SPACE TECHNOLOGY ADVANCED RESEARCH-FAST-TRACKING INNOVATIVE SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE (STAR-FISH) ARA CALL005 Topic Area 1 Space Vehicle Functionality and Logistics, Advanced Next Generation Strategic Radiation hardened Memory (ANGSTRM)
ID: FA9453-21-S-0001Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA9453 AFRL RVKKIRTLAND AFB, NM, 87117, USA

PSC

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

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is seeking proposals for the Space Technology Advanced Research-Fast-Tracking Innovative Software and Hardware (STAR-FISH) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA). This initiative aims to foster research and development in space-related technologies, focusing on areas such as spacecraft functionality, mission capabilities, anomaly detection, and command and control in contested environments. The ARA is designed to enhance national defense capabilities through innovation, with funding for individual proposals ranging from $50,000 to $100 million. Interested parties can reach out to the primary contact, Daniel J. Alvarado, at daniel.alvarado.12@spaceforce.mil or 505-853-4755, for further information, as there is no specified due date for submissions at this time.

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    The document is an amendment to the Advanced Research Announcement FA9453-21-S-0001, issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicle Directorate, detailing updates to contracting points of contact. The primary contracting officer remains Mr. Daniel J. Alvarado, reachable at 505-853-4755 and his Space Force email. An alternative officer has been changed from Ms. Stephanie Harris to Mr. Adan Jaime, who can be contacted at 813-390-6935 and his respective email. Additionally, the document corrects contact details in the award information section, notably the role shift of Mr. Alvarado from Contract Specialist to Contracting Officer. The changes reinforce the importance of accessible and updated contact information for effective communication within the scope of federal contracting processes. The amendment aims to maintain clarity in procurement procedures as part of the broader government RFP framework.
    The document outlines the United States Space Force's initiative to develop advanced radiation-hardened non-volatile memory (NVM) to meet the Department of Defense's requirements for space and strategic systems. It emphasizes the importance of achieving near-commercial performance and scalability while adhering to trusted on-shore manufacturing practices, aiming for a minimum storage density of 4 Gb monolithic devices and enhanced reliability in hostile environments. Proposals should address capabilities for sourcing, design, and production of these advanced NVM technologies, including a plan for commercialization and space qualification.
    The Department of Defense is seeking advanced strategic radiation-hardened non-volatile memory (NVM) technologies to enhance performance and density for space and strategic systems, addressing current limitations of state-of-the-practice solutions. Proposals should focus on leveraging commercial technologies with radiation hardening techniques and must meet specific performance criteria, including a minimum density of 4Gb for monolithic devices and scalability to 32Gb Multi-Chip Modules (MCM). Successful submissions will include development of a full-scale prototype, device characterization, and a pathway to qualify these technologies for military use within trusted on-shore fabrication facilities.
    The document outlines the Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) for the SPACE TECHNOLOGY ADVANCE RESEARCH (STAR) contract, detailing specific data items such as the Contract Funds Status Report, Scientific and Technical Reports, Quarterly Status Reports, and Presentation Material. Each item includes associated identification numbers, submission requirements, and distribution instructions, with an emphasis on compliance with applicable DoD directives for handling sensitive information. The CDRL is subject to quarterly reporting and has specific formatting and submission guidelines to ensure accuracy and security in data handling.
    The amendment to the Advanced Research Announcement FA9453-21-S-0001, dated February 16, 2023, updates the contracting points of contact, changing the primary and alternate contracting officers to Mr. Shawn Capehart and Mr. Daniel J. Alvarado, respectively. Their contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, has been provided in the updated announcement. This revision replaces the former contacts, Ms. Maria Parker and Ms. Deanna Salazar.
    This document serves as an amendment to the Advanced Research Announcement FA9453-21-S-0001 issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory/Space Vehicle Directorate. The amendment dated February 16, 2023, primarily updates the points of contact for contracting. The previous contracting officers, Ms. Maria Parker and Ms. Deanna Salazar, have been replaced with Mr. Shawn Capehart as the primary contact and Mr. Daniel J. Alvarado as the alternate contact. Both new contacts are affiliated with AFRL/RVKV at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, and their contact information—including phone numbers and email addresses—has been clearly stated. The changes aim to streamline communication regarding the announcement, enabling smoother interactions between proposers and the Air Force regarding upcoming research opportunities under this announcement. This update is significant for stakeholders looking to engage in research collaborations with the Air Force, as it clarifies who they should reach out to for queries and submissions related to the RFP.
    The document is an amendment to the Advanced Research Announcement FA9453-21-S-0001 from the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Space Vehicle Directorate, issued on November 6, 2023. The primary purpose of this amendment is to update the points of contact for contracting related to this announcement. The primary contracting officer has been changed from Mr. Shawn Capehart to Mr. Daniel J. Alvarado, whose contact information is provided. Additionally, an alternative contracting officer has also been introduced; Ms. Stephanie Harris replaces the former alternate. The points of contact include their respective roles, working location, phone numbers, and email addresses for further communication. The amendment emphasizes the importance of accurate contact information for potential contractors or interested parties to facilitate communication during the proposal and contract processes. Overall, this document highlights routine administrative updates to enhance the efficiency of contracting operations within the Air Force’s Space Vehicle Directorate.
    The amendment to the Advanced Research Announcement FA9453-21-S-0001 alters the points of contact for contracting, changing the primary contact to Mr. Daniel J. Alvarado and listing Ms. Stephanie A. Harris as the alternate. The revised contact information reflects updated phone numbers and email addresses for both individuals. These modifications are effective as of November 6, 2023.
    The Air Force Research Laboratory is soliciting white papers for the development of advanced next-generation strategic radiation-hardened non-volatile memory (SRH NVM) under CALL 005, aimed at ensuring high reliability and performance in military space systems. The projects, with an anticipated funding of $40 million over several fiscal years, may result in up to three cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts with various development phases and options stretching over approximately 54 months. Interested parties must submit white papers by February 13, 2023, following a two-step process outlined in the announcement.
    The Air Force Research Laboratory is soliciting white papers for the Advanced Next Generation Strategic Radiation Hardened Memory (ANGSTRM) project, focusing on the development of strategic radiation-hardened non-volatile memory solutions for military applications. Up to three cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts may be awarded, with a total anticipated funding of $40 million over five years, subject to government budget decisions. Interested parties must submit a white paper by February 13, 2023, and contracts will involve a multi-phase development process to ensure compliance with performance and radiation requirements.
    The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has issued an Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) FA9453-21-S-0001, titled Space Technology Advanced Research-Fast-tracking Innovative Software and Hardware (STAR-FISH). The ARA seeks proposals for research and development, modeling, testing, and analysis of space-related technologies. It will remain open indefinitely and calls for submissions through specific requests, termed CALLs. Topics of interest include enhancing spacecraft functionality, advancing mission capabilities, anomaly detection, and improving command and control within contested environments. Eligible participants are encouraged to converse with government representatives, and all submissions must conform to prescribed guidelines. The anticipated funding for individual proposals ranges from $50,000 to $100 million. Proposals will be evaluated based on criteria including problem definition, relevance, scientific feasibility, project planning, and overall cost. Each submission will undergo a peer review process, categorized into Highly Recommended, Selectable, or Not Selectable. The ARA emphasizes compliance with export control laws, necessitating that proposals include a certified DD Form 2345. The document ultimately serves as a framework for fostering innovation and enhancing national defense capabilities through advancements in space technology.
    The Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) FA9453-21-S-0001 by the Air Force Research Laboratory seeks proposals for research and development on various aspects of space-flight systems, including modeling, testing, and space debris management. The solicitation allows for a mixture of contract types up to $100 million and encourages dialogue between prospective offerors and government representatives. Offerors must register in the System for Award Management (SAM) and comply with export control regulations to participate.
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