Trusted Partner Program-Draft Solicitation-Advance Notice to Industry

The Trusted Partner Program Draft Solicitation Advance Notice to Industry is issued by the Department of Defense through the Department of the Army Materiel Command. This notice serves as an early communication to inform potential applicants of an upcoming procurement contract opportunity and to invite feedback prior to the formal solicitation release. The program is positioned within the federal government’s broader investment in science and technology and basic research, specifically aligned with the Army’s need to rapidly engage capable research partners across multiple disciplines. The initiative reflects the Army’s strategic goal of building a reliable network of trusted academic collaborators who can contribute to sensitive and high-priority research efforts. The primary purpose of the Trusted Partner Program is to establish a cadre of academic institutions that can quickly initiate both basic and applied scientific research in areas relevant to the U.S. Army. The scope of work spans a wide range of disciplinary perspectives, indicating that the program is not limited to a single field but instead seeks interdisciplinary approaches to complex defense-related challenges. The program emphasizes responsiveness, trustworthiness, and the ability to operate within sensitive research environments, suggesting that selected partners will play a critical role in advancing national defense capabilities through innovation and scientific discovery. Funding under this opportunity is expected to be issued through procurement contracts rather than traditional grants or cooperative agreements. While specific funding amounts, award ceilings, and total program funding are not disclosed in this advance notice, the government anticipates making approximately five awards. The absence of cost sharing or matching requirements lowers financial barriers for eligible applicants, making participation more accessible to qualified institutions. Allowable uses of funds are expected to align with research activities in science and technology, although detailed spending guidelines will be provided in the full solicitation once released. Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to academic and nonprofit research entities. Specifically, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit research institutions as defined under federal statutes are eligible to participate. The inclusion of both public and private academic institutions indicates an inclusive approach within the higher education sector, while the reference to statutory definitions ensures compliance with federal eligibility standards. The program is designed to engage organizations with demonstrated research capacity and the ability to handle sensitive projects. The submission process for this opportunity is not yet open, as this notice is strictly an advance announcement. The full solicitation, including application instructions and required components, will be posted on SAM.gov. At that time, applicants can expect to follow standard federal procurement submission procedures, which may include proposal narratives, technical documentation, and institutional certifications. This advance notice provides an opportunity for potential applicants to review the draft requirements and submit feedback, which may influence the final solicitation structure. Evaluation criteria, award timelines, and project start dates are not specified in this notice but will be detailed in the forthcoming full announcement. However, given the nature of the program, it is likely that evaluation will focus on technical expertise, institutional capacity, responsiveness, and the ability to conduct sensitive research. The program does not provide explicit deadlines in this notice, but it indicates that the opportunity will be formally released on SAM.gov, where all timeline details will be made available. For additional information, interested parties are directed to the SAM.gov listing where the full draft announcement is available. The primary contact for this opportunity is Nneka Iwelu, who can be reached by phone for inquiries. As this is an advance notice, applicants are encouraged to monitor SAM.gov for updates and prepare for a forthcoming application window. The program is positioned as a forward-looking initiative with potential recurring or follow-on opportunities, depending on the Army’s ongoing research needs and program outcomes.