Program Announcement for Artificial Intelligence Exploration (AIE)

Background
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is focused on making strategic investments in science and technology to enhance national security. With over five decades of pioneering research in Artificial Intelligence (AI), DARPA aims to maintain a technological advantage in this critical area through its AI Exploration (AIE) program, which supports innovative AI research and development efforts.

Work Details
The AIE program involves two phases for each opportunity:

- Phase 1 is a Feasibility Study lasting approximately 3-9 months.
- Phase 2 is a Proof of Concept lasting approximately 9-15 months.

The combined efforts of both phases should not exceed 18 months. Each AIE Opportunity will specify technical objectives, task descriptions, intellectual property rights, milestone payment schedules, and deliverables. Proposals must be unclassified and submitted in response to specific AIE Opportunities. The total award value for the combined phases is limited to $1,000,000, which includes any required cost share from the performer. The Government reserves the right to award only Phase 1 or both phases based on performance and funding availability. If progress is made towards prototype development during or after Phase 2, DARPA may modify the agreement for further tasks related to prototype development.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for Phase 1 is anticipated to be approximately 3-9 months, while Phase 2 is expected to last around 9-15 months. Combined efforts should not exceed a total of 18 months.