Defense Sciences Office (DSO) Office-wide BAA

Background
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Defense Sciences Office (DSO) is seeking proposals that explore innovative approaches to achieve revolutionary advancements in science, devices, or systems for national security applications.

The goal of this contract is to foster research that leads to significant breakthroughs rather than incremental improvements in existing technologies.

Work Details
Proposals must demonstrate the ability to transition technology effectively. They should include realistic cost and schedule estimates that align with the technical and management approach outlined in the proposal.

All proposed costs, including labor, materials, and travel, must be justified and reflect a comprehensive understanding of the effort required to meet the solicitation's objectives. Proposals should leverage prior research to maximize funding benefits and include a detailed schedule that identifies potential risks.

Additionally, proposers may include an optional task for the DSO Fundamental Defense Research Talent Award (FDRTA), aimed at supporting U.S. citizen graduate students or postdoctoral researchers involved in fundamental research.

Period of Performance
The period of performance will be defined in accordance with the specific terms of the awarded contract but is expected to span multiple months or years based on project requirements.

Place of Performance
The geographic location for contract performance has not been explicitly stated but is likely to be determined based on project needs.

Bidder Requirements
Proposers must submit an executive summary or abstract prior to full proposal submission. They must ensure their proposed concepts align with DARPA's Technical Thrust Area Descriptions and have not been previously funded by DARPA or other government agencies.

Proposals must also comply with submission formatting and content requirements outlined by DARPA.

Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail)
This opportunity appears to have a closely related prior contract with Ohio State University under HR001126PE001 (STRATEGIC EXPLORATION FOR PARADIGM-CHANGING MATERIALS JOINING TECHNOLOGIES FOR NATIONAL SECURITY INNOVATION) valued at $199,999 for 04/06/26–09/22/26. The prior effort’s focus on paradigm-changing materials joining for national security innovation aligns with the DSO’s emphasis on revolutionary advances rather than incremental improvements, suggesting the new BAA may continue or build upon similar science and technology exploration themes.