The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), through its Biological Technologies Office (BTO), has released a Request for Information (RFI) titled ROUNDTOP, seeking input from industry, academia, government laboratories, and non-traditional performers. The RFI focuses on advanced methods to rapidly stabilize and/or repurpose large volumes of petroleum products, including petroleum abandoned in aboveground or underground storage tanks. Through this effort, DARPA is exploring technologies that could address complex petroleum management challenges while informing potential future program planning.
DARPA’s interest in ROUNDTOP reflects a broader need to identify innovative approaches for managing petroleum products that may otherwise present logistical, environmental, operational, or safety concerns. The agency is specifically seeking information from capable and qualified sources with relevant expertise, including universities, University-Affiliated Research Centers, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, private and public companies, and government research laboratories.
The RFI is not a formal solicitation or funding opportunity. Rather, it is issued solely for information gathering and new program planning purposes. Responses submitted to DARPA will help the agency understand the current state of technology, performer capabilities, and potential approaches for rapidly stabilizing or repurposing petroleum at scale. Submission is voluntary and is not required to participate in any future Broad Agency Announcement or other research solicitation that may arise from this topic.
Interested parties are instructed to email DARPA at [email protected] with the requested company information to receive further guidance for responding to the RFI. DARPA requests that all correspondence refer to “Roundtop RFI.” Emails sent directly to the Program Manager or other DARPA contacts may result in delayed or no response.
Important Dates and Funding
The key deadline for this RFI is June 1, 2026, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time.
Because ROUNDTOP is a Request for Information and not a formal solicitation, DARPA does not identify an anticipated number of awards, award sizes, or a period of performance. The RFI explicitly states that it does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals and that responses will not be considered offers or accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. DARPA will also not reimburse costs incurred in responding to the RFI.
Looking Ahead
While ROUNDTOP is still in the information-gathering stage, the technologies DARPA is exploring could support future efforts related to the stabilization, management, or repurposing of petroleum products stored in abandoned or difficult-to-access infrastructure. The RFI signals DARPA’s interest in scalable, rapid-response approaches that may inform future operational capabilities and logistics resilience efforts.
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