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 AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND 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
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is issuing a presolicitation for the Multi-Spectrum Defensive Electronic Warfare (MSDEW) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) aimed at enhancing national defense capabilities. This initiative seeks proposals for the development of advanced sensor technologies and systems that improve joint lethality in contested environments, enabling effective strikes against diverse targets while supporting operational resilience under attack. The total estimated program value is approximately $396.6 million, with contract awards ranging from $20 million to $100 million, and proposals will be accepted until July 13, 2027. Interested parties can reach out to Kathryn Skaleski at kathryn.skaleski@us.af.mil or Richard Bailey at richard.bailey.26@us.af.mil for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has issued a Security Risk Review notice for federally funded research to safeguard against foreign influence on Department of the Air Force Science and Technology (S&T). The review process will evaluate Senior/Key personnel and "Covered Individuals" using a comprehensive analysis of profiles, security questionnaires, and available public information, without considering nationality. Offerors and Contractors must submit specific documentation upon proposal submission, including profiles and consent forms for all Covered Individuals. If security risks exceed acceptable thresholds, contracts may be declined after notifying the Offerors with explanations within operational security limits. Covered Individuals must disclose current and pending research support, update any changes during the project, and comply with privacy statements. Throughout the award period, Offerors must ensure compliance regarding foreign talent involvement and report any relevant findings immediately. Failure to adhere to these security protocols could result in remedial actions. This systematic approach underscores the emphasis on maintaining U.S. technological integrity while facilitating federal research investments. Overall, the document reflects a stringent framework designed to safeguard national interests in research endeavors.
    The document outlines a Security Program Questionnaire designed to assess the security measures and practices of institutions receiving research funding from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). It is intended for completion by collaborators and review by the S&T Protection Lead. Key areas addressed include physical and information security plans, storage methods for sensitive information, procedures for data transmission, destruction, reproduction, and safeguarding personnel access. Additionally, it inquires about cybersecurity measures, operations security, insider threat mitigation, and protocols for compromised information. The questionnaire emphasizes the necessity for annual S&T Protection training for all personnel with access to sensitive data. Its purpose is to ensure that funded projects adhere to stringent security standards, protecting the integrity of research efforts and safeguarding sensitive government information within federal grants and RFP contexts.
    The document is a structured worksheet intended for collecting detailed profiles of key personnel involved in research projects related to federal grants and contracts. It outlines required fields for information on the Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) and up to five additional senior or key persons. Each profile must include personal details such as names, titles, departments, organization names, contact information (phone and email), and LinkedIn profiles, as well as specific project roles. This worksheet is crucial for ensuring that federal entities have comprehensive information on all significant contributors to a project, which is essential for compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)-based contracts. Proper documentation of these roles supports transparency in project management and enables the government to assess qualifications and suitability of the personnel involved. The form's structured nature suggests an emphasis on standardization and thorough vetting, which are fundamental in the context of federal funding and contract obligations. Thus, it serves as a key instrument in the grant and contracting process aimed at maintaining accountability and oversight.
    The Privacy Act Statement for the Air Force Research Laboratory outlines the legal authority and purpose related to the collection of information for federal grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts. It specifies the legal frameworks governing this collection, including the Government Paperwork Elimination Act, various National Defense Authorization Acts, and other statutes concerning national security and information management. The information gathered is essential for processing and maintaining records pertinent to awarded agreements, ensuring that grants and contracts go to responsible entities. The document states that providing this information is voluntary; however, there are legal implications, such as the potential rejection of applications, for non-compliance with disclosure requirements. Additionally, routine uses of the data include sharing with relevant authorities for law enforcement purposes. The file emphasizes the collective intent of ensuring responsible grant management, compliance with legal frameworks, and the need for transparency in federal funding applications while highlighting the potential ramifications of non-disclosure for applicants and their institutions.
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