Special Notice (Request for Information RFI))/Industry Day Announcement for Modern Unmanned-warfare Systems Environment (MUSE)
ID: FA875025RB010Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

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

NAICS

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

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT (AC13)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is conducting market research for the Modern Unmanned-warfare Systems Environment (MUSE) project, seeking to establish a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Level of Effort/Term Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a performance period of 6-7 years. The objective of this procurement is to achieve superiority in unmanned warfare technology, focusing on research and development activities that enhance capabilities in counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) and related technologies. This initiative is critical for equipping the U.S. government with advanced tools to combat emerging threats, with anticipated funding of approximately $500 million under a single-award contract. Interested parties must submit capability statements by June 3, 2025, and register for the Industry Day scheduled for June 17, 2025, at the Griffiss Institute in Rome, NY, to gain further insights and networking opportunities. For additional information, contact Matthew Zawisza at matthew.zawisza@us.af.mil or Meghan Thomas at meghan.thomas.1@us.af.mil.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Modern Unmanned-warfare Systems Environment (MUSE) Industry Day, hosted by AFRL/RIGD, outlined the Air Force Research Laboratory’s role in Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) and the MUSE program's scope. The event provided an overview of current and future C-UAS systems, technology areas, and an opportunity for industry networking. Key acquisition details include a maximum ordering amount of ~$500M under a single-award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, with an anticipated ordering period of 60 months, focusing on R&D. Future milestones include a Sources Sought release in Q4 2025, a Draft RFP in Q1 2026, and an RFP release in July 2026. Technical objectives aim to equip the US government with tools to combat threats, partner with industry, and balance cost, speed, and quality. Technical focus areas include EW-enabled cyberspace countermeasures, autonomous C2 systems, sensor exploitation, and interceptor/directed energy solutions.
    The document lists registrants and attendees for a "MUSE INDUSTRY DAY" held on June 17, 2025. It details companies, their CAGE codes, and the names and email addresses of their representatives. The file serves as a comprehensive record of participants from various defense and technology sectors, including Collins Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, L3Harris Technologies, BAE Systems, and many others. This list is crucial for networking, partnership identification, and understanding the industry interest in the MUSE program, likely an initiative or project within the federal government procurement landscape. The document highlights the broad engagement of key players in the government contracting sphere for this specific event.
    The provided document is an
    The MUSE Industry Day Q&A provides clarifications on an upcoming Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) acquisition. The acquisition strategy, still pending approval, intends to use a FAR-based IDIQ single-award contract, not a consortium or multiple-award IDIQ. The effort is not considered a Non-R&D Services acquisition. A Sources Sought notice is planned for the last quarter of FY25 to inform decisions on potential small business set-asides, with small and large businesses encouraged to respond. The Technical Library will be accessible by appointment until the Request for Proposal (RFP) release, requiring an approved DD Form 2345 for access. The contract vehicle will be available for MUSE requirements across AFRL, other military services, and DoD/Federal agencies, with all ordering centralized through AFRL/RIK. Limitations on subcontracting, as per FAR 52.219-14, will apply if the effort is a small business set-aside. Classified information discussions are not available before the RFP. Unlimited Data Rights are preferred, and the contract will have both CONUS and OCONUS applicability.
    The Department of the Air Force, AFRL/RIKD, is conducting market research for a potential Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Level of Effort (LOE)/Term Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for the Modern Unmanned-warfare Systems Environment (MUSE). This Request for Information (RFI) seeks capability statements, no more than 10 pages, from interested parties by June 3, 2025. Responses should include company information, ability to perform technical requirements (including personnel qualifications, security clearances, subcontracting plans, business systems approval, and fluctuating workload management), past performance/experience with up to three customers, and input on procurement strategy. The effort is anticipated to last 6-7 years and will require employees to obtain Common Access Cards (CACs) and potentially Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) facility and collateral secret safeguarding clearance.
    This document outlines the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Statement of Work for the Modern Unmanned-Warfare Systems Environment (MUSE) project, focusing on rapid research, development, and deployment of counter and offensive Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) solutions. The objective is to achieve superiority in UAS Combat Operations (UCO) by developing new S&T capabilities, demonstrating prototypes with automated/autonomous techniques, and maturing existing technologies to mitigate UAS threats. Key areas include Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) analysis, cyberspace countermeasures, C2 open architecture solutions, and integration of various sensors and interceptors. The project emphasizes agile software development, robust system engineering, comprehensive testing, and strict security and safety requirements, all managed through detailed program oversight and adherence to government standards.
    The Air Force Research Laboratory’s draft Statement of Work for the Modern Unmanned-Warfare Systems Environment (MUSE) aims to establish a flexible contracting vehicle to support the rapid research and development of counter and offensive Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) solutions. The primary objectives include enhancing UAS Combat Operations capabilities through the development of new technologies, integration of commercial and government technologies, and collaboration within the operational community. Key activities will encompass prototyping, experimentation, integration, testing, and transitioning technologies to achieve superiority against evolving UAS threats. The project emphasizes a comprehensive approach to research and development in areas such as electromagnetic spectrum analysis, electronic warfare, cyberspace operations, command and control, and automation. To address advancing threats, the focus includes improving detection, identification, and tracking techniques while ensuring compatibility with existing systems and enabling agile responses to diverse UAS threats. The document outlines detailed technical, programmatic, and security requirements, emphasizing adherence to best practices in software development, cybersecurity, and quality control. It serves as a foundational guideline for contractors to contribute effectively to the Air Force's strategic objectives regarding UAS systems and combat capabilities in air, space, and cyberspace. The overall goal is to achieve integrated, unified UAS capabilities that enhance global vigilance and operational readiness.
    The Department of the Air Force's Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) issued a Request for Information (RFI) titled "Modern Unmanned-warfare Systems Environment (MUSE)" to conduct market research for potential acquisition needs. Responses to this RFI are intended for planning purposes and may guide future solicitations. The government seeks capability statements from interested entities to demonstrate their qualifications in areas necessary for advancing MUSE technology over a projected 6-7 year period, potentially under a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee contract. Respondents must outline their company information, technical ability, relevant experiences, and provide input on procurement strategies. Key requirements include personnel with necessary security clearances (specifically Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information), a significant proposed workforce, operational capabilities in various international locations, and adherence to subcontracting limitations. An estimated workload of approximately 4,000,000 labor hours is anticipated, with specific guidance on cost estimations and quality control practices. This request aims to optimize the effectiveness of future contracts and ensure efficient performance in line with government standards. All responses must be submitted via email by June 3, 2025.
    The Special Notice (RFI) FA8750-25-R-B010 announces a Request for Information (RFI) and Industry Day for the Modern Unmanned-warfare Systems Environment (MUSE) project. AFRL/RIKD is conducting market research for a potential Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Level of Effort (LOE)/Term Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a 6-7 year performance period. The project aims to achieve superiority in MUSE technology, requiring contractors to obtain Common Access Cards (CACs) and potentially Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance. The Industry Day will be held on June 17, 2025, at Griffiss Institute, Rome, NY, to provide an overview and facilitate information exchange. Attendees must register by June 9, 2025, and only those who submit an initial capability package will be eligible for private appointments. Foreign participation at the prime contractor level is excluded. An Ombudsman is available for concerns. Attachments include the MUSE RFI Letter and a Draft Statement of Work (SOW).
    The document outlines a Special Notice (RFI) for the Modern Unmanned-warfare Systems Environment (MUSE) procurement by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Scheduled for a response by June 3, 2025, the RFI aims to gather information to guide future contracting strategies for enhancing MUSE technology capabilities. Vendors are invited to an Industry Day on June 17, 2025, to facilitate discussion and networking; however, only those who submit capability packages can schedule private consultations. The anticipated contract type is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) IDIQ with a performance period of 6-7 years, with funding primarily from Research Development Test & Evaluation and Operations & Maintenance sources. Additionally, potential contractors must meet security clearance requirements. The document highlights the need for U.S. citizen participation and outlines the exclusion of foreign entities at the prime contractor level. Overall, this RFI serves as a precursor to a potential acquisition process, focusing on market research rather than immediate contract awards.
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