Request for Information: Low Resource Computing
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) Multi X Office (MXO) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) on Low Resource Computing (LRC) paradigms and processes applicable to microsystems. This RFI aims to identify untapped potential for LRC to advance the Department of War's mission in environments with limited power, communication, or physical space. Responses are due July 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Purpose & Scope
DARPA seeks disruptive concepts at the material, component, runtime, and authoring levels that represent significant advances beyond current practice for fielding robust, ultra-efficient systems. The goal is to strengthen national resilience by exploring nontraditional pathways for micro-computation and assessing existing U.S. technologies for LRC.
Requested Information Categories
Respondents should address at least one category from Section 1 (Physical Resources) and may optionally address a category from Section 2 (Logical Resources):
- 1. Physical Resources:
- Low Power: Computation within ultra-constrained energy budgets (e.g., nanowatt systems, energy-scavenging).
- Low Memory: Executing tasks within severely restricted storage (e.g., kilobytes or bytes).
- Low Reliability: Achieving trustworthy computation over inherently unreliable hardware.
- Low Technological Level: Utilizing low-precision manufacturing, legacy fabrication, or primitive technological ecosystems.
- 2. Logical Resources (Optional):
- Low Trust: Effective computation in untrusted environments.
- Low Privilege: Computing paradigms operating under minimal system access.
- Self-Hosting: Systems capable of autonomous self-programming and self-modification.
- Low Complexity of User Experience: Systems requiring minimal cognitive load or training.
Submission Details
- Responses Due: July 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
- Submission Email: DARPA-SN-26-97@darpa.mil (Unclassified responses only).
- Format: Unprotected Microsoft Word/PowerPoint document or PDF.
- Technical Response Length: Maximum 4 pages for Section 1, or 8 pages for combined Section 1 and Section 2.
Workshop
An invitation-only workshop is planned for August 2026 in Hanover, New Hampshire, to discuss relevant research. White paper submitters may be invited to present.
Important Notes
This RFI is for information and program planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. Responses are voluntary, and DARPA will not reimburse for incurred costs. DARPA is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt or provide feedback.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: July 17, 2026
- Published: June 18, 2026