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), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) titled "Mutually Beneficial Multidisciplinary Innovation Ecosystems." This RFI, numbered RFI-HC-26-01-MBMIE, is part of an exploratory process aimed at fostering collaborative partnerships between the Army, academic research institutions, and the co-located technological sector. The Army seeks to identify innovative strategies to accelerate the development and integration of advanced technologies in response to increasingly dynamic and competitive technological environments, particularly in the context of national defense. The purpose of the RFI is to gather insights and gauge interest from eligible organizations, primarily U.S.-based universities and research institutions, in forming interdisciplinary innovation ecosystems. These ecosystems would support basic and fundamental research to help the Army become a faster and more agile adopter of disruptive technologies. A central concern driving the initiative is the Army's current lag in anticipating and integrating emerging technologies, primarily due to the shift of innovation centers from government to the private sector and the inflexibility of institutional programs in adapting to market-driven changes. To address these concerns, the proposed program would establish collaborative research efforts focusing on the theoretical and practical underpinnings of innovation ecosystems. Respondents are encouraged to address several key questions, such as identifying effective frameworks for joint innovation efforts, understanding the dynamic relationships between the Army, academia, and industry, and exploring best practices for co-location and integration of scientific personnel. The aim is not only to advance scientific knowledge but to produce actionable, evidence-based recommendations that support the Army’s capability development strategies across short-, mid-, and long-term horizons. The RFI outlines a strong preference for multidisciplinary approaches that combine theoretical, experimental, and modeling techniques from disciplines such as organizational sciences, systems theory, social sciences, and business. Submissions must be clearly structured and are limited to a specific format: a one-page cover sheet, up to five pages addressing the questions, a list of citations (no longer than two pages), and an appendix containing no more than three reference papers or white papers. All submissions must be sent electronically to [email protected]. This RFI does not commit the federal government to any contract or funding agreement. It is for planning purposes only and should not be interpreted as a precursor to a formal Request for Proposal (RFP), though future RFPs may result from this initiative. The current deadline for responses is March 17, 2026, following an extension from the original February 15, 2026, due date. No cost-sharing or matching funds are required, and eligibility is unrestricted, allowing for broad participation across organizational types. Given the exploratory nature of this RFI, evaluation will focus on the potential for innovative, evidence-based concepts that can guide the Army's engagement in innovation ecosystems. Responses will help shape future solicitations and strategies for multidisciplinary research and innovation partnerships that directly support national security and technological agility.