Army Reprogramming Analysis Team (ARAT) Research & Development Effort

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document, Amendment 2, provides the Government's official responses to questions submitted by potential vendors regarding the Request for Information (RFI) for the Army Reprogramming Analysis Team (ARAT) Research & Development Effort (RFI/SSN: ACCAPG_ARAT_2026).

• Acquisition Strategy Determination: The Government stated that the RFI is solely for market research to determine the most suitable acquisition strategy, including potential set-asides. No final decision has been made, and all RFI responses will inform this determination. All interested and capable firms are encouraged to respond.
• Scope of Current RFI: The RFI for ARAT Program Analysis Services is focused on identifying sources for comprehensive systems engineering, C5ISR mission software, test and evaluation, and program management services. The scope of this specific RFI does not include the research and development of new hardware components or advanced materials.
• Engagement for New Technologies: For firms interested in introducing novel EW-relevant hardware or sensor concepts, the Government recommends monitoring various public venues and resources. These include the U.S. Army Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) on SAM.gov, SBIR/STTR Solicitations, Technical Exchanges/Industry Days/"Collision Events" announced on SAM.gov or organizational websites (e.g., PEO C3T, PEO IEW&S, C5ISR Center), and the Army Applied SBIR Program & Army Applications Laboratory (AAL).

This amendment clarifies the RFI's purpose and scope and offers guidance for future engagement with the Army regarding new technologies. It does not introduce new requirements, modify existing deadlines, or change submission instructions for the RFI.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides Amendment 1 to the Request for Information (RFI) for the Army Reprogramming Analysis Team (ARAT) Research & Development Effort, specifically addressing questions and answers related to the RFI.

• Question: A respondent inquired whether the Government would consider maintaining or expanding an 8(a) set-aside approach if market research responses support this determination.
• Answer: The Government acknowledged the question and stated that the RFI's purpose is to conduct market research to determine the most suitable acquisition strategy. A final determination has not yet been made, and all received information will be used to inform this decision. Interested and capable firms are encouraged to respond to the RFI.

This amendment clarifies the Government's current position on acquisition strategy determination, emphasizing that the RFI responses will influence the final decision regarding set-aside approaches. It encourages participation from interested firms.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines support services for the U.S. Department of the Army's ARMY SOFTWARE & INNOVATION CENTER (ASIC) Intelligence Electromagnetic Warfare & Sensors (IEWS) directorate, specifically for the Army Reprogramming Analysis Team (ARAT) for Innovation Initiatives in 2026. The primary goal is to enhance the lethality and survivability of forward-deployed combat forces through the development and integration of advanced electromagnetic warfare (EW) and non-kinetic warfare capabilities.

Key areas of support include:

• Army Reprogramming Analysis Team (ARAT): Providing administrative support, capability needs statements, doctrine development, program support (budgeting, strategic planning, business/financial programming), system analysis, integration, logistics support, technical studies, contingency/mission support, program oversight, sustainment, operation, and analysis of emerging technologies.
• EW and Cyber Support: Threat signature analysis, threat change detection, software development, testing, and distribution; reprogramming training; and comprehensive EW and cyber support.
• ARAT Test and Evaluation: Support for multi-user client-server architectures, enhancements to electronic mission software distribution, development of automated modeling and simulation solutions, relational databasing of threat and test parameters, emulation of aircraft displays, and integration of Software Defined Radios (SDRs).
• ARAT Modeling & Simulation: Optimizing the generation, compilation, and fidelity of threat models for RF Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) testing to support non-kinetic warfare strategies.
• ARAT Test Modernization: Upgrading RF HWIL manual and automated test instrumentation for Air RF HWIL testing.
• Air and Ground Electromagnetic Warfare and Federated Laboratory: Designing and developing a next-generation test network for EW testing across multiple domains.
• Test Data Collection & Automation: Automating data collection and product generation from test instrumentation.
• Electronic Product Distribution: Streamlining the delivery of EW products (simulations, mission software, etc.) to warfighters.

Performance will be evaluated based on the PWS and a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. Specific performance objectives, standards, and thresholds are defined for Monthly Status Reports (MSRs), Program Management Plans (PMPs), Project Schedules, Project Budgets, Quality Deliverables, and Responsive Customer Service.

Performance is anticipated to occur at various U.S. Army locations including Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, and other specified sites. Travel to these locations may be required.

• Security: Requires a TOP SECRET facility clearance. Access to Non-SCI Intelligence Information, NATO Information, Foreign Government Information, and FOUO is required. Contractor personnel will have access to classified information at other contractor or government facilities, or outside the U.S.
• Training: Mandatory training includes AT Level I, IWATCH, Cybersecurity/Information Technology (IT) training, and OPSEC training. Specific certifications may be required for IT functions.
• Contract Management: Includes Post-Award Briefs, Program Management Plans, Monthly Status Reports, Quarterly Project Management Reviews, and Final Technical Reports.
• Phase-Out: A two-month transition period is scheduled prior to contract end date.

Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought Notice

This RFI/SSN is issued by the US Army Communication Electronics Command (CECOM) for the Army Software & Innovation Center (ASIC) Army Reprogramming and Analysis Team (ARAT). The purpose is to conduct market research to identify qualified Small Business Administration (SBA) certified 8(a) Program Participants that are also Alaskan Native Corporations (ANCs), Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs), or Tribally-owned concerns. The government intends to use the information gathered to determine the best acquisition strategy for this procurement, which involves ARAT Research and Development engineering support and ARAT Electromagnetic Warfare research and development.

• ARAT Research and Development Engineering Support: Includes strategic technical planning, system engineering and planning, system analysis and integration, resource determination, contingency and mission support, program oversight, and analysis of emerging technologies.

• ARAT Electromagnetic Warfare R&D Support: Includes Electromagnetic Warfare Test Modernization tasks to enhance laboratory infrastructure for developing and testing Mission Software Products (MSP), EW Requirements Optimization tasks to develop MSP requirements, and enhancements to a software portal for distributing MSP and threat modeling products.

• Response Due Date: 10 FEB 2026, 16:30 EST.

• Page Limit: Maximum of 10 pages for the response.

• Required Information: Company name, physical address, UEI, CAGE code, point of contact, statement confirming active participation in SBA 8(a) Program, copy of SBA 8(a) certification, statement specifying ANC, NHO, or Tribally-Owned Concern status, identification of other socio-economic statuses, and confirmation of facility clearance.

• Technical Capabilities Response: Must address four specific questions related to Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) Capabilities, Modeling and Simulation Optimization, Data Automation Techniques, and Project Management Approach.

• Submission Contacts: Eric Bowes (eric.r.bowes.civ@army.mil) and Kris Knopp (robert.k.knopp2.civ@army.mil).

• PSC: AC33 (Support – Professional: Engineering/Technical)

• NAICS Code: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology))

• Facility Clearance: TOP SECRET required for contractor performance. No classified material to be safeguarded at the contractor's facility (NONE).

• This RFI is specifically seeking information from firms that are SBA 8(a) certified AND are also Alaskan Native Corporations (ANCs), Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs), or Tribally-owned concerns.

• This RFI/SSN is for information and planning purposes only and is not a commitment by the Government.

• The Government does not intend to award a contract based solely on this RFI/SSN.

• No costs associated with submittal will be reimbursed.

• This request does not constitute an Invitation for Bid or a Request for Proposal.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the "Level of Effort" for the Army Reprogramming Analysis Team (ARAT) Research & Development Effort. It details various labor categories, their associated categories of work, Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) percentages, and locations.

• Labor Categories: A list of specific job titles and roles (e.g., Program Manager II, Contract Analyst I, Software Engineer I).
• Category: The general area of work for each labor category (e.g., Program & Project Management, Testing, Evaluation & Training, Threat Analysis, Data Management, Systems and Software Engineering, Logistics).
• FTE: The Full-Time Equivalent percentage allocated to each labor category, indicating the proportion of a full-time role.
• Location: The designated work location for each role, primarily "CONUS/REMOTE/APG".

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the staffing requirements and the distribution of effort across different skill sets for the ARAT program. It provides insight into the types of personnel and the level of commitment expected for each role, which can inform proposal development, resource allocation, and pricing strategies.