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 the Air Force is seeking innovative research proposals under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Networking the Fight" (BAA FA8750-24-S-7002) to enhance information sharing flexibility at the tactical edge across heterogeneous networks. The primary objective is to develop capabilities for secure information movement across various security domains and "red-black" boundaries, focusing on three technical areas: Next Generation Cross Domain Solution Broker, Highly Dynamic Red/Black Networking, and Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis. This initiative is critical for improving collaboration and mission success in military operations, with an estimated total funding of $70 million and individual awards ranging from $1 million to $24 million over a 36-month period. Interested parties must submit white papers by February 28, 2024, with formal proposals due by April 8, 2024; for further inquiries, contact Capt. Brian Kay at Brian.kay.4@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil.

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    Amendment No. 4 to BAA FA8750-24-S-7002 details updated S&T Protection language and review processes for federal research proposals. All submissions will undergo a Security Risk Review to mitigate undue foreign influence, focusing on Senior/Key personnel and "Covered Individuals" through questionnaires, public information, and internal databases. Nationality is not a factor. Applicants must submit specific forms, including a "Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile," "Security Program Questionnaire," and "Privacy Act Statement" consent form. Failure to meet security thresholds will result in award decline with a general explanation. Applicants must certify awareness of disclosure requirements, establish internal processes for foreign talent programs and conflicts, and report any identified Foreign Components or foreign government talent program participation during performance. Covered Individuals must disclose current and pending research support. During the review process, government employees evaluate proposals, and administrative access to proprietary information is granted to non-technical contractors with NDAs. Security risk reviews run in parallel with technical evaluations, and awards can be declined if risks exceed acceptable thresholds. The amendment ensures robust security measures throughout the proposal and performance phases of government-funded research.
    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 Department of the Air Force's BAA FA8750-24-S-7002,
    The Department of the Air Force's Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-24-S-7002, titled "Networking the Fight," seeks innovative research to enhance information sharing at the tactical edge. This amendment updates the BAA Program Manager and outlines a phased approach for three technical areas (TA1: Next Generation Cross Domain Solution Broker, TA2: Highly Dynamic Red/Black Networking, TA3: Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis). The BAA, with an estimated $70M in funding, anticipates multiple awards ranging from $1M to $24M over 36 months. White papers for TA1, TA2, and TA3 are due by February 28, 2024, with proposals by April 8, 2024. Foreign participation is generally restricted, with exceptions for fundamental research and FOCI-mitigated companies. The program aims to deliver TRL 6 capabilities and an AFRL MS&A testbed by February 2029.
    AMENDMENT 5 to BAA FA8750-24-S-7002 updates the original Broad Agency Announcement titled “Networking the Fight” (BAA FA8750-24-S-7002). This modification, issued by the Department of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, focuses on enhancing information sharing at the tactical edge for heterogeneous networks, specifically across security domains and "red-black" boundaries. The BAA is a 5-year, two-step open announcement, with a partial closed-staggered approach for Technical Areas 1, 2, and 3. White papers are initially accepted, with formal proposals by invitation only. The total anticipated funding is $70 million, with individual awards ranging from $1M to $24M over 36 months. The program is structured in three phases (0, 1, 2) to develop, mature, and demonstrate capabilities in Next Generation Cross Domain Solution Broker (TA1), Highly Dynamic Red/Black Networking (TA2), and Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A) (TA3). Foreign participation is generally restricted, with exceptions for fundamental research and FOCI-mitigated companies. All white paper and technical questions should be directed to Capt. Brian Kay, and contractual/business inquiries to Amber Buckley. NAICS CODE: 541715.
    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's Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) "Networking the Fight" (FA8750-24-S-7002) seeks innovative research proposals to enhance information sharing flexibility at the tactical edge. This 5-year, open, two-step BAA, with a partial closed-staggered approach for Technical Areas 1, 2, and 3, focuses on secure information movement across security and
    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.
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