Pioneering Aerospace Capabilities, Engineering and Research
Open Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- FA2391-23-S-2403
- Agency
-
Air Force Research Laboratory
Air Force Materiel Command, Department of Defense
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 541715 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Place of performance
- United States
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Air Force Research Laboratory seeks research and development efforts on pioneering aerospace technologies through a two-step open Broad Agency Announcement and calls issued through May 10, 2043, with white papers due continuously through that date and individual call deadlines varying by specific call. This is an unrestricted solicitation (no set-aside), and small businesses are encouraged to propose.
Place of performance is the United States. The NAICS code is 541715, Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Work is conducted under multiple technical areas spanning high-speed systems, power and controls, propulsion, aerodynamics, airframe structures, autonomy, mission systems, and other domains. The solicitation structure accepts white papers on a rolling basis, with periodic calls for specific research topics. Individual calls have issued accelerated deadlines in recent months—most recently, the Tactical Air-Launched Weapon Demonstrating Industrialization (TAWODI) call (October 9, 2026) and High-Speed Aero-Propulsion Scythe (HSAPS) call (July 28, 2026 white paper deadline). The most recent revision of the base BAA was posted July 15, 2026.
Individual award ceilings are $500 million, with cumulative per-call ceilings of $500 million. Anticipated contract types include cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursement, cost-sharing, firm-fixed-price, grants, cooperative agreements, and Other Transactions for Prototype/Research at the government's discretion. Multiple awards of varying duration and value are anticipated per call.
Technical evaluation is the first priority, weighing unique and innovative approach, understanding of scope, soundness of technical approach, and transition potential to future military needs. Cost realism is secondary. Past performance via CPARS is required for R&D efforts exceeding $1 million funded with Budget Activity 6.4 or higher. Offerors performing work with Covered Defense Information or Controlled Unclassified Information must comply with DoD Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 requirements. Offerors must maintain active SAM.gov registrations, submit approved DD Form 2345 (Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement) where applicable, and complete Security Program Questionnaires and Research and Related Senior/Key Person Profiles. Foreign nationals may be employed on unclassified work; foreign primes are not authorized. Standard FAR and DFARS representations and certifications apply. Contract deliverables include scientific and technical reports, expenditure reports, status reports, presentation materials, technical data packages, computer software, and test plans per the Contract Data Requirements List. Electronic submission via DoD SAFE or email is required for all proposals and white papers.
Notice text
3 versions
Update #3 · Latest ·
PACER BAA is a Two-Step Open BAA and BAA with Calls which will enable study efforts on novel concepts, as well as research and development efforts to mature specific technologies to appropriate technology readiness levels (TRL) depending on end use. Efforts under this BAA are intended to further AFRL/RA’s mission in pioneering transformative aerospace technologies for the warfighter’s decisive advantage.
Revision 1, posted 5 June 2024.
Revision 2, posted 24 October 2024
Revision 3, posted 6 May 2025
Revision 4, posted 15 July 2026
Update #2 ·
PACER BAA is a Two-Step Open BAA and BAA with Calls which will enable study efforts on novel concepts, as well as research and development efforts to mature specific technologies to appropriate technology readiness levels (TRL) depending on end use. Efforts under this BAA are intended to further AFRL/RQ’s mission in pioneering transformative aerospace technologies for the warfighter’s decisive advantage.
Revision 1, posted 5 June 2024.
Update #1 ·
PACER BAA is a Two-Step Open BAA and BAA with Calls which will enable study efforts on novel concepts, as well as research and development efforts to mature specific technologies to appropriate technology readiness levels (TRL) depending on end use. Efforts under this BAA are intended to further AFRL/RQ’s mission in pioneering transformative aerospace technologies for the warfighter’s decisive advantage.
Files
Show 40 more
50 files listed here. See the rest on GovTribe.
Similar open opportunities
| Opportunity | Agency | Set-aside | Responses due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Dominance Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) | Air Force Research Laboratory | No set-aside | |
| Air Delivered Effects Broad Area Announcement | Air Force Research Laboratory | No set-aside | |
| AFRL Rocket Lab Hermes BAA | Air Force Test Center | No set-aside | |
| Space Environment Technologies and Science (SETS) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) | Air Force Research Laboratory | No set-aside | |
| AFRL Rocket Lab ARA | Air Force Test Center | No set-aside |
On GovTribe
Work this opportunity
- Track it in your pipeline
- Find teaming partners
- Similar opportunities
- Ask GovTribe AI about this opportunity