Liquid Surge

The DARPA Liquid Surge Disruption Opportunity seeks a combined experimental‑diagnostics and physics‑based modeling solution to advance metrology for wave propagation in compressible fluids. The effort is split into a 9‑month Phase 1 (Base) and an optional 9‑month Phase 2 (Option), each funded through a milestone‑based Other Transaction (OT) prototype agreement. The award ceiling is $995,000, with Phase 1 capped at $550,000 and Phase 2 at $445,000. Deliverables include prototype wave‑diagnostic hardware, a stand‑alone computational prediction tool, technical drawings, SOPs, and a series of fixed‑payable milestones tied to experimental validation and “hand‑shake” with kinetic‑theory simulations. The solicitation is open to U.S. entities meeting CMMC Level 1; subcontractors (e.g., national labs) may be used but must be cost‑segregated. Proposals must include a 2‑page abstract (optional) and a full proposal by 14 Dec 2026. Awards are expected by 10 Feb 2027, with work commencing 15 Feb 2027. • Develop prototype high‑speed, non‑intrusive wave‑diagnostic hardware for high‑pressure liquid media. • Build a CPU/GPU‑ready computational tool that predicts full shock profiles across a wide Mach‑number, pressure, temperature, and salinity range. • Achieve fixed‑payable milestones: experimental rig operability up to twice critical pressure, validation against first‑principles kinetic‑theory simulations, and final deliverables of technical drawings, SOPs, and software. • Funding split: $550 k Phase 1 (9 months) + $445 k Phase 2 (optional 9 months). • Mandatory eligibility: U.S. entity with CMMC Level 1; all work must be unclassified.