Multi-Spectral Sensing Technologies Research and Development (MUSTER)

The Air Force Research Laboratory is conducting a two-step broad agency announcement soliciting white papers and proposals for multispectral sensing technologies research and development across thirteen research areas, with white papers due January 20, 2027 at 1700 Wright-Patterson AFB local time. This is an unrestricted solicitation with no set-aside, encouraging small business participation.

The program, designated Multi-Spectral Sensing Technologies Research and Development (MuSTeR), carries a total value of $250 million across fiscal years 2021–2026, with individual awards anticipated between $100,000 and $10 million. Performance period for individual contracts spans 12–48 months, with an overall program effort spanning 60 months. Place of performance is the United States.

AFRL/RYM in the Sensors Directorate seeks innovative research in five technical categories: Multiband Multifunction Radio Frequency Sensing (array development, fully adaptive radar, advanced digital arrays); Laser Radar Technology (imaging, systems, components, applications); Passive Radio Frequency Sensing; Distributed Radio Frequency Sensing (waveform phenomenology, sensor information processing); and EO Target Detection & Surveillance (passive EO/IR sensor technology, novel hardware and algorithms, hyperspectral imaging, standoff high-resolution imaging, infrared search and track, space-based sensing). Research must support persistent ISR, time-sensitive targeting, and battlespace access for Air Force air and space systems.

White papers are limited to six pages in Microsoft Word (10-point Arial, double-spaced) and must include BAA number, company information, period of performance, task objectives, technical summary, proposed deliverables, and rough order of magnitude cost. The Government will evaluate white papers within 30 working days using four equally-weighted criteria: technical approach consistency with BAA technologies, research interest to Government, novelty and creative solutions, and appropriate funding availability. Selected offerors will be invited to submit technical and cost proposals within 30 working days; proposals are not eligible for award unless preceded by a white paper submission.

Technical proposals are limited to 35 pages (20 pages for Basic IDIQ; 15 pages each for Task Orders 0001 and 0002). Evaluation prioritizes technical merit—unique and innovative approach, understanding of scope, soundness including risk mitigation, transition potential, and facility availability—followed by cost/price realism. Contract type will be Cost Plus Fixed Fee or Other Transaction agreements.

Secret facility clearance and safeguarding capability may be required. Contractor personnel accessing USAF bases or IT networks must be U.S. citizens, with limited waiver exceptions for approved foreign nationals. OPSEC and Science and Technology Protection Plan compliance are mandatory. Subcontracting plans are required for efforts exceeding $900,000; small businesses are exempt. Foreign participation is prohibited at prime level but may be considered at subcontracting level for basic research. NAICS code is 541715; small business size standard is 1,000 employees. Amendments 2 through 5 updated technical and contracting points of contact, incorporated revolving fund oversight parts per Executive Order 1475, and modified contract information and URLs.