Space Technology Advanced Research (STAR)
ID: FA9453-19-S-0002Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA9453 AFRL RVKKIRTLAND AFB, NM, 87117, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEFENSE-RELATED ACTIVITIES; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT (AC33)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is soliciting proposals for the Space Technology Advanced Research (STAR) initiative, aimed at advancing research and development in space-flight and associated technologies. Interested firms are invited to submit white papers detailing their innovative solutions to enhance space vehicle functionality, mission capabilities, and anomaly detection, with funding awards ranging from $50,000 to $100 million and no limit on the number of submissions. This initiative is crucial for strengthening U.S. national defense capabilities in the space domain, and potential offerors must ensure compliance with eligibility criteria, including registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). For inquiries, interested parties can contact the primary contracting officer, Daniel J. Alvarado, at daniel.alvarado.12@spaceforce.mil or 505-853-4755, and are encouraged to check the Contract Opportunities portal for updates and submission guidelines.

    Point(s) of Contact
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    Posted
    The document is an amendment to the Advanced Research Announcement FA9453-19-S-0002 from the Air Force Research Laboratory/Space Vehicle Directorate, issued on December 5, 2024. The primary focus of the amendment is to update the contact information for contracting officers involved in the announcement. The designated primary contracting officer remains Mr. Daniel J. Alvarado, while the alternate contact has changed from Ms. Stephanie Harris to Mr. Adan Jaime. Both contracting officers are associated with AFRL/RVKV at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, providing their phone numbers and emails for inquiries. The changes reflect a slight alteration in personnel responsible for managing contracts related to the announcement, emphasizing the continuous need for accurate contact information in government solicitations. Overall, this modification seeks to ensure effective communication for interested parties in the research opportunities offered under the program.
    The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is announcing an Advanced Research Announcement (FA9453-19-S-0002) for the Space Technology Advanced Research (STAR) initiative, focusing on space-flight and associated technologies. The announcement invites interested firms to submit white papers detailing their research and development proposals through a two-step solicitation process. The AFRL aims to explore various technological areas, including space vehicle functionality, mission capabilities, anomaly detection, and space battle management. The announcement specifies that participation is open to businesses of all sizes, with no defined limit on submissions. Funding for awards ranges from $50,000 to $100 million, with multiple awards anticipated. Offerors are encouraged to communicate with government representatives throughout the proposal development phase. Additionally, the document outlines necessary eligibility criteria, including registration in the System for Award Management (SAM), and compliance with export control regulations. Key details include submission requirements for white papers, expectations for technical deliverables, and evaluation criteria focused on relevance to AFRL's needs, scientific viability, project planning, and overall value. The STAR initiative underscores AFRL's commitment to advancing U.S. national defense capabilities in the space domain through innovative research partnerships.
    The Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Space Technology Advanced Research (STAR) Announcement, initiated on July 29, 2019, seeks proposals addressing space-flight and related technologies across various areas such as vehicle functionality, mission capabilities, and anomaly detection, allowing for a two-step solicitation process. Eligible entities can submit white papers that outline innovative solutions aimed at enhancing national defense capabilities, with potential awards ranging from $50,000 to $100,000,000, depending on the proposed efforts. Interested participants must follow specific submission guidelines, including registration with the System for Award Management (SAM) and adherence to federal regulations regarding procurement, classified data, and export controls.
    The Air Force Research Laboratory has issued Amendment 1 to the Advanced Research Announcement FA9453-19-S-0002, dated 14 August 2019, with specific updates regarding the submission process for white papers. It mandates that interested offerors utilize the provided template and submit their proposals on a Compact Disc (CD) to the designated Contracting Officer, Ms. Maria Parker, at the specified Kirtland AFB address. A link for downloading the latest template is included, emphasizing the importance of using the most current version. In case a classified white paper is necessary, separate delivery instructions are advised. Additionally, Attachment 1 with AMRDEC Safe Submission Instructions has been entirely removed from this amendment. Offerors are encouraged to check FedBizOpps.gov for any future updates or amendments. This document serves to clarify submission requirements and enhance the proposal process for researchers contributing to the Air Force’s initiatives.
    The amendment to the Advanced Research Announcement FA9453-19-S-0002 specifies updated submission guidelines for white papers, which must now be sent on a CD to the designated Contracting Officer. The previous submission instructions related to classified materials have been clarified, and Attachment 1 regarding safe submission instructions has been removed. All other content within the announcement remains unchanged, and offerors are advised to check FedBizOpps.gov for any future amendments.
    The Air Force Research Laboratory's Amendment 2 to announcement FA9453-19-S-0002, dated March 15, 2021, includes updated contact information for program and contracting personnel, replacing Mr. Steve Fiedler and Mr. Peter G. Nicasio with Mr. Michael P. Lopez and Mr. Daniel J. Alvarado, respectively. The amendment retains the solicitation for white papers only and reiterates the requirement for a pre-award clearance from the OFCCP for contracts exceeding $10 million unless the contractor is listed in the National Pre-award Registry. All other content remains unchanged, and offerors are advised to monitor the Contract Opportunities website for further amendments.
    The amended Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) FA9453-19-S-0002, issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory, outlines critical updates for prospective Offerors interested in research contracts related to U.S. warfighter space needs. Key modifications include a shift in online monitoring from FedBizOpps to Contract Opportunities (https://beta.sam.gov/) for latest updates and guidance. The ARA explains the potential for multiple contract types—such as Cost-Plus-Fixed Fee, Firm Fixed Price, and Other Transaction Authority (OT)—and stipulates that Offerors must possess a DCAA-approved accounting system for cost-type contracts to be considered. The document emphasizes the importance of dialogue between Offerors and Government representatives and confirms that only white papers are being solicited at this time. Furthermore, the amended announcement requires pre-award clearance from the U.S. Department of Labor's OFCCP for contracts exceeding $10 million, unless contractors are listed in the National Pre-award Registry. Offerors are urged to continuously check the Contract Opportunities portal for any further amendments or updates to the announcement. Overall, this document reflects the Air Force's adaptive approach to research procurement in the evolving space domain.
    The amendment FA9453-19-S-0002 from the Air Force Research Laboratory/Space Vehicle Directorate outlines essential updates to a preceding announcement dated 16 February 2023. The primary change is the appointment of Mr. Shawn Capehart as the new primary contracting officer, replacing Ms. Maria Fe Z. Parker. Mr. Capehart can be reached at 505-853-6645 or via email at shawn.capehart@spaceforce.mil. Mr. Daniel J. Alvarado remains as the alternate contracting officer but with a new contact number. The document emphasizes the importance of accurate contact information for effective communication between potential contractors and the laboratory. These changes reflect the typical administrative updates often seen in federal RFPs and grants, ensuring relevancy and clarity in points of contact as part of the procurement process. Compliance with such updates is crucial for interested parties aiming to engage with the Air Force on relevant contracts and research initiatives.
    The amendment to the Advanced Research Announcement FA9453-19-S-0002, dated 16 February 2023, updates the contracting points of contact. The primary contracting officer is now Mr. Shawn Capehart, with Mr. Daniel J. Alvarado continuing as the alternate. Contact details have been revised to reflect these changes.
    The document is an amendment to the Advanced Research Announcement FA9453-19-S-0002 from the Air Force Research Laboratory/Space Vehicle Directorate, issued on October 31, 2023. It primarily changes contracting points of contact, moving Mr. Daniel J. Alvarado to the role of Primary Contracting Officer and introducing Ms. Stephanie A. Harris as an Alternate Contracting Officer. Additionally, it updates submission information for white papers, shifting the submission platform from AMRDEC SAFE to the DoD SAFE website. The revised process requires that companies first request a DoD SAFE Drop-Off Request from the contracting officers to receive a submission link. These changes are significant for potential contractors, as they delineate how to engage with the government for proposals effectively and ensure compliance with updated procedures. Overall, this amendment underscores the Air Force’s ongoing efforts to streamline procurement and enhance communication with involved parties.
    The amendment to the Advanced Research Announcement FA9453-19-S-0002 updates key contact information, designating Mr. Daniel J. Alvarado as the primary contracting officer and Ms. Stephanie A. Harris as the alternate, while adjusting submission instructions for white papers. Submissions are now required through the DoD SAFE website instead of via a physical CD. Classified documents must also be routed through the newly specified contact points for delivery instructions.
    The Advanced Research Announcement FA9453-19-S-0002 by the Air Force Research Laboratory seeks white papers and proposals for research and development in space technology, including aspects such as space flight and signal, energy, and transportation technologies. Submissions will follow a two-step process with an emphasis on dialogue between prospective offerors and government representatives, and a variety of contract types may be awarded based on the proposals received. Communication is encouraged throughout the solicitation, but will be limited once full proposals are submitted for evaluation.
    The Advanced Research Announcement (FA9453-19-S-0002) from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) solicits proposals for the Space Technology Advanced Research (STAR) program, focusing on innovative research and development in space-flight and related technologies. This open announcement encourages white papers and emphasizes two primary areas: enhancing space vehicle functionality and logistics, and improving mission effects and capabilities. AFRL aims to support the U.S. defense by advancing technologies related to space systems, communication, and on-orbit servicing through a thorough two-step submission process. This includes an initial white paper followed by a potential full proposal if requested. The anticipated contract values range from $50,000 to $100 million, with no cap on the number of awarded contracts. The document outlines clear guidelines for eligible offerors, which include unrestricted participation from all business sizes, relevant submission formats, and the importance of security and export control compliance. Additionally, the announcement highlights the importance of dialogue between offerors and government representatives throughout the proposal stages, aiming to align solutions with national defense objectives while ensuring a fair evaluation process based on defined criteria.
    The Space Technology Advanced Research (STAR) white paper template is a structured guide designed for submissions proposing innovative solutions to operational problems facing the Air Force. It mandates adherence to specified formatting, including a six-page limit and an organized flow that aligns with evaluation criteria. The document instructs applicants to detail the problem's definition, the relevance of the proposed solution to Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) needs, scientific and engineering viability, project planning, and the anticipated value and costs. Each section comprises specific prompts aimed at facilitating clear communication of key ideas such as problem magnitude, innovative approaches, technical feasibility, and expected benefits to the Air Force. Submissions must include a comprehensive coversheet with critical company information and must be delivered via a secure process after requesting a drop-off link from designated contracting officers. Overall, the STAR initiative encourages collaboration and innovation by framing proposals in a manner that effectively addresses recognized needs within the military domain.
    The Space Technology Advanced Research (STAR) White Paper Template provides detailed instructions for submitting proposals to the Air Force Research Laboratory. Submissions must adhere to strict formatting guidelines, maintain a maximum of six pages, and address specific prompts related to problem definition, relevance to AFRL needs, scientific and engineering viability, project planning, and potential value to the Air Force. Additionally, the submission process includes contacting designated contracting officers for a secure drop-off link and emphasizes the importance of clear writing and credible data to enhance the proposal's quality.
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    Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
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