J-1 AFRL_AFOSR_SOO.docx

AFRL / AFOSR CPO SOO

Collaborative Project Order (CPO) Statement of Objectives (SOO)

1.0 PURPOSE

The purpose of this Collaborative Project Order (CPO) is to support AFOSR’s stewardship of the basic research (6.1) portfolio by enabling technology transfer and technology transition support in alignment with the Department of the Air Force’s long-term science and technology enterprise, consistent with the authorities and objectives of the Umbrella Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA).

Under this CPO, the Partnership Intermediary operates as a non-inherently governmental enabling mechanism to provide facilitation, analytic, ecosystem access, and engagement capabilities that extend AFOSR’s ability to disseminate knowledge, increase awareness of research-derived technologies and intellectual property, identify potential transition pathways, and connect research performers with relevant Government, industry, and innovation ecosystem stakeholders.

While anchored in AFOSR’s basic research mission, this CPO is structured to support enterprise-level technology transfer and transition objectives across the Air Force Research Laboratory, when authorized by the Government, while preserving AFOSR’s role as the managing and directing authority.

2.0 BACKGROUND

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), as a component of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), executes the Department of the Air Force’s basic research (6.1) mission. AFOSR is responsible for discovering, shaping, and championing high-risk, high-reward fundamental science that underpins future Air and Space Force capabilities and sustains the long-term scientific and innovation ecosystem.

AFOSR-funded basic research advances foundational scientific knowledge across a broad range of disciplines and performers, including universities, nonprofit research institutions, and other research organizations. While AFOSR does not pursue near-term system development or acquisition outcomes, the dissemination of research results and awareness of potential future applications are essential to maximizing the long-term impact of basic research investments.

2.1 The Evolving Basic-to-Applied Research Ecosystem

In today’s science and technology environment, basic research does not exist in isolation. Technology transfer and transition pathways are increasingly non-linear, multi-actor, and ecosystem-driven, involving interactions among basic researchers, applied research organizations, operational stakeholders, industry, investors, and other innovation intermediaries.

In many cases, barriers to downstream impact are driven not by the quality of the underlying science, but by gaps in awareness, connectivity, and pathway visibility across this ecosystem. Early exposure to demand signals, transition considerations, and external perspectives can inform research framing, increase relevance, and improve long-term transition potential without compromising the exploratory nature of basic research.

2.2 AFRL Enterprise Context

AFRL executes research and development activities across basic research, applied research, and advanced development, with directorates and divisions operating at different technology readiness levels and engaging with distinct transition, innovation, and SBIR/STTR mechanisms.

Within this distributed environment, multiple transition and commercialization pathways may exist in parallel. A shared, non-inherently governmental facilitation capability enables coherence, visibility, and connectivity across the enterprise without centralizing authority or displacing existing organizational roles or responsibilities.

2.3 Bidirectional Knowledge Flow

Effective technology transfer and transition depend on bidirectional engagement. Basic research outputs can inform applied research, operational exploration, and commercial innovation, while insights from applied, operational, and industry communities can provide valuable demand signals, problem context, and use-case awareness back to the basic research enterprise.

Under this model, the partnership intermediary functions as a connector and facilitator, enabling information flow and ecosystem engagement while preserving Government ownership of decisions related to research direction, funding, acquisition, and adoption.

2.4 Use of the Partnership Intermediary Agreement Mechanism

The Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA), authorized under 15 U.S.C. § 3715 and 10 U.S.C. § 2514, provides a statutory mechanism for the Department of the Air Force to leverage qualified non-Federal entities to facilitate technology transfer, early-stage technology transition, commercialization enablement, and collaboration with external partners.

The PIA construct enables non-FAR, non-acquisition facilitation activities with broad ecosystem reach, while maintaining a clear separation between inherently governmental functions and non-governmental support activities. This CPO applies the PIA construct to AFOSR-specific objectives by enabling facilitation, analytic support, and ecosystem engagement activities that extend AFOSR’s reach while leaving all decision-making authority with the Government.

2.5 Transition, Dual-Use, and Commercialization Intent

While AFOSR’s primary mission is the stewardship of basic research, the Department of the Air Force and AFRL place significant value on the eventual transfer, transition, and application of research outcomes to address operational, national security, and economic needs. Accordingly, activities conducted under this CPO are intended to support and inform technology transfer, dual-use exploration, and commercialization pathways, including engagement with industry, investors, applied research organizations, and other entities positioned to further mature or adopt AFOSR-funded research outcomes.

This CPO is structured to enable early and sustained ecosystem engagement, improve visibility of promising research results and intellectual property, and facilitate connections that may lead to downstream transition or commercialization activities, while preserving the exploratory nature of basic research and maintaining Government control over all decisions related to funding, acquisition, and adoption.

2.6 Relationship to PIA Umbrella SOO and Scope Activation

This Collaborative Project Order (CPO) is issued under, and is subject to, the terms and conditions of the Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) Umbrella Statement of Objectives (SOO), which defines the full menu of allowable Task Areas, Additional Capabilities, roles, governance constructs, financial controls, and execution constraints applicable to all CPOs issued under the PIA.

The Umbrella SOO is incorporated herein by reference. This CPO does not create, expand, or modify scope beyond the Umbrella SOO.

2.7 Activated Task Areas

For this CPO, the Government may activate one or more of the following Task Areas, as defined in the PIA Umbrella SOO:

· Task Area 1 — Partnership Development & Agreement Enablement

· Task Area 2 — Technology Transfer, Technology Transition & Market Intelligence

· Task Area 3 — STEM, Workforce & Talent Pipeline Development

· Task Area 4 — Technical Expertise, Studies & Analytic Assessments

· Task Area 5 — Data Tools, Analytic Platforms & Innovation Support

· Task Area 6 — Program Management, Engagement and Governance Support & Event Facilitation

· Task Area 7 — Outreach, Communication & Knowledge Transfer

· Task Area 8 — Other Government-Directed, T3-Aligned Facilitative Support

Activation of a Task Area authorizes only the categories of activity that may be directed by the Government. Task Areas do not constitute requirements, minimums, or guarantees of work.

Specific activities, deliverables, staffing, schedules, and funding associated with any Task Area shall be defined solely through Government-approved Project Plans.

2.8 Additional Capabilities

The following Additional Capabilities from the PIA Umbrella SOO may be utilized under this CPO when expressly directed by the Government and documented in an approved Project Plan:

· A.1 — Collaboration Environments & Technical Engagement Environments - includes co-working, meeting, event, or secure collaboration environment — may be provided or accessed when expressly directed by the Government. Any such environment, including size, location (e.g., proximity to AFOSR facilities), duration, configuration, or security posture, shall be specified in an approved Project Plan and is not guaranteed or required absent such direction.

· A.2 — Innovation Ecosystem Support & Cross-Sector Enablement

· A.4 — Data-Enabled Insights & Cross-Portfolio Integration

· A.5 — Communication Platforms, Tools & Knowledge-Sharing Infrastructure

· A.6 — Government-Approved Special Capability

Additional Capabilities are enabling functions only and shall not be proposed, priced, or performed as stand-alone services. Utilization of any Additional Capability shall be bounded by Government direction, approved Project Plans, available funding, and applicable security requirements.

2.9 Sponsor-Specific Scope Context

This CPO is managed by AFOSR under the AFRL Partnership Intermediary Agreement. Activities conducted under this CPO may support AFOSR priorities and, when authorized by the Government, may involve engagement with other AFRL directorates or divisions as mission partners or co-funders. Such participation does not alter AFOSR’s role as the sole directing authority under this CPO.

2.10 Relationship to Reporting and Deliverables

Reporting requirements and deliverables under this CPO are governed by Government-issued attachments and approved Project Plans. Deliverables are execution artifacts only and do not expand or modify the scope authorized by the Umbrella SOO or this CPO.

3.0 ROLES, AUTHORITIES, AND MISSION PARTNER FRAMEWORK

Roles, authorities, and execution constraints applicable to this Collaborative Project Order (CPO) are governed by the Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) Umbrella Statement of Objectives (SOO), which is incorporated herein by reference. This section summarizes the CPO-specific application of those roles and authorities.

3.1 AFRL / AFOSR Role

AFOSR, as the managing organization for this Collaborative Project Order (CPO) under the AFRL Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA), serves as the Government’s sole program authority responsible for direction, oversight, and stewardship of all activities executed under this CPO.

Under this CPO AFOSR will:

Establish and prioritize mission objectives, scope, and constraints for this CPO;

Approve, modify, and oversee CPO execution and associated Project Plans;

Provide Government direction, guidance, and prioritization to the Partnership Intermediary consistent with this Statement of Objectives (SOO);

Review deliverables and assess performance against outputs, metrics, and outcomes established through Government direction and documented in AFOSR-approved Project Plans Ensure compliance with statutory authority, Department policy, and separation of inherently governmental and non-governmental functions.

AFOSR retains exclusive authority for all decisions related to scope, prioritization, acceptance of work, and performance assessment under this CPO. Nothing in this CPO authorizes any other Government organization to provide direction to the Partnership Intermediary independent of AFOSR.

3.2 Mission Partners / Co-Funders

Mission-aligned organizations within the Department of Defense or other U.S. Government entities may participate in this CPO as mission partners or co-funders through coordination with AFOSR. The Partnership Intermediary will work collaboratively with Mission Partners as defined in individual CPOs; however, Mission Partners are not authorized to provide the Partnership Intermediary with technical direction.

Mission Partners may:

· Identify mission needs, areas of interest, or transition considerations relevant to AFOSR-funded research;

· Collaborate with AFOSR in the development or refinement of CPO objectives; and

· Participate in Government-established governance, coordination, or review forums, as appropriate.

Mission Partners shall not:

· Provide technical direction, tasking, or performance instructions directly to the Partnership Intermediary;

· Approve deliverables, modify scope, or reprioritize activities; or

· Direct or influence execution outside AFOSR authorization.

The Partnership Intermediary shall not seek or accept direction, prioritization, or approval from Mission Partners without express authorization from the AFOSR. Mission Partner participation does not expand the scope of this CPO or the authority of the Partnership Intermediary. Should a Mission Partner provide such direction, the Partnership Intermediary's procedure is to refer the Mission Partner to the COR and concurrently notify the COR of the communication.

3.3 Partnership Intermediary Role

The Partnership Intermediary operates under this CPO as a non-inherently governmental enabling entity, consistent with the Umbrella SOO, and shall:

· Provide facilitative, analytic, coordination, and engagement support consistent with this SOO and AFOSR-approved Project Plans;

· Execute activities only as expressly authorized through this CPO and associated Project Plans;

· Maintain AFOSR as the sole Government authority for direction, approval, and performance assessment; and

· Refrain from performing inherently governmental functions, including decision-making, selection authority, legal analysis or drafting, negotiation, acquisition actions, or commitments that obligate the Government or third parties.

All activities performed by the Partnership Intermediary under this CPO shall be advisory, descriptive, and facilitative in nature and shall not bind the Government.

4.0 SCOPE

This Collaborative Project Order (CPO) applies the authorities and allowable scope of the Umbrella Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) to AFOSR-managed objectives in support of the Department of the Air Force’s basic research mission and broader technology transfer and transition goals.

Under this CPO, the Partnership Intermediary shall provide non-inherently governmental facilitation, analytic, coordination, and engagement support to enable AFOSR-directed activities related to technology transfer, technology transition support, partnership and agreement enablement, ecosystem engagement, and enterprise coordination, consistent with statutory authority, Department policy, and AFOSR’s stewardship of the basic research portfolio.

4.1 Technology Transfer Scope

When expressly directed by AFOSR through an approved Project Plan, allowable technology transfer support activities may include:

· Dissemination of AFOSR-funded research outcomes, scientific discoveries, and enabling technologies;

· Awareness-building and exposure of Government-owned intellectual property and research-derived capabilities to relevant external audiences;

· Industry engagement, market exposure, and ecosystem outreach activities;

· Licensing pathway awareness and matchmaking between Government research outputs and potential commercial or dual-use adopters; and

· Factual, descriptive dissemination and connection activities intended to increase visibility and understanding of AFOSR-funded research without advocating specific outcomes.

4.2 Technology Transition Scope

When expressly directed by AFOSR through an approved Project Plan, allowable technology transition support activities may include:

· Identification and description of potential transition pathways across technology readiness levels;

· Engagement and coordination with applied research organizations, advanced development stakeholders, and other mission-aligned entities;

· Awareness of and coordination with Department of the Air Force and AFRL transition, innovation, and SBIR/STTR pipelines;

· SBIR/STTR Phase III awareness and partner identification or matchmaking support, including identification of potential transition partners and alignment opportunities; and

· Transition pathway analysis and feasibility awareness activities that inform Government decision-making.

The Partnership Intermediary shall not draft SBIR/STTR topics, evaluate proposals, recommend awards, select performers, or obligate Government funds.

4.3 Partnership, Agreement, and Ecosystem Engagement Scope

Allowable activities under this CPO may also include, when Government-directed:

· Partnership development and collaboration facilitation across academia, industry, nonprofit organizations, government laboratories, and other mission-aligned entities;

· Facilitation and coordination of non-FAR partnership and collaboration instruments (e.g., MOUs, MOAs, EPAs, CRADAs), consistent with Government determinations and statutory authority;

· Engagement activities such as workshops, technical exchanges, reviews, working groups, demonstrations, and forums that support scientific collaboration, technology transfer, and transition awareness;

· Access to technical expertise, subject-matter experts, structured studies, and descriptive analytic assessments; and

· STEM and workforce ecosystem engagement activities aligned with AFOSR scientific priorities and long-term talent pipeline objectives.

The Partnership Intermediary shall not negotiate, execute, or approve agreements on behalf of the Government.

4.4 Data, Analytics, and Collaboration Environment Support

When authorized by AFOSR, allowable activities may include:

· Access to subject-matter experts (SMEs) and technical expertise;

· Development and use of Government-owned data tools, descriptive analytics, visualization products, dashboards, and portfolio or ecosystem intelligence or commercial integrated products and platforms;

· Collaboration environments, engagement platforms, and coordination tools (including physical, virtual, or secure collaboration environments when authorized) that support Government-directed activities across Task Areas; and

· Documentation of engagement outcomes, lessons learned, and non-binding insights to support Government awareness and decision-making.

· Cross-task and enterprise-level analytic integration in support of AFOSR situational awareness, planning, and coordination.

Use of any collaboration environment or engagement space shall be subject to Government direction, approved Project Plans, available funding, and applicable security and safeguarding requirements.

4.5 Outreach, Communication & Knowledge Transfer

When expressly directed by AFOSR, allowable activities may include:

· Preparation of factual, Government-approved outreach and knowledge-transfer products;

· Documentation and dissemination of engagement outcomes, ecosystem insights, and transition awareness products; and

· Support for internal and external communication materials (e.g., briefings, summaries, reports, digital content), subject to Government review, approval, and public release controls.

Outreach activities under this CPO shall be non-advocacy in nature and shall not promote specific vendors, solutions, or acquisition outcomes.

4.6 Scope Control

All work under this CPO shall be initiated only through AFOSR-approved Project Plans and shall remain within the Task Areas and Additional Capabilities activated under this CPO and the Umbrella SOO.

The Partnership Intermediary shall not perform contractor-initiated work, incur costs, or undertake activities outside Government-directed scope or beyond AFOSR authorization.

Nothing in this Section 4.0 is intended to narrow, exclude, or limit the Task Areas or Additional Capabilities activated under Section 2 of this CPO, all of which remain available for Government direction through approved Project Plans.

5.0 OBJECTIVES

Outcomes under this Collaborative Project Order (CPO) are structured to support AFOSR’s basic research mission while advancing statutory technology transfer and early-stage technology transition objectives consistent with the Umbrella Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA).

Objectives under this CPO emphasize knowledge dissemination, ecosystem connectivity, awareness, and early-stage pathway identification, and are not intended to mandate acquisition, system development, or operational fielding outcomes.

Specifically, objectives of this CPO include:

· Advance technology transfer awareness and impact by increasing dissemination of AFOSR-funded basic research outcomes, scientific discoveries, and enabling technologies to relevant academic, industrial, nonprofit, and government communities.

· Enable early-stage technology transition awareness and pathway identification by identifying promising research outcomes, increasing understanding of potential transition options, and connecting AFOSR performers with applied research organizations, mission partners, or external entities that may further mature the work.

· Identify mission-aligned partnerships and collaboration networks across academia, industry, nonprofit organizations, government laboratories, and other stakeholders to improve scientific exchange, coordination, and long-term ecosystem engagement.

· Support partnership and agreement enablement activities by facilitating awareness, coordination, and readiness related to non-FAR collaboration instruments (e.g., MOUs, MOAs, EPAs, CRADAs), consistent with statutory authority and Government determinations.

· Improve data-enabled insight and situational awareness for AFOSR leadership through descriptive analytics, studies, landscape assessments, and ecosystem intelligence related to research portfolios, partnerships, and early transition activity.

· Enable collaborative environments and scientific exchange mechanisms that support AFOSR priorities through workshops, technical exchanges, working groups, and other engagement forums.

· Strengthen STEM and workforce ecosystem objectives aligned with AFOSR scientific priorities by strengthening exposure pathways, engagement activities, and connections that sustain the future research and innovation workforce.

Achievement of these objectives will be assessed at the CPO level through Government-defined outputs, metrics, and outcomes specified in AFOSR-approved Project Plans and associated performance frameworks. Objectives do not, by themselves, create performance requirements or authorize work absent such Government direction.

6.0 GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

All work under this CPO shall be executed only in accordance with AFOSR-approved Project Plans, which define authorized scope, funding, schedule, deliverables, and performance expectations.

AFOSR, as the managing organization for this CPO under the AFRL Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA), will establish and maintain appropriate governance constructs (e.g., boards, working groups, review forums) to provide oversight, coordination, and performance management for activities conducted under this CPO, consistent with Sections 3.0 (Roles and Authorities) and 4.0 (Scope).

Mission Partners may participate in AFOSR-established governance structures, coordination forums, and review activities, as appropriate; however, AFOSR retains sole authority for direction, approval, prioritization, and acceptance of work under this CPO.

The Partnership Intermediary shall support governance processes by preparing materials, facilitating coordination, tracking actions and decisions, and documenting outcomes. The Partnership Intermediary shall not serve as a decision-maker, exercise approval authority, or perform inherently governmental functions.

7.0 ILLUSTRATIVE ACTIVITY LEVELS (FOR PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT ONLY)

This section is provided solely to support offeror proposal development and understanding of the potential scale and variability of activities that may be authorized under this CPO. The illustrative ranges below are not operational plans, forecasts, requirements, guarantees, minimums, or performance expectations and shall not be interpreted as required staffing levels, activity volumes, or deliverable targets.

7.1 Level of Effort (Per CPO, Per Year)

For proposal planning purposes only, the illustrative annual level of effort under a single CPO may range from approximately:

· 8,000 to 14,000 labor hours per year This illustrative range generally corresponds to approximately 2 to 8 full-time equivalent (FTE) personnel, depending on the mix of Task Areas activated, emphasis on events, analytics, partnership activity, collaboration environments, or specialized expertise.

These figures are provided only as scale context and do not represent staffing expectations or commitments

7.2 Illustrative Events and Engagements (Non-Binding)

When authorized through Government-approved Project Plans, illustrative annual ranges may include a mix of engagement activities such as:

· Major engagements: approximately 2 to 10 per year, which may include conferences, summits, industry days, technical reviews, or similar forums. Event scale, duration, and participation levels may vary widely.

· Minor engagements or interactions: approximately 50 to 250 per year, including meetings, workshops, technical exchanges, working sessions, or virtual engagements.

· Cross-functional teams or working groups: approximately 5 to 25 teams or cohorts operating concurrently or episodically.

All engagement formats, frequency, and scale will be determined by AFOSR and documented in approved Project Plans.

7.3 Illustrative Analytics, Studies, and Data Products (Non-Binding) For proposal planning purposes only, illustrative annual ranges may include:

· Structured studies, assessments, or analytic reports: approximately 6 to 30 per year.

· Dashboards, data tools, or analytic products (new development or sustained operation): approximately 3 to 12 per year.

· Recurring updates or performance-tracking products: as directed by AFOSR; often event-driven, milestone-based, or periodic (e.g., quarterly).

Specific metrics, milestones, and evaluation criteria will be defined only at the Project Plan level.

7. 4 Illustrative Partnership and Agreement Enablement (Non-Binding) When expressly authorized by the Government, illustrative planning ranges may include:

· Partnership or agreement enablement actions (e.g., MOUs, MOAs, EPAs, CRADAs, or similar non-FAR instruments): approximately 10 to 40 supported actions per year, subject to Government authority and approval.

The Partnership Intermediary shall not negotiate, execute, or approve agreements on behalf of the Government.

7.5 Illustrative SME and Specialized Expertise Support (Non-Binding) For proposal planning purposes only:

· Subject-matter expert (SME) and specialized expertise support may range from approximately 300 to 3,000 hours per year, depending on technical depth, portfolio breadth, analytic needs, and engagement priorities.

7.6 Illustrative Task Area Distribution (Non-Binding)

For planning purposes only:

· Individual Task Areas may represent approximately 10% to 40% of total annual level of effort.

· Distribution across Task Areas is expected to vary over time and is not intended to be uniform, static, or predictive.

8.0 TASK AREAS (MENU OF SERVICES)

This section defines the Task Areas that constitute the menu of allowable facilitative, analytic, and engagement-based services under this Collaborative Project Order (CPO), consistent with the Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) Umbrella Statement of Objectives.

One or more Task Areas may be activated only through Government-directed Project Plans approved by AFOSR. Task Areas define allowable scope, not required work. Activities are authorized only when expressly directed by the Government and documented in an approved Project Plan. Task Areas and any subcomponents are illustrative and non-exhaustive.

The Partnership Intermediary may not perform inherently governmental functions; may not negotiate, execute, or commit the Government; and may not draft or revise legal instruments.

Task Area 1 — Partnership Development & Agreement Enablement Facilitative and analytic support to identify, assess, and engage mission-aligned partners and enable AFOSR-directed partnership activities across academia, industry, nonprofit organizations, research institutes, and other government organizations.

Activities support ecosystem connectivity, collaboration readiness, and non-binding agreement enablement, consistent with statutory authority and Government determinations. Activities may include international collaborations and horizon-scanning activities with allied partners when Government-directed, conducted under an identified Government international focal point and consistent with applicable authorities, security requirements, and approved agreements

Task Area 2 — Technology Transfer, Technology Transition & Market Intelligence Facilitative and analytic support to enhance awareness, engagement, and readiness related to technology transfer and early-stage technology transition pathways, applied in a manner appropriate to AFOSR-funded basic research maturity.

Activities may include, when Government-directed:

A. Transition & Commercialization Enablement

· Market, ecosystem, and horizon intelligence relevant to potential transition or commercialization pathways

· Industry, investor, and ecosystem engagement support

· Intellectual property and licensing pathway awareness

· Dual-use and commercialization framing and readiness analysis

B. SBIR/STTR Awareness & Transition Alignment

· Awareness of Department of the Air Force and AFRL SBIR/STTR pipelines and transition mechanisms

· Phase III partner identification and matchmaking support

· Transition pathway analysis and alignment activities

The Partnership Intermediary shall not draft SBIR/STTR topics, evaluate proposals, recommend awards, select performers, or commit the Government.

C. Ecosystem Connectivity

· Connecting AFOSR-funded basic research performers (6.1) with applied research organizations

· Engagement with AFRL directorates and divisions

· Engagement with industry primes, small and medium enterprises, investors, and intermediaries

· Engagement with nonprofit and academic transition partners

D. Feedback Loops & Portfolio Awareness

· Capturing demand signals and insights from applied, operational, and higher-TRL stakeholders

· Feeding non-binding insights back to basic research communities

· Informing AFOSR portfolio awareness and situational understanding (without influencing funding or selection decisions)

All activities under this Task Area remain descriptive, facilitative, and non-binding.

Task Area 3 — STEM, Workforce & Talent Pipeline Development Facilitative support for Department of the Air Force STEM, education, and workforce ecosystem activities aligned with AFOSR scientific priorities, technology transfer and transition objectives, and long-term talent pipeline needs.

Activities emphasize engagement, exposure, and ecosystem strengthening and shall not include hiring, personnel selection, or workforce decision-making.

Task Area 4 — Technical Expertise, Studies & SME Access Access to technical expertise, subject-matter experts, and structured analytic studies to support AFOSR awareness, planning, and situational understanding.

Activities remain descriptive and non-binding and shall not include recommendations or decisions related to funding, acquisition, or selection.

Task Area 5 — Data Tools, Analytic Platforms & Innovation Support Support for Government-owned data integration, descriptive analytics, visualization tools, dashboards, and collaboration or innovation environments that enhance AFOSR situational awareness and decision support.

All data, tools, platforms, and analytic outputs shall remain Government-owned and comply with applicable security, safeguarding, and data protection requirements identified in the Umbrella PIA and/or applicable Project Plans.

Task Area 6 — Program Management, Engagement Support & Event Facilitation Program coordination, documentation, reporting, governance support, and event facilitation services that support AFOSR execution of this CPO without exercising decision-making authority.

Activities support effective coordination across Task Areas and engagement activities and may include planning support, logistics coordination, action tracking, and Government-directed facilitation.

Task Area 7 — Outreach, Communication & Knowledge Transfer Preparation and dissemination of communication and knowledge-transfer materials in support of AFOSR-directed technology transfer and transition awareness activities.

May include websites or portals, newsletters, fact sheets, stakeholder updates, success-story capture, social media content, paid advertising, briefings, videos, outreach and other factual dissemination, subject to Government review, approval, and applicable public release controls.

Task Area 8 — Other Government-Directed, T3-Aligned Facilitative Support Other facilitative, analytic, coordination, or enablement support activities expressly directed by the Government and authorized through a Project Plan, provided such activities:

· Remain non-inherently governmental

· Do not involve legal drafting, negotiation, or acquisition decision-making

· Do not obligate the Government or third parties

· Do not expand the scope of this CPO or the Umbrella PIA

This Task Area is intended to provide flexibility to address emerging or cross-cutting Government needs that cannot be reasonably anticipated at the time of CPO issuance and do not otherwise align cleanly with Task Areas 1–7.

Additional Capabilities (A.1 – A.6) Additional Capabilities are enabling mechanisms that support execution of authorized Task Areas and do not constitute independent Task Areas or standalone services. The availability or identification of an Additional Capability does not authorize work absent Government direction and does not create requirements, guarantees, or obligations.

When activated through a Project Plan, Additional Capabilities may be used to support Task Area execution and may include, as appropriate:

· Collaboration environments and technical engagement spaces (physical, virtual, or hybrid) to support Government-directed workshops, technical exchanges, working groups, facilitated discussions, or ecosystem engagement activities;

· Specialized tools, platforms, or infrastructure needed to support analytic, coordination, or engagement activities;

· Secure or controlled-access environments, when required by the Government, consistent with applicable security guidance and Project Plan direction;

· Specialized facilitation, technical, or operational support that enables effective execution of authorized activities but does not involve inherently governmental functions.

The scope, scale, location, duration, and configuration of any Additional Capability (including any collaboration or engagement environment) shall be defined only at the Project Plan level and may vary over time based on mission needs, funding, and Government direction.

Nothing in this section authorizes the Partnership Intermediary to initiate or propose contractor-directed use of Additional Capabilities or to expand the scope of this CPO or the Umbrella PIA.

9.0 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

The Partnership Intermediary shall perform all activities under this CPO in accordance with Government direction and the requirements established in approved Project Plans.

Deliver accurate, well-organized, and professional-quality outputs consistent with Government direction and CPO requirements;

Meet timelines, milestones, and reporting schedules established in Government-directed Project Plans;

Maintain timely responsiveness to AFOSR direction, requests, and governance actions, consistent with AFOSR’s role as the sole directing authority under this CPO;

Ensure all activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and Government policies, including security, safeguarding, and data protection requirements identified in the Umbrella PIA and/or applicable Project Plans; and Operate strictly within the authorized scope of Government-directed Project Plans, refrain from contractor-initiated work outside approved scope, and comply with all non-inherently governmental limitations, including no negotiation authority, no commitment authority, and no legal drafting.

Performance under this CPO will be assessed only against outputs, metrics, and outcomes established through Government direction and documented in AFOSR-approved Project Plans and associated performance or reporting frameworks.

10.0 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND COST TRANSPARENCY

The Partnership Intermediary shall maintain sound financial management practices and internal controls sufficient to ensure full compliance with statutory, regulatory, and Government-directed requirements applicable to this Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) and all Collaborative Project Orders (CPOs).

The Partnership Intermediary shall:

· Demonstrate their financial management system is adequate and compliant with the requirements of 2 CFR 200.302.

· Demonstrate the ability to maintain transparent financial reporting in a manner that is transparent, timely, detailed, and sufficient to support Government oversight, reconciliation, and the audit requirements of 2 CFR 200, Subpart F Audit Requirements.

· Demonstrate the ability to maintain internal financial management controls sufficient to ensure all costs are fully traceable to specific tasks and across orders, are supported by adequate documentation, and which prevents unallowable costs, improper allocation, duplication, or commingling of funds across CPOs or sponsors.

The specific requirements in the bullets that follow apply to Cost-Reimbursable CPOs. For Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) CPOs, these requirements are not applicable unless explicitly incorporated into the individual FFP CPO.

· Comply with 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance) cost principles, including allowability, allocability, reasonableness, consistency, and documentation requirements, as applicable to the nature of this PIA.

· Charge only allowable, allocable, and reasonable costs incurred solely for Government-directed activities authorized in an approved CPO and aligned to the associated Project Plan.

· Align all costs to approved Project Plans, budgets, and funding authorizations, and not incur, obligate, or commit costs outside AFOSR authorization or beyond the scope of an approved CPO.

· Maintain transparent financial reporting for all CPO, including labor, indirects, other direct costs (ODCs), and all other cost elements, in a manner sufficient to support Government oversight, reconciliation, and audit.

· Ensure costs are fully traceable to specific CPOs and Government-directed tasks, and supported by adequate source documentation, labor records, and cost substantiation.

· Operate within Government-approved ceilings, caps, or cost controls, as established in the PIA, individual CPOs, or subsequent Government direction.

· Obtain prior Government review and approval for any changes to labor rates, indirect rates, or cost structures.

· Refrain from incurring costs in anticipation of future CPOs, modifications, or funding, unless expressly authorized in writing by the Government.

· Provide timely access to financial records, supporting documentation, and cost data, as reasonably requested by the Government for oversight, reconciliation, audit, or review purposes.

· Immediately notify the Government of any actual or potential cost overruns, funding shortfalls, rate changes, or material financial risks that may impact performance.

· Maintain internal controls sufficient to prevent unallowable costs, improper allocation, duplication, or commingling of funds across CPOs or sponsors.

· Ensure subcontractor, partner, or third-party costs, if applicable, comply with the same cost principles, documentation standards, and Government-directed limitations applicable to the Partnership Intermediary.

Performance will be assessed against CPO-defined outputs, metrics, and outcomes.

11.0 DELIVERABLES FRAMEWORK

Deliverables under this Collaborative Project Order (CPO) are execution artifacts only and shall be established solely through Government direction and documented in AFOSR-approved Project Plans, consistent with the allowable reporting and deliverables framework set forth in Attachment J-7 (Reporting & Deliverables).

Nothing in this section authorizes work, establishes scope, or creates deliverable requirements independent of approved Project Plans.

11.2 Project Plan Alignment

All deliverables shall:

· Be directly aligned to Government-directed activities authorized in approved Project Plans;

· Support program execution, oversight, traceability, and cost allowability; and

· Be scoped, scheduled, and prioritized by the Government through Project Plans and associated governance mechanisms.

Deliverables, frequencies, and formats may vary by Task Area, sponsor, research maturity, and funding level and may be modified over time through Government direction without amendment to this SOO.

11.3 Ownership, Format, and Use Rights

Unless otherwise directed by the Government:

· All deliverables shall be reviewable and editable by the Government;

· Deliverables shall be provided in Government-specified formats; and

· All deliverables shall be Government-owned, with unlimited Government use rights, consistent with the terms of the PIA and applicable law.

12.0 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS

The Partnership Intermediary shall comply with all applicable Department of the Air Force, AFRL, and AFOSR security requirements as specified in the Umbrella PIA and/or applicable Project Plans.

The contractor shall establish and maintain a comprehensive security program in accordance with all applicable Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of the Air Force (DAF) regulations. The contractor's Facility Security Officer (FSO) is responsible for the generation and management of all security plans and procedures.

12.1 Personnel Security & Clearances

This effort may require access to classified information, including North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Communications Security (COMSEC), Top Secret (TS), and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).

· Clearance Levels: Contractor personnel shall possess a security clearance appropriate to their role. While some key personnel will require a final TS clearance, it is anticipated that only a limited number of positions will necessitate this level. Other personnel may require a final Secret clearance. The government will specify the required clearance level for each position.

· Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA): All contractor personnel supporting and associated with this effort must have a current NDA on file prior to accessing any sensitive or classified information.

12.2 Information & Operations Security (OPSEC)

The contractor is responsible for safeguarding all government information, from initial handling to final disposition.

· Governing Directives: The program is subject to the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) and will adhere to 32 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 117.

· Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI): The contractor shall identify, handle, and protect CUI in accordance with DoDM 5200.01, Volume 4, and DFARS 252.204-7012.

· Derivative Classification: Any classified information generated during contract performance shall be derivatively classified and marked consistent with the source material.

· OPSEC Program: The contractor must implement an OPSEC program consistent with AFI 10-701 to protect sensitive and critical information throughout the period of performance.

12.3 System & Communications Security

· System Security Plan (SSP): The contractor shall prepare and maintain an SSP for their information system(s) in accordance with established security categorization and impact levels.

· Communications Security (COMSEC): The contractor may require access to a COMSEC account and must manage all COMSEC equipment and materials in accordance with NSTISS 4005.

12.4 Common Access Cards (CAC)

· In support of long-term project assignments, a Common Access Card (CAC) will be issued to select contractor personnel whose duties require access to Department of Defense (DoD) computer networks, systems, and applications. The provision of CACs is on a strict, as-needed basis. All procedures related to the lifecycle of the CAC, from issuance to final return, will adhere to the Air Force Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (AFFARS) Subpart 5352.242-9001, "CACs for Contractor Personnel."

12.5 Cleared Facilities

· All TS and TS SSCI will be done at external locations. No TS briefings and information will be conducted at the intermediary’s facility or collaboration facilities.

12.6 Required Training

Contractor personnel must complete all required security training, including but not limited to:

· Operations Security (OPSEC) Awareness

· Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

· Information Security (AFI 16-1404)

· Antiterrorism and Force Protection (AFI 10-245)

· Derivative Classification Training

· Any additional training listed on the DD Form 254

13.0 DATA HANDLING AND TRANSFER REQUIREMENTS

The Partnership Intermediary shall manage all data, tools, documentation, and analytic outputs produced under this CPO to ensure Government ownership, continuity, and transition.

The Partnership Intermediary shall:

Maintain data and documentation in formats that are fully transferable to AFOSR or a Government-designated successor;

Ensure AFOSR retains ownership, full access, and reuse rights to all Government-funded data, tools, platforms, and outputs; and Support orderly data transfer, handoff, and knowledge continuity at Project Plan closeout and upon PIA transition, recompete, or completion.

Access to the technology developed under this agreement by foreign firms, institutions or individuals shall be controlled by the PI under applicable U.S. export control laws.

The PI shall receive the Contracting Officer’s approval before assigning or granting access to any work, equipment, or technical data generated or delivered under this agreement to foreign persons or their representatives. The notification shall include the name and country of origin of the foreign person or representative, the specific work, equipment, or data to which the person will have access.

14.0 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Reporting requirements under this CPO shall be established through Government direction and documented in AFOSR-approved Project Plans and applicable Government-issued attachments. Reporting formats, frequency, content, and level of detail may vary by Project Plan and are not established by this section.