Showcasing the Future of Defense Department Acquisitions: ARI Highlights Innovative Programs at AUVSI Xponential 2024

Apr 5, 2024

The Applied Research Institute is highlighting two key Department of Defense programs connecting government with cutting-edge technology solutions at the upcoming Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International annual gathering AUVSI Xponential 2024, from April 22-25 in San Diego, California.

As an innovation ecosystem orchestrator, ARI collaborates with partners from government, industry, and academia across a wide spectrum of technology focus areas. At AUVSI Xponential 2024, ARI will be showcasing two pathways for technology innovators to connect with DoD customers: the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Solutions Marketplace and DARPAConnect.

Rapid DoD Acquisition of C-UAS Technologies

ARI will highlight the C-UAS Solutions Marketplace, a digital pathway for industry, academia, and individuals to showcase and promote their C-UAS solutions to potential federal government customers and for federal government customers to easily and rapidly procure new and novel C-UAS technology and service solutions in a post-competitive acquisition environment.

“The C-UAS Marketplace is not just a software platform; it’s a streamlined tool to support the rapid acquisition of key technologies and services,” said Dr. William Kiser, Executive Vice President for Science and Technology at ARI. “The Solutions Marketplace provides a repository of innovative technologies and organizations poised to rapidly transform the Counter UAS mission. This system supports rapid procurement by the C-UAS Program Office and is a testament to our commitment to accelerating the acquisition of game changing technologies for the benefit of our warfighters and for national security.”

C-UAS solution providers are invited to visit the C-UAS Solutions Marketplace booth #2426 at AUVSI Xponential 2024 to learn more about submitting a 5-minute video pitch showcasing their technology and connecting with DoD programs seeking new and novel C-UAS solutions.

Breaking Barriers into DARPA

ARI will also showcase DARPAConnect, an initiative by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to empower innovators and broaden DARPA’s reach with small businesses and educational institutions. With the goal of breaking down barriers to entry, DARPAConnect equips innovators with tools to navigate the DARPA landscape and contribute ideas to national defense, including: on-demand learning modules, one-on-one coaching sessions, and a variety of online and in-person events for education and networking.

“DARPAConnect implements a new paradigm for how DARPA interacts with the innovation community,” says Dr. William Kiser. “This initiative empowers a wider range of participants to engage with DARPA by educating them in the mindset and processes of the organization and assisting them along their journey as they gain the knowledge to successfully navigate the DARPA enterprise.”

Visit ARI Booth #2426 at AUVSI Xponential 2024 to learn about valuable tools and resources for your DARPA journey and to book a personal one-on-one session.