RFI- SN-26-53

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (Amendment 01) to DARPA Special Notice (SN) 26-53 modifies the submission format for white papers. Specifically, the maximum page limit for white papers has been increased.

• Submission Format (Page 3): The page limit for white papers has been updated.

• Previous Limit: White papers could not exceed six (6) single-sided written pages.

• Updated Limit: White papers shall now not exceed seven (7) single-sided written pages. This change is highlighted in yellow throughout the document.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI (DARPA-SN-26-53) from DARPA's Tactical Technology Office seeks to understand the U.S. industry and supplier base for air-to-air weapons' avionics and sensor technologies. The goal is to identify emerging technologies and suppliers for developing affordable, scalable, low-cost weapons, and to potentially shorten the integration period of these subsystems.

DARPA is interested in responses addressing:

• The application of readily available, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components for avionics, sensor, and guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) subsystems.

• Emerging technologies for rapid integration and testing of integrated avionics, sensor, and GNC subsystems.

• Anticipated avionics system performance for counter-air engagements, including the reliability of COTS components.

• Responses are due by 4:00 PM ET on April 22, 2026.

• White papers should not exceed six (6) single-sided pages, using 11-point font and 1" margins.

• Submissions must be in English and in Microsoft Word or PDF format.

• All documents must be clearly labeled with the DARPA special notice number (DARPA-SN-26-53), respondent organization, and white paper title.

• Non-proprietary information is encouraged. Proprietary information must be clearly marked.

• Do not include elaborate brochures; focus on relevant information.

• Diagrams or figures are permitted and count towards the page limit.

• Submit unclassified responses to DARPA-SN-26-53@darpa.mil. Do not submit classified information to this address.

• A format template is provided in Attachment 2.

Submissions are invited from universities, UARCs, FFRDCs, private/public companies, and government research laboratories engaged in related research activities.

• This RFI is for information and program planning only and is not a solicitation for proposals.
• Responses do not bind DARPA to any further actions.
• Submission is voluntary.
• DARPA will not reimburse costs incurred in responding.
• DARPA is not obligated to acknowledge receipt or provide feedback.
• Submission contents may be reviewed by government partners and SETA contractors under NDA.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "RFI_SN-26-53_Template-_Attachment_2__for_submissions__Avionics.docx", serves as Attachment #2 for submissions related to DARPA-SN-26-53. It is a template for providing required business and technical information for a Request for Information (RFI).

Cover Page Data [Required]:

• Topic Area
• Response Title
• Company/Person Name
• Company Registered Address
• Company Point of Contact (POC) Name, Email, Phone, Fax
• Company POC Primary Work Location
• Response Classification Level
• Submission Date
• Small Business Status (Yes/No)
• Nontraditional Defense Contractor Status (Yes/No)
• Facility Clearance (Yes/No, with type if applicable)
• Company/Facility document safeguarding level
• Capability to design and build proposed platform (Yes/No)
• Commercial and Government entity (CAGE) Code
• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

Graphical Overview [Optional, 1 page]:

Technical Description [Required, Max 4 pages]:

• Technical Description 1: Available, Commercial-off-the-shelf components for weapon avionics, sensor, and guidance, navigation and control subsystems.
• Technical Description 2: Emerging technologies or techniques for rapidly integrating and testing avionics, sensors, and guidance, navigation, and control subsystems.
• Technical Description 3: Anticipated subsystem performance and trades, including reliability and producibility, for counter-air engagements.

References [Optional, Maximum 1 page]:

This attachment is crucial for potential respondents to an RFI. It outlines the specific data and information required by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Tactical Technology Office. Bidders must use this template to structure their responses, ensuring all necessary business and technical details, particularly concerning avionics, sensors, and guidance, navigation, and control subsystems for counter-air engagements, are provided in the format requested.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides critical security information for potential bidders responding to DARPA-SN-26-53. It outlines requirements for handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Controlled Technical Information (CTI), and classified national security information.

• CUI/CTI Handling: Details requirements for marking, protecting, and processing CUI/CTI on non-DoD systems, referencing NIST SP 800-171 and DoDI 8582.01.
• Classified Submissions: Specifies requirements for industrial, personnel, and information systems security, including Facility Clearance Levels (FCL), Automated Information Security (AIS), Certification and Accreditation (C&A), and Foreign Ownership Control and Influence (FOCI) mitigation.
• Marking Classified Information: Provides guidance on marking classified submissions in accordance with Executive Order 13526 and relevant Security Classification Guides (SCGs). Includes instructions for "CLASSIFICATION DETERMINATION PENDING" markings.
• Submission Methods: Outlines procedures for submitting both unclassified and classified white papers, including preferred digital formats (email, CD-ROM) and physical mail options for Confidential and Secret information.
• Handling Mixed Submissions: Instructions for separating and submitting documents containing both classified and unclassified information.

Bidders must carefully review these security requirements to determine their capability to meet the solicitation's security protocols. Failure to comply with CUI, CTI, or classified information handling and submission procedures may impact proposal acceptance and evaluation. This document is essential for understanding the security posture required for participation in the opportunity.