Defense Sciences Office (DSO) Office-wide BAA
🏛 DARPA - Defense Sciences Office
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Sep 4, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for innovative research organizations seeking DARPA funding for revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems for national security. All responsible sources—including nonprofits, businesses, academic institutions, and government labs—can apply. The grant excludes evolutionary improvements to existing technology; proposals must demonstrate breakthrough potential. Geographic scope is national with no state restrictions.
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Program description
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Defense Sciences Office (DSO) is soliciting proposals which investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems for national security applications. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Proposal narrative (see BAA for page limits and format)
- Budget and budget justification
- Organizational capability statement
- Resumes of key personnel
- Cost accounting standards compliance documentation (if applicable)
- Representations and certifications (SF-424, SF-LLL, etc.)
Program contact
- 👤 DARPA - Defense Sciences Office
- 📧 HR001126S0015@darpa.mil
- 📞 571-218-4565
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 12.910 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$84,554,520
-
$44,089,743
-
$36,151,284
-
$33,938,157
-
$29,592,309
-
$28,734,050
-
$26,975,142
-
$26,015,570
-
$25,544,440
-
$25,503,840
Top States by Funding
- CA 22 awards $254.1M
- MA 16 awards $159.2M
- SC 2 awards $91.3M
- MI 4 awards $82.4M
- NY 8 awards $64.8M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 12.910). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $465,182,503 | |
| 2025 | $322,093,385 | |
| 2026 est. | $352,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this DARPA DSO BAA?
All responsible sources can apply, including nonprofits, for-profits, universities, and government entities. You must be capable of satisfying government needs.
What types of research does DARPA DSO fund?
DARPA funds revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems for national security. Evolutionary improvements to existing technology are not eligible.
When is the deadline?
The fixed deadline is August 27, 2027. Check the full BAA for any rolling submission windows.
How much funding is available?
Award amounts vary by proposal scope and merit. The BAA does not specify a funding cap or minimum.
What makes a competitive proposal?
Strong proposals demonstrate novel approaches, technical feasibility, national security relevance, and clear metrics for success. Avoid incremental improvements.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Read the full BAA carefully; it contains critical eligibility requirements, submission guidelines, and evaluation criteria beyond this summary.
- Focus on revolutionary impact, not incremental improvements. DARPA explicitly excludes evolutionary advances.
- Establish clear metrics and milestones to demonstrate technical progress and de-risk your approach.
- Coordinate early with DARPA program managers. Pre-proposal discussions can strengthen alignment and competitiveness.
- Budget realistically for the technical scope. DARPA reviews cost efficiency alongside innovation.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting proposals for incremental improvements rather than breakthrough innovations. Vague technical approach lacking clear milestones and risk mitigation. Weak national security justification or unclear transition pathway to defense applications.
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