REQUEST FOR INFORMATION-NATIONAL NETWORK - FINAL.pdf

AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY (AFRL) NATIONAL RESEARCH NETWORK

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

Subject: National Research Network Management for the Air Force Research Laboratory

(AFRL)

RFI Number: RFI-AFRL-FA2385-2026-9320

Agency: Department of the Air Force

Office: Air Force Research Laboratory Strategic Partnering Office (AFRL/SPC)

Posted Date: 20 February 2026

Response Date: 23 March 2026

Classification: Unclassified

Distribution Statement A: Approved for public release: distribution is unlimited.

1. NOTICE

This Request for Information (RFI), as defined in FAR 15.201(e) is issued for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment by the government to award a contract now or in the future. Submitting information for this RFI is voluntary, and participants will not be compensated. Your response to this RFI will be treated as information only. This RFI is not a request for competitive proposals; therefore, responses to this notice are not considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to issue a binding contract. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of contractor submission of responses to this announcement or the Government's use of such information. No funds have been authorized, appropriated, or received for this effort. The information provided may be used by the USAF in developing its acquisition strategy, statement of work/statement of objectives, and performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained within their response as instructed later in this posting.

2. BACKGROUND

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is requesting information to identify potential sources to provide faster, more-trusted communication and network entry solutions for distributed research networks that meet future DAF needs. AFRL is exploring the next evolution of its successful Regional Networks pilot program to continue to foster innovation and accelerate the development of transformational capabilities relevant to both the U.S.

Air Force (USAF) and the U.S. Space Force (USSF).

This initiative builds upon the successes of the program, expanding the concept to create a structure that opens opportunities for institutions across the entire United States. This collaborative network of academic, industrial, private investment, and government partners accelerates the invention of transformational capabilities by focusing on high-impact, agile research. By expanding its presence in innovation hotspots, the DAF ensures that emerging technological advances rapidly become operational strengths for both the Air Force and Space Force.

3. PURPOSE

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is seeking concepts for a scalable, agile research network to connect innovation hotspots and national partners (academic, industrial, and investment). The goal is to accelerate the invention of transformational capabilities for the USAF and USSF by focusing on impactful research that translates science and technology into dual-use applications and operational defense tools. This Request for Information (RFI) aims to gather feedback on operational models, partnership structures, cost drivers, sustainable financial models, and strategies to integrate commercial, civil, and defense markets.

4. LINES OF EFFORT (LOE)

This RFI seeks information on the below lines of effort, which are designed to explore foundational strategic questions for this initiative. Respondents are encouraged to address how their expertise and capabilities align with these strategic and technical areas being considered. Even if a specific solution is mentioned within the RFI, AFRL is not bound to the solutions mentioned. The suggestion of alternate or additional LOEs is strongly encouraged. Additionally, insight into how the proposed network scenario would entice others to join and invest is desired.

• LoE 1: Network Architecture & Governance Model: Seeks perspectives on the optimal structure for the network. Respondents should analyze the advantages and disadvantages of centralized national vs. decentralized regional models and propose innovative hybrid or topical structures that could provide greater agility.

Submissions should also address governance concepts and include a high-level cost estimate to establish a minimum viable network, considering factors like tolerable cost-share from partners.

• LoE 2: Trusted Collaboration with AFRL: Focus on the mechanisms for creating deep, trusted partnerships. This includes defining the processes for collaboration and integration specifically between network members and AFRL's Technical Directorates and research personnel. It should address how to streamline IP negotiations, manage security requirements (e.g., CUI), and build agile, multi-disciplinary teams that leverage each other’s facilities and unique expertise.

• LoE 3: Value Proposition & Ecosystem Integration: Define the network's value proposition for its external partners. Respondents should identify what potential members would view as desirable offerings, success metrics, and measures of ROI.

This includes needs beyond direct funding, such as access to centralized experimental/simulation user facilities, secure cyber/information environments, or unique DAF data sets. This LOE should also explore how this initiative could leverage or integrate with similar existing networks to maximize value.

• LoE 4: Economic Engine & Investment Strategy: Focus on the network's role as an economic driver. Respondents should propose structures and strategies designed to increase the infusion of private capital, venture funding, and other dual-use investments into the research and technologies developed within the network. The goal is to create a self-sustaining ecosystem where government funding acts as a catalyst for much larger private investment.

• LoE 5: Mission Impact & Alignment: Addresses the critical challenge of aligning commercial and academic research with DAF needs. Respondents should propose ways for the network to help the community define "impactful" from a DAF perspective. What information and resources are academic and industry partners currently lacking in understanding DAF priorities, and what innovative methods could be used to close this gap in understanding and communication?

6. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Interested parties should submit a response addressing the following integrated requirements and questions. You may address the full scope or a specific portion based on your expertise.

1. Strategic Alignment & LOEs

• Identify which of the five Lines of Effort (LOEs) from Section 5 your response addresses.

• Describe your organization’s current capabilities, unique expertise, and validated experience relevant to these LOEs.

• Explain how these capabilities would integrate into a collaborative network scenario.

2. Network Operating Model Analysis

• Preferred Model: Recommend a specific approach (National, Regional, or Hybrid).

• Comparative Analysis: Compare your preferred model against at least one alternative, evaluating:

• Agility & Speed: Ability to form teams and execute research rapidly.

• Scalability: Effectiveness in engaging diverse national institutions.

• Administrative Overhead: Management complexity and governance costs.

• Collaboration: Ability to foster a cohesive, trusted research community.

3. Partnerships & Ecosystem Integration

• Teaming: Indicate your willingness to integrate with other respondents. If using subcontractors, specify the anticipated percentage of effort and the business size (Small/Large) of those partners.

• Small Business Compliance: If applicable, provide a rationale for how you would comply with FAR 52.219-14 (Limitations on Subcontracting). Large businesses should provide reasonable expectations for small business utilization percentages.

• Workforce & Tech Transfer: Describe your resources for supporting USAF/USSF workforce development and your ideal approach to technology transfer and commercialization within a multi-partner ecosystem.

4. Financial & Cost Estimates (ROM)

• 24-Month ROM: Provide a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) for your proposed model, detailed as an annual recurring cost over a 24-month period. Include assumptions for manpower and materials.

• Cost Drivers: Identify the key drivers that differentiate your model’s cost from the alternatives (e.g., “A national model may increase admin costs by X% due to Y factors”).

• Financial Sustainability: Suggest strategies for public-private cost-sharing to ensure economic viability.

5. Administrative & Contract History

• Existing Contracts: Indicate if you have experience in the area of this RFI under existing Government contracts (provide contract numbers and POCs) or via non-government channels (optional).

• Data Rights: Provide a general description of the data rights the Government would receive regarding the described technologies.

• Questions/Comments: Provide any feedback or clarifying questions for the Government regarding this RFI.

7. INSTRUCTIONS TO POTENTIAL RESPONDENTS

Interested parties who desire to participate in this RFI are encouraged to submit responses that clearly demonstrate an ability to meet the Purpose in section 3, or a portion of the Purpose if interested as a collaboration partner. Responses shall include the following information in the format described below (section A):

1. Company/Institute Name:

2. Address:

3. Point of Contact (to include phone number and email address):

4. CAGE Code:

5. Web Page URL:

6. Size of business pursuant to NAICS Code 541715. Based on the above NAICS Code, state whether your company is (certification declarations optional):

a. Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

b. Women-Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party

Certified

c. Economically Disadvantaged Women- Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-

Certified or Third Party Certified

d. HUBZone Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

e. Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party

Certified

f. Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or

Third Party Certified

g. 8(a) Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

h. SBA Certification Date: ____________ SBA Graduation Date: ______________

7. The NAICS code for this requirement, if applicable to the company's capabilities, should be included in the company's NAICS code listing in SAM.

8. State whether the company is domestically or foreign owned (if foreign, please indicate the country of ownership).

9. State whether the respondents are interested in being a prime or subcontractor for this requirement.

8. CONTENT AND FORMAT:

1. The government may contact respondents to obtain additional information or clarification in order to fully understand a company's response. This may include discussions, site visits, demonstrations, etc. to further the Government's understanding of a proposed solution, as well as a company's understanding of the Government's requirements.

2. Offerors are required to submit one (1) electronic copy of white paper summarizing their proposed approach/solution. White papers should be limited to a maximum of five (5) pages.

The white paper will be formatted as follows:

Section A: Title, Name/Address of Company, Technical and Contracting Points of Contact (phone and email) (this section is NOT included in the page count) and the information noted in section 7 above;

Section B: Response to requirement as per section 6 above

All white papers shall be double-spaced with a font no smaller than 12-point. Please note that less than 12-point font is acceptable for graphics and illustrations (as in labels and short descriptions) as long as it is readable when printed out on standard 8x11 paper. In addition, respondents are requested to provide their Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code and an e-mail address and reference this RFI with their submission.

Multiple white papers within the purview of this announcement may be submitted by each offeror.

9. MAILING INSTRUCTIONS:

Email Unclassified electronic submissions to the TPOC identified in Section VII.

Encrypt or password-protect all proprietary information prior to sending. Offerors are responsible for confirming receipt with the TPOC. AFRL is not responsible for undelivered documents. If electronic submission is used, only one copy of the documentation is required.

Questions can be directed to the TPOC listed in Section 10.

10. AGENCY CONTACTS:

All white paper and proposal submissions and any questions of a technical nature shall be directed to the cognizant TPOC as specified below (unless otherwise specified in the technical area):

Sean Mahoney Telephone: 385-634-8572 Email: sean.mahoney.5@us.af.mil

Questions of a contractual/business nature shall be directed to the cognizant contracting officer, as specified below (email requests are preferred):

Clayton Kaiser, AFRL/RSKDB Email: clayton.kaiser.3@us.af.mil

Whitney Foxbower, AFRL/RSKDC whitney.foxbower@us.af.mil

Emails must reference the solicitation (RFI) number and title of the acquisition.

mailto:clayton.kaiser.3@us.af.mil mailto:whitney.foxbower@us.af.mil