AMENDMENT 1 to ARA FA8750-25-S-7005 updates the email for the Advanced Cyber Effects for Strategic Operations (ACESO) program to AFRL.RI.Firehawk@us.af.mil. This Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) seeks white papers for cyber operations prototypes to enhance DoD platforms. With an estimated $950M in total funding, individual awards typically range from $10M to $50M over 60 months, with potential for awards up to $99.98M. The ARA is open until July 10, 2030, but suggests earlier submission dates for optimal funding alignment. Key technology requirements include developing C4I and cyber technologies for cyber superiority, focusing on Zero Trust infrastructure, DoDIN battlespace organization, C3, situational awareness, mission assurance, effects-based defenses, Cyber ISR, C-OPE, and Cyberspace Effects Operations. Foreign participation is generally restricted, with exceptions for fundamental research and FOCI-mitigated companies. Submissions require a 4-5 page white paper addressing task objectives and a technical summary. Proposals are evaluated based on scientific merit, relevance to Air Force objectives, domain knowledge, and cost reasonableness. Security risk reviews for personnel are mandatory.

AMENDMENT 2 to ARA FA8750-25-S-7005 updates the email address for the Advanced Cyber Effects for Strategic Operations (ACESO) program manager to AFRL.RI.ACESO@us.af.mil. This open, two-step Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) seeks white papers for developing cyber operation prototypes to enhance DoD platforms, with an estimated total funding of $950M. Individual awards are anticipated to range from $10M to $50M, with potential for up to $99.98M. The ARA is open until July 10, 2030, with suggested submission dates for each fiscal year (FY26-FY30) to align with projected funding. Key technology requirements include developing Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) and Cyber technologies to achieve cyber superiority, focusing on assured and zero-trust infrastructure, DoDIN battlespace organization, robust C3 systems, situational awareness, mission assurance, effects-based defenses, Cyber ISR, C-OPE, and Offensive Cyber Operations. The document outlines eligibility, foreign participation restrictions, organizational conflicts of interest, and S&T protection requirements, including security risk reviews for personnel. White papers (4-5 pages) are the initial submission; formal proposals are by invitation only. Submissions must adhere to specific formatting and include required security documentation.

The Department of the Air Force's Advanced Cyber Effects for Strategic Operations (ACESO) program, under ARA FA8750-25-S-7005, seeks white papers for developing cyber operations prototypes. The goal is to transition these prototypes into operational DoD platforms to achieve cyber superiority. With an estimated total funding of $950M, individual awards may range from $10M to $50M, potentially up to $99.98M, for projects lasting up to 60 months. The program encourages proposals from non-traditional defense contractors and small businesses, with an emphasis on cost-sharing if traditional contractors are prime. Key technology requirements include assured and zero-trust cyber infrastructure, DoDIN battlespace organization, secure Command, Control, and Communications (C3), enhanced situational awareness and mission assurance, effects-based defenses, Cyber ISR operations, and Offensive Cyber Operations (OCO). Submissions are accepted until July 10, 2030, with suggested deadlines for each fiscal year to align with projected funding. Evaluation focuses on scientific merit, relevance to Air Force objectives, and offeror expertise.

The document presents Amendment 1 to the Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) FA8750-25-S-7005 issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory. The key focus of this ARA is to solicit proposals for developing cyber operations prototypes that enhance the Department of Defense's capabilities in the cyber domain. The announcement invites white papers, open until July 10, 2030, indicating funding of approximately $950 million, with awards typically ranging from $10 million to $50 million. It stresses the importance of creating a resilient cyber infrastructure and advancing technologies related to Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I). The ARA specifically targets innovations in areas such as Zero Trust architecture, situational awareness, offensive and defensive cyber operations, and integration of Cyber Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). It outlines eligibility criteria, submission details, evaluation criteria based on scientific and technical merit, and emphasizes the need for compliance with security and export laws. Additionally, the document specifies that foreign participation is generally restricted. The overall purpose is to ensure cybersecurity advantages for the U.S. military through cutting-edge research and development.

The Department of the Air Force is issuing an Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) titled "Advanced Cyber Effects for Strategic Operations (ACESO)" under ARA Number FA8750-25-S-7005. This open, two-step ARA will accept initial white paper submissions until July 10, 2030, with a total funding availability of approximately $950 million allocated per fiscal year. The ARA seeks proposals to develop cyber operations prototypes to enhance the Department of Defense's capabilities in cyberspace. Individual awards may range between $10 million and $50 million, with potential exceptions up to $99.98 million, lasting up to 60 months. The program emphasizes developing secure command, control, communications, and intelligence (C4I) technologies, aligning with the Air Force's vision for cyber superiority. It focuses on creating a cyber infrastructure that is zero-trust-based, capable of adapting to new threats while ensuring the protection of vital defense networks. Interested parties should monitor the SAM website for updates, as the government may amend the announcement. Engagement between offerors and government representatives is encouraged, although only Contracting Officers may formally commit government resources. The eligibility excludes foreign participation, and specific requirements around proposals, including cost-sharing and significant participation from non-traditional defense contractors, are outlined. This initiative aims to bolster U.S. strategic operations through cutting-edge cyber capabilities.