The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), through its Information Innovation Office (I2O), has released Program Solicitation DARPA-PS-26-20 for the BORDEAUX program. DARPA, the Department of Defense’s (DoD) premier research and development agency, is charged with making pivotal early technology investments that create technological surprise for national security. With BORDEAUX, DARPA is soliciting innovative research to strengthen cyber security performance in artificial intelligence (AI) systems. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in defense operations, ensuring that these systems are resilient against cyber threats is central to maintaining operational advantage and mission assurance.
At its core, BORDEAUX seeks revolutionary, not evolutionary, advances in cyber security performance in AI. DARPA is explicitly interested in proposals that move beyond incremental improvements and instead investigate fundamental new approaches that could transform how AI systems are secured and evaluated in contested environments. The program will support research that addresses vulnerabilities in AI models and hardware, particularly in the context of adversarial cyber threats. This focus reflects the growing recognition that AI-enabled capabilities must be robust against exploitation, manipulation, and compromise in high-stakes defense applications.
BORDEAUX is structured as a 36-month effort, consisting of a three-month Security Startup Period followed by two 18-month technical phases: Phase 1 (Base) and Phase 2 (Base Expansion). Proposals are being solicited for both 18-month phases. In addition, proposers are required to submit an estimated cost for a potential 12-month Transition Phase for planning purposes, though this Transition Phase is not currently being solicited for award. DARPA anticipates making multiple awards using Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype Agreements under 10 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 4022. These flexible agreements allow DARPA and performers to negotiate terms and conditions tailored to innovative prototype development, rather than relying on the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Resource sharing may be required in certain circumstances, particularly for traditional defense contractors not significantly collaborating with nontraditional defense contractors.
It is important to note that the BORDEAUX effort is classified at the TOP SECRET//Special Access Program (SAP) level. A classified addendum provides additional technical details, and only organizations with appropriate facility and personnel clearances will be eligible to receive and respond to the full requirements. Proposers must comply with strict security, facility accreditation, and information system requirements to access and generate proposals at the required classification level.
Key Dates
All times are Eastern Time (ET):
- March 2, 2026: Posting Date of the Program Solicitation.
- March 16–17, 2026: Proposers Day (classified addendum expected to be released at the TOP SECRET//SAP level).
- March 27, 2026 at 5:00 PM: Deadline to submit documentation to request the Classified Addendum.
- April 3, 2026 at 1:00 PM: Question Submittal Deadline (unclassified and classified questions must be submitted through the appropriate channels).
- April 10, 2026 (no earlier than 9:00 AM): Question and Answer (Q&A) Response Release Date.
- May 15, 2026 at 1:00 PM: Proposal Due Date and Time.
Given the security processing requirements, organizations should begin facility, personnel, and Special Access Program (SAP) documentation preparation immediately to avoid delays in receiving the classified addendum.
Funding Overview
DARPA anticipates making multiple awards under this solicitation. Awards will be executed as Other Transaction for Prototype Agreements. While DARPA does not specify a fixed award size, proposers are expected to align their budgets with the technical scope and complexity of the proposed approach, providing detailed cost breakdowns by tasks and phase. DARPA’s BORDEAUX program spans 36 months and is organized into a three-month Security Startup Period, separate from the technical effort, followed by two 18-month technical phases. Proposers must also include an estimated cost for a potential 12-month Transition Phase for planning purposes only.
Advancing National Security Through Secure AI
As AI systems increasingly underpin defense decision-making, sensing, and operational capabilities, the integrity and resilience of these systems become matters of national security. The BORDEAUX program represents DARPA’s commitment to ensuring that AI-enabled technologies can operate securely in adversarial environments. By investing in groundbreaking research to enhance cyber security performance in AI models and hardware, DARPA is strengthening the technological foundation that supports U.S. defense and operational readiness.
Organizations with capabilities in AI security, adversarial resilience, secure hardware, and advanced cyber methodologies should carefully assess this opportunity. The classified nature of the program adds complexity, but also underscores its strategic importance.
If your team is considering pursuing BORDEAUX, now is the time to prepare. EverGlade specializes in guiding organizations through complex, high-security federal solicitations, from pursuit strategy and proposal development to cost compliance and post-award execution. We invite you to connect with our team to position your organization for success under DARPA-PS-26-20 and contribute to advancing secure, mission-ready AI for national defense.
If your company has considered applying for federal funding, your federal funding journey starts here. EverGlade is a national firm that helps organizations win and manage federal awards. We offer services ranging from Pursuit, Proposal and Post-Award support to comply with federal regulations at agencies including BARDA, ARPA-H, NIH, DTRA, JPEO, DOD, DIU, DOE, and DARPA.
