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

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA)
Timeline
    Description

    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking responses to its Request for Information (RFI) for the "Venture Horizons" initiative, aimed at connecting top-tier investors with DARPA personnel to enhance national security through breakthrough technologies. This initiative invites venture capital firms, private equity, and other investors to outline their investment capabilities, areas of interest, and commitment to DARPA's mission, while ensuring the avoidance of adversarial capital. The RFI emphasizes the importance of collaboration in advancing defense-related technology and requires participants to align their responses with six key DARPA technical offices, detailing their expertise and previous experiences. Interested parties must submit their responses, limited to a maximum of 25 pages, by October 18, 2024, and can direct inquiries to DARPA Commercial Strategy at DARPAVentureHorizons@darpa.mil. No government funding or reimbursement will be provided for participation in this initiative.

    Point(s) of Contact
    DARPA Commercial Strategy
    DARPAVentureHorizons@darpa.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    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.
    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.
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