RFI for Advanced Penetration Physics and Shock Propagation Control

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) issues this Request for Information (RFI) under solicitation number DARPA-SN-26-78 to identify transformative scientific approaches advancing the understanding and control of penetration mechanics and shock propagation in solid materials. The initiative seeks concepts that move beyond conventional mass-velocity scaling by introducing novel mechanisms capable of actively shaping, steering, amplifying, or suppressing stress waves through transient material state manipulation, nonlinear wave control, dynamic impedance matching, and integrated structural or geometric design. Submissions must be technical white papers limited to four single-sided pages, utilizing a minimum 11-point font and one-inch margins, with figures and diagrams included within the page count. An optional one-slide graphical overview in PowerPoint format and a bibliography are permitted but excluded from the page limit. All submissions must be electronic, submitted via email to DARPA-SN-26-78@darpa.mil by June 26, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time, labeled with the RFI number, organization name, and white paper title. Proprietary content must be marked as "Proprietary" or "Company Proprietary," with "Confidential" strictly prohibited to avoid confusion with classified national security information under Executive Order 13526. Responses must include the respondent’s CAGE code and facility clearance status, with only those possessing at least a collateral secret clearance eligible for future industry dialogue. This RFI is purely informational and does not constitute a solicitation, nor will it result in award or contract; it serves solely to inform potential future programs. No contract clauses, delivery schedules, funding amounts, or formal evaluation weights are provided, and no physical deliverables, packaging, or preservation requirements apply. Classified submissions must follow separate, secure channels; unclassified materials may not be sent through classified systems. The Office of the Secretary of Defense, through DARPA’s Arlington, VA office, is the issuing authority, with all correspondence routed through the designated email point of contact.