Bid guide
How to bid on Resilient Ultra Short Pulsed Laser Sources for DARPA
What DARPA is buying and why it matters
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Multi X Office (MXO) is looking for information about compact and rugged ultra-short pulsed lasers. Specifically, they are interested in millijoule-class systems that can be used in the field and maintain their mode-locking even in difficult environmental conditions.
Your response to this Request for Information (RFI) will help DARPA define its future research goals and performance targets for upcoming programs. This is an opportunity to influence the direction of future government research in this technology area.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This Request for Information was published on September 08, 2026. All responses must be submitted by November 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET. This is a firm deadline, and late submissions are typically not considered.
The purpose of this RFI is to gather information, not to award a contract at this stage. Your submission will be used by DARPA to inform their planning for future research initiatives.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for professional firms and research organizations with expertise in laser technology, particularly in developing compact, rugged, and high-performance ultra-short pulsed lasers. If your firm has capabilities in maintaining laser stability under challenging environmental conditions, this RFI is relevant to you.
The category for this RFI is professional services, indicating that DARPA is seeking expert insights and technical approaches rather than a specific product purchase at this time.
How to respond
To access the full details of this opportunity, you will need to click the “View original source” link provided on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid.
You may or may not need a free account on the portal to view the associated documents. It is advisable to create an account if prompted, as many government solicitations require one for full access and submission.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
When responding to an RFI, focus on providing clear, concise, and technically sound information. Since DARPA is seeking to identify approaches, clearly describe your proposed methods for achieving fieldable millijoule ultra-short pulsed lasers and for maintaining mode-locking under environmental challenges.
Highlight any unique capabilities, past performance, or research that demonstrates your expertise in these specific areas. Even though this is not a bid for a contract, a well-structured and informative response can position your organization favorably for future DARPA programs.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA); the original posting controls.