AI Forge Program: University Research Capabilities for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategic Thrusts Request for Information (RFI)

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks to identify the artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and research areas of U.S. universities. The goal is to inform the development of the AI Forge program, which aims to conduct high-impact, fast-paced, university-led AI research focused on solving critical national security challenges. The program is a collaboration between DARPA, NSF, and NIST, and focuses on AI interpretability, AI control, and adversarial robustness.

• Universities are requested to provide information on their AI capabilities, including:

  • University overview (POCs, research entities, faculty, facilities, computing infrastructure).
  • Capability to support research involving Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and classified research.
  • Internal processes for rapid contracting and subaward onboarding.
  • Past performance and research achievements relevant to AI interpretability, AI control, and adversarial robustness.
  • Existing ecosystem of national security partnerships, including DIB integration, scaling/acceleration agents, and technology transition track record.
  • Expression of interest in the program's strategic thrusts.

• The AI Forge program will execute "Project Ventures," which are high-risk, high-reward, university-led efforts ranging from $750K to $3M or higher, spanning up to one year.

• DARPA anticipates several Project Venture awards annually.

• Responses are due by June 22, 2026, 5:00 PM ET.

• Submissions must be unclassified.

• A template is provided, and responses should not exceed eight (8) pages.

• Responses will be disclosed to AI Forge forum stakeholders for technical review and program development.

• This RFI targets U.S. universities.

• Key personnel are anticipated to be limited to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

• Universities must submit a single, unified response authorized by the university's Vice President for Research, Provost, or equivalent.

• Intellectual Property (IP) generated is intended to be shared under liberal open-source licensing.

• This RFI is for information and program planning purposes only and does not constitute a formal solicitation.

• Responses are voluntary, and DARPA will not reimburse costs incurred.

• DARPA may conduct individual discussions with respondents.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Request for Information (RFI) template for universities to submit information regarding their Artificial Intelligence (AI) research capabilities relevant to the AI Forge Program. It outlines the required content and formatting for RFI submissions.

• University Overview: Requires details on research entities, key faculty, facilities, research resources, data/computing infrastructure, and capabilities for supporting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and classified research.
• Rapid Contracting: Asks for descriptions of internal processes for quickly onboarding contracts, subawards, or commercial agreements, including experience with U.S. Government flow-down clauses and expedited review mechanisms.
• AI Research Capabilities: Requires an overview of past performance and achievements related to AI interpretability, AI control, and adversarial robustness. It also asks for details on national security partnerships, Defense Industrial Base (DIB) integration, scaling/acceleration agents, and technology transition track records.
• Expression of Interest: Requires universities to rank the AI Forge Program's strategic thrusts (AI interpretability, AI control, adversarial robustness) and provide a rationale for their interest and expertise in each.

This RFI template guides potential university partners on the specific information required to express interest and demonstrate their capabilities for the AI Forge Program. It highlights the government's interest in universities with strong AI research, national security partnerships, and efficient contracting processes.