The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Defense Sciences Office (DSO) has issued the Defense Sciences Office (DSO) Office-wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) HR001124S0039 to solicit research proposals that explore innovative approaches to achieving revolutionary advancements in science, devices, and systems for national security applications. The announcement follows Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 6.102(d)(2) and 35.016, and 2 CFR § 200.203. Awards may be made in the form of cooperative agreements, procurement contracts, and other transaction agreements for research and prototypes. This BAA excludes research aimed at incremental improvements and focuses on transformational innovations.

DARPA's DSO mission is to identify and develop the next generation of scientific discoveries to drive technological innovation, ensuring the United States maintains a strategic advantage in defense technologies. This BAA seeks proposals that align with DARPA's investment in six primary technical thrust areas: (1) Novel Materials & Structures, including quantum devices and atomic-scale systems; (2) Sensing & Measurement, covering quantum sensing and novel light sources; (3) Computation & Processing, including quantum computing and cryptography; (4) Enabling Operations, supporting space-based and tactically remote operations; (5) Collective Intelligence, focusing on AI and adaptable sociotechnical systems; and (6) Emerging Threats, addressing concerns related to global resource availability, environmental catastrophes, and digital security. While proposals should focus on one or more of these areas, evolutionary advancements in existing technologies are not of interest.

The funding opportunity is open to U.S. and non-U.S. applicants, including businesses, universities, research institutions, and other entities capable of meeting DARPA’s objectives. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), and government entities must confirm eligibility before submission. Small businesses, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and minority institutions are encouraged to apply, though no portion of the funding is exclusively set aside for these entities.

The submission process includes an optional Executive Summary, followed by an Abstract submission phase, both of which allow proposers to receive feedback before submitting a full proposal. Executive summaries and abstracts may be submitted on a rolling basis until September 26, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. ET, with full proposals also accepted on a rolling basis until the final submission deadline of September 26, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. ET. The deadline for submitting questions is September 5, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. ET.

Evaluation criteria prioritize Overall Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution and Relevance to the DARPA Mission, and Cost and Schedule Realism. Proposals should demonstrate innovation, feasibility, and a well-structured approach to achieving DARPA’s goals. Cost realism is emphasized, and proposers should avoid strategies that minimize risk at the expense of technological advancement.

For inquiries, proposers may contact HR001124S0039@darpa.mil. The mailing address for submissions and inquiries is DARPA/DSO, ATTN: HR001124S0039, 675 North Randolph Street, Arlington, VA 22203-2114. Additional information and active solicitations can be found at https://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/opportunities.