The amendment to BAA FA8750-24-S-7003 outlines updates for the fiscal years 2025 to 2029 regarding the Air Force Research Laboratory’s CANVAS program, which seeks innovative research for distributed command and control operations in contested environments. The submission dates for white papers are specified, with an emphasis on fiscal year 2025 focusing solely on Technical Area 1 (TA1) related to virtualization and visualization of workflows. Key elements include the development of a virtual C2 layer to enhance centralized command while supporting decentralized execution, ensuring flexibility and adaptability to dynamic operational conditions. The document indicates a total estimated funding of approximately $24.9 million, with individual awards ranging from $200K to $3M. Participants are encouraged to submit white papers by specified deadlines, with future proposals for TA2 excluded for FY25. The document emphasizes the importance of aligning research with the Agile Combat Employment doctrine to improve resilience and effectiveness in military operations through distributed systems. Overall, the announcement calls for innovative approaches to integrate centralized command with decentralized execution to achieve operational success in complex environments.

The Department of the Air Force issued Amendment 3 to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-24-S-7003, modifying the original BAA by removing the inclusion of a Questions and Answers document. The BAA seeks innovative research under the Coordinating Austere Nodes through Virtualization and Analysis of Streams (CANVAS) program, focusing on developing command and control (C2) capabilities in Agile Combat Employment (ACE) environments. The primary goal is to enhance distributed workflow execution and flexibility in contested situations. Funding of approximately $24.9 million is allocated for the BAA, with individual awards typically ranging from $200,000 to $3 million for a duration not exceeding 48 months. Multiple awards are anticipated, though the government reserves the right to award none, one, or more contracts depending on proposal evaluations. Submissions of white papers are encouraged, particularly for Technical Area 1 (TA1), which focuses on virtualization and visualization of distributed C2 workflows. Innovative solutions should enable the effective orchestration of distributed C2 operations, promoting centralized command while facilitating decentralized execution. This BAA aims for rapid integration in support of future Air Force capabilities against advanced adversaries.

Amendment No. 4 to BAA FA8750-24-S-7003 addresses updates to the Air Force Research Laboratory's policies on Science and Technology (S&T) Protection. Key changes include enhanced security risk review procedures for proposals to mitigate foreign influence, with an emphasis on evaluating Senior/Key personnel and “Covered Individuals.” Applicants must submit several forms, including the Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile, Security Program Questionnaire, and Privacy Act statements. The document outlines a systematic proposal review process, delineating steps for white paper assessments and proposal evaluations. It specifies that only government employees will conduct these evaluations, while contractors may have administrative access under strict non-disclosure agreements. The process categorizes proposals into "Selectable" or "Not Selectable," based on their alignment with the Air Force's needs and funding availability. Furthermore, it mandates continuous due diligence from applicants throughout the award period, particularly concerning foreign partnerships and disclosures. Failure to comply may result in severe consequences, including award termination. This amendment emphasizes the government’s commitment to safeguarding its technology and research integrity within federal R&D initiatives.

The "Coordinating Austere Nodes through Virtualization and Analysis of Streams" (CANVAS) BAA, initiated by the Department of the Air Force, seeks proposals for innovative research aimed at enhancing command and control (C2) processes in Agile Combat Employment (ACE) environments. The program invites white papers to develop a system prototype that can orchestrate distributed C2 workflows in contested scenarios, prioritizing the execution of flexible operations across geographically dispersed nodes. With a total funding of approximately $24.9 million over five fiscal years, individual awards will range from $200,000 to $3 million, and multiple awards are anticipated. The announcement specifies two technical areas: 1. **Virtualization and Visualization of Distributed C2 Workflows**: This focuses on maintaining centralized command while enabling decentralized execution, through simulation and orchestration of task execution based on intention and conditions. 2. **Decentralized Execution of Distributed C2 Workflows**: This aims to optimize the coordination of C2 tasks under dynamic constraints in contested environments. Proposals for FY25 are initially limited to Technical Area 1, with white papers due by June 15, 2024. The document emphasizes the integration of developed technologies with the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) to enhance operational efficiency and resiliency within the Air Force’s distributed command framework.