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.

  • Fast-Tracking to DARPA: The SBIR/STTR Cross-Agency Award Pathway

    Small businesses can leverage existing Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I, Phase II, or Direct to Phase II (DP2) awards they have received from Department of War (DoW) components or other federal agencies to secure follow-on funding via a cross-agency award (often called an "adoption") at DARPA. In this module, we will explore the benefits of cross-agency awards, how to position your company for a cross-agency award, and what the cross-agency award process looks like.

  • You're Awardable on ERIS: Now What? Best Practices and Next Steps

    The DARPA Expedited Research Innovation System (ERIS) Marketplace provides a rapid procurement pathway to connect groundbreaking ideas directly to DARPA Program Managers (PMs) and other Department of War (DoW) organizations. This curriculum builds upon the ERIS Welcome Kit, providing a deeper dive into the strategic engagement required to maximize awardable status and convert post-competitive status to funded award.

  • DARPA Proposal Budget Building Basics

    This lesson introduces the essentials of building a clear and credible Price Volume for a DARPA proposal. You’ll learn why transparent pricing matters, what information the Government needs to verify your costs, and how to present your data in a way that speeds evaluation and supports a fair, reasonable award decision.

  • The Path to Becoming a DARPA Program Manager

    Joining DARPA as a program manager (PM) is a prestigious call to serve the nation by turning impossible ideas into breakthrough capabilities. This lesson outlines the role of a DARPA PM, provides an overview of the application process, and shares tips and strategies for success.

  • Fueling Innovation: Applying for the DARPA Young Faculty Award

    Ready to turn your most ambitious research ideas into reality? This lesson will help prepare you to 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.

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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