DARPADefense Advanced Research Projects Agency
Part of Department of Defense (DoD)
Annual Spend
$4B+ annually
CMMC Level
Set per solicitation (DFARS 252.204-7021)
Key Offices
TTO, DSO, MTO
Overview
DARPA invests over $4 billion annually in breakthrough technologies for national security. Known for high-risk, high-reward research, DARPA funds projects in AI, hypersonics, quantum computing, and biotechnology. Most DARPA contracts use Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) and Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs).
Top NAICS Codes
Common Contract Types
Key Procurement Offices
Recent Contract Awards
Total Awards
7
Last 30 Days
1
30-Day Value
$499.8M
Avg Amount
$499.8M
All-Time Value
$14.3B
FPDS
| Contract | Awardee | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) Support Services | THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC | $499.8M |
| Multi X Office (MXO02) Program Support Services | ECS FEDERAL, LLC | $162.7M |
| Biosecurity Working Group Generative Optogenetics | ENGINEERING BIOLOGY RESEARCH CONSORTIUM | $1.2M |
| Independent Commercialization Generative Optogenetics | NATIONAL COLLEGIATE INVENTORS & INNOVATORS ALLIANCE, INC. | $1.4M |
| HR001126CE068 Code-to-model Analysis Ready for Verification Engines (CARVE) | RIVERSIDE RESEARCH INSTITUTE | $735K |
| Securing Artificial Intelligence for Battlefield Effective Robustness (SABER) | LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION | $4.7M |
| HR001121C0043 High Enthalpy Aperture Technology (HEAT) | HRL LABORATORIES, LLC | $3.9M |
Top Awardees
Top Contractors (FPDS)
| Contractor | Total Obligation |
|---|---|
| LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION | $2.2B |
| THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC | $1.1B |
| RAYTHEON COMPANY | $953.5M |
| SECURIGENCE LLC | $706.9M |
| NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION | $673.3M |
| SRI INTERNATIONAL | $403.9M |
| GUIDEHOUSE INC. | $328.6M |
| SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH LLC | $315.7M |
| STRATEGIC ANALYSIS, INC. | $287.1M |
| SYSTEM HIGH CORPORATION | $258.7M |
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Try Signals freeFrequently Asked Questions
How do I find contracts with DARPA?
Search SAM.gov for active Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency solicitations. Monitor the DARPA procurement forecast published annually. Register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and set up saved searches for relevant NAICS codes.
Does DARPA require CMMC?
CMMC is not set agency-wide. Under DFARS 252.204-7021(d)(1) the Contracting Officer inserts the required level — Level 1 (Self), Level 2 (Self), Level 2 (C3PAO) or Level 3 (DIBCAC) — into each solicitation, covering the systems that process, store or transmit FCI or CUI. Read the solicitation rather than a generic agency rule: https://www.acquisition.gov/dfars/252.204-7021-contractor-compliance-cybersecurity-maturity-model-certification-level-requirements. Separately and regardless of CMMC status, DFARS 252.204-7012, implementation of NIST SP 800-171 and a current SPRS score remain binding on contracts that carry them.
What are the top NAICS codes for DARPA contracts?
The most commonly used NAICS codes for Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency contracts include 541715, 541511, 541330, 541380, 541720. These codes cover the primary contracting areas for DARPA. Check SAM.gov for specific opportunities under each code.
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