RFI-VEDDER-Release-21 May 2026-1941.pdf

Request for Information (RFI)

Solicitation Number: RFI to prepare for forthcoming Request for Project Proposal (RPP) that will be released via W911SR-24-R-CWMD (Reference BOTAA)

Program Name: Validation of Emerging Defense & Detection Equipment for Readiness

(VEDDER) Prototype Accelerator (working title)

Authority: 10 U.S.C. § 4022 and Section 236 of Public Law 118-159

1. Introduction and Purpose:

The Portfolio Acquisition Executive-Layered Protection & Integration (PAE-LPI), formerly known as the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and

Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND), is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to identify qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit (NFP) organizations capable of establishing and operating a technology accelerator under an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement. The VEDDER program is designed to execute the mandate of Section 236 (Pilot Program on Development of

Near-Term Use Cases and Demonstration of Artificial Intelligence Toward Biotechnology

Applications for National Security). The USG intends to utilize an “IDIQ”-style OTA to create a continuous innovation hub that bridges the private sector, elite national High-Performance

Computing (HPC) resources, and the US Government. This hub will accelerate the prototyping of new technologies for wide range of biotechnology capabilities and innovations, specifically

Medical Countermeasures (MCMs), to support biotechnology and medical rapid response priorities. The Government may award up to THREE (3) Prototype Accelerator Partner(s) (PAP) agreements only if the selected entities will execute separate and distinct missions under the forthcoming RPP. This approach maintains the flexibility required to secure PAPs that are true experts within their specific domains.

2. Background and Strategic Context:

The U.S. currently leads the world in biotechnology; however, peer competitors are rapidly closing the biotechnology innovation gap. To secure the future U.S. economy, prevent the offshoring of critical technologies, and maintain military dominance, the USG requires a highly agile acquisition model. Modeled after other successful government non-profit venture initiatives, VEDDER will leverage 10 U.S.C. § 4022. This allows VEDDER to diverge from rigid Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) processes, enabling the selected NFP to execute rapid, commercial-style Business-to-Business (B2B) sub-agreements with non-traditional defense contractors and small businesses/startups.

3. SCOPE AND OPERATIONAL MODEL:

The selected 501(c)(3) will not operate as a static consortium. Instead, it will function as an active, continuous innovation accelerator. The USG will obligate funding to the master OTA, and the NFP will independently scout, vet, and engage commercial entities. The NFP must demonstrate the capability to combine multiple industry and academic partners into a cohesive

"system of systems" framework without inducing the intellectual property gridlock typical of traditional venture models.

PLEASE REVIEW the very rough DRAFT SOW. Please feel free to make track changes to the documents and add comments with questions. WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!

Core

Responsibilities Operational Details

Tech Scouting &

Vetting

Identify and validate emerging biotechnology startups, AI data models, and non-traditional vendors operating in the biotechnology space.

B2B Execution

Execute commercial sub-agreements ("work programs") that shield innovative startups from burdensome FAR/DFARS accounting standards, lowering the barrier to entry.

HPC Utilization

Facilitate mandatory in silico testing and vetting of capabilities by integrating vendors with existing Government HPCs, similar approved HPC infrastructures, or an equivalent commercial entity possessing similar supercomputing power.

Project

Management

Manage an IDIQ-like structure where individual prototyping projects are initiated, funded, and managed as specific bona fide needs emerge from the

USG.

Flowdown

Compliance

Ensure appropriate flowdown clauses are maintained in all B2B agreements to protect USG interests, data rights, domestic manufacturing constraints, and supply chain management, while also enabling industry to move at the speed needed to achieve a competitive advantage.

4. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:

5.1 General Submission Details:

Interested 501(c)(3) organizations are invited to 2-3 Page showing general capability areas outlined in Section 3 above by 27 May 2026. As requested above, we would also like comments/concerns on the rough DRAFT SOW by 27 May 2026. Please send your comments and changes in the rough DRAFT SOW. Responses must be submitted electronically via email to the Primary Points of Contact listed below.

Due to the urgency of this requirement, the Government intends to release a RPP on or about 29

May 2026 to request Preproposals (aka White Papers). The purpose of this RFI is to quickly gather questions or concerns that will help you prepare for the forthcoming RPP. Please call the

Agreements Officer, Aaron Skinner, at (520) 671-4499, May 21st-May 22nd and/or May 27th-May

28th to help answer questions or discuss the requirements.

• Primary Points of Contact:

o Aaron Skinner, Agreements Officer: aaron.d.skinner.civ@army.mil o Lionel Love, Agreements Specialist: lionel.d.love.civ@army.mil

• Submission Deadline: 28 May 2026 no later than 1:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

(EDT).

• Email Subject Line Requirement: Response to RFI W911SR-24-R-CWMD - VEDDER

- [Your Organization Name]

5.2 Formatting Constraints:

To ensure a thorough and equitable review, all submissions must adhere to the following formatting requirements. Submissions that exceed the page limit will only be reviewed up to the maximum page count.

Requirement Specification

Document Format Single Adobe PDF document (.pdf) or Microsoft Word

Page Limit Maximum of 2-3 pages (excluding cover page and executive summary)

Page Size Standard 8.5 x 11 inches

Margins One (1) inch margins on all sides

Font 12-point Times New Roman (10-point font is acceptable for tables/graphics)

5.3 Questions and Clarifications:

Please direct any questions regarding this RFI to Agreements Officer, Aaron Skinner at 520-671-

4499. We welcome the opportunity to discuss our requirements further. The Government will attempt to answer all questions but is not obligated to do so.

Please be advised that we will be out of the office on Monday, 25 May 2026, and Tuesday, 26

May 2026, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Normal operations will resume on

Wednesday, 27 May 2026.

Responses to the questions below will be taken into account to help the Government put out a better RPP to increase competition. Please answer the following questions:

• Major Barriers: Based on the provided RFI, what do you see as the single biggest barrier or risk to successfully executing the VEDDER vision?

https://www.google.com/url?q=mailto%3Aaaron.d.skinner.civ%40army.mil https://www.google.com/url?q=mailto%3Alionel.d.love.civ%40army.mil

• What is the primary incentive your organization would need to participate in this program, outside of basic operational funding?

• What information could the Government provide to improve our chances of receiving a proposal from you?

• What High-Performance Computing entity would you leverage to drive AI-driven drug discovery and in silico testing? Would you leverage other US Government HPC labs, commercial entities, or a mix?

5.4 Proprietary and Controlled Information:

The Government acknowledges that respondents may submit proprietary or confidential business information.

• CUI Constraints: Responses to this RFI should be kept at the Unclassified level. If your submission requires the inclusion of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), you must clearly mark the document with a "CUI" header/footer and apply appropriate portion markings in accordance with DoDI 5200.48.

• Data Protection: The Government will protect all appropriately marked information from unauthorized disclosure.

5.5 Disclaimers and Notices:

• Informational Purposes Only: This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a RPP, a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. (1) The Government’s intent is only to seek rough estimates of potential labor categories and availability information, not to make a purchase. (2) This market research information is for "informational purposes only.” (3)

By submitting information, do NOT assume you will be given the opportunity to bid. (4)

Do not perform any significant work or incur any significant costs (including the cost of providing market research information).

• No Funding: This RFI does not commit the U.S. Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. The Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party's expense.

• Not a Consortium Requirement: As noted, this effort seeks a singular 501(c)(3) innovation hub accelerator, not the formation of a static consortium.

• Urgency: In support of immediate mission requirements, the Government is requesting an expedited response to this RFI.