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

The AI Forge Program, managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency within the Department of Defense, is issuing a Request for Information to map the artificial intelligence research capacities of U.S. universities, with a focus on high-impact, fast-paced fundamental research addressing critical national security challenges in AI interpretability, AI control, and adversarial robustness. This RFI is not a solicitation for proposals or a binding contract; responses are voluntary, cannot form a contract, and are intended solely for program planning and to build a repository of institutional capabilities. Universities are required to submit a single, unified response authorized by senior leadership such as the Vice President for Research or Provost, with no individual faculty submissions permitted. Each submission must be no more than eight pages in length, formatted in 12-point font with one-inch margins, using English and standard 8.5” by 11” paper, and must be submitted as an unprotected Word or PDF file via email to aiforge@darpa.mil by June 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Responses must be unclassified, with no Controlled Unclassified Information or classified material allowed. Institutions must provide their SAM.gov Unique Entity ID and attest to their capacity for supporting research involving Controlled Unclassified Information and classified efforts, as well as demonstrate the ability to rapidly onboard new contract vehicles or subawards and execute government flow-down clauses within 30 days of selection. The RFI also seeks information on existing Master Research Agreements with the Defense Industrial Base and formal partnerships with University Affiliated Research Centers or intermediaries to enable computational scaling and transition readiness. Funding for future Project Ventures, if initiated, is expected to range from $750K to $3M or higher, with durations up to one year, though no financial commitments are being made through this RFI. All submissions will be reviewed by AI Forge stakeholders, and respondents are warned not to include proprietary or sensitive information not authorized for disclosure to non-government personnel.