Young Faculty Award (YFA) 2026

DARPA is issuing a solicitation for innovative research proposals that deliver revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems within the interest areas of the Defense Sciences Office, Biological Technologies Office, Information Innovation Office, and Microsystems Technology Office. Proposals must describe clear scientific or technological objectives, a novel technical approach, and the anticipated impact, following the Heilmeier Catechism. Submissions must be written in English, include a one‑slide PowerPoint summary, and address all administrative sections listed in Volume 2 (team member identification, organizational conflict‑of‑interest affirmations, intellectual property, human‑subjects and animal‑use compliance, unpaid tax liability/felony representations, and any current DARPA support such as SETA). The proposal must be valid for at least 120 days, and no page limit is imposed for the Administrative and National Policy Requirements document. The effort must outline key technical challenges, the unique technologies proposed to overcome them, and a concise discussion of novelty versus existing state‑of‑the‑art solutions. Required content includes detailed reporting of milestones, accomplishments, training and professional‑development opportunities, and a plan for commercialization or transition. All required tables of contents, cover sheet information, and contact details for both technical and administrative points of contact must be provided as specified.

Notice ID

69397e333f74487f875a6c5a1fb2705f

Solicitation Number

DARPARA2502

NAICS Code

541715

Classification Code

AC11