FA2385-25-S-9761 A3R Solicitation.pdf

As of 1 Nov 2022

Contents

1.0 Overview Information

2.0 Full Text Announcement

2.1 Program Description:

2.2 Statement of Objective/Description of Technical Areas:

2.3 Deliverable Items:

2.4 Schedule:

2.5 Other Requirements:

2.6 Science and Technology (S&T) Protection:

2.6.1 SF 424:

2.6.2 Personnel Risk Assessment Requirement:

2.6.3 Pre-Existing Plan:

2.6.4 Government Procedures:

2.6.5 S&T Protection Annual Risk Review:

2.7 Other Information:

2.7.1 Government Furnished Property (GFP) / Government Furnished Information (GFI) Availability:

2.7.2 Base Support/ Network Access:

2.7.3 Multiple awards subject to Fair Opportunity:

2.7.4 Data Rights Desired:

3.0 Award Information

3.1 Anticipated funding:

4.0 Cost Sharing or Matching:

4.1 Other:

4.1.1 Foreign Participation:

4.1.2 White Paper Limits:

5.0 White Paper / Proposal and Submission Information

5.1 Overview:

5.2 First Step (White Paper) Instructions:

5.2.2 White Paper Delivery Instructions ........................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

5.3 Second Step (Proposal) Instructions:

6.0 White Paper / Proposal Review Information

7.0 Award Administration Information

7.1 Award Notices:

8.0 Other Information

8.1 Acquisition of Commercial Items:

8.2 Representative List of Clauses

Rapid Advanced Capability Transition (ReACT)

Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA) Closed Call for Proposals

To access hyperlinks from this electronic solicitation – Hit CTRL and click on the link.

1.0 Overview Information

Federal Agency Name Air Force Research Laboratory, Integrated Capabilities Directorate (AFRL/RS)

MAA Number and Title

FA2385-24-S-9701, Rapid Advanced Capability Transition (ReACT)

Applicable MAA Technical Area

Technical Area 2: Integrated Electronic Warfare Technical Area 3: Integrated Networks Technical Area 4: Advanced Emulation for Readiness Technical Area 5: Enabling Technology for Agile Basing and Base Defense Technical Area 7: Integrated Sensing and Sense Making Technical Area 8: Mobility

Solicitation Authority Federal Acquisition Regulation and its Supplements (FAR(S))

Solicitation Number and Title

FA2385-25-S-9761, Automated Air-to-Air Refueling (A3R)

Solicitation Type This is the Initial Solicitation Solicitation Format The 2-Step Closed Call for Proposals

North American Industry Classification System

(NAICS)

The NAICS Code for this effort will be 541715 (Research and Technology in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology), and the small business size standard is 1,000 employees.

Step 1 White Paper Submission Due Date

WHITE PAPER DUE DATE AND TIME: 11 August 2025, 1600 Hours, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH local time. Only white papers are due at this time.

Step 2 Proposal Due Date

PROPOSAL DUE DATE AND TIME: To be provided in the Requests for Proposals sent to offerors that submit White Papers considered to meet the needs of the Air Force.

Anticipated Award Date

February 2026

Estimated Program Cost

Total Program Estimated Cost is $9.8M Base: 18 months $6M Option 1: 12 months $3.8M

Anticipated Number of Awards

The Air Force anticipates awarding 1 award for this solicitation.

However, the Air Force reserves the right to award zero, one, or more contracts for all, some or none of the solicited effort based on the offeror’s ability to perform desired work and funding fluctuations.

Contract/Instrument Types

The Air Force anticipates awarding FAR-based C-type contracts.

However, the Air Force reserves the right to award the instrument best suited to the nature of research proposed, such as any appropriate contract type under the FAR or Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype, grant, cooperative agreement, or OT for Research

Agency Contacts

Program Manager: Madeline Carpenter, AFRL/RST, madeline.carpenter.1@us.af.mil

Contracting Officer: Luke Johnston, AFRL/RSKDA, luke.johnston@us.af.mil

Address general MAA questions to:

AFRL.PZLD.ReACTmaa@us.af.mil

Notice to Offerors

Funds are not presently available for this effort. No award will be made under this solicitation until funds are available. The Government reserves the right to cancel this solicitation either before or after the closing date. In the event the Government cancels this solicitation, the Government has no obligation to reimburse an offeror for any costs.

2.0 Full Text Announcement

2.1 Program Description:

The Air Force Research Laboratory, Integrated Capabilities Directorate, Transformational Capabilities Office (AFRL/RST) is soliciting white papers (and later technical and cost proposals) on the following research effort:

The A3R objectives falls within scope of Topic 6 of the ReACT MAA. The A3R requirement integrally involves autonomous control technologies and manned-unmanned teaming and thus falls withing scope of the ReACT MAA. The call is planned to be issued in accordance with the ReACT MAA terms and conditions. Current automation solutions require an aerial refueling operator to monitor the system. Boom automation developments have primarily focused on a short-range relative navigation system that provides tracking information into the tanker’s boom control unit. The intent for CRONUS boom automation is to develop advanced boom automation technologies that would enable a future boom equipped tanker to be uncrewed. Work areas could include defining models and logic to determine when refueling should proceed and when it should be stopped, extending system reliability so that operator monitoring is not required, analysis techniques to support system certification, and contingency event identification and resolution. A3R will accelerate platform agnostic capabilities and reduce risk for future tanking concepts by demonstrating full boom automation capabilities in a GPS denied environment. A3R acquisition approach aims to eliminate vendor lock scenarios by requiring open architecture and interface standards.

2.2 Statement of Objective/Description of Technical Areas:

Due to the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) nature of the Technical Requirements, vendors MUST have an active Unique Entity ID (UID) and approved DD2345, MILITARILY CRITICAL TECHNICAL DATA AGREEMENT, in order to receive any detailed technical information, including CUI Technical Area Statement of Objectives (SOO) and other attachment.

Requests to obtain the detailed technical information associated with this solicitation, including the full SOO, shall go through the Technical POC listed below. Please include a courtesy copy to the Contracting POC listed below.

Address technical questions to the Technical POC: Madeline Carpenter, AFRL/RST, madeline.carpenter.1@us.af.mil

Address contracting questions to the Contracting POC: Luke Johnston, AFRL/RSKDA, luke.johnston@us.af.mil

2.3 Deliverable Items:

a. Data Items: See Attachment 6, DD-1423, Contract Data Requirements List (CDRLs). Please note: Attachment 6 is a representative list of anticipated CDRLs.

Final required CDRLs will be dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, Contract Type selected.

b. Software: Software will be determined by vendor solutions.

c. Hardware: Sensing and communication hardware; vendor solution will determine.

d. Other: None anticipated.

2.4 Schedule:

a. Overall Period of Performance: Base period: 18 months, Option 1: 12 months, Reporting Period: 3 months.

b. Data Item Delivery: See Attachment 6

c. Software Delivery: See Attachment 6

2.5 Other Requirements:

a. Program Security Classification: CUI to the SECRET level. See Attachment

10, Solicitation DD254. Offerors must verify their Cognizant Security Office information is current with Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) at www.dcsa.mil.

b. Export Control: Information involved in this research effort may be subject to Export Control (International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) 22 CFR 120-130, or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 15 CFR 710-774). A Certified DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, will be required to be submitted with proposal. Only contractors who are registered and certified with the Defense Logistics Agency and have a legitimate business purpose may participate in this solicitation. Contact the U.S./Canada Joint Certification Program Office, Defense Logistics Agency, Logistics Information Services J34, HDI Federal Center, 74 Washington Avenue N., Battle Creek, Michigan 49037- 3084, (1-877-352-2255) or the Joint Certification Program Office (JCO) at JCP- ADMIN@DLA.MIL for further information on the certification process. You must submit a copy of your approved DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, with your proposal, if required by the solicitation.

c. Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS): May apply to FAR-based awards resulting from this Solicitation. See ReACT MAA Industry Guide, Chapter 6 for additional details.

2.6 Science and Technology (S&T) Protection:

In accordance with Air Force Research Laboratory Instruction (AFRLI) 61-113, “Science and Technology (S&T) Protection for the Air Force Research Laboratory”, offerors are required to submit the following as part of their step 2 proposal if requested:

2.6.1 SF 424:

A completed initial Standard Form (SF) 424, Research and Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Form, (Attachment 8) for all Senior/Key Personnel proposed in support of the

AFRLI 61-113

2.6.2 Personnel Risk Assessment Requirement:

Documentation of a Security Program Plan in support of the AFRLI 61-113 Initial Institution S&T Protection Program Review requirement. This must include, at a minimum, a completed Security Program Questionnaire (Attachment 3).

2.6.3 Pre-Existing Plan:

Submittal may also include a pre-existing plan that that the offeror uses as a matter of course or plan developed specifically for this acquisition. The purpose of requesting the plan is to assess the offeror’s capacity for protection of the Government’s S&T. Failure to demonstrate a plan adequate to meet the needs of the requirements, as determined by the

Government in its sole discretion, may be grounds for considering the proposal unawardable.

2.6.4 Government Procedures:

The Government will review the submitted S&T protection documentation only for those proposals categorized as Selectable and selected for funding and negotiations.

The Government may require the offeror to submit additional information and/or a mitigation plan for any identified S&T protection risks. If the Government determines the offeror failed to provide adequate additional information; or an acceptable mitigation plan;

or it is determined the offeror’s S&T protection approach is high risk and does not provide adequate protection of S&T information, the Government may reject the proposal and withdraw it from consideration for award.

2.6.5 S&T Protection Annual Risk Review:

In accordance with Attachment 9 (SOW Supplemental Requirements), the Contractor shall provide an SF 424 with the following information: 1) an initial report of all Senior/Key Personnel at the time of award; 2) an annual report of all Senior/Key Personnel providing support; and 3) a report for any new Senior/Key Personnel who join the contract, agreement, grant, or OT. Any updated SF 424s for new Senior/Key Personnel supporting the award require coordination from the Government prior to the contractor employee receiving access to S&T information. The purpose of this report is oversight and should not be construed as relieving the contractor/recipient of any S&T Protection requirements within the contract, grant, agreement, or OT.

2.7 Other Information:

2.7.1 Government Furnished Property (GFP) / Government Furnished Information

(GFI) Availability:

GFP/GFI may be made available for use during performance of this effort. Some GFI will be provided to potential offerors to aid in technical approach development. This GFI is intended to inform offerors on work that has already been accomplished in the relevant technical areas, and should NOT be construed as an attempt to dictate a specific technical approach.

2.7.2 Base Support/ Network Access:

Network Access Required – DLE Access

2.7.3 Multiple awards subject to Fair Opportunity:

Not anticipated.

2.7.4 Data Rights Desired:

See ReACT MAA Industry Guide, Chapter 3 for additional details. Potential Offerors are advised that Attachment 8, Data Rights Assertion Table will be required to be returned with a full proposal if one is requested. This attachment is provided for informational purposes.

3.0 Award Information

3.1 Anticipated funding:

For the program (not per contract): 3600 Budget Activity 6.3

FY25 FY26 FY27 FY28 Total

RDT&E (3600)

Budget Activity 6.3

$4.5M $3.5M $1.8M $9.8M

This funding profile is an estimate only and not a contractual obligation for funding. All funding is subject to change due to Government discretion and availability. Potential offerors should be aware that due to unanticipated budget fluctuations funding in any or all areas may change with little or no notice.

4.0 Cost Sharing or Matching:

Cost Sharing is not required.

4.1 Other:

4.1.1 Foreign Participation:

Foreign participation is not authorized at the prime contractor level.

4.1.2 White Paper Limits:

There are no limits on the number of white papers an offeror may submit. If an offeror submits multiple white papers, each white paper must provide unique approaches.

5.0 White Paper / Proposal and Submission Information

5.1 Overview:

This Solicitation consists of a Two-Step Process described in detail below. White Papers/Proposals submitted shall be in accordance with the ReACT MAA, the ReACT MAA Industry Guide, and this Solicitation. There will be no other solicitation issued in regard to this requirement. The Government intends to review white papers and then proposals and award some, all, or none of the proposals received without negotiation/discussion; however, the Government reserves the right to negotiate with those offeror(s) whose proposal is selected for funding.

ONLY WHITE PAPERS ARE BEING SOLICITED AT THIS TIME.

Offerors should be alert for any Solicitation amendments that may permit extensions to the white paper submission date.

5.2 First Step (White Paper) Instructions:

See ReACT MAA Industry Guide Chapter 4. Email Luke Johnston and Madeline Carpenter prior to submission to request a DoDSafe link to submit the White Paper.

5.2.1 DEVIATION from ReACT MAA Industry Guide, Chapter 4, Paragraph 5(b)(1):

The White Paper shall be limited to 13 pages, prepared and submitted in Word format. Title page and table of contents do not count towards page limit.

5.3 Second Step (Proposal) Instructions:

See ReACT MAA Industry Guide Chapter 4. Any deviations from the ReACT MAA Industry Guide will be identified in the Request for Proposal (RFP) issued to those offerors who have submitted White Papers identified as further interest to AFRL.

6.0 White Paper / Proposal Review Information

See ReACT MAA Industry Guide Chapter 5.

7.0 Award Administration Information

7.1 Award Notices:

Offerors will be notified whether their proposal is recommended for award on or around 26 November 2025. The notification is not to be construed to mean that any contract or agreement is assured, as availability of funds and successful negotiations are prerequisites to any award.

8.0 Other Information

8.1 Acquisition of Commercial Items:

Based upon market research, the Government is not using the policies contained in Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items, in this solicitation. However, interested offerors may identify to the Contracting Officer their interest and capability to satisfy the Government’s requirement with a commercial item within 15 days of this notice.

8.2 Representative List of Clauses

Attachment 12, Representative List of Provisions and Clauses is provided for informational purposes. Individual Representations and Certifications may be requested as part of an RFP issued to those offerors who submitted White Papers determined to be of further interest to AFRL. The FAR(S) clauses referenced in the attachment may not apply to awards made pursuant to Non-FAR authorities, however those efforts may utilize the attachment as a starting point for negotiation of articles.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Combat Refueling & Operations Networked Universal System (CRONUS) Statement of

Objectives (SOO)

2. A3R KPPs

3. Security Program Questionnaire

4. CRONUS Security Classification Guide

5. AFRL Form 4

6. DD-1423 A3R Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL)

7. CDRL General Instructions for the CRONUS A3R

8. Standard Form (SF) 424, Research and Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Form

9. Statement of Work (SOW) Supplemental Requirements

10. DD 254

11. Data Rights Assertion Table

12. Representative List of Provisions and Clauses