SBIR / STTR #DPA26BZ06-DV026

DARPA SBIR Solicitation for AI Influence Benchmarking and Advanced Technology R&D Services

DARPA, under the Department of Defense, is seeking innovative research and development proposals from small businesses for the SBIR 2026 BAA Release 6, focusing on influence benchmarks for AI systems and other advanced technologies. - Government Buyer: - Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Department of Defense - Small Business Programs Office - OEMs and Vendors: - DARPA is the only OEM mentioned; no commercial product manufacturers specified - Products/Services Requested: - Research and development services for: - AI system influence benchmarking testbed (simulated market environment to evaluate AI agent biases, behaviors, collaboration, and deception) - High-altitude airborne geologic sensing system (rapid, stand-off 3D subsurface imaging) - Networked pest detection system for New World Screwworm - Noninvasive hemorrhage detection and localization device - Casualty operations and resource prediction software (CORPS) - TRIAGE-X autonomous casualty triage and treatment system - ICU-in-a-Box autonomous extracorporeal multiple-organ support platform - No specific part numbers or hardware products; focus is on R&D and software development - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Targeted at small businesses - Compliance with cybersecurity standards - Registration in SAM and SBA Company Registry required - Proposal submission via DoW SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal - Milestone-based deliverables for each phase/topic - Emphasis on dual-use applications and transition to commercial AI firms for benchmarking - Award Structure: - Phase I awards up to $300,000 for 12 months - Phase II awards up to $1.8 million for 24 months - Option periods and milestone-based performance - No specific commercial products or part numbers requested; all items are R&D services or software tools.

Description

This solicitation is part of the Department of War (DoW) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) 2026 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Release 6. It seeks proposals for research and development in the area of influence benchmarks for AI systems. The program aims to support innovative research concepts that align with DARPA's mission to create and prevent technological surprise for national security. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the DoW SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP) by the specified deadlines, and the solicitation includes detailed instructions and requirements for proposal preparation and submission.

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