Decentralized Artificial Intelligence through Controlled Emergence (DICE)

The Decentralized Artificial Intelligence through Controlled Emergence (DICE) program is offered by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), specifically through its Information Processing Technologies Office. DARPA, a research and development agency within the U.S. Department of Defense, is known for funding high-risk, high-reward technological innovations that support national security. The DICE program reflects DARPA’s continued investment in advanced artificial intelligence systems, particularly those that can operate effectively in complex, contested, and dynamic environments. The opportunity is structured as a discretionary funding notice and may result in cooperative agreements, procurement contracts, or other funding instruments. The primary objective of the DICE program is to develop foundational theories and algorithms that enable decentralized coordination among heterogeneous AI agents. Unlike traditional centralized AI systems that rely on rigid orchestration, DICE seeks to create systems in which individual agents operate using local inference and control rules while collectively achieving coordinated, large-scale outcomes. This approach is inspired by self-organizing systems such as the internet, where simple local interactions produce robust global behavior. The program emphasizes scalability, adaptability, and resilience, particularly for long-duration missions in environments where centralized control may be impractical or vulnerable. Funding under this opportunity is intended to support research and development activities in science and technology, specifically within artificial intelligence and distributed systems. While specific funding amounts, award ceilings, and floors are not disclosed in the synopsis, the program falls under the Assistance Listing for Research and Technology Development. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, which lowers the barrier to entry for applicants. Allowable uses of funds are expected to align with research objectives, including theoretical development, algorithm design, experimentation, and validation of decentralized AI systems. Eligibility for the DICE program is broad and inclusive, consistent with DARPA’s standard approach. All responsible sources capable of meeting the government’s needs may submit proposals. This includes academic institutions, private industry, nonprofit organizations, and other entities with the technical capability to perform the required research. Specific eligibility details are further elaborated in the full Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), which applicants are encouraged to review carefully. The open eligibility structure reflects DARPA’s intent to attract diverse and innovative proposals from across sectors. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov or an approved system-to-system interface. Applicants must complete mandatory forms such as the SF 424 Research and Related Application for Federal Assistance, the R&R Senior/Key Person Profile, the R&R Personal Data form, and required attachments as specified in the full announcement. Proposals must be submitted electronically, and applicants are advised to allow sufficient time for validation and correction of any submission errors. DARPA strictly enforces submission deadlines, and late or incomplete applications may not be considered. The application timeline indicates that the opportunity was posted on June 10, 2026, with a closing date of August 25, 2026. There is no indication of a pre-application requirement such as a letter of intent. Applicants should consult the full announcement for any additional milestones or submission phases. Following submission, applications undergo evaluation based on criteria outlined in the BAA, which typically include technical merit, innovation, feasibility, and potential impact. DARPA may contact applicants for further information during the review process. For inquiries or issues accessing the full announcement, applicants may contact the DARPA BAA Coordinator via email. While specific award timelines and performance periods are not detailed in the synopsis, DARPA programs generally include defined project durations and structured deliverables. The DICE program does not explicitly state whether it is recurring, suggesting that it may be a one-time solicitation or part of a broader, evolving research initiative. Applicants are encouraged to monitor official channels for updates or related opportunities.

Submit 24-48 hours early to allow validation; strictly follow required forms; do not include unrequested attachments; ensure all sub-forms are complete to avoid rejection