Bid guide
How to bid on RF Architectures Applying Photonic Timing and Routing (RAAPTR) for DARPA
What DARPA is buying and why it matters
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is looking for new ideas for radiofrequency (RF) system architectures. These systems must use photonic timing and routing and be compact and rugged enough for land, air, and space defense platforms.
This program, called RAAPTR, aims for revolutionary advances in vibration-hardened, ultra-low phase noise photonic oscillators, related analog and mixed-signal components, and high-performance subsystem architectures. This is an opportunity for vendors to contribute to cutting-edge defense technology.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This solicitation was published on July 30, 2026. The deadline for proposals is August 24, 2026, at 9:00 AM ET. All proposals must be submitted by this time.
It is important to note that a Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) addendum is available. If you wish to access this addendum, you must request it by the deadline stated in the solicitation. Missing this deadline means you will not receive the additional details.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is best suited for firms with expertise in professional services, particularly those involved in advanced RF systems, photonics, and related analog and mixed-signal component development.
DARPA is specifically excluding research that focuses on non-optical methods of microwave generation or offers only evolutionary improvements to existing technology. This means the agency is seeking truly innovative and revolutionary approaches in photonic timing and routing for defense applications.
How to respond to this solicitation
To access the full opportunity details, you will need to view the original source on the portal. Click the designated link to open the opportunity.
If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, simply click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may or may not need a free account to view the documents, depending on the specific requirements of the portal.
Practical tips for a competitive response
When preparing your proposal, focus on demonstrating how your approach offers revolutionary advances, not just incremental improvements. Clearly articulate how your proposed RF system architectures will employ and maintain optical timing precision in compact and rugged form factors.
Pay close attention to the requirements for vibration-hardened, ultra-low phase noise photonic oscillators and ancillary components. If you plan to request the CUI addendum, ensure you do so well before the stated deadline to allow ample time to incorporate that information into your proposal.
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 DEPT of Defense; the original posting controls.