Frosty

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Strategic Technology Office is soliciting innovative radar signal processing algorithms and novel sensing approaches to detect and track low-flying air vehicles and slow-moving maritime vessels in the Arctic environment. The Frosty program seeks to develop high-frequency over-the-horizon radar technology with advanced algorithm development and analysis capabilities, operating in the Arctic's unique radio frequency environment. Key objectives include achieving a minimum detection range of 75 kilometers, maintaining over 90% probability of detection, and enabling target tracking within 90 seconds of data collection. The program will be structured as a two-phase effort under an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) for Prototypes, with Phase 1 consisting of 18 months of algorithm and concept development followed by Phase 2's 15 months of system integration and field testing in Alaska. Proposers must submit a 5-page abstract by January 30, 2026, with oral presentations anticipated approximately 4-5 weeks after abstract submission. The government will require Unlimited Rights to all data developed under the program, and questions regarding the solicitation were due January 7, 2026.

This solicitation involves no set-aside designations and encourages participation from both traditional and non-traditional defense contractors, including non-U.S. organizations with unique technical expertise or test assets. Estimated Phase 1 funding ranges from $1,000,000 to $3,000,000 per award, with multiple awards anticipated. The 33-month total program will utilize test facilities in Central and Northern Alaska, including Point Barrow and Poker Flat Research Range, with testing involving commercial aircraft, dedicated low-altitude platforms, and maritime vessels as targets. The program will leverage the High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) transmitter operating between 2.7 and 10 MHz as Government Furnished Information, along with cooperative man-made illuminators and coherent receiver systems for data collection. Phase 1 will focus exclusively on algorithm development with off-line implementation and testing, while Phase 2 will be solicited separately following successful Phase 1 completion.