ARL_RFI_University_Partnership_Models_Amendment_01.pdf

Request for Information – University Partnership Models

RFI Number: DEVCOM-ARL-RFI-25-01 Agency: U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Army Research Laboratory

DEVCOM-ARL-RFI-25-01

Request for Information (RFI): University Partnership Models

ARL is seeking input from the academic community on agile teaming approaches to enable ARL to rapidly access a broad range of experts that can support the unique needs of the future Army. Additional information on the requested approaches to established trusted partnerships with the academic community is provided below. This RFI is issued for planning purposes only, and it does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals or suggest the procurement of any goods or services. The following sections of this announcement contain details on the specific scientific areas of interest, along with instructions for the submission of responses.

How is this effort meant to be different than previous efforts?

ARL recognizes that to deliver the science and technology needs for the Army of 2040 and beyond, we need to work with the world’s leading experts. In addition, to tailor our research to the unique needs of the Army we need to work as a team with our university partners. This means that we need to collaborate on open (public releasable) basic science and on classified problems that incorporate an understanding of Army challenges. Although the business models that focus on working with individual principal investigators is still necessary and will continue, ARL is seeking ideas to improve partnerships with universities by collaboratively developing strategies that leverage the universities’ capabilities (e.g. personnel, facilities, and infrastructure) to address the Army’s science and technology gaps that exist to deliver for the Army of 2040 and beyond. ARL is interested in learning about unique mechanisms you may have in place with other organizations. Suggestions for modifications to existing contracting and partnership mechanisms are also welcome. ARL is seeking information from universities to include proposed partnership models that will:

Enable strategic engagement at the ARL Senior Leader/University President level (in addition to collaborative engagements at the researcher level);

Enable collaboration across a broad spectrum of sensitivity levels; public release to classified;

Develop methods to collaboratively protect US research and technology;

Explores university structure that may include incorporating other universities and industry;

Incorporates a focus on tailoring research to enable acceleration of transition of research and technology to government laboratories and industry;

Supports recruiting, education, shared facilities and professional development;

Provides the ability to rapidly leverage existing and new partnerships between ARL and academia to address an emerging topic of interest to the Army;

Establishes a panel of diverse academic experts that are cleared to provide advice on emerging technology supporting future Army capabilities

What are we asking for:

Describe existing or new models, organizational structures or mechanisms that meets the above criteria and include:

1. The agreement type you propose using

2. The logistics of the collaboration (e.g. who serves as POC, cadence of collaboration, etc)

a. How will you ensure this collaboration will involve development of strategies at every level of the University (from research to president)?

b. How will various sensitivity/classification levels be handled (e.g. CUI, Secret)?

c. How will the proposed model ensure tech protection?

d. How will you assemble a team of experts that can support broad technical area of sensitive Army technology challenges?

3. The scope of the collaboration

a. Will it include incorporating other universities and industry? In what way?

b. How will it support recruiting, education, shared facilities and professional development?

Responses to this RFI should answer any or all of the above questions:

Information on collaborative structures used by ARL in the past are located here:

CollaboraƟve Research Alliance (CRA) – DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory

Preparation Instructions to Respondents:

ARL requests that submittals briefly, clearly, and directly address any or all of the specific questions. ARL welcomes responses from academia capable and qualified sources from within and outside of the United States. This announcement contains all the information required to submit a response. No additional forms, kits, or other materials are needed.

Responses have the following formatting requirements:

1. A one-page cover sheet that identifies the title, organization(s), respondent's point of contact - including name, address, phone number, and email and clearly indicating its association with RFI-25-01;

2. Answers to the above question(s)

Submission Instructions to Respondents:

Responses to this RFI are due no later than 5:00 P.M., Eastern Time, on 06 December 2024.

All submissions must be electronically submitted to UniversityRFI@army.mil as PDF document. Inquiries to this RFI must be submitted to SAME EMAIL ADDRESS. Do not send questions with proprietary or classified content. No telephone inquiries will be accepted.

Disclaimers and Important Notes:

This is an RFI issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. Respondents are advised that ARL is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted under this RFI.

Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. ARL will not provide reimbursement for costs incurred in responding to this RFI. It is the respondent's responsibility to ensure that the submitted material has been approved for public release by the information owner.

Primary Points of Contact:

Mr. Karl A. Kappra Principal Deputy for Strategic Partnerships

Dr. David Stepp ARO Chief Scientist