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Department of Defense

Future Program: National Security Economic Theory (NASCENT)

Solicitation: DARPA-SN-26-26
Notice ID: 87e62585a51e4b639702692f87e9ff1d

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.

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Solicitation context: DARPA-SN-26-26. Requirements vary by acquisition and contract type; COTS-only exceptions may apply.

Market snapshot

Awarded-market signal for NAICS 541715 (last 12 months), benchmarked to sector 54.

12-month awarded value
$6,821,643,440
Sector total $5,897,831,023,048 • Share 0.1%
Live
Median
$38,421,549
P10–P90
$8,454,241$68,388,856
Volatility
Volatile156%
Market composition
NAICS share of sector
A simple concentration signal, not a forecast.
0.1%
share
Momentum (last 3 vs prior 3 buckets)
-56%(-$2,628,085,975)
Deal sizing
$38,421,549 median
Use as a pricing centerline.
Live signal is computed from awarded notices already observed in the system.
Signals shown are descriptive of observed awards; not a forecast.

Related hubs & trends

Navigate the lattice: hubs for browsing, trends for pricing signals.

We write these bids →
Open on SAM.gov →
Map for VA
Live POP
Place of performance
Not listed
State: VA
Contracting office
Arlington, VA • 222032114 USA

Applicable Wage Determinations

SAM WDOL references matched to this opportunity's location and scope language.

WD Directory →
Best fit for this contractDavis-Bacon
VA20260156 (Rev 1)
Match signal: state matchOpen WD
Published Jan 30, 2026Virginia • Isle of Wight
Rate
ASBESTOS WORKER/HEAT & FROST INSULATOR - MECHANICAL (Duct, Pipe & Mechanical System Insulation)
Base $40.77Fringe $20.17
Rate
BOILERMAKER
Base $38.97Fringe $27.39
+30 more occupation rates available in the full WD.
View more for this contract
3 more WD matches and 30 more rate previews.
Davis-BaconBest fitstate match
VA20260156 (Rev 1)
Open WD
Published Jan 30, 2026Virginia • Isle of Wight
Rate
ASBESTOS WORKER/HEAT & FROST INSULATOR - MECHANICAL (Duct, Pipe & Mechanical System Insulation)
Base $40.77Fringe $20.17
Rate
BOILERMAKER
Base $38.97Fringe $27.39
Rate
BRICKLAYER
Base $22.44Fringe $10.23
+29 more occupation rates in this WD
Davis-Baconstate match
VA20260010 (Rev 1)
Open WD
Published Jan 30, 2026Virginia • Brunswick, Charlotte, Cumberland +7
Rate
ASBESTOS WORKER/HEAT & FROST INSULATOR - MECHANICAL (Duct, Pipe & Mechanical System Insulation)
Base $40.77Fringe $20.17
Rate
ELECTRICIAN
Base $37.95Fringe $25.95
Rate
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR Bulldozer
Base $38.79Fringe $18.05
+8 more occupation rates in this WD
Davis-Baconstate match
VA20260002 (Rev 1)
Open WD
Published Jan 30, 2026Virginia • Halifax
Rate
ASBESTOS WORKER/HEAT & FROST INSULATOR - MECHANICAL (Duct, Pipe & Mechanical System Insulation)
Base $40.77Fringe $20.17
Rate
ELECTRICIAN
Base $37.95Fringe $25.95
Rate
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR Bulldozer
Base $38.79Fringe $18.05
+8 more occupation rates in this WD
Davis-Baconstate match
VA20260003 (Rev 1)
Open WD
Published Jan 30, 2026Virginia • Pittsylvania
Rate
ASBESTOS WORKER/HEAT & FROST INSULATOR - MECHANICAL (Duct, Pipe & Mechanical System Insulation)
Base $40.77Fringe $20.17
Rate
ELECTRICIAN
Base $37.95Fringe $25.95
Rate
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR Bulldozer
Base $38.79Fringe $18.05
+8 more occupation rates in this WD

Point of Contact

Name
Solicitation Coordinator
Email
NASCENT@darpa.mil
Phone
Not available

Agency & Office

Department
DEPT OF DEFENSE
Agency
DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA)
Subagency
DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCY
Office
Not available
Contracting Office Address
Arlington, VA
222032114 USA

More in NAICS 541715

Description

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.

Files

Files size/type shown when available.

BidPulsar Analysis

A practical, capture-style breakdown of fit, requirements, risks, and next steps.

Updated: Feb 14, 2026
Client-ready brief
Executive summary
medium confidencegpt 4o mini

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.

National SecurityEconomic TheoryDARPAResearch and DevelopmentDefense Funding
What the buyer is trying to do

DARPA seeks to engage with industry and academia to explore economic theories that support national security initiatives.

Who should pursue this
  • Organizations with expertise in economic theory and national security.
  • Research institutions and laboratories focused on defense-related economic studies.
Work breakdown
No work breakdown extracted.
Response package checklist
  • 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
Compliance notes
No compliance notes extracted.
Pricing strategy
  • 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.
Teaming and subs
  • 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.
Risks and watchouts
  • The competitive nature of proposals may require unique approaches.
  • Potential changes in national security policies that could impact project relevance.
Smart questions to ask
  • 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?
Source coverage notes

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.

FAQ

How do I use the Market Snapshot?

It summarizes awarded-contract behavior for the opportunity’s NAICS and sector, including a recent pricing band (P10–P90), momentum, and composition. Use it as context, not a guarantee.

Is the data live?

The signal updates as new awarded notices enter the system. Always validate the official award and solicitation details on SAM.gov.

What do P10 and P90 mean?

P10 is the 10th percentile award size and P90 is the 90th percentile. Together they describe the typical spread of award values.