Incubator Programs for Secure Facilities and Networks at Universities

The Department of Defense, through the Defense CI and Security Agency, is seeking input from institutions of higher education on the feasibility of establishing incubator programs to support secure facilities and networks aligned with National Defense Authorization Act provisions for Fiscal Year 2026. These programs aim to advance the development, operation, and sustainability of secure environments for classified research and development, technology transition to defense missions, and secure collaboration between government, industry, and academia. Respondents are expected to demonstrate capability in creating or expanding secure infrastructure, increasing the availability of cleared technical personnel, and acting as regional innovation hubs with multi-tenant capabilities. Emphasis is placed on long-term economic sustainability through substantial non-federal cost-sharing and realistic planning around construction, security protocols, governance, and operational sustainment. This request for information, issued under RFI-DCSA-IPSFNU and posted on July 14, 2026, with a response deadline of November 12, 2026, is strictly for assessment and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation or obligation to award a contract. Responses will inform the Department’s evaluation to Congress on whether to proceed with such incubator programs and under what conditions. Institutions interested in participating must provide detailed insights into their capacity to meet stringent security requirements, governance structures, and financial commitments, with all submissions directed to the designated point of contact at the Defense CI and Security Agency in Quantico, Virginia. The goal is to mitigate risk for both the government and potential partners by identifying practical challenges and institutional readiness early in the process.