As of 1 Nov 2022

Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (RX) Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA)

Open Period Solicitation Amendment 1 – Highlighted in Red

1.0 Overview Information

Federal Agency Name

Air Force Research Laboratory, AFRL/RX, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate

MAA Number and Title

FA2394-24-R-B003, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (RX) Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA) https://sam.gov/opp/b95ddb585e624e549952112dd61408dd/view

Applicable MAA Technical Area

• Manufacturing and Industrial Technologies

• Composite, Ceramic, Metallic, and Materials Performance

• Integration and Operations

Solicitation Authority

• Federal Acquisition Regulation and its Supplements (FAR(S))

• 10 U.S.C. 4021 - Research projects: Transactions other than contracts & grants (Other Transaction for Research)

• 10 U.S.C. 4022 - Authority of the Department of Defense to carry out certain prototype projects (Other Transaction for Prototype)

• 10 U.S.C 4023 - Procurement for Experimental Purposes

• 32 CFR 22.205 – Grants and Cooperative Agreement

Solicitation Number and Title

Endless Forge

Solicitation Type This is a two-step Open Period Solicitation

Solicitation Format

This Open Period Solicitation is being issued under MAA FA2394-24- R-B003. Offerors must refer to FA2394-24-R-B003 and any MAA Amendments, which must be read in conjunction with this Open Period Solicitation, FA2394-26-R-B003, and any of these Open Period Amendments.

Step 1 White Paper Submission Due Date

WHITE PAPER DUE DATE AND TIME: This solicitation is open and effective until 19 February 2028. White Papers will be considered if received anytime prior to 1400 EST on 19 February 2028. Only white papers are due at this time.

Method: The Air Force requests that electronic proposals be submitted to:

Contracting Specialist: Marina Papayanki, AFR/RXKMM, marina.papayanki@us.af.mil

*Please follow up with confirmation that your proposal has been sent to:

Contracting Officer: Travis Caudill, AFRL/RXKM, Travis.Caudill@us.af.mil https://sam.gov/opp/b95ddb585e624e549952112dd61408dd/view mailto:marina.papayanki@us.af.mil mailto:Travis.Caudill@us.af.mil

Program Manager: Maj Justin Carl, AFRL/RST justin.carl@us.af.mil

The Government anticipates conducting an initial virtual industry day in late March.

Endless Forge Industry Day (virtual)

Date: March 26, 2026 @ 11:00 am-12:30 pm ET Register here: Endless Forge Industry Day (Virtual) Tickets, Thursday, Mar 26 from 11 am to 12:30 pm EDT | Eventbrite

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 Award dates will vary. White papers will be accepted for review through 19 February 2028

Estimated Program Cost

Total Program Estimated Cost is $149 Million with multiple awards anticipated.

Anticipated Number of Awards

The Air Force anticipates awarding multiple awards for this announcement. However, the Air Force reserves the right to award zero, one, or more contracts, grants, cooperative agreements or Other Transactions (OT)s 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 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 OT for Prototype, grant, cooperative agreement, or OT for Research.

It is anticipated that the awards under this Open Period Solicitation will be OT for Prototype and Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) type contracts. Cost reimbursement contracts require successful offerors to have an accounting system considered to be adequate for tracking costs applicable to the contract.

Agency Contacts

Program Engineer: Maj Justin Carl,AFRL/RST justin.carl@us.af.mil

Contracting Officer: Travis M. Caudill, AFRL/RXKM, travis.caudill@us.af.mil

Contracting Specialist: Marina Papayanki, AFR/RXKMM, marina.papayanki@us.af.mil

Communication Between Prospective Offerors and Government Representatives:

In addition to the industry day, dialogue between prospective offerors and Government representatives is encouraged until submission of proposals. Discussions with any of the mailto:justin.carl@us.af.mil https://www.eventbrite.com/e/endless-forge-industry-day-virtual-tickets-1984481851639?aff=oddtdtcreator https://www.eventbrite.com/e/endless-forge-industry-day-virtual-tickets-1984481851639?aff=oddtdtcreator mailto:justin.carl@us.af.mil mailto:travis.caudill@us.af.mil mailto:marina.papayanki@us.af.mil points of contact shall not constitute a commitment by the Government to subsequently fund or award any proposed effort. Only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to commit the Government.

All pertinent questions and answers will be posted to SAM.gov under this Open Period Solicitation as Questions and Answers (Q&As).

2.0 Full Text Announcement

2.1 Program Description:

See Attachment 1 for Areas of Interest (AOI).

2.2 Areas of Interest/Description of Technical Areas:

The Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, is soliciting white papers on the following research effort: See Attachment 1. This research effort falls under the following technical areas identified in the MAA: Manufacturing and Industrial Technologies;

Composite, Ceramic, Metallic, and Materials Performance; and Integration and Operations.

2.3 Deliverable Items:

The deliverables under this contract shall include the following:

i. Data Items: Contract Data Requirements List (CDRLs) (DD Form1423-1) for FAR based awards or similar reports for OTs. See Attachment 13

ii. Software: Software deliverables to be determined (TBD) based on proposal, if applicable.

iii. Hardware: Hardware deliverables to be determined (TBD) based on proposal, if applicable

iv. Other: Other deliverables to be determined (TBD) based on proposal, if applicable

2.4 Schedule:

i. Period of Performance (PoP): It is anticipated the PoP will be Approximately 36 months per award (33 months for technical performance and 3 months for reporting period).

2.5 Other Requirements:

a. Program Security Classification: AOI 02 may require up to a TOP SECRET facility security clearance, TOP SECRET safeguarding capability, and access to SCI. Classification guidance will be incorporated in the DD Form 254. Offerors must verify their Cognizant Security Office information is current with Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) at www.dcsa.mil

b. TEMPEST requirements. Not Applicable.

c. Export Control: Information involved in this research is subject to Export Control (International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) 22 CFR 120-131, and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 15 CFR 710-774). A certified DD Form 2345, Military Critical Technical Data Agreement, shall be required with proposal submission.

d. Export-Controlled Items: As prescribed by DFARS 225.7901-4, DFARS 252.225-

7048, “Export-Controlled Item (JUN 2013)” is contained in this Open Period Solicitation. This clause shall be contained in all resulting contracts.

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

https://sam.gov/opp/b95ddb585e624e549952112dd61408dd/view

2.6 Science and Technology (S&T) Protection:

See Attachment 7: Security Risk Review – AFRLI 61-113. However, the Government may require the offeror to submit additional information &/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 & does not provide adequate protection of S&T information, the Government may reject the proposal & withdraw it from consideration for award.

2.7 Other Information:

2.7.1 Government Furnished Property (GFP) Availability:

GFP is not anticipated to be made available under any resulting contract, grant, or agreement, but a determination regarding GFP will be made for each award if requested or determined required. All GFP items will be returned to the government upon contract completion.

2.7.2 Base Support/ Network Access:

Base Support is not anticipated.

2.7.3 Multiple awards subject to Fair Opportunity:

not anticipated.

2.7.4 Data Rights Desired:

(1) Other Than Commercial Technical Data: Unlimited Rights

(2) Other Than Commercial Computer Software: Unlimited Rights

(3) Other Than Commercial Software Documentation: Unlimited Rights

(4) Commercial Computer Software: Customary Commercial License consistent with Federal statutes and regulations

*See, RX MAA Industry Guide paragraph 3, for more information on desired data rights. https://sam.gov/opp/b95ddb585e624e549952112dd61408dd/view

3.0 Award Information

3.1 Anticipated Award Date: Award dates will vary. White papers will be accepted for review through 19 February 2028

3.2 Anticipated funding:

1. Anticipated Funding: The 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.

2. Notice to Offeror(s)/Supplier(s); 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, 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.

Listed in K’s FY 26 FY 27 FY 28 FY 29 FY 30 Total $M

Total Amount $3.5M $30M $50M $50M $15.5M $149M

4.0 Eligibility Offeror:

This is an unrestricted Open Period Solicitation. Small businesses are encouraged to propose.

4.1 Cost Sharing or Matching:

Cost Sharing is not required.

4.2 Other:

4.2.1 Foreign Participation:

Foreign participation is not authorized at the prime contractor level. Notice to Foreign- Owned Firms: Such firms are asked to immediately notify the Contracting Officer before deciding to respond to this announcement. Foreign contractors should be aware that restrictions might apply which could preclude their participation in this acquisition.

This acquisition involves data that is subject to export control laws and regulations. Only contractors who are registered and certified with the Defense Logistics Agency and have a legitimate business purpose may participate in this Open Period 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. (1-800-352-3572) 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.

5.0 White Paper / Proposal and Submission Information:

See RX MAA Industry Guide Chapter 4. The White Paper shall be limited to 5 pages.

Please note for the White Paper submittal process, AFRL/RXM will provide a classified appendix for AOI 2 demonstration objectives only. The process to request the classified appendix is delineated below.

Please note, all classified appendix requests must go through the Technical POC listed below. And shall be requested no later than (NLT) 19 November 2027

Any potential offeror questions relating to the information provided within the classified appendix, shall be submitted to the Technical POC listed below, NLT 19 December 2027 through the method at which the vendor received their classified appendix. NO CLASSIFIED QUESTIONS SHALL BE SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL. Upon receipt of any questions, AFRL/RXM will provide responses through the same mailto:JCP-Helpdesk@dla.mil delivery method. Due to the nature of classified information, no questions and answers will be posted on SAM.gov

Instructions to request Classified Appendix:

Requests shall be submitted via email to Technical POCs listed below: Please note email requests are preferred Maj Justin Carl, justin.carl@us.af.mil Potential bidders shall include the following information in their email request. If any information is missing, AFRL/RXM will be unable to provide the classified appendix.

a. Contractor Cage code.

b. Contractor POC who can receive classified material.

c. Classified Mailing Address.

Upon receipt of the classified appendix, vendors shall return the signed AF310 to the following mailing address or email address within 14 business days of receipt.

Mailing Address:

Attn: AFRL/RX 2977 Hobson Way Wright Patterson AFB OH 45433 Email: justin.carl@us.af.mil

If you have any questions relating to the Classified Appendix request process only, please contact the Technical POC listed above. Additionally, please include a courtesy copy to the Contracting POCs listed within the Solicitation.

REMINDER: VENDORS SHALL NOT SUBMIT ANY CLASSIFIED NATURED QUESTIONS

TO THE TECHINCAL AND/OR CONTRACTUAL POCS VIA EMAIL.

6.0 White Paper / Proposal Review Information:

See RX MAA Industry Guide Chapter 5.

7.0 Award Administration Information:

7.1 Reporting:

See Paragraph 2.3 Deliverable Items.

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 mailto:justin.carl@us.af.mil mailto:justin.carl@us.af.mil

ATTACHMENTS

1. Areas of Interest

2. Draft SOW Supplemental Requirements

3. AFRL American National Standards Institute (ANSI) / National Information Standards

Organization (NISO)-Based Guide to Formatting Technical Reports

4. Report Documentation Page, SF 298

5. DRAFT Contract CLINs and Clauses

6. Draft OT Articles

7. Security Risk Review – AFRLI 61-113

8. SF 424 – Research and Related Senior and Key Person

9. Worksheet – Research and Related Senior and Key Person

10. Security Program Questionnaire

11. Privacy Act Statement

12. Representations and Certifications

13. Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL), DD Form 1423-1