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Department of Defense

Crystal Palace Program Announcement

Solicitation: DARPA-PA-26-03
Notice ID: 75500e8421a741bfb45cda7cedc334f2

Solicitation from DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA) • DEPT OF DEFENSE. Place of performance: VA. Response deadline: Jan 30, 2026. Industry: NAICS 541715 • PSC AC12.

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Solicitation context: DARPA-PA-26-03. Requirements vary by acquisition and contract type; COTS-only exceptions may apply.

Market snapshot

Awarded-market signal for NAICS 541715 (last 12 months), benchmarked to sector 54.

12-month awarded value
$6,821,643,440
Sector total $5,897,831,023,048 • Share 0.1%
Live
Median
$38,421,549
P10–P90
$8,454,241$68,388,856
Volatility
Volatile156%
Market composition
NAICS share of sector
A simple concentration signal, not a forecast.
0.1%
share
Momentum (last 3 vs prior 3 buckets)
-56%(-$2,628,085,975)
Deal sizing
$38,421,549 median
Use as a pricing centerline.
Live signal is computed from awarded notices already observed in the system.
Signals shown are descriptive of observed awards; not a forecast.

Related hubs & trends

Navigate the lattice: hubs for browsing, trends for pricing signals.

We write these bids →
Open on SAM.gov →
Map for VA
Live POP
Place of performance
Not listed
State: VA
Contracting office
Arlington, VA • 222032114 USA

Applicable Wage Determinations

SAM WDOL references matched to this opportunity's location and scope language.

WD Directory →
Best fit for this contractDavis-Bacon
VA20260156 (Rev 1)
Match signal: state matchOpen WD
Published Jan 30, 2026Virginia • Isle of Wight
Rate
ASBESTOS WORKER/HEAT & FROST INSULATOR - MECHANICAL (Duct, Pipe & Mechanical System Insulation)
Base $40.77Fringe $20.17
Rate
BOILERMAKER
Base $38.97Fringe $27.39
+30 more occupation rates available in the full WD.
View more for this contract
3 more WD matches and 30 more rate previews.
Davis-BaconBest fitstate match
VA20260156 (Rev 1)
Open WD
Published Jan 30, 2026Virginia • Isle of Wight
Rate
ASBESTOS WORKER/HEAT & FROST INSULATOR - MECHANICAL (Duct, Pipe & Mechanical System Insulation)
Base $40.77Fringe $20.17
Rate
BOILERMAKER
Base $38.97Fringe $27.39
Rate
BRICKLAYER
Base $22.44Fringe $10.23
+29 more occupation rates in this WD
Davis-Baconstate match
VA20260010 (Rev 1)
Open WD
Published Jan 30, 2026Virginia • Brunswick, Charlotte, Cumberland +7
Rate
ASBESTOS WORKER/HEAT & FROST INSULATOR - MECHANICAL (Duct, Pipe & Mechanical System Insulation)
Base $40.77Fringe $20.17
Rate
ELECTRICIAN
Base $37.95Fringe $25.95
Rate
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR Bulldozer
Base $38.79Fringe $18.05
+8 more occupation rates in this WD
Davis-Baconstate match
VA20260002 (Rev 1)
Open WD
Published Jan 30, 2026Virginia • Halifax
Rate
ASBESTOS WORKER/HEAT & FROST INSULATOR - MECHANICAL (Duct, Pipe & Mechanical System Insulation)
Base $40.77Fringe $20.17
Rate
ELECTRICIAN
Base $37.95Fringe $25.95
Rate
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR Bulldozer
Base $38.79Fringe $18.05
+8 more occupation rates in this WD
Davis-Baconstate match
VA20260003 (Rev 1)
Open WD
Published Jan 30, 2026Virginia • Pittsylvania
Rate
ASBESTOS WORKER/HEAT & FROST INSULATOR - MECHANICAL (Duct, Pipe & Mechanical System Insulation)
Base $40.77Fringe $20.17
Rate
ELECTRICIAN
Base $37.95Fringe $25.95
Rate
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR Bulldozer
Base $38.79Fringe $18.05
+8 more occupation rates in this WD

Point of Contact

Name
Crystal Palace PA Coordinator
Email
Crystal_Palace@darpa.mil
Phone
Not available

Agency & Office

Department
DEPT OF DEFENSE
Agency
DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA)
Subagency
DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCY
Office
Not available
Contracting Office Address
Arlington, VA
222032114 USA

More in NAICS 541715

Description

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals in the area of revolutionizing single crystal inorganic material growth for microsystems. 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.

Files

Files size/type shown when available.

BidPulsar Analysis

A practical, capture-style breakdown of fit, requirements, risks, and next steps.

Updated: Feb 14, 2026
Client-ready brief
Executive summary
medium confidencegpt 4o mini

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has issued a solicitation (DARPA-PA-26-03) for innovative proposals focused on revolutionizing the growth of single crystal inorganic materials for microsystems. This initiative aims to foster groundbreaking advancements rather than mere evolutionary improvements. Interested parties must submit their proposals by January 30, 2026.

single crystal growthmicrosystemsinorganic materialsDARPAadvanced materials research
What the buyer is trying to do

DARPA seeks innovative research proposals that can lead to revolutionary advances in single crystal inorganic material growth specifically for microsystems applications.

Who should pursue this
  • Companies specializing in materials science and engineering.
  • Research institutions with expertise in microsystems and crystal growth.
  • Startups with innovative technologies in inorganic material production.
Work breakdown
  • Review existing state of practice in single crystal inorganic material growth.
  • Develop innovative methodologies and technologies for improved growth techniques.
  • Test and validate proposed research approaches through demonstrable projects.
Response package checklist
  • Executive summary of the proposal.
  • Detailed research methodology and innovative approaches.
  • Budget and resource allocation plan.
  • Projected timelines and milestones for research deliverables.
More BidPulsar strategy notesCompliance, pricing, teaming, risks, questions, and coverage notes
Compliance notes
  • Ensure alignment with DARPA's focus on revolutionary advances without evolutionary improvements.
  • Comply with all specified documentation protocols in the solicitation.
Pricing strategy
  • Consider competitive pricing benchmarks within the advanced materials research field.
  • Account for potential costs associated with innovative, high-risk project undertakings.
Teaming and subs
  • Identify potential academic partners with a focus on materials science.
  • Consider collaborating with tech startups that specialize in innovative crystal growth techniques.
Risks and watchouts
  • High technical risk associated with innovative approaches may deter conservative bidders.
  • Potential for budget overruns if innovative methods require extensive R&D.
Smart questions to ask
  • What specific metrics will be used to evaluate innovation in proposals?
  • Are there existing models for measuring the success of proposed approaches?
  • What is the expected collaboration level between DARPA and winning bidders?
Source coverage notes

Some notices publish limited source detail. Confirm these points before final bid/no-bid decisions.

  • Specific technical requirements for the research proposals are not detailed.
  • Clear timelines for research phases or deliverables are not provided.
  • Estimated budget range or funding levels for individual proposals are not specified.

FAQ

How do I use the Market Snapshot?

It summarizes awarded-contract behavior for the opportunity’s NAICS and sector, including a recent pricing band (P10–P90), momentum, and composition. Use it as context, not a guarantee.

Is the data live?

The signal updates as new awarded notices enter the system. Always validate the official award and solicitation details on SAM.gov.

What do P10 and P90 mean?

P10 is the 10th percentile award size and P90 is the 90th percentile. Together they describe the typical spread of award values.