Trusted and Elastic Military Platforms and Electronic Warfare (EW) System Technologies (TEMPEST)

The Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) FA8650-20-S-1958 issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory focuses on developing Trusted and Elastic Military Platforms and Electronic Warfare (EW) System Technologies (TEMPEST). It invites white papers and proposals concerning methodologies to enhance avionics systems against cyber threats, including development and integration of advanced cyber security and system architectures aimed at increasing weapon systems' resiliency. The ARA will accept submissions through specific calls until October 11, 2025, without currently soliciting proposals. The estimated program cost is approximately $808 million, anticipating multiple contracts ranging from $1 million to $200 million. Two primary technical areas of interest are highlighted: assessing platform cyber security and developing cyber-hardened and resilient platforms. The ARA aims for offerings that demonstrate technological advancements in modeling, simulation, and system integration for multi-domain operational environments. Interested parties can communicate with government representatives to clarify requirements but should only expect guidance on fundamental knowledge without impacting competitive advantage. The submission process is detailed, categorizing proposals as one-step or two-step procedures, with specific formatting and content requirements outlined, while adhering to various government standards and regulations.

The document outlines the required Senior and Key Person Profile Worksheet necessary for federal contracts, particularly under FAR-based agreements. It emphasizes the importance of detailing project personnel, including the Project Director/Principal Investigator and other key roles. Each profile section requires personal and professional information, such as names, titles, department affiliations, organization details, contact information, and LinkedIn profiles. Such comprehensive profiling is essential for project management and accountability in federal grants and RFPs, ensuring that each individual's role and qualifications are formally recognized. This template promotes transparency and structured collaboration among team members in government-funded projects.

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) conducted a Security Risk Review under AFRLI 61-113, effective August 8, 2024, to safeguard its Science and Technology (S&T) from potential foreign influence. This review involves evaluating proposals from Offerors/Contractors, focusing on Senior/Key personnel designated as "Covered Individuals." The review process utilizes various data sources to assess security risks, irrespective of nationality or citizenship. Offerors/Contractors must submit specific documents, including a Profile Worksheet and a Security Program Questionnaire, along with a signed Privacy Act Statement from each Covered Individual. If significant security risks are identified, funding may be declined with rationale provided, limited to operational security measures. Covered Individuals must disclose all current and pending research support upon proposal submission, which will continue to be monitored throughout the project. During performance, Offerors/Contractors are mandated to submit annual updates on their personnel and report any involvement with foreign talent programs or entities targeting U.S. technology. The goal of this initiative is to ensure robust oversight and informed decision-making regarding potential security vulnerabilities in federally funded research, ultimately protecting U.S. interests in technological advancements.

The document outlines a Security Program Questionnaire used by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to evaluate the security measures of institutions applying for research funding. It is intended for completion by project collaborators and reviewed by the Science and Technology (S&T) Protection Lead. The questionnaire covers various aspects of security, including physical and information security plans, data storage methods, information transmission processes, and protocols for the disposal, reproduction, and safeguarding of sensitive information. Additionally, it assesses cybersecurity measures, operations security to thwart adversaries, insider threat mitigation, and procedures in case of information compromise. Finally, it confirms whether personnel with data access will receive annual AFRL S&T Protection training. This tool is crucial for ensuring that funding recipients maintain robust security practices in line with federal guidelines, thereby safeguarding sensitive research information.

The Privacy Act Statement from the Air Force Research Laboratory outlines the legal authority and purpose for collecting information related to federal grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and research agreements managed by the Department of the Air Force. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring that such awards are granted to responsible parties. The document specifies routine uses of the information, including sharing with contractors and law enforcement authorities when necessary for compliance and legal matters. While providing information is voluntary, non-compliance can lead to serious consequences, including application rejection under relevant laws. The document also includes sections for acknowledgment and consent from individuals and authorized representatives of institutions applying for grants. This statement serves to protect both the applicants and the integrity of the federal grant process, ensuring accountability and adherence to legal standards.

The Air Force Research Laboratory announces an Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) soliciting white papers and proposals for the Trusted and Elastic Military Platforms and Electronic Warfare System Technologies (TEMPEST) program. This ARA, open until October 11, 2024, encourages businesses of all sizes, particularly those specializing in defense technologies, to submit proposals in response to specific calls that will be issued over time. The ARA focuses on developing advanced methodologies and technologies to enhance cybersecurity and operational capabilities of avionics systems, especially in multi-domain environments. Key areas of interest include the assessment of platform cybersecurity, the development of cyber-hardened and cyber-resilient platforms, and integration of open system architectures. The total estimated funding for this program is up to $808 million, with multiple contract awards expected between $1 million and $200 million. Proposals will be assessed based on their technical merit, relevance, and potential for technological advancement, setting the stage for innovative solutions in military avionics and cybersecurity. The document includes details on submission guidelines, review criteria, eligibility, and responsive requirements, reaffirming the Air Force's urgency to bolster its technological capabilities against evolving threats in warfare.

The document outlines a solicitation for the Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) related to the development of Trusted and Elastic Military Platforms and Electronic Warfare System Technologies (TEMPEST) issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This Request for Proposals (RFP) is a rated order under the Defense Production Act and is structured in multiple sections detailing the contract clauses, required supplies or services, and the specifics of pricing, including research, software, hardware, and operations and maintenance. The contract type is identified as a cost-plus-fixed-fee basis, where the contractor is expected to deliver various elements such as research data, software, and hardware as part of the performance requirements detailed in the Statement of Work. The document includes guidelines for inspection, acceptance, and delivery of supplies, along with payment processing instructions through the Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) system. Overall, the solicitation emphasizes compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFARS) to ensure accountability, transparency, and adherence to security protocols. This document serves to attract proposals from industry partners equipped to meet national defense needs through innovative technological solutions.

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has issued an Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) titled "Trusted and Elastic Military Platforms and Electronic Warfare System Technologies (TEMPEST)" to solicit proposals for developing technologies that enhance the cybersecurity and resilience of avionics systems. The ARA encourages submissions of white papers and proposals from businesses and educational institutions of any size. It outlines specific calls for proposals, which will be accepted until October 11, 2025, encompassing various technical areas of interest such as cyber-hardened platforms, open system architectures, and advanced simulation technologies. The total estimated value of the program is approximately $808 million, with multiple awards anticipated, ranging from $1 to $200 million. The ARA provides guidance on submission procedures, including the need for unclassified proposals, reporting requirements, and adhering to stringent security classifications and regulations. Additionally, it establishes a framework for evaluation based on technical merit and cost realism. Communication between prospective offerors and government representatives is encouraged, fostering a collaborative environment for research and technology development aimed at ensuring the operational integrity of the Air Force's weapon systems within multi-domain environments.

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/RY Sensors Directorate) has issued an Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) titled "Trusted and Elastic Military Platforms and Electronic Warfare (EW) System Technologies (TEMPEST)" (FA8650-20-S-1958). This ARA will solicit white papers and proposals through subsequent "Calls" until November 1, 2025. The program aims to develop technologies for cyber-secure, resilient, and agile avionics systems across various platforms, including manned, unmanned, and ISR systems. The estimated program value is $808,505,000.00, with multiple awards ranging from $1,000,000.00 to $200,000,000.00. Calls will be either one-step (proposals) or two-step (white papers followed by proposals) and will cover technical areas such as assessing and hardening platform cyber security, agile system architecture development, open system architectures, modeling and simulation, and sensor system performance measurement. Awards may be FAR-based Cost-Reimbursement contracts, IDIQ, Multiple Award Fair Opportunity, or Other Transactions. Offerors are encouraged to monitor SAM.gov for individual call announcements, which will detail specific requirements, due dates, and evaluation criteria. Technical and contracting points of contact are provided for questions.

The FA8650-20-S-1119 document outlines a Security Program Questionnaire, AFRLI 61-113, Appendix 1, designed to review the security practices of institutions receiving research funding. This questionnaire, intended for completion by collaborators and review by the S&T Protection Lead, covers various aspects of security. Key areas include physical and information security plans, data storage, procedures for information transmission, disposal, reproduction, and personnel safeguards. It also addresses the safeguarding of Government Furnished Equipment/Information (GFE/GFI), cybersecurity, operations security to prevent adversary access, insider threat mitigation, and incident response for compromised information. Finally, it inquires about the willingness to provide annual AFRL S&T Protection training to all relevant personnel. This document serves as a critical tool for ensuring the security integrity of research projects funded by the federal government.

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/RY) has issued an Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) titled "Trusted and Elastic Military Platforms and Electronic Warfare (EW) System Technologies (TEMPEST)" (FA8650-20-S-1958). This ARA will solicit white papers and proposals through subsequent "Calls" until March 31, 2027. The program aims to develop technologies for assessing and hardening avionics systems against cyber-attacks, enhance cyber resilience, and advance open system architectures (OSA) for current and future Air Force and DoD weapon systems. The estimated program value is $808,505,000.00, with individual awards ranging from $1,000,000.00 to $200,000,000.00. The ARA outlines various technical areas of interest, including cyber security, agile system architecture, OSA, modeling and simulation, and RF simulation. It also details the types of work involved, such as technology development, test-bed development, integration, and operational demonstrations. Proposals can be submitted through a one-step or two-step process (white paper followed by a proposal) as specified in individual calls. The document provides comprehensive instructions for white paper and proposal submissions, including formatting, content, and review criteria. Contracting and technical points of contact are provided for inquiries. The Air Force anticipates awarding multiple contracts and/or Other Transactions (OTs) based on the submitted proposals.

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/RY) has issued an Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) titled "Trusted and Elastic Military Platforms and Electronic Warfare (EW) System Technologies (TEMPEST)." This ARA, with NAICS Code 541715, seeks white papers and proposals through individual calls until March 31, 2026. The program aims to develop technologies for cyber-secure and resilient avionics systems, open system architectures, and advanced modeling and simulation capabilities for Air Force and DoD weapon systems. The estimated program value is $808,505,000.00, with multiple awards ranging from $1,000,000.00 to $200,000,000.00. Calls will detail specific requirements, and submissions can be one-step (proposal) or two-step (white paper then proposal). All offerors, regardless of size, are eligible, and cost-sharing is not required. Technical and contracting questions are to be directed to designated POCs.

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/RY Sensors Directorate) has issued an Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) titled "Trusted and Elastic Military Platforms and Electronic Warfare (EW) System Technologies (TEMPEST)." This ARA, with an estimated program value of over $808 million, will solicit white papers and proposals through individual calls until March 31, 2027. The program seeks to develop methodologies, tools, and capabilities to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in avionics systems, protect against cyber-attacks, provide simulation capabilities, and expand open system architecture standards for Air Force and DoD weapon systems. Calls will focus on technical areas like platform cybersecurity assessment, cyber-hardened and resilient platforms, agile system architecture, open system architectures, and advanced modeling and simulation. The Air Force anticipates multiple awards, which may include FAR-based Cost-Reimbursement, IDIQ, or Other Transaction type awards. Offerors must monitor the SAM.gov website for specific call details, due dates, and requirements, as these will be determined on a call-by-call basis.

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) implements a Security Risk Review (AFRLI 61-113) to safeguard Department of the Air Force Science and Technology (S&T) from undue foreign influence, applicable to federally funded research. This review assesses Senior/Key personnel and "Covered Individuals" based on questionnaires, public information, and government databases, without considering nationality. AFRL utilizes a holistic decision-making process incorporating technical and security factors to determine an appropriate Risk Acceptance Level (RAL). Offerors must submit a Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile Worksheet, a Security Program Questionnaire, and a "Privacy Act Statement" consent form for each Covered Individual. Non-compliance or identified security risks exceeding acceptable thresholds may lead to proposal rejection. During performance, offerors are annually required to resubmit personnel profiles and notify the Contracting Officer within five business days of any Senior/Key Research Personnel involvement in Foreign Government Talent Programs or Foreign Components with strategic competitors. Failure to comply may result in government remedies, and these requirements must be flowed down to sub-awardees.

The document outlines a standardized format for collecting detailed professional profiles of key personnel involved in government research and related projects, specifically for FAR-Based Contracts. It includes sections for a Project Director/Principal Investigator and up to five Senior/Key Persons. Each profile requires critical information such as first name, last name, position/title, organization name, email address, and project role. Optional fields like middle name, suffix, department, division, phone number, and LinkedIn profile are also included. This structured data collection ensures comprehensive reporting of the qualifications and roles of essential individuals, facilitating compliance and evaluation within federal contracting processes.

The Air Force Research Laboratory's Privacy Act Statement outlines the authority, purpose, and routine uses for collecting information related to federal grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and other research agreements. The document cites various legal authorities, including the Government Paperwork Elimination Act and National Defense Authorization Acts. The primary purpose of data collection is to process and maintain records for these agreements, ensuring that awards are granted to responsible parties. Routine uses include sharing information with contractors, grantees, and other federal government assignments, as well as with law enforcement authorities for potential legal violations. While providing information is voluntary, non-compliance with disclosure requirements, particularly under 42 U.S. Code § 6605, may result in the rejection of applications. The statement concludes with sections for acknowledging consent from covered individuals and institutional representatives.