A--DOI-ETA-FY26-30

The Department of the Interior (DOI) Interior Business Center and the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) are seeking proposals for the Emerging Technology Accelerator (ETA) program. Managed under solicitation DOIDFBO260047, this initiative uses Prototype Other Transaction (OT) agreements to advance research in areas such as circuit automation, geospatial change detection, and multimodal geolocation. The program framework covers Fiscal Years 2026 through 2030 and focuses on developing software prototypes for five specific technology tracks: ARCADE, COSMIC, DECIPHER, LocUS, and MOVES. Submissions follow a multi-step process, starting with a mandatory White Paper. If selected, offerors may be invited to submit formal Technical and Cost proposals. While the program is established for a five-year period, Amendment 0004 currently lists the five primary technology programs as 'NOT ACTIVE' for the immediate FY26 cycle, though the framework remains open for future activations. Responses for the current cycle are due by June 1, 2026, with an assumed performance start date of October 1, 2026. Eligibility for OT awards requires participation by non-traditional defense contractors or specific cost-sharing arrangements, and all submissions must be managed through the IDEAS system. The solicitation has been updated through four amendments, which provide administrative and technical refinements. The package includes a cumulative Q&A record addressing over 300 inquiries on technical specs, IP rights, and logistics. The ETA program is a collaborative effort between DOI and IARPA to award multiple Prototype Other Transaction (OT) agreements. It operates as a multi-year framework from FY2026 through FY2030, using a gated submission process that begins with a mandat…