Air Combat Evolution Technical Area 1: Build Combat Autonomy

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency seeks proposals to develop autonomous aerial combat maneuvering algorithms through its Air Combat Evolution Technical Area 1 effort. Proposals are requested to automate within-visual-range maneuvering using realistic platforms in modeling and simulation, sub-scale unmanned aircraft, and operational aircraft in order to increase warfighter trust in combat autonomy. Multiple awards totaling up to $25 million over 44 months across three phases will be made based on an evaluation of proposals' ability to develop individual and team tactical behaviors, calibrate trust in local behaviors, scale performance to global behaviors, and build experimentation infrastructure. Proposals are due by April 30, 2020.

No set-aside designation will be used for this procurement. Work will be performed under North American Industry Classification System code 541715 and Federal Supply Classification code R425 with the goal of developing autonomous dogfighting capabilities. Awards are expected to range up to $25 million for contracts of up to 44 months in duration to support modeling, sub-scale and operational aircraft integration, trust assessment, and experimentation through phases of development at locations including the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and military test ranges.