Advanced Research Concepts (ARC)

Background
The Advanced Research Concepts (ARC) program, initiated by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), aims to rapidly solicit and explore a high volume of promising new ideas for limited-scope investments.

The program focuses on answering high-risk/high-reward questions to assess the potential impact of further investment by the Department of Defense, ultimately seeking to develop revolutionary new capabilities for U.S. national security.

Work Details
The ARC program will fund exploratory research projects that may lead to game-changing technologies.

Each ARC Opportunity will have specific technical objectives and is expected to engage individuals primarily focused on the effort for the entire period of performance. The maximum total award value for each ARC award is anticipated to be $300,000, inclusive of direct and indirect costs. Proposed costs for materials, equipment, and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) are limited to $10,000 or less. No travel or publication costs are permitted, and no subawardees are allowed; all proposed individuals must be from the same organization.

The flexibility of the Other Transaction (OT) award instrument allows performers to apply best business practices outside traditional government requirements. Performers retain ownership of intellectual property created during the project but must provide limited license rights in any developed intellectual property.

Period of Performance
The maximum period of performance for each project is 12 months.