DARPA "Venture Horizons" Request for Information
ID: DARPA_09112024Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/e59c79ad1bd842bdb4ec2af5fd801bdb/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking responses to its Request for Information (RFI) regarding the "Venture Horizons" initiative, aimed at connecting top-tier investors with DARPA personnel to enhance investments in breakthrough technologies that support national security. The initiative invites venture capital firms, private equity, and other investors to outline their investment capabilities, relevant expertise, and commitment to DARPA's mission, while ensuring that funding sources are free from adversarial capital. This RFI is crucial for fostering partnerships that align with DARPA's commercial strategy and investment interests, facilitating the transition of innovative technologies into viable products for both defense and commercial sectors. Interested parties must submit their responses by November 25, 2024, and can direct inquiries to DARPA Commercial Strategy at DARPAVentureHorizons@darpa.mil.

    Point(s) of Contact
    DARPA Commercial Strategy
    DARPAVentureHorizons@darpa.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Attachment_A_Venture Horizons RFI Response Spreadsheet_9.11.24.xlsx
    The DARPA Venture Horizons RFI Response Spreadsheet outlines criteria for organizations interested in investing in DARPA technologies using non-adversarial capital. It includes sections covering contact information for technical, administrative, and security points of contact, as well as a ranking system for six key DARPA offices based on their relevance to the responding organization's expertise. The document solicits detailed responses on investment goals, expertise, commitment to service, and unique capabilities. Questions assess the organization's history with DARPA, their ability to avoid adversarial capital, and their willingness to engage in defense-related technology investments. Furthermore, it inquires about dual-use technologies, the geographic focus of investments, and the qualifications of team members concerning DARPA's mission. This RFI enforces DARPA's objective to cultivate partnerships that align with its commercial strategy and investment interests, showcasing a commitment to enhancing defense technologies while maintaining security and industry boundaries.
    DARPA Venture Horizons RFI_09.11.24.pdf
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) issued a Request for Information (RFI) to establish "Venture Horizons," a commercial strategy aimed at connecting top-tier investors with DARPA experts in technology development. DARPA's mission is to drive national security through groundbreaking technology, and the Venture Horizons initiative seeks collaboration from investors to advance its portfolio of innovations. The RFI invites participation from venture capital firms, private equity, and other investors experienced in technology commercialization. Respondents must outline their investment capabilities and interest areas, while emphasizing commitment to DARPA's mission and certifying the source of their funds. The document features six technical offices focusing on various fields, including biological technologies, defense sciences, information innovation, microsystems, strategic technology, and tactical technology. Participants must align their responses with these offices and provide insights on their expertise and previous experiences. Responses should be succinct (maximum 25 pages) and submitted by October 18, 2024. This RFI serves solely for information gathering and does not obligate DARPA to further actions or reimburse costs associated with responses, emphasizing its planning nature rather than a formal solicitation.
    DARPA Venture Horizons RFI_Revised 10.17.24_Submission Due Date Extension.pdf
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) issued a Request for Information (RFI) regarding the “Venture Horizons” initiative aimed at establishing connections between top-tier investors and DARPA’s program managers, researchers, and experts. The purpose is to facilitate investments in high-impact technologies that further national security objectives. DARPA highlights its history of developing transformative technologies and seeks to engage with investors, including venture capital and private equity firms, with proven records in technology commercialization. The RFI outlines specific focus areas such as investment goals, relevant technology expertise, and a commitment to the national security mission. Interested parties must articulate their investment capabilities, relevant experience with DARPA's six technical offices, and any unique strengths in their responses. Submission guidelines require concise, actionable insights adhering to specified formats, with a deadline for responses set for November 25, 2024. Through this RFI, DARPA aims to strengthen collaborations with qualified investors, ensuring that any funding associated with Venture Horizons is free from adversarial capital. This initiative is positioned as part of DARPA’s broader strategy to transition funded technologies into viable products for both defense and commercial sectors.
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    DARPA "Venture Horizons" Request for Information
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