How to bid on Thermal Management solutions for DARPA DSO

What DARPA DSO is buying and why it matters

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), specifically its Defense Sciences Office (DSO), is looking for new thermal management mechanisms. They are interested in foundational solutions that can overcome existing thermodynamic limits in various Department of Defense applications. This is an opportunity for vendors with innovative approaches to thermal management, particularly those that are not focused on modular, integrated cooling packages.

This initiative aims to find game-changing technologies that can fundamentally disrupt current thermal limitations, which is crucial for advancing many defense systems.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This opportunity was published on July 31, 2026. The deadline for submissions is September 30, 2026, at 7:59 PM ET. Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning they are evaluated as they are received, rather than all at once after the deadline. This indicates an active and immediate search for solutions.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for firms specializing in professional services, particularly those with expertise in advanced physics, materials science, engineering, or related fields focused on thermal management. DARPA is seeking foundational mechanisms, not off-the-shelf cooling packages, so vendors with research and development capabilities in novel thermodynamic solutions will be well-suited. This is for companies that can offer innovative, disruptive technologies rather than incremental improvements.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the full details and respond, you will need to open the original source on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need to create a free account to view all documents, though this is not always required for every bid. Submissions will be reviewed according to the procedures outlined in DARPA-PS-25-05.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

When preparing your response, focus on clearly articulating the foundational mechanisms you propose and how they fundamentally disrupt legacy thermodynamic limits. Provide concrete examples or theoretical frameworks demonstrating how your solution applies across diverse DoD application spaces. Since submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, submitting your proposal earlier may be beneficial. Ensure your proposal directly addresses the requirement for foundational mechanisms rather than modular cooling packages, as this is a key distinction for DARPA.

Review DARPA-PS-25-05 thoroughly to understand all submission requirements and evaluation criteria. Clearly define the novelty and potential impact of your proposed thermal management solution. Highlight any unique intellectual property or innovative approaches that set your solution apart.