Public Release

All Department of Defense unclassified information (such as papers, presentations, videos, images, news releases, etc.) must undergo a security and policy review before it is publicly released.

Instructions for submitting information and materials to DARPA’s Public Release Center are outlined on the Public Release Form, available at the link under Resources on this page.

Publication Restrictions and Public Release Requirements for Non-Fundamental Research

Per National Security Decision Directive (NSDD) 189, “fundamental research” is defined as basic and applied research in science and engineering, the results of which are ordinarily published and shared broadly within the scientific community. This contrasts with proprietary research and industrial development, where results are typically restricted for proprietary or national security reasons. Press releases or other marketing and publicity materials —including those related to fundamental research awards—are not considered results of fundamental research and are therefore subject to the publication review described below. 

When research conducted under an award is not considered fundamental research, the following publication restriction clause, or similar language, will apply:

“There shall be no dissemination or publication, except within and between the performer and any sub-awardees, of information developed under this award instrument or contained in the reports to be furnished pursuant to this award instrument without prior written approval of DARPA’s Public Release Center. All technical reports will undergo appropriate review to determine the applicable distribution statement prior to initial distribution by the performer.” 

For proposals involving unclassified fundamental research, whether submitted by a prime or a sub-awardee, prepublication review is not required. In accordance with DoD Instruction 5230.27 (dated November 18, 2016, as amended), papers resulting from such research are exempt from DARPA’s public release controls. Press releases and other marketing and publicity materials are not considered to be results of research and therefore are always subject to the press public release process.

Public Release Process for Fundamental and Non-Fundamental Research

For all material intended for open publication, the performer or awardee must submit a request for public release to DARPA’s Public Release Center. Requests must include the public release submission form and the following information provided in the body of the email or cover letter:

1. Document Information:
   • Title, author(s), a plain-language description (~30 words), number of pages (or video minutes), and document type (e.g., briefing, report, article)
2. Event Information:
   • Event type (conference, PI meeting, etc.), event date, and desired approval date
3. DARPA Sponsor:
   • Program manager, DARPA office, and award instrument number
4. Performer/Awardee Information:
   • Point of contact name, email, and phone number

Requests should be submitted at least three weeks in advance of the desired release date. Justification is required for expedited requests. Unusual file formats may require additional processing time. Submit requests via email to public_release_center@darpa.mil.

Disclaimer Requirement
All publicly released material – excluding peer-reviewed articles published in scientific, technical, or professional journals – must include the following disclaimer:

“Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).”

Definition of “Information”
For the purposes of these provisions, “information” includes, but is not limited to:

• News releases
• Articles and manuscripts
• Brochures and advertisements
• Still and motion pictures
• Speeches and presentations
• Trade association and symposium materials
• Website content