DARPA Launches 'DARPAVERSE' SBIR Topic

- The "DARPAVERSE" SBIR topic is part of the Expedited Research Implementation Series (ERIS), a long-term open call for novel technology solutions. This specific topic aims to create a collaborative virtual environment for warfighters, analysts, and program managers to interact with complex modeling and simulation systems. Submissions for this special topic are open from October 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. - A key goal of the project is to enable the rapid development of multi-domain models of concepts and scenarios, aiming for a turnaround time of less than a day. The initiative seeks new methods for creating composable, reduced-order models from data that can be stored in a "containerized software armory". It also emphasizes the use of natural language interfaces to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical users. - This initiative aligns with a broader DoD trend of using virtual and augmented reality for training. The military already uses these technologies for applications ranging from medical procedures and vehicle operation to leadership and cultural training. The Army's Synthetic Training Environment (STE), for instance, blends virtual and live training and uses a 3D mapping dataset called "One World Terrain" to replicate real-world environments. - DARPA has previously invested in related technologies, including the "Perceptually-enabled Task Guidance" program to create an AI assistant for troops and the Air Combat Management Project, which pitted a human fighter pilot against an AI-controlled aircraft in a simulation. The agency is also actively researching how to defend against "cognitive attacks" in mixed reality environments, where an adversary might flood displays with distracting data or inject false information to confuse personnel. - The ERIS program, which houses the DARPAVERSE topic, is designed to be a rapid and accessible acquisition pathway for DARPA. It utilizes video submissions (up to 7 minutes) and aims to provide feedback to applicants within 30 days of the monthly collection period, using flexible "Other Transaction" (OT) based contracting vehicles. - The DoD's SBIR program, which funds this effort, invests over $1 billion annually in small business technology. From FY 2022-2024, AI-related SBIR/STTR awards totaled $1.5 billion, with the Air Force leading spending at $667 million. Current legislative debates around the SBIR program's reauthorization include proposals to counter foreign exploitation and address the influence of "SBIR mills" that are adept at winning awards without delivering operational value.