How to bid on Precision Inertial Navigation & Positioning On an Integrated Tesseract (PINPOINT) from DARPA

What DARPA is buying and why it matters

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is looking for research proposals for advanced inertial measurement units (IMUs). These IMUs are intended for use in tactical and unmanned missions. The program, called Precision Inertial Navigation & Positioning On an Integrated Tesseract (PINPOINT), aims to move beyond current micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology.

DARPA is interested in new sensor designs that operate in highly nonlinear regimes. This includes concepts like electromagnetically levitated proof masses, nonlinear resonators, and high-velocity tethered microsystems. The goal is to achieve significant advances, not just small improvements to existing technology.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This opportunity was published on August 06, 2026. The deadline for submitting proposals is September 25, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET. All proposals must be submitted by this time.

Who this opportunity suits

This solicitation is for research and development firms with expertise in physics and nonlinear control systems. Companies or research institutions specializing in novel sensor architectures, particularly those involving electromagnetically levitated proof masses, nonlinear resonators, or high-velocity tethered microsystems, would be well-suited.

The opportunity is categorized as professional services, focusing on innovative scientific and engineering approaches rather than incremental product development.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the full details of this opportunity, you need to go to the original source portal. Click the "View original source" link. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid.

You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all the documents. However, for some bids, an account is not required to access the information.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Focus your proposal on revolutionary advances, not just evolutionary improvements to existing technology. DARPA specifically states they are not interested in research that primarily results in small enhancements to current practices. Clearly articulate how your proposed sensor architecture and control systems represent a major leap forward.

Emphasize the tight co-design of the physical sensor package with advanced, real-time adaptive control systems. This is a central theme of the program. Detail how your control systems will stabilize and harness the complex dynamics of your novel sensor design. Provide clear evidence of your team's expertise in both physics and nonlinear control.