DSO Pitch Day Solicitation

DARPA’s Defense Sciences Office (DSO) announced Pitch Day Solicitation DARPA-PA-26-01 to fund innovative scientific research for national security. The program targets short-term, high-impact projects from non-traditional performers like small businesses and academic institutions, offering Research Other Transactions (OT) agreements for 9-month efforts not exceeding $400,000. Proposals must address one of four technical thrust areas: Materials, Manufacturing, and Structures; Sensing, Measuring, and Affecting; Math, Computation, and Processing; or Complex, Dynamic, and Intelligent Systems. Submissions require an Abstract Package and a Draft Pitch Day Presentation (PDP). Selected proposers will be invited to an in-person Pitch Day on January 14, 2026, in Lake Buena Vista, FL, with awards granted shortly thereafter. The solicitation emphasizes revolutionary, not evolutionary, approaches and explicitly excludes animal use, non-exempt human subjects research, and specific AI-driven or scaling-based solutions. Proposers must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and SAM.gov registration.

Attachment B provides a comprehensive guide for first-time users of the DARPA Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT) Submission Portal. It outlines the process for account creation, organization registration, and proposal submission. Users are advised to register early due to potential heavy traffic on submission deadlines. The guide details steps for creating a new account, including accessing the portal, completing a registration form, and activating the account via email. Following account activation, users must register their organization by completing a form with account holder and organization information. Once registered, proposers can initiate submissions by selecting an open announcement, filling out a submission form (which varies by submission type, e.g., Executive Summary, Proposal Abstract, Full Proposal), providing proposal details, proposer and authorized representative information, team members, a submission summary, and uploading a .zip or .zipx file. The final step involves saving and finalizing the submission before the advertised deadline. Technical support is available via email during business hours.

This document outlines a streamlined "Other Transaction for Research" agreement between a company and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for research and development efforts under $2M. Governed by 10 U.S.C. § 4021, the agreement details the scope, 9-month term, project management, and fixed-payment milestones. Key provisions include intellectual property rights (patent and data rights), restrictions on foreign access to technology, property disposition rules, and strict requirements for safeguarding covered defense information and cyber incident reporting. The agreement also mandates compliance with civil rights acts, public release protocols, and a prohibition on certain telecommunications and video surveillance equipment. Attachments specify reporting requirements, milestone schedules, payment instructions via Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF), definitions, and contact information, ensuring adherence to federal regulations and DARPA's operational guidelines.

Attachment 3 outlines the Schedule of Milestones and Payments for a government agreement, totaling a maximum of $400,000. It details four key milestones over eight months, with specific payment amounts and deliverables. The first milestone, in Month 1, involves a technical plan briefing and data management plan. The second and third milestones, in Months 4 and 6, are performer-proposed and require detailed elaboration. The final milestone, in Month 8, includes an out-brief, final report, data sets, and an executive summary. Proposers must complete highlighted sections, adhere to fixed payment schedules, and ensure proposed milestones are technically relevant and align with the Draft PDP. The document defines milestone reports, data sets, and the final report as crucial deliverables for this federal government agreement.

DARPA-PA-26-01 outlines mandatory instructions and a template for abstract submissions to the DSO Pitch Day, due October 27, 2025, at 12:00 PM EDT via the DARPA Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT). Abstracts, limited to four pages (excluding the title page, cover letter, executive summary, references, and optional technical papers), must include a Draft Pitch Day Proposal and NSF Common Disclosure Forms. The abstract package requires specific information on a title page, including organizational details, thrust area selection, technical and administrative points of contact, SAM.GOV/PIEE registration status, cost estimates (not exceeding $400K for a 9-month period), and AI tool usage. The submission must contain a cover letter certifying PI and authorized signatory availability for Pitch Day, a one-page executive summary addressing the technical problem, a proposed technical approach, proposer qualifications, and fixed-amount support details.

The DARPA-PA-26-01 DSO Pitch Day Solicitation FAQs clarify key aspects of the Pitch Day event and proposal submission. The event is in-person, and while there is no limit to the number of PIs proposed, only three personnel per proposal can attend, with one being a PI. Submissions must align with specified Technical Thrust Areas, and proposals involving animal use determined by an IACUC are out of scope. Each Principal Investigator can submit only one Abstract Package, and individuals cannot be named as PI on multiple abstracts. Cost-sharing is not required, and labor costs include DCAA or DHHS-approved indirect rates. Non-U.S. participants are eligible if they comply with regulations. The solicitation focuses on fundamental research, excluding projects requiring ITAR or EAR control. Subawardees and consultants are not permitted, and multi-institutional teams are ineligible for a single award. Proposals are for a 9-month phase, not exceeding $400,000, covering labor, materials, equipment, and other direct costs, with no travel or publication costs.

DARPA's Defense Sciences Office (DSO) has issued Program Announcement DARPA-PA-26-01 for its Pitch Day Solicitation, seeking innovative scientific proposals to address complex challenges in defense research. This solicitation targets short-term efforts (9 months, up to $400,000) with the potential to develop into groundbreaking DARPA programs, aiming to broaden participation from small businesses, educational institutions, and non-traditional proposers. The Pitch Day focuses on four thrust areas: Materials, Manufacturing, and Structures; Sensing, Measuring, and Affecting; Math, Computation, and Processing; and Complex, Dynamic, and Intelligent Systems, each with specific areas of interest. Proposals must demonstrate revolutionary advances, not just evolutionary improvements. The submission process involves an Abstract Package and a Draft Pitch Day Presentation (PDP), followed by an invitation-only in-person Pitch Day on January 14, 2026, in Lake Buena Vista, FL. Successful proposals will be awarded Research Other Transactions agreements, with a strong emphasis on performers retaining intellectual property while granting the Government Government Purpose Rights. Proposers are required to disclose the use of AI tools in their submissions.

The DARPA-PA-26-01 DSO Pitch Day Solicitation FAQs clarify eligibility and submission requirements for the program, which awards Other Transactions for Research, not grants. Key points include: submissions must be from entities with a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and SAM.gov registration; only one Abstract Package per proposer is allowed, containing a single abstract and Draft PDP. Individuals can be named as Principal Investigator (PI) on only one abstract but can serve as non-PI Key or Sr. personnel on multiple submissions. Non-U.S. individuals and organizations are eligible if they comply with all applicable regulations. Multiple PIs from the same institution are permitted. Funding covers fully-burdened labor (including DCAA/DHHS-approved indirect rates), required materials, equipment, and Other Direct Costs, but explicitly excludes travel, publication costs, subawardees, and profit.

Amendment 1 to the DSO Pitch Day Solicitation DARPA-PA-26-01 updates key aspects of the original Program Announcement. The revisions include a new link for the Frequently Asked Questions, a change in the in-person requirement for Pitch Day Presentations to specify the PI at a minimum, and the removal of the authorized signatory attendance requirement for the PDP. Additionally, Attachment A has been updated for faster Title Page completion. Significant changes to Attachment D involve modifying Article VII.A.2 and A.3 from Limited Rights to Government Purpose Rights, and adjusting the period of delivery after completion or termination from a variable “1 to 3” years to a fixed “3” years. All modifications are highlighted in yellow within the document.

DARPA's Defense Sciences Office (DSO) has issued Program Announcement DARPA-PA-26-01, the "DSO Pitch Day Solicitation," inviting proposals for targeted, short-term research with the potential to develop into groundbreaking DARPA programs. This initiative aims to engage new and non-traditional proposers, including small businesses and educational institutions. The solicitation focuses on four Technical Thrust Areas: Materials, Manufacturing, and Structures; Sensing, Measuring, and Affecting; Math, Computation, and Processing; and Complex, Dynamic, and Intelligent Systems. Proposals must address specific areas of interest within these thrusts and seek revolutionary advances, not evolutionary improvements. Each award will be a Research Other Transaction (OT) agreement, lasting nine months, with a maximum cost of $400,000, covering labor, materials, equipment, and other direct costs (excluding travel, publication, subawardees, or profit). Proposers must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and SAM.gov registration, as well as an active PIEE registration prior to award. The Pitch Day event is scheduled for January 14, 2026, in Orlando, FL. The process involves submitting an Abstract Package, followed by invitations for selected proposers to submit a final Pitch Day Presentation (PDP) Package and present in person. Awards will be issued within five or thirty calendar days post-Pitch Day, subject to Fundamental Research Risk-Based Review (FRRBS) assessments. The solicitation explicitly excludes efforts involving animal use, non-exempt human subjects research, CUI, CTI, and certain AI/ML approaches. Eligibility is open to all responsible sources, with FFRDCs, UARCs, and Government Entities being ineligible.

The Current and Pending (Other) Support Common Form, updated November 1, 2023, provides instructions for senior/key personnel on federally funded research projects to disclose all current and pending support, including proposals, active projects, and in-kind contributions. This disclosure is crucial for assessing potential conflicts of commitment, scientific or budgetary overlap, and compliance with national security policies like NSPM-33, which prohibits participation in malign foreign talent recruitment programs. The form requires detailed information on identifying factors, project specifics (title, status, source, dates, budget, time commitment, objectives), and potential overlaps. In-kind contributions valued at $5000 or more and requiring time commitment must also be reported. Individuals must certify the accuracy of their disclosures and acknowledge penalties for misrepresentation. The document also includes a Privacy Act Statement regarding DARPA's Fundamental Research Risk-Based Security process and the authorities governing information collection and use for personnel security and counterintelligence purposes.

The Biographical Sketch Common Form, updated November 1, 2023, provides instructions for senior/key personnel on Federally funded research projects. Its purpose is to assess individual, team, or organizational qualifications. A key requirement is the disclosure of all foreign government-sponsored activities, including talent recruitment programs, consistent with NSPM-33 and 42 USC § 19232, which prohibits participation in malign foreign talent recruitment programs. The document emphasizes not submitting personal information and details the required format, including identifying information, professional preparation, appointments, and products. A privacy act statement covers DARPA's Fundamental Research Risk-Based Security process, outlining authorities, purposes (personnel security, counterintelligence), routine uses, and disclosure policies. Finally, all senior/key personnel must certify the accuracy of the provided information and confirm non-participation in malign foreign talent recruitment programs, with penalties for misrepresentation.

The DARPA-PA-26-01 DSO Pitch Day Solicitation FAQs clarify guidelines for abstract submissions, award timelines, and proposal requirements. Key updates include the removal of the immediate signature requirement for awards, allowing proposers to choose between 5-day or 30-day award timelines. Subawardees and consultants from external organizations are not permitted, and all proposed personnel must be part of the prime institution. Proposals are limited to a 9-month performance period and a maximum of $400,000, covering labor (including DCAA/DHHS-approved indirect rates), materials, equipment, and other direct costs, but excluding travel and publication costs. Only one abstract package per Principal Investigator is allowed, though multiple PIs from the same institution are permitted. The Pitch Day event is in-person, and proposals must focus on fundamental research, avoiding ITAR/EAR controlled technical data or animal use as determined by an IACUC. Abstracts must clearly identify one Thrust Area and a specific area of interest.

Amendment 2 to Program Announcement DARPA-PA-26-01 clarifies evaluation criteria for the DSO Pitch Day Solicitation, specifically stating that only Attachment A Abstract documents will be evaluated. References to the draft PDP being evaluated in Section II have been removed, and DARPA will now provide feedback on draft PDPs to invited proposers. Additionally, Attachment C has been updated to highlight required proposer input in cells D4 and D5 and remove references to phases, as awards will be for a single phase. A new item 3(b)(3) has been added to Attachment 8 of the Model OT, mandating certification that duplicate research is not being conducted. All changes are marked with yellow highlights, and no other modifications have been made to the original solicitation.

The DARPA-PA-26-01 DSO Pitch Day Solicitation FAQs clarify guidelines for abstract submissions, budgeting, and collaborations. Key points include that only specific sections (Proposed Approach, Technical Ability/Qualifications, and Fixed Amount Support) count toward the four-page limit, and payment amounts in Attachment C are fixed. Subawardees are not permitted, but proposers can use vendors for materials and equipment. Unfunded co-PIs or consultants must be from the proposer's organization. The event is in-person, and while multiple PIs from the same institution are allowed, individuals can only be PI on one abstract. Submissions must align with one Thrust Area and specific area of interest. Non-U.S. individuals/organizations are eligible if they comply with regulations. Indirect costs (DCAA/DHHS-approved rates) are covered within the 'Proposed labor' category. Proposals are for a single nine-month phase not exceeding $400,000, covering labor, materials, equipment, and other direct costs, excluding travel and publication.

This government agreement (HR0011-XX-3-XXXX) outlines a streamlined Other Transaction for Research, specifically Amendment 2, between DARPA and a performer for a research and development program. Key provisions include a 9-month term, fixed payments for milestones, and detailed procedures for project management, modifications, and dispute resolution. The agreement addresses intellectual property with specific clauses on patent rights (Article VI) and data rights (Article VII), granting DARPA Government Purpose Rights for data and a non-exclusive license for inventions. It also covers foreign access to technology, property disposition, safeguarding covered defense information, cyber incident reporting, civil rights, and public release of information. Notably, it prohibits the use of certain telecommunications and video surveillance equipment from covered foreign countries, emphasizing national security and compliance with federal regulations. The agreement underscores the importance of the performer's adherence to certifications and reporting requirements, including the use of the DARPA VAULT website for submissions.

This document, "Attachment 3 - Schedule of Milestones and Payments," outlines the payment structure and deliverables for a federal government project, likely an RFP or grant. It details four key milestones over eight months, totaling a maximum agreement of $400,000. The first and final milestones have fixed payments and deliverables, while the two intermediate milestones are proposed by the performer, requiring technical relevance to research completion. Key deliverables include a technical plan, data management plan, milestone reports, all generated data sets (curated and annotated), and a final report with an executive summary. The document emphasizes that payments are fixed, due dates are in "Months after Start Date," and performer-proposed milestones must be technically relevant. It also notes that a Task Description Document (TDD) will be requested if invited to Pitch Day, where milestones will be further defined.

This government agreement outlines the terms for a streamlined research "Other Transaction" (OT) between DARPA and a performer, focusing on research and development under $2M. It details the scope, 9-month term (with extension possibilities), and project management, emphasizing fixed payments upon milestone completion and incremental funding. Key articles cover intellectual property rights (patents and data), requiring disclosure and government purpose rights, and strict controls on foreign access to technology. The agreement also addresses property disposition, safeguarding covered defense information (CDI) with cyber incident reporting, civil rights compliance, public release restrictions, and a prohibition on certain telecommunications equipment. Required reports include milestone, data management, patent, and final reports, all submitted via the DARPA VAULT website. The document also includes certifications regarding lobbying, tax liability, and felony convictions.

The DARPA-PA-26-01 "DSO Pitch Day" solicitation outlines mandatory instructions and a template for abstract submissions due by October 27, 2025, at 12:00 PM EDT. Abstracts, limited to four pages (excluding the title page, cover letter, executive summary, references, and optional technical papers), must be submitted through the DARPA Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT). Submissions require an Abstract, a Draft Pitch Day Proposal (PDP), and NSF Common Disclosure Forms. Key components include a cover letter certifying the Principal Investigator's availability for an in-person presentation in Orlando, FL, and confirmation of SAM.gov/PIEE registration, an executive summary, a proposed technical approach, proposer qualifications, and fixed amount support not exceeding $400,000 for a 9-month performance period. Proposers must select one of four thrust areas and a specific area of interest. The use of AI tools must be disclosed.