Coordinating Austere Nodes through Virtualization and Analysis of Streams (CANVAS)
ID: FA875024S7003Type: 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 seeking innovative research proposals under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Coordinating Austere Nodes through Virtualization and Analysis of Streams (CANVAS)." The objective of this initiative is to develop a system prototype that enhances command and control (C2) processes in dynamic Agile Combat Employment (ACE) environments, focusing on both a virtual C2 layer and a decentralized C2 framework. This program is critical for improving operational flexibility and survivability by enabling distributed workflow execution across multiple locations, thereby complicating adversarial targeting. The total funding available for this BAA is approximately $24.9 million, with individual awards typically ranging from $200,000 to $3 million over a period of up to 48 months. Interested parties must submit white papers by June 28, 2024, for FY25, with the BAA remaining open until May 21, 2029. For further inquiries, contact Mr. Ryan Hilliard at ryan.hilliard.3@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Amendment 1 to BAA FA8750-24-S-7003 updates the white paper due dates for FY25, FY26, FY27, FY28, and FY29. For FY25, proposals are specifically sought for Technical Area 1 (TA1) components in white, as depicted in Figure 2, with a due date of June 28, 2024. TA2 and shaded TA1 components will not be considered for FY25. The amendment also clarifies that questions will be accepted via email until June 10, 2024, at 12:00 PM EST, in lieu of an Industry Day. A Q&A document will be issued, but not updated thereafter. The BAA, titled "Coordinating Austere Nodes through Virtualization and Analysis of Streams (CANVAS)," seeks innovative research for distributed command and control processes in Agile Combat Employment (ACE) environments, focusing on centralized command, distributed control, and decentralized execution. Total funding is approximately $24.9M, with individual awards ranging from $200K to $3M over 48 months. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is the federal agency. This is a two-step open BAA, initially soliciting white papers only.
    Amendment 3 to BAA FA8750-24-S-7003 modifies the "Coordinating Austere Nodes through Virtualization and Analysis of Streams (CANVAS)" Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) by removing the Questions and Answers (Q&A) document language. This open, two-step BAA, effective until May 21, 2029, seeks innovative research for continuously orchestrating command and control (C2) processes in Agile Combat Employment (ACE) environments. The program, with approximately $24.9M in total funding, aims to develop a system prototype with a virtual C2 layer (TA1) and a decentralized C2 framework (TA2). For FY25, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is exclusively seeking white papers for specific TA1 components related to Virtualization and Visualization of Distributed C2 Workflows, explicitly excluding TA2 and shaded TA1 components. Individual awards will typically not exceed 48 months or range from $200K to $3M. Foreign participation is generally closed, with exceptions for fundamental research or entities with approved Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) mitigation plans. White papers are due by specific dates, with the FY25 deadline on June 28, 2024.
    Amendment No. 4 to BAA FA8750-24-S-7003 updates the S&T Protection language and review process. All proposals will undergo a Security Risk Review to mitigate undue foreign influence, focusing on Senior/Key personnel and "Covered Individuals" based on various disclosed and public information. Applicants must submit specific forms, including a Senior and Key Person Profile, Security Program Questionnaire, and a Privacy Act Statement consent form for each Covered Individual. Failure to meet security thresholds will result in award declination. Recipients must certify awareness of disclosure requirements, establish internal processes for foreign talent programs, and report any foreign components or talent program participation during performance. Covered Individuals must disclose all current and pending research support. The review process involves government employees evaluating proposals, with administrative access for non-technical support. Security risk assessments are integrated into the proposal review, and the Government reserves the right to accept, mitigate, or terminate awards based on identified risks.
    AMENDMENT 6 to BAA FA8750-24-S-7003 republishes the original announcement with modifications. The Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Coordinating Austere Nodes through Virtualization and Analysis of Streams (CANVAS)" seeks innovative research to develop capabilities for orchestrating command and control (C2) processes in dynamic operational environments. The program aims to develop a system prototype for distributed task execution, including a virtual C2 layer (TA1) and a decentralized C2 framework (TA2). Total funding is approximately $24.9M, with individual awards typically ranging from $200K to $3M over 48 months. For FY25 and FY26, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is specifically seeking white papers for TA1 components only, focusing on virtualization and visualization of distributed C2 workflows. Key modifications include updated guidance for FY26 white paper due dates, FOCI guidance, information protection office email, and proposal formatting language. The BAA is open until May 21, 2029.
    The Department of the Air Force's Broad Agency Announcement FA8750-24-S-7003 seeks innovative research for the Coordinating Austere Nodes through Virtualization and Analysis of Streams (CANVAS) program. This initiative aims to develop a system prototype for orchestrating command and control (C2) processes in dynamic Agile Combat Employment (ACE) environments. The program, with an estimated funding of $24.9M and individual awards ranging from $200K to $3M, focuses on virtualizing the C2 layer (TA1) and creating a decentralized C2 framework (TA2). For FY25, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is exclusively seeking white papers for TA1 components related to policy generation, tradeoff analysis, conditions-based authorities propagation, intent validation, and an intent-based orchestrator, along with a visualization dashboard. Foreign participation is generally restricted, with specific exceptions for fundamental research and FOCI-mitigated companies. White papers are accepted until May 21, 2029, with suggested submission dates for each fiscal year to align with projected funding.
    The document outlines Amendment 1 to BAA FA8750-24-S-7003, modifying the timeline and eligibility for white paper submissions for the Coordinating Austere Nodes through Virtualization and Analysis of Streams (CANVAS) program, managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Key updates include new due dates for FY25 through FY29 and a change to submission requirements, where only white papers for Technical Area 1 (TA1) will be accepted for FY25. The BAA seeks innovative research to develop capabilities for improving command and control processes in contested environments using agility and distributed workflows. The document indicates that approximately $24.9 million in funding is available for research, with individual awards typically ranging from $200K to $3M. Offerors must submit initial white papers summarizing their approaches by specified deadlines. The emphasis on agile combat employment reflects the need for decentralized execution frameworks to enhance operational resilience and adaptability in dynamic conditions. The Air Force intends to facilitate better coordination among distributed command nodes, ultimately aiming to improve operational effectiveness within the changing landscape posed by adversaries.
    The federal document is an amendment to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-24-S-7003, issued by the Department of the Air Force. It outlines modifications to a research initiative titled Coordinating Austere Nodes through Virtualization and Analysis of Streams (CANVAS). This amendment removes the requirement for a Q&A document, with no other changes specified. The BAA seeks innovative research to enhance command and control (C2) processes within Agile Combat Employment (ACE) environments, focusing on distributed workflows while maintaining flexibility during operations. The initiative anticipates total funding of approximately $24.9 million over five fiscal years, with a structured application process that begins with the submission of white papers. Proposals are encouraged to leverage technologies for virtualization and visualization of C2 workflows and decentralized execution in contested environments. The document emphasizes requirements for innovative solutions that facilitate efficient C2 coordination and task execution across dispersed nodes. Eligible participants are limited to domestic entities, with a keen focus on ensuring compliance with various regulations and requirements. The anticipated timeline for white paper submissions extends until May 21, 2029, while a two-step evaluation process determines the awarding of contracts based on the scientific merit, experience, and feasibility of proposals submitted.
    Amendment No. 4 to BAA FA8750-24-S-7003 modifies the proposal submission requirements concerning security risk reviews related to Department of the Air Force Science and Technology funding. It emphasizes the need for a Security Risk Review of all proposals to identify potential foreign influences on key personnel without factoring in nationality. Applicants must provide specific documentation, including a Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile and a Security Program Questionnaire. Covered Individuals, contributing significantly to the research, must disclose all current and pending research support. The proposal review process consists of two steps: initial white paper evaluations to gauge alignment with Air Force needs, followed by detailed proposal assessments that reinforce S&T Protection compliance. Identified security risks may lead to proposal rejection, highlighting the importance of due diligence regarding foreign affiliations of personnel. Ultimately, the government reserves the right to accept or reject proposals based on security and logistical evaluations, aiming to safeguard sensitive technology during the research and development process.
    The Department of the Air Force has issued Amendment 6 to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-24-S-7003, which seeks innovative research for the CANVAS program. This program aims to enhance command and control (C2) processes in Agile Combat Employment (ACE) operational environments through distributed workflow execution. The updated announcement includes guidance for submitting white papers for fiscal years 2025 to 2029. The BAA focuses on two technical areas: Technical Area 1 (TA1) emphasizes virtualization and visualization of distributed C2 workflows, while Technical Area 2 (TA2) addresses decentralized execution. Proposals must support the development of a system prototype enabling seamless orchestration of distributed C2 operations under contested conditions, optimizing resource allocation, and enhancing mission effectiveness. With an estimated funding of approximately $24.9 million, the Air Force anticipates multiple awards ranging from $200,000 to $3 million, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining centralized command while enabling decentralized execution. To qualify, offerors must meet specific eligibility criteria, and only white papers for TA1 will be accepted in FY25 and FY26. This amendment reinvigorates the Air Force's commitment to advancing technology crucial for operational success against emerging adversarial threats.
    The Department of the Air Force has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Coordinating Austere Nodes through Virtualization and Analysis of Streams" (CANVAS), seeking innovative research to enhance command and control (C2) capabilities in distributed operational environments. Open until May 21, 2029, this BAA invites white papers focusing on two technical areas: (TA1) virtualization of C2 workflows and (TA2) decentralized execution of these workflows. The program aims to improve the agility and survivability of Air Force operations by enabling distributed C2 processes and refining mission commands in contested environments. Approximately $24.9 million is available for funding, with awards generally ranging from $200K to $3M over a maximum of 48 months. The government encourages open dialogue between offerors and representatives while emphasizing a structured white paper submission process. Proposals must align with identified objectives while demonstrating a clear understanding of contemporary military challenges. White papers addressing only TA1 components will be considered in FY25, with plans to continue support through subsequent fiscal years based on performance and evaluations. This BAA reflects the Air Force's commitment to enhancing its operational strategies in face of evolving threats.
    Lifecycle
    Similar Opportunities
    AFRL REGIONAL RESEARCH CONVERGENCE HUB (ARRCH)
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is seeking proposals for the AFRL Regional Research Convergence Hub (ARRCH) under Funding Opportunity Announcement FA8750-21-S-7007. This initiative aims to establish research collaboration hubs among accredited higher education institutions to foster the development of innovative technologies addressing national security challenges. The program is critical for enhancing the U.S. Air Force's technological capabilities and is set to award up to four cooperative agreements with an estimated total funding of $99.9 million, with the application deadline extended to September 30, 2025. Interested applicants should direct technical inquiries to Dr. Amos M. Smith at amos.smith.6@us.af.mil and contractual questions to Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil.
    NETWORKING THE FIGHT
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of the Air Force is seeking innovative research proposals under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Networking the Fight" (BAA FA8750-24-S-7002) to enhance information sharing flexibility at the tactical edge across heterogeneous networks. The primary objective is to develop capabilities for secure information movement across various security domains and "red-black" boundaries, focusing on three technical areas: Next Generation Cross Domain Solution Broker, Highly Dynamic Red/Black Networking, and Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis. This initiative is critical for improving collaboration and mission success in military operations, with an estimated total funding of $70 million and individual awards ranging from $1 million to $24 million over a 36-month period. Interested parties must submit white papers by February 28, 2024, with formal proposals due by April 8, 2024; for further inquiries, contact Capt. Brian Kay at Brian.kay.4@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil.
    Pioneering Aerospace Capabilities, Engineering and Research
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is soliciting proposals under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA2391-23-S-2403 for the "Pioneering Aerospace Capabilities, Engineering and Research" initiative. This opportunity aims to advance aerospace technologies through research and development efforts focused on innovative concepts and technologies that enhance military capabilities, particularly in propulsion and power systems. The initiative is critical for maintaining a technological edge in defense operations, with a projected funding ceiling of $200 million for various projects. Interested parties must submit their proposals electronically via DoD SAFE, with key deadlines for submissions varying by specific calls, including January 27, 2025, for the Aggressive Embedded Propulsion & Operability (AEPO) initiative. For further inquiries, potential offerors can contact John McClellan at john.mcclellan.2@us.af.mil or Jac Cook at joseph.cook.39@us.af.mil.
    ADVANCED RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT (ARA) TITLE: CHARACTERIZATION AND ASSESSMENT FOR SPACE DOMAIN AWARENESS (SDA)
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, has announced an Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) titled "Characterization and Assessment for Space Domain Awareness (SDA)." This initiative aims to solicit research proposals focused on developing technologies for intelligent tasking, collection, processing, exploitation, analysis, and dissemination of data to enhance Space Domain Awareness and Space Superiority. The total funding available for this ARA is approximately $99 million, with individual awards typically ranging from $1 million to $10 million and lasting up to 48 months. Interested parties should submit white papers by 5 PM EST on July 12, 2029, and can direct inquiries to Carolyn Sheaff at Carolyn.Sheaff@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at Amber.Buckley@us.af.mil for contractual questions.
    AERIAL LAYER NETWORKING & TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGIES
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of the Air Force is seeking innovative solutions through its Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-23-S-7002 for Aerial Layer Networking & Transmission Technologies. The objective is to advance current aerial network systems from a pre-planned, limited interoperability state to a more dynamic, self-forming, and self-healing architecture, focusing on areas such as network monitoring, robust aerial networks, and proof-of-concept capabilities. This initiative is critical for enhancing military operations and ensuring effective communication in aerial environments. The total funding available for this BAA is approximately $99.5 million, with individual awards typically ranging from $1 million to $10 million over a period of 36 months, and potential awards up to $49.5 million. Interested parties must submit white papers by September 30, 2027, with suggested submission dates for each fiscal year, and can direct inquiries to Peter Fitzgerald at peter.fitzgerald.1@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil.
    ADVANCING SYSTEMS OF SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIES FOR RAPID ADOPTION (ASTRA)
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of the Air Force is soliciting innovative research through the Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) FA8750-23-S-7007, titled "Advancing Systems of Systems Technologies for Rapid Adoption (ASTRA)." This initiative aims to mature, prototype, demonstrate, and evaluate algorithms and methodologies for the rapid integration of Systems of Systems (SoS) and the auto-generation of tests for the STITCHES subsystem specifications. The program is critical for enhancing interoperability among Department of Defense systems and is expected to facilitate the development of advanced tools and technologies, including a DevOps Government cloud-based platform. The total funding for this ARA has been increased to approximately $350 million, with individual awards potentially reaching up to $99.9 million, and white papers are accepted until July 24, 2028. Interested parties should direct inquiries to Gerard Wohlrab at gerard.wohlrab@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil for further details.
    Applications for Cyber Warfare: Genesis
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Department of the Air Force, is seeking white papers for its Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) titled "Applications for Cyber Warfare: Genesis." This initiative aims to develop next-generation cyber warfare capabilities, including prototypes for operational Department of Defense platforms, to enhance superiority in the cyber domain. With an estimated total funding of approximately $999 million, individual awards are expected to range from $10 million to $50 million, with the potential for awards up to $99.99 million, over a maximum duration of sixty months. Interested parties must submit their white papers by September 30, 2030, with suggested submission dates aligned with fiscal years 2026 to 2030. For further inquiries, contact Thomas Parisi at AFRL.RI.HELLFIRE@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil.
    Space Technology Advanced Research (STAR)
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is soliciting proposals under the Space Technology Advanced Research (STAR) program to advance research and experimentation in space-flight technologies. This initiative invites white papers from all businesses, focusing on innovative solutions that enhance national defense capabilities in areas such as space vehicle functionality, mission effects, and command and control strategies. The anticipated contract awards range from $50,000 to $100 million, with a two-step submission process requiring white papers to be submitted via the AMRDEC SAFE website. Interested parties can reach out to the primary contact, Daniel J. Alvarado, at daniel.alvarado.12@spaceforce.mil or 505-853-4755 for further information, while noting that the offer due date is currently unspecified.
    Resilient Open & Agile Avionics System & Technology Development (ROAASTD)
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is soliciting proposals for the Resilient Open & Agile Avionics System & Technology Development (ROAASTD) program, aimed at enhancing system resilience and agility to counter evolving global threats. The procurement seeks innovative technologies that enable rapid integration of advanced sensor and mission system capabilities, essential for maintaining a decisive military advantage in contested environments. This initiative is critical for ensuring the Air Force can effectively respond to sophisticated adversaries and meet warfighter needs in a timely manner. Interested offerors, including small and unrestricted businesses, must submit white papers by April 19, 2028, with a total program value of $30 million and anticipated awards ranging from $3 million to $6 million. For further inquiries, contact Sarah Ballard at sarah.ballard@us.af.mil or Richard Bailey at richard.bailey.26@us.af.mil.
    Multi-Domain Force Applications and Traffic Management for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (M-FAT)
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Department of the Air Force, is seeking innovative research proposals under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-25-S-7004, titled "Multi-Domain Force Applications and Traffic Management for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (M-FAT)." The primary objective is to enhance Counter-small Unmanned Aerial System (C-sUAS) capabilities, focusing on advancements in Electronic Warfare, Cyberspace Operations, Command and Control Automation, and UAS Traffic Management systems. This initiative is critical for improving defense mechanisms against small unmanned aerial threats and ensuring the safe integration of unmanned aircraft into airspace. The total estimated funding for this BAA is approximately $499 million, with individual awards ranging from $500,000 to $20 million, and proposals are accepted until August 4, 2030. Interested parties should submit white papers as initial submissions and can direct inquiries to Tristen Carrig at tristen.carrig@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil.