Future Program: Decentralized Artificial Intelligence through Controlled Emergence (DICE)
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), specifically its Information Innovation Office (I2O), has issued a Special Notice for a future program titled "Decentralized Artificial Intelligence through Controlled Emergence (DICE)". This notice serves as an early announcement to inform potential performers about upcoming research opportunities in decentralized AI. The program aims to develop theory and algorithms for scalable, adaptive, and resilient AI collectives capable of operating in contested environments under human control.
Program Overview
The DICE program seeks to overcome the limitations of centralized AI orchestration and the risks of ad hoc AI compositions. It will focus on creating a decentralized AI architecture that enables heterogeneous AI agents to autonomously execute long-duration missions through peer-to-peer coordination. Key areas of interest include:
- Developing theory and algorithms for decentralized coordination and local inference control.
- Enabling dynamic team formation and mission execution in rapidly evolving environments.
- Ensuring robust coordination and resilience to agent failure or compromise.
- Maintaining alignment with commander's intent through local inference control.
The program will utilize simulation environments for demonstration, not real-world deployment, focusing on Department of War-relevant use-cases.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Future Program Announcement)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Published: April 22, 2026
- Response Date (Placeholder): May 29, 2026 (Note: This is a placeholder; no submissions are accepted at this stage).
Additional Notes
This notice is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or Request for Information (RFI). DARPA will not accept any submissions in response to this notice. Interested parties should monitor SAM.gov for future announcements regarding the DICE program. No classified information should be included in any communications related to this notice. The primary contact for inquiries is the Solicitation Coordinator at DICE@darpa.mil.