The document outlines the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Countering Foreign Influence Program (CFIP), a structured initiative developed to address the growing risks of undue foreign influence within the U.S. research and development enterprise, particularly concerning national security and the integrity of federally funded research. CFIP stems from legislative and policy actions including various sections of the FY19 and FY21 National Defense Authorization Acts, as well as the January 2021 National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM-33), all of which highlight the imperative to protect intellectual property, key personnel, and critical technologies from exploitation by foreign entities, notably strategic competitors such as the People’s Republic of China. The program governs research proposals by requiring comprehensive disclosures from key personnel, evaluates risk factors through a defined rubric encompassing foreign talent program participation, associations with denied entities, foreign funding, and institutional affiliations, and assigns risk levels ranging from LOW to VERY HIGH.
CFIP’s operational process emphasizes transparency, due diligence, and an opportunity for research entities to mitigate identified risks during the negotiation phase preceding an award. The risk assessment is separate from the scientific review and does not automatically preclude participation; rather, it offers sponsoring institutions a chance to address conflicts of interest or commitment before a final determination. If adequate mitigation is not achieved for high or very high-risk cases, DARPA retains the right to withhold the award. Post-award, recipients are required to maintain robust internal processes to monitor and promptly report involvement in foreign talent programs, ensuring continued compliance and integrity. The overarching goal is to balance the need for open scientific collaboration with the necessity of safeguarding U.S. research against inappropriate foreign influence, without discrimination based on nationality or protected personal characteristics.
Overview of DARPA’s Countering Foreign Influence Program (CFIP) and Senior/Key Personnel Foreign Influence Risk Rubric DARPA officials Wes Bennett, Director, Contracts Management Office and Kevin Flaherty, Assist. Director, Policy; Oversight, Security; Intelligence Directorate will provide an overview of DARPA’s CFIP. Their presentation will include a discussion of DARPA’s recently revised risk rubric and how the rubric will be used in the grant process. The presentation will include time for questions and answers.
