Attachment_5_-_SOO.pdf

Attachment 5

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

Bioeffects Research of Directed Energy Exposures

Statement of Objective

1. Background, Scope, Goals, Objectives, and Needs.

a. Background.

The research of directed energy bioeffects m enables the US Air Force, one of the largest developers and users of radio frequency (RF) and high power microwave (HPM) emitting devices in the world, which has been at the forefront of research on the biological effects of RF/HPM radiation for more than 30 years. The use of Directed Energy (DE) extends to military and commercial applications. While the targeted customers for this effort are primarily concerned with the use and application of RF/HPM radiation technologies, the joint services and others like the Department of Homeland Security along with commercial customers will likely benefit from the research conducted and discoveries made under this program.

Specifically, the Radio Frequency Bioeffects Branch (711 HPW/RHDR), part of the Bioeffects Division (711 HPW/RHD), is tasked to protect Air Force personnel from RF/HPM radiation hazards, while minimizing negative operational impact. This will be conducted as part of an extensive research program in the bioeffects and dosimetry of RF/HPM and particle beam (PB) radiation. Research results will be transitioned and transferred to national and international health and safety standards, which will be used by the Air Force Surgeon General for Occupational Health and Environmental Safety, as well as for data to support the rapid development and deployment of DE technologies. The advent of HPM and ultra-wide band for directed energy weapons (DEW) make this effort supporting 711 HPW/RHDR’s products and services ever more essential to national security.

b. Goals.

The goal of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and this program is to provide the USAF with the world's best RF/HPM/PB radiation bioeffects research, model-driven science-based exposure standards and, applied knowledge allowing maximum safe exploitation of DE for the national defense. Using joint-service cooperation, this program will help bring broad expertise, advocacy, and involvement in RF/HPM technologies.

c. Scope.

The Contractor shall conduct research on Directed Energy (DE) systems to assist in transitioning DoD technologies. Research efforts shall include the following technical areas: Biological Sciences; RF Directed Energy Bioeffects Applications; and RF/HPM Modeling, Simulation, & Analysis. Radio Frequency radiation technologies are ever increasing in use and power by the USAF and DoD. To address risks to airmen, the contractor shall expand methods to: minimize injury; establish occupational safety standards and tactics; define specifications for countermeasures;

enhance safety; develop procedures for injury assessment; conduct research to determine appropriate technologies for non-lethal weapons (NLW) and scalable effects weapons (SEW) applications. The Contractor shall advance the state of the art in modeling, simulation, and analysis tools to include: the development of safety analysis tools capable of predicting DE hazards, use and further refine computational physics models that integrate existing thermodynamics and electrodynamics methods to investigate the propagation and interaction of DE to predict exposure thresholds, and develop models of behavioral response to DE systems in relevant software architectures.

d. Objectives.

This program includes conducting research to identify the benefits, risks, and capabilities for a wide range of military RF/HPM/PB radiation systems. This includes prediction and mitigation of the bio-effects of DE on personnel and mission performance and exploitation of the bio-effects of DE for DEW applications. One major element will be developing an understating of the probability of injury from RF exposures. This includes studies investigating all levels of injury throughout the body, to include internal organs. This program will encompass three technology areas: Biological Sciences, RF Directed Energy Bioeffects Applications, and RF/HPM Modeling and Simulation. The technology areas will be integrated with each other. To accomplish research objectives, individual projects are defined and funded at the start of each fiscal year or as world events dictate. On average 1-2 large scale projects that can span 12-24 or more months and 6-8 smaller projects that span 6-12 months in addition to 5-7 modeling and simulation efforts. Several of these modeling efforts are continuous spiral development projects.

i. Biological Science: The biological sciences conduct proteomic, genomic, and metabolomic studies that identify critical biochemical or molecular changes following exposure to DE prior to or during mission operations that assists in the prediction of health degradation. The goal is to investigate basic mechanism(s) of interactions between biology and RF/PB radiation; and to uncover previously unknown bioeffects of RF exposure that may provide a defensive or offensive capability to the Air Force. Conduct and design laboratory and field research and testing of the bioeffects of RF and DEW systems hardware and software Research Descriptions.

(1) Genomics. Analysis of cellular deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), gene expression, and epigenetic regulation.

(a) Extraction and purification of cellular ribonucleic acid (RNA).

(b) Quantitation of total RNA by spectrophotometry.

(c) Quality control of total RNA by denaturing agarose gel electrophoresis.

(d) Analysis of data from gene expression arrays (Affymetrix).

(e) Evaluation of protein functions in signal transduction pathways.

(f) Quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction

(Roche, ABI), data analysis, and statistics.

(2) Proteomics. Analysis of protein profiles, levels, and modifications.

(a) Protein/peptide purification by high performance liquid chromatography (Waters).

(b) Extraction and purification of proteins from cell lysates.

(c) Quantitation of proteins by colorimetric assay and spectrophotometry.

(d) One-dimensional (1D) analysis of proteins by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE).

(i) Two-dimensional (2D) analysis of proteins by PAGE.

(ii) Immunoblot following 1D- or 2D-PAGE.

(iii) Staining of PAGE gels (fluorescent dye, silver stain) and scanning.

(iv) Computer-assisted quantitative comparison of 2D gels.

(v) Peptide preparation of protein extracts for mass spectrometry.

(vi) Mass spectrometry using protein separation by capillary column, nanospray (NSI)- or matrix assisted laser desorption (MALDI) ionization methods, and time-of-flight (TOF) mass analysis.

(vii) Computer-assisted mass spectrometric data analysis.

(3) Metabolomics. Analysis of small molecule metabolites.

(a) Analysis of metabolomic byproducts as indication of activity in cells

(4) Immunology. Analysis of immune cell functions, cytokine expression, innate and adaptive responses, cellular and humoral immunity.

(a) Immune cell culture and activation.

(b) Immune cell proteomics.

(c) Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

(d) Fluorescent immunoassays.

(5) Cell culture. In vitro culturing of mammalian cells.

(a) Culturing of immune cells, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes.

(b) Cryo-preservation of cells.

(c) In situ assays for apoptosis, cell proliferation, and vital staining.

(d) Cellular transfection/genomic modification of cell cultures

(6) Animal subject research. Laboratory animal models are used for bioeffects research. Virtually all tissue types, body fluids, and breath are analyzed. All animal research is performed under approved protocols in accordance with federal and institutional requirements and is supervised by the veterinary science branch.

(a) Short-term husbandry, dietary planning and care.

(b) Experimental handling, including anesthesia and microwave exposure.

(c) Biopsy/necropsy, sample collection and preservation from all tissue types.

(d) Maintaining a breeding colony for transgenic rodent species

(7) Human subject research. Bioeffects are also determined with human research subjects. This type of research is performed under approved protocols in strict accordance with federal, military, and institutional requirements.

(a) Saliva collection by anonymous donation (designated "Exempt From

Review" by the Institutional Review Board).

(b) Saliva proteomics and small molecule analysis.

(c) Blood biomarker analysis

(d) Sweat Analysis

(e) Body-worn biometrics/wearables

(8) Pathology. In collaboration with the veterinary science branch, the biological effects of microwave exposure are studied microscopically at the cellular and tissue levels.

(a) Histology with tissue sectioning and staining.

(b) Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence with tissue sections.

(c) Quantitative scoring of histological phenotypes.

(9) Bioinformatics. Overlapping with efforts in genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, molecular bioeffects researchers also use bioinformatic methods.

(a) Computer-based data management.

(b) Sample statistics and probability testing.

(c) Analysis of Affymetrix gene chip data.

(d) Predictive modeling of cellular signal transduction, assessment of impact of bioeffects on body systems, and associating molecular function with physiological response and disease.

(e) Microwave exposure, biological modeling and simulations. At present, the prediction of biological effects of directed energy applications is limited by the relatively macroscopic nature of models. Recent advances in micro-dosimetry and the capacity to apply genomic and proteomic methods to single cell entities, now permit the development of more sophisticated model systems.

(f) Analysis of infrared and conventional thermometry data.

(g) Efforts to model microwave exposure at the tissue, cellular, and sub-cellular levels.

(10) Microscopy

(a) Use of fluorescent microscopy system

(b) Use of confocal fluorescent and nonlinear optical microscopy system

(c) Use of conventional microscopy system with cells and tissues

(d) Using TIRF microscope for imaging molecular response to RF

(e) Using custom-engineered microscopy systems at the molecular to tissue levels.

(11) Electrophysiology

(a) Application of fundamental cellular electrophysiology during RF exposures

(b) Analysis of ion channel activity during RF exposure

(c) Analysis of electrophysiological data obtained via patch clamp

(d) Tissue and organ level electrophysiology

(12) Animal Imaging

(a) IVIS imaging of small animal response to RF via luciferase and fluorescent imaging techniques

(b) MRI imaging of animal subjects

(c) CT scanning of animal subjects

(13) Behavioral analysis of animal physiological response to RF Experimental Dosimetry

(a) Advanced measurement of thermal and acoustic sources

(b) In Vivo measurement of heat/acoustic deposition

(c) Animal behavioral testing

(d) In vivo cell level dosimetry of RF exposures

ii. RF Directed Energy Bioeffects Applications: Conduct biological effects research to enable the development and deployment of future DE weapons and other emerging technologies that could be beneficial to the Air Force and the warfighter. To accomplish this goal, it is essential to discover and explore new technologies or new potential capabilities. Data obtained will be used to develop models and simulation tools. The research will also provide data to aid in the development of tactics, training, and procedures for the safe and optimal use of DE weapons. Research will provide data that evaluates and supports the DE system effectiveness, its policy acceptability, and optimal use. The research leads to a better understanding of the bioeffects of DE applications, as well as methods to counter the bioeffects produced by these technologies. This research is intended to characterize behavioral and physiological responses of individuals in response to high average power and high peak power directed energy systems.

Research Descriptions.

This effort shall accomplish various research studies, which includes:

developing test plans and protocols, conducting tests, performing data collection and analysis, writing reports and research papers, developing integrated databases and developing models; procuring subjects to participate in human research studies; and providing materials, equipment, and supplies to operate, modify, maintain, and develop specialized research capabilities. In addition, provide substantial value to the Air Force and scientific community by evaluating bioeffects of DE exposure. It is important to address the physical and cognitive health and safety concerns of DE systems. Data obtained from RF/HPM radiation bioeffects research is designed in this technical area to support national and international health and safety standards.

Tasks shall include, but not be limited to the following:

(1) Research Experimentation

(a) Perform laboratory and field testing on the bioeffects of DE systems;

conduct technology demonstrations, training, and evaluations of DE systems; provide scientific and technical expertise, directly related to research being conducted.

(b) Develop and execute human use and animal research protocols required to investigate the biological research efforts to study the effects of DE systems. At the conclusion of the experiments, perform appropriate statistical analyses of the results and prepare a report suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

(c) The Contractor shall design experiments that shall maximize the potential to extrapolate results and data from animal subjects to humans.

(d) The contractor shall develop test plans and experiments to expand the knowledge of bioeffects specific to this frequency and pulse width domain.

(e) Conduct research that increase the RF science community’s understanding of fundamental processes involved in RF exposure environments, including biological systems such as: cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, neurological, gastrointestinal, and endocrine.

(f) Support the research by developing and using RFR dosimetry, including mathematical models of animals and man, tissue dielectric values, and numerical methods (e.g., finite difference time domain)

(g) Perform laboratory research, using cells, isolated tissue preparations, and whole animals, and humans (e.g., use these preparations or subjects to determine rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscles, with release of substances into the circulation), acidosis, other blood changes such as hyperkalermia, and cardiac arrhythmias) and use appropriate histological methods to estimate the degree of damage.

(2) Health and Safety

(a) Integrate disciplines of physics, electronics, neuroscience, behavioral science, physiology, toxicology, and pharmacology to obtain findings.

Transition findings to support health and safety standards.

(b) Conduct research relating to standardization activity in the Transmitted Electromagnetic Radiation Protection Working Group (TERP). Standard procedures should ensure environmental safety and occupational health.

(c) Interface with Federal, DoD, national and international organizations;

participate in non-governmental standards organizations; coordinate standards interpretations and technical aspects of radio frequency activities supporting personnel health and safety; provide research to assist in preparing DoD draft positions on standards.

(d) Analyze bioeffects of direct-contact systems. Effects of rapid-rise-time, short-duration, high-voltage, low-current impulses on biochemical or physiological responses should be studied, as well as the efficacy and safety of devices.

(3) Measurements and execution

(a) Investigate state-of the-art high power microwave source for use in extending current RF bioeffects research capabilities.

(b) At the request of and close coordination with the government, develop test plans in compliance with Air Force policies to enable execution of demonstrations, training, and evaluation of DE weapons research being conducted.

(c) Provide screening, scheduling, and training of subjects in support of DE research. Provide opportunity for persons to serve as research subjects in various simulations and laboratory experiments.

(d) The Contractor shall operate and maintain numerous RF/HPM systems and support equipment that cover a wide range of frequencies from DC thru THz necessary for research applications.

(e) Perform routine scheduled maintenance of the research systems and ancillary equipment. Also, maintain and calibrate associated instrumentation/equipment; and provide hardware and software modifications and upgrades to meet research objectives and goals.

(f) The contractor shall design, operate, and troubleshoot RF dosimetry systems. This includes but not limited to development of passive dosimetry of thermal and secondary effects (thermoelastic) of RF exposure require passive sensing mechanisms capable of withstanding high power RF insults.

(g) The contractor shall design and construct custom test fixtures, apparatuses, or experimental setup that are non-interfering for use in RF fields.

(h) Perform electrical characteristic measurements (i.e. dielectric constants) on tissues and materials to provide data that will enhance models developed within the RF/HPW Modeling and Simulation research area.

iii. RF/HPM Modeling and Simulation: Conduct mathematical, statistical, and theoretical analyses necessary for the development of modeling and simulation products. These models will lead to capabilities that include predictive and decision-making software that allow futuristic views of the bioeffects from exposure to RF/HPM radiation.

Develop multi-physics and multi-resolution models of the biological effects of high average power (HAP) and high peak power (HPP) RF energy. These approaches should include, but are not limited to, molecular dynamics models, thermo-elastic expansion effect models, models of RF induced mechanical stress, and thermoregulatory response models. The spatial scale may range from the molecular and cellular levels, up to the tissue and whole organism levels.

Develop algorithms and models that predict the biological effects of exposure to RF/HPM energy. The development and execution of modeling and simulation of electrical current, DE weapons, and radar and communication effects aids in the understanding of effects on and within biological systems.

Create software that implements these models for use in guiding in-house research and for supporting safety reviews and establishing exposure guidelines for DE systems. Utilize models to estimate bioeffect thresholds for RF/HPM energy, and to study the trade-space of system effectiveness versus biological response or effect.

This Modeling and Simulation of RF Bioeffects effort shall develop models to predict the biological response of tissue to DE exposure, create software that implements these models, and utilize these models and software to estimate bioeffects.

Research Description.

Perform the following tasks related to the development and use of M&S approaches to predict the biological responses to DE exposure:

(1) Develop algorithms and models that predict the dosimetry within tissues, organs, or whole organisms resulting from exposure to RF, microwave, millimeter wave and terahertz energy. These algorithms and models may include analytical, heuristic, statistical or numerical approaches for predicting the amount and location of electromagnetic absorption within biological media.

(2) Develop models to predict the thermal response of tissue resulting from exposure to RF, microwave, millimeter wave and terahertz energy.

(3) Develop models to estimate the thermally induced bioeffects thresholds from exposure to RF, microwave, millimeter wave and terahertz energy.

(4) Develop and implement within software both numerical and analytical solutions to the Bio-Heat Equation. Where appropriate, couple these solutions to models of adverse thermal effect (e.g. Rate-process damage models).

(5) Utilize M&S software to investigate the appropriateness of existing RF exposure standards, and to recommend suitable threshold levels for military engagements.

(6) Create real-time distillations of numerical modeling approaches for integration within DoD/AF/AFRL engagement- and mission-level simulation packages.

(7) Stay apprised of branch and peer-reviewed research on the bioeffects of High Peak Power (HPP) electromagnetic exposures. For HPP exposures that lead to biological effects, the contractor shall develop predictive models of these bioeffects.

(8) Develop models to predict the energy levels vs. range for DE systems, and to compare these energy levels against RF exposure guidelines and bioeffect thresholds.

(9) Develop algorithms and models that predict the biological effects of novel DE exposure scenarios as such DE systems and capabilities are created.

(10) Develop research software that implements dosimetry, thermal response, propagation characteristics and bioeffects models to support branch projects and goals. This software shall be developed using C/C++ programming language, or a similar software language as deemed appropriate by the government M&S technical lead. Where necessary, the contractor shall extend the research software for use on a computer cluster using parallel processing approaches or for use on a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) using either CUDA or OpenCL GPU language.

(11) Develop Graphical User Interface (GUI) based transition level software for the purpose of DE system analysis and mission decision support. The software shall be cross-platform compatible for both Windows and Linux computers.

(12) Support for the procurement, setup and maintenance of dedicated High Performance Computing (HPC) hardware.

(13) Provide validation studies for the developed modeling tools. These studies might include comparisons against RHDR laboratory research data, comparisons against peer-reviewed publications, or comparisons against other modeling and simulation approaches.

iv. Research Planning. To pursue relevant research objectives within mission requirements, the contractor shall designate a lead scientist to act as the intellectual center. The subtask leader shall coordinate and perform research within a specific subtask and work with a subset of team members having the appropriate expertise.

(1) Prior to the initiation of research, the subtask leader shall develop and deliver a subtask outline.

(2) The subtask outline shall exhibit the following structure, which essentially follows that of a scientific publication:

(a) Introduction - Literature review, rationale, and hypothesis.

(b) Materials and methods - A description of the major procedures and requirements.

(c) Results - The number and scope of experiments and anticipated outcomes.

(d) Discussion - Meaning and context of expected results.

(e) Bibliography - References for publications relevant for subtask research.

(f) Estimated manpower involvement and costs.

(g) Estimated material costs.

(h) Estimated schedule of performance.

v. Experimentation. To obtain the highest quality of data from research, each scientist is expected to do the following:

(1) Develop/adapt protocols from published sources, manufacturer brochures, and laboratory manuals.

(2) Approach pilot studies and large experiments with the same attention to detail, to assure that the experimental outcome, while not being predictable, will nevertheless be fully traceable to specific starting materials and a reproducible method of investigation.

(3) Perform experiments in a consistent manner, including appropriate controls and independent repetitions of assays to obtain statistically significant insights.

(4) Follow science documentation procedures as specified by government managers.

vi. Research Communications. Scientists involved at any level in molecular bioeffects research are expected to:

(1) Prepare abstracts, posters, platform talks for and present at scientific conferences.

(2) Prepare Technical Reports according to Air Force Science and Technology Information Office (STINFO) requirements, documenting laboratory-specific research methods, procedures, or protocols.

(3) Publishing experimental results is an integral part of scientific investigation.

The results and conclusions of each subtask-specific research will be published within the period of subtask performance. All team members are expected to contribute their expertise and partake in the preparation of manuscripts; subtask leaders shall:

(4) Coordinate the synthesis of collected accomplishments, results, insights, and assessments of subtask research as framework for a manuscript.

(5) Prepare Technical Reports according to STINFO requirements to document the completion of subtask research in case classified data is involved.

(6) Prepare manuscripts for peer-review and publication according to the Instructions for Authors of an appropriate scientific journal, documenting the completion of a subtask which contains unclassified data.

(7) Coordinate drafting/revising and complete editing of reports/manuscripts within the IRT until they are ready for submission to STINFO or a scientific journal.

vii. Program Administration. The contractor shall be responsible for scheduling activities and milestones, describing resource status, outlining contractor activity and progress toward accomplishing objectives and making recommendations to research objectives, and program planning based on the research results, describing in detail the overall results of the effort, and documenting results in technical papers.

2. Requirements and Other Information.

a. Human Use Research Protocols; Development and Approval:

The Contractor shall prepare research protocols for all human use experiments.

These protocols shall be prepared well in advance of need to allow time for approval by the Air Force Institutional Review Board (IRB). The use of human subjects in Air Force-funded research is subject to rigorous standards and regulations. All such work shall be conducted in accordance with the directives and instructions listed below.

i. Department of Defense, Title 32, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 219 (32 CFR

219),”Protection of Human Subjects” July 2004;

ii. DHHS Regulations, Title 45, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 46 (45 CFR 46)

“Protection of Human Subjects,” October 2004;

iii. DoD Directive 3216.2, “Protection of Human Subjects and Adherence to Ethical

Standards in DoD Supported Research,” 25 March 2002;

iv. Air Force Instruction 40-402, “Protection of Human Subjects in Biomedical and

Behavioral Research, (Sep 2000);” and (v) AFRL Instruction 40-402, “Using Human Subjects in Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation” (Feb 1999).

v. AFRL Instruction 40-402, “Using Human Subjects in Research, Development, Test and Evaluation” (Feb 1999).

Human testing shall not commence until approval from the Air Force IRB has been obtained.

b. Animal Use Research Protocols; Development and Approval:

The Contractor shall prepare research protocols for all animal use experiments.

These protocols shall be prepared well in advance of need to allow time for approval by the Air Force the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The use of animal subjects in Air Force-funded research is subject to rigorous standards and regulations. The contractor shall comply, as appropriate, in accordance with the directives and instructions listed below.

i. PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (10/00);

ii. Federal Animal Welfare Act. Public Law 89-544, 1966 as amended, and it’s implementing regulations;

iii. Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. National Research Council, published by the Academy Press, revised 1996, or succeeding editions;

iv. DoD Directive 3216.1, Use of Laboratory Animals in DoD Programs, dated 17

April 1995;

v. AFJI 40-401, dated June 84, The Use of Animals in DoD Programs;

vi. AFR 169-2, Use of Animals in DoD Programs, and AFRL Sup 1, dated 1 June

1984;

vii. Branch Operating Instruction 61-29, Herpes B-virus (Herpes simian) Guidelines.

Moreover, the contractor shall maintain records associated with animal subjects research as required by the approved protocol.

Animal testing shall not commence until approval from the Air Force Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee has been obtained.

c. Standards: The Contractor shall contribute to the development of safety standards as a participant in national and international technical working groups. The work shall include the development of safety analysis and measurement procedures. Safety standard documents shall be reviewed for accuracy. Example analyses shall be developed for inclusion in standards. Peer-reviewed papers summarizing new methods and research findings shall be authored for publication in support of new safety standard issues. The Contractor shall also contribute to RF safety training and lecture activities through the procurement and development of training materials such as safety standards and briefings.

d. Training: The contractor shall ensure all employees complete Environmental Health and Safety and Security training; as well as other special training to include Hazardous Materials controls, Laser Safety training, Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) training, CITI training for Protection of Human Subjects, and Export Control training.

e. Security: All Contractor personnel shall wear appropriate badges while in Government facilities to identify themselves as Contractors and provide name, company affiliation, and security clearance.

f. Associate Contractor Agreements:

i. The Contractor shall enter into Associate Contractor Agreements (ACA) for any portion of the contract requiring joint participation in the accomplishment of the Government’s requirement. The agreements shall include the basis for sharing information, data, technical knowledge, expertise, and/or resources essential to the integration of the Radio Frequency Bioeffects and Safety, which shall ensure the greatest degree of cooperation for the development of the program to meet the terms of the contract.

ii. ACAs shall include the following general information:

(1) Identify the associate contractors and their relationships.

(2) Identify the program involved and the relevant Government contracts of the associate contractors.

(3) Describe the associate contractor interfaces by general subject matter.

(4) Specify the categories of information to be exchanged or support to be provided.

(5) Include the expiration date (or event) of the ACA.

(6) Identify potential conflicts between relevant Government contracts and the

ACA; include agreements on protection of proprietary data and restrictions on employees.

iii. A copy of such agreement shall be provided to the Contracting Officer for review before execution of the document by the cooperating contractors.

iv. The Contractor is not relieved of any contract requirements or entitled to any adjustments to the contract terms because of a failure to resolve a disagreement with an associate contractor.

v. Liability for the improper disclosure of any proprietary data contained in or referenced by any agreement shall rest with the parties to the agreement, and not the Government.

g. Operations Security (OPSEC)

i. The Contractor shall provide OPSEC protection for all sensitive/critical information as defined by AFI 10-701 (Operations Security), the 711 HPW OPSEC Plan, and critical information list. The Contractor shall participate in the 711 HPW sustained OPSEC awareness training or include OPSEC training as part of their on-going security program. The 711 HPW OPSEC Coordinator will evaluate the OPSEC posture of the AF contract activities and operations.