Directed Energy Technology Experimentation Research (DETER) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) Open Announcement
ID: FA9451-21-S-0001Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA9451 AFRL RDKKIRTLAND AFB, NM, 87117, USA

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEFENSE-RELATED ACTIVITIES; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT (AC33)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is soliciting proposals for the Directed Energy Technology Experimentation Research (DETER) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA), aimed at advancing directed energy technologies critical for national defense. This open announcement invites white papers and proposals through a two-step process to conduct research and development, modeling and simulation, and testing of directed energy systems and components. The initiative is vital for equipping the joint warfighter with next-generation technologies and enhancing the commercialization potential of directed energy investments. Interested parties should submit their white papers via the designated online portal and direct any inquiries to Bill Sherrod at afrl.deter.ara@us.af.mil. The announcement remains open indefinitely, with multiple awards anticipated based on the quality of submissions and funding availability.

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    The Directed Energy Technology Experimentation and Research (DETER) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) outlines the guidelines for submitting proposals related to directed energy technology, emphasizing the use of white papers for initial evaluations. The document details various call processes, evaluation criteria, and types of awards available, including grants and cooperative agreements, while encouraging dialogue between prospective Offerors and government representatives. It also highlights the importance of strict compliance with submission instructions and the role of communication throughout the proposal process.
    The Directed Energy Technology Experimentation and Research (DETER) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) provides guidelines for submitting proposals related to directed energy research relevant to national defense. It encourages innovative approaches and agile contracting for advanced R&D, emphasizing the need for experimental technology that aligns with specific topic areas under 10 U.S.C. §4023. The document outlines a structured process for submissions, including a two-step call for white papers and full proposals, with distinct evaluation criteria focusing on technical merit, relevance, and value/cost. Multiple award mechanisms are available, including grants, cooperative agreements, and other transactions. Assistance instruments foster partnerships between the government and recipients for research projects with varying degrees of involvement. The ARA aims to stimulate collaboration while ensuring compliance with federal guidelines, facilitating the acquisition of cutting-edge technologies for military applications. Overall, the DETER initiative exemplifies the government’s commitment to leveraging innovative solutions to enhance national security.
    The Directed Energy Technology Experimentation and Research (DETER) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) provides a framework for soliciting innovative research and development proposals focused on directed energy technologies relevant to national defense. The document outlines various call processes, including one-step and two-step submissions for white papers and proposals, emphasizing an agile contracting approach to enhance mission integration. Specific instructions for white paper preparation include detailed guidance on content and formatting, with a strong emphasis on unclassified submissions. Key evaluation criteria are highlighted, prioritizing technical merit, relevance to Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) programs, and cost-value considerations. The award process involves notifications for selected proposals and potential negotiations, covering both technical and cost aspects. Additionally, the document delves into assistance instruments—grants, cooperative agreements, and other transaction authorities—which facilitate collaborative partnerships with various entities, aimed at advancing scientific knowledge and technology development. Overall, the DETER ARA fosters innovation in directed energy through structured government engagement and rigorous evaluation processes, underscoring the importance of compliance with national security standards throughout.
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    The document is currently inaccessible as it is a placeholder message regarding Adobe Reader compatibility issues. It does not provide any content related to federal government RFPs, federal grants, or state and local RFPs. Therefore, no main topic, key ideas, or supporting details can be identified or summarized. The intended analysis and summary cannot be conducted due to the absence of relevant material in the file, limiting any discussion of government contracting processes or grant opportunities that would typically be present in such documents. In order to complete the task, the actual document content must be reviewed rather than an error message related to software functionality.
    The document outlines the evaluation criteria for proposals submitted to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) under the DETER/Tactical/RAD program. It emphasizes the importance of demonstrating technical merit, relevant experience, soundness of the technical approach, and alignment with AFRL objectives. Proposals must clearly define the problem addressed, outline the proposed solution, innovative elements, and risk mitigation strategies. Evaluators seek sound scientific principles, core personnel qualifications, and adequate technical resources. A reasonable project schedule and measurable performance indicators are also critical. The document specifies that proposals should reflect their importance to AFRL programs and prove a value that outweighs associated costs. Furthermore, cost estimates must be realistic and fit within available funding. Overall, the goal is to ensure that submissions demonstrate the capability to contribute meaningfully to AFRL's mission and research goals.
    The SECURITY PROGRAM QUESTIONNAIRE is designed to evaluate the security measures and practices of organizations receiving research funding, focusing on various aspects such as physical and information security, data storage and transmission, and insider threat management. It is intended to be filled out by the contractor or recipient and reviewed by the S&T Protection Lead. Questions cover a range of security protocols, from safeguarding sensitive information to training personnel on security practices.
    The Security Program Questionnaire is designed to evaluate the security measures and practices of institutions seeking research funding. It requires completion by the contractor or recipient and is reviewed by the S&T Protection Lead. The questionnaire encompasses key areas such as physical security plans, information security processes, data storage methods, and procedures for information transmission, disposal, reproduction, and personnel access. Furthermore, it addresses protocols for safeguarding Government-Furnished Equipment/Information (GFE/GFI), cybersecurity measures, operations security to prevent adversary access, insider threat mitigation, and response to information compromise incidents. Finally, it inquires about the willingness to provide annual AFRL S&T Protection training to all personnel with access to sensitive information. This document is crucial within the context of government RFPs and grants, signaling the importance of robust security practices in managing federally funded research efforts.
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    The SECURITY PROGRAM QUESTIONNAIRE is designed to evaluate the security measures and practices of institutions receiving research funding. Its primary audience is contractors or recipients who must complete the questionnaire, which will then be reviewed by the S&T Protection Lead. Key areas of inquiry include physical security plans, information security processes, storage locations for information, procedures related to information handling—such as transmission, disposal, reproduction—as well as safeguards for personnel with access. Additionally, the questionnaire addresses cybersecurity measures, operations security to protect against adversaries, insider threat mitigation processes, and protocols for handling compromised information. A commitment to providing annual S&T Protection training for personnel with information access is also requested. This questionnaire underscores the importance of rigorous security practices in federally funded research to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information.
    The AFRL DETER/TACTICAL/RAD (version 2.0) document outlines evaluation criteria for proposals addressing problems within the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The main focus is on assessing technical merit through multiple indicators, including the clarity of the problem being solved, proposed solutions, degree of innovation, risk mitigation strategies, and relevant experience. Proposals are expected to provide a succinct problem description and solution summary, emphasizing innovation and potential impact. Evaluation also considers the soundness of the scientific approach, the qualifications of technical personnel, and the adequacy of facilities and resources. Additionally, applicants must present a reasonable project schedule, align their solutions with AFRL programs, and demonstrate the value of their contributions against associated risks and costs. Evaluation weights include 30% for technical merit, 20% for importance/relevance, and 20% for value/cost. Overall, the document serves to guide applicants in the proposal process, ensuring that solutions align with AFRL's strategic interests and funding availability.
    The document outlines the Privacy Act Statement of the Air Force Research Laboratory, defining the authority and purpose behind collecting information for Federal Grants, Cooperative Agreements, Contracts, and other research-related agreements. It specifies the relevant legislation, including the Government Paperwork Elimination Act and various Public Laws related to national defense. The purpose of collecting this information is to process applications and ensure responsible awards to parties involved in Air Force-sponsored agreements. It also indicates that the data may be shared with entities performing government functions, and with law enforcement when necessary. Non-compliance may lead to civil or criminal consequences, including application rejection. Individuals involved are required to acknowledge their consent through the provided signatures, thus formalizing the agreement to these terms. This document serves to ensure transparency, accountability, and lawful management of federal funding processes.
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