AFOSR FY26 Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) for Integrated Programmatic and Technical Support to increase Technology Transition & Transfer and Collaborative Project Orders (CPOs)
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 AFOSR, is soliciting proposals for a Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) to provide Integrated Programmatic and Technical Support. This effort aims to increase technology transition and transfer, and facilitate Collaborative Project Orders (CPOs). The opportunity is for a Fixed Price PIA with an estimated program ceiling of $80M. Proposals are due by April 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern.
Opportunity Overview
This Request for Proposal (RFP) FA955026RPIA1 seeks a Partnership Intermediary (PI) to act as a non-inherently governmental entity. The PI will facilitate technology transfer from Air Force research to industry and academia, foster partnerships, and support workforce development. The agreement will be managed by AFOSR, with specific projects initiated through Government-approved Collaborative Project Orders (CPOs).
Scope of Work
The PI will focus on eight key areas, including:
- Partnership development and agreement enablement.
- Technology transfer, early-stage transition awareness, and market intelligence.
- Technology scouting and industry/ecosystem analysis.
- STEM and workforce development.
- Access to technical expertise for studies and assessments.
- Development and use of data tools and collaboration platforms.
- Governance support and facilitation of workshops.
- Production of communication and knowledge-transfer outputs.
Five initial CPOs are anticipated with the PIA award, supporting entities like AFOSR, AFCENT, SSC (Chantilly and Colorado Springs), and NRO. These CPOs will define specific objectives and execution approaches.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Fixed Price PIA.
- Period of Performance: 60 months base plus a 6-month option for the PIA. Each CPO will have a 12-month base period with four 12-month options and a potential 6-month extension.
- Estimated Program Ceiling: Not to exceed $80M for the PIA. Individual CPOs have estimated ceilings ranging from $2.8M to $11.7M.
- Profit/Fee: Unallowable under this PIA.
- Incumbent: Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation (FA9550-22-3-0002).
Eligibility & Set-Aside
- Set-Aside: No small business set-aside.
- Eligibility: Offerors must meet the definition of a "Partnership Intermediary (PI)" as defined in 10 U.S.C. § 4124(f)(2) and 15 U.S.C. § 3715(c). This includes government agencies or non-profit entities owned, chartered, funded, or operated by or on behalf of a state or local government.
- Registration: All applicants must be registered in SAM.gov.
Submission & Evaluation
- Proposal Submission Deadline: April 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern.
- Submission Method: Electronically to AFRL.AFOSR.PIA@us.af.mil.
- Proposal Volumes: Technical/Management (Volume I), Price Documentation (Volume II), Proposal Documentation (Volume III), Past Performance (Volume IV).
- Evaluation Factors: Technical/Management (Capability & Program Management), Past Performance, Price Analysis/Financial Management.
- Award Basis: Best Value Tradeoff (BVTO) process.
Key Requirements
- Key Personnel: Required positions include Program Director/Principal and Technology Transition & Partnership Integration Lead. A template is provided for resume submissions.
- Security: Potential TS/SCI clearance for personnel supporting specific CPOs (SSC and AFCENT). DD Form 254s outline security requirements.
- Facilities: Primarily PI-leased facilities within one mile of specified Government or partner activities. Direct facility costs are not reimbursable.
- Pricing: A detailed price proposal template is provided. Proposals must include pricing for the optional six-month extension.
- Reporting: A comprehensive reporting and deliverables matrix (J-7) outlines monthly, quarterly, and as-required reports.
Important Notes
Responses to questions clarify that past performance from wholly-owned subsidiaries is acceptable if clearly described. Payment will be obligated at the CPO level, with structures defined at the CPO and Project Plan level.