Rapid Maturation and Demonstration of Hypersonic Weapon Concepts

The Department of the Air Force, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Air Warfare Directorate, has issued a Special Notice announcing its intent to release a focused call under the existing Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Pioneering Aerospace Capabilities, Engineering & Research (PACER)" (Solicitation Number FA2391-23-S-2403). This notice solicits innovative solutions for the rapid maturation and demonstration of hypersonic weapon concepts. The initiative is open to qualified contractors seeking to participate in cutting-edge defense technology development. The specific call will be posted as an amendment to the parent BAA on SAM.gov within the next 30 days. The Air Force Research Laboratory expects to receive proposals from organizations capable of advancing hypersonic weapon system capabilities.

The primary objective is to develop hypersonic weapon concepts capable of sustaining Mach 5 flight speeds with a range exceeding 500 nautical miles, with no predetermined payload specifications. The Air Force particularly encourages offerors to employ modular open systems architectures (MOSA), digital engineering methodologies, and advanced manufacturing techniques such as additive manufacturing to create complex propulsion flow paths as integrated components. The evaluation process will follow a two-round approach, beginning with white paper submissions in Round 1, after which selected meritorious submissions will be invited to submit comprehensive technical and cost proposals in Round 2. While the specific technical objectives, evaluation criteria, anticipated funding levels, performance period, and detailed submission instructions have not yet been disclosed, these details will be provided in the forthcoming amendment to the BAA. Contractors should monitor SAM.gov for the formal solicitation release and monitor communications from the technical point of contact, Lt Col. Isaac Putnam, and the contracting officer, Eric Carretta.