AERIAL LAYER NETWORKING & TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGIES

Quick Summary

The Department of the Air Force, AFRL - Rome Research Site, has issued an Open, Two-Step Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), FA8750-23-S-7002, for Aerial Layer Networking & Transmission Technologies. This BAA seeks innovations to develop on-demand, self-forming, and self-healing aerial layer networks. White papers are accepted until September 30, 2027, with formal proposals by invitation only.

Purpose & Scope

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) aims to transform current aerial layer network architectures, which require extensive pre-planning and have limited interoperability, into dynamic, resilient systems. Research is sought in:

• Network Monitoring and Management: Novel concepts and tools for self-managing, self-healing autonomic wireless capabilities (e.g., SDN, NFV).
• Robust Aerial Networks: Technologies for apertures, waveforms, and networking to enhance security and resilience in contested, degraded, and operationally limited (CDO) environments.
• Proof-of-Concept Capabilities: Demonstrable advanced radios, waveforms, networking, and management technologies. This BAA is a follow-on to FA8750-19-S-7001.

Contract Details

• BAA Number: FA8750-23-S-7002
• NAICS Code: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences)
• Estimated Funding: Approximately $99.5M total. Individual awards typically range from $1M to $10M over 36 months, with potential for awards up to $49.5M. Multiple awards are anticipated.
• Award Instruments: FAR-based Procurement contracts, DODGARS-based grants and cooperative agreements, or Other Transactions (OT) under 10 USC 4021, 4022, and 4023.
• Set-Aside: None specified; open to all qualified offerors. Foreign participation is generally closed, with exceptions for unclassified fundamental research.

Submission & Evaluation

This is a two-step process:

1. White Papers: Initial submissions are white papers, accepted until September 30, 2027. Suggested submission dates are provided to align with projected funding (e.g., FY25 by Sep 15, 2024; FY26 by Sep 15, 2025; FY27 by Sep 15, 2026). White paper content and formatting instructions have been updated.
2. Formal Proposals: By invitation only, following white paper review.

Evaluation Criteria include Scientific and Technical Merit, Related Experience, Openness/Maturity/Assurance of Solution, and Reasonableness/Realism of proposed costs. Key Updates:

• Gold Standard Science (GSS): For assistance instruments, GSS (per EO 14303) is now an initial "Go/No Go" screening criterion. White papers/proposals must demonstrate commitment to GSS principles.
• S&T Protection: Submissions require specific documentation (SF 424, Security Program Questionnaire, Privacy Act Statement) for security risk review. Failure to comply may lead to award declination.
• Financial Requirements: New requirements for Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) compliance and demonstration of financial resources have been added. The 15% indirect cost cap for Institutions of Higher Education has been deleted.

Contacts

• Technical Questions: Peter Fitzgerald (peter.fitzgerald.1@us.af.mil, 315-330-2082)
• Contractual Questions: Amber Buckley (Amber.Buckley@us.af.mil, 315-330-3605)