Request for Information Trusted Partner Program

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory (ARL) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to identify academic partners for its Trusted Partner Program (TPP). This RFI, DEVCOM-ARL-RFI-TPP, posted on September 22, 2025, with responses due by December 31, 2025, seeks to establish a cadre of external academic entities capable of conducting basic scientific research across ARL's disciplinary perspectives. The program aims to create multiple five-year academic Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contracts to facilitate agile basic and applied extramural research, including advanced technology development. ARL is looking for institutions with expertise in eleven technical fields, interdisciplinary research capabilities, and the ability to handle sensitive information up to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI). Interested institutions must demonstrate robust security clearances, IT infrastructure, research facilities, and a track record of transitioning research into practical applications. The RFI also gathers feedback on programmatic and financial considerations, including intellectual property management and alternative funding instruments. This initiative is crucial for expanding the Army's access to expert talent and expediting science-driven capabilities for national security.