NETWORKING THE FIGHT BAA INDUSTRY DAY ANNOUNCEMENT
ID: FA875024S7002Type: Special Notice
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)
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    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is announcing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Networking the Fight" (BAA Number: FA8750-24-S-7002) aimed at enhancing information sharing capabilities at the tactical edge. The initiative seeks innovative research proposals focused on three technical areas: developing a Next Generation Cross Domain Solution Broker, creating Highly Dynamic Red/Black Networking solutions, and establishing Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A) frameworks to evaluate these technologies. This program is critical for improving secure data exchanges across diverse military domains, ultimately enhancing mission success in complex operational environments. Approximately $70 million is allocated for this BAA, with white papers due by February 28, 2024, and potential formal proposals due by April 8, 2024. Interested parties can contact Lt. Tyler Horn at tyler.horn.4@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil for further information.

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    Amendment No. 4 to BAA FA8750-24-S-7002 focuses on updates regarding Science and Technology (S&T) Protection within the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) grant and proposal process. It highlights the necessity of a Security Risk Review for all proposals to mitigate potential undue foreign influence, specifying that nationality or citizenship is not considered in these reviews. Applicants must submit several required forms, including the Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile and Security Program Questionnaire, alongside a “Privacy Act Statement” signed by each Covered Individual involved in the proposal. During the evaluation process, government employees will review white papers and proposals based on their relevance to Air Force needs, with the capability to categorize submissions as Selectable or Not Selectable. A thorough assessment of technical, cost, and schedule risks will complement the evaluation to ensure compliance with S&T protection requirements. If any security risks exceed acceptable thresholds, awards will be declined without detailed reasoning due to operational security measures. This amendment is crucial for safeguarding sensitive research endeavors while ensuring compliance within the federal funding landscape.
    The Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-24-S-7002 seeks innovative research proposals to enhance information sharing at the tactical edge for the Air Force Research Laboratory. The program consists of three phases over three years: Phase 0 will focus on Mission Information Exchange Requirements (IERs) and Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A); Phase 1 will mature testbed capabilities; and Phase 2 will demonstrate operational capabilities. The funding breakdown anticipates approximately $70M, with individual awards ranging from $1M to $24M, and a maximum contract duration of 36 months. Researchers are invited to submit white papers addressing three technical areas: 1) Next Generation Cross Domain Solution Broker, which aims to develop a configurable broker service for cross-domain data sharing; 2) Highly Dynamic Red/Black Networking, focused on resilient data forwarding over red/black boundaries; and 3) Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis to evaluate the functionalities of the first two technical areas. This BAA represents a strategic effort to rapidly deliver practical solutions to critical military needs while enhancing resilient and secure information flow across diverse domains. All proposals must comply with eligibility criteria, including restrictions on foreign participation and potential conflicts of interest. White papers are due by February 28, 2024, and the program remains open until February 14, 2029.
    The document outlines Amendment 2 to the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-24-S-7002 by the Department of the Air Force, focusing on the "Networking the Fight" program. This program emphasizes developing advanced methods for secure information sharing at the tactical edge across multiple security domains and networks. The amendment updates contact details for the BAA Program Manager, with key dates for white paper submissions set for February 28, 2024, and potential formal proposals due by April 8, 2024. The initiative targets three technical areas: (1) Next Generation Cross Domain Solution Broker, (2) Highly Dynamic Red/Black Networking, and (3) Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A). Each area aims to develop capabilities that enhance communication and data flow in a military context, with an emphasis on supporting Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2). Approximately $70 million is allocated for the BAA, with a recommendation for multiple awards in the various technical areas. The program seeks innovative research proposals to mature technologies, ultimately leading to operationally relevant solutions. Both phases of the project intend to iteratively test and validate the developed technologies in simulated environments. This BAA represents the Air Force's commitment to advancing military communications through modern research and collaboration with industry partners.
    The Department of the Air Force is announcing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for innovative research under the title "Networking the Fight" (BAA Number: FA8750-24-S-7002). This announcement, effective until February 14, 2029, seeks white papers for three technical areas aimed at enhancing information sharing capabilities at the tactical edge. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in Rome, NY, will accept initial white paper submissions until February 28, 2024, with anticipated funding of around $70 million. The research will focus on three key areas: 1) developing a Cross Domain Solution Broker to improve integration and reconfiguration capabilities, 2) creating dynamic methods for resilient data transmission across red/black networks, and 3) establishing a testbed for modeling, simulation, and analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of these solutions. The program demands a phased approach, from initial concept development to operational demonstrations, aiming to enhance mission success by allowing rapid, secure data exchanges in multi-domain environments. Institutions capable of addressing these requirements are invited to submit proposals following the guidelines laid out in the BAA. The program emphasizes collaboration among multiple offerors and the importance of agile technology development tailored to meet modern military challenges. This initiative reflects the Air Force's commitment to fostering cutting-edge solutions in defense technology and information management.
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