ADVANCING SYSTEMS OF SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIES FOR RAPID ADOPTION (ASTRA)
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 - Rome Research Site, has issued an Open, 2-Step Advanced Research Announcement (ARA), titled "Advancing Systems of Systems Technologies for Rapid Adoption (ASTRA)" (FA8750-23-S-7007). This ARA seeks innovative research to mature, prototype, demonstrate, and evaluate algorithms, methodologies, techniques, and capabilities for the rapid integration of Systems of Systems (SoS) and the auto-generation of tests for the System-of-systems Technology Integration Tool Chain for Heterogeneous Electronic Systems (STITCHES). The total estimated funding is $350M, with individual awards potentially reaching $99.9M. Initial submissions are white papers only, accepted until July 24, 2028.
Purpose & Scope
This ARA aims to advance SoS technologies for rapid adoption, building on previous efforts. The Air Force is looking for solutions that develop methods for SoS software prototypes to increase military effectiveness, cost leverage, and adaptability. Key objectives include outlining system architecting approaches for rapid integration, implementing Open System Architecture (OSA) standards, improving new technology integration, and executing integration events to demonstrate SoS integration speed. Deliverables will include capability artifacts, performance evaluations, and documentation, with coordination for operational transition. Focus areas specifically include STITCHES tools/technologies and a DevOps Government cloud-based platform.
Contract Details
- ARA Number: FA8750-23-S-7007
- Type: Open, 2-Step Advanced Research Announcement (ARA)
- Total Estimated Funding: Approximately $350M
- Individual Award Range: Normally $1M to $25M, with potential awards up to $99.9M
- Award Duration: Individual awards typically not exceeding 60 months
- Anticipated Awards: Multiple awards are anticipated
- Instruments: FAR-based procurement contracts or Other Transactions (OTs) under 10 USC 4021, 4022, and 4023. Successful prototype OTs have the potential for follow-on production contracts.
- NAICS Code: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences)
Submission & Evaluation
This is a 2-step process:
- White Papers: Initial submissions are white papers only, accepted until 5:00 PM EST on July 24, 2028. Suggested submission dates for alignment with projected funding are: FY24 (Oct 27, 2023), FY25 (Sep 16, 2024), FY26 (Sep 15, 2025), FY27 (Sep 15, 2026), and FY28 (Sep 15, 2027).
- Formal Proposals: Accepted by invitation only after white paper evaluation.
- White Paper Evaluation Criteria (descending order): Overall Scientific and Technical Merit, Related Experience, Openness, Maturity and Assurance of Solution, Reasonableness and realism of proposed costs and fees. Evaluation results are provided within 45 days.
Eligibility & Restrictions
This opportunity is generally open to all qualified offerors but is closed to foreign participation (ownership and nationals), with exceptions for fundamental research and FOCI mitigation plans. The Air Force seeks non-traditional defense contractors or nonprofit research institutions as primes; if not, a significant subcontractor must meet this definition. Cost sharing may be required for OT awards if specific participation criteria are not met. Offerors must comply with S&T Protection requirements (IAW AFRLI 61-113), including a Security Risk Review, personnel requirements, and specific documentation (SF 424, Security Program Questionnaire, Privacy Act Statement). Disclosure of foreign talent programs and current/pending research support is mandatory for covered individuals. Proposals may be declined if security risks exceed acceptable thresholds. For FAR-based awards, offerors must search SAM for applicable FASCSA Orders and provide financial resource information per DFARS 232.072-2(b).
Contacts
- Technical Inquiries: Gerard Wohlrab (gerard.wohlrab@us.af.mil, 315-330-4663)
- Contractual/Business Inquiries: Amber Buckley (Amber.Buckley@us.af.mil, 315-330-3605)
- Emails must reference ARA number and title. Dialogue with government representatives is encouraged.