science_technology_and_other_research_and_development · DOD-DARPA-DSO

Multi Modal Materials Analysis (MMoMA)

DARPA - Defense Sciences Office · HR001126S0013

Closed

Deadline

September 21, 2026

GRANTQUICK SUMMARYPlain-English Overview

DARPA's Defense Sciences Office is soliciting proposals for Multi Modal Materials Analysis (MMoMA) — developing technologies that can analyze and characterize materials using multiple sensing modalities simultaneously. Think: combining spectroscopy, imaging, mechanical testing, and other techniques to understand material properties faster and more completely than any single method. This is materials science + sensor fusion research.

Who Should Apply

Materials science researchers, instrumentation developers, and defense research labs with expertise in multi-modal characterization and sensor integration. Universities and defense contractors both eligible.

Who Should NOT Apply

Single-technique materials labs, researchers without instrumentation development expertise, or anyone proposing incremental improvements to existing characterization tools.

Key Requirements (Plain English)

•Must develop multi-modal materials analysis capabilities
•Must combine multiple sensing/characterization modalities
•No fixed award amount (DARPA determines based on proposal)
•Must demonstrate revolutionary improvement over single-mode analysis
•Must be relevant to defense material needs
•No cost-sharing required

💡 GrantQuick Tip

DARPA DSO wants paradigm shifts — not 'we'll combine two existing tools' but 'we'll create entirely new analytical capabilities that don't exist today.' Think about: real-time battlefield material identification (friend or foe material), rapid screening of supply chain materials for counterfeit detection, or characterization of materials under extreme conditions (high temperature, radiation, pressure) simultaneously. Contact the program manager before submitting a full proposal.

Competitiveness: High — DARPA proposals require revolutionary thinking. Maybe 10-20 strong proposals submitted, 3-5 funded.

What This Grant Funds

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative solutions in the technical area of materials analysis, including surface and bulk analysis of molecular structure, elemental composition, trace elements and isotope ratios in samples, to be conducted under ambient conditions, without the need for special sample preparation. Proposed research should investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice.

Attachments

PDF

HR001126S0013.pdf

PDF

Attach A

Attachment_A_Abstract_Summary_Side_Template.pptx

PDF

Attach B

Attachment_B_Abstract_Instructions_and_Template.docx

PDF

Attach C

Attachment_C_Full_Proposal_Guidance_Planning_Purposes.docx

Who Can Apply

All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government's needs may submit a proposal that shall be considered by DARPA. See the Eligibility Information section of the BAA for more information.

Eligible Applicant Types

Other (see NOFO for details)

Funding Details

Cost Sharing Required?: No
Funding Instrument: cooperative_agreement, other, procurement_contract

Key Dates

Posted: June 17, 2026

Application Deadline: September 21, 2026 (0 days remaining)

4:00 PM ET. See Full Announcement for more details.

Agency Contact

BAA Coordinator MMoMA@darpa.mil

MMoMA@darpa.mil

Ready to apply?

View the full NOFO and submit your application on Grants.gov

View on Grants.gov