RFI-DARPA-SN-26-33

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Tactical Technology Office is issuing a Request for Information (DARPA-SN-26-33) to gather technical details on U.S.-manufactured drone systems and their associated containerized launch, recovery, and recharging solutions capable of operating autonomously in GPS-denied environments. Respondents are required to submit responses using two mandatory templates: one for drone platforms, detailing performance metrics such as gross takeoff weight, endurance, speed, payload power, SWaP-C dimensions, and technology readiness level; and another for container systems, specifying their ability to support multi-day missions with autonomous recharging, minimal human intervention, and constellation management software for path planning and deconfliction. The submission is limited to ten pages total—five pages per attachment—with strict formatting rules requiring 12-point font, one-inch margins, and 8.5 x 11 inch paper; any response exceeding this limit will not be reviewed. Responses must be submitted electronically via email to DARPA-SN-26-33@darpa.mil by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on May 15, 2026, and must be in Microsoft Word or unprotected PDF format only; no compressed, encrypted, or proprietary file types are accepted. All submissions must include completed cover pages identifying the offeror’s Unique Entity Identifier and CAGE Code, and must certify whether the company qualifies as a Small Business or Nontraditional Defense Contractor under 10 U.S.C. § 3014. If classified information or Controlled Unclassified Information is included, strict compliance with DoD and NIST security protocols is mandatory—classified materials must follow special handling guidelines outlined in Attachment 3 and cannot be sent to the general email address, while CUI must be properly marked according to Executive Order 13556 and 32 CFR Part 2002. Proprietary data must be clearly labeled to maintain confidentiality under FOIA. Facility clearances and FOCI mitigation status are required for entities handling classified or sensitive information, and systems must be compatible with military logistics standards such as Conex, 463L pallets, and ISO Shipping Units. The place of performance is Arlington, Virginia, and all correspondence must go through the official RFI email; individual program manager contacts cannot be used. This RFI is a market research tool and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract, nor does it include evaluation criteria, funding