TEMPEST ARA Call 06_SENTRA.pdf

Advanced Research Announcement (ARA), TEMPEST Call 06 Simulation Environment for Technology Research and Assessments (SENTRA)

Overview Information

NAICS Code: The NAICS code for this acquisition is 541715 and the small business size is 1,000 employees.

Federal Agency Name: Air Force Research Laboratory, AFRL/RY Sensors Directorate

ARA Title: Trusted and Elastic Military Platforms and Electronic Warfare (EW) System Technologies (TEMPEST)

ARA Number: FA8650-20-S-1958 (Basic ARA)

Call Title: TEMPEST Call 06: Simulation Environment for Technology Research and Assessments (SENTRA)

Call Number: FA2377-25-R-B009

Call Type: 10 USC 4023 Competitive Procedures

THIS IS A ONE-STEP SOLICITATION FOR CALL 06 ISSUED UNDER THE TEMPEST

ARA. Unless otherwise stated in this call, all requirements listed within the Basic ARA announcement are considered applicable. Offerors should monitor the Contract Opportunities website at www.sam.gov in the event this announcement is amended.

Proposal Due Date and Time:

ONE-STEP CALL

PROPOSAL DUE DATE and TIME – 18 February 2026, 12:00PM

(NOON) Eastern Time

NOTE: Proposal receipt after the due date and time shall be governed by the provisions of FAR 52.215-1(c)(3). Early proposal submission is encouraged.

Submission: Proposals must be submitted electronically to the Contracting Points of Contact (POCs):

Kathryn Skaleski, Contract Specialist, AFRL/RYKSW, kathryn.skaleski@us.af.mil Richard Bailey, Contracting Officer, AFRL/RYKSW, richard.bailey.26@us.af.mil

Offerors should email the Contracting POCs at the emails indicated above indicating the desire to submit a proposal and include their company CAGE code. The Contracting POCs will confirm the company’s active status in the Joint Certification program and then respond with an emailed link/passphrase to DoD SAFE, a secure Department of Defense website designed for the exchange of sensitive information.

The DoD SAFE link will allow for the secure download of the Attachment 1 IDIQ Basic Statement of Objectives (SOO), Attachment 2 Task Order SOO, and Attachment 5 Solicitation DD254. Attachment 1, 2, and 5 cannot be posted due to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

The Offeror should use a DoD SAFE link to “drop off” the proposal. Offerors are required to have emailed the Contracting POCs and request the DoD SAFE link by 16 February 2026, 12:00PM (NOON) Eastern Time.

Type of Contract/Instrument: The Air Force reserves the right to award contract(s) pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 4023, based on the instrument deemed most appropriate. It is anticipated the contract awarded under this call will be an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type with Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) completion type Task Orders (TOs).

Cost reimbursement contracts require successful offerors to have an accounting system considered adequate for tracking costs applicable to the contract.

Estimated Call Value: The total estimated call value is $32,000,000 (the AF reserves the right to exceed this amount if determined to be in the best interest of the Government).

Anticipated Number of Awards: The Air Force anticipates awarding one (1) Basic IDIQ contract with multiple CPFF Completion Task Orders for this call. However, the Air Force reserves the right to award some, all, or none of the proposals.

Brief Call Summary: Offeror must request Attachment 1 IDIQ Basic SOO, Attachment 2 Task Order SOO, and Attachment 5 DD254 from the Contracting Officer.

Address technical questions to the Technical POCs:

Primary Technical POC Ryan Bone

AFRL/RYWD

2241 Avionics Circle, WPAFB, OH 45433 ryan.bone.3@us.af.mil

Secondary Technical POC Clifton Bullmaster

AFRL/RYWD

2241 Avionics Circle, WPAFB, OH 45433 clifton.bullmaster@us.af.mil

Contracting POCs Kathryn Skaleski, Contract Specialist

AFRL/RYKSW

kathryn.skaleski@us.af.mil

Richard Bailey, Contracting Officer

AFRL/RYKSW

richard.bailey.26@us.af.mil

Full Text Announcement

I. Program Description: Air Force Research Laboratory, Sensors Directorate (AFRL/RY) is soliciting technical and cost proposals on the following experimentation and test effort. Unless otherwise stated in this call, all requirements listed within the basic ARA solicitation are considered applicable. See basic ARA for further detailed descriptions of items listed below.

1. Statement of Objective/Needs: The objective of this IDIQ effort is to keep pace with advancing IADS capabilities and to assess commensurate EW capabilities as they emerge and mature. Meeting warfighter and acquisition community assessment needs in a timely manner is a key objective. Maintaining a relevant tool base and subject matter expertise will enable AFRL/RY to meet USAF EW assessment requirements.

The objective of the initial task order is to grow and exercise the Spectrum Warfare Systems Assessments Branch (AFRL/RYWD) modeling, simulation and analysis (MS&A) capabilities. The goals are to keep pace with advancing Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS) and to assess commensurate EW technologies as they emerge and mature. This task will use operationally representative threat scenarios, digital simulations and architectures to perform rapid assessments and/or demonstrations in a laboratory environment to mature/evaluate experimentation and test concepts. The developed enhancements under this task will then be integrated into the Virtual Combat Laboratory’s (VCL) core capabilities.

2. Within Scope Modifications: Potential offerors are advised that due to the inherent uncertainty of research and development efforts, awards resulting from this announcement may be modified during performance to make within scope changes, to include but not limited to, modifications which increase overall contract ceiling amount and modifications under authority of DFARS 235.006-71.

3. Deliverable Items:

a. Data Items: See Attachment 4, CDRLs

b. Software: To be determined. The Contractor will deliver the following prototype software outputs developed or acquired under the experimentation and test effort: Models (including source code), integration interfaces (ICDs), algorithms, simulation viewers (including source code), run-scripts, MATLAB tools, and script tools. The contractor may have to procured software, to include Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) software, if it is not available through Government channels and is required for the performance of this program.

c. Hardware: The Contractor may have to procure material, special test equipment, and hardware equipment needed for demonstration and test if it is not available through Government channels. The contractor shall deliver all hardware equipment and non-consumed materials developed and/or acquired under this contract to the Government at the conclusion of this effort.

4. Schedule: The IDIQ Period of Performance (PoP) will be 84 months overall, and the IDIQ ordering period will be for 60 months. The initial Task Order will be awarded for 84 months (81-month technical PoP with 3 months for final reporting). Subsequent Task Order PoPs will be determined on subsequent RFPs.

5. Other Requirements:

a. Program Security Classification: Individuals must be US citizens and have a security classification level of TS/SCI and SAP eligibility. See DD254 (Attachment 5). Offerors must verify their Cognizant Security Office information is current with Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) at www.dcsa.mil.

b. Export Control: Information involved in this effort is subject to Export Control (International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR); therefore, a Certified DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, is required to be submitted with the proposal.

c. Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS):

CPARS is applicable.

d. Unique/Special Clauses: None anticipated.

e. Unique Personnel Requirements: Utilizing Attachment 10 of this Call, the Government intends to negotiate labor categories and labor rates for the base and out-years of the IDIQ. These negotiated labor categories and labor rates will then be used on all subsequent task orders and for all rapid assessment capabilities (RACs). The Contractor shall identify their proposed labor categories and labor rates by submitting Attachment 10 of the Call. The Contractor shall adhere to the personnel qualifications as those shall be incorporated into the SOW Supplemental requirements.

f. Rapid Assessment Capability (RAC): The scope of this task order is to evaluate advanced technologies and concepts that require technology-based assessment (TBA) or rapid assessment at multiple levels of fidelity. These can include research programs and supporting projects that are identified as potential enablers for future concept development. The support required for these rapid evaluations includes, at a minimum, an analytical basis that the performance goals are achievable for the technology direction being pursued.

If required, a technology maturity and mission utility analysis may be necessary to inform program decision makers on the envisioned product(s).

The outcome of the rapid assessments should be in support of research programs being proposed under specific technology portfolios with analysis demonstrating the envisioned operational design.

Those technologies being developed and evaluated in the VCL’s continuously evolving simulation and analysis facility will then be used to enhance the core capabilities and existing infrastructure for future force requirements. These capabilities are necessary to effectively model future engagements that will introduce unprecedented levels of density and agility in the electromagnetic spectrum. This will also help to balance mission priority and AFRL’s potential to mature capabilities by leveraging its research expertise.

Rapid Assessment Capabilities are rapid evaluations and studies that fit under this task order and can be defined as research programs or support projects that require rapid execution with varying timelines of performance (for example, several days to several months of effort) with a funding line of no more than $350k per year. This will cover what is necessary to maintain and enhance the core modeling capabilities and experienced personnel required to sustain VCL operations. Order procedures for RACs are in Attachment 9 of this solicitation.

g. Associate Contractor Agreement: Anticipated.

h. Options: Not anticipated.

i. EVMS: Not anticipated.

j. Ground and Flight Test: Potential for ground test; flight test is not anticipated.

k. Science and Technology (S&T) Protection: See basic ARA.

l. Duty-Free Entry: Any subsequent contract action will include the duty-free entry clause (DFARS 252.225-7013, Duty-Free Entry), and the contractor should use the clause to assure that appropriate shipping documentation is used and reference the contract number to prevent incurring duties.

6. Other Information:

a. Government Furnished Property (GFP) Availability: Not anticipated.

b. Government Furnished Information (GFI) Software: Not anticipated.

c. Base Support/Network Access: Yes, Area B, Bldg. 620, Virtual Combat Laboratory (VCL), and Integrated Demonstrations and Applications Laboratory (IDAL). Access to all standard software that resides on previously mentioned networks, as well as AFSIM.

d. Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI): In order to mitigate any potential OCI (per FAR Subpart 9.5), DAFFARS provisional clause 5352.209- 9001 ALT I is incorporated in Section L of the Model Contract (Attachment 7) and DAFFARS clause 5352.209-9000 (TAILORED) and applicable alternates will be added to any resultant contract. If an OCI is anticipated, the contractor should provide the appropriate mitigation plan for Government review as part of the Business Proposal.

e. Data Rights: Unlimited data rights are desired for this call. See detailed information contained within the basic ARA. Data Rights desired by the contractor should be included with submission as part of the Section K (Certs and Reps – Attachment 6).

II. Award Information:

1. Anticipated Award Date: August 2026

2. Anticipated funding:

IDIQ Program Ceiling

FY26 ($K) FY27 ($K) FY28 ($K) FY29 ($K) FY30 ($K) FY31 ($K) FY32 ($K) Total ($K)

1,750 4,950 5,550 5,550 5,550 5,550 3,100 32,000

Initial Task Order Total Value

FY26

($K)

FY27

($K)

FY28

($K)

FY29

($K)

FY30

($K)

FY31

($K)

Total ($K)

Lab Labor 277 575 575 575 575 319 2896

Lab Software 3 5 5 5 5 3 26

Lab STE/HW 5 10 10 10 10 8 53

RAC 150 300 300 300 300 175 1,525

Total 435 890 890 890 890 505 4,500

This funding plan is an estimate only and not a contractual obligation for funding. All funding is subject to change due to Government discretion and availability. Potential offerors should be aware that due to unanticipated budget fluctuations, funding in any or all areas may change with little or no notice.

Notice to Offeror(s)/Supplier(s): Funds are not presently available for this effort. No award will be made under this solicitation until funds are available.

The Government reserves the right to cancel this solicitation, either before or after the closing date. In the event the Government cancels this solicitation, the Government has no obligation to reimburse an offeror for any costs.

III. Eligibility Information:

1. Eligible Offeror: This is an unrestricted solicitation.

2. Other:

a. Foreign Participation: Foreign Participation is not authorized on this call due to the sensitive nature of the technology and its level of classification.

b. Export Control: This acquisition involves data that is subject to export control laws and regulations. Offeror must submit a copy of their approved DD Form 2345, Military Critical Technical Data agreement with their proposal.

NOTE: You may be ineligible for award if all requirements of this solicitation are not met on the proposal due date, as identified in this call.

IV. Proposal Submission Information:

1. Overview: Proposals submitted under this call shall be in accordance with the instructions provided both herein and within the basic ARA announcement. The Government intends to review resulting proposals and award all, some, or none of the proposals received without negotiations/discussions. However, the Government does reserve the right to negotiate with those offerors whose proposals have been selected for funding. Offerors should be alert for any call amendments that may change proposal requirements or permit extensions to proposal submission dates. No classified submittals will be accepted. The cost of preparing cost and technical proposals in response to this Solicitation is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting or any other contract;

however, it may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect cost as specified in FAR 31.205-18.

2. Proposal Instructions (One Step and/or Request for Proposal):

a. Technical/Management Proposal shall be limited to:

(1) 25 pages for the Basic IDIQ

(2) 25 pages for each Task Order

b. Statement of Work (SOW) shall be limited to:

(1) 10 pages for the Basic IDIQ

(2) 5 pages for each Task Order

c. Subcontracting Plans: for efforts exceeding $900,000.00, Subcontracting Plans shall be submitted in the cost/business proposal. Reference FAR

19.704 and DFARS 219.704 for subcontracting plan requirements. Small business concerns are exempt from this requirement.

d. See information provided in basic ARA announcement (Section IV).

V. Proposal Review Information:

1. Proposal – Peer or Scientific Review Criteria: Proposals will be reviewed through Peer or Scientific Review using the criteria below. The basic IDIQ Peer or Scientific Review is of greater importance to the initial task order Peer or Scientific Review.

For the IDIQ:

The technical aspect, which is ranked as equal importance to the cost aspect, shall be reviewed based on the following criteria that are of descending order of importance.

a. Technical Merit:

1) Soundness of the offeror’s technical approach including whether the proposal demonstrates related experience and qualifications of technical personnel.

2) The offeror’s understanding of the scope of the technical effort.

3) Proposal’s potential to advance technology and the state of the art as well as to meet mission and agency needs.

4) The potential to transition the experimentation and test objectives and development deliverables to future Government needs. Any proposed restriction on technical data or computer software will be considered.

b. Cost/Price: The cost/price criterion includes the realism of the proposed cost, which includes costs for pre-priced labor categories. Cost/Price is a substantial factor and is of equal importance to the technical factor at the IDIQ level. (If an offeror proposes the use of GFP other than any GFP identified in this Call, and that proposed GFP provides the offeror an unfair competitive advantage, then FAR 45.202 requires rental equivalent be applied to the Cost Factor for evaluation purposes only).

Labor categories for the duration of the IDIQ ordering period are listed in Attachment 8. Labor rates for these labor categories shall be submitted with the proposal and will be negotiated at the IDIQ level. The negotiated labor rates will be used for subsequent task orders.

NOTE: Upon evaluation, if the basic effort does not meet “selectable” criteria, the task order will not be evaluated. Both the IDIQ and the initial task order proposals must be categorized as “selectable” in order to be considered for award.

For the initial task order:

The technical aspect, which is ranked as the first order of priority, shall be reviewed based on the following criteria that are of equal order of importance.

a. Technical:

1) Soundness of the offeror’s technical approach including whether the proposal demonstrates related experience and qualifications of technical personnel.

2) The offeror’s understanding of the scope of the technical effort.

3) Proposal’s potential to advance technology and the state of the art as well as to meet mission and agency needs.

4) The potential to transition the experimentation and test objectives and development deliverables to future Government needs. Any proposed restriction on technical data or computer software will be considered.

b. Cost/Price: The cost/price criterion includes the realism of the proposed cost for the task order. Cost/Price is a substantial factor but ranked as the second order of priority at the task order level. (If an offeror proposes the use of GFP other than any GFP identified in this Call, and that proposed GFP provides the offeror an unfair competitive advantage, then FAR 45.202 requires rental equivalent be applied to the Cost Factor for evaluation purposes only).

2. Proposal – Review and Selection Process:

a. Categories: Based on the Peer or Scientific Review, proposals will be categorized as Selectable or Not Selectable (see definitions below). The selection of one or more sources for award will be based on the Peer or Scientific Review, as well as importance to agency programs and funding availability.

1) Selectable: Proposals are recommended for acceptance if sufficient funding is available.

2) Not Selectable: Even if sufficient funding existed, the proposal should not be funded.

b. No other criteria will be used.

c. Prior to award of a potentially successful offer, the Contracting Officer will make a determination regarding price reasonableness.

NOTE: The Government reserves the right to award some, all, or none of the proposals. When the Government elects to award only part of a proposal, the selected part may be categorized as Selectable, though the proposal as a whole may not merit such a categorization.

VI. Award Administration Information:

Award Notices: Offerors will be notified whether their proposal is recommended for award approximately 30 days after proposal submission. The notification is not to be construed to mean that any contract award is assured, as availability of funds and successful negotiations are prerequisites to any award.

VII. Other Information:

Proposal Content Checklist: See Basic ARA.

ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment 1: Placeholder IDIQ Basic Statement of Objectives (SOO)

Attachment 2: Placeholder Task Order Statement of Objectives (SOO)

Attachment 3: AFRL/PZL SOW Supplemental Requirements

Attachment 4: Contract Data Requirements List (CDRLs)

Attachment 5: Placeholder Draft Contract Security Classification Specification (DD254)

Attachment 6: Section K (Reps/Certs)

Attachment 7: Model Contract

Attachment 8: SENTRA Proposed Labor Category Mapping

Attachment 9: SENTRA Ordering Instructions

Attachment 10: SENTRA Proposed Labor Categories and Rates

Attachment 11: SENTRA Rapid Assessment Capability (RAC) Request for Estimate