About the Defense Sciences Office
The mission of DARPA’s Defense Science Office (DSO) is to identify and sponsor scientific discovery to fuel innovation in research and development for defense. DSO develops and executes an aggressive and forward-leaning portfolio that accelerates the development and maturation of scientific advances across a broad set of technical areas to create asymmetric advantage for U.S. National Security.
Pitch Day Solicitation
DSO aims to create strategic surprise by pushing technology toward its fundamental scientific limits, thereby expanding the art of the possible. In addition, DSO looks for transformative trends at the global scale and their potential impact on our nation. Abstract package deadline: Oct. 27, 2025.
In pursuit of this mission, DSO will host a Pitch Day for engagement with prospective proposers and to catalyze future efforts in several Thrust Areas:
- Materials, Manufacturing, and Structures
- Sensing, Measuring, and Affecting
- Math, Computation, and Processing
- Complex, Dynamic, and Intelligent Systems
Each Thrust Area also includes a list of example research topics that highlight areas of interest specific to DSO Pitch Day.
For details on submission instructions, eligibility, and descriptions of the Thrust Areas and example research topics please visit SAM.gov.
Key Dates/Times
- Questions submission deadline: Oct. 21, 2025, at 4 p.m. ET
- Abstract package deadline: Oct. 27, 2025, at noon ET
- Invitation to present at Pitch Day: On or around Nov. 19, 2025
- Pitch Day Presentation (PDP) package deadline: On or around Dec. 16, 2025
- DSO Pitch Day (in-person): Jan. 14, 2026
Event
Discover DSO Day (D3) will:
- Familiarize participants with DSO’s mission
- Promote understanding of funding opportunities
- Facilitate discussions with program managers.
The event will be held in person only on Jan. 13, 2026, in Orlando, Florida.
Opportunity
DARPA-PA-26-01
- Published: Oct. 7, 2025
- Deadline: Oct. 27, 2025
DSO R&D Opportunities
Opportunities to engage include R&D programs and efforts, challenge competitions, and technology transition efforts for the Defense Sciences Office.
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Use the filters to narrow results by research topic or date. You can also search by keyword to find specific opportunities.
DSO Programs
Our research programs are finite in duration, but the revolutionary advancements they drive create lasting change. Learn more about recent and ongoing efforts across our key thrust areas. | See all DARPA programs
Use the filters to narrow results by research topic or program status. You can also search by keyword to find specific programs.
DSO Leadership
Technical Office leadership is responsible for guiding and overseeing the research and development activities within specific technical areas DARPA.
DSO Program Managers
Our program managers are visionary leaders whose experience spans industry, government, and academia. They conceive, plan, and oversee the high-risk R&D efforts for which we are best known. | See all people at DARPA
Use the filters to narrow results by role, office, or alphabetical order. You can also search by keyword to find specific program managers.