STAR-FISH CALL 014 Announcement Overview.pdf

ARA CALL 014 to FA9453-21-S-0001 Page 1 of 10

ADVANCED RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT (ARA) WITH CALLS

FA9453-21-S-0001

Air Force Research Laboratory/Space Vehicle Directorate

ANNOUNCEMENT OVERVIEW

CALL 014

05 May 2025

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

Federal Agency Name: Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate and Directed Energy, Phillips Research Site

ARA Title: Space Technology Advanced Research - Fast-tracking Innovative Software and Hardware (STAR-FISH), Announcement, procurement for experimentation of space-flight and space-related signal, energy, and transportation technologies.

ARA Number: FA9453-21-S-0001

CALL Type: One-Step Process, revised announcement/RFP Solicitation (RFP Letter)

a. CALL Title: Topic Area 2, Space Data Networking Experimentation (SDNX)

b. CALL Number: 014

Proposal Due Date and Time: The Government is requesting Proposals at this time for the Topic Area identified above. Proposals addressing any other technology area identified in the basic Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) will not be accepted at this time unless a CALL for that specific area is posted.

Brief CALL Summary: RAPID is experimenting with a hybrid space architecture built from an ensemble of Department of Defense (DoD), allied and commercial satellite communication networks. This approach introduces resilience by design and offers the ability to efficiently route

ARA CALL 014 to FA9453-21-S-0001 Page 2 of 10 data through space and terrestrial infrastructure to ensure reliable connectivity but will require managing network complexity dynamically in time and space. Several critical challenges impose risk to the development of a future space data network (SDN), and RAPID will need these explored through experimentation. This exploration will provide options to current and future programs of record as systems evolve to meet future needs. See RFP Letter and Attachments, Statement of Objectives “Space Data Networking Experimentation (SDNX)”.

Submission: One-Step Process

• One Step: Proposal Due Date and Time – To be provided in “Requests for Proposals (RFP)” sent to offerors in response to this CALL is no later than (NLT) 19 June 2025, 12:00 PM Mountain Daylight Time (MDT).

Announcement Request: Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate, Kirtland Air Force Base is soliciting an RFP on the research effort described in the Statement of Objectives (See RFP Letter and Attachments) pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2373, Procurement for Experimental Purposes.

Announcement Modifications: This announcement is subject to updates, revisions, or additional topic areas. Therefore, Offerors are highly encouraged to continually monitor https://sam.gov to ensure they receive the latest guidance for this announcement. The Government shall provide updates to this announcement no less than annually. Updates may include changes to topic areas, submission requirements, administrative changes, evaluation criteria, solicitation methods, etc. (not an inclusive list).

Type of Contract/Instrument: The Government reserves the right to award the instrument best suited to the nature of the research proposed.

Anticipated Number of Awards: The Air Force anticipates awarding one or more awards.

However, the Air Force does reserve the right to make one award, more than one award, or no awards pursuant to this CALL. Offerors may propose to all or part of the Statement of Objectives. Teaming is allowed to facilitate capturing the complete scope.

System for Award Management (SAM) Registration: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453- 21-S-0001, Announcement Overview.

Points of Contact:

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Program Manager (Primary): Dr. Rachel Hock-Mysliwiec, AFRL/RVEX, rachel.hock-mysliwiec@spaceforce.mil

Program Manager (Alternate): Mr. Michael Lopez, AFRL/RVSW, michael.lopez.44@us.af.mil

Contracting Officer (Primary): Mr. Nathan McMillen, AFRL/RVKI, nathan.mcmillen@spaceforce.mil

Contracting Officer (Alternate): Ms. Deanna Salazar, AFRL/RVKI, deanna.salazar@spaceforce.mil

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ADVANCED RESEARCH ANNOUNCMENT WITH CALLS

FA9453-21-S-0001

Air Force Research Laboratory/Space Vehicle Directorate

FULL TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT

CALL 014

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

Federal Agency Name: Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate and Directed Energy, Phillips Research Site

ARA Title: Space Technology Advanced Research - Fast-tracking Innovative Software and Hardware (STAR-FISH), Announcement, procurement for experimentation of space-flight and space-related signal, energy, and transportation technologies

ARA Number: FA9453-21-S-0001

CALL Type: One-Step Process, revised announcement/RFP Solicitation (RFP Letter)

a. CALL Title: Topic Area 2, Space Data Networking Experimentation (SDNX)

b. CALL Number: 014

Proposal Due Date and Time: The Government is requesting Proposals at this time for the Topic Area identified above. Proposals addressing any other technology area identified in the basic Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) will not be accepted at this time unless a CALL for that specific area is posted.

Brief CALL Summary: RAPID is experimenting with a hybrid space architecture built from an ensemble of Department of Defense (DoD), allied and commercial satellite communication networks. This approach introduces resilience by design and offers the ability to efficiently route data through space and terrestrial infrastructure to ensure reliable connectivity but will require managing network complexity dynamically in time and space. Several critical challenges impose risk to the development of a future space data network (SDN), and RAPID will need these explored through experimentation. This exploration will provide options to current and future

ARA CALL 014 to FA9453-21-S-0001 Page 5 of 10 programs of record as systems evolve to meet future needs. See the RFP Letter and Attachments, Statement of Objectives “Space Data Networking Experimentation (SDNX)”.

Submission: One-Step Process

• One Step: Proposal Due Date and Time – To be provided in “Requests for Proposals (RFP)” sent to offerors in response to this CALL is no later than (NLT) 19 June 2025, 12:00 PM Mountain Daylight Time (MDT).

Program Description:

Statement of Objectives/Description of Technical Areas:

Areas from the ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text:

Topic Area 2. Mission effects and capabilities: Provide decisive mission capabilities and reliable space services to enable the joint warfighter to control the space domain and exploit it to support control of other domains… Mission capabilities, supplies and space services of interest include:

software and networks to enable access to new band-width and seamlessly interconnect warfighters across multiple domains.

See the RFP Letter and Attachments, Statement of Objectives “Space Data Networking Experimentation (SDNX)”

Announcement Modifications: This announcement is subject to updates, revisions, or additional topic areas. Therefore, Offerors are highly encouraged to continually monitor https://sam.gov to ensure they receive the latest guidance for this announcement. The Government shall provide updates to this announcement no less than annually. Updates may include changes to topic areas, submission requirements, administrative changes, evaluation criteria, solicitation methods, etc. (not an inclusive list).

1. Deliverable Items:

a. Data: DD Form 1423-CDRLs (See RFP Letter)

b. Final Report: Final Scientific and Technical Report to be delivered under each award, 3 months after the end of the technical effort.

c. Software: Software deliveries may include source code and/or binaries of commercial or non-commercial products. Some software may be delivered as an integral component of a hardware deliverable.

d. Hardware: Hardware deliveries may include emulators, engineering units, field-deployable units and/or flight-qualified units.

2. Other Requirements:

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a. Program Security Classification: It is anticipated that this effort will be performed the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) level. To effectively conduct this effort, offerors must provide at least a minimum staff capable of attaining and maintaining a SECRET clearance. Facility clearances are not needed; AFRL does not expect to sponsor any facility clearances for this effort.

b. OPSEC: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 4, paragraph b.

c. Export Control: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 4, paragraph c.

d. Export-Controlled Items: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 4, paragraph d.

3. Other Information:

a. Government Furnished Property (GFP): GFP is not initially anticipated on this call but may be added during the period of performance as required. However, Government Property may be provided upon written request and if required. Suggested GFP should be noted in the white paper. Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 5, paragraph a.

b. Base Support: Base Support is not anticipated on this CALL. However, Base Support may be provided upon written request and if required. Suggested requirements for base support should be noted in the white paper. Reference ARA with CALLS FA9453-21-S- 0001, Full Text, Section 5, paragraph b.

c. Available Base Facilities: Available Base Facilities is not anticipated on this CALL.

However, Base Facilities may be provided upon written request and if required.

Suggested requirements for access to base facilities should be noted in the white paper.

Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 5, paragraph c.

d. Overseas Performance: Overseas Performance is not anticipated on this call.

e. Data Rights Desired: Potential data rights that may be required are Unlimited Rights, with Government Purpose Rights or Limited Rights assigned to specific items. Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text Announcement, Section 5, paragraph (e).

I. Award Information

1. Anticipated Number of awards: The Air Force anticipates awarding one or two contracts.

However, the Air Force does reserve the right to make one award, more than one award, or no awards pursuant to this CALL. Offerors may propose to all or part of the Statement of Objectives. Teaming is encouraged to facilitate capturing the complete scope.

2. Anticipated Award Date: Anticipated award date around September 2025.

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3. Anticipated Funding: Anticipated total funding for this CALL (not per contract or award) is as follows:

FY 2025 $1,000,000

FY 2026 $20,000,000

FY 2027 $15,000,000

Total $36,000,000

This funding profile is an estimate only and will not be a contractual obligation for funding.

Offerors should note that full funding for this effort is uncertain and may be largely affected by Government fiscal year budgets that are yet to be established. The Government reserves the right to select all, part, or none of the proposals received in response to this CALL, subject to the availability of funds. All funding is subject to change due to Government discretion and availability of funds.

4. Schedule: The period of performance for individual awards (4-month base effort plus 24-month option) resulting from this CALL is as follows:

End of Technical Effort Not to Exceed 28 Months

Plus (+) 3 Months of Final Report 3 Months

Total Period of Performance 31 Months

5. Within Scope Award Modifications: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section I, paragraph 5.

6. System for Award Management (SAM) Registration: Before the Government can issue an award, an Offeror must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). If an Offeror was previously registered in Central Contractor Registration (CCR), the information has been transferred to SAM. However, it is in the Offeror’s interest to visit SAM and ensure that all their data is up to date from SAM and other databases to avoid delay in award. SAM replaced CCR, Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA), and the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS). SAM allows firms interested in conducting business with the federal government to provide basic information on business capabilities and financial information. To register, visit https://www.sam.gov.

7. Points of Contact:

Mr. Nathan McMillen (Primary)

Contracting Officer

AFRL/RVKI

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Kirtland AFB, NM 87117

Nathan.mcmillen@us.af.mil

Ms. Deanna Salazar (Alternate)

Contracting Officer

AFRL/RVKI

Kirtland AFB, NM 87117 deanna.salazar@spaceforce.mil

Program Manager (Primary):

Dr. Rachel Hock-Mysliwiec

AFRL/RVEX

rachel.hock-mysliwiec@spaceforce.mil

Program Manager (Alternate):

Mr. Michael Lopez

AFRL/RVSW

michael.lopez.44@us.af.mil

II. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Offeror: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section II, paragraph 1.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost Sharing or Matching is not required on this call.

3. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section II, paragraph 3.

4. Government Agencies: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section II, paragraph 4.

5. Foreign Participation: Foreign-Owned Offerors are not authorized to propose to this CALL as prime contractor.

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The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items.

U.S. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s). Offerors are advised FNs proposed to perform may be restricted under U.S. Export Control Laws due to the nature of the technical data.

The Government may also require Offerors to provide additional information to assist the Government in evaluating the FNs.

Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section II, paragraph 5.

6. Export Control: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section II, paragraph 6.

III. Proposal Submission Information

1. Overview: This Announcement consists of One-step Process described in detail below. Full proposals shall be submitted in accordance with the ARA with CALLS, FA4953-21-S-0001 and in accordance with the CALL 014.

The Government anticipates proposals will be unclassified.

Due to the dynamically evolving nature of US warfighter space needs, this announcement is subject to updates, revisions, or additional topic areas. Therefore, Offerors are highly encouraged to continually monitor Contract Opportunities (https://beta.sam.gov/) to ensure they receive latest guidance to this announcement.

2. One-Step (Proposal) Submission Information: See RFP Letter and Attachments

IV. Review Information

1. Evaluation Criteria: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section IV, paragraph 1.

2. Relative Importance of Evaluation Criteria: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S- 0001, Section IV, paragraph 2.

3. Proposal Review and Selection Process: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S- 0001, Section IV, paragraph 4.

V. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section V, paragraph 1.

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VI. Other Relevant Information

Paragraphs 1-15: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section VI

VII. Communication Between Prospective Offerors and Government Representatives:

Dialogue between prospective Offerors and Government representatives is strongly encouraged. Offerors are advised that only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to contractually bind or otherwise commit the Government. All communications should be in writing via email or letter correspondence. Communication will be limited once proposals are requested and during evaluation/review. See the RFP letter for additional information.

Questions and Answers:

All questions or requests for clarifications are due in writing via email as outlined in the RFP Letter. Questions may be posted on SAM.gov to benefit all interested offerors.

Please do NOT include any proprietary information in the questions. Offerors are encouraged to periodically check SAM.gov during the response period for additional postings. Email questions or request for clarifications for this CALL must use the following subject title:

FA9453-21-S-0001_Call 014_Questions

The Government will try to respond to a question within seven (7) calendar days unless a similar question and answer have already been posted on SAM.gov. Questions and comments concerning this CALL shall be submitted via email not later than 23 May 2025. Questions submitted after that date may not allow the Government sufficient time to respond.

VIII. ATTACHMENTS:

See RFP Letter for Attachments and Exhibits