DARPA’s I2O: Bordeaux Program
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
DARPA’s Information Innovation Office (I2O) released the Bordeaux program (Funding Opportunity Number DARPA-PS-26-20) seeking innovative research proposals focused on cyber security performance in artificial intelligence (AI), including AI models and AI hardware. The program aims to produce revolutionary advances rather than incremental improvements and support national security technology development.
Multiple awards are anticipated under Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype Agreements to develop and demonstrate new approaches to AI cybersecurity performance. The program is expected to run 36 months, including two technical phases.
Companies and research teams capable of delivering novel, high-impact AI security technologies should strongly consider applying.
Proposal Due Date: May 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time.
How much funding would I receive?
The solicitation states:
Multiple awards are anticipated.
Individual award size is not specified in the solicitation.
Proposers must submit a cost proposal aligned with the scale and complexity of their technical approach, including detailed milestone pricing and cost breakdowns.
What could I use the funding for?
Funding is intended to support research and prototype development related to cyber security performance in AI.
Proposed work may include:
Development of new cybersecurity approaches for AI systems
Research involving AI models and AI hardware
Proof-of-concept systems or processes
Prototype demonstrations
Agile development and novel applications of commercial technologies for defense purposes
DARPA specifically encourages high-risk, high-reward research that produces revolutionary advances, not incremental improvements to existing methods.
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Potential benefits include:
Prototype OT agreements, which provide more flexible terms and conditions than traditional federal contracts.
Potential follow-on production awards without additional competition if the prototype effort is successful, under 10 U.S.C. § 4022.
Opportunity to contribute technology that supports U.S. national security and defense missions.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Key dates listed in the solicitation include:
Posting Date: March 2, 2026
Proposers Day: March 16–17, 2026
Classified Addendum Request Cutoff Date: March 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM
Question Submission Deadline: April 3, 2026, at 1:00 PM
Q&A Responses Released: April 10, 2026, no earlier than 9:00 AM
Proposal Due Date: May 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time
Program structure:
Security Startup Period: 3 months
Phase 1: 18 months
Phase 2: 18 months
Total program duration: 36 months
A 12-month Transition Phase estimate may also be requested for planning purposes, but it is not being solicited for funding at this time.
Where does this funding come from?
Funding comes from the:
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
Information Innovation Office (I2O)
The program is issued under 10 U.S.C. § 4022, which authorizes Other Transaction (OT) agreements for prototype projects.
Who is eligible to apply?
DARPA encourages proposals from:
Large businesses
Small businesses
Nontraditional defense contractors
Research institutions
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Minority institutions and disadvantaged businesses
However:
Non-U.S. organizations and individuals cannot participate.
Additional eligibility considerations include:
Organizations must be capable of handling TOP SECRET // Special Access Required (TS//SAP) material.
Participants must meet personnel, facility, and information system security requirements.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
DARPA will evaluate proposals based on three primary criteria:
1. Scientific and Technical Merit (most important)
Winning proposals will demonstrate:
Innovative and feasible technical approaches
Strong technical teams
Clear task structure and deliverables
Identified risks and mitigation strategies
2. Contribution to the DARPA Mission
Technology that strengthens the U.S. national security technology base
Solutions capable of transitioning to military or defense use
3. Cost Realism
Budgets that match the proposed work scope
Well-justified costs and supporting documentation
DARPA also notes that proposals should leverage prior research and existing capabilities where appropriate.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Key restrictions include:
Non-U.S. organizations or individuals may not participate.
Work involves TOP SECRET // Special Access Required (TS//SAP) information.
Proposals must follow classified submission procedures described in the classified addendum.
Human or Animal Subjects Research (HSR or ASR) is not anticipated and proposals including it will not be reviewed.
Organizations providing System Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA) or similar support to DARPA may be restricted from participating as technical performers.
Proposers must meet SAM registration and federal eligibility requirements before award.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
The application requires:
A technical proposal (up to 25 pages)
Team qualifications and prior work summaries
A detailed Task Description Document
A comprehensive cost proposal with supporting documentation
Because the program requires classified proposal materials and security clearances, preparation time may depend on an organization’s existing security infrastructure.
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can support companies pursuing this opportunity by helping with strategy, proposal writing, editing, administrative support, and other deliverables.
How much would BW&CO Charge?
We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.