RFI for Advanced Penetration Physics and Shock Propagation Control
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) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) titled "Advanced Penetration Physics and Shock Propagation Control". This RFI seeks disruptive approaches to redefine the state of the art in penetration mechanics and the control of shock propagation in solids. White papers are due by June 26, 2026, 12:00 PM ET.
Purpose & Scope
DARPA aims to identify fundamentally new concepts, not incremental refinements, that offer step-change performance against complex targets. The RFI explores methods to actively shape, steer, amplify, or suppress stress waves in materials, moving beyond traditional approaches.
Areas of Interest
- Transient material state manipulation under extreme loading
- Non-linear and anisotropic wave control
- Dynamic impedance matching
- Controlled failure initiation and progression
- Coupling of structural, material, and geometric effects
- Enabling technologies for new regimes of performance/observability in shock-dominated environments (e.g., architected materials, advanced diagnostics, control strategies)
Submission Requirements
- Due Date: June 26, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
- Format: Unclassified, Microsoft Word or PDF
- Length: Limited to four (4) single-sided pages (excluding cover sheet and bibliography)
- Content: Must clearly link concepts to penetration mechanics or shock propagation control, include a cover sheet with contact info and technical description.
- Optional: Graphic overview slide and bibliography/references.
Eligibility & Process
DARPA invites submissions from universities, UARCs, FFRDCs, private/public companies, and Government research laboratories. Responses are for information and program planning only and do not constitute a solicitation. DARPA will not reimburse costs. Submissions will be reviewed by Government and potentially FFRDCs/SETA contractors under NDA. Respondents meeting criteria may be invited to a future industry day.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: June 26, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
- Published: May 27, 2026
Contact Information
- Primary Contact: TTO RFI Coordinator
- Email: DARPA-SN-26-78@darpa.mil