RFI for Advancing Autonomous Science Services

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in Arlington, Virginia is seeking information on the current state of autonomous science, particularly in biological domains, to identify investment opportunities that advance the field for national security and public benefit. The agency is addressing the rapid transformation of autonomous science, which integrates artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation into scientific discovery and experimentation. Specifically, the agency wants to understand how foundation models and agentic artificial intelligence can enable more adaptive scientific reasoning, develop new autonomous workflows, and bring new instruments online. The scope of the request covers robotics technologies that drive a shift from task-specific automation to general-purpose platforms and versatile robots capable of interfacing with legacy laboratory equipment. The agency also requires insights into safety and security considerations for operating highly automated laboratories, including solutions like simulation, artificial intelligence digital twins, and formal verification. Eligible respondents must be onshore organizations based in the United States. The designated work will be performed entirely offsite. Interested parties must submit their responses digitally via email or through the online portal, and the agency is currently looking for proposals to determine future budget allocations.