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 anticipated milestones, and must demonstrate how the work exceeds evolutionary improvements and represents a breakthrough relative to the state of the art. Respondents are required to address the Heilmeier Catechism, provide an executive summary, goals and impact analysis, and a one‑slide PowerPoint overview. The submission must include detailed administrative sections—team member identification, organizational conflict‑of‑interest affirmations, intellectual‑property statements, human‑subjects and animal‑use compliance, and representations regarding unpaid tax liabilities or felony convictions—along with a budget justification (SF‑424 Research‑Related Budget) that details labor, equipment over $5,000, and sub‑award costs. All documents are to be prepared in English, include a cover sheet (Volume 2), and be valid for a minimum of 120 days; attachments B and C provide required templates and instructions. Key compliance elements include: a Table of Contents, sections on IP, HSR, animal use, and training/professional‑development opportunities; a narrative of major activities, objectives, results, and any unmet goals for the reporting period; and a clear statement of the project’s novelty, deliverables, and commercialization or transition plans. Proposers must also submit the required PowerPoint slide as a separate attachment and ensure all representations and disclosures are complete before submission.

Notice ID

db4e30929dad4015bf262d652ecc91e4

Solicitation Number

DARPARA2502

NAICS Code

541715

Classification Code

AC11