AFRL Rocket Lab Hermes BAA
ID: FA9300-20-S-0001Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA9300 AFTC PZREDWARDS AFB, CA, 93524-1185, USA

NAICS

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

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; ATOMIC ENERGY DEFENSE ACTIVITIES; APPLIED RESEARCH (AC22)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is soliciting innovative research proposals under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA9300-20-S-0001, titled "AFRL Rocket Lab Hermes BAA." This opportunity invites small businesses and other eligible applicants to submit white papers focused on advanced propulsion technologies, including solid rocket motors, liquid rocket engines, and air-breathing turbine engines, with the aim of enhancing military capabilities and developing critical technologies for national security. The BAA allows for multiple awards, each not exceeding $100 million, and emphasizes the importance of compliance with technical data sharing and safeguarding sensitive information. Interested parties should direct inquiries to Jillian Marroquin at jillian.marroquin@us.af.mil, and are encouraged to participate in a Virtual Industry Day scheduled for March 4, 2024, to discuss the Payload Processing Facility requirements.

    Point(s) of Contact
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    The document is a title page for a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) associated with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/RQV). It includes essential information about a program, such as the program title, technology area, company details (including CAGE and DUNS numbers), and points of contact for contracting and technical inquiries. The document also requests permission to include the company in the Interested Contractor Capability Repository, indicated by a yes/no option. The primary purpose of this BAA is to solicit proposals from different contractors for technology development or research initiatives aligned with specified topic areas. The structured format ensures that all necessary company information is collected for evaluation by government representatives, facilitating future communication and potential collaboration. The BAA encourages participation from businesses interested in contributing their capabilities to government research projects.
    The document outlines an array of projects and research initiatives focused on solid rocket motor technology, liquid propulsion development, and advanced materials engineering within the aerospace sector. Several entities, including SPARC Research, TGV Rockets, and Ursa Major Technologies, are involved in developing innovative solutions such as predictive modeling, electro-optical techniques, and open-architecture electronic control systems for aircraft propulsion. It provides contacts for points of communication and includes specific identifiers like CAGE codes and sizes for various firms, revealing their operational status and dates of proposal submissions (from 2020 to 2022). The primary aim appears to be soliciting partnerships or grants for further research and development in aerospace technologies, highlighting government support for scientific advancements within the industry. This collaborative effort is crucial for enhancing propulsion systems and fostering technological advancements critical to national security and aerospace innovation.
    The "Eternal Quiver" initiative by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) aims to innovate solid rocket motor (SRM) manufacturing capabilities to enhance logistics efficiency. This project introduces the concept of a "Rocket Factory In-a-Box" (RFIB), designed to enable rapid and automated SRM production from portable shipping containers with minimal external support. The initiative is divided into two phases: a "Gen 0" proof-of-concept demo from FY20-FY23, and a "Gen 1" prototype from FY24-FY27, with significant reductions targeted in production time, manpower, and tooling requirements. Key components of the project include the exploration of advanced manufacturing techniques, such as additive manufacturing of propellants and digital design tools to lower design time by 90%. The project also seeks to identify military applications for the RFIB, aiming for a comprehensive assessment of potential users and transition opportunities. With an overall budget of $20 million over four years, the initiative encourages collaboration between AFRL, other government entities, and contractors to foster innovation. The program emphasizes the creation of guiding software for automated SRM design, aiming at enhanced efficiency and speed in both manufacturing and design phases.
    The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA9300-20-S-0001, soliciting innovative research white papers over a 20-year period regarding rocket propulsion technologies. This open announcement encourages participation from various offerors, particularly small businesses, to propose research and development efforts linked to solid rocket motors, liquid rocket engines, and air-breathing turbine engines. The document outlines eligibility criteria, submission processes, and deliverables such as scientific and technical reports, software, and hardware. Proposals must address specific technology topics, detailing the proposed research, technical approaches, and cost estimates. The government plans multiple awards, each not exceeding $100 million, dependent on the quality of submissions and funding availability. It emphasizes the necessity of compliance with technical data sharing, the importance of safeguarding sensitive information, and the need for offerors to register with necessary governmental entities. The BAA also encourages communication between potential offerors and government representatives, ensuring a cooperative approach in achieving advanced propulsion solutions for military applications.
    The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has issued an Open Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "AFRL Rocket Lab Hermes BAA" under number FA9300-20-S-0001, inviting innovative research proposals focused on rocketry technologies. This announcement aims to stimulate research in advanced solid and liquid rocket propulsion systems, air-breathing turbine engines, and related technologies to enhance military capabilities. The BAA encompasses multiple topics, including component development, modeling and simulation tools, rapid launch systems, and advanced materials. Interested offerors are encouraged to submit white papers for review, with an open submission period lasting 20 years. Proposals may lead to various award types, such as contracts or cooperative agreements, with individual awards not exceeding $100 million. The BAA supports both large and small businesses, outlining eligibility requirements and emphasizing the need for military-critical technical data agreements. Submissions must follow specific guidelines detailing structure, content, and data rights assertions. Proposals will be evaluated based on the relevance and quality of the proposed research, availability of funds, and alignment with the Air Force's strategic priorities. The document emphasizes transparency in communication and encourages collaboration among offerors to foster technological advancements in defense applications.
    The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has issued an open Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA9300-20-S-0001 to solicit innovative research proposals in advanced propulsion technologies. This 20-year opportunity invites small businesses and eligible applicants to submit white papers addressing specific technology areas including solid rocket motor, liquid rocket engine, air-breathing turbine engine development, and certain disruptive concepts like modularity and rapid launch systems. White papers may lead to further detailed proposals after government review. The anticipated funding for individual contracts is less than $100 million, with a focus on developing critical technologies for national security. Offerors must comply with various eligibility and submission requirements, including registering with the Defense Logistics Services Center. The document outlines the proposal evaluation process, where technical and cost analyses will determine awards. Emphasis is placed on the need for unlimited rights to technical data and software produced, reflecting the government's interest in maximizing technological transition. Communication with government representatives is encouraged, while official amendments are to be monitored for updates throughout the open period. This BAA signifies AFRL's commitment to advancing military capabilities through innovative research partnerships.
    The document FA9300-20-S-0001 serves as a Capability Repository for a company seeking to engage with federal government opportunities. It collects essential company information such as its name, size status based on NAICS 541715 guidelines, CAGE, and DUNS numbers, along with a point of contact (POC), telephone, and email details. The purpose of this repository is to facilitate the submission of a non-proprietary capability statement, allowing the company to outline its qualifications and services relevant to government requests for proposals (RFPs) and grants. By providing a structured format for companies to present their capabilities, the repository helps streamline the review process for federal and state agencies assessing potential vendors for various projects. Overall, the document underscores the importance of standardized submissions in government procurement, enhancing transparency and efficiency in matching contractors to public sector needs.
    The Virtual Industry Day Announcement pertains to the Payload Processing Facility requirement, following a Request for Information (RFI) and a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). Interested participants are invited to provide their current DD2345 to the Contract Specialist and the Contracting Officer by February 26, 2024. Upon receipt, they will receive a Microsoft Teams invitation for the Virtual Industry Day scheduled for March 4, 2024, at 10 AM PST. The session will enable stakeholders to seek clarifications, with all questions and answers documented and made available post-event to those with an appropriate DD2345. This announcement aims to engage various parties in a collaborative discussion regarding the facility's requirements, reflecting the government's broader strategy to attract industry input and expertise for federal projects.
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