How to bid on Decentralized Artificial Intelligence through Controlled Emergence (DICE) for DARPA

What DARPA is buying and why it matters

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking research and development proposals for its Decentralized Artificial Intelligence through Controlled Emergence (DICE) program. This initiative aims to create decentralized AI systems where multiple AI agents can coordinate autonomously to complete long-duration missions in challenging environments.

The goal is to develop AI collectives that are scalable, adaptive, and resilient, capable of self-organizing while remaining under human control. This research is important for enabling robust AI operations in complex scenarios, moving beyond centralized systems or unpredictable ad hoc AI compositions.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This opportunity was published on July 14, 2026. The deadline for submissions is August 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET. All proposals must be submitted by this exact time. Late submissions are typically not accepted, so it is crucial to plan for potential technical issues and submit well in advance of the deadline.

Who this opportunity suits

This solicitation is ideal for research institutions, technology firms, and professional service providers with expertise in artificial intelligence, decentralized systems, autonomous agents, and complex systems theory. Firms specializing in advanced algorithms, machine learning, and human-AI collaboration will find this opportunity particularly relevant. The work falls under the professional services category, specifically focusing on research and development.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the full solicitation documents, click the “View original source” link. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all documents, though this is not always required for every bid.

Practical tips for a competitive response

When preparing your response, clearly articulate your proposed theoretical framework and algorithmic approach for decentralized coordination and local inference control. Emphasize how your solution will enable scalable, adaptive, and resilient AI collectives while ensuring human control and predictable outcomes.

Highlight your team's expertise in AI research and development, particularly in areas relevant to autonomous systems and contested environments. Provide concrete examples or conceptual models of how your proposed AI agents would execute sustained, long-time-horizon missions. Ensure your proposal directly addresses DARPA's stated goals of harnessing self-organization while minimizing risks and maintaining alignment with intended outcomes.