Expedited Research Implementation Series (ERIS)
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is initiating the Expedited Research Implementation Series (ERIS), a long-term open call for innovative technology solutions across multiple research domains. The solicitation seeks breakthrough technological advancements and novel research capabilities, specifically targeting areas such as detecting/tracking elusive objects, overcoming sensing system limitations, and developing advanced antenna technologies. Submissions must be 7-minute video pitches accompanied by supplemental documentation, which will be evaluated using a four-factor criteria weighted across problem definition (40%), state-of-the-art advancement (40%), team capability (15%), and market impact (5%). The program runs from December 9, 2024, to May 30, 2025, with monthly submission periods and assessments completed within 30 days of each deadline. Eligible participants include U.S.-based companies, universities, non-profits, individuals, and qualified foreign entities, with submissions to be made through the DARPAConnect.us portal.
The solicitation has no specific set-aside designation and is open to a wide range of participants. Solutions deemed "awardable" will be eligible for Other Transaction Authority awards with fully negotiable terms, including no preset price ceilings or duration limits. While specific award values are not predetermined, the program is designed to facilitate rapid acquisition of cutting-edge technologies across defense and potentially commercial markets. The technical assessment will be conducted by government, industry, and academic subject matter experts under non-disclosure agreements, with solutions evaluated based on their potential to advance technological capabilities. The marketplace will be accessible to .mil government accounts, and DARPA, in partnership with The Applied Research Institute (ARI), will publish a public list of available solutions on DARPAConnect.us, creating a digital environment for reviewing and procuring breakthrough technologies through expedited acquisition pathways.
DARPA-PS-25-05 Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
12/1/24, 3:11 PM Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Weather System (EWS) Ground Segment Request for Information (RFI)
Request for Information (RFI):
Purpose – This Request for Information (RFI) is for planning purposes only. The United States Space Force (USSF) EWS Program Office within the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) Development Corp is performing market research to identify capable industry sources to provide information on ground segment solutions consistent with the architecture and requirements defined in Attachment A. The ground segment solutions will need to initially support a single space vehicle (SV) with a high data rate (≥ 100 Mbps) Electro-Optical Infrared (EO/IR) sensor payload. The satellite will fly in a sun synchronous Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to meet anticipated Department of Defense (DoD) Space-Based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM) requirements. SMC/DCIA requires information to further define the industrial base landscape, pertaining to ground segment capabilities and cost, in order to develop a full and open solicitations.
Background – The DoD currently relies on a Family of Systems (FoS) for its SBEM data consisting of military, civil, and allied international systems. The EO/IR FoS provides cloud characterization (CC), theater weather imagery (TWI) coverage, as well as other environmental information. The EO/IR FoS architecture will consist of five Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites and three LEO Sun-synchronous satellites. Current LEO satellites include the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP), NOAA Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), and the Eumetsat MetOp. EWS plans to procure a SV and a ground segment to provide a next-generation capability in DoD LEO EO/IR coverage with an Initial Launch Capability (ILC) NLT Q4FY25. This initial ground segment should support at least 1 SV, but scalable to support a future expansion of the constellation to 10 or more satellites. The ground segment should achieve initial operational capability at least 6 months before ILC.
Ground Segment Schedule
Assume ATP for the ground segment of Q1FY2022
Ground Segment Initial Operational Capability (IOC) NLT 6 month before ILC
General Program Description and Assumptions
Refer to the Attachment A. (Note: Attachment A also includes the list of acronyms and glossary of terms).
Additional documentation describing standards for the EGS-Compatible option covering EGS standards and Neptune software are available upon request
Response Content – Interested prime ground segment contractors must submit a Statement of Capability (SOC) that responds to Sections 13.3 & 13.4. The Government will only consider discussions with integrated contractor teams capable of meeting the technical requirements specified in this RFI (see Attachment A). The Government will not facilitate or direct partnerships. The Government will review the responses and may request additional information.
Company Information:
Company Name
Company’s ownership and other relevant information
Personnel/Business size classification (Small/Large Business, HUB, veteran, etc.)
Mailing address
Point of Contact (POC) including e-mail and telephone numbers
SOC – All interested vendors shall submit a brief SOC statement. The USSF is interested in opportunities that will meet the aforementioned need dates and capabilities. SOCs must include the following information:
Statement of interest to perform as the EWS Prime Contractor for the Ground Segment and willingness to interface with other companies responsible for the other system segments.
Corporate Capabilities and Experience – Describe capabilities, expertise and experience which is relevant to the role of EWS Prime Contractor for a Satellite System Ground Segment. Also provide the following:
History with EO/IR or similar high data rate earth observing satellites, space-to-ground segment integration and ground segment development.
Implementation of mission unique ground segment software for any and all aspects of the ground segment development and operation
Experience with the space-to-ground segment integration, including but not limited to, use or development of space-to-ground interface standards, interface standards for other aspects of the ground segment
Interfacing with government and commercial ground stations
Experience as a Prime Contractor of similar size contracts and technical complexity. Include project management and systems engineering and integration roles.
Relevant products and services
Subcontractors’ capabilities, products, and services
Technical Solution – The RFI responses should describe technical solutions based on technologies mature, operational level segment elements that are capable of meeting requirements. If any major elements, subsystems, or software tools/applications are at a TRL of less than 8, explain the need for these elements and the plan to mature and associated risk.
Ground Segment Architecture: Description of the ground segment solution should be based on the architecture described in Attachment A.
Data Latency ROM: Estimate of data latency contributions from each node (element) in the architecture to support claims that the data latency requirement will be met. Starting at the time the data leaves the satellite. Include not only time of flight latency but also network latency estimates.
Government Furnished Equipment: Contractor should identify all items assumed to be GFE and justification.
Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Approach: Describe company capabilities to apply principles, methods and tools for an MBSE approach. This should include the capability to develop an MBSE/SysML model for the ground segment architecture implementation. Note that the government will be developing an MBSE/SysML model for the To-Be EWS System architecture and may make this available to the contractor as part of a future solicitation. The government envisions that the MBSE/SysML models would support:
Requirements analysis (traceability, verification)
Provide ground segment architecture description
Document all system interfaces (internal system of system and external to users and other external systems); produce Interface Control Documents (ICD)
Source for requirements decomposition and verification
Cost Estimates: Provide a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate. At a minimum, break cost down by elements using the following elements: Ground services, Ground stations, Ground networks, and Cloud computing and storage.
For the Ground Services, report costs separately for two alternatives listed below. Either alternative should use open standards to the greatest extent possible unless specific standards are specified. The response should identify key standards, especially those related ground services.
Alternative-A: Full commercial solution that includes the necessary software, applications and mission unique software to support EWS
Alternative-B: “EGS-Compatible” – this solution will use of the NRL Neptune (TM) command and control software suite (documentation available upon request) and comply with EGS standards (documentation available upon request).
Identify key cost factors in achieving specified mission service life of 5 years.
While Continuity of Operations (COOP) may not be required at ILC, describe the approach taken to develop COOP capabilities by Q4FY2026 and beyond assuming a ground segment availability of 98 %. Identify the cost drivers to achieving this segment availability.
Identify, non-recurring engineering and recurring engineering
Identify and quantify lifecycle cost saving initiatives
Schedule – Provide a schedule from ATP to end of life (EOL) with its confidence level. Please identify primary, secondary, and tertiary critical paths.
Risk – Identify the major risks to meeting the performance and schedule
Contract Type Consideration – Respondents are to identify preferred contract type and incentives with justification
6. Small Business Consideration – The NAICS code for this effort is 336414 “Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing”. The Small Business size standard is 1,250 employees. Participation from small and small disadvantaged businesses is highly encouraged. SMC’s Small Business points of contact are Mr. Willard Strozier and Ms. Audrey Campbell. They can be reached at smallbus@us.af.mil.
7. Response Submittal Instructions:
Response Classification – All material provided in response to this notice shall be kept UNCLASSIFIED, non-confidential, and non-proprietary to the maximum extent practicable. Firms providing confidential/proprietary information shall separately and clearly identify and mark all confidential/proprietary information. The USSF will take all necessary steps to protect/safeguard any confidential/proprietary information provided. The USSF will not be held responsible for any proprietary information not clearly marked.
Response Format – Responses shall be provided to the POCs identified above. The USSF will not accept company literature or marketing materials in response to this notice. The response is limited to 20 pages.
Submission Instructions – Submit SOCs to the POCs identified above prior to the due date. Hard copy responses will not be accepted.
Response Due Date – Responses are due NO LATER THAN 12:00 PM (Pacific Time) on 26 January 2021.
8. Communications and Questions – All communications and questions associated with this RFI shall be submitted in writing to Primary and Secondary POCs listed below. All Unclassified/Non-Proprietary question and answers will be published to the Federal Business Opportunities website on a non-attributional basis.
Questions – All questions submitted prior to 12:00 PM (Pacific Time) on 19 January 2021 will be responded to prior to the RFI response date. Questions and answers will be consolidated and posted to the Federal Business Opportunities website.
Points of Contacts:
Primary POC:
2d Lt Hoang Ha, Program Manager
Hoang.ha@spaceforce.mil, (310) 653-0954
Secondary POC:
Capt Jessica Dixon Galbreath, Project Manager
jessica.dixon_galbreath@spaceforcemil, (310) 653-5186
Disclaimers and Notes – THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY. This notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation (Request for Proposal or Request for Quotations) or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. This notice does not commit the USAF to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Furthermore, the USSF is not, at this time, seeking proposals. Responders are advised that the USAF will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice. The Government will not assume liability for costs incurred by any attendee for travel expenses or marketing efforts. All costs associated with responding to this notice will be solely at the responding party's expense.
The following companies/organizations may review the submitted responses: The Aerospace Corporation, SAIC, Tecolote Research, SAVI LLC, OMNI Consulting Solutions, Stellar Solutions -- all are bound by appropriate non-disclosure agreements with the USSF. For further information regarding these agreements, contact the Contracting Officer identified above.
Additional Attachments: Please contact Ms. Silvia Jackman (silvia.jackman@spaceforce.mil) and Lt Hoang Ha (hoang.ha@spaceforce.mil) to request the EGS standards and Neptune software documentation if deemed necessary for a response to this RFI.
FA8818-21-R-0004 Department of the Air Force Space Command Space and Missile Systems Center
1/13/21, 7:23 PM Italian Classified Communication Center
This is a Sources Sought announcement only. All responses will be used for market analysis in determining the availability of potential qualified businesses that may be used to determine appropriate acquisition strategy. No solicitation is being issued at this time but may be issued later.
The Combat Data Systems team under the F-35 Joint Program office is seeking potential sources that possess the ability to provide Italian Cooperative Partner Personnel (CPP), at Norway and Italy Reprogramming Laboratory (NIRL) in Eglin Air Force Base (AFB) with a Classified Communication Center (CCC). The CCC (made by a shielded enclosure) will guarantee a physically segregated workspace area for the RMI where Italian classified information and material are stored, processed, and handled within the Italian premises.
This instalment will provide for the following capabilities:
To deny surreptitious or forced entry by an intruder,
To deter, impede and detect actions by disloyal personnel
To allow for segregation of personnel in their access to Italian only classified information in accordance with the national regulations and the need-to-know principle.
Distribution of National CIS services through the relevant network infrastructures (ITA Secret WAN).
The construction shall be carried out together with the engineering services required to support the Italian Ministry of Defense (ITA MoD) organizations for the security accreditation of the entire infrastructure.
DISCLAIMER:
THIS SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION AND SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT. RESPONSES IN ANY FORM ARE NOT OFFERS AND THE GOVERNMENT IS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT AS A RESULT OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. NO FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE TO PAY FOR PREPARATION OF RESPONSES TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. ANY INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY RESPONDENTS TO THIS SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT IS STRICTLY VOLUNTARY.
N0001923RFPREQJSF000XXXX Department of the Navy Naval Air Systems Command
3/24/22, 4:15 PM MQ-8C Link 16 Phase II Integration
The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Patuxent River, MD, intends to negotiate and award an order under a Basic Ordering Agreement to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation (NGSC), 17066 Golden Top Road, San Diego, CA 92127-2412, to continue Phase I non-recurring design engineering necessary to integrate and field a Tactical Datalink (Link-16) capability into radar equipped MQ-8Cs. This effort will also include procurement of up to 38 retrofit kits and installs. The contract action requires expertise in MQ-8C aircraft engineering, integration and testing.
For this proposed contract action, the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) and FAR 6.302-1, "Only One Responsible Source and No Other Type of Supplies or Services will Satisfy Agency Requirements." NGSC is the sole designer, developer, manufacturer, and integrator of the MQ-8C unmanned aircraft, and therefore is the only contractor with the requisite knowledge, experience, and technical data that can meet the Government’s requirements on a timely basis and in a cost effective manner.
THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. Interested parties, however, may identify their interest and capability by responding to the requirement. The Government will consider all information received prior to the closing date of this synopsis. Information received will be considered solely for determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed contract modification based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. No phone inquiries will be entertained. Responses shall be made in writing by e-mail, U.S. mail or facsimile to the attention of James Santiago or Dana Veitch using the contact information provided in this synopsis. Companies interested in subcontracting opportunities should contact NGSC directly via Vicky Harper-Hall, Socio-Economic Programs Sector Manager at (310) 331-3824 or email Vicky.harper-hall@ngc.com.
N00019-21-RFPREQ-PMA-266-0033 Department of the Navy Naval Air Systems Command
4/28/20, 6:45 AM E-2D Advanced Hawkeye On Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) Engineering Change Proposal (ECP)
NAVAIR intends to negotiate and award a sole-source delivery order under Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) N00019-20-G-0005 with Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation (NGSC), Melbourne, FL for the developing of an Engineering Change Proposal to support increasing the reliability and maintainability of the On Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS) in E-2D aircraft. The requirement is planned for 6 months.
NGSC is the only company that has the ability, resources, technology, and documentation necessary to develop, produce, maintain, and support this system without causing unacceptable delays in meeting the Navy’s operational requirements. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS AND NO COMPETITIVE SOLICITATION WILL BE ISSUED. This acquisition is being pursued on a sole source basis under the authority permitting other than full and open competition is Title 10, U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1, "Only one responsible source and no other supplies or series will satisfy agency requirements". There is no commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation, make an award or awards, or be responsible for any money expended by interested parties before award of a contract for the effort described above. Information provided herein is subject to change and in no way binds the Government to solicit or award a contract. Small businesses interested in subcontracting possibilities many contact Ms. Vicky Harper-Hall, One Hornet Way M/S K08460/C1, El Segundo, CA 90245.
N00019-20-RFPREQ-PMA-231-0362 Department of the Navy Naval Air Systems Command
6/17/20, 12:25 PM