RFI-DARPA-SN-26-33

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI from DARPA's Tactical Technology Office (TTO) seeks information on novel, U.S.-manufactured and assembled aerial platforms (drones) and containers that can enable fully autonomous, long-endurance constellations for Group 1-3 space operations. The goal is to inform DARPA about potential vendors for a new program focused on advancing autonomous and containerized deployment, sustainment, and operational support of unmanned autonomous platforms, particularly in GPS-denied environments.

Category 1: Drones

• Group 1-3 unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).
• Capabilities for fully autonomous launch, recovery, storage, organization, recharging/refueling, internal logistics management, and pre/post-flight checkout.
• Must form a mission-focused, collaborative constellation.
• Must be cognizant of long endurance, high operational availability, and constellation management.

Category 2: Containers

• Fully autonomous drone storage, logistics management, launch, recovery, and recharge/refuel.
• Must conform to standardized military container intentions (e.g., Conex, 463L pallets, Tricon, ISU).
• Innovative or non-standard containers are considered if compatible with current military transport capabilities.
• Should be self-sufficient with consideration for energy storage, communication equipment, and compute capability.

General System Requirements:

• Autonomy Level 4 (no human participation required except for mission definition).

• Long-constellation endurance (on the order of multiple days).

• Drones with continuous electrical power to payloads, low-cost COTS construction, sized for containerized storage.

• Constellation management software (path optimization, collision avoidance, etc.).

• Autonomous container operation (storage, launch, recovery, recharge/refuel, communications, compute, multi-day energy storage).

• Responses are due by May 15, 2026, 4:00 PM ET.

• Participants may respond to either one or both categories using separate attachments (Attachment #1 for drones, Attachment #2 for containers).

• Submissions should be concise, in Microsoft Word (.doc/.docx) or unprotected Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format.

• Each attachment response is limited to 5 pages (12-point font, 1-inch margins).

• Responses are for market analysis and program planning; they do not constitute offers.

• Seeking information on U.S. manufactured and assembled drones and containers.

• This is an RFI, not a solicitation. DARPA will not reimburse costs.

• Proprietary information must be clearly marked.

• DARPA may conduct discussions with respondents.

• Responses should be emailed to DARPA-SN-26-33@darpa.mil.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an attachment to the DARPA-SN-26-33 opportunity, specifically related to "Drones." It serves as a data collection form for potential bidders to provide detailed information about their proposed solutions.

This form requires bidders to provide comprehensive business and technical information, including:

• Business Information: Company name, address, POC details, small business status, nontraditional defense contractor status, facility clearance, CAGE code, and UEI.
• Required Data Table: Detailed specifications for proposed drone platforms, covering:
  • Weight Statements (Gross takeoff, empty, fuel, maximum payload)
  • Performance metrics (Endurance, operational ceiling, maximum speed)
  • Battery specifications (if applicable)
  • Engine specifications (if applicable)
  • SWaP-C (Size, Weight, and Power - Cost) details (payload power, dimensions, unit cost, quantity cost basis)
  • Constellation Management capabilities (software type, management capacity, path planning, functionality status, TRL).
• Optional Sections: Graphic Overview, Technical Descriptions (1 & 2), and References.

This attachment is critical for bidders as it outlines the specific data points required to evaluate their proposed drone systems and capabilities. Completing this form accurately and thoroughly is essential for a compliant and competitive response to the DARPA-SN-26-33 opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment #2 for DARPA-SN-26-33, titled "Containers." It appears to be a data collection form for potential offerors to provide specific information about their proposed container solutions.

• Business Information: Requires details such as Company Name, Address, Point of Contact (POC) information (email, phone, fax), Response Title, Submission Date, Response Classification Level, and whether the company is a small business or a nontraditional defense contractor. It also asks about facility clearance and the company's capability to design and build the proposed container, along with CAGE Code and UEI.
• Required Data Table: This section focuses on the technical specifications of the container, including:
  • SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power): Gross Weight Empty, External container dimensions, Maximum continuous container internal power, Allocated internal fuel volume, Allocated internal drone volume.
  • Operation: Maximum number of drones in storage, launched per minute, recovered per minute, and recharged/refueled per minute. It also inquires about Alternative Position, Navigation, & Timing (PNT) capability, internal fuel storage quantity and type.
• Optional Sections: Includes placeholders for a Graphic Overview, Technical Descriptions (1 and 2), and References.

This attachment is crucial for bidders as it outlines the specific data points and technical parameters the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) requires for evaluating container solutions. Completing this form accurately and thoroughly is essential for a compliant and competitive response to DARPA-SN-26-33.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the security requirements for submitting white papers in response to DARPA-SN-26-33. It details procedures for handling both Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and classified information.

• Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) / Controlled Technical Information (CTI):
  • Requires appropriate marking in accordance with DoDI 5200.48.
  • Information systems processing CUI must be authorized IAW NIST SP 800-171 and DoDI 8582.01.
  • Further guidance available at https://www.darpa.mil/about/offices/contracts-management/proposer-general-terms#cui.
• Classified Submissions:
  • Requires appropriate Facility Clearance Level (FCL), Automated Information Security (AIS), Certification and Accreditation (C&A), and mitigation of Foreign Ownership Control and Influence (FOCI) issues.
  • Transmissions and markings must follow the governing Security Classification Guide (SCG), which must be provided to the DARPA Program Security Representative (PSR).
  • Contact the PSR via DARPA-SN-26-33@darpa.mil for review and authorization.
  • Submissions with suspected classified information must be marked with classification level and declassification date.
  • If DARPA needs to make a final classification determination, submissions should be marked: "CLASSIFICATION DETERMINATION PENDING. Final review by the DARPA PSR. ____________________(insert the recommended classification level, e.g., Top Secret, Secret or Confidential)"
• Classified Submission Requirements:
  • Permission from the cognizant Government agency is required for classified information from other collateral sources.
  • Submissions should be marked according to the source SCG, and the source SCG must be submitted.
  • Notification via email to DARPA-SN-26-33@darpa.mil is requested for submissions containing a classified portion.
  • Digital submissions (email or CD-ROM) are preferred via appropriate channels. Pre-coordinate transmission via unclassified email.
  • Classified portions should be a single searchable Adobe PDF file.
• Handling Both Classified and Unclassified Information:
  • Portions may be split between classified and unclassified systems.
  • The unclassified portion should contain as much information as possible and be submitted to DARPA-SN-26-33@darpa.mil.
  • The classified portion must be provided separately per the classified submission procedures.
• Submission Methods for Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret Information:
  • Confidential and Secret: Electronic submission (coordinate via email), hand-carry by cleared courier (coordinate with DARPA CDR at 703-526-4052), or USPS Registered/Express Mail (following specific inner/outer envelope instructions).
  • Top Secret, SCI, SAP: Coordinate via unclassified email to DARPA-SN-26-33@darpa.mil.

This document is critical for any bidder intending to submit a white paper that contains Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or classified information. It outlines the mandatory procedures for marking, protecting, and transmitting such information to DARPA. Failure to comply with these security requirements may impact the ability to submit a compliant response.