Expedited Research Implementation Series (ERIS)

Quick Summary

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), in conjunction with The Applied Research Institute (ARI), has initiated the Expedited Research Innovation System (ERIS). This is a long-term, continuous open call for novel technology solutions to support DARPA in advancing research, development, prototyping, experimentation, and adoption of disruptive, DARPA-relevant research and technology solutions. ERIS serves as a digital marketplace for post-competition video pitches, enabling rapid acquisition pathways for DoD activities. Submissions are accepted on a continuous, monthly basis.

Purpose & Scope

ERIS aims to identify, assess, and curate breakthrough technological advancements that are new or represent new applications. The initiative seeks solutions that deliver disruptive capabilities for U.S. national security. Key topic areas include, but are not limited to: detecting/tracking elusive objects, advanced technologies for resilience, defense against chemical/biological threats, and advanced technologies for U.S. operations resilience. The system provides a venue for government organizations to search, view, review, compare, contact, negotiate, and procure these technologies.

Contract Details

ERIS utilizes Other Transaction Authority (OTA) pathways. Solutions deemed "awardable" are considered post-competitive and eligible for award of research, prototyping, and procurement for experimental purposes without further competition. Contract terms, including payment, intellectual property, data rights, schedule, milestones, and pricing, are fully negotiable. There is potential for multiple awards with no price ceilings or duration limits.

Submission & Evaluation

Submissions are accepted on a continuous, long-term open call basis, with monthly collection periods (e.g., December 1-31). The monthly submission cutoff is 12:00 PM ET on the last day of each collection period. Assessment results are typically available within 30 days. Submissions must be unclassified and free of proprietary or export-controlled information. Required submissions include a video pitch (max 7 minutes, HD 1280x720, .mp4 format, under 1 GB) and supplemental slides (four slides, template provided in Appendix B). Videos must address: defining the problem/state of the art, advancing the state of the art, team capability, and defense/commercial market use case/impact.

Submissions are assessed by a peer panel of government, industry, and academic Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). Evaluation factors (from Appendix C) include: Advancing the State of the Art (40%), Team Capability (30%), Defining the Problem & Current State of the Art (20%), and Defense and/or Commercial Market Use Case/Impact (10%). Solutions are rated as "awardable" or "non-awardable." "Awardable" videos are placed in the ERIS Marketplace for 12 months (enduring topics) or 6 months (special topics).

Eligibility

All U.S.-based companies (large and small businesses, traditional and nontraditional), universities, non-profit companies, and individuals are welcome to participate. Foreign entities may submit if compliant with international law and U.S. export laws. There is no specific set-aside designation for this opportunity.

Key Documents & Contact

• Appendix A defines the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale, which bidders may need to reference.
• Appendix B provides the template for supplemental slides, including a quad chart and solution overview.
• Appendix C details the evaluation criteria and rating definitions.

Costs for preparing and submitting are the responsibility of the entity. Assessment as "awardable" does not guarantee an award. Questions can be directed to ERIS@darpa.mil. More information is available at www.darpaconnect.us/ERIS.