DARPA's Defense Sciences BAA Seeks Revolutionary Innovations

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has released a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) seeking innovative proposals that explore revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems specifically for national security applications. The solicitation is available here: HR001124S0039.  

DARPA's Defense Sciences Office (DSO) is inviting research ideas that are not currently being addressed by ongoing DSO programs or other published solicitations. The emphasis is on groundbreaking research rather than incremental improvements, aiming to push the boundaries of current scientific and technological capabilities.

Proposals should focus on one of the following thrust areas:

1. Technology Transition: Ensure proposed costs and schedules are realistic and reflect a thorough understanding of the necessary resources to achieve program metrics.
2. Sensing & Measurement: Explore quantum sensing and metrology, including novel light sources.
3. Computation & Processing: Investigate quantum computing, cryptography, and complex system modeling.
4. Enabling Operations: Develop technologies for space-based operations and tactically remote environments.
5. Collective Intelligence: Examine complex sociotechnical systems and adaptable AI.
6. Emerging Threats: Address national security concerns related to resource availability, environmental issues, and digital societies.

The BAA is a continuation of last year's DSO BAA and has similar thrust areas.  Proposals will be evaluated based on scientific merit, relevance to DARPA's mission, and cost realism.  Awards may be made in one of several structures including through procurement contracts, cooperative agreements, other transactions for research, or other transactions for prototypes.

The following DARPA BAAs are also currently open:

• Biological Technologies 
• Information Innovation 
• Microsystems Technology 
• Strategic Technology
• Tactical Technology

Responses to the DSO BAA can be made through September 26, 2025.

Anna Davis

Staff Writer

Contact: