Lightweight Universal Codec (LUC) Proposers Day
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
DARPA's Information Processing Techniques Office (IPTO) has issued a Special Notice announcing a Lightweight Universal Codec (LUC) Proposers Day. This event aims to inform potential bidders about the technical goals and challenges of the LUC program, which seeks to develop a universal, adaptive encoder-decoder (codec) for error correction. The Proposers Day will be held on July 8, 2026, and is for informational and program planning purposes only; it is not a formal solicitation.
Program Overview
The LUC program, leveraging DARPA's GRAND study, intends to create an adaptive error correction codec capable of on-the-fly changes to error correction codes. The encoder will utilize a diverse suite of updatable codes, pairing with a GRAND-implementing decoder. The resulting codec will optimize code selection based on the decoder's noise model and other operating factors. Integration into communication technologies is expected to improve efficiency, security, throughput, and interoperability. The program will operate at the unclassified level, with target implementations not exceeding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Performers will select their own target communication systems for integration.
Proposers Day Details
- Date & Time: July 8, 2026, 10:00 AM ET
- Location: Executive Conference Center, Arlington, VA, and virtually via Zoom.
- Format: Includes presentations, a Q&A session (questions submitted via email), and optional 10-minute sidebar meetings with the DARPA Program Manager for in-person attendees.
- Teaming: Potential proposers can authorize sharing contact information for networking.
Registration & Participation
- Registration Website: https://events.sa-meetings.com/website/96626/
- General Registration Deadline: July 1, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Non-U.S. Citizen Registration Deadline: June 24, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- In-Person Limit: 136 participants (first-come, first-served).
- Organization Limits: Maximum 3 representatives per unit and 5 per organization for in-person attendance.
Important Notes
This Special Notice is for informational and program planning purposes only. It does not constitute a formal solicitation, and DARPA will not accept submissions against this notice. It does not obligate DARPA to issue a future solicitation.