RFI-DARPA-SN-26-33

DARPA's RFI, DARPA-SN-26-33, from the Tactical Technology Office, seeks information on fully autonomous Group 1-3 unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and compatible self-sufficient storage containers. The goal is to advance the deployment, sustainment, and operational support of autonomous platforms, creating long-endurance, high-operational-availability drone constellations without human intervention for days or longer. The RFI identifies limitations in existing drone and container technologies, particularly concerning endurance, payload capacity, autonomous operation in GPS-denied environments, and rapid deployment/recovery tempos. DARPA is interested in U.S. manufactured and assembled solutions that offer Autonomy Level 4, continuous electrical power for payloads, low-cost construction, advanced constellation management software, and autonomous container operations with multi-day energy storage. Responses, due by May 15, 2026, will inform a new program aimed at developing these advanced autonomous capabilities for military applications.

The DARPA Tactical Technology Office's Attachment 3 outlines security requirements for submitting white papers, covering both Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and classified submissions. For unclassified white papers with CUI, applicants must ensure their information systems are authorized to process CUI in accordance with NIST SP 800-171 and DoDI 8582.01, and that all CUI is appropriately marked. For classified submissions, applicants need to have the necessary facility clearance, mitigate Foreign Ownership Control and Influence (FOCI) issues, and mark submissions according to their Security Classification Guide (SCG). The document details procedures for submitting classified information, including digital and hard copy options, and provides specific instructions for handling Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret information, emphasizing proper transmission methods and coordination with DARPA.

DARPA-SN-26-33 is a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Tactical Technology Office document outlining requirements for container systems capable of storing, launching, recovering, and recharging/refueling drones. The document serves as an attachment to a Special Notice (SN) and specifies required business information, including company details, small business status, Nontraditional Defense Contractor status, facility clearance, and container design/build capabilities. It also includes a detailed data table for technical specifications such as weight, drone capacity, launch/recovery rates, power, external dimensions, and fuel types. Optional sections include a graphic overview, technical descriptions, and references. This document is crucial for potential contractors to understand the necessary information and technical parameters when submitting responses to DARPA's request.

DARPA-SN-26-33 is an unclassified document from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Tactical Technology Office, specifically related to drones. It outlines the required information for responses, categorized into Business Information and Required Data Table. The Business Information section requests details such as company name, address, contact information, classification level, submission date, small business status, Nontraditional Defense Contractor status, facility clearance, and ability to design and build platforms, along with CAGE and UEI codes. The Required Data Table specifies technical parameters for drones, including weight statements (gross takeoff, empty, fuel, maximum payload), performance metrics (endurance, operational ceiling, maximum flight speed), battery specifications (voltage, power, C rating), engine details (displacement, horsepower, aspiration), and SWaP-C (Size, Weight, and Power – Cost) data (electrical power, dimensions, unit cost, quantity basis). Additionally, it includes Constellation Management requirements, covering proposed software, maximum number of drones managed, inclusion of path planning and deconfliction, software functionality status, and estimated Technology Readiness Level (TRL). The document also mentions optional sections for Graphic Overview and References, and required sections for Technical Descriptions.

DARPA's Tactical Technology Office (TTO) has issued Request for Information DARPA-SN-26-33, seeking innovative solutions for fully autonomous, containerized deployment and sustainment of Group 1-3 unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). The RFI is divided into two categories: autonomous drones capable of collaborative constellation operations with long endurance, and self-sufficient storage containers for these drones, compatible with military transport. DARPA aims to address current limitations in drone endurance, payload capacity, and the extensive infrastructure required for existing constellations. The goal is to advance technologies enabling multi-day continuous operations with minimal human intervention, especially in GPS-denied environments. Responses are due by May 15, 2026, and will inform future technology development programs.

DARPA-SN-26-33 is an unclassified document from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Tactical Technology Office, soliciting information for drone technology. The document outlines required business information for respondents, including company details, classification level, small business status, Nontraditional Defense Contractor status, facility clearance, and ability to design and build platforms. It also specifies a detailed data table covering drone weight statements (gross takeoff, empty, fuel, payload), performance metrics (endurance, operational ceiling, flight speed), battery specifications (voltage, power, C rating), engine details (displacement, horsepower, aspiration), and SWaP-C (Size, Weight, and Power – Cost) parameters (electrical power, dimensions, unit cost). Additionally, the document requests information on constellation management software, including its type, maximum drone capacity, inclusion of path planning and deconfliction, and developmental status with an estimated Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Optional sections include a graphic overview, technical descriptions, and references. This document serves as a request for information from potential contractors regarding their drone capabilities and related technologies.