Multi-Spectrum Defensive Electronic Warfare (MSDEW) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA)
ID: FA8650-20-S-1119Type: Presolicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA8650 USAF AFMC AFRL PZL AFRL/PZLWRIGHT PATTERSON AFB, OH, 45433-7541, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEFENSE-RELATED ACTIVITIES; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT (AC33)
Timeline
  1. 1
    Posted Jul 14, 2020, 2:28 PM UTC
  2. 2
    Updated Apr 1, 2025, 12:00 AM UTC
  3. 3
    Due Jul 13, 2027, 4:00 PM UTC
Description

The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), has announced the Multi-Spectrum Defensive Electronic Warfare (MSDEW) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA), inviting proposals for research and development aimed at enhancing national defense capabilities in electronic warfare. The program focuses on developing advanced sensors and systems to improve joint lethality in contested environments, enabling the U.S. military to effectively strike diverse targets while under attack and operate across all domains. With an estimated funding of $396.6 million available until July 13, 2027, interested parties are encouraged to engage with government representatives prior to proposal submission, ensuring compliance with security classifications and operational safety regulations. For further inquiries, contact Kathryn Skaleski at kathryn.skaleski@us.af.mil or Richard Bailey at richard.bailey.26@us.af.mil.

Point(s) of Contact
Files
Title
Posted
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has announced an Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) for the Multi-Spectrum Defensive Electronic Warfare (MSDEW) program, targeting U.S. national defense enhancements in electronic warfare capabilities. The ARA, designated FA8650-20-S-1119, invites proposals through future calls until July 13, 2027, with an estimated funding of $396.6 million, encompassing various project awards. The MSDEW program aims to improve joint lethality in contested environments and develop sensor technologies across the electromagnetic spectrum, ensuring the force can operate effectively during attacks. Key technical areas of interest include Electro-Optic and Multi-Spectrum Countermeasures, Counter-Directed Energy Weapons, and Cyber Secure EW systems. Proposals will not be accepted until specific calls are issued, detailing necessary technical requirements. The selection process includes a peer review focusing on technical merit and cost realism. Communication with government representatives is encouraged prior to proposal submission. Compliance with security classifications, export controls, and operational safety regulations is mandatory. The ARA emphasizes collaboration with various sectors to develop integrated sensor systems and aims to transition research outputs into operational capabilities, reinforcing national defense strategies.
The Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) titled "Multi-Spectrum Defensive Electronic Warfare" (MSDEW) is issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to solicit proposals for enhancing national defense through advanced sensor technologies. The ARA encourages proposals under various technical areas, including Electro-Optic Countermeasures and Cyber Secure EW Systems, with a focus on developing systems that improve combat effectiveness in contested environments. The total estimated program value is approximately $396.6 million, with awards ranging from $20 million to $100 million, though the Air Force reserves the right to award any number of contracts based on the proposals received. Proposal submissions will be accepted until July 13, 2027, with specific due dates per individual call. Key components of the program include integrating sensor systems, conducting flight and field tests, and advancing electronic warfare capabilities. Proposals must adhere to strict security measures, including potential Top Secret classification, and comply with various federal regulations, including export controls. This initiative is aimed at fostering innovation in military capability while engaging with a wide array of eligible organizations, including educational institutions and businesses of all sizes.
Nov 21, 2024, 1:39 PM UTC
The document outlines a government request for proposal (RFP) FA8650-20-R-1119, issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). It is a rated order under the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) and specifies that the solicitation is a sealed bid (IFB) or negotiated (RFP). The RFP details requirements for conducting research and development, as well as the provision of software, hardware, and operations and maintenance services, all under a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract arrangement. Key sections include the description of supplies or services needed, evaluation factors for award, and various clauses covering contract administration, compliance, and payment procedures. Deliverables, inspection and acceptance criteria, and government regulations are also highlighted throughout the document. The contractor is required to ensure data security and reporting procedures for any cyber incidents as per specified clauses. Overall, the RFP serves as a comprehensive guideline for potential contractors, outlining essential terms, conditions, and expected performance standards for the awarded services, aiming to support the U.S. Air Force's ongoing research initiatives.
Mar 28, 2024, 7:16 AM UTC
The document outlines a solicitation, contract, and award process for a project under the FA8650-20-R-1119 solicitation number, issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). It specifies various sections of the contract, including requirements for supplies, services, pricing, contract administration, and compliance with legal standards. Additionally, it highlights the obligations, responsibilities, and expectations for vendors in relation to government contracts, focusing on aspects like payment instructions, security procedures, and representation clauses.
Mar 28, 2024, 7:16 AM UTC
The Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) FA8650-20-S-1119, issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory's Sensors Directorate, seeks proposals for the Multi-Spectrum Defensive Electronic Warfare (MSDEW) program to enhance electronic warfare capabilities and joint lethality in contested environments, with a total program cost estimated at $396.6 million. Proposals will be requested through individual calls until July 14, 2025, with no current submissions required, and communications between prospective offerors and government representatives are encouraged for clarification of objectives. Contractors must adhere to strict security protocols and may involve various methods, including integration and testing of sensor technologies, while proposals are evaluated based on their technical merit and cost effectiveness.
Mar 28, 2024, 7:16 AM UTC
The TAAP-DEW Statement of Objectives outlines the U.S. Air Force's need for advanced countermeasure techniques to protect aircraft from evolving missile threats, utilizing methods such as threat exploitation, modeling, and field testing. Key tasks include hardware testing, simulation, and collaboration with DoD and international allies to develop effective expendable and directed-energy countermeasure technologies. The program mandates stringent security measures and the use of specialized facilities for testing and evaluation, with a focus on the safety and management of classified information.
Mar 28, 2024, 7:16 AM UTC
The document outlines the Statement of Objectives for Task Order 01 under the TAAP-DEW IDIQ, focusing on the U.S. Air Force's need to develop countermeasures against evolving missile threats posed by advanced integrated air-defense systems. The primary objective is to design and test expendable and directed-energy countermeasure technologies through threat exploitation, modeling and simulation, and hardware testing, specifically targeting the operational needs of Air Mobility, Air Combat, special operations aircraft, and UAVs. Management, safety plans, deliverables, and security requirements for the project are also detailed to ensure compliance and effective execution.
Mar 28, 2024, 7:16 AM UTC
The document presents a Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) alongside detailed item descriptions and instructions for the submission of various data items related to a government contract, including scientific reports, financial reports, and software products. Each item includes specifications regarding submission frequency, distribution limitations, formatting requirements, and approval processes, stressing the importance of compliance with security measures for electronic submissions. Additionally, it outlines the pricing classification and estimated costs associated with each data item, with separate distinctions for mandatory and optional submissions.
Mar 28, 2024, 7:16 AM UTC
The Air Force Research Laboratory is issuing Call 01 of the Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) for Multi-Spectrum Defensive Electronic Warfare (MSDEW), specifically focusing on Threat Assessment & Aircraft Protection, with a proposal deadline of August 14, 2020. The anticipated contract value is $68.6 million, and it seeks to award a Basic Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a task order, while proposals must adhere to strict unclassified submission guidelines and security clearance requirements. Eligible offerors must be small businesses not exceeding 1,000 employees, and foreign participation is prohibited due to the sensitive nature of the project.
Mar 28, 2024, 7:16 AM UTC
The document outlines the security classification specifications for Department of Defense Contract FA8650-20-S-1119, requiring a Top Secret facility security clearance at contractor facilities for safeguarding classified information. It details the contractor's obligations to protect classified data, the limitations on public release of related information, and includes guidelines for compliance with the National Industrial Security Program (NISP). Additionally, it specifies the contractor's need for access to various classified materials and communication security information necessary for the performance of the contract.
Apr 1, 2025, 6:04 PM UTC
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) outlines a Security Risk Review process aimed at safeguarding federally funded research from potential foreign influence, as per AFRLI 61-113 and related directives. Offerors and contractors must submit specific documentation, including profiles and security questionnaires for all Senior/Key Personnel, identifying any potential security risks and disclosing existing research support. The identification of security risks may lead to proposal disqualification, with the government providing rationale where possible. Covered Individuals, essential in research, must disclose research support and sign a Privacy Act Statement. During the project, Offerors must annually update personnel profiles, immediately reporting any associations with foreign talent programs or strategic competitors. Noncompliance may result in legal consequences. This evaluation process ensures that AFRL maintains a robust framework for protecting sensitive scientific research by considering both technical and security risks, promoting informed decision-making within the agency.
The document outlines a Security Program Questionnaire designed for institutions receiving research funding from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Its primary objective is to evaluate the security practices and programs of applicants, ensuring the protection of sensitive information. The questionnaire is intended for completion by project collaborators and is reviewed by the S&T Protection Lead. Key areas addressed in the questionnaire include physical and information security plans, data storage methods, information transmission and disposal procedures, access safeguards, cybersecurity measures, and protocols for managing insider threats. Additionally, it inquires about strategies to protect Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE) and the willingness of applicants to provide annual security training to personnel with access to sensitive information. The structured approach of the questionnaire aims to ensure adherence to security standards before awarding grants or funding, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding sensitive information in research endeavors. The submission requirements also include details such as the applicant’s name and position, enhancing the accountability and traceability of responses.
The provided document serves as a template for collecting detailed professional profiles of key personnel involved in federally funded projects, specifically for Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile Worksheet submissions. It includes sections for the Project Director/Principal Investigator and up to five Senior/Key Person profiles, mandating information such as names, titles, organizations, contact details, and LinkedIn profiles. The purpose of this document aligns with federal requirements for RFPs and grants, ensuring that all essential participant information is systematically documented for evaluation. By establishing clear expectations for reporting personnel qualifications and roles, it aims to enhance project accountability and transparency in federal contracting. This structured format allows for the comprehensive presentation of key personnel's expertise and their contributions to the proposed project, which is foundational in securing government funding.
The Privacy Act Statement from the Air Force Research Laboratory outlines the legal authority and purpose behind the collection of information related to Federal Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements. The main purpose is to manage and maintain records for applications awarded by the Department of the Air Force, ensuring that resources are allocated to responsible entities. The document specifies that collected information may be shared with contractors and law enforcement if legal violations arise. It notes that providing information is voluntary; however, non-compliance can lead to application rejection under federal law. The document concludes with acknowledgment and consent sections for individuals involved in the proposals, underscoring the importance of compliance with legal frameworks governing federal research and development funding. This statement is a critical part of their documentation process, ensuring transparency and adherence to federal regulations in the grant application process.
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Type
Presolicitation
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