Disruption through Intelligent Strategies, Counter Options, and Resilient Defenses (DISCORD)
Key Dates
Due Date
-
Posted Date
-
Agency & Value
Agency
DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCY
Contract Value
Not provided
Codes & Classification
Solicitation Number
DARPA-PS-26-27
NAICS
541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Classification Code
AC13
Additional Details
Documents2
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has issued a solicitation for the Disruption through Intelligent Strategies, Counter Options, and Resilient Defenses (DISCORD) program, under procurement identifier DARPA-PS-26-27. This initiative seeks innovative proposals that harness cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence, physics-based reduced order modeling, AI-driven simulation with edge computing, online model-predictive control, online dynamics learning, recurrence quantification analysis, integration of live sensor data, and game theory or behavioral theory.
The primary objective of the DISCORD program is to develop an AI-native system capable of rapidly generating a diverse portfolio of tactical options for military commanders. By leveraging both live sensor inputs and high-fidelity simulations, the system aims to provide commanders with a suite of strategies that can adapt and pivot in real time as operational conditions evolve. A key requirement is that the system must produce explainable outcomes, enabling human operators and commanders to validate and trust the AI-driven recommendations. This focus on explainability is intended to foster confidence in AI-assisted decision-making and ensure that commanders retain the ability to exercise their own tactical judgment, leveraging their experience and expertise in ways that adversaries cannot easily anticipate or disrupt.
The DISCORD program is structured as a 24-month effort, divided into two 12-month phases. DARPA anticipates awarding multiple contracts to selected performers, encouraging a competitive and collaborative environment to drive innovation. The program is part of Ender’s Foundry, a warfighting Pace-Setting Project (PSP) established by the Department of War, with the overarching goal of accelerating AI-enabled simulation capabilities to maintain a strategic advantage over AI-enabled adversaries.
The scope of work falls under NAICS code 541715, which covers Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology), as per the 2022 NAICS classification. The Product Service Code (PSC) associated with this effort is AC13. The solicitation is managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a federal office within the Department of Defense. The primary point of contact for this opportunity is the BAA Coordinator, who can be reached at [email protected].
This procurement is classified as a solicitation and involves controlled unclassified information (CUI), indicating that certain security and information handling requirements will apply. The notice is currently active, with a posting date of May 15, 2026, and a response deadline of July 9, 2026. Interested parties can access further details and attachments via the official SAM.gov opportunity page at https://sam.gov/opp/56ef952854bf48ae94be00f4ddb03d85/view.
Contractors considering this opportunity should have demonstrated expertise in AI, simulation, control systems, and related research and development domains. The program’s emphasis on explainability, adaptability, and integration of live data underscores the need for multidisciplinary teams capable of delivering robust, innovative, and trustworthy solutions that can operate in dynamic and contested environments.