Expedited Research Innovation System (ERIS)
DARPA is seeking disruptive, DARPA-relevant technology solutions, prototypes, or new applications of existing technologies for rapid acquisition and potential award through Other Transaction pathways.
⚑ Long-term open call / marketplace model rather than a one-time proposal competition. · Awarded through DoD Other Transaction Authority or related rapid acquisition pathways. · Notice says 'applicant restrictions (federal contract)' but does not clearly state direct university eligibility; likely depends on the specific opportunity/OTA pathway. · R10 removed one topic area: detecting and tracking elusive targets across air, land, and space domains.
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 60 good | funds commercialization; prototyping/demonstration stage; deep-tech content |
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 45 partial | technical depth: central; funds commercialization (capped) |
| IPPRA | 38 weak | portfolio topic: national_security_defense (primary); social/behavioral work is none; funds commercialization — not a research fit; eligibility unclear — verify in the NOFO |
Description
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in conjunction with its marketplace manager, The Applied Research Institute (ARI), is initiating a long-term, open call for new and novel technology solutions to support DARPA in advancing research, development, prototyping, experimentation, and adoption of disruptive, DARPA-relevant research and technology solutions. Specifically, DARPA seeks to obtain solutions or capabilities that deliver breakthrough technological advancements that are new as of the date of submission; or technologies, processes, research or methods that represent a new application as of the date of submission. This initiative, entitled the “Expedited Research Implementation Series” will solicit, collect, assess, and curate the most disruptive, revolutionary solutions, and make those solutions available through rapid acquisition pathways. ERIS is a digital environment of post-competition video pitches. The video solutions housed within the marketplace have been assessed through competitive procedures that exceed the competition requirements of 10 USC 4021, 10 USC 4022 and 10 USC 4023 and thus are readily available to be viewed, selected, negotiated, and awarded by DoD activities via the appropriate Other Transaction Authority. ERIS provides a venue for Government organizations to search, view, review, compare, contrast, contact, negotiate, and procure breakthrough technologies and capabilities through rapid acquisition pathways. For industry, academia, and individual developers, ERIS is a valuable tool to promote revolutionary technologies, capabilities, and research to DARPA in an environment with a rapid acquisition, Other Transaction based, pathway. - R10: Removed Topic Area "Detecting and tracking elusive targets across air, land, and space domains." Additional clarification provided in yellow highlights.
Eligibility
Applicant restrictions (federal contract). Set-aside: . Notice type: Solicitation. Organization: DEPT OF DEFENSE / DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA) / DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCY.
Apply
Proposal brief SEE AN EXAMPLE →
A one-page internal memo: fit assessment, submission requirements, document scaffold, and next steps dated back from the deadline — tailored to your project idea if you add one.
Proposal shell · Department of Defense (BAA-style) conventions SEE A DOD EXAMPLE →
Funder-faithful document skeletons — Department of Defense (BAA-style)'s document set with section headings, page limits, reviewer guidance, and writing prompts; add a project idea to get [DRAFT] starter bullets. Download as .md for Word or Overleaf.