NETWORKING THE FIGHT
ID: FA875024S7002Type: Presolicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA8750 AFRL RIKROME, NY, 13441-4514, USA

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; APPLIED RESEARCH (AC12)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of the Air Force is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Networking the Fight" under BAA number FA8750-24-S-7002, aimed at enhancing information sharing capabilities at the tactical edge across various security domains and networks. The initiative seeks innovative research proposals in three technical areas: Next Generation Cross Domain Solution Broker, Highly Dynamic Red/Black Networking, and Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A), with a focus on developing secure and resilient communication technologies for mission-critical data. This program is crucial for improving operational agility and mission success in complex military environments, with an estimated funding of approximately $70 million available for multiple awards ranging from $1 million to $24 million. Interested parties must submit white papers by February 28, 2024, and can direct inquiries to Capt. Brian Kay at Brian.kay.4@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Amendment No. 4 to BAA FA8750-24-S-7002 outlines updates primarily focused on security protocols for proposals related to federal research projects involving the Department of the Air Force. It specifies a rigorous Security Risk Review process aimed at mitigating foreign influence on Science and Technology (S&T) efforts, detailing documentation requirements for applicants, including Standard Form 424 and various questionnaires necessary at the proposal submission phase. The document mandates that all key individuals involved in the proposals disclose all current and pending research support and complete a Privacy Act Statement. The evaluation process for submitted white papers and proposals consists of two main stages: a preliminary review for funding viability, followed by a detailed selection phase based on criteria such as technical merits and compliance with S&T protection. Proposals deemed to have unacceptable security risks may be declined without detailed reasoning due to operational security measures. Additionally, requirements extend throughout the project’s duration, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance against foreign involvement. This amendment underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding sensitive research while ensuring accountability and transparency among recipients of federal funding. It reflects the growing scrutiny around national security in federally supported scientific endeavors.
    The amendment to BAA FA8750-24-S-7002 updates the anticipated funding breakdown for each Technical Area (TA) and provides an overview of the solicitation for innovative research proposals aimed at enhancing information sharing at the tactical edge for the Air Force. The effort focuses on advancing secure communication across various security domains and networks, with a total estimated funding of approximately $70 million and multiple awards expected across three main technical areas over a timeline extending until 2029. White papers are required as initial submissions, with an explicit warning that no awards will be made until funds are available, as the government reserves the right to cancel the solicitation at any time.
    The amendment to Broad Agency Announcement FA8750-24-S-7002 outlines the "Networking the Fight" program, which focuses on enhancing information sharing at the tactical edge of military operations. The program spans three phases over three years: Phase 0 centers on establishing mission information exchange requirements and modeling, Phase 1 addresses testbed maturation, and Phase 2 focuses on operational mission capability demonstration. The Air Force Research Laboratory is soliciting proposals across three technical areas: Technical Area 1 (Next Generation Cross Domain Solution Broker), Technical Area 2 (Highly Dynamic Red/Black Networking), and Technical Area 3 (Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis). The anticipated funding totals approximately $70 million, with individual awards ranging from $1 million to $24 million, depending on the phase and technical area. White papers for the technical areas are due by February 28, 2024, and will be evaluated for potential funding. The program aims to develop resilient communication capabilities across diverse security domains and network topologies, ultimately improving mission success and operational agility in a complex battle landscape. The document outlines the evaluation metrics, anticipated deliverables, and requirements for eligible participants, emphasizing the need for rapid prototyping and collaborations across different technical areas.
    The amendment FA8750-24-S-7002 for the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) "Networking the Fight" seeks innovative research proposals from the Air Force Research Laboratory to enhance information sharing at the tactical edge across various security domains and networks. The BAA is structured as an open, two-step process and includes three technical areas: 1. **Next Generation Cross Domain Solution Broker** aims to create a broker service that improves the transmission of mission-critical data between varied security levels without compromising security protocols. 2. **Highly Dynamic Red/Black Networking** focuses on resilient data transmission between classified (red) and unclassified (black) networks, optimizing performance even under challenging conditions. 3. **Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A)** entails developing tools to assess the viability and integration of the technologies from the first two areas. The BAA anticipates approximately $70M in funding over the next five years, with initial white papers due by February 28, 2024. Successful proposals may lead to contracts or other agreements aimed at delivering practical military solutions for urgent challenges in information exchange and operational agility, contributing to the overarching goal of improving mission success. Each technical area has specific objectives, methodologies, and anticipated key performance parameters to assess contributions to the Air Force's evolving needs.
    Amendment 5 to BAA FA8750-24-S-7002 revises and republishes the Broad Agency Announcement for the Networking the Fight initiative led by the Air Force Research Laboratory. It provides significant updates across various sections, including eligibility for award instruments, technical area requirements, and submission deadlines for white papers and proposals. The program focuses on enhancing information sharing capabilities in tactical environments by developing innovative solutions for data transmission across multiple security domains and physical layers, particularly in air, space, and ground domains. The initiative seeks proposals in three technical areas: a Next Generation Cross Domain Solution Broker, Highly Dynamic Red/Black Networking, and Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A). The program anticipates total funding of approximately $70 million, enabling multiple awards based on the nature of work proposed. White papers are due by 28 February 2024, with formal proposals invited later. The document emphasizes the importance of dynamic information flow management and robustness in operational settings, aiming for a 5-year timeline to deliver demonstrable operational capabilities.
    The Department of the Air Force is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-24-S-7002 for innovative research proposals to enhance information sharing at the tactical edge, focusing on secure data transmission across varying security domains and physical environments. The BAA is organized into three technical areas, with a total anticipated funding of approximately $70 million, and will accept only white paper submissions until February 14, 2029. Notably, multiple awards are anticipated, and the program will progress through three phases, culminating in an operational capability demonstration.
    The Department of the Air Force is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Networking the Fight" under BAA number FA8750-24-S-7002. This BAA, effective until February 14, 2029, seeks innovative research to enhance information sharing at the tactical edge across various security domains and networks. It is structured in a two-step process, with initial white papers due by February 28, 2024, for three main technical areas: Next Generation Cross Domain Solution Broker, Highly Dynamic Red/Black Networking, and Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A). The primary goal is to develop technologies that enable secure, seamless communication for mission-critical data in contested environments, supporting initiatives like Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2). The anticipated funding totals approximately $70 million with multiple awards ranging from $1M to $24M, with performance evaluations at different Technical Readiness Levels (TRL). The program unfolds in three phases, focusing on development, maturation, and operational demonstration of the proposed capabilities. The BAA aims to foster rapid prototyping of solutions to address urgent U.S. Air Force needs, promoting collaboration among various Offerors.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Similar Opportunities
    AERIAL LAYER NETWORKING & TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGIES
    Buyer not available
    The Department of the Air Force is seeking innovative solutions through its Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-23-S-7002, focused on Aerial Layer Networking & Transmission Technologies. The objective is to transition from current limited interoperability networks to dynamic, self-forming, and self-healing aerial networks capable of operating effectively in contested environments. This initiative is critical for enhancing airborne connectivity and management, supporting the Air Force's operational capabilities. The total funding available for this BAA is approximately $99.5 million, with individual awards typically ranging from $1 million to $10 million, and the submission of white papers is open until September 30, 2027. Interested parties can direct inquiries to Peter Fitzgerald at peter.fitzgerald.1@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil.
    Multi-Domain Force Applications and Traffic Management for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (M-FAT)
    Buyer not available
    The Department of the Air Force is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-25-S-7004 titled "Multi-Domain Force Applications and Traffic Management for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (M-FAT)," which seeks innovative research to enhance Counter-small Unmanned Aerial System (C-sUAS) capabilities. The primary objectives include advancements in Electronic Warfare, Cyberspace Operations, Command and Control Automation, Low-Collateral Defeat technologies, and improvements in UAS Traffic Management systems. This initiative is crucial for developing effective countermeasures against small unmanned aerial systems, particularly in contested environments, and aims to integrate advanced technologies for improved operational effectiveness. The total estimated funding for this BAA is approximately $499 million, with individual awards typically ranging from $500,000 to $20 million, and the submission of white papers is open until August 4, 2030. Interested parties can direct inquiries to Tristen Carrig at tristen.carrig@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil for further information.
    FOUNDATIONS OF TRUSTED SYSTEMS
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Department of the Air Force, is soliciting innovative research proposals under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-25-S-7001, titled "Foundations of Trusted Systems." The objective is to establish trusted foundations for hardware and software that support secure, resilient, and affordable Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) and Cyber technologies information processing systems. This initiative is critical for enhancing national defense capabilities and ensuring the integrity of military operations. The total estimated funding for this BAA is approximately $99.9 million, with individual awards typically ranging from $100,000 to $5 million over a period of up to 36 months. Interested parties must submit white papers by December 4, 2028, with suggested submission dates for each fiscal year, and are encouraged to contact Esteban Garcia for technical inquiries at esteban.garcia.1@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley for contractual questions at amber.buckley@us.af.mil.
    ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND NEXT GENERATION DISTRIBUTED COMMAND AND CONTROL
    Buyer not available
    The Department of the Air Force is seeking white papers for a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Artificial Intelligence and Next Generation Distributed Command and Control," aimed at advancing AI and distributed command and control capabilities. The initiative focuses on enhancing decision-making processes and operational effectiveness across strategic, operational, and tactical levels through innovative AI applications and distributed systems. With an estimated total funding of approximately $99 million, individual awards will range from $200,000 to $20 million over a maximum period of 48 months, and submissions will be accepted until August 30, 2028. Interested parties should direct inquiries to Gennady Staskevich at gennady.staskevich@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil for contractual questions.
    AWGER: ADAPTIVE WAVEFORM GENERATION FOR EXTREME RF
    Buyer not available
    The Department of the Air Force is seeking innovative research proposals under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-22-S-7006, titled "AWGER: Adaptive Waveform Generation for Extreme RF." This initiative aims to advance cognitive waveform generation and network control within a unified scenario evaluation environment, with a focus on enhancing national defense capabilities. The total estimated funding for this BAA is approximately $49.9 million, with individual awards typically ranging from $300,000 to $3 million over a period of up to 36 months. Interested parties must submit white papers by September 30, 2027, and can direct technical inquiries to Gerard Wohlrab at gerard.wohlrab@us.af.mil or 315-330-4663, while contractual questions should be directed to Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil or 315-330-3605.
    MULTI-SOURCE, MULTI-DOMAIN DATA EXPLOITATION FOR BATTLESPACE AWARENESS AND DECISION SUPPORT
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is soliciting proposals for the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-21-S-7004, titled "Multi-Source, Multi-Domain Data Exploitation for Battlespace Awareness and Decision Support." The initiative aims to develop technologies that enhance military decision-making by processing multi-source data, with a focus on improving operational efficiency and timely execution of actions. This effort is critical for advancing defense capabilities and ensuring effective integration of diverse sensor data within the Department of Defense's operations. The total estimated funding for this opportunity is approximately $49 million, with individual contract awards ranging from $500,000 to $5 million over a maximum duration of 48 months. Interested U.S. entities must submit unclassified white papers by January 30, 2026, and can reach out to Carolyn Sheaff at Carolyn.Sheaff@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil for further inquiries.
    FIGHT TONIGHT
    Buyer not available
    The Department of the Air Force is seeking innovative research proposals under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-22-S-7001, titled "Fight Tonight," aimed at revolutionizing air operations planning through the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and interactive gaming. The primary objective is to significantly reduce the Air Tasking Order planning cycle, enabling rapid development and evaluation of combat plans within a gaming environment. This initiative is critical for enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness in military air operations, with a total estimated funding of approximately $99 million and individual awards ranging from $3 million to $40 million. Interested parties must submit white papers for Technical Areas 1 and 2 by December 16, 2024, and proposals by January 23, 2025, with further details available through the designated contacts: David Shoukr at david.shoukr.1@us.af.mil and Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil.
    Automated Processes for Knowledge Discovery and Information Retrieval
    Buyer not available
    The Department of the Air Force is soliciting innovative research proposals under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-24-S-7006, titled "Automated Processes for Knowledge Discovery and Information Retrieval." The objective is to develop and integrate technologies that can process and exploit multi-source, multi-domain data to enhance Battlespace Awareness and automate analysis and decision-making processes. This initiative is critical for improving military operations and decision quality through advanced data processing capabilities. The total funding available for this BAA is approximately $99 million, with individual awards ranging from $3 million to $35 million over a period of up to 48 months. Interested parties must submit white papers by September 9, 2029, and are encouraged to align their submissions with suggested fiscal year deadlines. For further inquiries, contact Carolyn Sheaff at AFRL.RIEDBAA.2024@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at Amber.Buckley@us.af.mil.
    COMPOSABLE COLLABORATIVE PLANNING
    Buyer not available
    The Department of the Air Force is seeking innovative research proposals under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-21-S-7003 for "Composable Collaborative Planning." The objective is to develop advanced planning techniques that enable parallel planning at the operational level, specifically addressing the Force Flow planning problem for Operation Plan (OPLAN) development. This initiative is critical for enhancing military operational efficiency by overcoming the limitations of existing serial planning methods. The total estimated funding for this BAA is approximately $24.5 million, with individual awards typically ranging from $500,000 to $2 million over a period of up to 24 months. Interested parties must submit white papers by February 28, 2026, and can direct inquiries to Aaron McVay at aaron.mcvay.3@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil.
    Air Dominance Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Air Dominance" (FA8651-25-S-0001) to solicit proposals for advanced research and technology development in support of air dominance capabilities. This initiative focuses on 13 key research areas, including missile electronics, guidance technologies, and artificial intelligence applications in warfare, aiming to enhance the U.S. military's operational effectiveness and technological edge. The BAA is open for five years, with an estimated funding pool of up to $750 million, encouraging participation from small businesses and collaboration with educational and nonprofit institutions. Interested parties should submit white papers for initial evaluation, with further details available by contacting Amy Fortenberry at amy.fortenberry.1@us.af.mil or Allison McCowan at allison.mccowan@us.af.mil.