DARPAConnect Learning

DARPAConnect On-Demand Curriculum

Welcome to the DARPAConnect online curriculum. These instructional modules are designed and categorized to step you through the three main precepts of DARPAConnect - Discover, Collaborate, and Contribute. Whether you’re a new potential DARPA performer or a well-seasoned alum, within each category you'll find a wealth of self-paced modules and reference materials to make sure you're in the best position to engage with DARPA. Click on a category to filter the lesson list, or browse the full list of lessons below.

Explore Our Newest Lessons

The following list contains our full DARPAConnect On-Demand Curriculum sorted with the newest lessons featured first. Check out the latest lessons below, or sort by topic area, keyword, or category in the On-Demand Curriculum Catalog.

  • Fueling Innovation: Applying for the DARPA Young Faculty Award

    Ready to turn your most ambitious research ideas into reality? This lesson will help you apply for the DARPA Young Faculty Award (YFA), a unique opportunity for early-career researchers. You'll learn what makes the YFA program different from other DARPA opportunities and get key guidance on how to succeed.

  • You've Won a DARPA Award: Now What?

    This lesson will guide you through the initial steps you need to take prepare for success as a new DARPA performer. We'll also explore best practices that will help you establish a strong foundation for success and ensure a smooth and effective project execution from the outset

  • Finding Your Path: Entry Points into DARPA

    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.

  • Navigating and Using the DARPA ERIS Marketplace

    The DARPA Expedited Research Innovation System (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.

  • Security Basics: Understanding Facility Security Clearances

    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.

Updates and Feedback

Be sure to check back often, as new modules are added regularly. If you have questions, feedback, or suggestions for future instructional topics, please share them via the DARPAConnect Curriculum Feedback Form.

Lessons by Category

Click on a category below to view the lessons within that category.

Discover

This section includes key DARPA introductory material for new potential performers. Topics include overviews of programs and technical offices, types of opportunities, and tips for pursuing DARPA funding.

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Collaborate

For individuals ready to engage with DARPA, this section covers effective communication, teaming, and networking. Topics include engaging with PMs, leveraging the Heilmeier Catechism, and proposal preparation.

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Contribute

For new and established performers, this section provides useful lessons for successful, ongoing contributions to DARPA. Topics include administrative and technical responsibilities, security, and intellectual property.

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