FY26 Microelectronics Commons Call for Projects (CFP)

Now Accepting White Papers

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Project Background

Microelectronics Commons is a Department of War national network for onshore, microelectronics hardware-focused prototyping, laboratory to fabrication (lab-to- fab) transition of semiconductor technologies and semiconductor workforce training. In 2023, the Department of War (DoW) established the Microelectronics Commons – a network of eight regional Hubs to evolve laboratory prototypes to fabrication prototypes and to strengthen the semiconductor workforce. Annually, Hubs will compete for project awards. These annual project awards may include infrastructure (physical, digital, and human) required to accomplish the proposed prototypes. This Call for Projects (CFP) describes the desired capabilities for which project proposals are being sought.

Current State and Desired End-State

Innovative prototypes to include microelectronics materials, processes, devices, and architectural designs will be supported. Activities executed within Microelectronics Commons shall primarily fall under Budget Activity (BA) 3, although activities that fall under Budget Activities 2 and 4 will also be supported if they are in support of the lab-to-fab prototype (e.g., BA 2 activities may be needed to support iterative development, and BA 4 activities may be needed to support the transition of a project to DoW demonstrators).

For further discussion on research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) budget activities, see the DoD Financial Management Regulation, DoD 7000.14-R, Volume 2B, Chapter 5. (VOLUME_2B (defense.gov).

For further discussion on Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRLs), see the Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) Deskbook, Version 2.0. https://www.dodmrl.com/MRL_Deskbook_2025.pdf

For further discussion on Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), see the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Deskbook, Version 2.0. https://www.cto.mil/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/TRA-Guide-Feb2025.v2-Cleared.pdf

Microelectronics Commons will support prototype projects across six technical areas that are critical to the DoW. Those areas are:

• Secure Edge/Internet of Things Computing
• 5G/6G Technology
• Artificial Intelligence Hardware
• Quantum Technology
• Electromagnetic Warfare
• Commercial Leap Ahead

Specifically, prototype projects that achieve the desired capabilities and success criteria as described in the desired capabilities documents (Attachments B-G) are being sought. The current state, desired end-state, and success criteria for those prototype projects are included in the Desired Capabilities document.

The end-state goal is microelectronics hardware-focused prototyping and lab-to-fab transition of semiconductor technologies. For lab-to-fab prototyping, the fab prototype must at least match if not exceed lab prototype technical specifications, and there must be a path to manufacturability in a Core (i.e., a foundry or fab). Projects that have been demonstrated in a lab and are ready for prototyping in a fab will have higher priority than lab prototyping projects.

For specific technology area current state and desired end-state criteria, view each Call for Projects (CFP) document under the Key Documents section on the right-hand side of the page.

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How To Submit 

All white papers must be routed through one of the eight Microelectronics Commons Hubs. Direct submissions will not be accepted. The Hub will serve as your formal submission conduit and will manage all coordination, compliance checks, and final delivery.

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Service area interests and capabilities can be found within the Microelectronics Commons Resource Library.