RF Architectures Applying Photonic Timing and Routing (RAAPTR)

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking innovative proposals under the Radiofrequency Architectures Applying Photonic Timing and Routing (RAAPTR) program to develop advanced RF system architectures that leverage optical timing precision to achieve ultra-low phase noise and timing stability in compact, ruggedized forms suitable for mobile land, air, and space-based defense platforms. The program focuses exclusively on photonics-based approaches, explicitly excluding non-optical microwave generation techniques and evolutionary improvements to existing technologies. Key technical goals include the development of vibration-hardened photonic oscillators with phase noise below -120 dBc/Hz at 100 Hz offset and -150 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset for a 10 GHz carrier, relative timing errors under 1 picosecond over 1–100 second intervals, and a volume constraint of less than 300 cc. These components must maintain performance across extreme environmental conditions, including temperatures from -40°C to 85°C and vibration levels of 7.7 gm, as validated through MIL-STD-883-2, Method 2026, Test Condition I/B. The effort culminates in a two-phase, 42-month development cycle, with Phase 1 (24 months) focused on component-level innovation and architecture design, and Phase 2 on integration and on-platform demonstration. Deliverables include photonic oscillators, breadboard, and brassboard prototypes, all subject to lab-based functional and environmental testing, and culminating in a formal Test Readiness Review. Proposals must be submitted via the Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT) portal by August 24, 2026, and are governed under an Other Transaction (OT) agreement authorized by 10 U.S.C. § 4022, bypassing traditional FAR clauses in favor of customized contractual articles covering administration, payment, patent rights, data rights, cybersecurity, and foreign access. A Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) framework, governed by DoDI 5200.48 and NIST SP 800-171, applies to all program materials, requiring proper marking, protection, and handling of sensitive data. Proposers must request the CUI Addendum and comply with extensive documentation requirements, including using specified templates for the Technical and Management Volume (Volume I), Price Volume (Volume II), Task Description Document, Schedule of Milestones and Payments, and