ATEC HQ 003 AI Assurance Autonomous System Validation.pdf

CALL FOR SOLUTIONS

ATEC HQ - 003 AI Assurance & Autonomous System Validation

Project Number ATEC_RIW26_003

Army Open Solicitation (AOS) Number W9128Z-25-S-A002

Call for Solution Title ATEC HQ 003 - AI Assurance & Autonomous System Validation

Issued By Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG), Division D, Branch A

Submission Instructions To respond to this Call for Solution, please refer to Section 5.1 of this Call for Solution

*Solution Briefs Due Date/Time (Suspense)

19 August 2026 at 1500 Eastern Daylight Time

(EDT)

Point of Contracts (POCs) for Phase 1 Solution Brief Submission

Contracting Officer: WHITNEY JACKSON whitney.j.jackson6.civ@army.mil

Specialist: DENNIS BEAUCLAIR, JR dennis.a.beauclair3.civ@army.mil

NOTE: Please advise the cognizant Contracting Officer and Specialist as soon as possible via the emails above if your organization intends to submit a Solution Brief in response to this Call for Solution.

*Any submissions that are received by the Contracting Officer after the suspense date/time listed above will be deemed late and not evaluated. It is the sole responsibility of the company to ensure that its submission is received in the email inboxes listed above before the deadline specified.

This Call for Solution is issued under the authority of Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul (RFO) Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 212.70 – Defense Commercial Solutions Opening and may result in the Government awarding Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) contracts.

1. BACKGROUND.

The Army Contracting Command - Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) Division D, on behalf of the United States Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC), is issuing this CfS identify sources capable of delivering commercially available, rapidly fieldable technology solutions to modernize its Test and Evaluation (T&E) enterprise. The highest-performing respondents will be invited to the inaugural ATEC Reverse Industry Week (RIW) in September 2026 at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD (with virtual options available).

The rapid integration of adaptive artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems across the Department of War (DoW) and US Army has introduced profound complexities into developmental and operational testing. Traditional, predictable testing paradigms are inadequate for validating adaptive, non-deterministic components that continuously learn and evolve based on real-time data. To address this, ATEC requires modernized methodologies, metrics, and data collection tools to systematically verify, validate, and test adaptive AI and autonomous components at scale.

2. PROBLEM STATEMENT.

ATEC seeks to establish continuous Test, Evaluation, and Assurance (TE&A) pipelines to ensure that AI-enabled capabilities (operating across flight safety, maneuver ground, and air defense directorates) are safe, reliable, and operationally effective. Because traditional testing methods cannot safely or effectively evaluate adaptive AI systems that learn in real-time, the enterprise requires a multi-tiered framework to run real-time fly-out simulations, define physical safety boundaries, and measure trust metrics. Without these advanced validation tools, the Army cannot mathematically verify or safely evaluate these probabilistic, continuously evolving systems.

3. DESIRED SOLUTION ATTRIBUTES.

The desired solution is an advanced, multi-tiered testing framework and software validation suite designed to conduct Verification and Validation (V&V) on black-box machine learning models, autonomous navigation systems, and Aided Target Recognition (AiTR) software. The solution should deliver:

• Verification of Adaptive AI: Frameworks for baseline parallel learning and high-fidelity synthetic scenario generation to test AI-enabled systems under realistic Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) conditions.

• AI-Specific Data Collection & Metrics: Specialized Data Collection, Reduction, and Analysis-Visualization (DCRA-V) tools and metrics designed specifically to evaluate autonomous logic and human-AI interaction.

• Real Time Assurance (RTA) & Overrides: RTA framework capable of running real-time simulations to define physical safety boundaries and enforce a human-in-the-loop override if those boundaries are violated.

• MilOps & Diagnostic at the Edge: Secure, multi-level APIs and automated data pipelines capable of operating in Disconnected, Intermittent, and Limited (DIL) range environments.

4. AWARDING INSTRUMENT

The Call will be awarded in accordance with the Army Open Solicitation procedures detailed within Solicitation W9128Z-25-S-A002, found HERE .This Call provides instructions to companies and how the Government will evaluate submissions.

5. CALL INSTRUCTIONS AND NOTES

5.1 Overview of Submission Phases

The response process for this Call will generally consist of the following phases:

Phase 1: Solution Brief Companies will submit a high-level summary of their proposed solution, addressing the government’s objectives and requirements.

Phase 2: Pitch (unless bypassed) Selected companies may be invited to present and discuss their solution in a live or virtual setting.

Phase 3: Solution Proposal Companies advancing to this phase will be invited to submit a detailed proposal for final evaluation and potential award.

Detailed submission requirements for Phase 1 are provided in Section 6. Evaluation criteria for Phase 1 are outlined in Section 7. Phase 2 and/or Phase 3 submission requirements and evaluation criteria will be provided via subsequent invitation letters.

5.2 Instructions and Notes

• Companies are reminded that all awards are subject to the availability of funds and the Government reserves the right to make multiple awards, a single award, or no award as a result of this Call.

• Only a Contracting Officer has the authority to enter into, modify, or execute a binding instrument on behalf of the United States Government. All payment obligations are subject to Congressional appropriations.

• In order to be eligible for award, companies must:

o Possess a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and be registered in the System for

Award Management (SAM) prior to award and maintain active registration throughout the period of performance.

o Register in the prescribed government invoicing system (e.g., Wide Area Workflow).

o Accurately represent their small business size and status as required.

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/928aea3c49f0450aa65fbc019d7cdc9b/view o Be determined responsible by the Contracting/Agreements Officer and not be suspended, debarred, or otherwise prohibited from receiving an award.

o Disclose any actual or potential Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCIs) to the Contracting/Agreements Officer prior to award.

o Companies are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for any amendments or updates to this Call.

• Notice to Company(s): The Government reserves the right to cancel this open Call, either before or after the closing date. If the Government cancels this open Call, the Government has no obligation to reimburse an company for any costs.”

• All Solution Submissions will be valid for 180 calendar days after the submission date.

• The Government will give preference to submissions that demonstrate an innovative, existing, and reference-verifiable commercial ability to accomplish the desired solution attributes listed for each capability need.

• Resellers and academic research proposals are not desired.

• The Solution Submission must identify any intellectual property involved in the effort and associated restrictions on the Government’s use of that intellectual property.

• The Government reserves the right to down-select potential awardees under this for Call for Solution during any phase.

• AI tools may be used throughout the CfS process. Any AI tools utilized by the Government will be employed in a manner consistent with applicable regulations that govern the protection of proprietary and source selection sensitive information. No proposal data will be transmitted to or processed by external, non-Government systems without appropriate safeguards and authorizations in place.

• Questions and Responses are to be sent only to the Contracting Officer and Specialist listed in this Call for Solution. The following shall be utilized in the email subject line “Call for Solution - [Your Company Name] - ATEC_RIW26_003" (Example: Call for Solution - ABC Corp - ATEC_RIW26_003). Material questions and answers will be published and updated on www.sam.gov. The deadline to submit questions for Phase 1 is 10 August 2026 at 1500 EDT.

6.0 SOLUTION SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

6.1 Phase 1 – Solution Brief

6.1.1 Phase 1 – Solution Brief Content

Solution Briefs shall not exceed six (6) written pages using 12-point Times New Roman font or, alternatively, may take the form of briefing slides not exceeding fifteen (15) slides. The Government will not consider inserted textboxes/pop-ups or internet links to additional information as part of the Solution Brief and will not consider such information in its evaluation. Solution Briefs are intended to be clear and concise.

Solution Briefs shall include the following at a minimum:

http://www.sam.gov/

a. Title Page (does not count against page limit)

i. Company Name, Title, Date, Point of Contact Name, E-Mail Address, Phone, Address, and Call reference number. If registered in SAM.gov, include the Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code and Unique Entity Identification (UEI) code.

ii. Specifically identify the Call for which the Solution Brief is submitted.

b. Executive Summary (one page)

i. Provide an executive summary of the technology.

c. High-Level Technology Solution/Concept

i. Describe the unique aspects of your solution/concept and its relevance to this Call for Solution.

ii. Explain whether the solution/concept is innovative and/or a potential capability.

iii. Describe how your proposed solution/concept solves the problem statement, addresses the desired attributes listed above in section 3, and/or provides innovative technological advancements.

iv. Outline the capabilities and scalability of the solution/concept.

v. Describe the benefits of your solution/concept as it applies to this Call for

Solution.

vi. Explain how the proposed technical approach is feasible, achievable, and supported by a technical team with the expertise and experience to accomplish the proposed solution/concept.

vii. Provide a proposed project schedule and total estimated out-the-door price and describe how the proposed schedule is achievable for the proposed solution/concept.

viii. Identify whether the proposed solution/concept includes a pilot or demonstration of an existing commercial technology (identified as commercially ready and viable technology), or the development of technology for potential defense application. If development or adaptation is proposed, identify a suggested path to mature the technology. Identify aspects which may be considered proprietary.

d. Company Viability

i. Provide a brief overview of the company. Include a summary of current fundraising to date or a summary of top-line (gross sales/revenues).

ii. Provide a summary of product/solution commercialization and go-to-market strategy.

f. Intellectual Property Statement/Agreement/Disclosures (does not count against page limit)

i. As needed, include a separate disclosure for each company that would be a participant in the solution/concept.

The Government may be unable to evaluate the Solution Brief if a Company fails to provide the information requested above.

6.2 Phase 2 – Pitch

Phase 2 submission requirements and evaluation criteria will be outlined in the invitation to this phase, unless bypassed.

6.3 Phase 3 – Proposal

Phase 3 submission requirements and evaluation criteria will be outlined in the invitation to this phase.

7.0 EVALUATION CRITERIA

7.1 Phase 1 – Solution Brief Basis of Evaluation

Solution briefs correctly submitted in response to the Call will be evaluated against the below criteria. The Government reserves the right to use external market research in the evaluation of a Company's viability. The Government reserves the right to not respond to solution briefs incorrectly submitted under this Call. The Government reserves the right to select all, some, or none of the solution submissions submitted in response to this Call.

The Government intends to evaluate the Solution Brief to determine which proposed solutions have the potential to best meet the Governments needs utilizing the two-part evaluation criteria below.

Solution Briefs submitted in response to this open solicitation will be evaluated using the following factors in descending order of importance are: (a) Technical Merit, (b) Schedule, and (c) Viability.

(a) Technical Merit: The Government will evaluate the Company’s Solution Brief submission in accordance with Section 6.1.1, C, i through vi. The Government will evaluate the Company’s proposed solution/concept relevance to the ATEC HQ 001 capability need. The submitted solution will be evaluated on its innovativeness and ability to solve the problem or potential innovative technological advancements; capabilities and scalability of the solution; benefits of the solution/concept; and technical approach.

(b) Schedule. The Government will review the Solution Brief submission in accordance with Section 6.1.1, C, vii through viii. The Government will evaluate the Company’s proposed solution/concept project schedule and estimated out-the-door total cost, as well as maturity path.

(c) Viability. The Government will evaluate the Company’s Solution Brief in accordance with Section 6.1.1, D, i and ii. The Government will evaluate the submitted Company’s overview, and if applicable, summary of product/solution commercialization and market strategy.

7.2 Phase 1 - Solution Brief Selection Process

Based on the evaluation, the Solution Brief will be categorized as Selected for Further Consideration or Not Selected for Further Consideration. The selection of one (1) or more submissions into the next Phase will be based on the criteria listed above and funding availability. Solution Briefs considered not to have (1) sufficient merit or relevance to the topic, (2) a Government need, or (3) funds are not expected to be available, the submission may be declined without further review.

Selected for Further Consideration: The submitted Solution Brief has been determined to be of technical merit, represents an achievable schedule and viable maturity pathway. As such, the Government intends to invite the Company to participate in next phase should funding be available.

Not Selected for Further Consideration: The submitted Solution Brief does not represent either the necessary degree of technical merit, technical innovation, or relevance to agency priorities to warrant further proposal effort or consideration.

The Army anticipates Topics may routinely receive more Solution Briefs than resources to award. All submissions will be fairly evaluated, however, only select Solution Briefs will be invited to Phase 2 and/or Phase 3. The government reserves the right to limit the number of Companies invited to Phase 2 and/or Phase 3. As such, a Company’s solution may be evaluated to be of merit but not invited to Phase 2 and/or Phase 3.

Solution Briefs that are chosen for Phase 2 and/or Phase 3 will be notified in writing as soon as practicable. The Government reserves the right to bypass Phase 2 into Phase 3 to request a formal proposal should funding be available.

8. ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST (OCI)

The Company shall perform an OCI analysis and submit the results of that analysis in addition to the Solution Brief submission. Specifically, the Company shall analyze the details of the Call and the implementation of their proposed Solution for actual or potential OCI situations associated with the performance of the Company, or any of the Company’s proposed teammates or subcontractors, under any contract or agreement the Company or the Company’s teammates or subcontractors have been or may be awarded by any federal agency or other entity. The Company shall describe in detail the methodology used to identify actual or potential OCI issues. The level of detail for OCI analysis may not be the same for all vendors. RFO FAR 9.5 may be used as guidance for OCI analysis. If no conflicts are identified, a risk mitigation plan is not required;

however, a description of the analysis methodology, and an affirming statement that no conflicts are identified shall be included. This section will not count against submission page limits.

If the Company identifies any actual or potential OCIs with respect to the performance of the Company or the Company’s subcontractors or teammates, the contractor shall provide an OCI Mitigation Plan to be incorporated as an attachment to any resulting contract or agreement. Any proposed avoidance or mitigation techniques shall be consistent with RFO FAR 9.5 and the most recent decisions of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

9.0 ADDITIONAL NOTES

To ensure you receive timely notifications of all amendments and updates to this posting, we strongly encourage all interested parties to use the "Follow" feature within SAM.gov.

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Why this is important:

• Notification: Once you follow this notice, SAM.gov will automatically send an email to your account whenever it is amended or updated.

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The email notification you receive from following the notice will always contain a direct link to the latest version.

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You must manually check the version dates using the dropdown. Following a posting and using the email link ensures you are viewing the latest version and avoids having to manually verify.