ASCA calls for Persistent and Pervasive ISR

The Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDT) program has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the capability effect of Persistent and Pervasive Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance, or P2ISR. The RFP closes on Saturday 18 May and Defence will be holding a virtual Market Briefing Session for the ASCA EDT P2ISR RFP, on Thursday 16 April 2026.

ASCA’s definition of P2ISR refers to the development of new technologies or new knowledge to strengthen and develop Persistent and Pervasive Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities for the Future Force, in the 2035+ time-frame.

Responses to the RFP will be evaluated for selection between May and September 2026, with delivery commencing at the end of 2026. The contract period is from December 2026 to 30 June 2030.

For this call to market, ASCA EDT is looking for cutting-edge, innovative proposals to apply one or more of the following emerging Technology Areas to the Opportunity Statements for the P2ISR capability effect, in or across any of the Defence domains:

• Communication Solutions
• Beyond Classical Computing
• Pervasive Sensing
• Space Capabilities
• Smart Machines

Working in close collaboration with defence industry and academic research organisations, ASCA says its EDT program focuses on shaping and future proofing the defence innovation ecosystem.  The EDT Program, it adds, invests in long-term R&D partnerships for the development of new technologies that may provide leap-ahead improvements to existing capabilities or new knowledge that helps identify opportunities for development of asymmetric capabilities for Defence.

DSTG invites respondents to submit questions in advance of the Market Briefing Session which will be answered on the day. Please submit through: asca.edt@defence.gov.au.