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/5f63148ab0974a8eb349ff269ff2dcf8/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
    Mary DelRaso
    (937) 255-2679
    flyorbs@afwerx.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.
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    Agility Prime Innovative Capabilities Opening (ICO) Transformative Vertical Flight
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