Pioneering Aerospace Capabilities, Engineering and Research (PACER)
ID: 349554Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Air Force -- Research Lab (DOD-AFRL)

Eligible Applicants

Unrestricted

Funding Category

Science and Technology and other Research and Development

Funding Instrument

Procurement Contract

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "Pioneering Aerospace Capabilities, Engineering and Research (PACER)" aimed at establishing the Collaborative Center for the Design and Research Of InterDisciplinary Systems (CC DROIDS). This initiative seeks to foster partnerships with American universities to enhance aerospace vehicle design through interdisciplinary research and collaboration with industry partners. The program emphasizes the development of advanced design methods and tools, focusing on areas such as design space exploration, multifidelity modeling, and multidisciplinary technology development, which are crucial for advancing aerospace capabilities. Interested applicants can submit proposals until May 10, 2043, and should direct inquiries to Katherine Ryan at AFRL.RQ.PACERBAA@us.af.mil. The funding instrument type is a procurement contract, and there is no cost-sharing requirement.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA2391-23-S-2403, titled "Pioneering Aerospace Capabilities, Engineering, and Research (PACER)," focusing on the establishment of the Collaborative Center for the Design and Research Of InterDisciplinary Systems (CC DROIDS). This announcement has been amended to clarify the application process for potential partners, specifically universities. AFRL seeks a partnership with an American university and allows collaboration with industry partners, designating industry as sub-recipients in Cooperative Agreements, akin to subcontractors in typical federal acquisitions. The primary aim is to foster innovation and interdisciplinary research in aerospace systems through this collaborative center, providing an opportunity for educational institutions to engage with industry to enhance capabilities in aerospace engineering.
    The Aerospace Systems Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is establishing a Collaborative Center for the Design and Research Of InterDisciplinary Systems (CC DROIDS) in partnership with an American university. The initiative aims to advance aerospace vehicle research and development through collective expertise, enhancing AFRL's capabilities while providing mentorship opportunities for students. CC DROIDS will focus on multiple technology areas including design space exploration, multifidelity modeling for design optimization, and multidisciplinary technology development. Key objectives involve developing innovative design methods and software tools for various aerospace vehicle configurations, from UAVs to transport platforms, addressing operational effectiveness and risk assessment. The collaboration emphasizes high-quality personnel for impactful research activities, aiming to establish a synergistic relationship between academia and AFRL. Regular interactions, including annual reviews and technical meetings, are planned for effective knowledge exchange. The initiative also stresses the importance of software development and operational security, ensuring that both research outcomes and sensitive information remain protected. Overall, the CC DROIDS initiative is positioned as a crucial step toward enhancing the Air Force's aerospace capabilities while fostering educational opportunities for students in cutting-edge research environments.
    Similar Opportunities
    Research Interests of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research
    Air Force Office of Scientific Research
    The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) is soliciting proposals for basic research through a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) aimed at addressing the scientific needs of the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. The opportunity focuses on fundamental research in various domains, including engineering, physical sciences, and biology, with an emphasis on innovations that enhance national defense capabilities, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity, propulsion systems, and advanced materials. AFOSR plans to allocate approximately $200 million for this initiative, with individual awards typically ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 annually for up to five years. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Jennifer Brown at afosr.baa@us.af.mil for further details, with proposals accepted until May 18, 2028.
    Air Dominance Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)
    Munitions Directorate
    The Munitions Directorate of the Department of Defense is offering a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for the Air Dominance initiative, aimed at advancing research and development in science and technology. This opportunity is open to all eligible applicants without restrictions and seeks innovative proposals that align with the objectives of enhancing air dominance capabilities. The total funding available for this initiative is substantial, with an award ceiling of $750 million, reflecting the critical importance of air superiority in national defense strategies. Interested parties should note that the application deadline is October 31, 2029, and can direct inquiries to Jane Ellison at jane.ellison@us.af.mil or by phone at 850-882-3657 for further information.
    Research Interests of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research
    Air Force Office of Scientific Research
    The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) is inviting proposals for basic research through a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) aimed at supporting U.S. Air Force and Space Force initiatives. The solicitation seeks unclassified and non-proprietary research proposals across prioritized areas, including Engineering and Information Sciences, as well as Physical and Biological Sciences, with topics such as dynamic materials, cybersecurity, and advanced composite materials. This opportunity is crucial for fostering scientific advancements that enhance military capabilities and align with national defense priorities. Interested applicants can submit proposals at any time, with funding amounts ranging from $3,000 to $100 million, and are encouraged to contact Jennifer Brown at afosr.baa@us.af.mil for further information.
    Research Interests of the United States Air Force Academy (formerly USAFA-BAA-2021)
    Air Force Academy
    The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) is soliciting unclassified research proposals through its Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Research Interests of the United States Air Force Academy" (Funding Opportunity Number FA7000-21-S-0001). The primary objective of this opportunity is to advance Air Force technology and address various research needs by inviting white papers across diverse areas, with a focus on enhancing cadet learning experiences and faculty development while supporting the Air Force's mission. This initiative emphasizes collaboration between academia, industry, and the military, with awards potentially reaching a cumulative funding cap of $99 million based on proposal quality and available appropriations. Interested applicants can submit proposals at any time, and are encouraged to engage with USAFA research centers prior to submission to ensure alignment with the Academy's objectives. For further information, contact Cheryl McGuire at 719-333-2786 or via email at 10MSG.LGCC@us.af.mil.
    Pioneering Aerospace Capabilities, Engineering and Research (PACER)
    Air Force -- Research Lab
    The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is seeking proposals for the "Pioneering Aerospace Capabilities, Engineering and Research (PACER)" initiative, which aims to establish the Collaborative Center for the Design and Research Of InterDisciplinary Systems (CC DROIDS) in partnership with an American university. This initiative focuses on fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to develop innovative design methods and technologies for next-generation aerospace vehicles, enhancing the U.S. Air Force's capabilities in this critical sector. The total anticipated funding for this effort is $4.8 million over seven years, with proposals due by September 11, 2023. Interested applicants can reach out to the PACER Email Inbox at AFRL.RQ.PACERBAA@us.af.mil for further guidance on their submissions.
    US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Broad Agency Announcement
    ACC APG - Natick
    The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Soldier Center is inviting proposals through its Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for scientific research and experimentation aimed at advancing state-of-the-art technologies. The BAA seeks innovative solutions in various areas, including combat feeding systems, soldier protection, human performance, and simulation technologies, without focusing on specific hardware solutions. This opportunity is crucial for enhancing military capabilities and overcoming existing technological barriers. Interested applicants, including universities, nonprofit research institutes, and commercial firms, must submit their proposals by February 27, 2030, with the potential for up to 1,500 awards. For further details, contact Lyndon Jagroop at 347-676-8382 or via email at lyndon.s.jagroop.civ@army.mil, and refer to the full announcement on SAM.gov.
    BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA) for Extramural Biomedical and Human Performance Research and Development Department of Defense
    Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA
    The Department of the Army, through the US Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA), has announced a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Extramural Biomedical and Human Performance Research and Development. This opportunity invites unrestricted applicants to submit proposals aimed at advancing biomedical research and development, with a focus on enhancing human performance. The program is critical for fostering innovation in science and technology, particularly in areas that support the Department of Defense's mission. The estimated total program funding is $10 million, with individual awards ranging from $750,000 to $50 million, and proposals are due by July 31, 2028. For further inquiries, applicants can contact the CDMRP Help Desk at help@eBRAP.org or by phone at 301-682-5507.
    FY25 Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Office-Wide Broad Agency Announcement
    NAVAIR
    The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) is inviting proposals through its FY25 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) N00421-25-S-0001, aimed at enhancing naval aviation through innovative research and development projects. The BAA seeks white papers in various fields, including advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, with a focus on technical innovations that align with Department of Defense missions. This initiative underscores NAWCAD's commitment to advancing technological capabilities within naval operations while adhering to federal guidelines. Interested applicants, including academia and various business entities, can submit white papers until June 22, 2026, with further details available at the provided contact email NAWCAD-Academia-BAA@us.navy.mil and the additional information link on SAM.gov.
    CHEERS Open Period 2 - All Technical Areas
    Air Force -- Research Lab
    The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is soliciting white papers for the CHEERS Open Period 2, focusing on research in various technical areas to support the development of supplies necessary for national defense. This opportunity, under the Continuing Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring, and Sustaining (CHEERS) Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA), invites proposals that align with the requirements of 10 USC 4023, which allows the Department of Defense to procure essential materials for experimental and test purposes. The total funding for this initiative is anticipated to reach up to $499.87 million, with white papers due by September 30, 2027, followed by potential proposals from selected offerors. Interested parties can reach out to Amber A Taylor at AFRL via email at AFRL.711HPW.MAA@us.af.mil for further information.
    Defense Sciences Office (DSO) Office-wide BAA
    DARPA - Defense Sciences Office
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals through its Defense Sciences Office (DSO) under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) HR001125S0013, aimed at advancing national security through revolutionary scientific and technological developments. Proposals should focus on groundbreaking research that leads to significant advancements rather than incremental improvements, covering areas such as materials, manufacturing, sensing, and intelligent systems. This initiative is crucial for fostering collaboration between government and private entities to enhance national security capabilities. Interested applicants can submit proposals until June 2, 2026, and are encouraged to contact the BAA Coordinator at HR001125S0013@darpa.mil for further information.