The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program focused on developing an AI/ML-Enhanced Risk Management Framework (RMF). The objective is to create a software application that automates the RMF process, which is essential for achieving Authority To Operate (ATO) for government software and hardware products, thereby addressing the current reliance on manual efforts that can lead to delays and inconsistencies. This initiative is critical as the DoD faces increasingly sophisticated cyber threats and aims to streamline risk management through advanced technologies, with a strong interest from the USAF CIO, USSF, and various program offices. Proposals are due by June 25, 2025, and interested parties can find more information and submit their applications through the provided links.

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Integrated Network System-of-Systems; Integrated Sensing and Cyber; Trusted AI and Autonomy; Advanced Computing and Software; Advanced Infrastructure & Advanced Manufacturing The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: Develop a software application that employs AI/ML or similar methodologies to automate the Risk Management Framework (RMF) process which is required to achieve Authority To Operate (ATO) for software and hardware products on government networks. DESCRIPTION: The current RMF process relies heavily on manual efforts and human expertise, which can result in delays, inconsistencies, and potential oversights. As the DoD continues to adopt advanced technologies and faces increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, there is a pressing need to streamline and automate the RMF process to ensure the timely and effective management of risks. AI and ML technologies offer promising solutions to address these challenges by enabling data-driven decision-making, predictive analytics, and automated risk assessment. USAF CIO, USSF, MAJCOM/A6s, and program offices are highly interested in the development of an AI/ML-powered RMF platform that integrates with existing DoD systems and processes. The ideal platform will leverage advanced algorithms and techniques, such as natural language processing, graph analytics, and deep learning, to automate and optimize various aspects of the RMF process. PHASE I: It is expected that proposers provide evidence of sufficient prior work and feasibility study to apply AI/ML or similar methodologies to the Risk Management Framework. PHASE II: Provide a prototype software application which employs AI/ML or similar methodologies to automate the RMF process. Provide a demonstration of the prototype evaluating an example product which has already been through the manual RMF process within the last two years (achieve TRL 6 maturity). PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Provide a software application which employs AI/ML or similar methodologies to automate the RMF process. Provide proof of effectiveness by evaluating an example product which has not been through the manual RMF process (advance from a TRL 6 to TRL 9 maturity). Add the functionality of continuous monitoring after initial Authority To Operate approval. Implement proper User Interface/Experience (UI/UX) concepts to ensure end users can efficiently and effectively operate the tool. If successful, this technology will have broad application and significant impact across DAF, DOD, and USG. REFERENCES: 1. Graubert, Richard and Bodeau, Deborah. "The Risk Management Framework and Cyber Resiliency." Case #16-0776. The MITRE Corporation. 2016. 2. DoDI 800.01 "Risk Management Framework for DOD Systems." 3. NIST 800-37 "Guide For Applying the Risk Management Framework for Federal Information Systems." KEYWORDS: RMF; Risk Management Framework; AI/ML

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