DoD's $23.4M LUMOS contract aims for on-chip optical gain, advancing integrated photonics

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,385,489 ($23.4M)

Contractor: THE Research Foundation for the State University of NEW York

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-09-14

End Date: 2026-08-28

Contract Duration: 2,174 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 29

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: LASERS FOR UNIVERSAL MICROSCALE OPTICAL SYSTEMS (LUMOS) WILL BRING EFFICIENT ON-CHIP OPTICAL GAIN TO HIGHLY-CAPABLE INTEGRATED PHOTONICS PLATFORMS AND ENABLE COMPLETE PHOTONICS FUNCTIONALITY ON A SINGLE SUBSTRATE FOR DISRUPTIVE OPTICAL MICROSYSTEMS.

Place of Performance

Location: ALBANY, ALBANY County, NEW YORK, 12203

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $23.4 million to THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK for work described as: LASERS FOR UNIVERSAL MICROSCALE OPTICAL SYSTEMS (LUMOS) WILL BRING EFFICIENT ON-CHIP OPTICAL GAIN TO HIGHLY-CAPABLE INTEGRATED PHOTONICS PLATFORMS AND ENABLE COMPLETE PHOTONICS FUNCTIONALITY ON A SINGLE SUBSTRATE FOR DISRUPTIVE OPTICAL MICROSYSTEMS. Key points: 1. Focuses on developing efficient on-chip optical gain for integrated photonics platforms. 2. Aims to enable complete photonics functionality on a single substrate. 3. Supports disruptive optical microsystems development. 4. Contract awarded to The Research Foundation for the State University of New York. 5. Represents a significant investment in advanced materials and micro-systems research. 6. Long-term contract duration suggests a phased development approach.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

This contract's value of $23.4 million for research and development in advanced photonics appears reasonable given the cutting-edge nature of the work. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables, but R&D contracts of this magnitude often support foundational technology development. The 'Cost No Fee' (CPFF) contract type suggests that the government is reimbursing the contractor for allowable costs plus a negotiated fee, which is common for R&D where final costs can be uncertain. The duration of over 2000 days indicates a long-term commitment to achieving complex research objectives.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple interested parties had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is expected to yield a fair price and ensure the selection of the most capable offeror. The number of bids received (29) suggests robust interest and a healthy competitive landscape for this type of advanced research.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down costs and ensuring that the government receives the best value through a rigorous selection process.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and potentially future commercial entities that can leverage advancements in integrated photonics. Services delivered include cutting-edge research and development in optical gain and integrated photonics. The geographic impact is centered in New York, where the research will be conducted. Workforce implications include potential job creation for researchers, engineers, and technicians in the photonics field.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns in long-term R&D projects.
Risk of technological obsolescence if development timelines are not met.
Dependence on specific research personnel and institutional expertise.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting strong market interest and capability.
Focus on a critical technology area for future defense and commercial applications.
Long contract duration allows for thorough research and development.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical sciences and engineering related to integrated photonics. The market for integrated photonics is growing rapidly, driven by demand for faster data processing, telecommunications, and sensing applications. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the specialized nature of the research, but significant government investment in foundational technologies like this is common to maintain a technological edge.

Small Business Impact

The contract details do not indicate any specific small business set-asides. Given the nature of advanced R&D in integrated photonics, the primary contractor is likely a large research institution or a specialized technology firm. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may arise, particularly for specialized components or services, but the primary award is not directed towards small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which is known for its rigorous program management and oversight of cutting-edge research. Accountability measures will be tied to milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally maintained through program reviews and reporting requirements, though specific technical details of ongoing R&D may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

Advanced Photonics Research
Integrated Circuit Development
Optical Computing
Semiconductor Manufacturing Research
Defense Science and Technology

Risk Flags

Technological feasibility risk
Long-term R&D timeline risk
Potential for cost overruns
Dependency on key personnel

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $23.4 million to THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK. LASERS FOR UNIVERSAL MICROSCALE OPTICAL SYSTEMS (LUMOS) WILL BRING EFFICIENT ON-CHIP OPTICAL GAIN TO HIGHLY-CAPABLE INTEGRATED PHOTONICS PLATFORMS AND ENABLE COMPLETE PHOTONICS FUNCTIONALITY ON A SINGLE SUBSTRATE FOR DISRUPTIVE OPTICAL MICROSYSTEMS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $23.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-14. End: 2026-08-28.

What is the specific technological advancement expected from the LUMOS program?

The LUMOS program aims to achieve 'efficient on-chip optical gain' for integrated photonics platforms. This means developing the capability to amplify optical signals directly on a microchip, similar to how electronic signals are amplified in traditional microelectronics. This advancement is crucial for enabling complete photonics functionality on a single substrate, paving the way for highly capable optical microsystems. Such systems could lead to breakthroughs in areas like optical computing, high-speed communication, and advanced sensing by overcoming signal loss and enabling complex optical circuits.

How does this contract compare to other federal investments in integrated photonics?

This $23.4 million contract represents a substantial, but not unprecedented, investment in a critical R&D area. DARPA and other defense agencies frequently fund high-risk, high-reward research in advanced materials and micro-systems. While specific dollar amounts for comparable 'on-chip optical gain' research are not readily public, this contract aligns with broader federal efforts to advance U.S. technological leadership in areas like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing, where photonics plays a key enabling role. The long duration and 'Cost No Fee' structure are typical for foundational R&D projects.

What are the primary risks associated with this research and development contract?

The primary risks associated with this R&D contract are technological and programmatic. Technologically, achieving efficient on-chip optical gain is a complex scientific challenge, and breakthroughs are not guaranteed. There's a risk that the research may not yield the desired results within the projected timeline or budget. Programmatically, long-term R&D contracts carry inherent risks of cost growth if unforeseen technical hurdles arise, or if the scope needs adjustment. Furthermore, the rapid pace of technological advancement means there's a risk of the developed technology becoming obsolete before it can be fully transitioned or commercialized.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the broader photonics industry?

This contract is expected to have a significant positive impact on the broader photonics industry by pushing the boundaries of integrated photonics technology. Success in developing efficient on-chip optical gain could unlock new applications and markets, driving demand for specialized components, materials, and manufacturing processes. It could accelerate the development of next-generation optical communication systems, optical computing architectures, and advanced sensors. Furthermore, the research conducted under this contract could lead to intellectual property and know-how that benefits the entire ecosystem, fostering innovation and potentially creating new commercial ventures.

What is the track record of The Research Foundation for the State University of New York in similar R&D efforts?

The Research Foundation for the State University of New York (RF SUNY) serves as the non-profit research arm for SUNY campuses, facilitating sponsored research. While RF SUNY itself is an administrative entity, the research conducted under its auspices involves faculty and researchers across the SUNY system. SUNY has a strong history of research across various scientific and engineering disciplines, including materials science, physics, and electrical engineering, which are relevant to photonics. Specific project successes would depend on the individual research groups involved, but RF SUNY's role is to manage and support such complex, large-scale research endeavors, often involving federal funding.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Solicitation ID: HR001120S0008

Offers Received: 29

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 257 FULLER RD, ALBANY, NY, 12203

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public)

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,385,489

Exercised Options: $23,385,489

Current Obligation: $23,385,489

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline