- Gap review, remediation roadmap, and implementation support
- Policy package, evidence mapping, and submission prep
- Designed for primes and subs across non-tech and tech work
Future Program: National Security Economic Theory (NASCENT)
Special Notice from DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA) • DEPT OF DEFENSE. Place of performance: VA. Response deadline: Feb 28, 2026. Industry: NAICS 541715 • PSC AC12.
CMMC support options for this DoD solicitation
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- Structured checklist, AI guidance, and progress tracking
- Build evidence and controls with clearer next-step workflows
- Ideal for teams that want speed plus affordability
Market snapshot
Awarded-market signal for NAICS 541715 (last 12 months), benchmarked to sector 54.
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Applicable Wage Determinations
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BidPulsar Analysis
A practical, capture-style breakdown of fit, requirements, risks, and next steps.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is issuing a Special Notice for the National Security Economic Theory (NASCENT), with the solicitation number DARPA-SN-26-26, posted on January 9, 2026. This opportunity is linked to NAICS 541715, indicating a focus on research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. Interested bidders should carefully review the posted materials and prepare their responses by the February 28, 2026 deadline.
DARPA seeks to engage with industry and academia to explore economic theories that support national security initiatives.
- Organizations with expertise in economic theory and national security.
- Research institutions and laboratories focused on defense-related economic studies.
- Cover letter addressing the solicitation requirements.
- Technical proposal detailing methodologies and frameworks relevant to economic theory.
- Past performance records in similar projects or proposals.
- Cost proposal aligned with project expectations.
More BidPulsar strategy notesCompliance, pricing, teaming, risks, questions, and coverage notes
- Pricing should be competitive and reflect the specialized nature of the research involved.
- Consider both fixed-price and cost-reimbursable options based on project scope.
- Collaborate with academic institutions or think tanks specializing in economics.
- Consider teaming with defense contractors who have a proven track record in national security projects.
- The competitive nature of proposals may require unique approaches.
- Potential changes in national security policies that could impact project relevance.
- What specific areas of economic theory does DARPA prioritize for the NASCENT program?
- Are there existing frameworks or models that have been suggested or previously employed?
Some notices publish limited source detail. Confirm these points before final bid/no-bid decisions.
- Detailed scope of the NASCENT program.
- Specific deliverables expected from bidders.
- Timeframe for program initiation and execution.
- Evaluation criteria for proposals submitted.
- Potential collaboration opportunities with DARPA.
- Detailed performance metrics for success.
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