How to bid on Atomically Precise Molecules for DARPA

What DARPA is buying

DARPA seeks innovative synthesis methods for polymeric and nonlinear optical materials that can be produced at quantities relevant to application integration. The work should culminate in a prototype revolutionary nonlinear optical material integrated into a functional, government-provided electro-optic modulator.

This RFP may suit firms with relevant materials research and synthesis capabilities. DARPA excludes proposals focused solely on inorganic materials and proposals that only make incremental improvements to existing nonlinear optical materials.

Deadline and amendment

The proposal deadline is December 18, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET. Amendment 01 extends the required abstract deadline; check the solicitation documents for the amended abstract deadline and submission instructions.

Who this opportunity may suit

This opportunity is relevant to professional firms working on polymeric materials, nonlinear optical materials, and material synthesis that can scale toward application integration. The proposed work must include a polymeric component and go beyond evolutionary improvements to existing practice.

How to access the opportunity

Click “View original source” on the portal to open the opportunity. If the first click takes you to the portal homepage, click it again to go to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though some bids do not require one.

Prepare a focused response

Explain what is innovative about the synthesis approach, how it could produce material at useful scale, and how the work would lead to the requested prototype demonstration. Support technical claims with a clear rationale and evidence rather than relying on exceptional claims that cannot be justified.

Read the solicitation and amendment carefully, confirm the abstract and proposal deadlines and submission requirements, and leave time to check that your response is complete before submitting.