Request for Information - University Partnership Models

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Description

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL), under the Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command, is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to the academic community. The goal is to gather input on innovative university partnership models that can help ARL rapidly access a broad range of experts and resources to address the Army’s unique science and technology challenges for 2040 and beyond. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for proposals or funding.

ARL is particularly interested in models that go beyond traditional principal investigator-based collaborations, seeking strategies that leverage university capabilities (personnel, facilities, infrastructure) and foster trusted, agile teaming. The RFI welcomes suggestions for new or modified partnership mechanisms, including those that support both open (public) and classified research, and that can accelerate the transition of research and technology to government and industry.

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Due Dates

• Submission Deadline: December 6, 2024, by 5:00 PM Eastern Time

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Funding Amount

• No funding is associated with this RFI.
• This is an information-gathering exercise only; no awards or contracts will result directly from responses.

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Eligibility

• Eligible Respondents: Academic institutions and qualified sources from within and outside the United States.
• Responses are welcomed from universities capable of supporting the Army’s research needs.
• This is not a grant or contract opportunity; responses are for planning and information purposes only.

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Application Process

• What to Submit:
  • A one-page cover sheet with the title, organization(s), point of contact (name, address, phone, email), and clear reference to RFI-25-01.
  • Answers to the specific questions outlined in the RFI, describing existing or proposed partnership models, organizational structures, or mechanisms.
• Submission Method: Email a PDF document to UniversityRFI@army.mil.
• Deadline: December 6, 2024, 5:00 PM ET.
• Inquiries: Send questions to the same email address. Do not include proprietary or classified content. No telephone inquiries will be accepted.

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Additional Information

• Purpose: This RFI is for information and planning only. The Army Research Lab is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt or provide feedback on submissions.
• No reimbursement: Respondents are responsible for all costs associated with their response.
• Confidentiality: Ensure submitted material is approved for public release by your institution.

Key focus areas for partnership models:

• Strategic engagement at both senior leadership and researcher levels.
• Collaboration across sensitivity levels (public to classified).
• Methods for protecting U.S. research and technology.
• Structures that may include other universities and industry.
• Support for recruiting, education, shared facilities, and professional development.
• Rapid leveraging of partnerships to address emerging Army topics.
• Panels of cleared academic experts for advice on emerging technologies.

For background on past ARL collaborative structures, see the Collaborative Research Alliance (CRA).

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External Links

• Official Grants.gov Opportunity Listing
• Collaborative Research Alliance (CRA) – DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory
• RFI Full Text (PDF)

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Contact Information