ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND NEXT GENERATION DISTRIBUTED COMMAND AND CONTROL

Amendment No. 2 to BAA FA8750-23-S-7006 modifies various sections of the original BAA, including updates to technical areas, content and format language, debriefing language, and provisions. The BAA focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation distributed command and control (C2) capabilities, with a total funding of approximately $99M. The BAA is interested in exploring new and advancing existing AI and distributed C2 concepts to support Joint All Domain C2.

Amendment No. 1 to BAA FA8750-23-S-7006 updates the BAA number and modifies the requirement for white papers. The BAA seeks proposals for research and development in the areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Next Generation Distributed Command and Control (C2) to enhance the capabilities of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and Joint Force C2. The BAA has an estimated funding of approximately $99M and multiple awards are anticipated.

The Department of the Air Force is seeking white papers for research and development in the areas of Artificial Intelligence and Next Generation Distributed Command and Control. The BAA is interested in exploring new and advancing existing AI and distributed C2 concepts to transform decision-making capabilities across strategic, operational, and tactical levels. The total funding for this BAA is approximately $99M, with multiple awards anticipated.

The document is an amendment to the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-23-S-7006 issued by the Department of the Air Force, focused on enhancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve Command and Control (C2) capabilities. The amendment updates white paper submission requirements to one copy of a three-page document. The BAA aims to encourage research in AI functionalities applicable to strategic and tactical military operations, emphasizing the need for adaptable, mission-specific AI models, enhanced collaborative C2 systems, and effective management of AI capabilities in contested environments. A total of $99 million funding is available until August 30, 2028, with suggested white paper submission deadlines for each fiscal year. Multiple awards are anticipated, with grants or contracts awarded based on the nature of proposals. The BAA prioritizes developing AI models that dynamically adapt during missions, as well as fostering collaborative AI toolkits to support joint operations. Technical areas identified for focus include interactive learning, federated AI systems, and advancements in wargaming. Offerors must comply with regulations regarding foreign participation and conflict of interest, and proposals must align with the BAA's technological requirements and funding availability.

The document presents Amendment No. 2 to BAA FA8750-23-S-7006, issued by the Department of the Air Force, focusing on advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and distributed command and control (C2) systems. This Open BAA is effective until August 30, 2028, seeking white paper submissions initially, with multiple anticipated awards totaling approximately $99 million across five fiscal years. The amendment clarifies submission formats and technical areas, including Command & Control of AI Systems, Federated, Composable Autonomy, Advanced Wargaming Agents, and others aimed at enhancing military decision-making. Key areas of interest include developing AI-driven processes to adapt and deploy AI models in mission contexts, ensuring they meet operational requirements. Historically, AI systems face issues adapting to real-world complexities, necessitating frameworks for monitoring and adjusting AI behavior dynamically. The proposal emphasizes collaboration and standardization among AI tools and workflows to improve the effectiveness and interoperability of C2 systems. Overall, this announcement outlines a structured approach for innovation in military operations through AI technologies, enhancing decision-making capabilities while addressing potential challenges in implementation and management of AI within the dynamic battlefield environment.

The Department of the Air Force is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Next Generation Distributed Command and Control (C2) systems. The announcement, BAA FA8750-23-S-7006, is open until August 30, 2028, and invites white papers that can evolve current AI applications and distributed C2 capabilities within military operations. Total funding expected is approximately $99 million, with awards ranging from $200K to $20M over a maximum period of 48 months. Key technology focus areas include Command & Control of AI Systems, Federated Autonomy, Advanced Wargaming Agents, Interactive Learning for C4I (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence), and Tactical AI, among others. Offers are expected to address challenges of adaptability, sharing information, and managing complexity in joint operations under evolving combat conditions. Eligibility is limited primarily to U.S. entities; foreign participation is restricted. Selected proposals will advance to a second step for technical and cost proposals after evaluation of white papers. This initiative underscores the Air Force's emphasis on leveraging AI to enhance decision-making, operational efficiency, and responsiveness in a contested environment.

Amendment No. 6 to BAA FA8750-23-S-7006 revises sections pertaining to Science and Technology (S&T) Protection and the review process for proposals submitted to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). It emphasizes the importance of a Security Risk Review for all proposals to mitigate foreign influence on federally funded research. Applicants must provide specific documentation, including Security Questionnaires and Privacy Act Statements for "Covered Individuals." The amendment outlines the actions required of both applicants and covered individuals concerning disclosures, particularly regarding foreign government programs or components linked to strategic competitors. The document also explains the proposal review and selection process, which involves government employees evaluating submissions and determining funding availability. It categorizes proposals as "Selectable" or "Not Selectable" based on criteria relevant to Air Force needs and funding. The government reserves the right to partially fund proposals and assessment for potential security risks is fundamental for eligibility. This amendment aims to enhance oversight of research proposals, ensuring national security while advancing technological research capability.

Amendment No. 3 to BAA FA8750-23-S-7006 from the Department of the Air Force modifies the announcement regarding the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities for Next Generation Command and Control (C2) operations. The amendment introduces the possibility of the government providing Government Furnished Software (GFS) for related AI efforts. The BAA is an open, two-step process effective until August 30, 2028, seeking white papers in various fiscal years, with a total funding of approximately $99 million. The document outlines specific technology requirements under three main Technical Areas: Command & Control of AI Systems, Federated Composable Autonomy, and Advanced Wargaming Agents. It emphasizes the need for scalable AI capabilities within distributed environments, highlighting the importance of adaptability in military operations and the evolution towards a more agile C2 structure. Offerors are encouraged to leverage existing AI frameworks and collaborate effectively while ensuring mission-focused adaptability and reliability. The BAA aims to improve the integration and application of AI in complex military environments, enhancing operational effectiveness and decision-making through innovative AI management strategies amidst distributed command challenges.

This amendment to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-23-S-7006, published by the Department of the Air Force, focuses on advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Next Generation Distributed Command and Control (C2) capabilities. The BAA will remain open for submissions until August 30, 2028. It emphasizes the importance of AI in optimizing military operations across various levels and highlights the necessity for innovative approaches to command and control, particularly in a distributed operational environment. The document outlines the solicitation for research and development across multiple technical areas, including the design and management of mission-specific AI, federated AI tools, advanced wargaming agents, and interactive learning for command and control applications. Approximately $99 million in funding will be available across fiscal years 2024 to 2028, with individual awards typically ranging from $200,000 to $20 million. The goal is to foster collaboration in developing AI technologies that can adapt in real-time to battlefield conditions, thereby enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency. White papers are requested as the first step in the proposal process, with a keen focus on ensuring that all submissions comply with eligibility requirements as outlined.

Amendment 8 alters the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-23-S-7006, focusing on advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Next Generation Distributed Command and Control within the Department of the Air Force (DAF). This modification updates key technical points and submission guidance; it remains open for white paper submissions until August 30, 2028. The BAA aims to leverage AI to enhance decision-making across all levels of military operations, optimizing command and control (C2) capabilities through novel AI concepts. With an estimated $99 million in funding, it anticipates multiple awards, with individual funding ranging from $200,000 to $20 million for periods not exceeding 48 months. Proposals must explore AI's application in mission-specific contexts and the orchestration of resources in contested environments, ensuring AI adaptability and performance through continuous monitoring and adjustment. Submission deadlines are set annually for budget alignment. Eligibility is restricted to domestic entities, emphasizing the importance of U.S. citizenship in project participation. The BAA highlights a strong commitment to innovation in military AI applications, signaling the Air Force's focus on integrating advanced technologies for strategic advantage.

AMENDMENT 10 to BAA FA8750-23-S-7006 republishes the original announcement with modifications. This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) from the Department of the Air Force seeks white papers for research and development in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Next Generation Distributed Command and Control (C2). The BAA, effective until August 30, 2028, has an estimated total funding of $99M, with individual awards ranging from $200K to $20M over 48 months. It's an open, two-step BAA, accepting white papers initially, followed by invited formal proposals. Key technical areas include Command & Control of AI Systems (TA1), Federated, Composable Autonomy & AI Toolbox (TA2), Advanced Wargaming Agents (TA3), Interactive Learning for C4I (TA4), C2 Complexity Dominance (TA5), Generative AI C4I (TA6), Software Defined Distributed C2 (TA7), Tactical AI (TA8), and Mission Planning for Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (TA9). Foreign participation is generally closed, with exceptions for fundamental research or FOCI-mitigated companies. Offerors should monitor SAM.gov for updates.

Amendment No. 12 to BAA FA8750-23-S-7006 introduces new language and evaluation criteria for assistance instruments, emphasizing "Gold Standard Science" (GSS) in accordance with Executive Order 14303. GSS is defined by principles such as reproducibility, transparency, collaboration, and unbiased peer review. White papers/proposals must commit to GSS, identify areas of success in its implementation, and comply with administration policies. Evaluation criteria include an initial screening (Go/No Go) based on GSS implementation, demonstrable results, alignment with Presidential priorities, and adherence to specific prohibitions (e.g., racial discrimination, denial of sex binary, illegal immigration). Full evaluations prioritize technical merits and potential relationship to Department of War (DoW) missions, with cost/price and risk assessments as secondary criteria. Scoring rubrics for technical merits and DoW mission relevance are provided.

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is soliciting white papers for research and development across multiple technical areas to advance AI and C2 capabilities. Key areas include 'Battle Management of AI' (TA1) for adapting AI systems during missions, 'Federated, Composable Autonomy & AI Toolbox' (TA2) for developing collaborative AI tools and standards, 'Interactive Learning for C4I' (TA4) for data-efficient machine learning with human interaction, 'C2 Complexity Dominance' (TA5) for imposing complexity on adversaries, 'Generative AI C4I' (TA6) for leveraging generative AI in C4I applications, 'Software Defined Distributed C2' (TA7) for optimizing distributed C2 nodes, 'Tactical AI' (TA8) for distributed signal detection and geolocation using AI, 'Mission Planning for Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP)' (TA9) for on-board autonomous re-tasking of ACPs, and 'AI Decision Support for Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2)' (TA10) for AI-enabled decision support in complex long-range kill chains. Technical Area 3, 'Advanced Wargaming Agents,' has been removed. The solicitations emphasize developing innovative solutions to enhance the agility, responsiveness, and effectiveness of AI-based warfighting systems and command and control operations in dynamic and contested environments.

AMENDMENT 11 modifies BAA FA8750-23-S-7006, focusing on Artificial Intelligence and Next Generation Distributed Command and Control. The amendment updates Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Act (FASCSA) Orders language, directs to an attachment for technical area requirements, removes TA3, adds TA10, and sets FY26 white paper dates for TA10. The BAA, open until August 30, 2028, seeks white papers for AI and distributed C2 concepts to enhance Department of the Air Force capabilities. Total funding is approximately $99M, with individual awards ranging from $200K to $20M over 48 months. Multiple award types, including contracts, grants, and other transactions, are anticipated. Eligibility is restricted to U.S. entities, with exceptions for fundamental research and FOCI-mitigated companies. Submissions require security risk reviews for key personnel. White papers, limited to three pages, are due by specific dates to maximize funding opportunities. Proposals are evaluated on scientific merit, related experience, solution maturity, and cost realism. The document outlines detailed submission, review, and award procedures, including compliance with various federal regulations and the importance of intellectual property protection.

Amendment 8 to BAA FA8750-23-S-7006, titled “Artificial Intelligence and Next Generation Distributed Command and Control,” outlines modifications and technical requirements for AI and C2 advancements. The Air Force Materiel Command seeks white papers until August 30, 2028, for research, development, and evaluation of AI and distributed C2 concepts, with an estimated total funding of $99M for multiple awards ranging from $200K to $20M. Key technical areas include Command & Control of AI Systems (TA1), Federated, Composable Autonomy & AI Toolbox (TA2), Advanced Wargaming Agents (TA3), Interactive Learning for C4I (TA4), C2 Complexity Dominance (TA5), Generative AI C4I (TA6), Software Defined Distributed C2 (TA7), and Tactical AI (TA8). The BAA emphasizes the need for adaptable AI, efficient battle management processes, and solutions for distributed operations in contested environments. Foreign participation is generally restricted, with exceptions for fundamental research or entities with approved mitigation plans. Proposals require specific documentation regarding security risk reviews for key personnel.

This Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) document outlines the Technical Areas (TAs) for Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-23-S-7006, focusing on advanced Command and Control (C2) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies for the Department of the Air Force. The solicitation seeks white papers for research, development, integration, test, and evaluation across several key focus areas. Technical Area 1 (Battle Management of AI) aims to develop novel control processes that allow warfighters to monitor, adapt, and deploy AI models dynamically during mission execution in response to environmental "AI drift." Technical Area 2 focuses on creating a Federated, Composable Autonomy and AI Toolbox to establish common standards and enable cooperative sharing of models and data. Technical Area 4 explores Interactive Learning for C4I, utilizing human-in-the-loop training to quickly refine model preferences, while Technical Area 5 focuses on C2 Complexity Dominance to systematically impose operational complexity on adversaries. Technical Area 6 targets Generative AI for C4I, and Technical Area 7 addresses Software Defined Distributed C2 to optimize Agile Combat Employment (ACE) operations. Technical Area 8 explores Tactical AI utilizing the TAK ecosystem for signal detection. Technical Area 9 (Autonomous Aerial Mission Manager) seeks decentralized on-board re-tasking software for Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACPs) operating in highly contested, communication-denied environments. Finally, Technical Area 10 (Air RAID) focuses on providing AI-enabled decision support to help Battle Managers handle complex Long-Range Kill Chains and manage vastly scaled battlespace assets.

This document is Amendment 13 to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-23-S-7006, issued by the Department of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Information Directorate. The primary modification adds Technical Area 11 (TA11) to the solicitation. Titled "Artificial Intelligence and Next Generation Distributed Command and Control," this open, two-step BAA seeks to research and develop novel AI-based and distributed capabilities to support Joint All Domain Command and Control (C2) operations. Key details of the solicitation include: - **Funding:** Total estimated funding is approximately $99 million. Individual awards generally range from $200,000 to $20 million, with performance periods up to 48 months. - **Instruments:** Awards may include FAR-based procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or Other Transactions (OTs). - **Process:** Step one requires submitting a three-page white paper. Formal proposals are by invitation only. - **Deadlines:** The BAA remains open until August 30, 2028. White papers are accepted continuously, though specific priority submission dates are suggested for each fiscal year (e.g., FY26 TA10 by January 16, 2026; FY27 by March 15, 2026). - **Eligibility:** The solicitation is closed to foreign participation. Non-U.S. citizens are restricted from base/network access unless a waiver is granted, and all submissions undergo a rigorous Science and Technology (S&T) Protection security risk review. - **Standards:** Assistance instruments must adhere to "Gold Standard Science" guidelines, promoting reproducibility, transparency, and research integrity.

Amendment No. 6 to BAA FA8750-23-S-7006 updates S&T Protection and review language within federal government RFPs. Its primary purpose is to outline the enhanced security risk review process for proposals, focusing on identifying undue foreign influence in Department of the Air Force Science and Technology (S&T). Each proposal and all Senior/Key personnel, as well as "Covered Individuals," will undergo a Security Risk Review based on disclosed information, publicly available data, and government databases. Applicants must submit specific documentation, including security questionnaires and privacy act consent forms. Failure to disclose information fully, or identification of a security risk exceeding acceptable thresholds, may lead to proposal rejection. During the period of performance, recipients must annually resubmit personnel profiles and notify the government within five business days if any Senior/Key Research Personnel are involved in Foreign Government Talent Programs or have Foreign Components. The amendment also details the proposal review process, emphasizing that a security risk review will be conducted in parallel with technical evaluations. This amendment underscores the government's commitment to protecting S&T from foreign influence through rigorous security assessments and ongoing monitoring.

AMENDMENT 5 to BAA FA8750-23-S-7006, issued by the Department of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, AFRL - Rome Research Site, is a modification to an existing Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Artificial Intelligence and Next Generation Distributed Command and Control." This open, two-step BAA, effective until August 30, 2028, seeks white papers for research and development in AI and distributed C2. Approximately $99 million in total funding is available, with individual awards ranging from $200K to $20M over a maximum of 48 months. The BAA outlines eight technical areas of interest: Command & Control of AI Systems, Federated and Composable Autonomy & AI Toolbox, Advanced Wargaming Agents, Interactive Learning for C4I, C2 Complexity Dominance, Generative AI C4I, Software Defined Distributed C2, and Tactical AI. Foreign participation is generally restricted, with exceptions for fundamental research, FOCI-mitigated companies, and approved foreign nationals. Offerors must submit a 3-page white paper to the Technical Point of Contact, with recommended submission dates to align with fiscal year funding.

Amendment No. 3 to BAA FA8750-23-S-7006, issued by the Department of the Air Force, modifies the existing Broad Agency Announcement for "Artificial Intelligence and Next Generation Distributed Command and Control." The amendment primarily adds a statement to Technical Area 1 (TA1), indicating the Government may provide Government Furnished Software (GFS) for AI toolbox efforts. The BAA, open until August 30, 2028, seeks white papers for AI and distributed C2 concepts to enhance the Department of the Air Force's (DAF) decision-making and command capabilities. It outlines an approximate total funding of $99 million, with individual awards ranging from $200K to $20M over 48 months. The announcement details eight technical areas of interest, including Command & Control of AI Systems (TA1), Federated, Composable Autonomy & AI Toolbox (TA2), Advanced Wargaming Agents (TA3), Interactive Learning for C4I (TA4), C2 Complexity Dominance (TA5), Generative AI C4I (TA6), Software Defined Distributed C2 (TA7), and Tactical AI (TA8). The BAA is a two-step process, initially requiring white papers, and is closed to foreign participation, with exceptions for fundamental research or entities with approved Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI) mitigation plans. White paper submissions are due by specific dates for each fiscal year, with a final deadline of August 30, 2028.

Amendment No. 2 to BAA FA8750-23-S-7006 modifies the Broad Agency Announcement for "Artificial Intelligence and Next Generation Distributed Command and Control." The amendment updates instrument types, revises Technical Area 1 with three new subsections (TA1-1, TA1-2, TA1-3), and modifies content, debriefing, and ombudsman language. The BAA, open until August 30, 2028, seeks white papers for AI and distributed C2 concepts, with suggested submission dates aligned with fiscal year funding. Total funding is approximately $99M, with individual awards ranging from $200K to $20M over 48 months. The Air Force intends to make multiple awards, including contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other transactions. Technical Area 1 focuses on "Command & Control of AI Systems to Achieve Mission Tailored AI," emphasizing AI COA Design, AI Model Production, and an AI Common Operating Picture. Other technical areas include Federated, Composable Autonomy & AI Toolbox, Advanced Wargaming Agents, Interactive Learning for C4I, C2 Complexity Dominance, Generative AI C4I, Software Defined Distributed C2, and Tactical AI. Foreign participation is generally restricted, with exceptions for fundamental research. Offerors must submit a three-page white paper to the Technical Point of Contact.

Amendment No. 1 to BAA FA8750-23-S-7006 modifies an existing Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) from the Department of the Air Force, focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Next Generation Distributed Command and Control. The amendment primarily updates white paper submission requirements and clarifies the BAA number. The BAA, effective until August 30, 2028, seeks white papers as initial submissions, with formal proposals by invitation. Total funding is approximately $99 million, with individual awards ranging from $200K to $20M over 48 months. The BAA outlines eight technical areas of interest: Command & Control of AI Systems, Federated/Composable Autonomy & AI Toolbox, Advanced Wargaming Agents, Interactive Learning for C4I, C2 Complexity Dominance, Generative AI C4I, Software Defined Distributed C2, and Tactical AI. Foreign participation is generally restricted, with exceptions for fundamental research or entities with approved Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI) mitigation plans. White papers must be 3 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font, and submitted electronically to the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC). Selection criteria include scientific/technical merit, related experience, solution maturity, and cost reasonableness. The process involves a two-step review: white paper evaluation followed by invited proposal submission and selection.

The Department of the Air Force (DAF) is seeking white papers for a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled “Artificial Intelligence and Next Generation Distributed Command and Control.” This initiative, with approximately $99M in total funding, aims to advance AI and distributed C2 capabilities across strategic, operational, and tactical levels. The BAA outlines eight technical areas: Command & Control of AI Systems, Federated and Composable Autonomy & AI Toolbox, Advanced Wargaming Agents, Interactive Learning for C4I, C2 Complexity Dominance, Generative AI C4I, Software Defined Distributed C2, and Tactical AI. Submissions will be accepted until August 30, 2028, with suggested deadlines for each fiscal year. The DAF emphasizes the importance of white papers, with formal proposals by invitation only. Foreign participation is generally restricted, with exceptions for fundamental research or entities with approved mitigation plans. Proposals will be evaluated based on scientific merit, related experience, solution maturity, and cost reasonableness. The goal is to leverage AI for decision advantage and enhance distributed operations within the DAF and Joint Force Command and Control.