ADVANCED RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT (ARA) TITLE: CHARACTERIZATION AND ASSESSMENT FOR SPACE DOMAIN AWARENESS (SDA)
ID: FA875024S7005Type: Presolicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA8750 AFRL RIKROME, NY, 13441-4514, 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; APPLIED RESEARCH (AC12)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Department of the Air Force's Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), has issued an Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) titled "Characterization and Assessment for Space Domain Awareness (SDA)." This initiative aims to develop innovative technologies for enhancing capabilities in intelligent tasking, data collection, processing, and analysis related to space superiority and awareness, with a focus on areas such as automated pattern recognition and multi-source data fusion. The total funding for this ARA is approximately $99 million, and it remains open until July 12, 2029, with initial submissions required in the form of white papers. Interested parties should direct inquiries to Carolyn Sheaff at Carolyn.Sheaff@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at Amber.Buckley@us.af.mil, and adhere to the specified submission guidelines to ensure compliance and successful evaluation.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Amendment No. 1 to ARA FA8750-24-S-7005 updates critical security measures regarding the submission of research proposals for the Air Force. It introduces a mandatory Security Risk Review for all submissions, ensuring protection against undue foreign influence in federally funded research. Applicants must provide detailed documentation, including a Senior and Key Person Profile, a Security Program Questionnaire, and Privacy Act Statements for covered individuals. The document outlines the responsibilities of both applicants and covered individuals, emphasizing compliance with federal law and disclosure of current and pending support. It details the proposal review and selection process, which will be conducted solely by government employees and includes evaluations based on security risk assessments. The government reserves the right to award proposals selectively, contingent on funding availability and results from the technical review process. Overall, this amendment aims to safeguard sensitive research areas while ensuring rigorous evaluation standards are met during the award process.
    The Department of the Air Force's Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has issued an Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) titled "Characterization and Assessment for Space Domain Awareness (SDA)," aiming to develop technologies for enhancing SDA capabilities. This open, two-step ARA remains effective until July 12, 2029, with a total funding of approximately $99 million allocated for projects focusing on intelligent tasking, data collection, processing, and analytical methods related to space superiority and awareness. Key focus areas include automated pattern recognition, multi-source data fusion, high-fidelity modeling tools for satellites, and innovative techniques for tracking space objects. White papers are required as initial submissions, with formal proposals invited only for selected submissions. The timeline suggests submission dates aligned with fiscal budgets from FY25 to FY29. Participants must meet eligibility criteria, including restrictions against foreign involvement, and must prepare white papers that address the given technical requirements. Awards may be structured as contracts or other transaction agreements, and multiple awards are anticipated based on performance capabilities and funding availability. The document emphasizes following detailed preparation and submission guidelines to ensure compliance and successful evaluation.
    Similar Opportunities
    ADVANCING SYSTEMS OF SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIES FOR RAPID ADOPTION (ASTRA)
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of the Air Force is seeking innovative research and development solutions through an Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) titled "Advancing Systems of Systems Technologies for Rapid Adoption (ASTRA)," with an estimated funding of approximately $200 million. The primary objective is to enhance the rapid integration of diverse systems and subsystems into cohesive Systems of Systems (SoS), focusing on developing software prototypes and implementing open system architectures to improve military effectiveness and adaptability. Interested parties, including small businesses and academia, are invited to submit 3–5 page white papers outlining their approaches, with recommended submission deadlines spanning from October 2023 to September 2027, and a final deadline of July 2028. For further inquiries, contact Gerard Wohlrab at gerard.wohlrab@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil.
    SIGNALS INFORMATION EXPLOITATION TECHNOLOGY ENHANCEMENTS (SIETE)
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of the Air Force is announcing an Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) titled "Signals Information Exploitation Technology Enhancements (SIETE)," aimed at soliciting innovative research to enhance signal processing and analytics for adversarial systems. The ARA seeks proposals that focus on developing algorithms and methodologies applicable to Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, with an emphasis on Open System Architecture for interoperability and compliance with security regulations. With a total funding amount of approximately $99.9 million available until December 31, 2026, individual awards typically range from $1 million to $5 million, with potential larger awards up to $24.9 million. Interested parties should direct inquiries and white paper submissions to Charles Estrella at charles.estrella@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil, ensuring adherence to submission guidelines and deadlines.
    Signals Intelligence Focused Technologies for Exploitation and Reporting (SIFTER)
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Department of the Air Force, is seeking innovative research proposals under the Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) titled "Signals Intelligence Focused Technologies for Exploitation and Reporting (SIFTER)." This initiative aims to enhance signal information exploitation and analytics for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, focusing on areas such as onboard processing, high-speed signal detection, cross-domain data analytics, and compliance with Open System Architecture standards. The total estimated funding for this ARA is approximately $99.9 million, with individual awards typically ranging from $1 million to $5 million and a maximum duration of 60 months. Interested parties must submit white papers by 3 PM EST on September 28, 2029, and are encouraged to contact David Rose at David.Rose.50@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at Amber.Buckley@us.af.mil for further information.
    ADVANCED RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT (ARA) TITLE: ADVANCED TRACKING ARCHITECTURE USING AI (ATA-AI)
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of the Air Force is seeking innovative research proposals through the Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) FA8750-24-S-7004, focused on developing advanced tracking architectures utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI). The initiative aims to design, develop, test, and evaluate next-generation target tracking technologies that leverage AI, Machine Learning (ML), and High Performance Computing (HPC) to process diverse data sources effectively. With an estimated funding of approximately $99 million available until July 12, 2029, individual awards typically range from $1 million to $10 million for projects lasting up to 48 months. Interested parties should submit white papers by the specified deadlines and may contact Carolyn Sheaff at Carolyn.Sheaff@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at Amber.Buckley@us.af.mil for further inquiries.
    RFI: Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP), Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Division, Space Domain Awareness Capabilities
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force District of Washington, is seeking information through a Request for Information (RFI) regarding capabilities and services related to Space Domain Awareness (SDA) as part of the Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP). The objective is to gather innovative and proven concepts that can effectively address threats in a dynamic space environment, with a focus on support to fires, surveillance of man-made objects, intelligence and reconnaissance, and environmental monitoring for the years 2030 to 2040. This initiative is crucial for enhancing the United States Space Force's operational capabilities and ensuring effective space operations. Interested parties must submit their concepts by November 14, 2024, to the designated email address, SpOC.SWAC.RFI@spaceforce.mil, and are encouraged to follow specific submission guidelines outlined in the RFI.
    MULTI-SOURCE, MULTI-DOMAIN DATA EXPLOITATION FOR BATTLESPACE AWARENESS AND DECISION SUPPORT
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of the Air Force is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Multi-Source, Multi-Domain Data Exploitation for Battlespace Awareness and Decision Support" (BAA Number: FA8750-21-S-7004). This initiative seeks innovative technology solutions that enhance battlespace awareness through the processing and exploitation of multi-source, multi-domain data, leveraging non-traditional software development methodologies and DevSecOps practices. The BAA is critical for advancing military operations by improving decision support capabilities and ensuring compliance with federal regulations, with an estimated funding of approximately $49 million allocated for awards ranging from $500,000 to $5 million over a duration of up to 48 months. Interested parties must submit white papers electronically by January 30, 2026, and can direct inquiries to Carolyn Sheaff at Carolyn.Sheaff@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at Amber.Buckley@us.af.mil.
    ADAPTIVE FUSION, & REASONING OF MULTI-SOURCE DATA (AFAR)
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of the Air Force is seeking innovative research proposals under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Adaptive Fusion, Analysis & Reasoning of Multi-source Data" (BAA Number: FA8750-23-S-7008). The primary objective is to enhance capabilities in Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) and Cyber Science through the fusion, analysis, and reasoning of multi-source data across three key research areas: Adaptive Knowledge and Information for Target Analysis (AKITA), Enhancing Moving Target Engagement at Scale (EMoTES), and Publicly Available Information Ensemble Fusion (PEF). This initiative is critical for advancing military analytical operations and improving decision-making processes in complex environments. The total estimated funding for this BAA is approximately $37 million, with individual awards typically ranging from $500,000 to $1.5 million for efforts not exceeding 36 months. Interested parties must submit white papers by specified deadlines, with the first submission due by September 12, 2023, for FY24 funding. For further inquiries, contact John Spina at john.spina@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil.
    COLLABORATIVE SENSING & EXPLOITATION
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is soliciting innovative research proposals under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Collaborative Sensing & Exploitation." The objective is to develop technologies for closed-loop sensing and sensor data exploitation in dynamic adversarial environments, focusing on enhancing detection, tracking, and classification capabilities through advanced multimodal sensing systems. This initiative is crucial for improving situational awareness and operational effectiveness in military contexts. The total funding available for this BAA is approximately $25 million, with individual awards typically ranging from $400,000 to $1 million and lasting up to 36 months. Interested parties must submit white papers by 4 PM EST on specified deadlines through September 30, 2025, and can direct inquiries to Peter Zulch at Peter.Zulch@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at Amber.Buckley@us.af.mil.
    Resilient Open & Agile Avionics System & Technology Development (ROAASTD)
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for the Resilient Open & Agile Avionics System & Technology Development (ROAASTD) initiative. This solicitation aims to foster research that enhances system and platform resilience in response to evolving global threats, facilitating the rapid integration of advanced sensor technologies for national defense. The program, with a total budget of $30 million and individual awards ranging from $3 to $6 million, invites white papers until April 19, 2028, and emphasizes participation from various organizations, particularly small businesses. Interested parties can contact Sarah Ballard at sarah.ballard@us.af.mil or Richard Bailey at richard.bailey.26@us.af.mil for further information.
    Systems, Technologies, and Emerging Capabilities Broad Agency Announcement
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is soliciting proposals under the Systems, Technologies, and Emerging Capabilities (STEC) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for innovative concepts and technologies that enhance the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). The SDA is specifically seeking proposals for engineering studies related to two key initiatives: on-demand space vehicle de-orbit services and a Network Orchestration capability for data transport between military and commercial satellite networks. These initiatives are critical for ensuring sustainable space operations and improving military capabilities in low Earth orbit. Interested parties must submit proposals for the de-orbit service by May 1, 2024, and for the Network Orchestration capability by October 21, 2024, with contact inquiries directed to ussf.pentagon.sda.mbx.FA240124S0001@mail.mil.