RFI- SN-26-53
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), specifically its Tactical Technology Office (TTO), has issued a Request for Information (RFI), SN-26-53, to understand the U.S. industry and supplier base for air-to-air weapons' avionics and sensor technologies. The goal is to identify emerging capabilities and suppliers that can enable the rapid development of affordable, scalable, low-cost weapons and shorten subsystem integration timelines. Responses are due by April 22, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.
Scope of Interest
DARPA is seeking information on:
- The application of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components for avionics, sensor, and Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) subsystems.
- Emerging technologies and techniques for the rapid integration and testing of these integrated avionics, sensor, and GNC subsystems.
- Anticipated avionics system performance for counter-air engagements, including the reliability and producibility of COTS components.
Submission Guidelines
- Format: White papers should not exceed six (6) single-sided pages, using 11-point font and 1-inch margins. Submissions must be in English, in Microsoft Word or PDF format.
- Content: Focus on relevant information; elaborate brochures are discouraged. Diagrams and figures are permitted and count towards the page limit.
- Labeling: All documents must be clearly labeled with the DARPA special notice number (DARPA-SN-26-53), respondent organization, and white paper title.
- Proprietary Information: Non-proprietary information is encouraged. Proprietary data must be clearly marked.
- Submission Method: Unclassified responses should be emailed to DARPA-SN-26-53@darpa.mil. Do not submit classified information to this address.
- Template: Respondents are required to use Attachment 2, which provides a template for business and technical information, including specific sections for COTS components, emerging integration technologies, and anticipated performance.
- Security: Attachment 1 details critical security requirements for handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Controlled Technical Information (CTI), and classified national security information. Bidders must review these requirements for marking, protecting, and submitting information, including procedures for classified submissions.
Eligibility & Important Notes
- Eligibility: Submissions are invited from universities, UARCs, FFRDCs, private/public companies, and government research laboratories engaged in related research activities.
- Contract Type: This is an RFI for information and program planning only and is not a solicitation for proposals.
- Set-Aside: No set-aside is specified for this RFI.
- Disclaimer: Responses are voluntary, will not be reimbursed, and do not bind DARPA to any further actions. DARPA is not obligated to acknowledge receipt or provide feedback. Submission contents may be reviewed by government partners and SETA contractors under NDA.
Contact Information
For inquiries, contact the TTO Acquisition Team at DARPA-SN-26-53@darpa.mil.