Promethean Clay
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
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.
- Proposal Due Date: May 6, 2026, 1:00 PM ET (as amended).
- Contact: PS Coordinator, Promethean_Clay@darpa.mil
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).