Fox Tail

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals in extreme-scale hydrodynamics, including high amplitude wave propagation, very high Reynolds number flows, and abrupt phase changes, with final proposals due January 29, 2027 at 4:00 p.m. ET. Abstract notification is due October 30, abstract submission by November 13 at 4:00 p.m. ET, and questions close January 13 at 4:00 p.m. ET.

Awards will be issued as Other Transaction Agreements for Prototype under 10 U.S.C. 4022(d)(1), with multiple awards anticipated. The program spans 18 months (12-month Base period plus 6-month Option period). Proposed research must investigate theoretical and computational modeling approaches using first principles-based closures of fluid motion governing laws under extreme conditions, with focus on thermodynamically consistent closures for local thermodynamic non-equilibrium effects while balancing disturbance energy budgets including mechanical power, formation enthalpy, and phase transformations in seawater environments.

The solicitation is classified SECRET; proposers must submit a Security Classification Guide request through Attachment K and possess appropriate facility clearances. All performers must achieve CMMC Level 2 (Self-Assessment) compliance. Cost sharing is not required unless the proposer is a traditional defense contractor not working significantly with non-traditional defense contractors. Intellectual property terms include Government Purpose Rights to Foreground IP and no blocking rights on Background IP that would impair government transition capabilities.

Evaluation emphasizes Overall Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution and Relevance to DARPA Mission, Security compliance, and Cost and Schedule Realism. The NAICS code is 541715, Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Contact: FoxTail@darpa.mil.