AFRL/RX Functional Materials Open BAA
SOL #: FA8650-22-S-5002Solicitation
Overview
Buyer
DEPT OF DEFENSE
Dept Of The Air Force
FA8650 USAF AFMC AFRL PZL AFRL/PZL
WRIGHT PATTERSON AFB, OH, 45433-7541, United States
Place of Performance
Place of performance not available
NAICS
Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (54171)
PSC
National Defense R&D Services; Department Of Defense Military; Applied Research (AC12)
Set Aside
No set aside specified
Original Source
Timeline
1
Posted
Oct 26, 2021
2
Last Updated
Feb 23, 2026
3
Submission Deadline
Oct 26, 2028, 7:00 PM
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 Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Materials & Manufacturing Directorate, is soliciting white papers under a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Functional Materials research and development. This open BAA seeks innovative materials to enhance warfighting capabilities and address urgent operational needs, spanning scientific discovery through technology transition. The BAA is open until October 28, 2028.
Scope of Work
The opportunity focuses on Functional Materials technologies across three core competencies:
- Photonic Materials: Optical Materials & Processes (OM&P), Hardened Materials & Processing (HM&P), and Photonic Materials Advanced Development for electromagnetic capabilities and survivability.
- Nanoelectronic Materials: Nanoscale Transport Materials & Processes (NTM&P) for C4ISR applications, and Quantum Semiconductor Materials & Processes (QSM&P) for sensors and electronics.
- Soft Matter Materials: Polymer & Responsive Materials & Processing (PRM&P) for stimuli-responsive materials, and Biomaterials Materials & Processes (BM&P) for asset protection and airman performance.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: The Air Force may award various types, including FAR-based contracts (e.g., Cost Plus Fixed Fee), Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype or Research, grants, or cooperative agreements.
- Anticipated Funding: Total anticipated funding is approximately $500 million, with an individual contract award limit of $75 million. Multiple awards are expected.
- Period of Performance: Each award is anticipated to be between 12 to 72 months, including a technical effort of 9 to 69 months and 3 months for final reporting.
Submission & Evaluation
This is a two-step process:
- White Paper Submission: White papers are due by October 28, 2028. They must include a Quad Chart (refer to Attachment 2 for guidance) and a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost. White papers will be evaluated on technical approach, research interest to the Government, and funding availability.
- Proposal Submission: Only offerors whose white papers are selected will be invited to submit full technical and cost proposals. Proposals will be evaluated primarily on technical merit, with cost/price as a secondary factor.
- Submission Email: White papers must be submitted electronically to AFRL.RXE.OpenBAA@us.af.mil.
Key Requirements & Attachments
- Security: A "Secret" facility security clearance is required (Attachment 4). Offerors must complete a Security Program Questionnaire (Attachment 8, Appendix 2) and comply with the AFRL Security Risk Review process (Attachment 8), including ongoing disclosure of foreign talent program participation. Attachment 10 details security requirements for the AFRL Wright Research Site, including prohibitions on personal devices and photography.
- Forms: Mandatory forms include SF 424 (R&R) for cover pages and Senior/Key Person Profile (Attachment 1, Attachment 8 Appendix 1 & 3), Privacy Act Statement (Attachment 8 Appendix 4), and Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors (Attachment 9).
- SAM Registration: Mandatory for all applicants.
- Deliverables: Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) specifies various reports, data packages, and presentation materials (Attachment 5).
Contacts
- Contracting: AFRL.RXE.OpenBAA@us.af.mil (Primary), WP.AFRL.RQKMA_DL@us.af.mil (Alternate)
- Technical: Marc Martin (marc.martin@us.af.mil, 937-785-9645)
People
Points of Contact
AFRL.RXE.OpenBAA@us.af.milPRIMARY
WP.AFRL.RQKMA_DL@us.af.milSECONDARY
Files
Versions
Version 8
Solicitation
Posted: Feb 23, 2026
Version 7Viewing
Solicitation
Posted: Jan 28, 2026
Version 6
Solicitation
Posted: Apr 11, 2025
Version 5
Solicitation
Posted: Dec 8, 2023
Version 4
Solicitation
Posted: Dec 8, 2023
Version 3
Solicitation
Posted: Dec 8, 2023
Version 2
Solicitation
Posted: Oct 26, 2022
Version 1
Solicitation
Posted: Oct 26, 2021