DARPA Commercial Accelerator Support RFQ Released
Anna Davis04/06/2024
Solicitation Technology
HigherGov
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has released an RFQ seeking providers for the previously announced DARPA Commercial Accelerators program. The RFQ aims to acquire Senior Commercial Advisor (SCA) Support services under a 3-year Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) with a ceiling value of $25 million. There are expected to be 4 to 6 awardees and 60-100 task orders issued per year worth $50-250K each. The solicitation is available here: HR001124Q0002.
The DARPA Commercial Accelerators program is designed to bridge the gap between technology development and its deployment within national security domains. The initiative focuses on preventing foreign investments that could threaten U.S. security, ensuring DARPA-funded technologies successfully navigate the 'valley of death', accelerating the availability of new technologies for national security, and addressing market inefficiencies that hinder the transition of DARPA-funded technologies.
The program seeks experienced Senior Commercial Advisor Support providers across the United States to support these objectives. These providers will be crucial in advising and assisting DARPA's Commercial Strategy team with transition activities. Their expertise in early-stage research, company building, entrepreneurial training, translational research, venture investment, licensing agreements, and due diligence is critical for identifying potential national security risks associated with transitioning technologies.
According to DARPA, the work under this BPA will include a broad spectrum of activities to facilitate the smooth transition of technologies from development to deployment. Providers will be expected to leverage their networks within the U.S. Government, systems integrators, testing labs, acquisition programs, and private equity or venture capital investors to support DARPA's mission. Their role will help ensure that DARPA-funded innovations can overcome market barriers and reach end-users effectively.
The criteria for selection listed in the RFQ focus on an advisor's history of creating economic impact, startup performance, and in-house and external talent networks.
Responses to the RFQ are due by May 6, 2024.
