Defense Sciences Office (DSO) Office-wide BAA

Background
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Defense Sciences Office (DSO) is soliciting proposals that investigate innovative approaches enabling revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems for national security applications.

The mission of the DARPA DSO is to identify and spearhead the next generation of scientific discovery to fuel innovation in research and development for the Department of Defense (DoD). DSO aims to create strategic surprise advantages for the DoD by pushing technology toward its fundamental scientific limits and preventing technological surprises by understanding commercial R&D paths.

Grant Details
The DSO Office-wide BAA invites proposers to submit innovative basic or applied research concepts or studies and analysis proposals. Proposals must investigate innovative research approaches that enable revolutionary advances. The thrust areas include:
1) Materials, Manufacturing, and Structures;
2) Sensing, Measuring, and Affecting;
3) Math, Computation, and Processing;
4) Complex, Dynamic, and Intelligent Systems.

Proposals should not result in evolutionary improvements to existing practices or focus on manufacturing scale-up. Multiple award instruments may be utilized including Cooperative Agreements, Procurement Contracts, Other Transactions for Research, and Other Transactions for Prototype.

Eligibility Requirements
All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government's needs may submit a proposal. Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Small Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Businesses, and Minority Institutions are encouraged to submit proposals; however, no portion of this announcement will be set aside for these organizations’ participation due to impracticality. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC), University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), and Government Entities including National Laboratories are not eligible to propose.

Period of Performance
Proposals may be submitted on a rolling basis until June 2, 2026. The anticipated period of performance will vary based on individual agreements but will generally align with the project goals outlined in proposals.

Grant Value
Multiple awards are anticipated; specific total values for grants will depend on individual proposals submitted under this BAA.

Place of Performance
The geographic location(s) for performance are expected to align with U.S. national security interests.