(RFI): Validation of Emerging Defense & Detection Equipment for Readiness (VEDDER) Prototype Accelerator

Army Materiel Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC Aberdeen) is soliciting responses to a Request for Information from 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations to establish and operate a technology accelerator under Other Transaction Authority (10 U.S.C. 4022 and Section 236 of Public Law 118-159), with responses due May 28, 2026 at 1:00 PM EDT. The Government intends to award up to three separate Prototype Accelerator Partner (PAP) agreements only if selected entities execute distinct missions. No set-aside applies.

The accelerator will function as a continuous innovation hub—not a static consortium—focused on rapidly prototyping medical countermeasures and dual-use biotechnology and artificial intelligence solutions. Core responsibilities include technology scouting and vetting of biotechnology startups and AI models; executing commercial Business-to-Business sub-agreements that shield startups from FAR/DFARS compliance burdens; facilitating mandatory in silico testing through Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory or equivalent high-performance computing resources; managing IDIQ-like project structures; and ensuring flowdown compliance across all agreements.

The awardee must conduct risk-based foreign influence and security vetting of all commercial and academic partners per NSPM-33 and DoDI 5000.83, maintain a Department of War Impact Level 5 (IL5) compliant cloud-based program management platform, and ensure software prototypes intended for Government network integration comply with Secure Software Development Framework standards, Risk Management Framework requirements, DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides, and automated vulnerability management protocols. Performance targets include executing B2B agreements within 10-15 days of partner identification and accelerating capability transitions by more than 60 percent above industry standards.

Interested organizations must submit a 2-3 page capability statement addressing specific core areas, comments on a draft Statement of Work, and responses to questions regarding execution barriers, organizational incentives, information needs, and HPC preferences. The Government plans to release a Request for Project Proposal on or about May 29, 2026.