Amendment No. 3 to BAA FA8750-23-S-7009 updates the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Science and Technology (S&T) Protection language and review processes for federal research proposals. All proposals will undergo a Security Risk Review to mitigate undue foreign influence, focusing on Senior/Key personnel and "Covered Individuals." Applicants must submit specific forms, including a Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile and a Security Program Questionnaire, with their proposals. Failure to meet security thresholds will result in award declination. During the performance period, applicants must annually resubmit personnel profiles and promptly disclose any involvement of Senior/Key Research Personnel in Foreign Government Talent Programs or Foreign Components with strategic competitors. The review process involves government employees evaluating proposals, and administrative access to proprietary information is granted to non-technical contractors under strict non-disclosure agreements. Security risk assessments are conducted in parallel with technical evaluations, and identified risks may lead to award termination. The amendment emphasizes due diligence, transparency, and compliance with federal regulations to safeguard U.S. technology.

Amendment 6 to BAA FA8750-23-S-7009 republishes the original announcement for the Ultra-broadband Terahertz Radio Development, incorporating previous amendments and specific changes. These modifications include updating TPOCs, FOCI guidance, provision dates, and proposal formatting language, along with revised thresholds and provisions. The BAA seeks innovative research for ultra-broadband radios operating above 100 GHz for Air Force communications in contested spectrum environments, with an estimated total funding of $9.9M for multiple awards. Submissions are accepted as two-step white papers until September 19, 2028, with suggested submission dates for each fiscal year to align with projected funding. The document also details eligibility, foreign participation restrictions, FFRDC guidelines, organizational conflict of interest policies, and S&T protection requirements, including security risk reviews for key personnel. This amendment emphasizes the importance of following submission instructions and complying with various federal regulations and guidelines.

The Department of the Air Force's Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-23-S-7009, titled "Ultra-broadband Terahertz Radio Development," seeks innovative research to develop and demonstrate ultra-broadband radios operating above 100 GHz. This initiative aims to enhance future Air Force communications in contested spectrum environments. The BAA is an Open, two-step process, accepting white papers initially, with formal proposals by invitation only. The total estimated funding is approximately $9.9 million, with individual awards ranging from $200K to $4M over 36 months, with multiple awards anticipated. Eligibility is restricted to U.S. entities, with strict guidelines for foreign participation and potential conflicts of interest. White paper submissions are recommended by specific dates through FY28, with the BAA closing on September 19, 2028. Technical and contractual questions should be directed to the specified points of contact.

Amendment No. 3 to BAA FA8750-23-S-7009 establishes updates to the Security and Technology (S&T) Protection language and review processes for Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) proposals. It stipulates that each proposal must undergo a Security Risk Review to assess potential foreign influence, following AFRL guidelines. Applicants must submit specific documentation, including profiles of key personnel and security questionnaires, ensuring all covered individuals are compliant with privacy and disclosure requirements. A central focus is on identifying foreign involvement through due diligence. Additionally, mechanisms for proposal evaluation are set, involving two main steps: white paper reviews to determine relevance and subsequent evaluations for proposal selection based on scientific merit and funding availability. All proposals will be assessed for security risks, and if significant risks are identified, notifications will be sent regarding award declines. The amendment reinforces a structured approach to safeguarding U.S. technology while fostering compliance within government-funded R&D projects.

The Department of the Air Force is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Ultra-broadband Terahertz Radio Development," seeking innovative research to create a radio communication system operating above 100 GHz. This initiative aims to enhance future Air Force communications in contested environments, building on previous efforts in Terahertz (THz) Communications. The BAA will accept white papers until September 19, 2028, with estimated funding of $9.9 million across five fiscal years. Individual awards typically range from $200K to $4M, with multiple awards expected. The project emphasizes collaboration among technical disciplines and successful proposers will work closely with Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) researchers for testing. Key performance metrics include a 200m threshold transmission range, 1 Gbps data rate capability, and precise beamforming. White paper submissions should detail the proposed approach within a 6-page limit, and eligibility is limited to U.S. entities, barring foreign participation. The submission dates align with fiscal year funding timelines, providing proposers opportunities to secure funding for their initiatives. Interested parties are encouraged to participate in an Industry Day scheduled for October 17, 2023, to learn more about the BAA. Overall, this BAA represents a critical government endeavor to advance communication technologies for military applications.

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has issued Amendment 2 to BAA FA8750-23-S-7009 for the Ultra-broadband Terahertz Radio Development, seeking innovative research for communication capabilities above 100 GHz in contested spectrum environments. This two-step Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) prioritizes white papers for initial submissions, with formal proposals by invitation only. The total funding is approximately $9.9M, with individual awards ranging from $200K to $4M over 36 months, anticipating multiple awards through procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other transactions. Key technology requirements include developing a compact, end-to-end ultra-broadband radio (100-300 GHz) with dynamic carrier frequency, output power, and data rate adjustment, supporting up to 10 GHz bandwidth and 1 Gbps data rates. Performance parameters include a 200m threshold/2000m objective transmission range, 1 Mbps/1 Gbps data rate, 5 GHz/10 GHz instantaneous RF bandwidth, 5/3-degree beamwidth, and 10/5 percent pointing accuracy. The BAA is open until September 19, 2028, with suggested submission dates for each fiscal year. Foreign participation is generally restricted, with exceptions for fundamental research and FOCI-mitigated companies. White papers, limited to six pages, are evaluated based on scientific/technical merit, related experience, solution maturity, and cost reasonableness. An industry day is planned for October 17, 2023.

The document outlines the Amendment 2 to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-23-S-7009 by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), which seeks innovative research to develop ultra-broadband radio technology operating above 100 GHz for enhanced communications in contested spectrum environments. This announcement, which is effective until September 19, 2028, emphasizes the submission of white papers, with estimated total funding of approximately $9.9 million for awarded efforts typically ranging from $200K to $4M for up to 36 months. Key updates include changes to contract types, incorporation of the Assistance Listing number, and refined proposal submission guidelines. The BAA is open to domestic applicants only, with foreign participation generally prohibited unless specific conditions are met, such as fundamental research qualifications. Additionally, there is a focus on collaboration and the potential for multiple awards, dependent on performance capability and funding availability. Lastly, the document stresses the importance of compliance with various regulatory measures, including cybersecurity standards and human subject research regulations. The amendment serves as a critical initiative in advancing Air Force communications technology.