DARPA Modernization Project: Request for Qualifications for A&E Services

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency issued a Request for Qualifications for Architect-Engineer services supporting the DARPA Modernization Project, a Total Small Business Set-Aside, with response deadline extended to 12:00 PM ET on Friday, October 9, 2026.

DARPA seeks qualified small business firms under NAICS Code 541310 (Architectural Services; $12.5 million size standard) to design and install museum-quality exhibit spaces at DARPA headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, including the Main Building Lobby, Conference Center Reception Area, and Director's Office Feature Wall. The 16-month base period commences in Q1 FY2027 under a Firm-Fixed-Price contract. The contractor will execute six sequential phases: Discovery & Research (2 weeks), Concept Development (2 months), Design Development (2 months), Construction Documentation (1 month), Coordination & Approvals (2 months), and Installation (8 months), with final completion required by December 15, 2027.

Only the most highly qualified firms—no fewer than three—will advance from Phase I to Phase II to receive the formal Request for Proposal; Phase II will not be posted publicly to SAM.gov. Evaluation criteria in descending order of importance are Professional Qualifications of key personnel, Specialized Experience in museum-grade exhibition design and secure headquarters integration, Past Performance with Government and commercial clients, Capacity to execute the schedule, Knowledge of local building codes and Arlington geography, and Equitable Distribution of Department of Defense contracts.

Interested firms must submit a completed Standard Form 330 (SF 330) by October 9, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET to DMP@darpa.mil. Page limits per section range from 1 to 6 pages (excluding divider tabs and tables of contents); formatting must be 12-point Times New Roman, 8.5 by 11 inches, 0.75-inch margins.