DARPA-RA-23-02: Forward-Looking Experimentation (FLEX)
Closed
This grant is closed. A newer notice from the same program is open now: Young Faculty Award (YFA) 2027 (DARPARA2701). Status: Closes January 13, 2027 (67 days left). It is in our archive of DARPA - Microsystems Technology Office notices from 2023.
DARPA - Microsystems Technology Office offered grants to the applicants described in the notice. Applications closed on May 31, 2024.
From the official notice on Grants.gov, last changed May 30, 2024. Checked November 7, 2026.
- Award amountsNot given on Grants.gov
- Cost sharingNot required
- Funding typeCooperative Agreement
Key dates
| Posted | August 9, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Deadline | May 31, 2024 |
| Archived by Grants.gov | June 30, 2024 |
Who can apply
This opportunity was open to the applicants described in the notice.
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government's needs may submit a proposal that shall be considered by DARPA. See the Eligibility Information section of the BAA for more information.
Is this a realistic fit?
- Most of the program's money (93% over five years) went to colleges and universities.
- No cost sharing or match is required.
What the grant funds
Summary of Amendment 01: The purpose of this amendment is to close this Research Announcement for all submissions on May 30, 2024, at 5:00 PM Eastern. DARPA anticipates releasing a new FLEX RA beginning in FY2025. Any proposal submitted prior to this deadline will be reviewed in accordance with the evaluation criteria contained herein. Any proposal submitted after the close date and time will not be reviewed. The Microsystems Technology Office at DARPA seeks fundamental research proposals for disruptive ideas in information and communication technologies (ICT) addressing the grand challenges for a data-driven future. Proposed research should investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems. The goal of the Forward-Looking Experimentation (FLEX) program is to identify the direction and timing of key disruptive advances in ICT, accelerate technology exploration and generate intellectual property, develop next-generation researchers for the U.S. workforce, and build the foundation for future research programs.
Who has won Research and Technology Development grants before
From fiscal 2021 to 2025, Research and Technology Development (12.910) awarded $1.5 billion across 739 grant awards, an average of $2.1 million per award.
| Recipient | State | Awards | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California | California | 26 | $84.5 million |
| Clemson University | South Carolina | 2 | $82.2 million |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts | 29 | $63.1 million |
| Regents of the University of Michigan | Michigan | 21 | $59.6 million |
| The Regents of the University of California, San Francisco | California | 5 | $44.4 million |
Applying now
This notice no longer takes applications. Apply under the newer notice, DARPARA2701, which is open now.
The notice on Grants.gov keeps its full text and attachments, which is useful for planning a resubmission.
Questions people ask
Is DARPA-RA-23-02 still open?
No. It closed on May 31, 2024. A newer notice is open: DARPARA2701, closes January 13, 2027 (67 days left).
Who can apply for Forward-Looking Experimentation (FLEX)?
DARPA - Microsystems Technology Office accepted applications from the applicants described in the notice. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.
What is the deadline for Forward-Looking Experimentation (FLEX)?
Closed May 31, 2024. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.
Who has won Research and Technology Development grants before?
The largest recipients over five fiscal years were University of Southern California, Clemson University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The program made 739 awards worth $1.5 billion in that time.