Special Notice DARPA-SN09-28: Low-Cost Lightweight Portable Photovoltaics (PoP);
Proposers' Day Workshop, DATE: April 29, 2009; REGISTRATION DEADLINE: April 24, 2009; TECHNICAL POC: Dr. Cindy Daniell, DARPA/DSO, Email: TeamPop@darpa.mil; URL: www.darpa.mil/dso/solicitations/solicit.htm

In anticipation of a potential program on the topic of Low-Cost Lightweight Portable Photovoltaics (PoP), DARPA is hosting a Proposers' Day Workshop that will provide critical information on the program vision, the program milestones, and opportunities associated with the development of an interdisciplinary team to respond to a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). The goal of the PoP program is to develop revolutionary technologies that greatly reduce the mass and cost of portable photovoltaic devices while at the same time supporting high power conversion efficiency. Specifically, DARPA seeks new integrated photovoltaic technologies that have at least 20% power conversion efficiency (under AM1.5 illumination at one sun) in a form factor amenable to low-cost production on flexible substrates. The proposals must support truly durable, portable devices with high flexibility and low total device density. To meet this challenge, technologies that incorporate thin-film semiconductors, microcrystalline semiconductors, or materials with similar properties will be considered. Proposers must address all aspects of portable photovoltaic devices: light acquisition, energy capture, carrier extraction, robust and durable portability, and flexibility. 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. In addition, research requiring Multiple Exciton Generation (MEG) as a critical path element to achieve the stated Program Metrics is specifically excluded from consideration.

An interdisciplinary team will be required to perform the effort and meet the program's milestones. The PoP Proposers' Day will facilitate the formation of teams with the necessary expertise to respond to the BAA.

The PoP Proposers' Day Workshop will be held at The Executive Conference Center, 3601 Wilson Blvd Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22201, 8:00am-4:00pm, April 29, 2009.

The goals of the teaming and information session are to: (a) introduce the research community (industry, academia, and Government) to the PoP program vision and goals; (b) explain the mechanics of a DARPA program and the milestones and metrics of this particular effort; and (c) encourage and promote teaming arrangements among potential organizations that have the relevant expertise, facilities, and capabilities for executing a research and development program responsive to the PoP program goals. The teaming and information session will include overview presentations by Government personnel and poster sessions to facilitate interaction and team building among the session participants. Additionally, a teaming website will be provided to facilitate these interactions and can be found at http://www.sainc.com/PoPTeaming.

Potential participants should note that formation of teams with sufficient expertise to address all technical areas described in the forthcoming BAA will be critical to the success of the PoP program. DARPA will not be funding component technologies that address only a subset of the technologies listed in the PoP solicitation.

PoP Proposers' Day Workshop participants are strongly encouraged to prepare posters describing areas of capabilities in order to facilitate communications, interactions, and teaming discussions during the poster session. Workshop details including registration, poster session, meeting location, and lodging are given on the registration website at http://www.eventmakeronline.com/schafer/View/index.asp?MeetingID=8 (Password = Solar).

There is no fee for the PoP Proposers' Day Workshop. Registration is limited (maximum 100 people; 1 person per organization) by the venue capacity and early registration is strongly recommended. The Poster Session will be limited to 1 poster per organization with a cut-off of 60 posters total. The registration cutoff date is 4:00PM ET, April 24, 2009.

For any questions related to this effort please e-mail TeamPop@darpa.mil. Please refer to the PoP Proposers’ Day Workshop (DARPA-SN-09-28) in all correspondence. This announcement is not a request for proposals; any so sent will be returned.

Point of Contact

Dr. Cindy Daniell, Program Manager, DARPA/DSO; Email: TeamPop@darpa.mil

Contracting Office Address:
3701 North Fairfax Drive
Arlington, Virginia 22203-1714

Place of Performance:
3601 Wilson Blvd, Suite 600
Arlington, Virginia 22201
United States

Primary Point of Contact:
Cynthia Daniell,
Program Manager, DSO
cynthia.daniel@darpa.mil
Phone: 000-000-0000
Fax: 000-000-0000