Carbon Crunch

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation, "Carbon Crunch," issued by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Tactical Technology Office (TTO), aims to enable scalable, fast, and agile production of hypersonic aeroshells. The program seeks to accelerate carbon-carbon (C-C) hypersonic aeroshell production by developing and applying innovative manufacturing methods that are inherently faster and more scalable. The goal is to demonstrate an end-to-end manufacturing process from raw materials to near-net-shape densification, achieving high quality, rapid production, and quick design-cycle turnaround. The technology developed is intended for transition to hypersonic programs of record.

• Develop a new integrated process for producing C-C aeroshells.

• Demonstrate high-rate production of C-C aeroshells.

• Demonstrate process agility for switching designs with minimal downtime.

• Assemble teams to demonstrate the entire aeroshell production process, from preform layup to near-net-shape aeroshells.

• Focus on reducing the time to densify C-C material and the associated manual labor.

• Scope includes the aeroshell and potentially hot structure portions (e.g., leading edge, nosetips).

• DARPA is NOT interested in novel thermal protection system materials, technologies for cooling, parallelizing existing processes, processes reliant on touch labor, or final machining methods.

• Type of instrument: Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype Agreement.

• Cost sharing may be required.

• Estimated period of performance (PoP) start: October 2026.

• Key Dates:

  • Final Solicitation Posting Date: January 30, 2026
  • Proposers Day: February 3, 2026
  • Last Day to Request CUI Addendum: February 12, 2026
  • Abstract Questions Due: February 13, 2026, 4:00 p.m. ET
  • Abstracts Due Date and Time: March 2, 2026, 4:00 p.m. ET
  • Feedback from Abstracts Sent: March 16, 2026
  • Written Proposals Questions Due: March 23, 2026
  • Written Proposal Packages Due Date and Time: April 10, 2026, 4:00 p.m. ET
  • Video Interview Sessions: April 20 - April 28, 2026

• Evaluation criteria for abstracts and written proposals will be detailed in the CUI addendum.

• Solutions are encouraged from all responsible sources, including large and small businesses, and nontraditional defense contractors.

• Participation is limited to U.S. persons; foreign nationals are prohibited from accessing data/information and participation.

• Proposers must comply with export control laws (ITAR, EAR) and protect sensitive/controlled data.

• Phase 1 will involve Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI); Phase 2 will involve Secret collateral information. Proposers must have appropriate CUI safeguards and, by Phase 2, possess and maintain facility and personnel clearances.

• Multiple awards are anticipated.

• The solicitation is CUI. A CUI Addendum, CUI Guide, and NASA ACC-6 CUI Publication are available upon request via a specific request form by February 12, 2026.

• Agency Contact: DARPA-PS-26-15@darpa.mil

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for bidders to assert any restrictions on the Government's rights to technical data and computer software they propose to furnish. If no restrictions are asserted, bidders should state "None" in the table.

The template includes a table with the following columns:

• Company Asserting Rights
• Technical Data or Computer Software to be Furnished with Restrictions (list)
• Summary of Intended Use in the Conduct of Research (Narrative)
• Basis for Assertion (List)
• Asserted Rights Category/Expiration (List)
• Name of Person Asserting Restrictions/Contract #

Bidders must use this template to clearly identify and document any proprietary data or software they intend to provide, along with the justification and specific rights restrictions. This is crucial for the government's understanding and management of data rights associated with the "Carbon Crunch" opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for a Schedule of Milestones and Payments. Bidders are instructed to complete this spreadsheet, detailing proposed milestones, their corresponding due dates, deliverables, and payment schedules. The spreadsheet includes suggested milestones, but bidders may add, remove, or edit them as needed. Red milestones are mandatory. Tasks and targets should align with the Task Description Document. Sections highlighted in yellow are not to be completed by proposers.

• Milestones: Specific project achievements or phases.
• Deliverables: Tangible outputs or results for each milestone.
• Deliverable Exit Criteria: Conditions that must be met for a deliverable to be accepted.
• Due Dates: Timeline for completion, often specified as 'Months ACA' (After Contract Award).
• Payment: Percentage of the total amount allocated for each milestone.
• Funded/CLIN/SUBCLIN/ACRN: Contract-specific financial and administrative details.

This template is crucial for bidders to outline their proposed project timeline, key achievements, and how they plan to structure payments. It requires bidders to align their proposed milestones and deliverables with the government's requirements and the Task Description Document. The detailed breakdown of milestones, deliverables, exit criteria, and payment percentages provides a clear framework for project execution and financial planning. Bidders must carefully review the suggested milestones, particularly the red ones, and propose their own as necessary, ensuring all requirements are met within the specified timelines.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for a Task Description Document (TDD) for the "Carbon Crunch" project. It outlines the structure and content expected for defining project tasks and deliverables.

• Program Background: General context of the program.
• Project Overview: Description of the specific project, its importance, goals, objectives, and metrics.
• Technical Tasks & Deliverables: Detailed identification of tasks and deliverables, delineated by phase. Specifies that deliverable format and content details should be included here.
• Program Management: Includes any applicable program management tasks.
• Meeting & Travel Requirements: Outlines required meetings and travel.
• Government Furnished Information (GFI)/Government Furnished Property (GFP): Captures assumptions regarding GFI/GFP.

Bidders should use this template to structure their technical proposals, ensuring all required sections and details regarding tasks, deliverables, and program management are clearly articulated as per the government's expectations.

Other / Unclassified

This document is an "Other Transaction" agreement template between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and a "Performer" (company name to be inserted). It outlines the terms and conditions for a research and development program focused on creating a prototype, as detailed in Attachment 1 (Task Description Document). The agreement utilizes a fixed-flexible-based approach with milestones and associated payments, detailed in Attachment 3 (Schedule of Milestones & Payments).

Key articles cover the scope of the agreement, term, project management, obligation and payment procedures (including use of Wide Area Workflow - WAWF), dispute resolution, patent and data rights, foreign access to technology, safeguarding covered defense information, potential follow-on production contracts, property disposition, and public release of information.

This document is crucial for potential bidders as it defines the framework for a DARPA research and development effort. It highlights:

• Agreement Type: An "Other Transaction" (OT) under 10 U.S.C. § 4022, distinct from traditional contracts.
• Payment Structure: A milestone-based payment system tied to specific deliverables and schedule (Attachment 3).
• Intellectual Property: Detailed provisions regarding patent rights (Article VII) and data rights (Article VIII), which are critical for performers.
• Reporting Requirements: Specific technical and business status reports, a Data Management Plan, and final reports are mandated (Attachment 2).
• Security & Compliance: Requirements for safeguarding covered defense information (Article X) and prohibitions on certain telecommunications equipment (Article XVIII).
• Potential for Follow-On Work: Article XI indicates the possibility of follow-on production contracts or OTs upon successful completion.

Bidders should review the specific details within the attachments (Task Description, Report Requirements, Milestones & Payments) and the various articles to understand the full scope of work, deliverables, and obligations.

Other / Unclassified

This document is an "Other Transaction" (OT) agreement template between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and a Performer for research and development. It outlines the terms and conditions for a prototype development project, including scope, term, management, payment, intellectual property rights, data rights, and security requirements. The agreement utilizes a "fixed-flexible-based approach" with payments tied to milestone completion.

This document details the contractual framework for a DARPA research and development opportunity. Key aspects for potential bidders include:

• Agreement Type: Other Transaction (OT) under 10 U.S.C. § 4022.
• Payment Structure: Fixed payments for completed milestones, subject to adjustments within a negotiated ceiling price.
• Intellectual Property: Outlines performer retention of rights to subject inventions, with DARPA retaining a license. Specific clauses detail invention disclosure, patent application filing, and government rights.
• Data Rights: Defines the rights the government receives for data developed under the agreement, with specific provisions for the deliverable prototype and other data.
• Reporting: Requires regular technical and business status reports, a Data Management Plan, and a Final Report, submitted via the DARPA VAULT website.
• Follow-on Potential: The government may award a follow-on production contract or OT upon successful completion.
• Security: Includes requirements for safeguarding Covered Defense Information (CDI) and cyber incident reporting, referencing NIST SP 800-171.
• Prohibitions: Contains clauses regarding the prohibition of contracting for certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment.

Other / Unclassified

This document is an "Other Transaction" (OT) agreement template between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and a "Performer" (company) for research and development. It outlines the terms and conditions for a prototype development project, including scope, term, management, payment, intellectual property rights, data rights, and security.

This document is crucial for potential bidders as it details the framework for a DARPA research and development project. Key aspects for bidders include:

• Cost Share: The Performer is required to bear a specified percentage of the total agreement cost (e.g., 1/3 cost share mentioned in the title).
• Scope of Work: Defined in Attachment 1 (Task Description Document), outlining the prototype development.
• Milestones and Payments: Detailed in Attachment 3, outlining payment schedules tied to accomplished milestones.
• Intellectual Property & Data Rights: Articles VII and VIII specify how inventions and data developed under the agreement will be handled, including government rights and performer retention.
• Reporting Requirements: Attachment 2 details the technical and business status reports required.
• Follow-on Potential: Article XI indicates the possibility of a follow-on production contract or OT upon successful completion.
• Security and Export Controls: Articles IX and X address foreign access to technology and safeguarding covered defense information.
• Prohibition on Certain Telecommunications: Article XVIII outlines restrictions on using specific telecommunications equipment and services.

Bidders should review the attachments (Task Description, Report Requirements, Milestones, Funding) for specific project details and requirements.

Other / Unclassified

This document is an "Other Transaction" agreement template between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and a performer for a research and development program. It outlines the terms and conditions for developing a prototype, including scope, term, management, payment, disputes, intellectual property rights (patent and data), foreign access to technology, cybersecurity, follow-on contracts, property disposition, and other legal and administrative clauses.

This document details the contractual framework for a potential DARPA "Other Transaction" agreement. Key areas for potential bidders to note include:

• Scope of Agreement: Outlines the research and development program for a specific prototype, referencing a Task Description Document (Attachment 1) and a Schedule of Milestones and Payments (Attachment 3).
• Payment Structure: Fixed payments are made for accomplished milestones, detailed in Attachment 3.
• Intellectual Property: Articles VII (Patent Rights) and VIII (Data Rights) define how inventions and data developed under the agreement will be handled, including government rights and performer retention.
• Reporting Requirements: Attachment 2 specifies various reports required, including Technical Status, Business Status, Data Management Plan, Annual Program Plan, and Final Reports, to be submitted via the DARPA VAULT website.
• Follow-on Potential: Article XI indicates the possibility of a follow-on production contract or Other Transaction after successful completion.
• Cybersecurity: Article X mandates adherence to NIST SP 800-171 for safeguarding Covered Defense Information (CDI) and requires rapid reporting of cyber incidents.
• Prohibitions: Article XVIII details prohibitions on contracting for certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for bidders to submit their cost proposal. It includes instructions and various sheets for detailing costs related to direct labor, fringe benefits, overhead, subcontracts, consultants, other direct costs (ODCs), General and Administrative (G&A) expenses, and Facilities Cost of Money (COM).

• INSTRUCTIONS: Provides guidance on completing the spreadsheet, emphasizing the need to complete the 'TOTAL' and 'Budget by Milestone' tabs, and to add/edit/remove milestones as needed. It also directs users to specific tabs for detailed justifications (Materials and Supplies, Equipment, Consultants/SMEs, Travel, ODC Details) and advises on maintaining formula integrity.
• TOTAL: A summary sheet for the overall cost proposal, breaking down costs by category (Direct Labor, Fringe, Overhead, Subcontracts, Consultants, ODCs, G&A, COM) and including profit/fee.
• Budget by Milestone: Requires cost breakdown aligned with specific project milestones, as defined in Attachment 3 of the OT Template. It prohibits percent level of effort calculations and mandates the inclusion of labor hours and rates.
• Material & Supplies, Equipment, Consultants/SMEs, Travel, ODC Details: These sheets provide detailed templates for itemizing costs within each respective category, including quantity, unit price, total price, basis of estimate, and supporting documentation references.

This template is crucial for bidders to structure and present their cost proposals in a manner required by the government. It dictates how costs should be itemized, allocated to milestones, and summarized. Adherence to this template, including the specific instructions and format, is essential for a compliant and complete proposal submission. Bidders must ensure all required fields are populated and that costs are fully burdened, including indirect costs.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment C: Written Proposal Template," is a mandatory template for all Written Proposal submissions for the DARPA-PS-26-15 Carbon Crunch program. It outlines the required structure and content for proposals.

• Formatting Requirements: Proposals must be in .pdf, .odx, .doc, or .docx format, written in English, and formatted for 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins and 12-point Times New Roman font (10-point for figures, tables, charts).
• Page Limits: Maximum 20 pages, excluding the title page, cost justification (1 page max), and references. The page limit includes the Proposed System Description, Technology Challenges, and Capabilities and Past Performance sections.
• Content Sections:
  • Title Page (with Proposer Organization, POCs, Award Instrument, Place/Period of Performance, etc.)
  • Proposed System Description
  • Technology Challenges
  • Capabilities and Past Performance
  • Management Plan (including team, PI, organizational structure, coordination, risk management, security, CUI guidelines)
  • Cost Justification (optional, for deviations from abstract ROM)
  • References
• Required Information: Includes fields for Proposer Organization details, Technical and Administrative POCs, Award Instrument, Place/Period of Performance, Total Proposed Costs, SAM.gov UEI, TIN, CAGE code, DCMA/ONR POC, DCAA POC, Date Prepared, Proposal Validity Period, and disclosure of AI tool usage.
• Affirmation: A statement is required affirming that the prime organization and subcontractors do not provide SETA, A&AS, or similar support services to any DARPA office.

This template is critical for bidders to understand the exact format, content, and submission requirements for their written proposals. Adherence to this template, including page limits and required sections, is mandatory for a compliant submission.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment B, a mandatory Written Abstract Template for the DARPA Carbon Crunch Program Solicitation (DARPA-PS-26-15). It provides the required structure and content guidelines for all abstract submissions.

• Submission Format: Must be submitted in .pdf, .odx, .doc, or .docx formats.
• Formatting: English language, 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper, 1-inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman font (10-point for figures/tables/charts).
• Page Limits: Maximum of 5 pages for the main abstract content (Proposed Approach, Technology Challenges, Technical Ability). The Title Page, Executive Summary, Price, and References are excluded from this limit.
• Content Sections: Includes placeholders for:
  • Title Page (with organization logos)
  • Abstract Title, Submission Date, POCs (Technical & Administrative), Team Members
  • Estimated Phase 1 & 2 Prices, Period of Performance
  • Other Solicitation Proposals
  • Prime Organization Affirmation (regarding SETA/A&AS services)
  • Executive Summary (1 page max, not included in page limit)
  • Proposed Approach (included in page limit)
  • Technology Challenges (included in page limit)
  • Technical Ability (included in page limit)
  • Price (narrative or table, <0.5 pages, not included in page limit)
  • References (appendix, not included in page limit)
• Prohibited Content: No elaborate brochures or marketing materials; only information relevant to submission requirements or evaluation criteria.

This template is essential for bidders to understand the required format, content, and length constraints for their Written Abstract submission to the Carbon Crunch program. Adherence to this template is mandatory for a compliant submission.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides guidance for creating an Abstract Summary Slide, which is a required component for proposals related to the Carbon Crunch opportunity. It outlines the content, formatting, and submission requirements for this slide.

• Content: The slide should include a concise summary of the proposal overview, research capabilities, and teaming needs. Specific sections to cover are:
  • Abstract Title, Prime and Subcontractor Organization Names, Technical POC Names
  • Teaming Overview and Capabilities (existing team members, relevant experience, institutional assets)
  • Project Overview (proposed approaches, leveraged resources, unique innovations, metrics, milestones)
  • Proposed Phase 1 and Phase 2 budgets
  • Technical challenges, programmatic risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Formatting:
  • Limit content to a single slide.
  • Landscape orientation.
  • Submit as a PDF file.
  • Unclassified information only.
  • No proprietary information.
  • No videos or animations.
• Teaming: DARPA strongly encourages establishing teams to ensure all technical areas are addressed with relevant expertise.

This attachment is critical for bidders as it dictates the format and content of a key proposal submission element. Adhering to these guidelines is essential for a compliant and effective proposal. Bidders must ensure their Abstract Summary Slide includes all specified information and meets the formatting requirements.