CAPABILITIES FOR CYBER ADVANCEMENT
ID: FA875021S7001Type: Presolicitation
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; APPLIED RESEARCH (AC12)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of the Air Force is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-21-S-7001 titled "Capabilities for Cyber Advancement," aimed at developing innovative technologies to achieve cyber superiority for military applications. The initiative seeks white papers that propose next-generation solutions focusing on cybersecurity, resilient infrastructures, and effective command and control in cyberspace, with an emphasis on enhancing mission assurance across air, space, and cyberspace domains. With an estimated funding ceiling of approximately $975 million available until December 1, 2025, interested parties are encouraged to submit their proposals while adhering to federal regulations and eligibility criteria, particularly regarding foreign participation. For further inquiries, contact Todd Cushman at afrl.riga.baa@us.af.mil or (315) 330-4895.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Amendment 4 to BAA FA8750-21-S-7001 republished the original announcement with updates to submission dates for white papers, the BAA manager, and various sections of the call for innovative cyber advancement technologies. The announcement solicits white papers until December 1, 2025, with an available funding ceiling of approximately $975 million for awards ranging from $100,000 to $99 million. The announcement specifies eligibility criteria, submission guidelines, and evaluation processes for proposals related to enhancing U.S. air and cyber capabilities.
    The document outlines Amendment 4 to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-21-S-7001, focused on developing innovative technologies for cyber superiority within the Department of the Air Force. It clarifies prior changes, including updated submission dates for white papers, references to SAM, and modifications to the announcement's content. This BAA is open until December 1, 2025, primarily seeking white paper submissions, with approximately $975 million allocated for multiple awards expected not to exceed 60 months. The announcement emphasizes achieving mission assurance in both Air Force and Space Force contexts, detailing specific technological requirements and capabilities related to secure infrastructure and automated resilience against cyber threats. Proposals must comply with technical and operational criteria, address organizational conflicts of interest, and adhere to federal regulations regarding export control and human subject research. White papers are evaluated based on technical merit, potential contributions, existing technology knowledge, and cost realism. Interested offerors are advised to direct inquiries to specified contacts and ensure compliance with eligibility and registration requirements within the SAM database. This announcement enhances collaborative opportunities between government and industry, fostering advancements in cybersecurity essential for national defense.
    Amendment 6 to BAA FA8750-21-S-7001 republishes the original cybersecurity announcement, incorporating prior amendments, and includes specific updates in various sections regarding proposal formatting and evaluation criteria. The BAA, open until December 1, 2025, aims to develop next-generation technologies for cyber superiority with an estimated funding of approximately $975 million and encourages innovative white papers from qualified offerors. Notably, the announcement is closed to foreign participation, and eligibility is contingent on compliance with multiple operational, security, and technical requirements.
    The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has released Amendment 6 to BAA FA8750-21-S-7001, aimed at fostering advanced technologies for achieving cyber superiority. The BAA is open for submissions of white papers until December 1, 2025, with an approximate funding ceiling of $975 million, allocated across several fiscal years. The goal is to integrate next-generation technologies into warfighting capabilities, enhancing global vigilance, reach, and power. Offerors are encouraged to propose innovative solutions focusing on cybersecurity, resilient infrastructures, autonomous modifications, and effective command and control in cyberspace. The announcement specifies eligibility criteria, particularly excluding foreign participants, and details submission guidelines and review processes. Emphasis is placed on the technical merit of submissions and their relevance to Air Force objectives. The BAA is structured in a two-step process, where white papers are initially evaluated, potentially leading to invitations for full proposals. Interested parties must comply with federal regulations, including export controls and human subject protections, ensuring a comprehensive approach to technology development within strict security measures.
    AMENDMENT 7 to BAA FA8750-21-S-7001 serves to republish the original announcement with updates to various sections, including changes to the types of instruments awarded and enhancements to proposal formatting and debriefing language. The Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) aims to solicit innovative technologies for cyber superiority, with an estimated total funding of $975 million and multiple awards anticipated. It specifies that only U.S. entities can participate, and proposals must include a white paper for initial evaluation, with formal proposals invited only for selected submissions.
    The document presents Amendment 7 to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-21-S-7001, focusing on the Air Force’s effort to advance cyber capabilities. Key revisions include updates to proposal formatting, debriefing language, and emphasis on responsible sourcing, signifying an ongoing commitment to innovation in cybersecurity for military applications. The BAA provides approximately $975 million in funding, structured over several fiscal years, for projects aimed at achieving cyber superiority. The announcement specifies the nature of solicitations and the two-step proposal process, emphasizing that only white papers are accepted initially. Technologies of interest encompass cloud architectures, cyber situational awareness, and resilient infrastructure. The BAA explicitly prohibits foreign participation unless it qualifies as fundamental research, detailing eligibility criteria for contractors and requirements relating to security, accounting systems, and human subjects research. Overall, this announcement reaffirms the Department of Defense's strategy to bolster cyber capabilities, supporting mission assurance across air and space domains while maintaining rigorous compliance with federal guidelines for proposals and funding.
    Amendment No. 9 to BAA FA8750-21-S-7001 outlines updates to the Science and Technology (S&T) Protection protocols for proposals submitted to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The amendment emphasizes security risk reviews on all submissions, particularly focused on evaluating potential foreign influence on federally funded research. Applicants must submit various documentation, including a Senior/Key Person Profile and a Security Program Questionnaire, while ensuring all covered individuals are informed of disclosure requirements. Key points include the government's authority to decline awards based on security risks and the need for ongoing disclosures during project execution regarding foreign engagements. Evaluation of proposals will involve government personnel solely, with an assessment of security risks being a critical component. The amendment underscores the importance of compliance with federal laws related to disclosures, conflicts of interest, and research integrity. Overall, these guidelines are aimed at safeguarding national security interests while supporting effective scientific research collaborations.
    The Department of the Air Force has announced a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Capabilities for Cyber Advancement" (BAA Number FA8750-21-S-7001), seeking innovative technologies to enhance cyber superiority for military operations, with an estimated total funding of approximately $975 million. Submissions will initially only include white papers until December 1, 2025, after which formal proposals may be invited, and various types of agreements such as contracts or grants may be awarded based on the proposed work. The initiative aims to create a trusted and secure cyber infrastructure essential for successful air, space, and joint operations in the evolving threat landscape.
    The Department of the Air Force is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-21-S-7001 titled "Capabilities for Cyber Advancement," aiming to develop next-generation cyber technologies for military applications. The initiative is open for submissions until December 1, 2025, with a total funding of approximately $975 million. Offerors are encouraged to submit white papers, with funding recommendations suggested by specific fiscal year deadlines. The technology aims to enhance cyber superiority, support core Air Force missions, and ensure mission assurance within air, space, and cyberspace. Key areas of interest include secure cloud architectures, cyber modeling, mobile device security, and resilient defense mechanisms against threats. The BAA prioritizes U.S. participation, excludes foreign involvement, and encourages collaboration with small businesses. The selection process involves reviewing white papers to determine compatibility with governmental objectives, inviting selected submissions for full proposals based on scientific merit, technical feasibility, and cost realism. The BAA emphasizes the significance of a trusted cyber infrastructure capable of adapting to and preventing attacks, ensuring critical missions can be sustained under threat scenarios, thus reinforcing the Air Force's strategic goals in securing operational cyberspace environments.
    Lifecycle
    Title
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