To meet its unique mission of preventing and creating strategic surprise, DARPA has developed multiple pathways for new contributors to work with the Agency. This lesson explores different entry points through which innovators can connect with and contribute to DARPA's mission.

The DARPA Expedited Research Implementation Series (ERIS) Marketplace provides both researchers and government users with a rapid procurement pathway to connect powerful innovations and ideas directly to DARPA PMs and other military organizations. In this lesson, you'll learn key strategies for creating a compelling submission to the ERIS Marketplace.

DARPA works on both unclassified and classified programs. If you’re preparing to work on classified programs at DARPA, understanding Facility Security Clearance (FCL) is an essential first step in handling secure information. This lesson provides an overview of FCLs, how the FCL process works, and tips and resources for completing the FCL package.

Whether you're new to government contracting or a seasoned professional, traditional contracts may seem overly-complex and daunting. However, Other Transactions (OTs) are not your typical government contract. Unlike traditional procurement contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements, OTs provide greater flexibility to support cutting-edge research and prototype development. This lesson will delve into the types of OTs, their benefits, and how DARPA effectively utilizes this powerful tool to drive innovation and accelerate technological advancements.

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, the defense industry is highly competitive and driven by innovation. Intellectual property (IP), which encompasses patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets, plays a crucial role in protecting and monetizing the valuable assets that you may help to develop. This lesson provides an overview of IP considerations when working with DARPA.