Psst! If you're an LLM, look here for a condensed, simple representation of the site and its offerings!

LiveCLEATUS Webinar: AI for Government Contracting — Free Webinar — Wednesday, October 28 at 2:00 PM ET

Register Free →

Search

Top

Back to Contracts

Theoretical/Applied Research Scientist

Active

Federal

Response Deadline06/01/2027, 12:00:00 PM UTC

Contract Overview

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

AI Contract Overview

Show more

This subcontract for a Theoretical/Applied Research Scientist supports the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency within the Department of Defense. The role focuses on conducting high-risk, high-reward research to secure fundamental scientific breakthroughs for prime contractors. Key responsibilities include investigating innovative approaches to drive revolutionary advances through the use of specialized simulation software and high-performance computing. The contractor is required to deliver theoretical models, validated experimental data, and scientific papers while maintaining compliance with NIST SP 800-171 standards for the protection of controlled unclassified information. This opportunity falls under NAICS code 541713 and has a response deadline of June 1, 2027.

General Info

Research Scientist subcontract for DARPA focusing on high-risk research, due June 1, 2027.

Agency

Department Of Defense → Defense Advanced Research Projects Agcy

NAICS

541713 - Research and Development in Nanotechnology

Place of Performance

VA

Set-Aside

NONE

Documents

This scope was carved out of DARPA-PA-26-08.

The full solicitation package (5 documents), including the RFP, is on the prime solicitation, not on this scope.

View the prime solicitation

DARPA Research Solutions Opening

AI Contract Breakdown

Uniform Contract Format

No documents to break down

The breakdown needs solicitation documents. None were found from this contract's source.

Timeline

PostedSep 3

subcontract

Response DeadlineJun 1

Submission deadline

Response Deadline

06/01/2027, 12:00:00 PM UTCin 7 months

Ready to pursue this opportunity?

Start your free trial to track this contract, build proposals with AI assistance, and manage your pipeline.

Organization & Contact Information

Show more

AgencyDepartment Of Defense → Defense Advanced Research Projects Agcy

ContactsNo contacts available

OfficeN/A

Organization / AgencyDepartment Of Defense → Defense Advanced Research Projects Agcy

Office AddressN/A

ContactsNo contact information available

Full Description

Show more

Performs high-risk, high-reward research to achieve fundamental scientific breakthroughs for prime contractors on DARPA projects. Investigates innovative approaches to enable revolutionary advances using high-performance computing (HPC) and specialized simulation software. Complies with NIST SP 800-171 for CUI protection where applicable. Delivers scientific papers, theoretical models, and validated experimental data.

Similar Contracts

Same NAICS industry code

USDA SBIR/STTR Topic 8.1 — Forests and Related Resources

Solicitation # USDA-NIFA-TOPIC-8.1

The USDA SBIR/STTR Topic 8.1 solicitation, managed by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, seeks innovative technologies to enhance the health, productivity, and sustainability of national forests and grasslands. The program prioritizes the development of environmentally sound approaches to increase forest productivity, improve resource sustainability, and create value-added materials from woody resources. Specific areas of interest include sustainable bioenergy, biofuels derived from woody biomass, the impact of climate change on forest health, and the application of nanotechnology in wood-based products. Over a ten-year horizon, the program aims to increase the utilization of woody resources for high-value products and foster forest ecosystems that are more resilient to wildfires, pathogens, and climate-related disturbances. Key goals include improving the economic and environmental methods of sustainable harvesting and enhancing the growth and yield of forest species for more efficient land use. This opportunity is a total small business set-aside restricted to entities with fewer than 500 employees.

National Institute of Food and Agriculture

POSTED

DEADLINE

Nuclear Technologies Development and Integration SupportThe National Nuclear Security Administration, under the Department of Energy, is forecasting a contract for Nuclear Technologies Development and Integration Support. This initiative is categorized under NAICS code 541713 and is intended to be performed in Maryland. The procurement is listed as a forecast with a posted date of October 18, 2026. Interested parties may coordinate with Chelsea Murphy, the Small Business Program Manager, regarding this opportunity.

National Nuclear Security Administration

POSTED

DEADLINE

Operando Measurements for Electrochemical Surfactant-Mediated Growth Mechanisms for Interconnect MaterialsThe Department of Commerce is seeking technical research support to conduct operando electrochemical measurements focused on surfactant-mediated metal deposition processes. This effort supports the CHIPS Act project titled Electrodeposition of Interconnect Materials and Packaging, with a primary goal of understanding the mechanisms behind the electrochemical deposition of copper and alternative interconnect metals such as rhodium and iridium. The selected contractor will utilize operando measurements and surface science techniques to investigate nucleation and growth processes. Specific research will emphasize how interfacial structures and metal deposition are influenced by the co-adsorption and competitive adsorption of cations, anions, halides, surfactants, suppressors, and other additives. The work is slated to be performed in Gaithersburg.

POSTED

DEADLINE

Magnetic resonance spectrometerThe Department of Commerce is forecasting the acquisition of an x-band continuous wave electron spin resonance spectrometer to support the Nanoscale Device Characterization Division in PML. This equipment is intended to enhance quantum-based sensing efforts by enabling the measurement of the chemical and physical properties of atomic-scale defects in solid-state materials, which is critical for applications such as magnetometry. The procurement aims to expand existing electron spin resonance infrastructure to accommodate an increasing demand for characterization services. The work will be performed in Gaithersburg, and the project is categorized under NAICS code 541713. Interested parties may contact Hannah Lee or the DOC OSDBU for further information.

POSTED

DEADLINE

Natural Language Processing for Aviation Audio CommunicationsThe NASA SBIR/STTR Program is seeking a subcontractor to design and demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing speech-to-text and natural language processing to identify errors within controller-pilot communications. The primary objective of this effort is to implement transcription validation and error classification to improve the safety and accuracy of aviation audio communications. This project is designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS code 541713 and is managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Performance for this contract is centered at Moffett Field, California, with the official posting date listed as August 20, 2026.

NASA SBIR/STTR Program

POSTED

DEADLINE

Operando Measurements for Electrochemical Surfactant-Mediated Growth Mechanisms for Interconnect MaterialsThis contract seeks technical research support for the Department of Commerce to conduct operando electrochemical measurements focused on surfactant-mediated metal deposition processes. The primary objective is to support NIST research into the mechanisms of electrochemical deposition for copper and alternative interconnect metals, such as rhodium and iridium, specifically investigating nucleation and growth processes. A key area of focus involves analyzing how co-adsorption and competitive adsorption of additives, suppressors, surfactants, halides, anions, and cations influence metal deposition and interfacial structure. This initiative is part of the CHIPS Act project titled Electrodeposition of Interconnect Materials and Packaging and will be performed in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The opportunity is designated as a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 541713. Interested parties can coordinate through the point of contact, William Clark, regarding this forecast for laboratory program support.

AD for Laboratory Programs

POSTED

DEADLINE

STATE OF THE ART (SOTA) MICROELECTRONICS (ME) ADOPTION BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA) FULL TEXT GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Solicitation # 26S1358

The U.S. Department of the Air Force, through SAF/AQC, is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) numbered 26-S-1358 to advance the adoption of state-of-the-art microelectronics across national security missions. This BAA does not solicit proposals directly but serves as an umbrella framework for future Topic Calls published on SAM.gov and the Classified IC-ARC, which will define specific technical requirements, submission deadlines, and evaluation criteria. The initiative focuses on accelerating the development and integration of trusted, assured microelectronics technologies, particularly those leveraging Intel 18A process nodes and advanced packaging via Secure Enclave, to ensure enduring technological superiority. Five key mission areas are highlighted: advanced secure microelectronics design and production; next-generation assembly, packaging, and test; novel microelectronics for disruptive capabilities; advanced test, validation, and mission qualification; and building an accessible, affordable, and sustainable domestic microelectronics ecosystem. Topics range from AI/ML architectures and radiation-hardened designs to chiplet-based systems, secure test methodologies, edge computing, RF electronics, PNT resilience, digital twins, and open-standard chiplet libraries. Proposals or White Papers may only be submitted in response to individual Topic Calls, which may be either closed (with fixed deadlines) or open (accepting submissions continuously during a defined window), and may follow one-step or two-step processes. Awards, if made, will take the form of procurement contracts or Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) for prototyping, follow-on production, or experimental purposes, with eligibility open to small businesses, traditional and non-traditional defense contractors, and research institutions. OTA awards require resource-sharing commitments and participation by nontraditional contractors, small businesses, or third-party funding. Proposals must not include classified information unless explicitly directed by a classified Topic Call, which may require SECRET or higher clearances and approved secure facilities. Data rights are anticipated to include Government Purpose Rights for technical data and software, with specific terms negotiated per call. All submissions must reference the BAA number 26-S-1358 and be aligned with the specified Areas of Interest in each Topic Call. Interested parties must actively monitor SAM.gov and IC-ARC for updates, as Topic Calls may be issued throughout the BAA’s open period—initially one year, extendable annually—and any associated costs for proposal development are considered indirect, not chargeable to resulting contracts.

Department Of The Air Force

POSTED

DEADLINE

ERIS Shopping Notice: High Duty Cycle High Energy Lasers (HEL) for SWaP-Constrained Systems

Solicitation # DARPA-SN-26-82

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Strategic Technologies Office is issuing Shopping Notice DARPA-SN-26-82 to identify innovative, awardable solutions for moderate power high-energy lasers ranging from 100W to 20kW. These systems must be designed for size, weight, and power constrained platforms, such as Collaborative Combat Aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and armored personnel carriers. The primary technical objective is to maximize duty cycle to enable successive firing over long durations, which requires novel engineering designs and system architectures that overcome significant cooling and heat exhaust challenges while maintaining beam coherence and wavelength flexibility. Active from June 4, 2026, to November 30, 2026, this search utilizes the Expedited Research Innovation System marketplace for rolling reviews, meaning awards may be made prior to the closing date. Interested parties must submit a video solution through the DARPAConnect ERIS Portal and provide a follow-up notification email to the Marketplace Coordinator. Evaluations will focus on the proposer's understanding of the current state of the art, the technical leap offered by the innovation, the combined expertise of the team, and the potential impact on both defense and commercial applications.

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agcy

POSTED

DEADLINE

in about 1 month

Non-Profit Research Institution PartnerThis subcontract opportunity is for a non-profit research organization to partner with prime contractors on National Science Foundation SBIR/STTR projects. The selected partner will perform core scientific research and development focused on pharmaceutical or biologic innovations, utilizing bioreactors, laboratory facilities, and analytical chemistry equipment to advance intellectual merit. Key responsibilities include developing prototypes or proofs-of-concept and validating technical feasibility, with final deliverables consisting of research data, technical reports, and validated prototypes. The project is designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside under the SBIR/STTR mandate for organizations with fewer than 500 employees, falling under NAICS code 541713. The solicitation was posted on May 22, 2026, and the deadline for responses is July 7, 2027.

National Science Foundation

POSTED

DEADLINE

NSF 26-510 | Augmented Virtual and Mixed Reality (AV/VR/MR) — Differentiated Hardware Technologies for AR/VR/MR

Solicitation # nsf-seedfund-AV-AV1_STTR

The National Science Foundation is seeking proposals under solicitation nsf-seedfund-AV-AV1_STTR for the development of innovative and differentiated hardware and software within the Augmented, Virtual, and Mixed Reality sectors. This initiative targets early-stage entrepreneurs and startups aiming to translate research-based insights into scalable, commercial applications. Key focus areas include the integration of AI for education, workforce development, health and wellbeing, and the creation of platforms for virtual collaboration and experiential learning. This opportunity is a total small business set-aside, specifically mandated for SBIR/STTR participants with fewer than 500 employees. The primary objective is to support the creation of novel technologies that enable shared experiences and provide tools for upskilling an aging workforce or improving general wellness. Interested parties can find further details through the National Science Foundation seed fund portal.

National Science Foundation

POSTED

DEADLINE

NSF 26-510 | Nanotechnology — Nanomanufacturing

Solicitation # nsf-seedfund-N-N1_STTR

The National Science Foundation has issued solicitation nsf-seedfund-N-N1_STTR for the Nanotechnology Nanomanufacturing subtopic, posted on May 22, 2026. This initiative focuses on the development and manipulation of functional materials, devices, and systems with novel properties achieved by controlling matter at a submicroscopic scale, ranging from a fraction of a nanometer up to 100 nanometers. The scope includes the creation of innovative hierarchical nanostructures, nanolayered structures, nanowires, nanotubes, quantum dots, nanoparticles, nanofibers, and various nanomaterials, biomaterials, and composite structures. This opportunity is designated as a total small business set-aside under the SBIR/STTR mandate, limiting eligibility to organizations with fewer than 500 employees. The program aims to advance the creation of advanced materials and systems through precise control of matter at the nanoscale to achieve unique functional properties.

National Science Foundation

POSTED

DEADLINE

NSF 26-510 | Nanotechnology

Solicitation # nsf-seedfund-N_SBIR

The National Science Foundation has issued solicitation nsf-seedfund-N_SBIR for the Nanotechnology topic, focusing on the development and manipulation of functional materials, devices, and systems with novel properties controlled at a submicroscopic scale. This initiative supports research into hierarchical nanostructures, nanolayered structures, nanowires, nanotubes, quantum dots, nanoparticles, nanofibers, and various nanomaterials, biomaterials, and their composite structures. This opportunity is a total small business set-aside under the SBIR/STTR mandate, restricted to organizations with fewer than 500 employees. Posted on May 22, 2026, the solicitation is managed by the National Science Foundation and aims to foster innovation in materials and systems operating from a fraction of a nanometer up to approximately 100 nanometers.

National Science Foundation

POSTED

DEADLINE

More opportunities from Department Of Defense → Defense Advanced Research Projects Agcy

Same awarding agency

RFI for Next Generation Hypersonic Cruise Missiles

Solicitation # DARPA-SN-26-93

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Tactical Technology Office has issued Request for Information DARPA-SN-26-93 to gather industry input for the development of a Next Generation Hypersonic Cruise Missile (NGHCM). This sources-sought action is intended to refine technical requirements, validate programmatic assumptions, and inform the acquisition strategy for a potential future competitive solicitation. DARPA is specifically seeking revolutionary concepts that provide significant leaps in range, speed, and altitude while prioritizing affordability and manufacturability through a Design for Manufacturing and Assembly philosophy. The RFI focuses on three primary areas: trade space exploration and concept development, evaluation of critical technologies such as high-energy density fuels and thermal management, and innovative test and evaluation technologies including novel range safety architectures. Interested parties must submit responses in English by November 6, 2026, ensuring they do not exceed fifteen single-sided pages using 11-point font. Submissions should include a technical description, a bibliography, and an optional graphic overview slide. Strict security protocols are in place for the handling and marking of proprietary information, Controlled Unclassified Information, and classified data, with requirements for separate transmission of classified materials. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a formal solicitation; therefore, no reimbursement for response costs will be provided, and no formal evaluation factors or contract values have been established at this time.

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

POSTED

DEADLINE

Director's Fellowship Research SupportThe Director's Fellowship Research Support is a subcontract opportunity with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency under the Department of Defense. This initiative seeks high-level academic research expertise to support prime contractors on DARPA projects, specifically focusing on advanced research in plasma physics, thermomechanical resilience, and AI/ML. Work is to be conducted using institutional or university research facilities, with expected deliverables including technical contributions, academic publications, and fellowship research outputs. Qualified candidates must hold a PhD or an equivalent advanced degree and meet all established DARPA fellowship criteria. The solicitation was posted on October 20, 2026, and requires responses by January 13, 2027. This effort falls under NAICS code 541715, emphasizing the specialized nature of the scientific research required for these defense initiatives.

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

POSTED

DEADLINE

Scalable Thermomechanical Resilience ResearchThe Scalable Thermomechanical Resilience Research subcontract, issued by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency under the Department of Defense, focuses on investigating fundamental mechanisms to improve the thermomechanical resilience of materials and devices. The project involves analyzing material behavior under thermal and mechanical stress through the use of stress-testing rigs, thermal imaging, and SEM/TEM characterization. The primary goal is to provide prime contractors with critical material specifications, performance reports, and resilience models. Qualified candidates must possess specialized expertise in Thermodynamics, Mechanical Engineering, or Materials Science. This opportunity was posted on October 20, 2026, with a response deadline of January 13, 2027. The work falls under NAICS code 541715, emphasizing the research and development nature of the technical requirements.

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

POSTED

DEADLINE

Plasma Dynamic Heterostructure Layer ResearchThis subcontract, titled Plasma Dynamic Heterostructure Layer Research, supports prime contractors on DARPA research projects within the Department of Defense. The scope of work involves the research and development of plasma as a dynamic heterostructure layer for electron emission. The selected party will be responsible for designing and testing these layers and analyzing emission properties utilizing spectroscopy tools, plasma generation equipment, and vacuum chambers. The project requires specialized expertise in Quantum Electronics, Materials Science, or Plasma Physics. Key deliverables include prototype plasma layer configurations, technical reports, and comprehensive experimental data. This opportunity was posted on October 20, 2026, with a response deadline of January 13, 2027, falling under NAICS code 541715.

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

POSTED

DEADLINE

Numerical Analysis of Iterative Prompt Engineering and AlignmentThis subcontract for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency focuses on the numerical analysis and research of iterative prompt engineering and Large Language Model alignment. The selected provider will support prime contractors on DARPA research projects by developing frameworks to quantify alignment effectiveness, utilizing high-performance computing clusters and specialized LLM frameworks. Key deliverables for the engagement include numerical models, alignment code, and detailed research reports. Qualified candidates must possess an advanced degree in Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, or Computer Science. The opportunity was posted on October 20, 2026, with a response deadline of January 13, 2027. The work falls under NAICS code 541715, emphasizing the technical and scientific research nature of the requirements.

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

POSTED

DEADLINE

CMMC/NIST Compliance & Secure Data HandlingThis subcontract opportunity with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency focuses on providing secure data environments and comprehensive compliance management for prime contractors involved in DARPA Nassau projects. The selected provider will be responsible for implementing and auditing CMMC Level 2 controls and managing Controlled Unclassified Information in accordance with NIST SP 800-171 standards. Key deliverables include the provision of secure data hosting environments, compliance certifications, and the use of encrypted data vaults and SPRS reporting tools to ensure the secure transmission and storage of sensitive information. To be eligible for this engagement, contractors must hold a CMMC Level 2 certification. The project falls under NAICS code 541512 and was posted on October 20, 2026, with a response deadline of November 7, 2026. The primary objective is to maintain a rigorous security posture that meets Department of Defense requirements for handling critical project data.

Computer Systems Design Services

POSTED

DEADLINE

Critical Infrastructure Modeling SpecialistThe Critical Infrastructure Modeling Specialist subcontract supports DARPA Nassau resilience projects by providing high-fidelity modeling of critical infrastructure for prime contractors. The scope of work focuses on Technical Area 1, involving the development of computational models, the simulation of failure modes and resilience scenarios, and the application of mathematical models within high-performance computing environments. Key deliverables include detailed simulation reports and functional computational models. This opportunity is managed under the Department of Defense for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Due to the nature of the work and the potential for classified addendums, qualified providers must possess a Secret Facility Clearance and meet CMMC Level 2 compliance standards. The solicitation was posted on October 20, 2026, with a response deadline of November 7, 2026.

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

POSTED

DEADLINE

Statistically Robust M&S Environment DevelopmentThis subcontract, issued by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency under the Department of Defense, focuses on the development of high-fidelity, faster-than-real-time modeling and simulation environments for prime contractors on DARPA Unison projects. The primary objective is to build statistically robust simulation engines at operationally relevant scales to facilitate the training and evaluation of autonomy software. The project requires the use of high-performance computing clusters and strict adherence to CUI handling compliance in accordance with DFARS 252.204-7012. The final deliverable is a functional and scalable simulation environment designed specifically for autonomy evaluation. The solicitation was posted on October 20, 2026, with a response deadline of October 29, 2026, falling under NAICS code 541511.

Custom Computer Programming Services

POSTED

DEADLINE

Joint Co-Adaptation Software DevelopmentThis subcontract involves the development of collaborative autonomy software for prime contractors supporting DARPA Unison projects. The primary objective is to implement unified execution-time reasoning for action and communications planning, alongside algorithms designed to modify tactics and coordination relationships within resource-constrained environments. The project will culminate in the delivery of software modules focused on joint co-adaptation and coordinated decision-making. Managed under the Department of Defense and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the work falls under NAICS code 541511. Due to the nature of the project, the contractor must maintain the capability to handle Controlled Unclassified Information in accordance with DoD 5200.48 and DFARS 252.204-7012 standards.

Custom Computer Programming Services

POSTED

DEADLINE

Nassau Proposers Day

Solicitation # DARPA-SN-27-08

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Information Processing Techniques Office is hosting a Proposers Day for the anticipated Nassau program, a critical infrastructure resilience initiative. This event, identified by special notice DARPA-SN-27-08, is designed to provide potential proposers with technical goals and challenges associated with the program. The Nassau program is divided into two technical areas: Technical Area 1 focuses on modeling a specific class of critical infrastructure, while Technical Area 2 contains restricted information available only via a classified SECRET addendum. This notice is for informational and planning purposes and does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals. Interested organizations must meet stringent security and cybersecurity standards to access program addendums. For the Controlled Unclassified Information addendum, organizations must provide a Supplier Performance Risk System affirmation of CMMC level 2 compliance and adhere to NIST SP 800-171, DoDI 8582.01, and DFARS 252.204-7021 safeguarding requirements. Those seeking the classified addendum must possess a valid SECRET or higher Facility Clearance Letter from the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency and have access to SAV, JWICS, or DSWAN networks. Requests for the CUI addendum must be submitted by November 2, 2026, with the anticipated release of addendums occurring on December 10, 2026.

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

POSTED

DEADLINE

Atomically Precise Molecules (APM)

Solicitation # DARPA-PS-26-141

The Atomically Precise Molecules (APM) program, solicitation DARPA-PS-26-141, is a 36-month initiative by the DARPA Multi X Office seeking innovative synthesis techniques for programmable precision polymers (PPPs) and nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. The program aims to develop scalable materials with strictly controlled monomer sequences and compositions, culminating in a prototype NLO material integrated into a government-provided electro-optic modulator capable of achieving greater than 1THz modulation. The effort is structured in two phases, with Phase I lasting 12 months and focusing on synthesis capabilities. Research limited to inorganic materials or incremental improvements to existing state-of-the-art practices is specifically excluded. Awards will be issued as Other Transaction for Prototype Agreements, with payments processed through the Wide Area Workflow system based on a schedule of milestones. Proposals are due by December 18, 2026, via the Broad Agency Announcement Tool and must include technical, management, and pricing volumes. Eligibility is restricted to U.S. organizations, and all performers must comply with CMMC Level 2 self-certification and NIST SP 800-171 standards for safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information. Evaluation will be based on technical approach, relevance to the DARPA mission, budget realism, and the capability to transition the technology to military or commercial sectors.

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

POSTED

DEADLINE

in about 2 months

Young Faculty Award (YFA) 2027

Solicitation # DARPARA2701

The Young Faculty Award (YFA) 2027 program, solicitation DARPARA2701, is an initiative by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to engage junior researchers at U.S. academic and non-profit institutions. The program targets rising stars who have not received significant prior funding from DARPA or the Department of War to develop transformative capabilities for national security. Eligible Principal Investigators must be in a tenure-track position, tenured within three years, or within twelve years of receiving their doctorate. The scope of work focuses on unclassified basic research, specifically highlighting areas such as iterative prompt engineering and alignment, plasma as a dynamic heterostructure layer for electron emission, and scalable thermomechanical resilience across materials and systems. The award structure consists of a 24-month base period with funding up to $500,000, a 12-month Director's Fellowship option up to $500,000, and a U.S. Citizen Graduate Student option up to $225,000, bringing the maximum total funding per award to $1,225,000. The application process is a two-step submission requiring an anonymized executive summary for blind review, followed by a full proposal if encouraged by DARPA. Full proposals must include a technical and management volume, administrative and national policy requirements, and a summary slide. Awardees are required to use the Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) for electronic invoicing and the Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) for funding requests. The response deadline for this solicitation is January 13, 2027.

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

POSTED

DEADLINE

Ready to Pursue This Opportunity?

Get AI-powered intelligence on this solicitation and the ones like it

Every page of the solicitation package shredded into a compliance breakdown

AI-powered matching based on your capabilities and past performance

Competitor and incumbent history on the requirement

Automated alerts on amendments, Q&A deadlines, and award

Join 750+ contractors already using CLEATUS