Request for Proposal (RFP) for Transformational Model – Battle Management Match Effectors (MEF) Decision Advantage Sprint for Human-machine teaming (DASH)
ID: FA238425SRHW2Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA8650 USAF AFMC AFRL PZL AFRL/PZLWRIGHT PATTERSON AFB, OH, 45433-7541, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; BASIC RESEARCH (AC11)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is soliciting proposals through a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Transformational Model – Battle Management Match Effectors (MEF) Decision Advantage Sprint for Human-Machine Teaming (DASH). The objective of this procurement is to enhance decision-making capabilities in command and control (C2) systems by developing innovative software applications that improve the speed, accuracy, and confidence of human operators in military decision-making processes. This initiative is critical for optimizing battle management and operational effectiveness in high-stakes military environments, with a focus on integrating advanced technologies and human-machine collaboration. Interested parties must submit their proposals by June 13, 2025, and can direct inquiries to Breeana Dixon at breeana.dixon@us.af.mil.

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    The DD Form 1423-1 outlines the Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) utilized by the Department of Defense (DoD) to specify data deliverables associated with government contracts. The form facilitates the collection, submission, and review of vital data pertaining to contracts, such as scientific and technical reports. Key sections of the form include identifying data item titles, submission schedules, distribution requirements, and associated costs for data preparation. It categorizes data items into four groups based on their relevance and required effort, aiding contractors in estimating costs. The purpose of the form is to ensure clarity and compliance with government standards in data management while minimizing the burden on contractors. Instructions are provided for both government personnel and contractors, detailing steps for completing the form accurately. The comprehensive nature of this form is critical for the successful execution of federal contracts and grants, reinforcing accountability and standardized reporting within government procurement processes.
    The Transformational Model – Battle Management Match Effectors (MEF) Decision Advantage Sprint for Human-Machine Teaming (DASH) event aims to enhance command and control (C2) capabilities by exploring artificial intelligence and autonomy in military applications. Scheduled from July 21 to August 1, 2025, at the Howard Hughes Operations Center in Las Vegas, NV, the event will engage select participants limited by resources, with an "Ask Me Anything" session on May 30, 2025. The focus is on deriving superior C2 decision-making capabilities through a model-based systems engineering approach, ensuring warfighter involvement and collaboration with industry partners. The event will feature software development teams in a simulated combat environment, tasked with rapid decision-making enhancements based on MEF concepts. The participating teams will aim to develop applications aiding human operators in improving decision quality and speed during military operations. Final results will be shared with stakeholders, who will analyze the software's effectiveness and underlying technical requirements. Security and operational guidelines will be strictly followed, and contractor personnel must undergo background checks and OPSEC training. Overall, this initiative underscores the commitment to achieving decision advantage in joint military operations through innovative technological solutions.
    The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) seeks to manage security risks related to federally funded research aimed at safeguarding its Science and Technology (S&T). The AFRL Security Risk Review is established under AFRLI 61-113 and requires comprehensive applications from contractors, particularly documentation that includes a Senior/Key Personnel Profile, Security Program Questionnaire, and Privacy Act Statement for each covered individual. The review process does not consider nationality or citizenship; instead, it emphasizes identifying potential security threats and assessing risk factors to inform decision-making. Applicants must ensure compliance with various disclosure requirements regarding foreign involvement in research and maintain diligent oversight of their personnel's affiliations. Any significant concerns identified during the project could lead to award termination. The document communicates the importance of adherence to security protocols to mitigate risks of foreign influence, demonstrating the government’s commitment to national security in research development.
    The Security Program Questionnaire is designed to evaluate the security measures of institutions seeking research funding. It targets collaborators who are required to complete the questionnaire, which will then be reviewed by the Science & Technology (S&T) Protection Lead. Key questions cover various security aspects, including physical security plans, information security processes, data storage locations (e.g., computers, cloud systems), and protocols for information transmission, disposal, and reproduction. Additionally, the questionnaire addresses safeguards for personnel accessing sensitive information, cybersecurity measures, operations security to prevent adversarial access, insider threat mitigation, and procedures for handling compromised information. Collaborators are also queried about their willingness to provide annual S&T Protection training to personnel with access. This document is crucial in ensuring applicants maintain robust security frameworks in compliance with government funding requirements, thereby safeguarding sensitive information throughout their research efforts.
    The document is a Privacy Act Statement from the Air Force Research Laboratory detailing the collection and use of information for processing federal grants, contracts, and other agreements. It cites various legal authorities governing the collection, emphasizing the importance of responsible parties for federal funding. The collected information may be shared with contractors or law enforcement if legal violations arise. While submitting information is voluntary, non-compliance could lead to application rejections or other civil and criminal repercussions, as mandated by 42 U.S. Code § 6605. The document includes a section for signatures from the covered individual and the institution’s authorized representative, confirming consent and understanding of the stated terms. Overall, the statement underscores the necessity of compliance in dealings with the Air Force and the safeguarding of federal funding processes.
    The DASH 2 Match Effectors Information Briefing outlines an initiative by the Department of the Air Force aimed at enhancing Command and Control (C2) decision-making through advanced human-machine teaming. The primary focus is the integration of microservices to improve decision-making advantages which, due to limitations in current systems, remains predominantly human-driven. The initiative includes extensive collaboration over a two-week Sprint where warfighters and software developers will develop prototypes, validate requirements, and improve interfaces. Key milestones outlined include the submission of RFP abstracts, government selection of development teams, and the detailed scheduling of activities during the Sprint. Deliverables from this initiative involve producing microservice prototypes that address decision-making functions, showcasing operational limits, and evaluating performance metrics such as decision speed and accuracy. Additionally, cost proposals are required, along with a clear distinction between proprietary and public information in submissions. In essence, the DASH 2 briefing emphasizes the transformative potential of microservices in military decision-making processes, aiming for a significant upgrade to existing capabilities for resilient and efficient C2 operations.
    The Department of Air Force is soliciting proposals through a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Transformational Model – Battle Management Match Effectors (MEF) Decision Advantage Sprint for Human-Machine-Teaming (DASH). Set for July 21 to August 1, 2025, at the Howard Hughes Operations Center in Las Vegas, NV, the event aims to enhance decision-making capabilities in command and control (C2) systems, addressing the need for better performance in high-stakes military environments. Proposals should exhibit a clear understanding of the MEF decision function, provide technical solutions, and include unclassified military use cases that illustrate effective decision-making workflows. The RFP emphasizes the importance of automation in improving human-machine interaction, with a focus on achieving operational advantages during combat situations. Participants will engage in a simulated environment, collaborating with warfighters to develop innovative software applications, with results shared among government stakeholders. The submittals must adhere to guidelines regarding structure, proprietary information, and cost breakdowns. Key dates include a May 30 "Ask Me Anything" session and proposal submissions due by June 13, 2025. This RFP is part of ongoing efforts to refine military capabilities in an evolving operational landscape.
    The document outlines the Transformational Model (TM) for Decision Advantage within military Command and Control (C2) and Intelligence, detailing 52 Decision Functions (DFs) across four domains: BattleAnalysis, BattlePlanning, BattleCommand, and BattleManagement. Each DF is presented with a plain language explanation and illustrative examples, emphasizing the transformation of data into actionable intelligence, strategic planning, and operational command processes. Key ideas include the evaluation of information needs, selection of credible data, scenario projection, and resource allocation within military contexts. For instance, BattleAnalysis focuses on understanding the real situation through data scrutiny, while BattlePlanning emphasizes crafting plans that account for diverse future scenarios. BattleCommand highlights the importance of recognizing significant opportunities, and BattleManagement addresses the orchestration of actions amid chaotic environments. The document serves as a guide for refining military decision-making processes, proposing collaborative engagement in its development. It aims to enhance operational effectiveness by fostering a structured approach to military decision-making, ensuring that different units work in unison within the complex domain of military operations.
    The document outlines the Transformational Model (TM) for Decision Advantage within the framework of Combined Joint All-Domain Command & Control (CJADC2). This model emphasizes the integration of human-machine teaming (HMT) to enhance decision-making capabilities across military operations. Key themes include the development of microservices, known as Perceive Actionable Entity (PAE) and Match Effectors (MEF), which are designed to optimize collaborative decision-making through innovative data presentation and interaction. The document also identifies specific capabilities required for achieving Decision Advantage, such as sensitivity, specificity, and error mitigation, while addressing potential gaps in current command and control systems. A collaborative approach among industry partners and defense agencies is encouraged, promoting the exploration of advanced technologies through a “Wild West” development strategy. Key operational goals focus on generating actionable intelligence and effectively matching capabilities to operational requirements, thereby enhancing battle management processes. The ongoing refinement of these models aims to keep pace with evolving technological landscapes, ensuring military readiness and efficacy in joint operations. Overall, this document provides a comprehensive framework for future development initiatives related to military decision-making and operational excellence.
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