Enabling Cyber-Linked Physical Sensing Exploitation (ECLPSE)
ID: FA8650-21-S-1016Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA8650 USAF AFMC 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; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; APPLIED RESEARCH (AC12)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is soliciting proposals for the Enabling Cyber-Linked Physical Sensing Exploitation (ECLPSE) initiative, aimed at advancing research in cyber-physical sensing and electronic warfare (EW) technologies. The program seeks innovative solutions to understand the interactions between cyber-connected devices and their physical environments across various domains, including manufacturing, utilities, and transportation, with a focus on enhancing national military capabilities. The total program budget is approximately $92.9 million, with multiple awards expected, each capped at $20 million, and the submission of white papers is due by February 25, 2026. Interested parties can contact Jennifer Skalski at jennifer.skalski@us.af.mil or Caleb Rose at the updated contact information for further details.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The government document outlines supplemental instructions for submitting proposals for federal assistance through the Department of Defense (DoD). It emphasizes the necessity of including the SF 424 (R&R) form as a cover page for all proposals. Notably, the DoD seeks to collect demographic and career data, adhering to Title IX requirements, particularly concerning women in STEM roles. Institutions of higher education must provide detailed information on key personnel and their involvement in current research projects to safeguard national security and technology integrity. Furthermore, applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) to be eligible for funding, and they are instructed to follow specific procedures for submitting applications electronically via Grants.gov. This includes obtaining a DUNS number, registering with SAM, and creating a Grants.gov account. The document highlights that timely submission is critical, with electronic receipts serving as proof of application submission. Overall, the guidance ensures that all necessary information is collected to assess compliance and evaluates proposals effectively while promoting transparency and security in federal grant processes. Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the application process and ensure all required documentation is submitted accurately and on time.
    The document is a government solicitation for a research and development contract (FA8650-21-R-1016) issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). It details the requirements for contractors to conduct research, deliver software, and provide hardware related to unspecified research objectives. The contract type is a cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF), emphasizing Government expectations for performance and delivery timelines, with specific clauses for inspection, acceptance, and compliance with federal acquisition regulations. Key elements include a guaranteed final technical report, invoice submission guidelines through the Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) system, and various obligations concerning cybersecurity measures and protection of sensitive information. The contractor is required to adhere to data safeguarding protocols and is subject to regulations regarding non-RDT&E (Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation) work alongside an overall funding management framework. This solicitation illustrates the structured approach the federal government employs to procure services while ensuring accountability and alignment with legislative and regulatory frameworks, particularly in relation to defense-related activities.
    The Proposal Adequacy Checklist (revised January 2014) serves as a comprehensive guide to ensure that offerors meet the necessary requirements for federal proposals as outlined in FAR 15.408. Key areas covered in the checklist include the completeness of the proposal's first page, identification of government-furnished materials, disclosure of cost impacts and compliance with Cost Accounting Standards, and detailed breakdowns of costs—both direct and indirect. Specific sections address the requirement for an Index of certified cost data, proposals regarding subcontractors, and inter-organizational transfers. Additionally, the checklist mandates the provision of rationales for proposed costs, pricing data for commercial items, and analyses of indirect costs. The organized structure helps facilitate the offeror's submission by outlining critical elements that need to be addressed to avoid delays or rejections. This document is essential for ensuring transparency, accuracy, and thoroughness in proposals submitted to federal agencies, playing a vital role in the government's acquisition processes.
    The Enabling Cyber-Linked Physical Sensing Exploitation (ECLPSE) initiative from the Air Force Research Laboratory's Multi-Domain Sensing Autonomy Division aims to advance knowledge and technology in cyber-physical sensing and electronic warfare (EW) for military applications. The program focuses on understanding the interactions between cyber and physical environments, particularly how cyber-connected devices influence physical spaces and vice versa. The scope includes the development of novel sensing technologies, modeling, simulations, and experiments tailored to assess vulnerabilities, enabling commanders to exploit these interactions effectively in operational contexts. Key objectives encompass multi-domain performance modeling, assessing small unmanned systems, and enhancing machine learning and autonomy in military operations. Research deliverables will comprise technical reports, software prototypes, and testing materials while ensuring compliance with operational security and protection of critical program information. The initiative underscores a critical need for advancing resilience in national defense strategies and supporting civilian infrastructure protection efforts.
    The document provides security guidance relevant to classified efforts within various federal RFPs, grants, and local initiatives. It emphasizes the need for thorough documentation, including any referenced guides, which should be attached or sent separately. The guidance suggests that additional pages may be necessary for comprehensive instructions and aims to ensure adherence to security protocols in the handling of sensitive information. By outlining these requirements, the document underscores the importance of maintaining security standards while engaging in federal and state-level contracting processes, thereby enhancing accountability and safeguarding classified materials throughout project execution.
    The document is an addendum to DD Form 254, outlining Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clauses related to a government contract. It includes essential contact information for the supporting Security Services Office (SSO) and identifies key personnel involved, including the Contracting Officer Representative/Contract Manager (COR/CM). The document highlights the requirement for SCI, indicating that these requirements have been reviewed and approved by the SSO at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB). This addendum serves as a formal attachment crucial for maintaining compliance with federal security protocols in contracts involving sensitive information, underscoring the importance of proper oversight and communication among various stakeholders within the government and contracting organizations. The structure is straightforward, focusing on ensuring that all SCI obligations are clearly spelled out and that relevant approval has been obtained.
    The Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8650-21-S-1016, titled "Enabling Cyber-Linked Physical Sensing Exploitation (ECLPSE)," is a solicitation for proposals aimed at advancements in the realm of cyber-linked physical sensing technology. This document, identified as Amendment 1, primarily updates the contracting points of contact (POC). The primary POC is Caleb Rose, Contract Specialist, and Jerry Brown serves as the secondary Contracting Officer. Their contact information is provided. Aside from these revisions, no additional changes are made in this amendment to the previously issued Combined Synopsis/Solicitation related to the ECLPSE initiative. The overarching aim of this BAA appears to facilitate innovative research and development options, thus encouraging proposals that contribute to enhancing the capabilities in cyber-physical systems.
    The Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8650-21-S-1016 pertains to the Enabling Cyber-Linked Physical Sensing Exploitation (ECLPSE) initiative. This document is a combined synopsis and solicitation expressing the need for innovative approaches to enhance cyber-linked physical sensing capabilities. Amendment 2 makes a critical update to contact information, specifying Adam Wentworth as the secondary point of contact for inquiries related to the contracting process. His contact details are provided for potential applicants or interested parties seeking to engage with the Department of the Air Force. No other changes to the solicitation are noted in this amendment. This BAA reflects the government's ongoing efforts to solicit research and development proposals that advance capabilities in an increasingly interconnected technological landscape.
    This amendment to Broad Agency Announcement FA8650-21-S-1016 pertains to the Enabling Cyber-Linked Physical Sensing Exploitation (ECLPSE) initiative. It primarily introduces a prohibition on the use of TikTok, classified as a "covered application," on government-related information technology under the No TikTok on Government Devices Act. The details clarify that the use of TikTok or any service from ByteDance Limited is forbidden on any government-owned or contractor-managed information technology. This prohibition extends to subcontractors and mandates that they include the same clause in their contracts. The amendment stresses the importance of compliance with federal regulations while indicating no further changes to the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation. The overall aim is to uphold security protocols associated with government information technology, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected against potential risks associated with using certain social media platforms. This reflects a broader trend in government contracts to mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
    The Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8650-21-S-1016, titled Enabling Cyber-Linked Physical Sensing Exploitation (ECLPSE), has issued an Amendment 4 that primarily updates the contracting points of contact (POC) and modifies submission protocols for White Papers and Proposals. The primary contact has been designated as Sarah DeBolt at (937) 713-9859, with Barry Kain as the secondary contact. Crucially, the Amendment announces the immediate cancellation of the previously stated due date for submissions (26 February 2025) and indicates that the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) will no longer accept White Papers or Proposals under this BAA. This change reflects evolving government funding priorities and requirements. No additional modifications to the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation are noted in this Amendment. This summary underscores the significant shift in the solicitation process under this BAA, indicating a definitive end to the acceptance of proposals related to ECLPSE.
    The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Enabling Cyber-Linked Physical Sensing Exploitation" (ECLPSE), aimed at soliciting white papers from industry on research and analysis concerning cyber-physical sensing and Electronic Warfare (EW) effects. This 2-Step solicitation includes a white paper submission due by February 25, 2026, and, depending on the evaluation, a proposal phase for selected submissions. The focus is on understanding interactions between cyber-connected devices and their physical environments, with research expected to span various domains such as manufacturing and agriculture. The total program budget is approximately $92.9 million, with multiple awards expected, each capped at $20 million. The announcement encourages participation from small businesses and emphasizes the importance of innovative approaches and technical soundness in proposals. Essential components include a detailed technical approach, associated costs, and adherence to stringent security and export control regulations. The overall process aims to streamline acquisition while fostering technological advancements relevant to national military objectives.
    The Enabling Cyber-Linked Physical Sensing Exploitation (ECLPSE) seeks innovative solutions for multi-domain sensing and information exploitation, not focused on offensive or defensive military capabilities. Responses should address applications in space, air, ground, or sea sensing but exclude direct cyber-sensing needs. Key areas of interest include modeling and simulation of distributed sensing capabilities without an emphasis on defeating security systems. The program invites novel ideas, particularly in electronic warfare (EW) and kinetic effects, while maintaining broad objectives to encourage diverse solutions. Specific technologies like 5G are not prioritized; instead, the initiative aims to explore unconsidered options related to artificial intelligence and cyber-linked physical systems. All submissions should aim to enhance sensing exploitation or support the outlined objectives, ensuring flexible and innovative approaches in the proposals submitted. This solicitation underscores the commitment to discovering transformative technology by avoiding bias in responses.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
    Similar Opportunities
    Applications for Cyber Warfare: Genesis
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Department of the Air Force, is seeking white papers for its Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) titled "Applications for Cyber Warfare: Genesis." This initiative aims to develop next-generation cyber warfare capabilities, including prototypes for operational Department of Defense platforms, to enhance superiority in the cyber domain. With an estimated total funding of approximately $999 million, individual awards are expected to range from $10 million to $50 million, with the potential for awards up to $99.99 million, over a maximum duration of sixty months. Interested parties must submit their white papers by September 30, 2030, with suggested submission dates aligned with fiscal years 2026 to 2030. For further inquiries, contact Thomas Parisi at AFRL.RI.HELLFIRE@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil.
    Advanced Cyber Effects for Strategic Operations (ACESO)
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking white papers for the Advanced Cyber Effects for Strategic Operations (ACESO) program under the Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) FA8750-25-S-7005. This initiative aims to develop cyber operations prototypes that can be transitioned into operational DoD platforms to enhance superiority in the Cyber Domain, focusing on technologies such as assured and zero-trust infrastructure, Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I), and Offensive Cyber Operations. With an estimated total funding of approximately $950 million, individual awards are expected to range from $10 million to $50 million, with the potential for awards up to $99.98 million, and the program is open for submissions until July 10, 2030. Interested parties should direct technical inquiries to Tanya Macrina at AFRL.RI.ACESO@us.af.mil and business inquiries to Amber Buckley at Amber.Buckley@us.af.mil.
    Multi-Spectral Sensing Technologies Research and Development (MUSTER)
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is soliciting proposals for the Multi-Spectral Sensing Technologies Research and Development (MUSTER) initiative. This opportunity aims to advance research in various areas, including multiband multifunction radio frequency sensors and laser radar technology, to enhance the U.S. Air Force's capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The program has a total budget of $250 million, with individual awards ranging from $100,000 to $10 million, and interested parties must submit white papers by May 20, 2026, to be considered for further evaluation. For additional information, potential applicants can contact Jamie Jones-Brooks at jamie.jones-brooks@us.af.mil or Travis White at travis.white.17@us.af.mil.
    Multi-Spectrum Defensive Electronic Warfare (MSDEW) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA)
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), has announced the Multi-Spectrum Defensive Electronic Warfare (MSDEW) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA), inviting proposals for research and development aimed at enhancing national defense capabilities in electronic warfare. The program focuses on developing advanced sensors and systems to improve joint lethality in contested environments, enabling the U.S. military to effectively strike diverse targets while under attack and operate across all domains. With an estimated funding of $396.6 million available until July 13, 2027, interested parties are encouraged to engage with government representatives prior to proposal submission, ensuring compliance with security classifications and operational safety regulations. For further inquiries, contact Kathryn Skaleski at kathryn.skaleski@us.af.mil or Richard Bailey at richard.bailey.26@us.af.mil.
    NETWORKING THE FIGHT
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of the Air Force is seeking innovative research proposals under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Networking the Fight" (BAA FA8750-24-S-7002) to enhance information sharing flexibility at the tactical edge across heterogeneous networks. The primary objective is to develop capabilities for secure information movement across various security domains and "red-black" boundaries, focusing on three technical areas: Next Generation Cross Domain Solution Broker, Highly Dynamic Red/Black Networking, and Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis. This initiative is critical for improving collaboration and mission success in military operations, with an estimated total funding of $70 million and individual awards ranging from $1 million to $24 million over a 36-month period. Interested parties must submit white papers by February 28, 2024, with formal proposals due by April 8, 2024; for further inquiries, contact Capt. Brian Kay at Brian.kay.4@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil.
    SIGNALS INTELLIGENCE (SIGINT) SOLUTIONS FOR EVOLVING SCENARIOS (SESS)
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Department of the Air Force, is seeking innovative research proposals for the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-23-S-7005, titled "Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Solutions for Evolving Scenarios (SSES)." The objective is to develop real-time Cyber and SIGINT processing solutions that enhance tactical information collection, geolocation, extraction, identification, analysis, simulation, and reporting to support the Intelligence Community and improve situational awareness for warfighting capabilities. This initiative is critical for advancing the state-of-the-art capabilities in the defense sector, ensuring that warfighters have the tools necessary for effective decision-making in complex operational environments. The total estimated funding for this BAA is approximately $99.9 million, with individual awards ranging from $0.25 million to $15 million over a period not exceeding 36 months. Interested parties must submit white papers by September 25, 2028, with recommended submission dates for FY24 funding by November 15, 2023. For further inquiries, contact Todd Howlett at todd.howlett@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil.
    Pioneering Aerospace Capabilities, Engineering and Research
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is soliciting proposals under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA2391-23-S-2403 for the "Pioneering Aerospace Capabilities, Engineering and Research" initiative. This opportunity aims to advance aerospace technologies through research and development efforts focused on innovative concepts and technologies that enhance military capabilities, particularly in propulsion and power systems. The initiative is critical for maintaining a technological edge in defense operations, with a projected funding ceiling of $200 million for various projects. Interested parties must submit their proposals electronically via DoD SAFE, with key deadlines for submissions varying by specific calls, including January 27, 2025, for the Aggressive Embedded Propulsion & Operability (AEPO) initiative. For further inquiries, potential offerors can contact John McClellan at john.mcclellan.2@us.af.mil or Jac Cook at joseph.cook.39@us.af.mil.
    AERIAL LAYER NETWORKING & TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGIES
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of the Air Force is seeking innovative solutions through its Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-23-S-7002 for Aerial Layer Networking & Transmission Technologies. The objective is to advance current aerial network systems from a pre-planned, limited interoperability state to a more dynamic, self-forming, and self-healing architecture, focusing on areas such as network monitoring, robust aerial networks, and proof-of-concept capabilities. This initiative is critical for enhancing military operations and ensuring effective communication in aerial environments. The total funding available for this BAA is approximately $99.5 million, with individual awards typically ranging from $1 million to $10 million over a period of 36 months, and potential awards up to $49.5 million. Interested parties must submit white papers by September 30, 2027, with suggested submission dates for each fiscal year, and can direct inquiries to Peter Fitzgerald at peter.fitzgerald.1@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil.
    EXTREME COMPUTING
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of the Air Force is soliciting white papers under Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-23-S-7004, titled "Extreme Computing," aimed at advancing research in various computing technologies. The BAA focuses on areas such as computational diversity, efficient computing architectures, machine learning and artificial intelligence in embedded systems, edge computing, nanocomputing, and robust algorithms. With an estimated total funding of approximately $497.9 million, individual awards typically range from $1 million to $3 million over a period of 36 months, with the potential for larger awards up to $99.9 million. Interested parties should submit white papers by suggested deadlines aligned with fiscal year funding, with the final submission date being September 20, 2028. For technical inquiries, contact Joel Moore at joel.moore.2@us.af.mil or 315-330-4958, and for contractual questions, reach out to Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil or 315-330-3605.
    AWGER: ADAPTIVE WAVEFORM GENERATION FOR EXTREME RF
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of the Air Force is seeking innovative research proposals under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-22-S-7006, titled "AWGER: Adaptive Waveform Generation for Extreme RF." This initiative aims to advance cognitive waveform generation and network control within a unified scenario evaluation environment, with a focus on enhancing national defense capabilities. The total estimated funding for this BAA is approximately $49.9 million, with individual awards typically ranging from $300,000 to $3 million over a period of up to 36 months. Interested parties must submit white papers by September 30, 2027, and are encouraged to contact Gerard Wohlrab at gerard.wohlrab@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil for further information regarding technical and contractual inquiries, respectively.