Precision Inertial Navigation & Positioning On an Integrated Tesseract (PINPOINT)

The DARPA PINPOINT Broad Agency Announcement seeks innovative research and development of next‑generation inertial measurement units (IMUs) that break the performance plateau of MEMS‑based sensors. Proposers must advance physics‑based sensor architectures (e.g., electromagnetically levitated proof masses, high‑velocity resonators, tethered microsystems) and co‑design real‑time adaptive control systems to stabilize highly nonlinear dynamics. Phase I (24 months) requires mathematical modeling, bench‑top testing, and delivery of up to five 6‑DOF prototype IMU units, a Design Guide, and a Prototype Design Kit. The effort includes regular PI meetings, quarterly teleconferences, and a mandatory data‑sharing Associate Contractor Agreement. Funding may be via procurement contracts, cooperative agreements, or other‑transaction agreements, with an optional Industry Immersion Program funding up to $160 k per graduate student. • Develop physics‑driven, nonlinear‑control IMU prototypes for precision‑strike munitions, UAVs, or other DoD‑relevant applications. • Deliver detailed simulation models, design rules, and a Prototype Design Kit (PDK) by month 24. • Provide at least three functional packaged sensor prototypes for independent verification by month 21. • Must comply with CMMC Level 1 (or Level 2 if CUI is involved) and sign the Associate Contractor Agreement for open data exchange.