Automated Discovery for Design and Control of Turbulent Systems (AutoDIDACTS)

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), operating under the U.S. Department of Defense, has released a funding opportunity titled "Automated Discovery for Design and Control of Turbulent Systems (AutoDIDACTS)." This initiative is administered through DARPA’s Defense Sciences Office (DSO), known for pioneering foundational science and technology projects with national defense relevance. The AutoDIDACTS program aligns with DARPA’s mission to invest in high-risk, high-reward research that drives transformative innovations. This program seeks to support groundbreaking research into the data-informed development of generalizable models and design principles for the control of turbulent systems, particularly in aeronautics. The solicitation calls for proposals that are not merely iterative improvements on existing methodologies but aim to introduce revolutionary advancements in understanding and manipulating turbulence. The program explicitly excludes submissions that propose only incremental enhancements over the current state of practice. DARPA intends to fund work through Cooperative Agreements or Other Transaction Authority, depending on the specifics of the proposed work. Although precise funding amounts are not disclosed in the synopsis, the structure of the solicitation and its categorization under research and technology development (Assistance Listing 12.910) suggest a substantial scope. No cost-sharing or matching is required for applicants. This underscores the agency’s interest in attracting a broad range of qualified proposers, including those without access to supplemental funds. The solicitation is open to all responsible sources capable of meeting the program’s objectives. This inclusivity implies that a wide variety of entities—from academic institutions and research labs to private-sector firms and nontraditional performers—may submit proposals. However, the eligibility section directs potential applicants to consult the full Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for detailed criteria. The absence of restrictive eligibility language in the synopsis reinforces DARPA’s traditional openness to novel contributors in advanced R&D. To apply, interested parties must access the full announcement on SAM.gov, where detailed instructions on proposal structure, submission mechanisms, evaluation criteria, and performance expectations are provided. The primary submission deadline is May 20, 2026. No pre-application elements such as Letters of Intent or Concept Papers are required, simplifying the submission pathway. The announcement does not indicate a rolling or recurring nature, suggesting a one-time opportunity. For questions or difficulties accessing the full announcement, the designated point of contact is the BAA Coordinator, reachable via email at [email protected]. No phone contact is listed. Applicants are encouraged to engage early to clarify any proposal requirements or eligibility concerns. The archive date is June 19, 2026, indicating that administrative processing and award decisions are expected to occur within a month after the application close date.