Request for Information (RFI) on Biologically-Derived Materials for Transient Propulsion Systems
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 Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) titled "Biologically-Derived Materials for Transient Propulsion Systems." IARPA is seeking information on the current state of the art in biologically-derived materials suitable for controlled transience in propulsion systems for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This RFI aims to explore extending controlled material degradation beyond structural components to include turbines, engines, motors, and associated propulsion elements, particularly focusing on approaches beyond UV or water-initiated transience. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a formal solicitation. Responses are due by May 15, 2026.
Scope of Interest
IARPA is interested in understanding pathways for propulsion components that can maintain operational performance during their mission lifetime, undergo controlled transience initiated by non-UV environmental triggers, exhibit predictable degradation kinetics, leave minimal environmental residue, and be amenable to scalable manufacturing. Specific components of interest include turbine/engine elements, electric motor components, and auxiliary systems.
Key Questions for Respondents
Respondents are encouraged to address topics such as the current State of the Art (SOTA) for bio-derived materials in propulsion, performance limitations in extreme environments, manufacturing approaches, examples of transient bio-derived materials, promising material classes, hybrid architectures, non-UV environmental triggers for degradation, tailoring degradation kinetics, integration challenges, and research gaps in related fields.
Submission Details
Responses must be submitted electronically as PDF documents to dni-iarpa-rfi-26-01@iarpa.gov by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, May 15, 2026. Submissions should include a technical description of approaches, obstacles, and potential pathways. A non-proprietary Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimate for 1-4 year research programs may be included. No proprietary or classified concepts should be submitted.
Eligibility & Contact
IARPA welcomes responses from academia, industry, government laboratories, and federally funded research entities, both within and outside the U.S. Primary Point of Contact: Dr. Michael Patterson, dni-iarpa-rfi-26-01@iarpa.gov.