Multi Modal Materials Analysis (MMoMA)
🏛 DARPA - Defense Sciences Office
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations and businesses seeking to develop innovative materials analysis technologies. All responsible sources capable of meeting government needs may apply, including private companies, nonprofits, universities, and research institutions. The research must focus on novel surface and bulk analysis methods that work under ambient conditions without special sample preparation. Evolutionary improvements to existing methods are not eligible; proposals must demonstrate revolutionary advances in materials science.
Program description
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.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (or electronic equivalent via DARPA system)
- Technical Proposal/Narrative
- Budget and Cost Justification
- Biographical Sketches or Resumes (key personnel)
- Organizational Capability Documentation (past performance, facilities)
- Letters of Commitment (if applicable)
- Quad Chart (1-page technical overview, typical for DARPA)
Program contact
- 👤 DARPA - Defense Sciences Office
- 📧 MMoMA@darpa.mil
- 📞 571-218-4565
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 12.910 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$44,089,743
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$36,151,284
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$33,938,157
-
$29,592,309
-
$28,734,050
-
$26,975,142
-
$26,089,306
-
$25,544,440
-
$25,503,840
-
$23,343,160
Top States by Funding
- CA 22 awards $252.2M
- MA 15 awards $149.7M
- MI 4 awards $75.0M
- NY 7 awards $58.9M
- NC 2 awards $52.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 12.910). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $465,182,503 | |
| 2025 | $322,093,385 | |
| 2026 est. | $352,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply to this DARPA grant?
All responsible sources—companies, nonprofits, universities, and research institutions—may apply if capable of meeting government needs. Check the full BAA eligibility section for specific requirements.
What kind of research is eligible?
Projects focusing on innovative materials analysis methods, including surface and bulk analysis of molecular structure and elemental composition. Research must enable revolutionary advances, not evolutionary improvements.
Is sample preparation required?
No. Eligible approaches must analyze samples under ambient conditions without special preparation, making the technology more practical and accessible.
What is the typical funding range for DARPA awards?
DARPA awards vary significantly; check the specific BAA for estimated budget ranges and award sizes for this solicitation.
What is the deadline?
The fixed deadline is August 26, 2026. Submit before this date; DARPA does not typically accept late submissions.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Review the full BAA carefully for specific technical area definitions and evaluation criteria before drafting your proposal.
- Focus on revolutionary innovation, not incremental improvement; DARPA funds high-risk, high-reward research that could transform the field.
- Detail your technical approach with clear milestones and metrics demonstrating how your solution advances materials analysis capabilities.
- Include a realistic budget and schedule; DARPA reviewers evaluate feasibility alongside innovation potential.
- Consider how your technology could scale and transition to practical applications; DARPA values solutions with broader impact beyond the lab.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing evolutionary improvements rather than revolutionary breakthroughs. Submitting vague technical descriptions without concrete methods or clear advancement over existing approaches. Underestimating the complexity of DARPA's review process and failing to address evaluation criteria explicitly.
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