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

PSC

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

    The Department of Defense, through 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 effects across multiple operational domains. This two-step Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) seeks white papers that address the interactions and vulnerabilities of cyber-connected devices in various applications, including manufacturing, transportation, and utilities, with a focus on developing innovative technologies to enhance military capabilities. The total estimated budget for this initiative is $92.9 million, with individual awards potentially reaching up to $20 million, and the first step requires white papers to be submitted by February 25, 2026. Interested parties can contact Jennifer Skalski at jennifer.skalski@us.af.mil or Caleb Rose for further information regarding the submission process.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    This document contains supplemental instructions for submitting proposals for assistance instruments associated with federal grants, particularly in the context of the Department of Defense (DoD). Key points include the requirement for all proposals to start with the SF 424 (R&R) form and details needed on demographic and career data for key personnel, particularly in STEM fields, to evaluate compliance with Title IX. Institutions applying for defense-related research grants must provide comprehensive information about key personnel's current and future projects to protect U.S. technology and limit foreign influence. Further instructions detail the necessity for applicants to register in the System for Award Management (SAM) and to include relevant certifications. Proposals can be submitted electronically via Grants.gov, with clear steps outlined for registration, account creation, and application submission via their workspace feature. Timeliness in submissions is emphasized, as applications received after the due date will not be considered for funding. Overall, the document aims to ensure a systematic approach for organizations seeking assistance while safeguarding national security interests.
    The document is a solicitation for a contract under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), designated as FA8650-21-R-1016, addressing a rated order for research and development services. The solicitation outlines various sections, starting with a comprehensive schedule detailing the supplies and services required, including research, software, and hardware. Each item is associated with a specific contract type—cost-plus-fixed-fee—and set delivery requirements. Key points include the contractor's responsibilities for conducting research according to the attached Statement of Work and delivering data and software by specified deadlines. The document emphasizes the importance of compliance with federal acquisition regulations, including delivery and inspection standards and detailed invoicing instructions. Additionally, it covers vital clauses related to project administration, including provisions for invoicing and payment instructions. The purpose is to ensure rigorous oversight and quality control within the contracting process, while facilitating effective collaboration between the government and the contractor. The solicitation's structured approach aims to streamline the acquisition of essential services while adhering to federal compliance standards.
    The Proposal Adequacy Checklist, revised in January 2014, outlines mandatory components for offerors responding to government requests for proposals (RFPs) per the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). The document details 36 items that offerors must address in their proposals, ensuring compliance with specified requirements. Key sections include general instructions on the proposal's completeness, cost estimating methodologies, disclosures on subcontracting, and compliance with cost accounting standards. Offerors must include detailed information about direct and indirect costs, labor rates, price analyses, and proposed contracts. The checklist is structured to facilitate thorough and transparent proposals, enabling the government to assess the viability and fairness of submitted bids. It serves to enhance clarity and consistency across federal contracting efforts, ensuring efficient evaluations of proposals and adherence to regulatory requirements.
    The Enabling Cyber-Linked Physical Sensing Exploitation (ECLPSE) initiative by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) aims to enhance multi-domain sensing technologies critical for military operations and civilian infrastructure protection. This effort concentrates on understanding cyber-physical interactions across various applications such as manufacturing, transportation, and utilities, particularly how kinetic actions can influence cyber operations. The project encompasses the development of novel cyber-physical and electronic warfare sensing technologies, emphasizing research in sensing effects, performance modeling, experiments, and machine learning applications. Key objectives include refining techniques for cybersecurity, exploiting vulnerabilities, and creating mission-essential knowledge through data fusion and autonomy. The management plan mandates consistent government oversight while allowing contractor flexibility. Deliverables will take the form of comprehensive technical reports and software/hardware prototypes. The initiative underscores the importance of operational security (OPSEC) and program protection to safeguard sensitive information throughout the contract lifecycle, reflecting the government's commitment to enhancing both military readiness and civilian infrastructure resilience.
    The file includes security guidance for classified government efforts, specifically emphasizing the need for thorough documentation regarding security protocols. It indicates that relevant documents or guides should be attached or communicated separately to ensure comprehensive security measures are adhered to. This guidance is critical for maintaining the integrity, safety, and confidentiality of classified projects within the framework of federal and state-level contracting processes. The focus on security underscores the importance of compliance and diligence in government operations, especially concerning sensitive information. Overall, the document serves as an essential reference point for organizations involved in classified efforts, ensuring they meet required security standards when responding to federal RFPs and grants.
    The document serves as an addendum to the DD Form 254, specifically addressing Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clauses. It includes sections for key supporting details such as the Security Support Office (SSO), contact information, and associated company and contract details. The SCI requirements have been reviewed and approved by the SSO at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), indicating a compliance posture for sensitive information sharing. This addendum outlines the procedural and administrative elements required for managing SCI within government contracts, particularly highlighting the importance of security protocols in the execution of federal requests for proposals (RFPs) and grants. It positions itself as a critical component of ensuring that financial and operational activities involving sensitive information adhere to established guidelines.
    The Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8650-21-S-1016 pertains to the Enabling Cyber-Linked Physical Sensing Exploitation (ECLPSE) initiative. The document serves as a combined synopsis and solicitation for government contracting opportunities. This amendment updates the contact information for the contracting points of contact (POC), specifically naming Caleb Rose as the primary contact and Jerry Brown as the secondary. It is noted that no other changes have been made to this solicitation. This BAA aims to foster innovation and advance research in the field of cyber-linked physical sensing, highlighting the government's efforts to engage with industry partners in developing cutting-edge technologies. The outlined contact details provide essential points for interested parties to seek further clarification and submit proposals relevant to the announced research interests. The document ultimately reflects a structured approach to government contracting, facilitating collaboration between federal entities and private sector innovators.
    The Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8650-21-S-1016 relates to the Enabling Cyber-Linked Physical Sensing Exploitation (ECLPSE) initiative. This amendment primarily updates the contracting point of contact to Adam Wentworth, Contracting Officer at AFRL/RYKSR, along with his contact details. No additional changes to the combined synopsis/solicitation have been made under this amendment. The BAA is part of the U.S. government's efforts to solicit proposals for innovative solutions in the realm of cyber-linked physical sensing. It represents a targeted approach to enhance technological capabilities through external collaboration, essential for advancing national security and defense missions. This document reflects the government's commitment to fostering research and development through active engagement with private sector partners.
    The Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) No. FA8650-21-S-1016 focuses on enabling Cyber-Linked Physical Sensing Exploitation (ECLPSE). Amendment 3 modifies the original solicitation to incorporate a clause restricting the use of the TikTok application and any related services provided by ByteDance Limited on government-owned or contractor-provided information technology. This prohibition stems from the No TikTok on Government Devices Act, which mandates that covered applications cannot be present on executive agency technologies. Contractors must comply with this prohibition and ensure that similar clauses are included in all subcontracts. The amendment does not introduce any other changes to the combined synopsis/solicitation. Overall, the BAA promotes the advancement of innovative sensing technologies while enforcing security measures to protect government systems from potential threats associated with certain applications.
    The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is announcing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Enabling Cyber-Linked Physical Sensing Exploitation (ECLPSE)." This two-step solicitation seeks white papers to support research on cyber-physical sensing and electronic warfare effects across various operational domains. The program has an estimated budget of $92.9 million, with multiple awards up to $20 million each. The first step requires white papers by February 25, 2026, focusing on the potential solutions to meet Air Force needs. Selected submissions will proceed to the second step, where proposals will be requested. Research objectives include modeling, simulation, and testing of new technologies, with an emphasis on advancing understanding of cyber-connected devices and their vulnerabilities. The evaluation will consider technical innovation, the ability to meet objectives, cost realism, and the likelihood of transitioning deliverables to future needs. The document also emphasizes strict submission guidelines, security clearances for classified information, and export control compliance. This solicitation underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing military capabilities through advanced research and development in sensing technology.
    The document outlines the Enabling Cyber-Linked Physical Sensing Exploitation (ECLPSE) initiative, focused on advancing sensing and information exploitation rather than offensive or defensive capabilities. It emphasizes the importance of multi-domain applicability, including air, space, ground, and sea, while explicitly excluding cyber-sensing from its scope. The request for proposals (RFP) seeks novel and innovative solutions, particularly in areas such as Electronic Warfare (EW) and artificial intelligence, but does not prioritize specific technologies like 5G. Key objectives include exploring distributed sensing capabilities and potential counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS), with an openness to unexpected applications of technology. The document clarifies that while cybersecurity applications are not the primary focus, interested proposals should demonstrate how they align with cyber-linked physical systems that facilitate sensing exploitation. Overall, the ECLPSE aims to foster creative solutions that can reshape current military and defense applications without constraining ideas through overly specific requirements.
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