Request For Information Mutually Beneficial Multidisciplinary Innovation Ecosystems

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory (ARL), through its contracting authority at the U.S. Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground-Research Triangle Park (ACC-APG-RTP), has released a Request for Information (RFI) under the reference RFI-HC-26-01-MBMIE. This RFI does not solicit proposals nor does it guarantee future procurement opportunities. Instead, it is a preliminary effort to assess interest, gather insights, and explore the potential for future partnerships in building mutually beneficial multidisciplinary innovation ecosystems. These ecosystems would be centered on fundamental research and collaboration between the Army, U.S.-based academic institutions, and co-located technology sectors. The driving motivation for this RFI stems from the recognition that rapid and unpredictable technological change poses challenges to military preparedness and adaptability. The Army's current processes and programs may be too slow to integrate emerging technologies, especially as much of today’s innovation originates outside the federal government. To address these challenges, the Army seeks to foster innovation ecosystems that not only generate scientific knowledge but also yield actionable strategies to anticipate, manage, influence, and lead technological innovation. The envisioned program aims to form collaborative partnerships with top-tier U.S. universities and proximate technological sectors. It will fund fundamental, multidisciplinary research exploring innovation systems within the context of national defense, science and technology policy, and entrepreneurship. The intention is to create integrated ecosystems capable of responding to the Army's evolving needs while contributing broadly to society through the advancement of scientific knowledge. ARL emphasizes a preference for a multidisciplinary approach that may include theoretical, experimental, and modeling methodologies across domains such as organizational sciences, business, social sciences, and systems theory. Entities responding to this RFI are encouraged to provide direct, concise input on how such innovation ecosystems might be structured and sustained. Specific inquiry areas include key theories for structuring ecosystems, identification of scientific gaps and opportunities, ecosystem composition based on strategic needs, and evaluation metrics for success. Submissions should also address the interaction of market forces with innovation, best practices for integrating Army personnel into academic environments, and characteristics that indicate an institution's ability to support defense-oriented research. Responses must adhere to specific formatting guidelines. Submissions should include a one-page cover sheet with contact information; a five-page narrative addressing the questions posed; a two-page reference list for cited works; and optionally, up to three appendix documents such as white papers. The deadline for submission is 5:00 PM ET on 15 February 2026. All responses should be sent via email to [email protected]. Proprietary information will be protected and non-response to this RFI does not preclude future participation in any resulting solicitations. This RFI represents a significant opportunity for academic institutions and research-oriented organizations to help shape the Army's future technological and strategic landscape. Through structured collaboration, the Army aims to ensure it remains at the forefront of military innovation while simultaneously contributing to broader societal advancements in science and technology.