DARPA’s Information Processing Techniques Office is seeking innovative proposals for the development and integration of error-correcting codecs that use novel techniques to enable dynamic error correction code switching during operation and updateability to facilitate new codes without implementation redesign.
DARPA is seeking to develop a universal, adaptive encoder-decoder (codec) capable of sending and receiving information using an known communication error correction code and any developed in the future.
LUC is a two-phase, 39 month program with one technical area of focus: Codec Design and Integration.
Phase 1– 12 months – codec and system design, modelling and simulation.
Phase 2 (optional) – 27 months – system development, integration and field testing.
There will be government test and evaluation partners supporting assessment of candidate LUC technology.
Codec Design and Integration performers will aim to:
- Develop and demonstrate an encoder that can leverage multiple classes of codes to adaptively improve communications in real time (a “universal” encoder);
- Integrate the encoder with a “universal” decoder (eg a decoder capable of decoding many classes of codes using a single algorithm, such as a GRAND implementation) to create a universal codec, and
- Integrate that codec into an existing, performer-nominated communication system.
Proposal abstracts are due 22 July 2026.
Document
BAA – LUC – HR001126S0014-Amendment-01
