DARPA working on search for 'revolutionary' tech
By
Nick Wakeman
DARPA has begun work on a new broad agency announcement aimed at getting what it calls "revolutionary" research in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and secure systems.
DARPA is working on a new broad agency announcement aimed at getting what it calls “revolutionary” research ideas that aren’t being addressed in current research projects.
The BAA is focused on four areas:
- Proficient artificial intelligence
- Advantage in cyber operations
- Confidence in information domain
- Resilient, adaptable and secure systems
DARPA goes into more detail on each of those categories in the recently published notice. The agency also is telling potential respondents to look at the programs and categories in current Information Innovation Office initiatives. DARPA doesn’t want any repeats.
“I2O seeks unconventional software-based approaches that are outside the mainstream, challenge accepted assumptions and have the potential to radically change established practice,” DARPA wrote in the BAA notice.
In line with that thinking, DARPA warns against proposing work that has already been completed or funded by the agency or anyone else in the government.
DARPA suggests that respondents submit an abstract ahead of sending a full proposal. This will help gauge if there is interest.
Funding levels haven’t been determined yet. Proposals will be evaluated for overall scientific and technical merit, potential contribution and relevance to DARPA’s mission, and cost.
DARPA has given respondents plenty of runway to work with. Abstracts are due Sept. 23, 2021. Proposals are due at noon on Oct. 28, 2021.
You can find the current I2O programs by following this link.