Active nuclear interrogation with ghost imaging Request for Information (RFI)
ID: DARPA-SS-26-02Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA)DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCYARLINGTON, VA, 222032114, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; BASIC RESEARCH (AC11)
Timeline
    Description

    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to explore advancements in active nuclear interrogation techniques utilizing Ghost Imaging (GI). The agency seeks innovative contributions that leverage correlated particles, such as neutrons and gamma rays, in classical, quantum, and computational GI to enhance performance metrics like resolution, specificity, and signal-to-noise ratios beyond current capabilities. This initiative is critical for improving national defense technologies, and responses to the RFI are due by December 8, 2025. Interested parties should submit succinct, technically justified, and non-proprietary information to the BAA Coordinator at DARPA-SS-26-02@darpa.mil.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to gather insights on active nuclear interrogation using Ghost Imaging (GI) techniques. DARPA seeks innovative Science and Technology (S&T) advancements, particularly those leveraging classical, quantum, and computational GI with correlated particles (neutrons, gamma rays, etc.). The RFI aims to enhance performance metrics such as resolution, specificity, dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratios, and standoff distances, moving beyond incremental improvements. Key areas of interest include sources of correlated particles, novel detector technologies, and disruptive computational methods, including AI/ML for modeling and data analysis. Responses, due by December 8, 2025, should be succinct, technically justified, and non-proprietary, with specific formatting requirements. This RFI is solely for information gathering and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation for proposals.
    Lifecycle
    Similar Opportunities
    Neutron Strategic Technology Advanced Research (Neutron-STAR) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA)
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is seeking proposals for the Neutron Strategic Technology Advanced Research (Neutron-STAR) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA), aimed at advancing nuclear-related research and development. This initiative invites white papers on topics such as modeling and simulation of re-entry environments, nuclear explosion monitoring, and the design and experimentation of nuclear delivery systems, with a focus on enhancing national defense capabilities. The program operates under the authority of 10 U.S.C. §4023 and encourages dialogue between prospective offerors and government representatives throughout the proposal process. Interested parties can submit unclassified white papers indefinitely to the Neutron STAR Org Mailbox at afrl.rvkb.afrlneutronstardms@us.af.mil, with multiple awards anticipated based on the quality of submissions and funding availability.
    REQUEST FOR INFORMATION: AFLCMC/WING IMAGING AND TARGETING SUPPORT FISCAL YEAR 2027
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC/WIN), is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) to gather insights on next-generation airborne Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) capabilities for its Wing Imaging and Targeting Support (I&TS) program for Fiscal Year 2027. The RFI aims to identify promising technologies and projects that can enhance the Air Force's GEOINT sensors and sensemaking capabilities, focusing on three specific mission areas outlined in the 2024 US Air Force Chief of Staff One Force Design document. Interested parties are invited to submit white papers and tri-charts, particularly in the realm of quantum sensing technologies, with projects expected to have a budget of less than $2.5 million annually and a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4-6, aiming for TRL 6 or higher. Submissions are due by January 19, 2026, at 1600 EST, and a virtual Industry Day will be held on December 15, 2025; for inquiries, contact the Program Manager at AFLCMC.WING.ITS@us.af.mil.
    Transformational AI Capabilities for National Security
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is seeking information on Transformational Artificial Intelligence (AI) Capabilities for National Security through a Request for Information (RFI). This initiative aims to integrate advanced AI technologies into NNSA's nuclear weapons development and nonproliferation missions, enhancing operational efficiency and addressing evolving global threats. The RFI invites responses from a diverse range of entities, including businesses, research organizations, and universities, to gather insights on capabilities related to classified AI development, data curation, and partnership models. Interested parties must submit their responses by January 23, 2026, at 12:00 PM MST, and can direct inquiries to Clinton Rohloff or Stephanie M. Vigil via the provided contact information.
    Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) 2026 Announcement
    Buyer not available
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals for the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) 2026, aimed at developing utility-scale quantum computers by 2033. This initiative seeks to explore groundbreaking approaches to constructing fault-tolerant quantum computing systems and computational workflows, specifically excluding evolutionary improvements to existing technologies. The program anticipates multiple awards through specific QBI Topic (QBIT) calls, which will detail research areas, proposal processes, and deadlines, with a focus on high-risk, high-reward research. Interested parties should submit proposals in response to the defined QBIT calls and can contact the QBI PA Coordinator at QBI@darpa.mil for further information.
    Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) C4ISR, Information Operations, Cyberspace Operations and Information Technology System Research, Cryogenics and Quantum
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Naval Information Warfare Center, Pacific (NIWC Pacific), is soliciting white papers and proposals under a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) focused on advancing Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities, as well as enabling technologies for Information Operations and Cyberspace Operations. The objective is to explore innovative approaches for the development of next-generation integratable C4ISR capabilities and command suites, with submissions expected to comply with federal regulations for competitive selection in research and development. This opportunity is critical for enhancing national defense capabilities and will involve procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and other transactions. Interested parties should submit their proposals by 4:00 PM Pacific Time on the closing date, which is 365 calendar days from the posting date of June 10, 2025. For further inquiries, contact Benjamin Ossenfort at benjamin.j.ossenfort.civ@us.navy.mil or Ashley Prokop at ashley.c.prokop.civ@us.navy.mil.
    ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES FOR COMBAT CASUALTY CARE (CCC) RFI
    Buyer not available
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to gather insights on advanced medical technologies for Combat Casualty Care (CCC) in challenging environments. This RFI aims to solicit input from industry, academia, government laboratories, and non-traditional performers regarding innovative medical sensing, computational, modeling, actuation, therapeutic, and robotics technologies that can enhance care from point-of-injury through prolonged and surgical care. The focus is on capabilities that can provide rapid diagnosis, predictive modeling, automated interventions, and resilience in resource-constrained settings. Interested parties should note that the deadline for submissions has been revised to December 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM ET, and can direct inquiries to Dr. Roozbeh Jafari at CCCxBTO@darpa.mil.
    Research and Development Innovations Broad Agency Announcement
    Buyer not available
    The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is soliciting innovative research and development proposals through its Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) HDTRA1-22-S-0003, aimed at countering weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and emerging threats. The BAA invites proposals for technologies at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1-7, focusing on five key thrust areas: understanding WMD threats, enabling deterrence, controlling and defeating threats, protecting forces, and cross-cutting capabilities. This multi-year solicitation, active from February 2022 to February 2027, anticipates contract awards ranging from $500,000 to $5,000,000 over 1-3 years, with a two-phased proposal process. Interested parties should direct inquiries to the BAA Program Manager at dtra.belvoir.rd.mbx.rd-baa-inbox@mail.mil, and adhere to submission deadlines, including a final proposal submission date of September 19, 2025, for the latest addendum.
    Strategic Technology Office-wide Broad Agency Announcement
    Buyer not available
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking innovative research proposals through its Strategic Technology Office-wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) HR001125S0001, which is open until December 19, 2025. The BAA aims to fund revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems that enhance U.S. military and national security capabilities, specifically excluding evolutionary improvements to existing technologies. Proposals should address a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence, autonomy, advanced computing, and communications, with the goal of developing disruptive technologies for future battlespaces. Interested parties can contact the BAA Coordinator at HR001125S0001@darpa.mil for further information and are encouraged to submit abstracts prior to full proposals to ensure alignment with DARPA's mission and avoid duplication of existing efforts.
    Request for Information AFLCMC/WIN manages the USAF Imaging & Targeting Support (I&TS) portfolio supporting the Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) Capabilities Working Group (GCWG). The GCWG manages and plans AF airborne GEOINT Capabilities RDT&E investments
    Buyer not available
    The Department of the Air Force, through the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC/WIN), is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) to identify promising technologies for the Imaging & Targeting Support (I&TS) portfolio, which supports the Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) Capabilities Working Group (GCWG). The objective is to solicit innovative projects that enhance Air Force airborne GEOINT capabilities, focusing on technologies with an initial Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4-6 and aiming to achieve TRL 6 or higher, with funding requirements capped at $2.5 million per year for projects lasting one to two years. This initiative is crucial for developing next-generation sensor and processing capabilities that adapt to evolving mission sets and threats, aligning with the Air Force's strategic goals outlined in the Chief of Staff's One Force Design document. Interested parties should submit white papers and tri-charts by 1600 EST on January 19, 2026, and can contact the primary representative, WING PM, at AFLCMC.WING.ITS@us.af.mil for further information.
    JPEO-CBRND RFI - Genomic Sequencing Workflows
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense's Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to gather insights on end-to-end untargeted genomic sequencing workflows suitable for military applications. The RFI seeks to identify industry capabilities in developing genomic sequencing workflows, field-deployable bioinformatics tools, test and evaluation infrastructure, and protein toxin sequencing capabilities, all tailored for military users with varying technical expertise. This initiative is crucial for enhancing military readiness and response to biological threats through advanced genomic technologies. Interested parties are invited to submit their responses by January 9, 2026, with an Industry Day scheduled for January 29, 2026, at the SPA, Crown Center Conference Facility in Lorton, VA. For more information and to respond, please visit the Joint Enterprise Technology Tool (JETT) page.