Strategic Technology Office-wide Innovation Solutions Opening Announcement

Key Dates

Due Date

Posted Date

Agency & Value

Agency

DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCY

Contract Value

Not provided

Codes & Classification

Solicitation Number

DARPA-PS-26-09

NAICS

541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Classification Code

AC13

Additional Details

Set Aside

None

Place of Performance

—

SourceSAM

Documents4

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), through its Strategic Technology Office (STO), has issued a solicitation titled "Strategic Technology Office-wide Innovation Solutions Opening Announcement" (Procurement Identifier: DARPA-PS-26-09). This opportunity seeks to fund a select number of proposals that offer revolutionary, rather than evolutionary, advances in science, devices, or systems. The intent is to catalyze groundbreaking research and development that can fundamentally transform current capabilities across a broad spectrum of defense and national security domains. Purpose, Scope, and Intended Outcomes: The primary objective of this solicitation is to identify and support innovative research concepts that are not currently addressed by ongoing STO programs or other published DARPA solicitations. DARPA’s STO is focused on delivering disruptive technologies and resilient, breakthrough systems for the modern battlespace, spanning all physical domains—air, space, sea, and land—and addressing the full spectrum of competition. The office is particularly interested in "proof-of-concept" mission systems that can address the strategic, logistical, and tactical complexities of today’s national security environment. Key Requirements, Objectives, and Expected Deliverables: Proposals must present novel approaches that have the potential to deliver revolutionary advances. Incremental or evolutionary improvements to existing technologies are explicitly excluded from consideration. The solicitation outlines a wide array of research areas of interest, including but not limited to: - Acoustic communication and sensing - Advanced computing and artificial intelligence - Autonomy, control algorithms, and distributed teaming (machine-machine, human-machine) - Command and control (C2), decision aids, and complexity management - Communications and networking (virtual, adaptive, HF, VLF, VLEO) - Critical infrastructure defense and economic security - Directed energy, electromagnetic warfare, and non-kinetic effects (EW, DE, cyber) - Electro-optic/infrared sensors, photonics, and optical technologies - Human behavior modeling, human-machine symbiosis, and robotics - Industrial engineering, logistics, supply chain analytics, and system of systems - Modeling, simulation, testing, and data collection - Novel kinetic effects, seekers, expendable sensors, and signal processing - Space sensors, communications, autonomy, and architectures (with emphasis on proliferated low earth orbit constellations) - Undersea and seabed technology, tactics development, and resilient systems Proposers are strongly encouraged to review current STO programs and solicitations to avoid duplication and to ensure their submissions are responsive to this specific opportunity. Engaging with STO program managers to discuss research interests is also recommended. Contracting Entity and Contact Information: The contracting entity for this solicitation is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a federal office with a longstanding reputation for pioneering advanced research. The primary point of contact for this opportunity is the Solicitation Coordinator, who can be reached via email at [email protected]. Location, Classification Codes, and Additional Details: - NAICS Code: 541715 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology), 2022 version. - Product Service Code: AC13 - Contracting Entity Organization Key: 500035490 Procurement Type, Set-Aside Requirements, and Special Considerations: This solicitation is classified as a SOLICITATION and is conducted under the procurement authorities of 10 U.S. Code §§ 4001, 4021, 4022, and 4023. These authorities enable DARPA to enter into a variety of agreement types, including cooperative agreements, Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) for research and prototypes, and procurement for experimental purposes. The solicitation does not specify any set-aside requirements, indicating that it is open to a broad range of entities, including industry, academia, and other organizations. Proposals will be evaluated through a scientific review process based on criteria specified in the solicitation. Additional Information: - The solicitation is active, with a post date of December 19, 2025, and a response deadline of December 18, 2026. - Interested parties can access the full solicitation and related attachments via the SAM.gov opportunity page: https://sam.gov/opp/5abc1a0ed8ab4c5e8f6aa62aa745d210/view. - Four attachments are available for further reference. Summary for Contractors: This opportunity is well-suited for organizations with the capability to deliver high-impact, transformative research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. The broad scope of technical areas and the emphasis on revolutionary innovation make this solicitation particularly attractive to entities with novel concepts and the ability to execute complex, multidisciplinary projects. Contractors should ensure their proposals are distinct from ongoing DARPA efforts and are encouraged to engage with STO program managers to refine their submissions. The flexible procurement authorities and absence of set-aside restrictions further broaden the pool of eligible participants. For further information or to discuss potential research ideas, interested parties should contact the Solicitation Coordinator at [email protected].