ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND NEXT GENERATION DISTRIBUTED COMMAND AND CONTROL
ID: FA875023S7006Type: Presolicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA8750 AFRL RIKROME, NY, 13441-4514, USA

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; APPLIED RESEARCH (AC12)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of the Air Force is seeking proposals for research and development under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-23-S-7006, focused on advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Next Generation Distributed Command and Control (C2) capabilities. The initiative aims to enhance decision-making and operational agility in military operations through innovative AI applications, addressing challenges such as real-time adaptation of AI models in dynamic battlefield conditions. With an estimated funding of approximately $99 million available until August 30, 2028, interested parties are encouraged to submit white papers by specified deadlines, with awards typically ranging from $200,000 to $20 million for successful proposals. For further inquiries, contact Mr. Gennady Staskevich at gennady.staskevich@us.af.mil or Ms. Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil.

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    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.
    Amendment No. 1 to BAA FA8750-23-S-7006 modifies the requirements for white paper submissions related to artificial intelligence (AI) and distributed command and control (C2) research projects under the U.S. Air Force. The update specifies that only one copy of a 3-page white paper is needed, and the BAA number has been clarified. This open, two-step BAA remains effective until August 30, 2028, with an estimated funding of approximately $99 million across various fiscal years. The focus is on enhancing AI applications in C2 to improve decision-making in distributed operations, addressing challenges such as real-time adaptation of AI models based on dynamic battlefield conditions. Project proposals are expected to explore various technological areas, including command management of AI systems, federated autonomy, advanced wargaming agents, and interactive learning in C4I processes, among others. Offerors must submit white papers by specified deadlines, and those selected will be invited to submit formal proposals. The document underscores the Air Force's commitment to developing advanced technologies to achieve strategic advantages and enhance operational effectiveness in future military engagements.
    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.
    The Amendment No. 2 to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-23-S-7006 by the Department of the Air Force outlines modifications pertaining to the Artificial Intelligence and Next Generation Distributed Command and Control initiative. It updates the award criteria, revises technical areas, and adjusts content formats and debriefing provisions. The BAA is a two-step open solicitation specifically focused on advancing AI capabilities in Joint Command and Control operations, open until August 30, 2028. The initiative seeks white papers addressing new and existing AI applications that enhance decision-making and operational agility in distributed military operations. The estimated funding totals approximately $99 million, with potential awards ranging from $200,000 to $20 million across various cycles. The document emphasizes various technical areas, including the command and control of AI systems, federated AI tools, advanced wargaming agents, and more, underscoring the operational complexities and challenges in implementing AI within military environments. The overarching goal is to explore innovative solutions that would enable the Air Force to maintain a strategic advantage through advanced AI technologies. This solicitation invites qualified parties to submit proposals and highlights the necessity of tight synchronization between military strategy and AI technology adaptation.
    The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has issued Amendment No. 3 to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-23-S-7006, focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Next Generation Distributed Command and Control (C2). The amendment introduces the possibility of Government Furnished Software for relevant technical areas. The BAA, effective until August 30, 2028, invites white papers for AI-related research and development. Key topics include enhancing C2 capabilities through AI, exploring innovative concepts for distributed operations, and addressing challenges of AI management in complex environments. The anticipated funding of approximately $99 million will facilitate multiple awards, each ranging from $200K to $20M, typically lasting 48 months. Interested parties are encouraged to submit white papers by specific dates to maximize funding alignment. The document emphasizes the importance of effective AI adaptation in military operations, offering a structured approach through Technical Areas (TA), particularly focusing on adaptable AI models, federated tools, advanced wargaming agents, and interactive learning applications. This initiative seeks to leverage AI for improved strategic decision-making within the Department of Defense, addressing the rapid evolution of warfare and technology.
    The document is Amendment 5 to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-23-S-7006, published by the Department of the Air Force. The amendment republishes the original announcement, encompassing prior changes and updates related to various sections, including technical requirements and contacts. The BAA solicits proposals for research, development, and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to enhance command and control (C2) capabilities for the Air Force. Key focus areas include developing AI for tactical operations, fostering collaborative distributed C2 systems, and managing AI's adaptation and deployment in response to battlefield conditions. A total funding of approximately $99 million is allocated, with awards typically ranging from $200,000 to $20 million over a span of up to 48 months. The document outlines the submission process for white papers, emphasizing deadlines for different fiscal years, and details eligibility, restrictions on foreign participation, and procedural guidelines. It serves to enhance the Air Force's strategic advantage through innovative uses of AI, emphasizing the necessity of agility and responsiveness in modern combat scenarios. Overall, it reflects the government's commitment to advancing military capabilities via advanced technology research and collaborative efforts.
    Amendment No. 6 to BAA FA8750-23-S-7006 revises Sections III and V to strengthen the Science and Technology (S&T) Protection measures for research proposals submitted to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Key updates include a comprehensive Security Risk Review process, which evaluates proposals for potential foreign influence, without considering nationality or citizenship. Applicants must provide documentation such as the Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile and a Security Program Questionnaire, along with consent forms for each 'Covered Individual.' The document outlines responsibilities for applicants, covered individuals, and protocol during performance, emphasizing the need for due diligence concerning foreign talent programs and affiliations. The review process consists of white paper evaluations leading to the selection of proposals based on technical merit and funding availability. The government retains discretion on awarding proposals and will notify unsuccessful applicants without detailing the reasons due to operational security. This amendment reflects a commitment to secure and integrity-driven research funding processes under the Department of the Air Force while promoting transparency and accountability among participants.
    The Department of the Air Force has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) aimed at advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Distributed Command and Control (C2) capabilities through research and development. This BAA, numbered FA8750-23-S-7006, is open until August 30, 2028, accepting initial submissions in the form of white papers, with estimated funding totaling approximately $99 million across fiscal years 2024 to 2028. The BAA seeks proposals in several technical areas including the tailoring of AI for command and control, federated AI systems, advanced wargaming agents, and interactive learning for C4I. Significant emphasis is placed on exploring AI's potential for improving agile operations in complex, contested environments, and developing tools for real-time management of AI capabilities during operations. Potential awards may range from $200,000 to $20 million, with multiple awards anticipated. Eligibility is limited to U.S. entities, and proposals must adhere to specific guidelines, including addressing the complexity of AI deployment, effective C2 strategies, and ensuring robust human factor integration. The Air Force encourages nontraditional defense contractors to participate, especially in cost-sharing scenarios. This initiative underscores the DAF's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance operational effectiveness and decision-making in future military engagements.
    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.
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