DARPA Federal Contracting Guide
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
Mission: Make pivotal investments in breakthrough technologies for national security.
Annual Obligation
$4B+ (FY2024)
Latest FPDS reporting period
Top NAICS
4
Most-bought codes (see below)
Vehicles
4
Primary contract vehicles
Procurement Profile
DARPA funds high-risk, high-reward defense R&D through Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), and Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs). Procurement is heavily weighted toward advanced research in AI/ML, autonomous systems, quantum information, biotechnology, and microelectronics. Awards are structured as cooperative agreements, grants, or OTAs more often than traditional contracts.
Top NAICS Codes at DARPA
Primary Contract Vehicles
- BAAs (Broad Agency Announcements)
- OTAs (Other Transaction Authorities)
- DARPA SBIR/STTR
- GSA MAS
Where to Find Opportunities
Small Business at DARPA
DARPA has an active SBIR/STTR program with three-phase progression from feasibility through commercialization. OTAs and consortium agreements provide pathways for nontraditional and small business participation.
Continue Your Research
NAICS 541715 — Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Top NAICS at DARPA. See contract values, set-asides, and related codes.
NAICS 541330 — Engineering Services
Top NAICS at DARPA. See contract values, set-asides, and related codes.
NAICS 541512 — Computer Systems Design Services
Top NAICS at DARPA. See contract values, set-asides, and related codes.
FAR 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting
Critical for small business set-aside contracts at this agency.
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