The Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA)—the advanced research and development arm of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence of the United States—is implementing a project within the framework of which smart clothing equipped with flexible electronics is being developed; it will enable to record audio and video, as well as data about the location of its wearer.

The project, called Smart Electrically Powered and Networked Textile Systems (SMART ePANTS), involves a major investment in the development of "smart textiles" that the wearer will feel the same as regular clothing. This will be done by developing electronics that will stretch, bend, conform to the body, and be washable like regular clothes.
The project will result in a durable and ready-to-wear garment that can record audio and video and provide geographic data about its location.

Such clothes will be worn by the employees of the American Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and other agencies. They are expected to help agency personnel and first responders in dangerous and stressful environments without hindering their ability to act quickly.

As part of this project, IARPA has signed research contracts with several organizations, including:

. SRI International, an American non-profit research institute;
. Massachusetts Institute of Technology;
. Nautilus Defense, a manufacturer of integrated and composite textile systems;
. IT company Leidos, which conducts research in the defense and energy;
. Arete research company.

IARPA plans to present the results of the SMART ePANTS program 42 months later.