Low-Cost Chip-Scale Atomic Clock (LC CSAC)
Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command
About This Grant
**PLEASE REVIEW FULL SPECIAL NOTICE** Funding Opportunity Title: Low-Cost Chip-Scale Atomic Clock (LC CSAC) Funding Instrument Type: Technology investment agreement The aim of this Special Notice under the ARL BAA (W911NF-17-S-0003), under Grants.gov Opportunity W911NF-17-S-0003-SPECIALNOTICE-LC-CSAC, is to fund a team or multiple teams to design, manufacture, and deliver a battery-powered atomic clock that achieves identical (or better) size, weight, and power (SWaP) and performance to the commercially available chip-scale atomic clock (CSAC) with a selling price goal of < $300/unit in high volume. Precise timing is critical for numerous Army applications such as navigation, communications, surveillance, and synchronization of sensors and systems. Assured PNT solutions currently rely on acquiring GPS signals, which may not be readily available in increasingly contested environments. Commercially available silicon MEMS and quartz oscillators (TCXO, OCXO) are unable to provide GPS holdover in the event of a GPS outage, except for high-end OCXOs that may be considered large and power hungry for certain applications. To ease reliance on GPS, long-holdover clocks with SWaP-C appropriate for various DoD platforms are necessary to enable mission-critical functions even in contested environments. Current high-performance atomic clocks (maser, laser-cooled cesium fountain) serve as standards and are large, expensive, and require regular monitoring and exquisite environmental control. Since the early 2000s, the chip-scale atomic clock (CSAC) has been developed and successfully matured into a commercial product with DARPA and industry investment. While an Army/Air Force/OSD Manufacturing Technology effort further reduced the manufacturing cost1, the current selling price is still prohibitive for high-volume, low-SWaP DoD platforms. There is an opportunity to leverage the many advances in MEMS, photonics, and atomic physics over the past two decades to develop state-of-the-art, high-performance, battery-powered atomic clocks with improved manufacturability, significantly reduced cost, and improved performance. This special notice seeks proposals from one or more for-profit firms in accordance with 32 CFR 37.210. A consortium, led by a for-profit firm, is also encouraged. Points of Contact: Jonathan Hoffman jonathan.e.hoffman.civ@mail.mil Jenna Chan Jenna.f.chan.ctr@mail.mil
Grant Summary
Low-Cost Chip-Scale Atomic Clock (LC CSAC) is a Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command grant providing funding that varies by award. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
Focus Areas
Eligibility
Funder did not publish eligibility criteria — confirm directly with the funder before applying.
How to Apply
Up to $0K
Rolling / Open
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Low-Cost Chip-Scale Atomic Clock (LC CSAC) from Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command before the deadline.
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Low-Cost Chip-Scale Atomic Clock (LC CSAC): Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Low-Cost Chip-Scale Atomic Clock (LC CSAC)?
Low-Cost Chip-Scale Atomic Clock (LC CSAC) is offered by Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command and is generally open to eligible organizations. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Low-Cost Chip-Scale Atomic Clock (LC CSAC) provide?
Low-Cost Chip-Scale Atomic Clock (LC CSAC) provides an amount that varies by award per award from Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Low-Cost Chip-Scale Atomic Clock (LC CSAC) deadline?
Low-Cost Chip-Scale Atomic Clock (LC CSAC) accepts applications on a rolling or ongoing basis, so there is no single fixed deadline. Confirm current timing with the funder, Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command, before you apply, and submit as early as possible because rolling programs can close once funds are committed.
How do you apply for the Low-Cost Chip-Scale Atomic Clock (LC CSAC)?
To apply for Low-Cost Chip-Scale Atomic Clock (LC CSAC), confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command.
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