Compositional Learning-And-Reasoning for AI Complex Systems Engineering (CLARA)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Defense Sciences Office (DSO) is issuing a Disruption Opportunity (DO) for the Compositional Learning-And-Reasoning for AI Complex Systems Engineering (CLARA) program. This initiative seeks innovative basic or applied research concepts for high assurance artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The program aims to develop a scientific, theory-driven architectural foundation for hierarchically composing diverse Machine Learning (ML) and Automated Reasoning (AR) subsystems. Awards will be made as Other Transactions (OT) for Prototype projects, with a total value limited to $2,000,000 for the combined Phase 1 base and Phase 2 option. Proposals are due April 10, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
The CLARA program's goal is to achieve high assurance, broad applicability, reusability, and computational scalability in AI systems of systems, defining assurance through verifiability, strong explainability, and automated logical proofs.
- Technical Area 1 (TA1): Focuses on developing new approaches for high assurance ML/AR (AR-based ML), including theory, algorithms, open-source software, and demonstrations. Performers must ensure models are adaptable and manually updatable.
- Technical Area 2 (TA2): Involves developing a software composition library to support inter-approach compositions, integrating validated TA1 tools. This includes creating common structures, terminology, data formats, and interfaces, with close collaboration with an Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) team.
- Program-Wide Activities: Participation in Phase Kickoff Meetings, Workshops, and Hackathons is expected.
Contract Details
- Type: Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype project.
- Total Award Value: Limited to $2,000,000 for the combined Phase 1 base (Feasibility Study) and Phase 2 option (Proof of Concept).
- Phase 1: Up to 15 months, with a maximum funding of $1,350,000.
- Phase 2: Up to 9 months, with a maximum funding of $850,000.
- Combined Duration: Not to exceed 24 months.
- Set-Aside: None specified; DARPA encourages solutions from all responsible sources.
Submission & Evaluation
- Proposals Due: April 10, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET.
- Abstracts: Strongly encouraged but not required, using the provided template (max 2 pages).
- Cost Proposals: Bidders must use the provided Streamlined Cost Buildup Workbooks (TA1 or TA2 specific) to detail costs.
- Technical Areas: Organizations must propose for either TA1 or TA2; selection for both is not permitted.
- Evaluation: Will be based on criteria outlined in Section 6 of DARPA-PA-25-07.
- Contact: BAA Coordinator at CLARA@darpa.mil.
Important Considerations
Software developed is expected to be open-sourced with a commercialization-friendly license (e.g., Apache 2.0). Performers must select at least one type of Automated Reasoning (AR) and one type of Machine Learning (ML). Bidders should review the Sample Associate Contractor Agreement Clause, as close collaboration and information exchange with other government-identified associate contractors will be required.