AFWERX Challenge Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)

Amendment / Modification

• The validity date for submissions that reached Spiral 2 has been extended.

• The Government Contracting Terms and Conditions section has been updated to include a bullet stating, ". . . for a period of 18 months after Showcase date."

• Validity date of submissions (Spiral 2).

• Government Contracting Terms and Conditions section.

• The deadline for submissions has been extended. The submission period opens on 7/12/2023 and ends on 8/21/2023 at 4:59 PM Pacific Time.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the "Expedient Basing Challenge," an initiative by the United States Air Force (USAF) to find modern capabilities for rapidly establishing distributed operations in austere environments. The goal is to reduce USAF response times from weeks or months to hours or days, supporting the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept. The challenge seeks innovative solutions for experimentation, feasibility studies, or developed technologies.

The challenge is structured around three focus areas:

• Site & Logistics Optimization: Capabilities for identifying locations, assessing infrastructure, deploying personnel and equipment, and optimizing supply chains for remote operations. This includes design, building, and pre-positioning of transportable infrastructure, and leveraging technology for situational awareness and communication.
• Training Modernization: Solutions to modernize USAF training for agility and flexibility in contested environments. This involves simulation, virtual training, AI/ML for enhanced programs, and advanced communication technologies. It also includes developing joint and multinational training capabilities.
• Force Sustainment: Technologies and systems for life support and mission generation in expeditionary situations. This encompasses lightweight, mobile, and flexible equipment for lodging, food, hygiene, utilities, and mission-critical support like fuel, munitions, and waste management.

This is a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) and may result in prototype projects awarded via FAR Part 12 procurement contracts or Other Transactions (OT) under 10 USC 4022. Future contracting opportunities will be posted on sam.gov, sbir.gov, and afwerxchallenge.com.

The submission and evaluation process occurs in three spirals:

• Spiral 1: Submit a web form and optional supplemental document via afwerxchallenge.com. The deadline is 07/21/2023 at 4:59 PM Pacific Time.
• Spiral 2: Selected offerors provide additional information and may conduct oral demonstrations.
• Spiral 3: Selected offerors submit a full written proposal.

Evaluation criteria for Spiral 1 include Relevance, Technical Merit, Innovation, Integration Potential, Technical Readiness Speed, Scalability, and Impact.

The USAF welcomes involvement from industry, academia, investing, and government. Foreign-owned businesses may participate under certain conditions. Non-Government personnel from specific companies may be involved in the review process.

Offerors can gain potential funding for concept development, long-term contracts, and opportunities for teaming and technology development. The Government reserves the right to cancel the call. Submissions must be made by the server deadline; late submissions will not be accepted.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the Super Goggle Digital Design Challenge, initiated by the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The objective is to solicit designs for a high-performance, multi-capable goggle that can replicate "outside the cockpit" visual environments for advanced synthetic flight training. The goal is to enhance, broaden, and complement current and future training programs for the USAF, broader DoD agencies, and allied nations by leveraging mixed reality ecosystem advancements.

• Visual Fidelity: Replicate real-world environments with exceptional visual fidelity (AR and VR), precise depth perception, high refresh rates, immersive peripheral vision, and minimized neck strain.

• Compatibility: Must be compatible with Open Extended Reality (XR) Standards and flexible to multiple Image Generators (IGs).

• User Experience: Seamless integration with jet symbology, high-resolution display (e.g., 8K), wide field of view (120x105), control of visual perception of time of day, ease of use (don/doff and calibrate in under one minute), and comfort for 1.5-3 hour usage.

• Hardware/HMD: Considerations include refresh rate, latency, tracking accuracy, comfort, upgradability, and Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) compatibility.

• Security: Security integration is a common thread throughout all focus areas.

• The challenge is structured in three spirals: Solution Submissions, Oral Demonstration, and Commercial Solution Proposal (CSP).

• Potential for prototype projects, FAR Part 12 procurement contracts, or Other Transaction (OT) agreements under 10 USC 4022.

• Spiral 1 Submission: Web form and optional supplemental document due by 26 April 2024, 4:59 PM Pacific Time via afwerxchallenge.com.

• Evaluation Criteria (Spiral 1): Relevance, Technical Merit, Innovation, Integration Potential, Scalability, and Impact.

• Spiral 2 Oral Demonstration: For selected offerors, focusing on expanded details, live demonstration, required assistance, and rough order of magnitude.

• Spiral 3 CSP: For selected offerors, detailed instructions and evaluation criteria will be provided.

• Open to industry, academia, investing, and government entities.

• Foreign-owned businesses may participate as independent submitters or in teaming arrangements with U.S.-owned businesses, subject to restrictions.

• Security is a critical consideration throughout.

• The submission period for Spiral 1 is from 12 March 2024 to 26 April 2024.

• Future contracting opportunities will be posted on sam.gov, sbir.gov, and afwerxchallenge.com.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the "Super Goggle Digital Design Challenge" initiated by the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The objective is to develop a high-performance, multi-capable goggle that replicates "outside the cockpit" visual environments for advanced synthetic flight training. The goal is to revolutionize pilot training by creating a system with unprecedented fidelity and capability, enhancing training programs for the USAF, other DoD agencies, and allies.

• Visual Fidelity: Exceptional visual fidelity (AR and VR), precise depth perception, high refresh rates, immersive peripheral vision, minimized neck strain, and secure operation.

• Architecture: Compatibility with Open Extended Reality (XR) Standards and flexibility to integrate multiple Image Generators (IGs).

• User Experience: Seamless integration with jet symbology, high image quality, immersive viewing, night vision compatibility, control of visual perception of time of day, and ease of use (don/doff and calibration in under one minute).

• Hardware/Head Mounted Display (HMD): Wide field of view (120x105), high resolution (8K), comfort for 1.5-3 hour sessions, precise positional tracking, and SCIF compatibility.

• Security: Integration into DAF security requirements is critical.

• The challenge involves a multi-spiral process (Spiral 1: Solution Submission, Spiral 2: Oral Demonstration, Spiral 3: Commercial Solution Proposal).

• Potential for prototype projects, FAR Part 12 procurement contracts, or Other Transaction (OT) agreements under 10 USC 4022.

• Follow-on production contracts may be awarded.

• Submission Period: March 12, 2024, to April 26, 2024, 4:59 PM Pacific Time.

• Platform: Submissions must be made at afwerxchallenge.com.

• Evaluation Criteria (Spiral 1): Relevance, Technical Merit, Innovation, Integration Potential, Scalability, and Impact.

• Open to industry, academia, investing, and government entities.

• Encourages collaboration with partners or teams.

• Foreign-owned businesses may participate under specific restrictions.

• The challenge is part of Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) FA2280-23-S-C001.

• Future contracting opportunities will be posted on sam.gov, sbir.gov, and afwerxchallenge.com.

• All dates are subject to change and will be communicated via sam.gov and afwerxchallenge.com.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the Air-to-Air Refueling Mechanism (A2RM) Digital Design Challenge, seeking in-flight, platform-agnostic fuel transfer hardware technology. The goal is to enable Department of Defense (DoD) and joint coalition aircraft to transfer fuel between legacy and future aircraft, with an initial focus on the F-15. The USAF aims to leverage advancements in automated aerial refueling to modernize fuel transfer systems, enabling more flexible and tactical refueling capabilities.

• Develop digital designs for feasibility and cost studies, or fully developed solutions.

• Focus on extendible, modular, and stowable air refueling apparatus capable of boom/receptacle refueling, with a desire for dual boom/receptacle and probe/drogue refueling.

• System should be highly platform-agnostic, ideally "podded" and internally stowable within the Outer Mold Line (OML).

• Target size: no larger than 36" diameter & 230" in length, with a desire to fit smaller profiles.

• Capability to operate with minimal host aircraft power and hydraulics.

• Compatibility with fielded refueling technology (relative navigation sensors, pumps/valves, automation, station keeping systems).

• Compatibility with Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) and probe-equipped receivers.

• Fuel transfer mechanism length approximately 20-30 ft.

• Offload rate of 200-400 gallons of JP-8 per minute, with capability to vary fuel flow.

• Compliance with standards such as ATP 3.3.4.5, ATP 3.3.4.6, Mil-F-38363, and MMPDS.

• Compatibility with JP-8, JP-4, JP-5, Jet-A, & Jet-B fuel types.

• Focus areas include: Innovative Boom / Receptacle & Probe / Drogue Technologies, Fuel Transfer Mechanism Controllability, Platform-Agnostic Interfaces, and Smart Sensors & Integrations.

• This Call falls under Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) FA2280-23-S-C001.

• Potential for prototype projects, FAR Part 12 procurement contracts, or Other Transaction (OT) agreements.

• A three-spiral process: Solution Submissions, Oral Demonstration, and Commercial Solution Proposal.

• Spiral 1 Submission Period: 24 October 2023 to 4 January 2024.

• Submissions are made via afwerxchallenge.com.

• Evaluation Criteria for Spiral 1 includes: Relevance, Timeliness, Technical Merit, Innovation, Integration Potential, Scalability, and Impact.

• USAF welcomes involvement from individuals or teams in industry, academia, investing, and government.

• Foreign-owned businesses may participate independently or as part of a teaming arrangement.

• The USAF seeks to expand the list of potential vendors and solution providers.

• Potential benefits include funding for concept development, long-term contracts, and shaping warfighting capabilities.

• All announcements will be made on sam.gov and afwerxchallenge.com.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the Air-to-Air Refueling Mechanism (A2RM) Digital Design Challenge, initiated by the United States Air Force (USAF). The USAF seeks in-flight, platform-agnostic fuel transfer hardware technology capable of providing fuel to both receptacle and probe equipped receivers. The goal is to enable Department of Defense (DoD) and joint coalition aircraft to transfer fuel between legacy and future aircraft, with an initial focus on the F-15.

• Digital Designs: For feasibility and cost studies, and/or developed solutions.

• Platform Agnostic: The system should be as platform agnostic as possible, primarily intended for medium to small "fighter" sized aircraft.

• Modularity & Stowability: The apparatus should be extendable, modular, and stowable, ideally within a 36" diameter & 230" length (fitting within a 600-gallon external fuel tank) or smaller (~330-gallon tank).

• Fuel Transfer Capability: Minimum capability for boom/receptacle refueling, with a desire for dual boom/receptacle and probe/drogue refueling. Fuel offload rate of 200-400 gallons of JP-8 per minute is desired, with the ability to vary fuel flow.

• Compatibility: Must be compatible with Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) equipped receivers, with a desire to also accommodate probe-equipped receivers. Compatible with JP-8, JP-4, JP-5, Jet-A, & Jet-B fuel types.

• Controllability: The system must maintain controllability over its end fuel effector, capable of receiving commands, executing emergency procedures, and providing feedback.

• Interfaces: Designed with modularity for easy upgrading of pumps, sensors, etc., and should require minimal modification to the host aircraft.

• Sensors & Integrations: Must assess necessary functions, including relative navigation sensing, system health, fuel flow rates/pressures, and position relative to host and receiver aircraft.

• This Call falls under Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) FA2280-23-S-C001.

• Potential for FAR Part 12 procurement contract or Other Transaction (OT) under 10 USC 4022 for prototype and follow-on production.

• Submission Period: October 24, 2023, to January 4, 2024, 4:59 PM Pacific Time.

• Platform: Submissions via afwerxchallenge.com.

• Process: Evolves over three spirals: Solution Submissions, Oral Demonstration, and Commercial Solution Opening (CSP).

• Evaluation Criteria (Spiral 1): Relevance, Timeliness, Technical Merit, Innovation, Integration Potential, Scalability, and Impact.

• Open to industry, academia, investing, and government.

• Foreign-owned businesses may participate independently or in teaming arrangements with U.S.-owned businesses, subject to restrictions.

• The USAF is interested in understanding underlying designs and technologies, including fuel transfer mechanism hardware, relative navigation sensors, and autonomy.

• Submissions should consider reliability, reusability, and robustness relative to system cost.

• Digital Engineering and Acquisition is a primary pillar for this initiative.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the Air-to-Air Refueling Mechanism (A2RM) Digital Design Challenge, initiated by the United States Air Force (USAF). The challenge seeks in-flight, platform-agnostic fuel transfer hardware technology capable of providing fuel to both receptacle and probe-equipped receivers. The goal is to enable Department of Defense (DoD) and joint coalition aircraft to transfer fuel between legacy and future tactical aircraft, with an initial focus on the F-15.

• Develop digital designs for feasibility and cost studies, or fully developed solutions.

• Focus on automated aerial refueling for smaller, more flexible capabilities.

• Desired capabilities include extendible, modular, and stowable air refueling apparatus, capable of boom/receptacle refueling (minimum), with a desire for dual boom/receptacle and probe/drogue refueling.

• The system should be platform-agnostic and primarily intended for medium to small "fighter" sized aircraft.

• Key attributes include: highly platform agnostic, "podded" and internally stowable (system no larger than 36” diameter & 230” in length), minimal power/hydraulics from host aircraft, compatibility with fielded refueling technology, compatibility with Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) and probe-equipped receivers.

• Fuel transfer rate of 200-400 gallons of JP-8 per minute.

• Compliance with standards such as ATP 3.3.4.5, ATP 3.3.4.6, MIL-F-38363, and MMPDS.

• Focus areas include: Innovative Boom / Receptacle & Probe / Drogue Technologies, Fuel Transfer Mechanism Controllability, Platform-Agnostic Interfaces, and Smart Sensors & Integrations.

• This Call falls under Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) FA2280-23-S-C001.

• Potential outcomes include prototype projects, FAR Part 12 procurement contracts, or Other Transaction (OT) agreements.

• The submission process involves three spirals: Solution Submissions, Oral Demonstration, and Request for Commercial Solution Opening (CSP).

• Submission Period: October 24, 2023, to January 04, 2024, at 4:59 PM Pacific Time.

• Submissions must be made via afwerxchallenge.com.

• Evaluation Criteria for Spiral 1 includes: Relevance, Timeliness, Technical Merit, Innovation, Integration Potential, Scalability, and Impact.

• Open to individuals or teams in industry, academia, investing, and government.

• Foreign-owned businesses may participate under certain conditions.

• The USAF is interested in expanding the list of potential vendors and solution providers.

• Potential benefits for participants include funding for concept development, long-term contracts, and networking opportunities.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the Air-to-Air Refueling Mechanism (A2RM) Digital Design Challenge, seeking in-flight, platform-agnostic fuel transfer hardware technology. The goal is to enable Department of Defense (DoD) and joint coalition aircraft to transfer fuel between legacy and future tactical aircraft, with an initial focus on the F-15. The USAF aims to leverage advancements in automated aerial refueling to modernize fuel transfer systems for smaller, more flexible refueling capabilities, similar to the USN's buddy tanking.

• Digital designs for feasibility and cost studies, and/or developed solutions.

• Focus on compact, modular, and affordable fuel transfer mechanisms.

• Capabilities should be highly platform agnostic, "podded" and internally stowable within the aircraft's Outer Mold Line (OML).

• System size constraints: no larger than 36” diameter & 230” in length, ideally fitting within a ~330 gal external fuel tank.

• Minimal power, hydraulics, and fuel requirements from the host aircraft.

• Compatibility with fielded refueling technology (relative navigation sensors, pumps/valves, automation, station keeping systems).

• Compatibility with Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) and probe-equipped receivers.

• Fuel transfer mechanism length of approximately 20-30 ft.

• Fuel offload rate of 200-400 gallons of JP-8 per minute, with the desire for variable fuel flow.

• Compliance with relevant standards (ATP 3.3.4.5, ATP 3.3.4.6, Mil-F-38363, MMPDS).

• Compatibility with JP-8, JP-4, JP-5, Jet-A, & Jet-B fuel types.

• Focus areas include: Innovative Boom / Receptacle & Probe / Drogue Technologies, Fuel Transfer Mechanism Controllability, Platform-Agnostic Interfaces, and Smart Sensors & Integrations.

• This Call falls under Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) FA2280-23-S-C001.

• Potential for prototype projects, FAR Part 12 procurement contracts, or Other Transaction (OT) agreements.

• The submission process evolves over three spirals: Solution Submissions, Oral Demonstration, and Request for Commercial Solution Opening (CSP).

• Submission period: 24 October 2023 to 15 December 2023 at 4:59 PM Pacific Time.

• Submissions are made via afwerxchallenge.com.

• Evaluation criteria for Spiral 1 include Relevance, Timeliness, Technical Merit, Innovation, Integration Potential, Scalability, and Impact.

• Open to individuals or teams in industry, academia, investing, and government.

• Foreign-owned businesses may submit independently or as part of a teaming arrangement with U.S.-owned businesses, subject to restrictions.

• The USAF is interested in understanding underlying designs and technologies, including fuel transfer mechanism hardware, relative navigation sensors, and autonomy.

• The document references specific standards and policy guidelines for aerial refueling.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the "Expedient Basing Challenge," a United States Air Force (USAF) initiative seeking innovative capabilities to rapidly establish distributed operations in austere environments worldwide. The goal is to reduce USAF response times from weeks or months to hours or days, supporting Agile Combat Employment (ACE) by enabling operations from smaller, dispersed locations.

The challenge focuses on three areas:

• Site & Logistics Optimization: Solutions for identifying locations, assessing infrastructure, deploying personnel/equipment, and managing supply chains in remote areas. This includes design, building, and pre-positioning of transportable infrastructure, and leveraging technology for situational awareness and communication.
• Training Modernization: Enhancing training through simulation, virtual environments, AI/ML, and advanced communication technologies to prepare personnel for ACE challenges. This also includes fostering a culture of learning and team-based learning, joint force training, human performance optimization, and talent management.
• Force Sustainment: Developing lightweight, mobile, scalable, and flexible systems for life support (lodging, food, hygiene, utilities) and mission generation (aircraft maintenance, fuel/munitions distribution, waste management) in expeditionary settings.

This is a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) under FA2280-23-S-C001. Future contracting opportunities may include FAR-based contracts, Other Transactions (OT) under 10 USC 4022, or Prize Competitions under 15 USC 4025. Awards may be for prototype projects, concept demonstrations, pilots, or agile development.

The process involves three spirals:

• Spiral 1: Submit solutions via afwerxchallenge.com by 07/21/2023. Evaluation criteria include Relevance, Technical Merit, Innovation, Integration Potential, Technical Readiness Speed, Scalability, and Impact.
• Spiral 2: Selected offerors provide expanded details and live demonstrations.
• Spiral 3: Offerors invited to submit a full written proposal.

The USAF welcomes involvement from industry, academia, investing, and government. Foreign-owned businesses may participate, subject to restrictions. Teaming arrangements are encouraged.

Offerors can gain potential funding for concept development, long-term contracts, and opportunities for teaming and technology development. The Government reserves the right to cancel the call. Submissions are controlled by the AFWERX Challenge server time.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the "UAS Power Generation Challenge" initiated by the United States Air Force (USAF). The challenge seeks technological advancements in power generation for large group 4-5 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), aiming to modernize power generation by leveraging innovations from the aerospace and automotive industries. The goal is to enable the USAF to optimize missions, reduce costs, and simplify maintenance through a new suite of UAS-specific mechanical-to-electrical power generators.

The challenge focuses on "desirements" rather than strict requirements, which include:

• Power Generator Design: Simplicity, ability to manage thermal and electrical loads, scalable output (40-80 kW or higher continuous power).
• Power System Design: Leveraging commercial parts, modular electric power generation systems (EPGS), energy management/storage, and digital design tools.
• Manufacturability & Maintainability: Utilizing modern manufacturing, geared for maintainability, leveraging multi-industry supply chains, and incorporating built-in-test (BIT) and Prognostics & Health Management (PHM).
• Multi-use Capability: Providing scalable power levels, interoperability with common interfaces, and multi-industry applications.

This initiative falls under a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) FA2280-23-S-C001. Future contracting opportunities may result in prototype projects awarded via FAR Part 12 procurement contracts or Other Transaction (OT) agreements under 10 USC 4022, including follow-on production.

The submission and evaluation process involves three spirals:

• Spiral 1: Web form submission including solution title, executive summary, description, value proposition, inputs/outputs, maturity, proof of concept, implementation timeline, and keywords. Evaluation criteria include Relevance, Technical Merit, Innovation, Integration Potential, Scalability, and Impact.
• Spiral 2: Oral demonstration of the solution, including expanded details, live demonstration, required assistance, rough order of magnitude (ROM), and intellectual property (IP) identification. Evaluation focuses on Responsiveness and Technical Merit.
• Spiral 3: Offerors invited to submit a full Commercial Solution Proposal (CSP).

The USAF welcomes involvement from individuals, teams in industry, academia, investing, and government. Foreign-owned businesses may participate, subject to restrictions. The challenge encourages teaming.

• The submission period opens on 5/31/2023 and ends on 7/19/2023 at 4:59 PM Pacific Time.
• Submissions are made via afwerxchallenge.com.
• All dates are subject to change and will be communicated via sam.gov and afwerxchallenge.com.
• The Government reserves the right to cancel this open call.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This AFWERX Challenge seeks digital designs for an Air-to-Air Refueling Mechanism (A2RM) that is platform-agnostic, compact, modular, and affordable. The goal is to enable Department of Defense (DoD) and joint coalition aircraft to transfer fuel between legacy and future aircraft, with an initial focus on the F-15. The USAF aims to modernize fuel transfer systems for greater flexibility and capability, similar to "buddy tanking" and automated aerial refueling.

• Primary Objective: Digitally design a fuel transfer mechanism up to a conceptual design review (CoDR).

• Desired Capabilities (Attributes, not strict requirements):

  • Highly platform agnostic.
  • "Podded" and internally stowable, fitting within a 36" diameter & 230" length (or smaller, ~330 gal tank).
  • Capable of minimal power, hydraulics, etc., from the host aircraft; or capable of stowing its own fuel.
  • Compatible with fielded refueling technology (relative navigation sensors, pumps/valves, automation, station keeping systems).
  • Compatible with Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) and probe-equipped receivers.
  • Fuel transfer mechanism length of approximately 20-30 ft.
  • Capable of 200-400 gallons of JP-8 per minute fuel offload rate, with variable flow capability.
  • Compliant with relevant standards (ATP 3.3.4.5, ATP 3.3.4.6, Mil-F-38363, MMPDS).
  • Compatible with JP-8, JP-4, JP-5, Jet-A, & Jet-B fuel types.
  • Controllable end effector, capable of receiving commands, providing feedback, and executing emergency procedures.
  • Smart sensors and integrations for system health, fuel flow, pressures, and station keeping.

• This falls under a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) FA2280-23-S-C001.

• Potential for prototype projects, concept demonstrations, pilots, and agile development activities.

• Future contracting opportunities may be posted on sam.gov, sbir.gov, afwerxchallenge.com.

• Submission Period: October 24, 2023, to December 15, 2023, at 4:59 PM Pacific Time via afwerxchallenge.com.

• Process: Evolves over three spirals: Solution Submissions, Oral Demonstration, and Commercial Solution Opening (CSP).

• Evaluation Criteria (Spiral 1): Relevance, Timeliness, Technical Merit, Innovation, Integration Potential, Scalability, Impact.

• Open to individuals or teams in industry, academia, investing, and government.

• Foreign-owned businesses may submit independently or as part of a teaming arrangement with U.S.-owned businesses, subject to restrictions.

• The USAF is interested in understanding underlying designs and technologies, including fuel transfer mechanism hardware, relative navigation sensors, and autonomy.

• Submissions should consider reliability, reusability, and robustness relative to system cost.

• The Government reserves the right to cancel the Call.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document establishes an umbrella Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) solicitation (FA2280-23-S-C001) by AFWERX. The CSO is designed to be open in perpetuity and will be amended to issue "Calls" for specific focus areas. These Calls will solicit demonstrations of innovative, commercial technologies that fulfill requirements, close capability gaps, or provide technological advancements for the U.S. Air Force. The CSO aims to facilitate agile engagement with industry to solve problems and enhance Air Force effectiveness.

• The CSO itself does not request White Papers or proposals; proposals are only accepted in response to specific Calls.

• Each Call will define focus areas, submission instructions, proposal requirements, timelines, and evaluation criteria.

• Solutions sought are innovative, commercial technologies, including concept demonstrations, pilots, and agile development activities.

• The CSO may result in the award of prototype projects, potentially leading to FAR Part 12 procurement contracts or Other Transactions (OT) under 10 USC 4022.

• The CSO is a competitive procedure. Awards may be fixed-price contracts or OTs.

• The period of performance for any solution submission must be included in Spiral 3 submissions.

• Funds are not presently available for this CSO; obligations are contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds.

• The process involves three spirals: Spiral 1 (Solution Submissions), Spiral 2 (Oral Demonstration), and Spiral 3 (Commercial Solution Proposal - CSP).

• Spiral 1 submissions are made via a web form on afwerxchallenge.com, potentially with supplementary documents.

• Spiral 2 involves an oral demonstration (e.g., video) to detail the solution's viability.

• Spiral 3, if invited, requires a written proposal with technical and price/cost/schedule sections.

• Evaluation criteria will be provided at the Call level for each spiral.

• The primary NAICS code identified is 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) with a 1,000 employee size standard.

• Offerors must represent their small business size and socio-economic status.

• Small business subcontracting plans and participation are required for FAR-based procurement contracts.

• Offerors must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• The CSO authority is Section 803 of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2022.

• "Innovative" is defined as new technology, process, or method, or a new application of existing technology, as of the submission date.

• Non-Government advisors and evaluators may participate in reviews.

• Contact information for questions regarding the CSO is provided.

Other / Unclassified

This document outlines the "Expedient Basing Challenge Focus Areas 4-5," a United States Air Force (USAF) initiative seeking innovative capabilities to rapidly establish distributed operations in austere environments worldwide. The challenge aims to significantly reduce USAF response times from weeks or months to hours or days by developing lean, versatile, scalable, sustainable, resilient, and interoperable solutions.

This document is highly relevant to potential bidders as it details the specific focus areas and desired capabilities for the Expedient Basing Challenge. It outlines the USAF's objectives, which are to demonstrate the viability of solutions for planning and setting up operating locations in austere environments and to accelerate technology development for operational adoption. Bidders should pay close attention to the detailed descriptions of Focus Area 4 (Base Infrastructure) and Focus Area 5 (Integrated Base Security, Response & Recovery), which include specific requirements and technologies of interest for electrical systems, power generation, mechanical systems, construction methods, camouflage, concealment, deception, hardening, environmental protection, explosive hazard mitigation, facility repairs, damage assessment, airfield damage repair, and airfield systems recovery. The document also details the submission process, evaluation criteria, and what participants stand to gain, providing a clear roadmap for potential proposers.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the "Expedient Basing Challenge," a United States Air Force (USAF) initiative seeking modern capabilities to rapidly establish distributed operations in austere environments worldwide. The goal is to significantly reduce USAF response times from weeks or months to hours or days, supporting the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept. The challenge encourages innovative solutions for experimentation, feasibility studies, or developed products.

The challenge is structured around three focus areas:

• Site & Logistics Optimization: Solutions for identifying locations, assessing infrastructure, and rapidly deploying personnel and equipment to remote sites. This includes design, building, and pre-positioning of transportable infrastructure, supply chain development, and leveraging technology for situational awareness and data sharing.
• Training Modernization: Enhancements to USAF training to ensure agility and flexibility in evolving threats. This involves simulation, virtual training environments, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced communication technologies, as well as joint and multinational training.
• Force Sustainment: Capabilities for life support (lodging, food, utilities, health) and mission generation support (aircraft maintenance, fuel/munitions, waste disposal, fire protection) in expeditionary settings. Focus is on lightweight, mobile, scalable, and flexible equipment and systems.

This is a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) under FA2280-23-S-C001. Future contracting opportunities may result in prototype projects awarded via FAR Part 12 procurement contracts or Other Transactions (OT) under 10 USC 4022.

The submission and evaluation process occurs in three spirals:

• Spiral 1: Offerors submit a web form and optional supplemental document via afwerxchallenge.com. Submission deadline is July 21, 2023, 4:59 PM Pacific Time.
• Spiral 2: Selected offerors provide additional information and conduct oral demonstrations.
• Spiral 3: Offerors with sufficient technical merit submit a full written proposal.

Evaluation criteria for Spiral 1 include Relevance, Technical Merit, Innovation, Integration Potential, Technical Readiness Speed, Scalability, and Impact.

Participation is welcomed from industry, academia, investing, and government. Foreign-owned businesses may participate, subject to specific restrictions.

Potential benefits for participants include funding for concept development/prototyping, long-term contracts, shaping warfighting capabilities, and networking opportunities. The USAF reserves the right to cancel the open call.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the "UAS Power Generation Challenge" initiated by the United States Air Force (USAF). The goal is to identify and leverage technological advancements in aerospace and automotive industries for modernizing power generation for large group 4-5 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The challenge seeks solutions that optimize missions, reduce costs, and simplify maintenance.

The USAF is interested in net-new solutions, enhancements to existing ones, or multi-capable solutions. "Desirements" (not strict requirements) include:

• Step load capability (1 per unit)
• Power quality at the load
• Regulated DC voltage output compatible with military bus voltages
• Ability to manage short circuits and create peak current
• Baseline generator system weight: 1-2 kW per pound
• Mechanical speed: generate power across a 2:1 engine shaft speed range
• Current generator cost: $0.10 - $1.50 per Watt

Focus areas include:

• Power Generator Design(s): Simplicity, thermal load management, current capability, scalable output power (40-80 kW+).
• Power System Design: Leveraging commercial parts, modularity, energy management, digital design tools.
• Manufacturability & Maintainability: Modern techniques, limited life cycle focus, domestic supply chain identification, built-in-test (BIT) and Prognostics & Health Management (PHM).
• Multi-use Capability: Scalable power, interoperable interfaces, multi-industry applications.

This Call falls under Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) FA2280-23-S-C001. Awards may result in prototype projects, FAR Part 12 procurement contracts, or Other Transaction (OT) agreements under 10 USC 4022, including prototype and follow-on production.

The submission and evaluation process involves three spirals:

• Spiral 1: Web form and optional supplemental document submission.
• Spiral 2: Oral demonstration and discussion for selected offerors.
• Spiral 3: Full written proposal for technically merited solutions.

Submission Deadline for Spiral 1: July 19, 2023, at 4:59 PM Pacific Time via afwerxchallenge.com.

Evaluation Criteria for Spiral 1: Relevance, Technical Merit, Innovation, Integration Potential, Scalability, Impact.

Open to individuals, teams, industry, academia, investing, and government. Foreign-owned businesses may participate under certain conditions.

• Future contracting opportunities will be posted on sam.gov, sbir.gov, and afwerxchallenge.com.
• The Government reserves the right to cancel this open call.
• Submissions must be made by the deadline; late submissions will not be accepted.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the "Expedient Basing Challenge," an initiative by the United States Air Force (USAF) to find modern capabilities for establishing distributed operations in austere environments worldwide. The goal is to rapidly respond to humanitarian crises, natural disasters, and military activities by reducing USAF response times from weeks or months to hours or days. This effort is part of the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept, which shifts operations to smaller, dispersed locations.

The challenge focuses on three areas:

• Site & Logistics Optimization: Solutions for identifying locations, assessing resources, and rapidly deploying personnel and equipment. This includes design, building, and pre-positioning of transportable infrastructure, supply chain development, and leveraging technology for situational awareness and efficient logistics.
• Training Modernization: Enhancing training through simulation, virtual environments, AI/ML, and advanced communication technologies. This also includes fostering joint and multinational training opportunities.
• Force Sustainment: Developing lightweight, mobile, scalable, and flexible equipment and systems for life support (lodging, food, utilities, waste management) and mission generation (aircraft maintenance, fuel/munitions, hazardous waste disposal).

This is a "Commercial Solutions Opening" (CSO) and may result in prototype projects, concept demonstrations, pilots, agile development activities, FAR Part 12 procurement contracts, or Other Transaction (OT) agreements. Follow-on production contracts are possible.

The submission and evaluation process occurs in three spirals:

• Spiral 1: Offerors submit a web form and optional supplemental document via afwerxchallenge.com. Submission period: 05/26/2023 to 06/30/2023.
• Spiral 2: Selected offerors provide additional information and may conduct oral demonstrations.
• Spiral 3: Offerors with sufficient technical merit submit a full written proposal.

Evaluation criteria for Spiral 1 include Relevance, Technical Merit, Innovation, Integration Potential, Technical Readiness Speed, Scalability, and Impact.

The USAF welcomes involvement from industry, academia, investing, and government. Teaming with partners is encouraged. Foreign-owned businesses may participate under certain restrictions.

Participants stand to gain potential funding for concept development, rapid prototyping, long-term contracts, business relationships, and opportunities for teaming and technology development. All dates are subject to change and will be communicated via sam.gov and afwerxchallenge.com.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the "ACE Common Aviation Support Equipment Challenge" initiated by the United States Air Force (USAF). The goal is to conceptualize, design, and develop a highly mobile, multi-capable, resilient, and sustainable suite of aviation maintenance and support equipment for flightline operations, particularly in the context of Agile Combat Employment (ACE). The USAF seeks innovative solutions to address the need for equipment that is efficient, mobile, and reduces manpower demands without compromising operational capacity.

The challenge is structured around three focus areas:

• Rapid Mobility: Equipment for rapid deployment, maintenance, and support of aircraft and Airmen, including transportability, setup, and operational support over extended periods. Desired capabilities include multi-waveform power outputs for aircraft, HVAC, nitrogen, hydraulics, fuel transfer, and command/control systems. Energy efficiency and innovative technology solutions are also sought.
• Rapid Sortie Generation: Equipment for generating aircraft sorties, including refueling, rearming, and munitions handling. Key desires include reduced footprint, multi-functionality, energy efficiency (aiming for zero emissions by FY32), modularity, and interoperability with various aircraft types.
• Rapid Diagnostics & Recovery: Capabilities for discrepancy diagnosis and recovery of aircraft and critical equipment, with a focus on smart systems, self-diagnostics, interoperable testers, and rapid reporting and on-site verification.

This is a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) and may result in prototype projects, FAR Part 12 procurement contracts, or Other Transaction (OT) agreements under 10 USC 4022. Follow-on production contracts may also be awarded.

The process involves three spirals:

• Spiral 1: Submit a web form and optional supplemental document via afwerxchallenge.com. Evaluation criteria include Relevance, Technical Merit, Innovation, Multi-purpose functionality, Integration potential, Technical readiness speed, Scalability, and Impact.
• Spiral 2: Selected offerors provide additional information and oral demonstrations.
• Spiral 3: Selected offerors submit a full written proposal.

The submission period opens on 02/28/2023 and ends on 04/18/2023 at 4:59 PM Pacific Time.

Involvement is welcomed from industry, academia, investing, and government. Foreign-owned businesses may participate, subject to sourcing restrictions and approvals.

Participants can expect potential funding for concept development, rapid prototyping, and long-term contracts. The USAF encourages collaboration and teaming.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document establishes an umbrella Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) solicitation to procure innovative commercial items, technologies, or services for the Air Force. It serves as a framework for future "Calls" which will define specific focus areas, technical requirements, and submission instructions. The CSO is intended to identify and acquire new capabilities that fulfill requirements, close capability gaps, or provide technological advancements.

• The CSO itself does not request White Papers or proposals; these are only submitted in response to specific "Calls" issued under this CSO.

• Future Calls will define specific focus areas, submission instructions, timelines, and evaluation criteria.

• Solutions should be innovative, commercial technologies that propose new solutions or capabilities.

• The CSO remains open in perpetuity until canceled by the Air Force, and may be updated annually.

• Awards may result in prototype projects, potentially leading to FAR Part 12 procurement contracts or Other Transactions (OTs) under 10 USC 4022.

• Follow-on production contracts are possible, potentially through competitive procedures.

• The process involves three spirals: Spiral 1 (Solution Submissions), Spiral 2 (Oral Demonstration), and Spiral 3 (Request for Commercial Solution Proposal - CSP).

• Submissions are primarily electronic via the afwerxchallenge.com website.

• Evaluation criteria will be detailed in each specific Call.

• The Government may use external market research for evaluation.

• NAICS code 541715 (Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) is identified, with a 1,000 employee size standard. Additional NAICS codes may be assigned.

• Offerors must represent their small business size and socio-economic status.

• Small business subcontracting plans and participation are required for FAR-based contracts.

• Non-traditional defense contractors are eligible.

• Funds are not presently available for this CSO; obligations are contingent upon appropriation.

• Offerors must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and be registered in SAM.gov.

• Non-Government advisors may participate in evaluations but are non-scoring.