Mechanisms for Amplification of fusion Reaction Rates in Solids (MARRS)

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), specifically its Defense Sciences Office (DSO), has released a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) under funding opportunity number HR001126S0007 titled "Mechanisms for Amplification of fusion Reaction Rates in Solids (MARRS)." DARPA, a research and development agency within the U.S. Department of Defense, seeks to explore innovative and high-risk scientific concepts that could significantly impact national defense capabilities. The MARRS initiative focuses on investigating the amplification of nuclear fusion reaction rates within solid materials at or near room temperature—a topic that, while historically controversial, has gained renewed interest following recent theoretical and experimental advancements. The MARRS program is motivated by new data and modeling that suggest low-temperature solid-state fusion reactions may occur at rates much higher than previously predicted, albeit still at low absolute values. This research effort emphasizes advancing both theoretical and experimental understanding to determine whether fusion rates can be predictably and reproducibly increased to levels viable for practical applications such as mobile power generation or novel radiation sources. The program explicitly excludes proposals that only aim to make incremental improvements on existing technologies, instead prioritizing revolutionary approaches. Applicants are expected to design multidisciplinary proposals incorporating theoretical models, simulations, and experimental work. Areas of focus include host materials for fusion reactions, methods of fuel loading (e.g., electrochemical or gas-driven), and trigger mechanisms that excite fusion at low energies. Researchers must measure and verify fusion products using state-of-the-art particle detection rather than relying solely on calorimetry, which lacks the precision needed at such low fusion rates. Key performance milestones are defined, such as achieving 100 reactions per second per gram (reactions/s/g) by month 12 and scaling to 1,000,000 reactions/s/g by month 34. The total performance period is 36 months, beginning around September 1, 2026. The program is divided into two 18-month phases, with an initial review after year one to assess progress toward quantitative fusion rate goals. Phase 1 focuses on individual amplification mechanisms, while Phase 2 targets optimizing combinations of these mechanisms for maximum effect. Nominal deliverables include quarterly reports, experimental demonstration slide decks, and predictive modeling reports on rate scalability. Proposers are required to identify major risks and propose mitigation strategies, including logistical and experimental considerations. Proposals will be evaluated based on their scientific and technical merit, relevance to DARPA’s mission, cost and schedule realism, and the capabilities and past performance of the proposing team. Specific components required for submission vary depending on the award mechanism sought (e.g., procurement contract, cooperative agreement, or Other Transaction Agreement). Proposals for cooperative agreements must be submitted via Grants.gov, while other mechanisms use DARPA’s internal submission tools. Eligible applicants include all responsible sources capable of meeting the Government’s needs, including domestic and foreign entities. However, organizations like Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), UARCs, and national labs have specific submission constraints and must include justification and compliance documentation. Submissions are due by March 12, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET. A proposers day is scheduled for January 20, 2026, and abstracts (though optional) are strongly encouraged by January 26, 2026. All inquiries and submissions should be directed to [email protected]. The full solicitation is available through official DARPA channels and referenced websites.

Focus on risk mitigation, combined modeling and experimentation, and clear metrics for rate amplification success. Collaboration may increase progression to Phase 2.