BAA_FA8651-22-S-0001_Amendment 6 _March2025.pdf

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA)

FA8651-22-S-0001

FEDERAL AGENCY NAME:

Air Force Research Laboratory, Munitions Directorate 101 W. Eglin Blvd Eglin AFB, FL 32542-6810

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA) TITLE: Air Delivered Effects

BAA NUMBER: FA8651-22-S-0001

Updated as of 13 March 2025 (Changes – Updated POC under RA #1, incorporated Security Review information & updated Section K)

BAA TYPE: Initial Announcement

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE (CFDA) NUMBER(S): 12.800 Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program

WHITE PAPER DUE DATE AND TIME: This BAA will remain open 5 years from the BAA posting date or until amended or superseded. It may be reissued and/or amended periodically, as needed. This BAA is set up in two parts: (1) Basic Open BAA, in which white papers may be submitted at any time during the open period, and (2) Call BAA, in which white paper/proposal Call announcements may be issued by the Government in beta.sam.gov and grants.gov under FA8651-22-S-0001. This BAA is intended to cover Basic Research (6.1), Applied Research (6.2), and Advanced Technology Development (6.3). For these white papers, it is recommended prior to submission, each submitter consult with the technical Point of Contract (POC) to discuss the topic of interest. The two parts of this BAA are explained in greater detail in separate sections below. White papers may be submitted at any time during the open period to afrl.rwk.baaworkflow@us.af.mil in accordance with the instructions described further below.

TWO-STEP OPEN BAA: OTHER THAN WHITE PAPERS, NO PROPOSALS SHALL BE

SUBMITTED AGAINST THIS OPEN BAA. A request for proposal (RFP) will be issued by the Contracting Officer (CO) if white paper is favorably evaluated against the criteria. Due dates and times will be specified in each RFP issued by the CO in accordance with the instructions for proposals in response to white papers provided in this document. There will be no other announcement issued for this requirement. Offerors should monitor the Contract Opportunities websites https://sam.gov/content/home and https://www.grants.gov/ in the event this announcement is amended. Oral proposals may be requested on a case-by-case basis. It is anticipated that the cumulative amount for awards issued under this BAA will not exceed $750,000,000.

TWO-STEP BAA WITH CALLS: Periodically over the period of this BAA, proposal Call announcements (Calls) may be issued in sam.gov under FA8651-22-S-0001 to request white paper/proposals for specific research areas. Proposals in response to the Calls will be accepted as specified in the individual Calls and evaluated in accordance with the instructions further mailto:afrl.rwk.baaworkflow@us.af.mil https://sam.gov/content/home https://www.grants.gov/ below. Offerors should monitor the Contract Opportunities website at https://sam.gov/content/home and https://www.grants.gov/ in the event this announcement is amended or Calls are issued.

I. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

a. This is a BAA of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Munitions Directorate (AFRL/RW) under the provisions of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) paragraph 6.102(d)(2), which provides for competitive selection of research proposals. Proposals submitted in response to the BAA that are selected for award are the results of full and open competition and in full compliance with the provisions of PL 98-369, the Competition in Contracting Act of 1984. This acquisition is unrestricted. Small businesses are encouraged to propose on all or any part of this solicitation. The NAICS Code for this acquisition is 541715, Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology), and the small business size standard is 1,000 employees. For purposes of this announcement, research is defined to be scientific study and experimentation directed at increasing knowledge and understanding in relation to long term national security needs. It is an enhancement to related exploratory and advanced development programs. A program should be designed to demonstrate well-defined and substantive research results, should not be overly ambitious or open-ended, and should not be a paper study that inherently requires a substantial testing effort. Any significant testing is unlikely; however, there is a possibility of experimental testing to support battle lab experiments proposed under this BAA. Programs to support Team Eglin Technology Demonstration Programs may also be considered under this BAA.

b. AFRL/RW awards to educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and private industry for research in Air Delivered Effects. This BAA is intended to cover, in general nature, all research areas of interest under this Directorate. Offerors contemplating a submission to AFRL/RW are strongly encouraged to contact the AFRL/RW technical POC for the research area to ascertain the extent of interest AFRL/RW may have in a specific research project.

c. AFRL/RW is the primary Department of the Air Force (DAF) organization concerned with conventional munitions technology development. AFRL/RW plans and executes research, development, and test of conventional munitions, and supports conventional munitions Weapons Program Offices. There are three product divisions within the Munitions Directorate that conduct research and development (R&D). They are the Technology Integration Division (RWI), Strategy Division (RWS), and Science and Technology Division (RWT).

2. DELIVERABLE ITEMS:

https://sam.gov/content/home https://www.grants.gov/

a. Data Items are to be determined for each individual award. However, at a minimum the following reports are anticipated to be required:

1) Final Report

2) Funds and Man-hour Reports (Cost contracts only)

3) Status Reports: Reports are anticipated to be required monthly for Contracts and quarterly for Assistance Instruments

4) Hardware: Deliverables to be determined based on each award

5) Other: Interim Reports and Presentation Materials

3. OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

a. The announcement incorporates FAR and supplemental provisions and clauses by references. For Contracts, the full text of provisional and clauses can be found at https://www.acquisition.gov/. For Grants and Agreements, the full text articles can be found at dod-research-and-development-rd-general-terms-and-conditions-september-2023 (navy.mil).

b. This effort may require a SECRET facility clearance and SECRET safeguarding capability. Offerors must verify their Cognizant Security Office information is current with Defense Security Service (DSS) at https://www.dcsa.mil/.

c. Export Control: Information involved in this research effort may be subject to Export

Control (International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) 22 CFR 120-131, or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 15 CFR 710-774). If an effort is subject to export control, then certified DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, will be required to be submitted with the proposal.

d. Export Controlled Items: As prescribed by DFARS 225-7901-4, DFARS 252.225-

7048, Export-Controlled Item (JUNE 2013) shall be contained in all resulting contracts.

4. OTHER INFORMATION:

a. Base Support/Network Access: If a contractor determines use of available base support to be in their best interest, it must be included as such in the proposal. Use of available base support will not be assumed during technical evaluation unless proposed.

b. In accordance with AFRL/CC Policy on Employment of Non-US Citizen Contractors dated 4 October 2016, Contractor employees requiring access to USAF bases, AFRL facilities, and/or access to U.S. Government Information Technology networks in https://www.acquisition.gov/ https://www.nre.navy.mil/media/document/dod-research-and-development-rd-general-terms-and-conditions-september-2023 https://www.nre.navy.mil/media/document/dod-research-and-development-rd-general-terms-and-conditions-september-2023 https://www.dcsa.mil/ connection with the work on this BAA must be U.S. Citizens. Possession of a permanent resident card (“Green Card”) does not equate to U.S. Citizenship. This requirement does not apply to foreign nationals approved by the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. State Department under international personnel exchange agreements with foreign governments. Any waivers to this requirement will be granted in writing by the CO prior to providing access. The above requirements are in addition to any other contract requirements related to obtaining a Common Access Card (CAC).

c. Multiple awards subject to Fair Opportunity are not anticipated.

d. Human subjects may be used in the research studies under this effort. DFARS 252.235-7004, Protection of Human Subjects (Jul 2009), will be included in all contracts awarded under this BAA.

e. Data Rights Desired:

1) Technical Data: Unlimited Rights

2) Non-Commercial Software (NCS): Unlimited Rights

3) NCS Documentation: Unlimited Rights

4) Commercial Computer Software Rights: Customary License

f. The Air Force Research Laboratory is engaged in the discovery, development, and integration of warfighting technologies for our air, space, and cyberspace forces. As such, rights in technical data and NCS developed or delivered under this contract are of significant concern to the Government. The Government will therefore carefully consider any restrictions on the use of technical data, NCS, and NCS documentation which could result in transition difficulty or less-than full and open competition for subsequent development of this technology. In exchange for paying for development of the data, the Government expects technical data, NCS, and NCS documentation developed entirely at Government expense to be delivered with Unlimited Rights.

g. Technical data, NCS, and NCS documentation developed with mixed funding are expected to be delivered with at least Government Purpose Rights. Offers that propose delivery of technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation subject to Government Purpose Rights should fully explain how the data were developed at private expense. Specifically, offers must explain what technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation developed with costs charged to indirect cost pools and/or costs not allocated to a government contract will be incorporated, how the incorporation will benefit the program, and whether those portions or processes are segregable.

h. Offers that propose delivery of technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation subject to Limited Rights, Restricted Rights, or Specifically Negotiated License Rights will be considered. Proposals should fully explain what technical data, NCS, or NCS documentation developed with costs charged to indirect cost pools and/or costs not allocated to a government contract will be incorporated and how the incorporation will benefit the program and whether those portions or processes are segregable.

i. Offerors SHALL provide data rights/software assertions, as part of their proposal submittal, as required by DFARS 252.227-7017, Identification and Assertion of Use, Release, or Disclosure Restrictions (Jan 2023). Assertions must be completed with specificity. Each assertion must identify both the data/software, and each such item, component, or process listed. Nonconforming assertions will be rejected and will require resubmittal.

j. Terms used in this section are defined in the clauses at DFARS 252.227-7013, Rights in Technical Data–Noncommercial Items (Feb 2014) and 252.227-7014, Rights in Noncommercial Computer Software and Noncommercial Computer Software Documentation (Feb 2014).

k. IAW 252.204-7019, Notice of NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Requirements and as prescribed in 204.7304(d), offerors are required to implement the NIST SP 800-171r2 to have a current (not older than three years) NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment on record and assessment score no less than 110. If the score is less than 110, the Contracting Officer will request and review the contractor’s plan to be considered for award. Offerors are required to post any applicable current assessment in Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) https://www.sprs.csd.disa.mil

l. IAW 252.204-7024, Notice on the Use of the Supplier Performance Risk System.

The Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) available at https://piee.eb.mil/ , will be used in the evaluation of the Offeror’s performance. This includes item, price, quality, delivery and contractor information.

5. THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE (COMMERCIAL AND NONCOMMERICAL):

a. DFARS 252.227-7014(d) describes requirements for incorporation of third-party computer software. Any third-party software (commercial or noncommercial) to be incorporated into a deliverable must be clearly identified in the proposal. Prior to delivery of any third-party software, the contractor will obtain an appropriate license for the Government, and the written approval of the CO.

b. Any third-party software to be delivered to the Government that is not reasonably identifiable at proposal submission, must still be approved by the CO prior to incorporation into a system deliverable. This obligation to obtain pre-approval by the CO, as described above, continues throughout contract administration.

c. The Government will neither accept nor execute a DD Form 250 for the software deliverables until the Contractor obtains from all third-party software suppliers and/or vendors (Licensor) licenses that comply with the following terms and https://www.sprs.csd.disa.mil/ https://piee.eb.mil/ conditions for the Government (Licensee):

1) The license shall not subject the Government to liability that is indefinite, such as an indemnification clause, as it would constitute an obligation in advance or more than an appropriation and violate the Anti-Deficiency Act.

2) The license shall not create a contingent liability for the Government. This includes but is not limited to unilateral price increases, automatic assessment of charges, and automatic renewal of the license.

3) The license shall be governed by Federal Statutes, Case Law, and Federal

Regulations, and shall not be subject to the laws or jurisdiction of any municipality, state, or foreign country.

4) The license shall not include non-substitution language that would preclude or limit the Government from using another vendor/reseller and/or product to fulfill Government requirements.

5) The license shall not comment an entitlement to attorney fees.

6) The Licensor shall not have the authority to unilaterally terminate the license. All remedies available shall be consistent with the Disputes Clause in the contract.

7) The Licensor shall not have the right to enter the premise or monitor the networks of Licensee for the purpose of auditing the use of the license.

8) The Licensor shall not use any injunctive relief clauses as the Licensor cannot prevent the Licensee from performing mission operations.

9) The Licensor shall not have the authority to control any litigation between a third party and Licensee.

10) The Licensor shall not use the fact that the Licensee is using the Licensor's products in any notification to the public (e.g., no publicity rights permitted).

d. The Contractor may be required to obtain licenses that comply with the following terms and conditions, based on the Government’s needs:

1) The license shall not disclaim all warranties through use of an “as is” provision.

2) The license shall neither restrict the Government from using the product at various sites nor limit use of the product by various Government agencies or third parties performing work on behalf of the Department of the Air Force under this Air Delivered Effects BAA. In performance of contracts resulting from this Air Delivered Effects BAA, Government personnel as well as

Government contractors may use the software.

3) The license shall not limit the Government’s use of the software at other Government and Government contractor sites.

4) The license shall not require automatic updates or give Licensor the authority to unilaterally replace the software.

5) The Licensee shall not be restricted from copying or embedding elements of accessible code into other applications (e.g., nesting code, derivative works).

6) The Contractor may obtain agreement from the Licensor to insert the clause below to its respective software licenses intended to be transferred to the Government:

“In the event that any of the provisions of the [Software License] are determined to be inconsistent with Federal law and/or do not otherwise satisfy the Government's needs, the parties to the [Software License] hereby agree that such provisions shall be null and void as they pertain to the Government. Specifically, the following sections are hereby deleted from the [Software License] [and/or amended as indicated below]:

If the Licensor will not agree to the terms and conditions cited herein and/or as contained in DFARS 227.72, the Contractor shall retain the current license on behalf of and for the benefit of the US Government if permissible under its license and such use will not subject the Government to the terms of the license.”

7) The Contractor shall provide documentation to clearly correlate or map software license(s) to:

i. Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs);

ii. Contract Deliverables per the Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL);

iii. Paragraphs in the Statement of Work (SOW) and Statement of Objectives

(SOO)

iv. Portions of any functional block diagrams and/or system architecture diagrams, so that it can be readily determined where certain commercial software corresponding to certain software license agreement(s) are physically located on the system to be delivered under the contract.

II. MUNITIONS DIRECTORATE DIVISIONS

TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION DIVISION (RWI)

The Technology Integration Division (RWI) leads the Munitions Directorate’s (RW) advanced technology development (6.3) and digital transformation activities. RWI integrates advanced components from applied research initiatives and executes high-visibility ground and flight test demonstrations to rapidly transition next-generation technologies to programs of record and fielded warfighter capabilities. RWI has three branches. The Air Dominance Branch (RWIA) develops, integrates, demonstrates, and transitions air dominance weapons technologies across the counter-air, networked, collaborative, autonomous, and electromagnetic domains. The Digital Materiel Management Branch (RWID) develops, integrates, demonstrates, and transitions software tools and advanced architectures to drive model-based systems engineering, automate agile business processes, and institutionalize open standards. The Global Strike Branch (RWIG) develops, integrates, demonstrates, and transitions global strike weapons technologies across the counter-land and counter-maritime domains.

STRATEGY DIVISION (RWS)

The Strategy Division (RWS) is responsible for obtaining information and developing strategic methodologies to guide RW in near, mid, and long-term activities to meet mission needs. This includes: 1) Strategic Planning which develops capability and investment plans to meet warfighter needs, 2) Partnerships to collaborate with customers and partners to develop sound business practices and opportunities, & 3) Modeling, Simulation, & Analysis of weapon concepts to build military utility for future investments.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DIVISION (RWT)

The Science and Technology Division (RWT) directs and conducts basic, exploratory and advanced research and development of fuzes, warheads, energetic materials, guidance/navigation/controls (GNC), autonomy, seeker sciences, weapon cyber defense, AI & decision making, and weapon algorithm development. In addition, RWT conducts computational assessment for air-launched munitions for use with a full array of launch platforms including fighter, bomber, and remotely piloted aircraft. RWT consist of the Computation Engineering Sciences Branch (RWTC), Autonomy, Navigation & Control Branch (RWTA), Seekers Branch (RWTS), Energetic Materials Branch (RWTE) and Ordnance Branch (RWTO). RWTC creates, develops and optimizes computational models and simulations, weapon algorithms, cyber defense approaches and nature inspired systems. RWTA leads the development and integration of advanced aerodynamics modeling & simulation, artificial intelligence and decision-making, multi-agent teaming, and navigation technology across the Munitions Directorate. RWTS researches, develops, demonstrates, and transitions weapon seeker science and technology for precision guided munitions. RWTE discovers, develops, integrates, and transitions energetic materials technology that maximizes weapon lethality, survivability, and safety for air-delivered munitions. In addition, RWTE operates the High Explosives Research & Development (HERD) facility which is responsible for the development of energetic materials from concept formulation through pilot plant production for transition into existing or future inventory weapon systems. RWTO is responsible for research and development of technologies to enable revolutionary fuzing and warhead capabilities for current and future weapon systems. RWTO discovers, develops, demonstrates, and transitions ordnance science and technology that maximizes air-delivered munitions effectiveness.

III. RESEARCH AREAS

1. RESEARCH AREA 1 - WEAPON AIRFRAME SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY

RESEARCH (RWTAA)

Advances in weapon airframe system technologies are required to take advantage of emerging developments in weapon guidance, navigation, and control systems, networked communication systems, and precision effect ordnance and fuzing systems. The goal of this work is to perform research on technologies for development of agile weapon airframes that are capable of being deployed or dispensed from unmanned and manned platforms (e.g., 5th/6th-generation) and which can deliver precision-controlled effects against fixed and mobile ground targets and air targets in highly contested engagement scenarios (i.e., Anti-Access/Area Denial). Enabling technologies in the following research areas are of interest: agile weapon airframes for high-speed flight regimes (e.g., air-launched unitary subsonic to supersonic guided weapons, air-launched supersonic to low hypersonic air-intercept, and long-range hypersonic strike weapons);

high-agility airframes capable of aggressive flight maneuvers for terminal target intercept;

compressed carriage munitions and release mechanisms; robust, low-cost, compact control and actuation systems (aero and propulsive) for weapons; flight control systems; compact power for weapons; and weapon design, carriage, and dispensing technology. Proposed research should have a sound basis in credible theories, principles, and methodologies of dynamical systems, aerodynamics, structural dynamics, machine learning, material sciences, propulsion, thermodynamics, aeroelasticity, aerothermoelasticity, and aeromechanics. Efforts should also exploit advances in other weapon subsystem technologies (e.g., advanced sensors and seekers, guidance and control algorithms, networked enabled weapons and information architectures, controlled effects ordnance, divert and attitude control systems, flexible or morphing bodies), be amenable to further development through sound principles of systems engineering, and offer the potential for significantly improving affordable weapon aerial systems capabilities, effectiveness and manufacturability. In the context of this research area, innovative and novel concepts based upon emerging science and technology are encouraged; incremental evolutionary capability of existing technologies are of low interest.

Technical POC: Dr. Tom Mason

AFRL/RWTAA

(850) 883-2567 thomas.mason.17@us.af.mil

2. RESEARCH AREA 2 - BIOPRINCIPIC SYSTEMS (SENSORS, PROCESSING,

CONTROL, AND MATERIALS) (RWTCA)

Flying insects and smart munitions often need to perform similar tasks that require sensing, processing, and control. However, biological systems tend to be much more robust and have significantly lower size, weight, and power (SWaP) than their engineered counterparts. In fact, flying insects are existence proofs of goal-oriented, autonomous agents that can detect, identify, and intercept targets while avoiding threats in uncertain and highly dynamic environments.

Researchers at the Munitions Directorate are determined to understand the principles underlying the abilities of relevant biological organisms (not just flying insects) and apply those principles to future engineered systems to improve performance, lower SWaP, and achieve trusted autonomy in man-made systems. We refer to such systems as bioprincipic and we believe this approach may lead to revolutionary concepts and capabilities for future Air Force systems. The Government wants to use what is understood about natural sensors, processing, and materials to inform designs of small and affordable autonomous munitions. Sensors of interest include multi-spectral and polarimetric electro-optical / infrared (EO/IR) imaging sensors, mechanosensors of various types and applications (including acoustic sensors), magnetosensors, and chemosensors.

Often biological systems use multiple sensing modalities and efficiently combine the sensor outputs to achieve robust behavior in dynamic environments. Furthermore, an integrated sensor design includes not only the hardware component, but the "software" or "algorithm" that does the information processing. Similarly, biological systems often have unique, multi-functional materials that could inspire new approaches to engineered materials. The Department of Defense is interested in sparse sensing, neuromorphic/spiking architectures, and analog and hybrid processing techniques when they show speed and accuracy advantages over pure digital processing. Proposed concepts should support the mission of the Munitions Directorate.

Technical POC: Martin (Ric) Wehling

AFRL/RWTCA

(850) 883-1880 martin.wehling@us.af.mil

Alternate POC: Kristen (Erin) Landmann

AFRL/RWTCA

(850) 882-4603 kristen.landmann@us.af.mil

3. RESEARCH AREA 3 - AUTONOMOUS TARGET RECOGNITION (RWTCA)

RWTCA is interested in investigating all aspects of Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) / Autonomous Target Acquisition (ATA) / Aided Target Recognition (AiTR) / Autonomous Target Reacquisition (ATR) technology as it applies to seekers for conventional guided weapons.

Interests range from basic signal and image processing foundations through tower and flight test of advanced, real-time ATR/host signal processor implementations. Technical approaches in the areas of pattern recognition, computer vision, deep learning, machine learning, autonomous systems, and cooperative systems as they apply to weapon seekers are of interest.

The following technologies and research areas are of particular interest:

1) Artificial Intelligence (AI) /Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL) and/or traditional algorithms for weapon seeker target acquisition or re-acquisition.

mailto:Martin.wehling@us.af.mil mailto:Kristen.landmann@us.af.mil

2) Investigations and analyses of AI/ML/DL and/or traditional algorithms leading to a better fundamental understanding of their operation and limitations; especially with respect to ATR/ATA/AiTR/ATR applications.

3) Approaches for real-time / on-line training or adaptation of AI/ML/DL and/or traditional algorithms.

4) Approaches for training AI/ML/DL or traditional algorithms with synthetic target data that result in good target recognition performance when using real target data (e.g. synthetic to real domain adaptation).

5) Approaches for cooperative/collaborative ATR using multiple lower-cost networked weapon seekers.

6) Approaches for the compact representation of target appearance information.

7) Approaches for automatic/autonomous handoff of target cue information from intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) or fire control sensors to weapon seekers to improve the ability of the weapon seeker to acquire or re-acquire the target selected by the ISR or fire control system.

8) Methods or tools for the assessment, evaluation, or prediction of ATR performance.

9) Methods or tools for the assessment, evaluation, and analysis of data representations across sensor modalities.

10) Methods or tools for predicting the signature of a target in one sensor domain given its signature in a different sensor domain (e.g., view with synthetic aperture radar [SAR] sensor and predict signature in IR or vice versa).

11) Approaches to use/incorporate scene context (provided by an ISR or fire control system) for target re-acquisition by a weapon seeker.

12) Technologies, research, or approaches that integrate weapon, ISR, and/or fire control subsystems to provide greater overall kill effectiveness, shorter overall kill timelines, lower overall costs, reduced operator burden, and/or greater system autonomy. Topics in this area may be pursued in partnership with other AFRL Technology Directorates (e.g., Sensors Directorate).

13) Software and/or hardware approaches that more fully automate the data ground truthing process and provide approximate pixel-level target/background labeling of data sets. The process could be implemented as part of the data collection process or as a post-collection process. Objective here is to automate /mechanize data labeling to the maximum extent possible during the data collection process.

14) Algorithms, or integrated software and hardware approaches that develop or demonstrate improved performance of target detection, classification, or identification algorithms provided by cooperative, collaborative, networked, and/or swarming weapons.

15) Measurements of material properties relevant for use by signature prediction codes in the infrared spectrum (e.g., using DIRSIG) or Ku/Ka frequency bands (e.g., using Xpatch) for more accurate prediction of target signatures in this spectrum / at these frequencies. Additionally, target models (for ingestion by signature prediction codes) that contain model components with accurately typed material properties for more accurate prediction of target signatures.

16) Alternative low-power architectures and associated representations (neuromorphic, quantum, etc..) for target detection, recognition, and tracking.

Technical POC: Dr. David Gray

AFRL/RWTCA

(850) 883-0849 Fax: (850) 882-3344 david.gray.20@us.af.mil

4. RESEARCH AREA 4 - HARDWARE-IN-THE-LOOP SIMULATION

TECHNOLOGIES (RWTSH)

RWTSH is interested in developing advanced capabilities related to hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and digital simulation of guided weapon designs. RWTSH exercises closed-loop HIL simulations to verify weapon performance, with particular emphasis on guidance, navigation, and control during terminal homing. As weapon sensors and other subsystems advance, test technologies required to replicate sensor and communication feedback as if in a real mission can be challenging. The ability to provide the weapon seeker with targeting or navigation information, including countermeasures, is an area of ongoing research. Weapon seekers tested typically include visible, imaging infrared, RF, and/or LADAR seeker subsystems. Recent areas of interest include HIL simulation of collaborative weapons, multi-mode and multi-function sensors, alternate navigation concepts, and high-speed weapon environmental effects models. Emphasis for simulation technology research is on advancement and improvement of scene projection and injection technologies, real-time target scene modeling techniques, target phenomenology models, simulation architectures, RF target simulators, run-time lethality assessment and high bandwidth motion simulators. In general, innovative solutions that enhance the fidelity and accuracy of HIL simulation and allow for more efficient performance verification for advanced munitions are of interest.

Technical POC: Dr. Tony Thompson

AFRL/RWTSH

(850) 883-0867 Fax: (850) 882-4128 mailto:david.gray.20@us.af.mil rhoe.thompson@us.af.mil

5. RESEARCH AREA 5 - ADVANCED SCENE GENERATION (RWTSH)

Integral to the development of advanced munitions programs is the capability at AFRL/RW to perform high-fidelity, simulation-based testing of munitions, components, and systems. The current capability to generate synthetic imagery for high-fidelity hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) and Autonomous Target Recognition (ATR) algorithm testing is based on a toolbox of independent Government and industry tools for predicting threat characteristics, environmental effects, and munitions hardware and software performance. The evolution in complexity and capability of modern weapons systems, however, is leading to demands for higher fidelity and performance from test simulations. In addition, the integrated nature of the modern battlefield requires test simulations to encompass not only the weapon itself, but also a variety of other systems. New scene generation (SG) techniques are needed in the areas of characterization of Department of the Air Force (DAF) threats, urban environments, chemical/biological effects, coupling and integration of scene generation software, multiple sensor views, and advanced computing techniques. These SG improvements must be designed to streamline the process for evaluating guided munitions concepts from initial design to final implementation, lowering development costs and shortening time from drawing board to battlefield. The improved testing realism will provide confidence that the munitions will perform as expected under a much wider variety of combat conditions than previously possible.

Technical POC: Mr. Robert Watson

AFRL/RWTSH

(850) 883-1926 Fax: (850) 882-4128 robert.watson.50@us.af.mil

6. RESEARCH AREA 6 - EO/IR/LADAR/SAL SYSTEM RESEARCH (RWTSE)

RWTSE has an interest in developing the components and systems necessary for imaging and non-imaging electro-optic, infrared, LADAR, and semi-active laser systems. These include, but are not limited to, optical sources, detectors and their readout integrated circuits, beam pointing/scanning and wide-field-of-view/multi-aperture techniques, detection schemes, and discrimination, ranging, and acquisition systems. Interests range from complete systems and devices to basic materials and components operating in subsonic through hypersonic regimes.

These include the following:

• Optical sources: Optical sources of various wavelengths from the visible to the long wavelength infrared (< 12 microns) are desired.

• Detector systems: Single element and array detectors sensitive in the visible to the long wavelength infrared range are desired. Rapid rise times (approaching a nanosecond) are desired, as is operability without cryogenic cooling.

mailto:rhoe.thompson@us.af.mil mailto:robert.watson.50@us.af.mil

• Beam pointing and beam scanning systems: Systems that can rapidly steer a laser beam as well as the field of view of the detector are desired. Systems capable of search/track modes and variable fields of view are also desired.

• Detection schemes: Various incoherent and coherent detection schemes are of interest.

• Discrimination, ranging, and acquisition systems: Systems that can discriminate the signal from the background environment, condition the signal, and store the data are required. These systems should be able to resolve time differences as small as or smaller than a nanosecond, dynamically adjust the gain of any amplification stages, allow variable timing/ranging techniques, and/or minimize range uncertainty.

Technical POC: Mr. James Savage

AFRL/RWTSE

(850) 882-4250 Fax: (850) 882-4260 james.savage.2@us.af.mil

7. RESEARCH AREA 7 - NAVIGATION AND ESTIMATION TECHNOLOGY

(RWTAN)

RWTAN seeks innovative solutions to ensure resilient Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) capabilities for single and networked weapon systems, particularly in GPS-denied or degraded environments. We are interested in GPS-resilient technologies such as anti-jamming techniques, miniaturized GPS and RF antenna technologies, and methods for identifying and localizing jamming/spoofing sources. Additionally, we seek advancements in alternative PNT (alt-PNT) using passive and active sensing suitable for various operational conditions while balancing performance, size, weight, power, and cost. Solutions should align with a modular, open architecture framework, allowing the Air Force to tailor PNT systems by leveraging technologies from multiple providers. We also encourage submissions addressing advanced navigation and estimation techniques, including more fundamental work in data fusion, optimization, data pre-processing, guidance/control algorithms for improved accuracy, and the use of AI/ML to aid navigation systems.

Technical POC: Dr. Kevin Brink

AFRL/RWTAN

(850) 882-4600 kevin.brink@us.af.mil mailto:james.savage.2@us.af.mil mailto:kevin.brink@us.af.mil

8. RESEARCH AREA 8 - MODELING, SIMULATION, & ANALYSIS (MS&A) OF

ADVANCED WEAPON CONCEPTS (RWSAE)

The goal of this work is to develop/modify and employ models used to analyze advanced weapon concepts and their related concepts of employment to highlight technologies worthy of consideration for investment. The objective is to apply, modify and/or combine engineering, engagement (one-on-one), mission (few-on-few), systems-of-systems, wargaming, and campaign (many-on-many, military worth), level modeling techniques, tools, and analysis methods as well as virtual and constructive digital simulation which lend themselves to the quick and effective evaluation of advanced weapon concepts. Concepts include, but are not limited to, intercommunicative weapons, multiple targeting, LRKC enabled weapons, and time-critical delivery. Detailed modeling includes, but is not limited to, sensors, aerodynamics, autopilots, navigation and guidance schemes, propulsion, datalinks, error filters, target state estimators, environments (wind, fog, and dust), vulnerability, and threats. The application of optimization and surrogate modeling techniques, to include machine learning, to these modeling areas is of interest. Scenario development and visualization at each level of MS&A is also sought. Research into new simulation toolsets and architectures designed for this purpose will also be considered.

Additionally, MS&A of environmental factors that influence a weapon’s performance can be considered. This can include, but not be limited to, urban environments, Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) environments, and supporting infrastructure environments. Existing tools of interest include, but are not limited to, AFSIM, STORM, Command PE and other software which integrates with these tools. Capability in other toolsets, e.g. ESAMS, RADGUNS, EADSIM, etc., may also be of interest. White papers and proposals should be designed to demonstrate substantive knowledge in any or all the specific areas of MS&A. Some or all the work performed under this BAA Research Area will be performed on-site (i.e., at the Government facility).

Personal/facility security clearances at the Secret level or higher may also be required.

Technical POCs:

Dr. Christopher Jarvis

AFRL/RWSAE

(850) 883-2323 christopher.jarvis.3@us.af.mil

Mr. Rusty Coleman

AFRL/RWSAE

(850) 883-2333 Rusty.coleman.1@us.af.mil mailto:christopher.jarvis.3@us.af.mil mailto:Rusty.coleman.1@us.af.mil

9. RESEARCH AREA 9 - LETHALITY, VULNERABILITY, AND SURVIVABILITY

(RWSAL and RWTCS)

The Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate has the mission to assess the performance and effectiveness of conventional inventory and conceptual weapon systems, both kinetic energy and directed energy, lethal and non-lethal, against a myriad of potential targets. The objective of this effort is to support AFRL/RW in assessing inventory and concept weapons against existing and developing targets. This work is broken out into three areas: 1) Target Vulnerability and Weapon Effectiveness, 2) Computational Mechanics, and 3) Novel Test Instrumentation and Techniques.

1) Target Vulnerability and Weapon Effectiveness: The goal of this work is to collect data, conduct research, develop/modify and employ responsive modeling tools, target models, and processes as part of AFRL's R&D efforts. These efforts will identify potential vulnerabilities in targets and their subcomponents for conventional or concept weapons to exploit. They will also enable understanding and predictive capability for the effectiveness of inventory, developmental, and conceptual munitions when deployed against targets and critical components. Targets of interest can include but are not limited to maritime (above and below water level), mobile, fixed (above and below ground), hard and deeply buried, chem-bio, and air-to-air. This research will allow development of new techniques or enhancement of existing techniques to measure and compare weapon effectiveness, collateral damage, and potential collateral hazards. Research will include improvements in our ability to predict and measure component vulnerability and functional defeat allowing assessment of weapon effects that degrade a target's ability to perform its intended functions without necessarily destroying it. It could also include research and modeling of new or conceptual damage mechanisms. Development of new target and associated functional models as well as advanced methodologies to capture the physics of structural response to conventional weapon effects would improve our abilities to assess current and conceptual weapons and ways to exploit high-interest targets or newly discovered vulnerabilities. Research to enhance or develop methodologies to account for the target-critical equipment/components, and their interconnections, and associated failure logic and failure modes could be required. Mathematical methods related to statistics and stochastic modeling, as related to lethality and vulnerability modeling are of interest.

Tools of interest for this section include, but are not limited to ASAP, MLAT, AJEM, ARM, BLASTX, BRL-CAD, Endgame Framework, FastCD, FASTGEN, FATEPEN, IMEA, JWS, CUSP, ORCA, PENCURV, PDAM, STMG, VALUE, WEAPS, and WinBLAST. In addition to improving any existing toolset, new methods for integrating high-fidelity computational mechanics codes into existing lethality frameworks and toolsets are an area of emerging interest. Simulation frameworks of interest are Endgame. We are also interested in coupling various lethality codes into digital engineering architectures, and with other codes and models.

2) Computational Mechanics: The performance assessment and development of advanced conventional weapon systems requires the capabilities to model complex weapon/target interaction phenomena and to predict environments produced by impacting, penetrating, and detonating warheads. This includes warheads for anti-maritime (above and below water line), weapons for ground targets, and air-to-air warheads. The emphasis of this effort is the development and validation of first principles continuum mechanics codes (finite- element, finite difference) yielding high-fidelity weapon and target simulations. Areas of particular interest include penetration mechanics, high-strain-rate fracture dynamics and constitutive modeling, modeling the shock survivability of fuze electronic components, predictive models for the change in material properties due to thermal cycling (energetics and electronics), fragmentation, mesoscale modeling (metals and energetics), the use of molecular dynamics and computational chemistry to guide the development of more accurate continuum scale and meso-scale material models for reactive (energetics, reactive metals) and non-reactive materials, localized shear band formation, high-pressure/high-strain-rate modeling of geologic and geologically derived materials, modeling of reacting droplet and particulate flows, equation of state and constitutive models for chemical and biological agents, numerical modeling of neutralization mechanisms for biological and chemical agents, hydrodynamic ram, atomization and aerosolization of chemical and biological agents, direct numerical simulation of detonations, coupled detonation physics and multi-phase flow, turbulent flows, accurate and efficient boundary interface treatments, the ability to span several orders of magnitude in spatial and temporal length scales, and advanced numerical methods. In addition, statistical and stochastic, machine learning, and deep learning methods to generate special-purpose, fast-running models from large-scale datasets produced with computational mechanics codes is an emerging need. To meet emerging needs in digital engineering and digital twins, we are interested in approaches using Physically Inspired Neural Networks (PINNs) or similar approaches to developing machine learning surrogates of our weapon design and analysis codes. These codes typically perform numerical solutions of systems of partial differential equations with complex material models for material response. We are also interested in coupling various high-resolution codes into digital engineering architectures, and with other codes and models.

3) Novel Test Instrumentation and Techniques: The goal of this area is to research and develop new test instrumentation or equipment, and/or techniques for gathering and analyzing test data in order to: 1) gather data with respect to new damage mechanisms and/or novel effects, and 2) reduce the cost and/or manpower needed to collect weapon effects data using existing methods.

Technical POC: Dr. Kirk Vanden

AFRL/RWTC

(850) 883-2658 Kirk.vanden@us.af.mil mailto:Kirk.vanden@us.af.mil

10. RESEARCH AREA 10 - WARHEAD RESEARCH (RWTOD)

Technologies and concepts are sought for effective, robust and affordable warhead and ordnance components in the areas of air and space defense to include counter-maritime, counter-air, networked, collaborative autonomous (NCA), airbase defense, combined effects (including non-kinetic effectors), air dominance missiles, high speed weapon and long-range strike weapons, ordnance of modular architecture weapons and swarming weapons. More specific, near-term challenges provide the call for research interests are in the advanced manufacturing of warhead materials and structures, shock response and equation of state for case materials; research into relevant target materials, fracture and fragmentation; penetration/perforation mechanics; and improving the suite of diagnostics to best extract the high-rate and violent environments of these ordnance systems. Innovative technologies for multi-functional materials are sought as well. There is interest in unique, innovative and high-performance payoff technologies that integrate the ordnance package in accordance with the larger system or engagement scenario. Also desired are highly agile and end-game responsive adaptation of the ordnance package; tailorable or synergistic output that ensures optimal energy use and coupling to target; selectable effects that maximize the use of system data and capabilities. Warhead and end-game effector technologies are sought for low-cost but effective Air Dominance missiles as well as future self-defense missile capability.

Traditional and non-traditional concepts are sought to maximize the loadout and effectiveness of 5th-6th Generation aircraft.

Technical POC: Mr. George Jolly

AFRL/RWTO

(850) 883-0587 Fax: (850) 883-1380 george.jolly.1@us.af.mil

11. RESEARCH AREA 11 - FUZE RESEARCH (RWTO)

RWTO develops, demonstrates, and transitions technologies that have application to fuzes for air-delivered weapons, including, but not limited to, guided and unguided bombs, missiles, and submunitions. Fuzes must reliably remain in a safe mode until the appropriate post-deployment environments (such as freefall) are sensed; the fuze must then arm the weapon and, upon receiving a signal from a target detection device (TDD), initiate the explosive fill (or other damage mechanism). RWTO thus seeks proposals for innovative technologies that can be integrated into the design or testing of air-delivered weapon fuzes. Safe and Arm and initiation systems must comply with MIL-STD-1316F

RWTO is particularly interested in fuzes (including submunition fuzes) and related component or material technologies that are capable of surviving the repetitive, multi-axis shock environment experienced by a fuze during penetration of a hardened target and functioning the warhead.

Materials that mitigate all or some portions of the shock spectrum are also of interest. Unique inertial detection devices or non-inertial detection devices are of interest. However, current test technologies do not fully duplicate the multi-axial fuze environment in terms of duration, repetitive high-acceleration loading, and other aspects of the mechanical loading profile. This necessitates extremely expensive sled tests for fuze research, testing, qualification, and mailto:nydeia.bolden-frazier@us.af.mil performance evaluation. Therefore, there is interest in laboratory and field test techniques and equipment to duplicate these repetitive, multi-axial shocks.

Additional penetration fuzing-specific research tasks of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

1) Develop a jam-resistant, greater than 250 kilobits/second shock-hardened, wireless data link for two-way communication with a fuze during a weapon's deep underground penetration event;

2) Develop a hardened, passive, unpowered, tri-axial device that irreversibly and measurably changes some physical configuration or property without relaxation/hysteresis to record the peak acceleration as a back-up data point for tests when a hardened fuze data recorder fails;

3) Develop a low-cost (<$100), shock-hardened accelerometer;

4) Develop non-inertial techniques and appropriate devices for detecting voids and layers during hard target penetration; and

5) Develop miniature, shock hardened transmitter and antenna to burst stored digital data upon command to retrieve post event recorded data from a buried warhead. It would also be useful for the purpose of locating a test item.

6) Advanced computational techniques for modeling high-rate conditions and…