IARPA

IARPA (Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity) funds high-risk, high-reward research to address challenges facing the Intelligence Community. Through the Emerging Technology Accelerator (ETA) and traditional program Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), IARPA invests in breakthrough technologies across AI, quantum computing, biometrics, forecasting, and analysis. Awards typically range from $1M-$20M over 3-5 years for ambitious research programs.

For ZHC builders, IARPA offers unique opportunities to work on cutting-edge intelligence applications including multi-agent systems, adversarial ML, explainable AI, human-AI teaming, and novel data analysis approaches. The ETA initiative uses lean, agile programs with rigorous performance assessment to rapidly deliver capabilities. IARPA particularly values solutions that provide measurable advantage over existing approaches and demonstrate clear paths to operational deployment.

Program Structure

Emerging Technology Accelerator (ETA)

• Speed: Accelerated delivery of essential technologies
• Scope: Lean programs bridging research to IC application
• Assessment: Rigorous performance metrics
• Current topics (announced Jan 2026):
  • ARCADE - Advanced capabilities
  • COSMIC - Computing systems
  • DECIPHER - Data analysis
  • LOCUS - Location and navigation
  • MOVES - Mobility and tracking

Traditional BAA Programs

• Duration: 3-5 years typical
• Funding: $5M-$20M+ per performer
• Focus: Breakthrough research addressing IC challenges

Research Areas

• Artificial Intelligence - Novel architectures, explainability, adversarial robustness
• Quantum - Computing, sensing, communications
• Biometrics - Advanced identification and attribution
• Analysis - Forecasting, reasoning, sense-making
• Operations - Secure communications, logistics

Eligibility Requirements

• All performers - Universities, companies, FFRDCs, non-profits
• Security clearances - May be required (facility and personnel)
• US presence - Work performed primarily in US
• Unclassified proposals - Initial BAA responses unclassified
• Team collaboration - Often requires multi-disciplinary teams

ZHC-Specific Fit

✅ Excellent for:

• Novel AI/ML architectures and algorithms
• Adversarial machine learning and robustness
• Multi-agent systems and coordination
• Explainable AI and human-AI teaming
• Advanced data fusion and analysis
• Forecasting and prediction systems
• Privacy-preserving computation
• Edge AI and resource-constrained systems

❌ Poor fit if:

• Incremental improvements only
• No clear intelligence community relevance
• Cannot meet security requirements
• Purely commercial applications

ETA Application Process

Traditional BAA Process

Current Opportunities (2026)

• ETA Topics: ARCADE, COSMIC, DECIPHER, LOCUS, MOVES (Proposers' Day: Jan 7, 2026)
• Open BAAs: Check IARPA Opportunities
• Multiple programs across AI, quantum, biometrics

Proposal Components

• Technical approach and innovation
• Relevance to Intelligence Community
• Team qualifications and past performance
• Detailed work plan with milestones
• Performance metrics and evaluation plan
• Cost volume with detailed justification
• Transition strategy for operational use

• IARPA Homepage
• Open BAAs
• Proposers' Resources
• SAM.gov - Federal opportunities
• General inquiries: dni-iarpa-contact@iarpa.gov
• Program-specific: Listed in each BAA
• IARPA Events - Proposers' Days and conferences