves as the primary instruction set for proposers to structure their initial conceptual submissions.
XLSX
XLSX, High priority: read this first19 pages · specifications
HighAI Summary for DARPA-PS-26-141 APM Price Detail Spreadsheet: This document is a price detail spreadsheet template for solicitation DARPA-PS-26-141 (APM). It provides a structured format for proposers to submit detailed cost proposals, including direct labor, fringe benefits, overhead, subcontracts, consultants, and G&A costs across multiple phases. It serves as a critical bid schedule for the government to evaluate the reasonableness and accuracy of proposed pricing.
DOCX
DOCX, High priority: read this first6 pages · specifications
HighAI Summary for DARPA-PS-26-141 APM Pricing Proposal Instructions and Volume II Template: This document provides detailed instructions and a template for the Pricing Volume (Attachment D) for the DARPA-PS-26-141 APM solicitation. It specifies formatting requirements, the mandatory use of the Attachment E Price Detail Spreadsheet, and detailed requirements for reporting direct labor, materials, equipment, and travel. It includes a cover sheet template and requires a resource-loaded Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) mapped to the Task Description Document (TDD).
DOCX
DOCX, High priority: read this first9 pages · rfp
HighAI Summary for DARPA-PS-26-141 APM Proposal Instructions and Volume I Template: This document provides mandatory proposal instructions and a template for Volume I (Technical and Management Proposal) for DARPA-PS-26-141: APM. It details requirements for oral presentations (max 20 slides) and written content (max 25 pages), including specific formatting rules, page limit exclusions, and a mandatory cover sheet for submission via the Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT).
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PDF, High priority: read this first23 pages · rfp
HighAI Summary for DARPA-PS-26-141 Atomically Precise Molecules (APM): Initial Program Solicitation (DARPA-PS-26-141) issued September 25, 2026, by the DARPA Multi X Office. The program seeks innovative synthesis techniques for programmable precision polymers (PPPs) to develop revolutionary nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. The goal is to create scalable, fit-for-purpose materials integrated into functional electro-optic modulators. Key deadlines include a Proposal Abstract due October 27, 2026, and a final Proposal Due Date of December 18, 2026. Awards will be issued as Other Transaction for Prototype Agreements.
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PDF, High priority: read this first24 pages · amendment
HighAI Summary for DARPA-PS-26-141 Atomically Precise Molecules (APM) Amendment 01: Amendment 01 to Program Solicitation DARPA-PS-26-141, issued October 27, 2026, for the Atomically Precise Molecules (APM) program. The primary purpose of this amendment is to extend the required abstract deadline to October 28, 2026. The solicitation seeks innovative synthesis techniques for programmable precision polymers (PPPs) to revolutionize nonlinear optical (NLO) materials.
DOCX
DOCX, High priority: read this first5 pages · specifications
HighAI Summary for DARPA-PS-26-141 Attachment H: Schedule of Milestones and Payments: This document is a template for the Schedule of Milestones and Payments for DARPA-PS-26-141. It provides a structured format for performers to define milestones, exit criteria, deliverables, and associated payments across multiple phases, including CLIN and ACRN tracking.
PPTX
PPTX, High priority: read this first1 page · specifications
HighAI Summary for DARPA-PS-26-141 Proposal Summary Slide Template: A template for a Proposal Summary Slide for solicitation DARPA-PS-26-141. It outlines the required content for proposers, including the project title, organization, technical approach, goals, scaling plans, and innovations.
DOCX
DOCX, High priority: read this first2 pages · proposer-checklist
HighAI Summary for DARPA-PS-26-141 Proposer Checklist: An informational checklist for DARPA solicitation PS-26-141 designed to assist proposers in compiling their full proposal. It outlines required core volumes (Technical, Price, TDD, Milestones), intellectual property assertions, CMMC compliance requirements, and specific documentation needed for FFRDC, UARC, or Government Entity teammates.
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PDF, Low priority8 pages · special-notice
LowAI Summary for APM Controlled Unclassified Information Guide: Version 1.0 of the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Guide for the Atomically Precise Molecules (APM) program, dated 23 September 2026. It provides instructions for DARPA personnel and performers on identifying, protecting, and marking sensitive unclassified information, specifically covering Controlled Technical Information (CTI), Proprietary Business Information, and Export Control.
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PDF, Low priority43 pages · industry-day
LowAI Summary for Atomically Precise Molecules (APM) Proposers’ Day Presentation: Presentation slides from the DARPA Atomically Precise Molecules (APM) Proposers’ Day held on September 30, 2026. The document outlines the program's vision to catalyze scalable programmable precision polymeric (PPP) synthesis for non-linear optical (NLO) materials. It includes the event agenda, program structure (Phase 1 and Phase 2), key milestones, and technical performance metrics for material and device demonstrations.
DOCX
DOCX, Low priority13 pages · supporting-document
LowAI Summary for DARPA BAAT Submission Portal Guide: A user guide providing instructions and technical guidance for proposers using the DARPA Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT) submission portal. It covers account creation, submission steps, technical support contacts, and general tips for avoiding deadline issues.
DOCX
DOCX, Low priority6 pages · certifications
LowAI Summary for DARPA-PS-26-141 APM Other Transaction Certifications: Attachment F for Program Solicitation DARPA-PS-26-141 (Atomically Precise Molecules). This document contains required offeror certifications and representations regarding debarment, drug-free workplaces, non-discrimination, lobbying, federal tax liability, felony convictions, and prohibitions on certain telecommunications equipment.
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PDF, Low priority12 pages · q-and-a
LowAI Summary for DARPA-PS-26-141 Atomically Precise Molecules (APM) FAQ V2: Version 2 of the Question and Answer document for the Atomically Precise Molecules (APM) program (DARPA-PS-26-141), updated October 20, 2026. It provides clarifications on teaming arrangements, technical metrics for THz modulation and optical wavelengths, eligibility of foreign entities, budget and cost realism, and intellectual property rights.
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PDF, Low priority5 pages · q-and-a
LowAI Summary for DARPA-PS-26-141 Atomically Precise Molecules (APM) Q&A: A Question and Answer document dated October 7, 2026, for the DARPA Atomically Precise Molecules (APM) solicitation (DARPA-PS-26-141). It provides clarifications on teaming arrangements, technical metrics for THz modulation and optical wavelengths, eligibility for foreign entities, budget expectations, and intellectual property rights.
Amendment 01: The purpose of this amendment is to extend the required abstract deadline.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals in the areas of new synthesis techniques for polymeric materials and nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. Proposed research should investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in material synthesis with the ability to scale to quantities relevant for application integration, culminating in the development of a prototype demonstration of a revolutionary NLO material integrated into a functional government-provided electro-optic modulator. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice, or research that pivots on exceptional claims that cannot be technically justified in the proposal. This includes: • Proposals aiming to employ solely inorganic materials without a polymeric component • Proposals aiming to modify/repurpose existing NLO materials resulting in incremental improvements to the state-of-the-art (SoA)