Agility Prime Innovative Capabilities Opening (ICO) Transformative Vertical Flight
ID: FA8625-20-R-2028Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEAIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/e6a1c02a06274307b9cf13e347da3fe2/view
Timeline
    Description

    Special Notice DEPT OF DEFENSE DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE: Agility Prime Innovative Capabilities Opening (ICO) Transformative Vertical Flight

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking prototype projects from both traditional and nontraditional defense contractors. The purpose of these projects is to assess the transformative vertical flight market and Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) technologies. The goal is to establish a collaborative strategy with industry and investors to accelerate the fielding of the most promising technologies for both government and potential commercial use.

    The focus of this effort is on emerging electric VTOL (eVTOL) and urban/advanced air mobility (UAM/AAM) aircraft, although alternative technologies will also be considered. These aircraft may incorporate non-traditional electric or hybrid propulsion and can be used for manned or optionally manned missions, with various control options such as onboard pilot, remote pilot, or autonomous control.

    The core technologies of interest include distributed propulsion for vertical flight, potential use of a wing for horizontal flight, augmented flight control systems, and high levels of automation or autonomy. The government aims to test the hypothesis that these aircraft could revolutionize mobility by offering lower maintenance costs, improved safety, affordability, improved acoustics, and greater flexibility compared to other ground and air vehicles.

    The government is particularly interested in scenarios outside of urban environments that could potentially open a broad public-use market for early government adoption. These aircraft, referred to as ORBs, have the potential to support a variety of missions such as organic resupply for disaster relief, operational readiness, and diverse military and civilian operations.

    The government may award one or more Other Transactions for Prototype (OTP) agreements based on evaluations and funds availability. The OTP agreements will be negotiated for prototype project delivery, and if successful, may lead to follow-on production agreements. The government is also open to innovative business arrangements or structures that would not be feasible under a traditional contract.

    This opening is a competitive solicitation that will be continuously open until February 28, 2025. The government reserves the right to award OTPs based on information learned during this offering. Interested parties should regularly check https://beta.sam.gov for new Areas of Interest (AOIs) postings.

    For full announcement details, please refer to the attachments section.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Angela C. Pereira Duque
    (937) 255-3367
    flyorbs@afwerx.af.mil
    Angela C. Pereira Duque
    (937) 255-3367
    angela.pereira_duque.2@us.af.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Agility_Prime_ICO_Final_FA8625-20-R-2028_Amendment 1.pdf
    The Agility Prime Office, under 10 U.S.C. 4022, is seeking innovative prototype projects related to Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) technologies to enhance vertical flight capabilities and explore the viability of urban air mobility. The Government aims to foster collaboration with industry stakeholders to accelerate the development and adoption of electric VTOL systems, referred to as Organic Resupply Buses (ORBs), for a variety of missions, including disaster relief and medical evacuation. The solicitation process involves multiple steps, including the submission of solution briefs, company engagement sessions, and prototype proposals, with the potential for awarded agreements to facilitate successful prototypes transitioning into production.
    AOI-4_Amendment_Final.pdf
    The Agility Prime Area of Interest Four (AOI #4) focuses on transforming the vertical flight market and advancing Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) technologies through collaboration with industry and investors. The initiative aims to assess emerging electric VTOL aircraft, particularly cargo-oriented vehicles (ORBs), under specifications including a payload greater than 45 lbs, a range over 230 statute miles, and the ability to achieve its first full-scale flight within nine months of submission. This AOI is open for submissions until December 15, 2023, targeted towards companies with mature technologies ready for prototype testing, with an emphasis on potential early government adoption before civil certification.
    AOI-4.xlsx
    The document outlines a comprehensive questionnaire for aircraft manufacturers participating in the Agility Prime initiative, focusing on various aspects of their aircraft including specifications, performance metrics, and certifications. It includes detailed sections on aircraft basics, mass characteristics, flight endurance, electrical and fuel propulsion characteristics, and mission profiles. The data collected aims to assess the readiness and maturity of various aircraft models and their adherence to certification processes.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Agility Prime Innovative Capabilities Opening (ICO) Transformative Vertical Flight
    Currently viewing
    Special Notice
    Similar Opportunities
    AFWERX PRIME INNOVATIVE CAPABILITIES OPENING
    Dept Of Defense
    The AFWERX Prime Innovative Capabilities Opening (ICO) is a special notice issued by the U.S. Air Force, seeking innovative capabilities from U.S.-based firms. This opportunity focuses on enhancing autonomy technologies for small unmanned aircraft navigation, specifically aiming to reduce reliance on Global Positioning Systems (GPS). The ICO consists of "Calls," which define specific areas of interest and provide guidelines for submissions. The first Call, "Prime AuP AG Flyoff," invites applicants to develop robust navigation solutions and participate in a competition-style Fly-Off. The Air Force seeks to integrate the most promising solutions into its autonomous aircraft programs. Offerings should employ innovative techniques such as visual references, inertial methods, or solar/astronomical approaches. The scope of work for this Call requires applicants to demonstrate their system's effectiveness, with an emphasis on accuracy, system compatibility, cost-efficiency, and ease of integration. Selected participants will be asked to integrate their solutions into a testbed aircraft for flight demonstrations. Applicants should possess a strong track record in developing navigation solutions and must showcase their ability to meet the Air Force's objectives, primarily focusing on the proposed solution's technical merits and its alignment with the government's autonomy goals. This contract will be awarded through an Other Transaction for Prototype agreement. Companies interested in applying must register on SAM.gov and ensure compliance with procurement integrity regulations. The Air Force aims to expedite the adoption of cutting-edge autonomy technologies, encouraging applications from nontraditional defense contractors. The submission process opened on January 31, 2024, and will close on August 1, 2024. All application information and guidelines are available in the attached PDFs. Interested parties may direct questions to prime.ico@afwerx.af.mil. Key evaluation criteria include the technical feasibility of the proposed solution, the company's viability, and the alignment of the proposal with the Air Force's autonomy interests. Contact James Helmick at james.helmick@afwerx.af.mil or TIMOTHY PALEN at TIMOTHY.PALEN@US.AF.MIL with any questions.
    OUSD R&E Seeks Industry Collaboration to Close Critical Capability Gaps
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense (DoD) issues a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) under the auspices of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E). The goal is to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative technologies to address critical capability gaps in defense applications. This opportunity seeks to foster collaboration between the DoD and industry partners. The focus is on exchanging developmental capabilities and maturing technologies, specifically those falling within Technology Readiness Levels 3 through 7. The DoD aims to establish non-funded Information Exchange Agreements (IEAs) to facilitate the exchange of technical information. Additionally, Other Transaction (OT) agreements will be considered for research, prototyping, and potential follow-on production. The BAA encourages submissions from a diverse range of organizations, including large businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, and minority institutions. These submissions should address specific Capability Focus Areas (CFA) detailed in periodic amendments. The initial CFA seeks concepts and technologies for assured space operations and improved multi-domain collaborative autonomy. Interested parties should submit concise white papers or presentations outlining their concepts, technologies, or solutions. White papers should be limited to two pages, while presentations should not exceed four pages. Submissions will be evaluated based on their relevance, technical merit, and alignment with the DoD's objectives and mission. The BAA will remain open for one year, and amendments containing new CFAs will be posted with a 45-day deadline for submissions. Virtual Industry Day is scheduled for June 28, 2024, providing an opportunity for potential applicants to gain further clarification and insight. For general inquiries, contact the Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) RPAB through the provided email address. Technical questions should be directed to the designated Technical Point of Contact. Ensure that all submissions and inquiries reference the BOTA number HQ003424BOTA1.
    16th Air Force Commercial Solutions Opening
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of the Air Force is issuing a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) to acquire innovative solutions, technologies, and services aimed at enhancing mission capabilities for the United States Air Force (USAF). This initiative, authorized under Department of Defense Class Deviation 2022-O0007, seeks to address capability gaps and foster advancements in areas such as Electromagnetic Warfare, Information Operations, Multi-Domain Innovation, and Cloud Computing. Interested vendors are invited to submit proposals in response to specific Calls, with the current Call 0001 focused on "Mission Relevant Terrain-Cyber Automation," open for submissions until January 31, 2024. For further inquiries, potential responders can contact Carissa Heuertz or Lisa Anderson at 16af.cso.workflow@us.af.mil. Note that funding is not currently available, and the government retains the right to award none, part, or all submissions based on evaluations and funding availability.
    AF CyberWorx Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force CyberWorx, is soliciting proposals for innovative commercial technologies under the Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) FA7000-23-S-C001, with a focus on enhancing defense capabilities. The current opportunity includes a focused interest period from December 20, 2024, to January 22, 2025, specifically seeking solutions utilizing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to explore data signatures of low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) emitters at high altitudes during long-duration flights. This initiative is crucial for advancing mission efficacy in high-altitude environments and emphasizes the importance of small business participation in subcontracting plans. Interested vendors should submit their proposals in accordance with the detailed guidelines provided, and can direct inquiries to Gary Monson or Dom Carusone at 10CONS.PK.Cyberworx@us.af.mil.
    AFWERX Challenge Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Department of the Air Force, is seeking innovative solutions via the AFWERX Challenge Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) to enhance various operational capabilities. This initiative invites participants from industry, academia, and government to propose technological advancements across multiple challenges, including the UAS Power Generation Challenge, Expedient Basing Challenge, and Air-to-Air Refueling Mechanism (A2RM) Design Challenge, aimed at improving military readiness and operational efficiency. The selected solutions will undergo a structured evaluation process consisting of three phases: initial submissions, oral demonstrations, and detailed proposals, with potential funding and contract opportunities available for successful participants. Interested parties can contact Sandi Brubaker at sandi.brubaker@afwerx.af.mil or Donna M Sizemore at donna.sizemore@afwerx.af.mil for further information and to stay updated on submission deadlines and requirements.
    Advanced Propulsion Development (APD) IDIQ Sources Sought
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Air Force's Propulsion Directorate, is seeking information from potential contractors through a Sources Sought Notice for the Advanced Propulsion Development (APD) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. Interested vendors are invited to submit capability statements that demonstrate their ability to meet the program objectives across thirteen propulsion-related technology focus areas, which include advanced propulsion technologies and high-temperature solutions. This initiative aims to identify qualified vendors, including small and disadvantaged businesses, to support future propulsion technology development efforts, thereby enhancing the Air Force's capabilities in this critical area. Responses must be submitted by 3:00 PM (ET) on February 21, 2025, via the DoD SAFE platform, and inquiries can be directed to Tanner Alley or Benjamin Fink at the provided email addresses.
    Resilient Open & Agile Avionics System & Technology Development (ROAASTD)
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is soliciting proposals for the Resilient Open & Agile Avionics System & Technology Development (ROAASTD) initiative. This program aims to advance research and development in avionics technologies to enhance the U.S. military's capabilities in contested environments, with a total estimated program cost of $30 million and individual awards ranging from $3 million to $6 million. The initiative is critical for ensuring the Air Force can effectively counter sophisticated global threats and maintain a technological edge in future conflicts. Interested offerors must submit white papers by April 19, 2028, and can reach out to primary contact Sarah Ballard at sarah.ballard@us.af.mil or secondary contact Richard Bailey at richard.bailey.26@us.af.mil for further information.
    Pre-Solicitation Notice and Pre-Solicitation Meeting/Industry Day announcement for Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS)
    Dept Of Defense
    Pre-Solicitation Notice and Pre-Solicitation Meeting/Industry Day announcement for Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS): The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking a focused yet flexible, rapid, agile contracting vehicle to support the research, development, prototyping, demonstration, evaluation, and transition of Counter small Unmanned Aircraft System (C-sUAS) capabilities. These capabilities are intended to combat Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) used by adversaries in asymmetric warfare against U.S. military personnel and materiel. The government anticipates a single award Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (ID/IQ) research and development (R&D) contract with Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee Completion (CPFF/C) Task Orders, an ordering period of seventy-two (72) months, and a maximum ordering amount of approximately $490,000,000. The anticipated deliverables include software, hardware, technical documentation, and technical reports. The North American Industry Classification Systems (NAICS) code for this effort is 541715 with a small business size standard of 1,500 employees based on the Aircraft, Aircraft Engine, and Engine Parts exception. The government also requires that approximately 20% of proposed personnel be TS/SCI cleared and assigned at the time of award, with graduated increases over time. Foreign Allied Participation will be excluded at the prime contractor level. A technical library relating to the subject area of this acquisition will be made available. Interested parties must request access through AFRL/RI personnel. A Draft Request for Proposal (RFP) is anticipated to be released during the 1st quarter of CY 2020. The entire solicitation will be issued on the BETA SAM website at https://beta.sam.gov/. The government will not provide paper copies of the solicitation. All responsible sources may submit a proposal in response to the RFP. Technical questions should be directed to the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR), Donna Toole at (315) 330-3972, donna.toole.1@us.af.mil. Any contractual questions or questions concerning this Presolicitation Notice should be communicated directly to the Contract Specialist, Matthew Zawisza at (315) 330-4922, matthew.zawisza@us.af.mil, or the Contracting Officer, Terrence Lipinski at (315) 330-4510, terrence.lipinski@us.af.mil. An Ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. INDUSTRY DAY: AFRL will be conducting an Industry Day for the C-sUAS acquisition on Monday, December 16, 2019, at Griffiss Institute, 725 Daedalian Dr., Rome NY 13441. The purpose of this meeting is to provide interested companies/entities with an overview of the C-sUAS contract and promote an early exchange of information. Interested parties must register by Monday, December 09, 2019, to gain access to the facility.
    AFLCMC Data Operations Commercial Solutions Opening
    Dept Of Defense
    AFLCMC Data Operations Commercial Solutions Opening is a Special Notice issued by the DEPT OF DEFENSE, specifically the DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE. The notice is for the establishment of a modern Data Operations (DataOps) solution to support critical national security systems. The objective is to deliver an enduring, secure, robust, efficient, responsive, agile, elastic, and extensible classified DataOps solution. The notice states that AFLCMC is open to the identification of technologies useful for modernizing DataOps for sophisticated security and weapon systems. The notice also mentions that the CSO may result in the award of FAR Part 12 Contracts or Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) under 10 USC 4022, through Calls via Amendments to the CSO. The notice emphasizes that no proposals or white papers are being requested at this time, and they will be requested via Calls published under the CSO solicitation. AFLCMC is interested in capabilities from all interested vendors, including traditional defense contractors, nontraditional defense contractors, large businesses, small businesses, and research institutions. The notice highlights that many of the critical national security systems operate in varying classification environments, including highly classified environments. The CSO seeks to fund innovative technologies that propose new solutions to expand AFLCMC's capabilities as it relates to modern DataOps Focus Areas. The notice also mentions the Technology Focus Areas, which include Hybrid Cloud IaaS, PaaS, SaaS; Information Transport; Fielding Operations; Crypto-Net Managements/Commercial Solutions for Classified; Network Operations Center (NOC) / Security Operations Center (SOC); and Help Desk. The notice provides definitions for terms such as CSO with Calls, Open Period Calls, Closed Calls, Areas of Interest/Focus Areas, White Paper, and Prototype Project. It states that the CSO may result in the award of prototype projects and that the Government reserves the right to award a FAR Part 12 contract or an Other Transaction (OT) under 10 U.S.C. 4022 agreement, or no award at all. The notice also mentions that the CSO will have Closed Calls, which can be either a one-step or two-step process, and that AFLCMC is not obligated to make any awards and all awards are subject to the availability of funds and successful negotiations.
    Propulsion PEO RFI
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force Program Executive Office (PEO) Propulsion, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) aimed at enhancing collaboration with industry partners in the development of advanced propulsion systems. The RFI seeks insights on aligning government practices with industry processes to streamline development, funding, and innovation, focusing on investment strategies, risk-sharing mechanisms, and regulatory challenges. This initiative is crucial for advancing propulsion technology for both new and legacy aircraft, reflecting the Air Force's commitment to fostering innovation and effective partnerships. Responses to the RFI are due by January 29, 2025, and interested parties can contact Tanner Alley at tanner.alley@us.af.mil or Devon Banks at devon.banks@us.af.mil for further information.