Program Announcement for Artificial Intelligence Exploration (AIE)

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking innovative research proposals through its Artificial Intelligence Exploration (AIE) program to advance AI technologies critical to national security. The program aims to fund rapid research projects that can potentially transform AI capabilities, with a focus on developing trusted and collaborative machine partners for solving national security challenges. Proposals must include two sequential phases: a 3-9 month Phase 1 Feasibility Study and a 9-15 month Phase 2 Proof of Concept, with total combined efforts not exceeding 18 months. Evaluation criteria will include Overall Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution to DARPA Mission, and Price. Key submission dates span from December 5, 2024, to December 4, 2025, with proposals required to be submitted within 30 days of each individual AIE Opportunity posting.

The solicitation does not include any specific set-aside designations and is open to non-traditional defense contractors, nonprofit research institutions, and small businesses. Total award value is limited to $1,000,000, including potential cost sharing, with awards to be made as Other Transactions (OT) for prototype projects under 10 U.S.C. 4022 authority. Non-traditional defense contractors will be required to provide cost sharing of at least one-third of the total project cost. Proposals must be unclassified and submitted by entities registered in SAM.gov with a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number. The research will be conducted across various locations, primarily focusing on advancing AI technologies with potential military and national security applications, with a goal of maintaining the United States' technological advantage in artificial intelligence research and development.