SOURCES SOUGHT FOR COOPERATIVE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPS HYPERSONIC INFRARED TARGET SENSING – TRANSITION OPPORTUNITY (HITS-TO)

Solicitation W911NF-26-HITS-TO is a Sources Sought notice issued by the Department of Defense, specifically the W6QK Acc-Apg Durham office, to establish Cooperative Research & Development Partnerships (CRADAs). The initiative, titled Hypersonic Infrared Target Sensing – Transition Opportunity (HITS-TO), seeks U.S. partners from industry, national laboratories, University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) to collaborate with Department of Defense laboratories. The primary goal is to mature transformational innovations and leap-ahead technologies to integrate infrared seekers onto hypersonic weapons, specifically targeting a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 or higher. Key technical objectives include developing advanced imaging and tracking systems capable of operating through hypersonic turbulence and platform vibrations, as well as maturing IR-transparent materials and coatings that can survive extreme hypersonic flight conditions. This is a market research effort and no funding is provided through this notice; preference is given to partners capable of self-funding their portion of the collaboration for up to five years. Interested respondents must submit a Technical Capability Summary Statement (TCSS) not exceeding six pages, along with a detailed cover sheet including their Unique Entity ID and CAGE code. Due to the sensitive nature of the technology, partners must demonstrate the ability to handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in accordance with NIST SP 800-171 and provide a current DD2345. Requirements also include stating the entity's Facility Clearance level and confirming that Principal Investigators hold the necessary Personnel Clearances for classified discussions. Submissions are due by September 30, 2026, via email or the DoD SAFE portal.