Expeditionary Power- and Energy-Dense Implementations (ExPEDitions)

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation from DARPA's Defense Sciences Office seeks innovative solutions for developing and demonstrating high-energy-density, high-power-density rechargeable batteries and fuel cells. The program, "Expeditionary Power- and Energy-Dense Implementations (ExPEDitions)," aims to combine the endurance advantages of fuels with the logistical benefits of electrical systems for military and civilian applications. The focus is on advancing foundational cell chemistry, materials, and architectures for prototype batteries, targeting Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5-6 within 18 months.

• Development of prototype batteries with high energy and power density.

• Focus on rechargeable, air-breathing or air-independent devices.

• Emphasis on material stability, safety, and manufacturability using easily sourced materials.

• Solutions should be platform-agnostic for broad utility across military and commercial sectors.

• Excluded: Primary (non-rechargeable) batteries, basic research without application, and purely evolutionary improvements.

• Program Length: 36 months (18-month Phase 1 Base, 18-month Phase 2 Option).

• Anticipated Awards: Multiple awards.

• Instrument Type: Other Transaction Agreements for Prototype.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but proposals should budget for 10 prototype battery packs for End User partnership in Phase 2.

• Abstract Submission Due Date: June 19, 2026.

• Proposal Abstract Due Date: June 26, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET.

• Proposal Due Date: August 19, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET.

• Evaluation Criteria: Technical Rationale and Approach, and Technical Ability.

• Abstracts must address both Phase 1 and Phase 2.

• Open to responsible sources. Non-U.S. organizations cannot participate.

• FFRDCs, UARCs, and Government Entities have specific eligibility requirements and cannot be prime contractors but may participate as subcontractors with appropriate documentation.

• Cost sharing is not required unless specific conditions for traditional defense contractors are met.

• A separate solicitation will be issued to select End Users for integration and demonstration.

• Key milestones include prototype delivery, testing, a Showcase event for partnership formation, and a final Expo.

• Optional tasks include DSO Fundamental Defense Research Talent Award (FDRTA) and DSO Industry Immersion Program (IIP).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment F: Associate Performer Agreement," outlines the terms and conditions for a Performer acting as an Associate Performer in a collaborative research effort. It details the responsibilities regarding information exchange, data protection, and cooperation among Associate Performers.

• Information Exchange: Emphasizes the need for open exchange of information between Associate Performers to ensure coordination, integration, and prevent duplication of effort.
• Proprietary Data: Defines how proprietary or confidential data received from other Associate Performers must be handled. Such data should be used solely for the project's purpose (development of high-energy-density, high power-density electrically rechargeable batteries and fuel cells) and protected according to the receiving Performer's own confidentiality standards.
• Cooperation Requirements: Mandates close cooperation, including maintaining liaison, an open information network, delineating interface responsibilities, and entering into written agreements with other Associate Performers. It also includes provisions for exchanging proprietary information and delivering prototype devices.
• Dispute Resolution: Specifies that disagreements on interface matters or data provision should be promptly reported to the DARPA DSO Program Manager for government guidance.
• Subcontracting: Requires the Performer to include similar clauses in subcontracts involving access to Associate Performer proprietary information.
• Associate Performers: Lists "TBD" as the current Associate Performers for this effort.

Bidders should review this agreement to understand the collaborative nature of the project and the specific obligations related to information sharing, data confidentiality, and cooperation with other entities involved. It highlights the importance of establishing clear interfaces and agreements with other Associate Performers, and the potential requirement to deliver prototype devices. Understanding these requirements is crucial for assessing the bidder's ability to integrate into the existing project structure and manage inter-organizational relationships.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides guidance for planning purposes only regarding the Full Proposal Package for the Expeditionary Power- and Energy-Dense Implementations (ExPEDitions) program. It outlines major procedures and instructions for submitting a full proposal, but it is not comprehensive. In case of conflict, the Invitation to Submit a Full Proposal will take precedence.

• Important Dates: Full Proposal Package Questions Due: August 10, 2026 (anticipated); Full Proposal Package Submission Due Date: August 17, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. (anticipated).
• Submission Portal: Proposals must be submitted via DARPA’s Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT) by August 6, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. (anticipated).
• Full Proposal Content: Proposers selected after abstract review will receive an invitation with specific content, format, templates, submission instructions, evaluation criteria, and presentation dates. The document details required information for the Title Page (including specific statements regarding support contractors and Other Transaction (OT) conditions) and the Full Proposal (Volume I - Technical and Management).
• Technical Requirements: Proposals must detail the technical and scientific basis for developing a manufacturable, rechargeable secondary battery with high-energy-density and high-power-density. Specifics include technical rationale, benchmark performance, cell form factor, use case definition, manufacturability analysis, supply chain analysis, Battery Management System (BMS) plan, prototype fabrication plan, risk assessment, technical capabilities, staffing plan, and management approach.
• Cost Proposal: Volume II - DARPA Cost (Attachments I & J) requires detailed cost spreadsheets for the prime and sub-performers for both Phase 1 (base) and Phase 2 (option).
• Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype Agreement: Proposers must submit the Model Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype (Attachment K), which includes various required attachments such as Task Description Document, Report Requirements, and Schedule of Milestones and Payments.
• Milestones: Payable milestones are key observable events on the critical path for which there is a deliverable and payment. Proposers must include proposed payments for each milestone.

This document is crucial for bidders who have been invited to submit a full proposal. It details the expected content, format, submission process, and key deadlines for the full proposal package. It also outlines the evaluation criteria (Overall Scientific and Technical Merit; Cost and Schedule Realism; Proposer’s Capabilities or Related Experience) and specific requirements for the technical and cost volumes, as well as the Other Transaction agreement. Bidders must pay close attention to the specific statements required on the title page and the detailed technical requirements for battery development and proposal content.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for an abstract summary slide, likely intended for use in presentations related to the opportunity. It outlines key elements to be included in such a summary.

• Abstract Title: A concise title for the abstract.
• Organization Name(s): Names of involved organizations.
• Technical POC Name(s): Names of technical points of contact.
• Description: Space to describe the effort, risks, new ideas, and the team/responsibilities.
• Reference: DARPA-PS-26-118 ExPEDitions.
• Distribution Note: Source Selection Information – Distribution with Agreements Officer’s authorization only.

While not a direct requirement for proposal submission, this template indicates the type of information that may be presented or expected in project summaries or briefings related to this opportunity. Bidders may find it useful to understand the expected format for presenting project details, risks, and team information if such presentations are part of the evaluation or project execution.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the test plan for validating battery cells, sub-systems, and their operational readiness. It details the types of tests, data to be collected, and expected results for performance characterization, safety, cycle life, integration, and environmental readiness.

Cell and Chemistry Validation:

• Performance Characterization: Tests include capacity, DC Internal Resistance (DCIR), and Hybrid Pulse Power Characterization (HPPC) to verify energy density and power capabilities.
• Safety & Abuse Testing: Includes overcharge/over-discharge, external short circuit, thermal stability, and nail penetration tests to assess fail-safe behavior.
• Cycle Life & Aging: Accelerated cycle life testing to determine capacity fade and project lifespan.

Prototype Sub-System Functional & Integration Testing:

• Physical & Electrical Integration: Verifies physical dimensions, mounting, connectors, and electrical interfaces with the end-use application.
• Hotel Load Sustainability: Tests continuous discharge to assess performance under typical hotel loads.
• Design Reference Mission Simulation: Simulates end-use dynamic power profiles to confirm peak power demands and overall operational cycle capability.
• BMS Validation: Tests sensor accuracy and State of Charge/Health algorithm accuracy.

Operational & Environmental Readiness:

• Environmental Testing: Includes vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum cycling, and pressure tests to ensure performance in transit and adverse conditions.

This test plan provides critical insight into the performance, safety, and reliability requirements for the battery system. Bidders should review these test categories and expected results to understand the validation criteria and ensure their proposed solution can meet these rigorous testing standards. It highlights the specific data and reports that will be required to demonstrate compliance and successful integration.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Guide for the DARPA ExPEDitions program. Its purpose is to ensure the protection of ExPEDitions information in accordance with DoDI 5200.48 and DFARS 252.204-7012 requirements, as detailed in NIST 800-171. It is not for classified national security information but identifies sensitive, unclassified information requiring additional protection.

• CUI Categories: The guide outlines specific CUI categories used to protect ExPEDitions information, including:
  • Defense: Controlled Technical Information (CTI)
  • Export Controlled: Export Controlled Research (EXPT)
  • Proprietary Business Information (PROPIN)
  • Provisional: Operations Security (OPSEC)
  • Financial: Budget (BUDG)
• Protection Requirements: Details CUI protection requirements, including storage and processing on compliant systems.
• Disclosure: Outlines procedures for public disclosure, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, and foreign disclosure.
• Information Protection Guidance Charts: Provides charts to assist in identifying sensitive information, relevant markings, and dissemination controls.

Potential bidders should review this guide to understand the handling, protection, and disclosure requirements for Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) related to the ExPEDitions program. This is crucial for ensuring compliance with contract terms and safeguarding sensitive program data, particularly concerning technical information, export controls, and proprietary business information. Understanding these requirements is essential for preparing compliant proposals and managing program data throughout the contract lifecycle.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides the mandatory instructions and template for submitting abstracts for the DARPA Expeditionary Power- and Energy-Dense Implementations (ExPEDitions) program. It also specifies requirements for Attachment A (Abstract Summary Slide Template).

• Abstract Requirements: Mandatory use of this template, English language, 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins, minimum 12-point font size (8-10 point for figures/tables/charts).
• Page Limit: Maximum of 5 pages for the abstract. Material exceeding this limit will not be evaluated. The page limit includes figures, tables, and charts but excludes the Cover Sheet, Table of Contents, Bibliography (optional), and Technical Papers (optional, max 3).
• Classification: Abstracts must be UNCLASSIFIED or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Classified abstracts may be deemed non-conforming.
• Submission Process: Abstracts are required before a full proposal. DARPA will respond with an invitation to submit a full proposal or a rejection notification. Abstracts must be submitted via DARPA’s Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT) by the due date specified in the Overview Information section.
• Template Sections: Includes placeholders for Cover Sheet (Organization Logo, Abstract Title, POCs, Estimated Cost/PoP, Other Solicitations), Table of Contents, Goals and Impact, Technical Approach, Capabilities/Management Plan, Cost and Schedule, and Bibliography.

This document is critical for any proposer intending to respond to the ExPEDitions program. It outlines the specific format, content requirements, page limitations, submission procedures, and evaluation process for the initial abstract submission. Failure to adhere to these instructions may result in the abstract being deemed non-conforming or not evaluated.