ADVANCING SYSTEMS OF SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIES FOR RAPID ADOPTION (ASTRA)
ID: FA875023S7007Type: 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)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/6c32a35bd6b440cf8377a1b04693362a/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of the Air Force is seeking innovative research and development solutions through an Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) titled "Advancing Systems of Systems Technologies for Rapid Adoption (ASTRA)," with an estimated funding of approximately $200 million. The primary objective is to enhance the rapid integration of diverse systems and subsystems into cohesive Systems of Systems (SoS), focusing on developing software prototypes and implementing open system architectures to improve military effectiveness and adaptability. Interested parties, including small businesses and academia, are invited to submit 3–5 page white papers outlining their approaches, with recommended submission deadlines spanning from October 2023 to September 2027, and a final deadline of July 2028. For further inquiries, contact Gerard Wohlrab at gerard.wohlrab@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    23-07 Amend 2 first repub.docx
    The Air Force Research Laboratory issues a $200 million open Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) titled "Advancing Systems of Systems Technologies for Rapid Adoption (ASTRA)." The goal is to solicit innovative research and development of technologies to enhance the rapid integration of diverse systems and subsystems into cohesive Systems of Systems (SoS). This procurement seeks methods to improve the integration of new technologies, ensuring U.S. military superiority while reducing common cause vulnerabilities. Offerors are invited to submit 3–5 page white papers outlining their approaches. These should focus on developing software prototypes for increased military effectiveness and adaptability. The proposed solutions must demonstrate an understanding of the Air Force's requirements and showcase relevant experience and capabilities. Key dates include recommended white paper submission deadlines between October 2023 and September 2027, with a final extended deadline in July 2028. Invited offerors will then be asked to submit formal proposals. Evaluation criteria include scientific merit, relevance to Air Force missions, maturity and openness of the proposed solution, and cost reasonableness. The Air Force aims to award multiple contracts or other transactions of up to $25 million, with potential for some awards to reach $49.9 million.
    23-07 Amend 3 update ST.docx
    Amendment No. 3 to ARA FA8750-23-S-7007 updates security and review processes for federally funded research aimed at protecting the Department of the Air Force’s Science and Technology (S&T) against foreign influence. Key amendments include revisions to S&T Protection language and proposal evaluation criteria. Proposals must undergo a Security Risk Review, requiring documentation from applicants, including a Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile, a Security Program Questionnaire, and a signed Privacy Act Statement from each "Covered Individual." Covered Individuals, defined as key personnel involved in research, must disclose all current and pending research support upfront. Throughout the performance period, any discovery of involvement with foreign talent programs necessitates prompt notification to the contracting officer. The review process involves a formal evaluation of proposals followed by a risk assessment concerning their scientific benefit versus potential problems, leading to categorization into Selectable or Not Selectable proposals for funding consideration. These provisions ensure a thorough vetting of applications, reinforcing commitment to national security in research funding and collaboration.
    SAM Synopsis FA8750-23-S-7007 v7.docx
    The U.S. Air Force is seeking innovative research through a two-step Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) with a total estimated funding of $200 million, open until July 24, 2028, aimed at developing technologies for the rapid integration of Systems of Systems (SoS) and testing capabilities related to heterogeneous electronic systems. Interested parties must submit white papers by 5:00 PM EST on the specified date, with potential individual awards ranging from $1 million to $25 million, and there is no limit on the number of awards for Other Transactions. The ARA is restricted to U.S. participants only, and offers the potential for follow-on production contracts based on successful prototype development outcomes.
    SAM Synopsis FA8750-23-S-7007 v7.docx
    The Department of the Air Force seeks innovative research and development solutions through a $200 million Advanced Research Announcement (ARA). The goal is to enhance the rapid integration of Systems of Systems (SoS) and automate the generation of tests for the System-of-systems Technology Integration Tool Chain for Heterogeneous Electronic Systems (STITCHES). This multi-year effort aims to improve military effectiveness and adaptability by accelerating the integration of emerging technologies into Air Force systems. The scope involves developing software prototypes, implementing open system architectures, and conducting integration events for U.S. military systems. Offerings should focus on enhancing the STITCHES codebase and designing a DevOps government cloud-based platform. The Air Force seeks methods to rapidly integrate new technologies, ensuring cross-platform interoperability and facilitating operational transition. Submissions, in the form of 3–5 page white papers, are encouraged from various entities, including small businesses and academia. The initial screening of white papers will be based on criteria such as scientific merit, relevance, and cost effectiveness. Selectees may be invited to submit formal proposals. It's emphasized that submissions should align with the stated focus areas to be considered for potential awards, which could take the form of contracts or other transactions. Key dates for recommended white paper submissions are spread across FY24–FY28, with the entire ARA remaining open until July 2028.
    Lifecycle
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    ADVANCING SYSTEMS OF SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIES FOR RAPID ADOPTION (ASTRA)
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