Promethean Clay

SOL #: DARPA-PS-26-16Solicitation

Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSE
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa)
DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCY
ARLINGTON, VA, 222032114, United States

Place of Performance

Place of performance not available

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical (541715)

PSC

National Defense R&D Services; Department Of Defense Military; Applied Research (AC12)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Timeline

1
Posted
Feb 18, 2026
2
Last Updated
Mar 5, 2026
3
Submission Deadline
May 6, 2026, 1:00 PM

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

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting proposals for Promethean Clay, a program focused on developing new and innovative energy storage systems. This initiative seeks revolutionary advances through a mechanical co-design framework to overcome the need for rigid, heavy exoskeletons, aiming for generational improvements in performance, safety, and domestic sourcing. Proposals are due by May 6, 2026, 1:00 PM ET.

Purpose & Scope

DARPA's Promethean Clay program aims to rethink energy storage by integrating mechanical and chemical co-design. The goal is to enable performance, safety, and operational stability in electrically powered technologies by eliminating rigid materials, leading to improved energy storage performance, integrated thermal resilience, and a pathway for domestic sourcing and manufacturing. The program specifically excludes research resulting in only evolutionary improvements, or proposals focusing on individual components without considering the complete system, or new chemistries without addressing rigid material obviation. Improvements will be evaluated on a government-provided platform.

Contract Details

This is a Solicitation for Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype Agreements under 10 U.S.C. § 4022. Multiple awards are anticipated. The program is structured into three phases over 48 months (Phase 1: 24 months, Phase 2: 12 months, Phase 3: 12 months), with an estimated start date of August 1, 2026. A preliminary 3-month Phase 0 for security preparation may be required for some performers.

Submission & Evaluation

Proposers must submit a mandatory Abstract (6 pages) as an initial screening step, followed by a Full Proposal if invited. Full proposals include a Volume I (Technical and Management Proposal) (max 10 pages) and a Volume II (Price Proposal). Mandatory Oral Presentations (max 20 slides, 30-min presentation + 45-min Q&A) are required for all submissions.

Abstracts are evaluated on Technical Concept, Understanding, and Potential to Achieve Program Goals. Full proposals are evaluated on Overall Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution and Relevance to the DARPA Mission, and Budget and Price.

Eligibility & Security

This solicitation is not set aside. Non-U.S. organizations cannot participate. Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Small Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Businesses, and Minority Institutions are encouraged to submit. Proposers whose efforts involve Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) must demonstrate compliance with NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2, verified via SPRS with a score of 88 or higher. Failure to meet security readiness may prevent award. Attachment K provides a CUI Guide.

Key Attachments for Bidders

Critical attachments include:

  • Attachment B: Abstract Instructions and Template.
  • Attachment D: Volume I (Technical and Management Proposal) Instructions and Template.
  • Attachment E: Volume II (Price Proposal) Instructions and Template.
  • Attachment F: Price Summary Spreadsheet (mandatory for prime and subcontractors).
  • Attachment I: Schedule of Milestones and Payments (baseline for proposals).
  • Attachment J: Model Other Transaction for Prototype (outlines terms and conditions).
  • Attachment L & M: Phase 0 Cost Instructions and Spreadsheet (for security preparation).
  • Attachment G: Other Transaction Certifications (mandatory).

People

Points of Contact

PS CoordinatorPRIMARY

Files

Files

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Versions

Version 5
Solicitation
Posted: Mar 5, 2026
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Version 4
Solicitation
Posted: Mar 5, 2026
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Version 3
Solicitation
Posted: Mar 2, 2026
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Version 2Viewing
Solicitation
Posted: Feb 27, 2026
Version 1
Solicitation
Posted: Feb 18, 2026
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Promethean Clay | GovScope