Request for information - mutually beneficial multidisciplinary innovation ecosystems

The U.S. Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground-Research Triangle Park (ACC-APG-RTP) Division, on behalf of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory (ARL), is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to gather insights on establishing mutually beneficial multidisciplinary innovation ecosystems that integrate Army research, academic institutions, and technology sectors. This RFI seeks responses addressing nine detailed research questions regarding innovation ecosystem frameworks, scientific concepts for managing military-academic-industry partnerships, technology sector composition, interaction dynamics, market relationships for dual-use technology, innovation integration methodologies, success metrics, and organizational capabilities for defense-related research. The evaluation will assess respondents' capabilities, relationships, and institutional capacity to support collaborative innovation efforts while drawing on organizational sciences, business, social sciences, and systems theory. Responses must be submitted by March 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET to MBMIS-RFI@army.mil and must include a one-page cover sheet, five-page response to the research questions, a citations list not exceeding two pages, and up to three reference papers. Eligible respondents include institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, and other qualified U.S. sources; this RFI does not constitute a commitment to contract or guarantee future procurement.

Award values under the related Basic Scientific Research program (CFDA 12.431) typically range from approximately $25,000 to $820,063, with performance periods generally spanning one to five years, though proposals covering three-year periods with severable annual units are preferred. This RFI is issued for information and planning purposes only and will not result in direct funding; however, responses will inform future Requests for Proposals (RFPs) that will be released through SAM.GOV and GRANTS.GOV, requiring potential applicants to monitor those sites for subsequent opportunities. Research will be conducted at recipient institutions, including universities and research centers throughout the United States, with formal proposals typically reviewed within six months of submission and awards made within three months of notification.