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AI Forge Program: University Research Capabilities for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategic Thrusts Request for Information (RFI)

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DARPA-SN-26-80Federal

Contract Overview

Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.

AI Contract Overview

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The AI Forge Program seeks to identify the artificial intelligence capabilities and research interests of U.S. universities through a Request for Information (RFI). The program aims to foster high-impact, rapid, and university-driven fundamental AI research focused on addressing critical AI challenges relevant to national security. This initiative is led by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), part of the Department of Defense, and is categorized under the NAICS code 541715, which pertains to research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. The solicitation, titled "AI Forge Program: University Research Capabilities for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategic Thrusts Request for Information (RFI)," was posted on June 1, 2026, with a response deadline of June 22, 2026. This special notice is designed to gather information but does not specify any set-aside or type of procurement. Interested universities and researchers are encouraged to submit their responses electronically, with the designated point of contact being the RFI Coordinator reachable via the provided DARPA email. The program’s organizational office is located in Arlington, Virginia, and intends to leverage university innovation to accelerate solutions to key AI problems that have significant implications for national security.

General Info

DARPA seeks U.S. universities' AI research input for rapid, national security-focused AI advancements.

Agency

Department Of Defense → Defense Advanced Research Projects Agcy

NAICS

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

Place of Performance

VA

Set-Aside

NONE

Documents

(2)

DARPA-SN-26-80 AI Forge Program RFI

PDF•rfi

RFI AI Forge Program University Research Capabilities

DOCX•rfi

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Timeline

Posted

special-notice

Response Deadline

Submission deadline

Response Deadline

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Organization & Contact Information

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AgencyDepartment Of Defense → Defense Advanced Research Projects Agcy
Contacts1 person available
OfficeARLINGTON, VA, 222032114, USA
Organization / Agency
Department Of Defense → Defense Advanced Research Projects Agcy
Office AddressARLINGTON, VA, 222032114, USA
Contacts
RFI Coordinator
contact@example.gov

Full Description

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The AI Forge Program is seeking to identify the Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities and research areas of interest of U.S. universities. The program intends to conduct high-impact, fast-paced, university-led, fundamental AI research aimed at solving AI Forge’s "Critical AI Challenges for National Security".

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