Neutron STAR Industry User Guide v3 03 August 25.docx

The document is an Industry User Guide for the Neutron Strategic Technology Advanced Research (Neutron-STAR) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The solicitation, under Solicitation Number FA9453-23-R-A004, seeks white papers for nuclear-related research and development, focusing on areas such as modeling and simulation of re-entry environments, materials characterization, nuclear explosion monitoring, and design, fabrication, and experimentation of nuclear delivery systems.

The ARA is an open solicitation using 10 U.S.C. 4023 procurement authority for experimental purposes, with submission dates currently indefinite. Two amendments have been issued: Amendment 1 on 8/15/2024 updated the Industry User Guide and provided specific instructions for Topic 5 submissions, while Amendment 2 on 9/03/2025 extended offer dates and attached an updated guide with instructions on ROM cost estimates and white paper delivery. The solicitation targets Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (NAICS Code 541715), with a focus on developing technologies to support national defense and the nuclear enterprise. Potential offerors are encouraged to dialogue with government representatives and demonstrate how their proposed efforts benefit national defense.