How does DARPA differ from other DOD procurement offices?

DARPA focuses exclusively on 'leap-ahead' technologies rather than incremental improvements or sustainment, meaning they prioritize radical innovation and proof-of-concept demonstrations over traditional off-the-shelf procurement.

What is the best way to engage with DARPA for new vendors?

Monitor DARPA's Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) on SAM.gov, as these are the primary vehicles for soliciting proposals for scientific study and experimentation. Engaging with specific Program Managers during industry days or through white paper submissions is critical before formal proposal submission.

Are security clearances required for DARPA contracts?

Many DARPA projects involve classified research, so holding a Facility Security Clearance (FCL) and having personnel with appropriate clearances is often a prerequisite for prime contractors working on sensitive national security initiatives.

DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY · Contracting Office

DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA)

3 solicitations and awards tracked for this contracting office.

Contracting office3 solicitationsUnder DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY

Solicitations

Federal records indexed

Source

Federal

Federal procurement data

Sub-Agency

DEFENSE ADVANCED

DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY

Agency

DEPT

DEPT OF DEFENSE

About

Acquisition authority and contracting profile of DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA).

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) executes high-risk, high-reward research and development programs to create breakthrough technologies for national security. Vendors compete to provide cutting-edge scientific innovation, experimental engineering, and prototype development in fields ranging from artificial intelligence and biotechnology to advanced microelectronics and hypersonic systems.

Hierarchy: DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY · DEPT OF DEFENSE.

Contracting officers at this office issue solicitations under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Vendors must be registered in the federal procurement system with a valid CAGE code to receive awards.

Opportunity activity heatmap (2024-present)

Monthly posted opportunity volume from 2024 onward. Darker = more indexed records.

Count-basedPeak month: 12024-2026

2024

2025

2026

This view uses monthly opportunity counts from the public dataset. Monthly obligation dollars are not available on these pages.

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DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA) contracting FAQ

Common questions about DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA), the parent hierarchy, and how vendors should track this contracting office.