Advanced Cyber Effects for Strategic Operations (ACESO)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Air Force (AFRL) has issued an Open, 2-Step Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) titled "Advanced Cyber Effects for Strategic Operations (ACESO)" (FA8750-25-S-7005). This initiative seeks to develop cyber operations prototypes for transition into operational DoD platforms to achieve superiority in the Cyber Domain. The ARA is open for white paper submissions until July 10, 2030, with an estimated total funding of $950M.
Scope of Work
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is soliciting research, design, development, testing, evaluation, implementation, and transition of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) and Cyber technologies. Key areas of interest include: Cyber Assured and Zero-Trust Infrastructure, DoDIN Battlespace Organization, C3 modernization, Situational Awareness and Mission Assurance, Effects-Based Defenses, Cyber ISR Operations, Cyber Operational Preparation of the Environment (C-OPE), Cyberspace Effects Operations, Integration of SIGINT/EW/Cyber Operations Technologies, and Offensive Cyber Operations (OCO). Specific technology areas encompass cloud architectures, code analysis, cyber modeling, AI/ML in cyber, and D4M efforts. Platforms of interest include military systems, clouds, embedded devices, mobile platforms, ICS/SCADA, IoT, and various network types.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Open, 2-Step Advanced Research Announcement (ARA). Initial submissions are white papers; formal proposals are by invitation only.
- Instruments: FAR-based procurement contracts or Other Transactions (OT) under 10 USC 4021, 4022, and 4023. Successful prototypes may transition to follow-on production contracts.
- Estimated Funding: Approximately $950M total. Individual awards typically range from $10M to $50M (not normally exceeding 60 months), with potential for awards up to $99.98M.
- Anticipated Awards: Multiple awards are anticipated.
- Set-Aside: None specified (open to all qualified offerors). Nontraditional Defense Contractors are encouraged.
- White Paper Deadline: Open until 6:00 PM EST on July 10, 2030. Suggested submission dates are provided for alignment with projected funding (e.g., Dec 30, 2025 for FY26).
Submission & Evaluation
- Process: Offerors must first submit a white paper (4-5 pages) outlining the Task Objective, Technical Summary, and Proposed Deliverables. Formal proposals will be accepted by invitation only.
- Evaluation Criteria: Scientific/Technical Merit, Contribution/Relevance to Air Force objectives, Demonstrated Technology/Domain Knowledge, and Reasonableness/Realism of Costs.
Additional Notes
Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov. Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act (FASCSA) Orders may be applicable to FAR-based awards. Dialogue with government representatives is encouraged, but only Contracting Officers can commit the Government. The latest contact email for the ARA Program Manager, Tanya Macrina, is AFRL.RI.ACESO@us.af.mil.