DARPA Research Solutions Opening

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document announces the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Research Solutions Opening (RSO), DARPA-PA-26-08. It is a long-term, open call for innovative basic research concepts aligned with DARPA's strategic thrust areas. The goal is to foster a dynamic innovation ecosystem and identify transformative research that prevents technological surprise for U.S. national security. DARPA is seeking concepts that enable revolutionary advances, rather than evolutionary improvements.

• The RSO utilizes a two-phase process: Phase 1 requires abstract submission, and Phase 2 requires a full proposal submission if invited.

• Abstracts must be relevant to one or more of DARPA's research thrust areas and align with DARPA's current investment portfolio and Program Manager interests.

• Proposed research must be innovative and not already completed.

• Submissions are limited to U.S. colleges and universities.

• Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) candidates from accredited U.S. colleges and universities are eligible for temporary assignment to DARPA as Program Managers (PMs).

• The award instrument type is "Other Transaction (OT) for Research."

• Multiple awards are anticipated.

• Cost-sharing may be a positive factor for efforts with commercial application potential.

• Abstract Due Date: Rolling basis until 11:59 PM ET on the closing date (June 1, 2027).

• Proposal Due Date: As requested by the Government after abstract review.

• Closing Date: June 1, 2027.

• Abstracts will be evaluated on Overall Scientific and Technical Merit, and Potential Contribution and Relevance to the DARPA Mission.

• Full proposals will be evaluated on Overall Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution and Relevance to DARPA Mission, and Price, Value, and Cost Analysis.

• Eligibility is limited to U.S. colleges and universities.

• University-Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) are not eligible to propose.

• Attachments include: Written Abstract Instructions and Template, Oral Abstract Submission, and Sample OT R - Streamlined-fixed.

• DARPA will not reimburse costs associated with abstract preparation or submission.

• Proposers must register in the Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) system prior to award.

Other / Unclassified

This document is an "Other Transaction" agreement template between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and a performer for research and development. It outlines the terms and conditions for a research program, including scope, term, management, payment, intellectual property rights (patents and data), property disposition, and cybersecurity requirements. It specifies that the agreement is authorized under 10 U.S.C. § 4021 and involves a fixed amount for accomplished milestones.

Potential bidders should review this document to understand the contractual framework DARPA uses for "Other Transactions" in research. Key areas of interest include:

• Scope of Work: Defined by the performer's proposal and specific research objectives.
• Milestone-Based Payments: Payment is tied to the successful completion of defined milestones, detailed in Attachment 2.
• Intellectual Property: Articles VI (Patent Rights) and VII (Data Rights) detail how inventions and data generated during the project will be handled, including government rights and performer obligations.
• Reporting Requirements: Attachment 1 outlines various reports required, including milestone reports, a Data Management Plan, invention disclosures, and a final report.
• Cybersecurity: Article X mandates adherence to NIST SP 800-171 for safeguarding Covered Defense Information (CDI) and requires rapid reporting of cyber incidents.
• Foreign Access: Article VIII imposes restrictions on the transfer of technology to foreign firms or institutions.
• Property: Article IX details the title and disposition of property acquired under the agreement.

This document provides a template for the contractual relationship and highlights significant performer responsibilities and government rights.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a required template for submitting an oral abstract request to DARPA. It outlines the necessary information and formatting for a fully conforming submission.

• Abstract Title: To be filled in by the proposer.
• Proposed Thrust Areas and Technical Office: Must align with RSO Section 4, Subsection II.
• Proposer Organization Details: Name, address, SAM/UEI, Technical POC, Administrative POC.
• Other Team Members: Details for subcontractors and consultants, if applicable.
• Estimated Price/Rough Order of Magnitude: To be filled in.
• Estimated Period of Performance: To be filled in.
• Prior Proposals: Identification of any other solicitations to which this concept has been proposed.
• Attestation Statements: Specific statements required to confirm eligibility and compliance with DARPA policies.

This template is essential for any bidder intending to request an oral abstract. It dictates the structure, content, and formatting requirements for the abstract cover sheet, certification statements, and abstract summary slide. Adherence to this template, including page limits (3 required documents), formatting (12-point font, 1" margins), and submission method (DARPA's Broad Agency Announcement Tool - BAAT), is mandatory for a compliant submission. Failure to use this template or meet its requirements will result in the abstract not being accepted.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a required template for submitting written abstracts for DARPA opportunities. It outlines the specific format, content, and submission requirements for abstracts.

• Abstract Title: To be provided.

• Proposed Thrust Areas and Technical Office: Must align with RSO Section 4.

• Proposer Organization Details: Name, address, SAM/UEI, Technical POC, Administrative POC.

• Other Team Members: If applicable, list technical POCs and organizations.

• Estimated Price/Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM): Required.

• Estimated Period of Performance: Required.

• Previous Solicitations: Identify any prior proposals for the same concept.

• Attestation Statements: Specific statements regarding contractor status, citizenship, applicability to thrust areas, innovation, and prior funding must be included on a separate page.

• Table of Contents: Required.

• Content Sections: Goals and Impact, Technical Approach, Capabilities/Management Plan, Rough Order of Magnitude, Bibliography.

• Use of this template is mandatory.

• Abstracts must not exceed 4 pages (excluding cover sheet, attestations, TOC, bibliography, and optional technical papers).

• Formatting: 12-point font, 1" margins, 8.5"x11" pages. 8 or 10-point fonts allowed for figures/tables.

• Delete all content requirement text (in blue) before submission.

• Proprietary information must be marked appropriately (avoid using "Confidential" for business proprietary data).

• Submissions must be in PDF or Microsoft Word format.

• Recommended file naming convention: "Organization Name_DARPA RSO Abstract."

• UNCLASSIFIED abstracts must be submitted via DARPA’s Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT).

This template is critical for bidders to understand the specific requirements for submitting an abstract. Adherence to all formatting, content, and submission instructions is necessary for a conforming abstract. It details the information required for the initial proposal stage, including technical approach, team capabilities, cost estimates, and required attestations.