The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command's Army Research Laboratory (ARL) has issued a Request for Information (RFI), numbered DEVCOM-ARL-RFI-25-01, to gather insights from the academic community on new partnership models for scientific and technological collaboration. This initiative seeks to enhance ARL’s access to a diverse range of expertise, facilitating innovative approaches to meet the future needs of the U.S. Army. ARL’s interest lies in establishing agile, trusted partnerships that will support both public and classified research efforts, aligning with the Army’s science and technology objectives for 2040 and beyond. The RFI emphasizes collaboration models that improve strategic and tactical engagement between ARL and universities, spanning open scientific research to sensitive, classified projects related to Army challenges.

The RFI specifically requests ideas for partnership models that would elevate engagement to include senior leaders (such as university presidents) alongside researchers, promoting collaboration across varying levels of security. Furthermore, ARL seeks mechanisms to protect U.S. research and technology, enable rapid response to emergent Army topics, and integrate a broad network of academic and industry experts with security clearances as required. Proposed models should ideally support an array of university activities, from recruiting and educational initiatives to shared research facilities and professional development programs, which would benefit both ARL and its academic partners.

ARL outlines a series of questions for respondents, focusing on the types of agreements suitable for these partnerships, the logistics of collaboration (such as primary points of contact and operational cadence), handling of multiple sensitivity levels, and measures for technology protection. Additionally, the RFI seeks information on methods to form expert teams capable of addressing sensitive Army technology needs, strategies for incorporating other universities and industry partners, and mechanisms for fostering recruiting, educational, and development goals within these collaborative frameworks.

Interested academic institutions are encouraged to respond with a cover sheet and responses directly addressing any or all of the questions posed by ARL. The responses should include clear and concise descriptions of proposed models or adjustments to existing mechanisms, and institutions may reference prior collaborative models utilized by ARL, such as the Collaborative Research Alliance (CRA).

All submissions should be sent as PDF files to UniversityRFI@army.mil by 5:00 P.M. ET on November 21, 2024. Questions regarding the RFI should be directed to the same email, though no proprietary or classified content is permitted in inquiries. ARL clarifies that this RFI is strictly for information and planning purposes; it does not serve as a formal solicitation, nor will the Army provide reimbursement for submission-related expenses.