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Artificial Intelligence Exploration (AIE) Program is sponsored by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The AIE Program is a series of funding opportunities exploring new directions for AI research to develop trustworthy systems for national security missions. It's a key element of DARPA's broader AI investment strategy to maintain a technological advantage.
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Scheduled SAM Maintenance Show Details) Jul 7, 2026 SAM. gov will undergo planned maintenance on Saturday, July 11, 2026 from 8:00AM to 1:00PM EST. Thank you for your understanding.
ISR Workspace: Increased Contract Volume Show Details) Jun 26, 2026 Following the implementation of revisions to the ISR eligibility logic within the Subcontracting Plan Reporting system on June 9, 2026, contractors might observe an increased volume of contracts and subcontracts in their Eligible Workspace. The inclusion of these records does not automatically necessitate an ISR submission.
Contractors must evaluate the specific subcontracting plans associated with each contract and subcontract to determine their reporting obligations. # Program Announcement for Artificial Intelligence Exploration (AIE) DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA) #### Looking for contract opportunity help? APEX Accelerators are an official government contracting resource for small businesses.
Find your local APEX Accelerator (opens in new window) for free government expertise related to contract opportunities. APEX Accelerators are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense. The APEX Accelerators program was formerly known as the Procurement Technical Assistance Program (opens in new window) (PTAP).
* **Contract Opportunity Type:**Solicitation (Original) * **Original Published Date:**Dec 05, 2024 12:11 pm EST * **Original Date Offers Due:**Dec 04, 2025 05:00 pm EST * **Inactive Policy:**Manual * **Original Inactive Date:**Jan 03, 2026 * **Original Set Aside:** * **Product Service Code:** AC11 - NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; BASIC RESEARCH * 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) * **Place of Performance:** The mission of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is to make strategic, early investments in science and technology that will have long-term positive impact on our Nation’s security.
In support of this mission, DARPA has pioneered groundbreaking research and development (R&D) in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for more than five decades.
Today, DARPA continues to lead innovation in AI research through a large, diverse portfolio of fundamental and applied R&D AI programs aimed at shaping a future for AI technology where machines may serve as trusted and collaborative partners in solving problems of importance to national security.
The AI Exploration (AIE) program is one key element of DARPA’s broader AI investment strategy that will help ensure the U.S. maintains a technological advantage in this critical area. ### Contracting Office Address * 675 NORTH RANDOLPH STREET * ARLINGTON , VA 222032114 ### Primary Point of Contact * DARPA-PA-25-03@darpa.
mil ### Secondary Point of Contact * **Jan 03, 2026 11:55 pm EST**Solicitation (Original) What changes or improvements would you suggest? * Freedom of Information Act * Freedom of Information Act This is a U.S. General Services Administration Federal Government computer system that is **"FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY." ** This system is subject to monitoring.
Individuals found performing unauthorized activities are subject to disciplinary action including criminal prosecution. This system contains Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). All individuals viewing, reproducing or disposing of this information are required to protect it in accordance with 32 CFR Part 2002 and GSA Order CIO 2103.
2 CUI Policy.
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Researchers, likely from academic institutions, industry, and government, involved in high-risk, high-payoff AI research. DARPA uses streamlined contracting for quick project kick-off. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
Applications for Artificial Intelligence Exploration (AIE) Program are due July 14, 2026. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, and final submission checks.
Artificial Intelligence Exploration (AIE) Program is funded by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Yes — this listing is flagged as national in scope, so applicants across the U.S. may apply, subject to the sponsor's other eligibility criteria.
Applications go through the funder's official portal — the Apply Now link on this page goes there directly.
DoD Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI) is sponsored by Department of Defense (DoD) - Office of Naval Research (ONR). The Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI), administered by the Department of Defense Office of Naval Research, supports basic research in science and engineering at U. S.
SBIR SF254-D1206: Knowledge-Guided Test and Evaluation Frameworks for proliferated Low Earth Orbit Constellations is sponsored by U.S. Air Force. DOD SBIR topic SF254-D1206: Knowledge-Guided Test and Evaluation Frameworks for proliferated Low Earth Orbit Constellations. Component: U.S. Air Force. Command: SDA. Solicitation: DoD SBIR 2025.4. Phase(s): D2PII, II, SPII. Status: Pre-Release. Open date: 3/4/2026.
DARPA's Non-Volatile Memory for Extreme Environments topic (DPA26BZ04-DV017) is a Direct-to-Phase-II SBIR worth $1.2 million for radiation-hardened NOR Flash that works from -269°C to +600°C. It opened July 22 and closes August 19, 2026. Here is why the no-Phase-I structure narrows the field to a handful of teams, what the rad-hard specs actually demand, and how a qualified company should sequence a proposal in under a month.
Read articleDARPA's FALCON SBIR topic (DPA26BZ04-DV016) is a Direct-to-Phase-II award worth $1.5 million to teams that can marry the statistical rigor of classical machine learning with the contextual reach of large language models. It opened July 22 and closes August 19, 2026. Here is why the no-Phase-I structure changes who can win, what the hallucination-mitigation requirement really demands, and how a small team should sequence a proposal in under four weeks.
Read articleDARPA pre-released two Release 4 SBIR topics on July 1 — FALCON, fusing efficient ML with large language models, and a non-volatile memory system rated for space and deep-cryogenic extremes. Both open July 22 and close August 19, 2026. Here's what each topic is really asking for and how to build a competitive proposal.
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