Opportunity
SAM #DARPA-PA-26-08
DARPA Research Solutions Opening for Academic Researchers and IPA Candidates
Buyer
DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCY
Posted
June 02, 2026
Respond By
June 01, 2027
Identifier
DARPA-PA-26-08
NAICS
541715
DARPA is inviting U.S. academic researchers and IPA candidates to submit proposals for innovative basic research projects supporting defense innovation. - Government Buyer: - Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) - Focused on five technical thrust areas: Biological Technologies, Defense Sciences, Information Processing Techniques, Multi X, and Tactical Technology - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are mentioned; the opportunity is for academic research services - Products/Services Requested: - Independent research services from accredited U.S. colleges and universities - Temporary assignments for nominated researchers under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Mobility Program - Research projects awarded under Other Transaction (OT) agreements - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Eligibility restricted to IPA candidates and accredited U.S. academic institutions - Two-phase submission process: abstracts followed by full proposals - IPA assignments are initially two years, extendable to four years - Multiple anticipated awards, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and revolutionary advances - Place of Performance: - DARPA headquarters, Arlington, Virginia
Description
This Research Solutions Opening (RSO) aims to strengthen the DARPA Program Manager (PM) community by engaging academic researchers capable of addressing DARPA's hard problems. PMs that are passionate about tackling the most complex technical challenges, pushing the boundaries of science and technology, and shaping the future of defense and innovation. Together, through this effort, we will pioneer revolutionary solutions, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and empower the brightest minds to make the impossible possible. This RSO also seeks to fund the independent research ideas of these passionate researchers. This RSO is limited to Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) candidates and proposals from accredited U.S. colleges and universities.