Missile Defense Agency - Opportunity for Collaboration

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA), through its Missile Defense Research Lab (MDRL), is issuing a special notice (CRADA-26-SN-0001) inviting collaboration proposals via Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) under 15 U.S.C. § 3710a. The initiative aims to develop and demonstrate multi-mission technologies with potential for transition and commercialization within the MDA enterprise, benefiting Department of War and possibly non-DoW entities. This notice is not a solicitation for a procurement contract and does not imply future solicitations under the FAR or Other Transaction authorities. Instead, it seeks white paper submissions for research partnerships that combine government and non-government resources without direct government funding, emphasizing cooperation, knowledge sharing, and resource contributions documented in a Joint Work Statement outlining tasks, responsibilities, and milestones. Submissions are limited to an eight-page white paper, formatted according to strict guidelines, and must be delivered electronically via DoD SAFE by February 16, 2026. The proposed efforts must comply with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) handling, export control (ITAR, EAR) regulations, and security requirements, with no classified information allowed in submissions. The agreement period typically spans one year but allows flexibility based on mutual consent. While no formal FAR or DFARS clauses apply, special conditions address organization conflicts of interest, foreign ownership controls, proprietary information handling, and cyber incident reporting obligations. The MDA expects recipients to affirm compliance with export controls, disclose foreign ownership or conflicts of interest, and meet information safeguarding standards. Evaluation will be based on alignment with program objectives, technical feasibility, resource contributions, and expected benefits, assessed through non-procurement collaborative agreement processes rather than standard contract award procedures.