Combat Identification Automated Target Recognition Technology (CATCH) Call 06

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding contractual and technical aspects of the opportunity.

• CMMC Level 2 Assessment: The required CMMC Level 2 assessment is a self-assessment, not a third-party assessment. This assessment must be current at the time of contract award and maintained throughout the contract duration, in accordance with DFARS 252.204-7021 and DFARS 252.204-7025.
• Facility Clearance and Material Handling: If a contractor's facility clearance is Top Secret (TS) but their safeguarding level is Secret, and employees are cleared to TS, the contractor may use a government facility to work on Top Secret material. A Secret safeguarding level should suffice in this scenario.

These clarifications address specific vendor concerns regarding compliance (CMMC) and operational capabilities (facility clearance and material handling), which may influence bidder eligibility and proposal preparation.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a one-step solicitation (Call 06) issued under the Combat Identification Automated Target Recognition Technology (CATCH) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA). The Air Force Research Laboratory, Sensors Directorate (AFRL/RY) is seeking technical and cost proposals for advanced multi-sensor, multi-platform fusion solutions for air-to-ground automatic target recognition (ATR). The effort, referred to as Universal Multi-sensor Processing for Intelligent Recognition and Evaluation (UMPIRE), aims to develop TRL-3+ algorithmic solutions and mature existing Air Force platforms to TRL-7 over a 4-5 year period. This includes algorithm development, validation, system integration, demonstration, and transition.

• Program Summary: Development of advanced multi-sensor, multi-platform fusion solutions for air-to-ground automatic target recognition (ATR).

• Deliverable Items: Data Items (per attached CDRLs dated 3 March 2025), Software (TBD based on contractor proposal), Hardware (TBD based on contractor proposal).

• Schedule: Overall effort is 63 months (60 months technical PoP + 3 months for final reporting). Data Items are due 3 March 2025. Software and Hardware development are 60 months after award.

• Other Requirements: US citizenship required for individuals, TS/SCI and SAP security clearance levels. Subject to Export Control (ITAR). CMMC Level 2 assessment required at time of award and for duration of contract.

• Contract Type: Anticipated Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF).

• Period of Performance: 60 months technical PoP.

• Estimated Value: $15,000,000.00 (with the right to exceed).

• Anticipated Awards: One contract anticipated, but the Air Force reserves the right to award some, all, or none.

• Proposal Due Date and Time: March 2, 2026, 5:00 PM Wright-Patterson AFB local time (EDT).

• Submission: Electronic submission to Contracting POCs (Joe Mergler, Omar Eldadah). DoD SAFE link available upon request by February 26, 2026.

• Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will undergo Peer or Scientific Review. Technical Merit is the first priority, followed by Cost/Price as the second priority. Proposals will be categorized as Selectable or Not Selectable.

• Eligible Offeror: Unrestricted solicitation.

• Foreign Participation: Not authorized.

• Funds are not presently available; no award will be made until funds are available. The Government reserves the right to cancel the solicitation.

• Numerous attachments are referenced, including SOO, CDRLs, DD Form 254, Section K, and others.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation (Solicitation Number: FA237726RB005) for a contract related to "Combat Identification Automated Target Recognition Technology (CATCH) Call 06". The solicitation details requirements for research and development, and the delivery of computer software.

• Research and Development: Conduct research in accordance with Section J, Attachment 6, "Statement of Objectives" (dated 9 December 2025) to mature a multi-sensor, multi-platform fusion solution for air-to-ground automatic target recognition (ATR) algorithm.

• Computer Software Delivery: Deliver computer software developed or acquired during the effort, including CID algorithms and collected datasets. Software deliverables must be in an agreed-upon format and delivered at agreed-upon intervals.

• Data Delivery: Deliver data in performance of requirements as discussed in the SOW and in accordance with the Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL).

• Technology Awareness: Ensure AFRL staff is aware of any leveraged technologies from other sources or programs, and any technology transitions from AFRL programs.

• Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Software: Any COTS software license delivered must be consistent with federal law and submitted for review and acceptability.

• Contract Type: Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF).

• Estimated Cost and Fixed Fee: TBD (Cost), TBD (Fixed Fee).

• Total CPFF: $15,000,000.00.

• Limitation of Funds: $15.0M available for payment and allotted to this contract, estimated to cover performance through FY31.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated in the provided pages, but the Limitation of Funds suggests a long-term effort.

• Delivery: FOB Destination.

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

• Size Standard: 1000 employees.

• Priority Rating: DO-A7.

• Offer Due Date/Local Time: 20 Feb 2026, 05:00 PM.

• Solicitation Issue Date: 20 Feb 2026.

• Submission Instructions: Not detailed in the provided pages, but standard FAR clauses are incorporated.

• Evaluation Criteria: Not detailed in the provided pages.

• Acquisition Type: Unrestricted.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-4 by reference, with addenda attached.

• Payment will be made via Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF).

• Numerous FAR and DFARS clauses are incorporated by reference, covering various aspects of contract administration, intellectual property, cybersecurity, and representations and certifications.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) process for conducting Security Risk Reviews for federally funded research. The objective is to identify potential vectors of undue foreign influence and protect Department of the Air Force Science and Technology (S&T). The review process is holistic, considering technical and security factors to determine an appropriate Risk Acceptance Level (RAL).

• Applicants/Recipients/Offerors/Contractors must submit specific documentation with their application/proposal for Contract or Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) proposals:

  • Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile Worksheet (Attachment 7)
  • Security Program Questionnaire (Attachment 6)
  • "Privacy Act Statement" consent form for each "Covered Individual" (Attachment 8)

• "Covered Individuals" are defined as those contributing substantively to the scientific development or execution of a research and development project.

• Federal law requires disclosure of all current and pending research support for covered individuals at the time of application.

• Applicants must certify that covered individuals are aware of disclosure requirements and potential liability for false representations.

• Applicants must establish internal processes to address foreign talent programs, conflicts of interest, and research integrity.

• Applicants must exercise due diligence to identify foreign components or participation in foreign government talent recruitment programs by Senior/Key Personnel.

• The document references AFRLI 61-113 and DAFI 63-101/20-101.

• It mentions potential challenges under awards made solely for Fundamental Research and other award types.

• The security risk review is a critical component of the application/proposal evaluation.

• If a security risk is determined to exceed the acceptable threshold, the award may be declined, with rationale provided as Government OPSEC measures allow.

• By submitting required documentation, applicants agree to comply with disclosure requirements and due diligence obligations.

• Not explicitly stated, but the focus on security risk review implies a need for careful vetting of personnel and affiliations.

• Nationality or citizenship is not a factor in the security risk reviews.

• The review process generally looks at five potential risk factors: Foreign Talent Program, Funding, Foreign Institutions, Denied Entities, and U.S. Government Systems.

• During the period of performance, annual re-submission of the Senior and Key Person Profile is required, along with updates for any new covered individuals.

• Applicants must notify the Contracting/Grants/Agreements Officer within 5 business days if they become aware of Senior/Key Research Personnel participating in a Foreign Government Talent Program or having Foreign Components with strategic competitors.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a placeholder Statement of Objectives (SOO) for CATCH Call 06 SOO, dated 9 December 2025. It contains Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

• SOO Title: CATCH Call 06 SOO
• Date: 9 December 2025
• Contains CUI

To obtain a copy of the SOO, potential bidders must email the Program Engineer, Kameron Grubaugh (kameron.grubaugh@us.af.mil), or the Contracting Officer, Omar Eldadah (omar.eldadah@us.af.mil).

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document is a Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) that specifies various data items required from the contractor under contract FA2377-2. It details the type, format, frequency, submission requirements, and distribution for each data item.

• Data Item No. A001: Scientific and Technical Reports (Final Report), due at the end of the technical effort, with specific formatting and marking requirements (e.g., CUI). Includes a draft submission 30 days after technical effort completion and a final submission 90 days after technical effort completion.
• Data Item No. A002: Funds and Man-Hour Expenditure Report, submitted monthly.
• Data Item No. A003: Contract Funds Status Report (CFSR), submitted quarterly.
• Data Item No. A004: Contractor Spend and Expenditure Plan, submitted quarterly.
• Data Item No. A005: Status Report, submitted monthly.
• Data Item No. A006: Software User Manual (SUM), submitted as required.
• Data Item No. A007: Presentation Material, submitted as required for briefings.
• Data Item No. A008: Test Plan (Flight and Taxi Test Plan), submitted 8 weeks prior to testing.
• Data Item No. A009: Computer Software Product (including source code), submitted with the technical effort.
• Data Item No. A010: R&R Annual Update, submitted annually.
• Data Item No. A011: Security Plan, submitted within 15 days after award if required.

This CDRL outlines the specific reporting and deliverable requirements for contractors. Bidders must understand these requirements to accurately estimate the effort and cost associated with contract performance, particularly regarding the types of reports, their frequency, and submission deadlines. The document also specifies distribution requirements and any special handling instructions (e.g., for CUI or classified data).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 5 - Section K (Reps and Certs)", contains representations, certifications, and other statements of offerors required for this solicitation. It outlines various Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) provisions that offerors must address.

• Incorporated by Reference: Lists FAR and DFARS provisions that are incorporated by reference, requiring offerors to comply with them.
• Full Text Provisions: Includes the full text of several key FAR provisions, such as:
  • 52.204-08 Annual Representations and Certifications (Jan 2022): Details NAICS code (541715), small business size standard (1,000 employees), and conditions for simplified acquisition thresholds.
  • 52.204-20 Predecessor of Offeror (Aug 2020): Requires representation regarding successor status to previous Federal contract holders.
  • 52.209-02 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations.
  • 52.209-05 Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters.
  • 52.209-07 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters.
  • 52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or Felony Conviction.
  • 52.230-01 Cost Accounting Standards Notices and Certification.
  • 252.203-7005 Representation Relating to Compensation of Former DoD Officials.
  • 252.204-7007 Alternate A, Annual Representations and Certifications.
  • 252.227-7017 Identification and Assertion of Use, Release, or Disclosure Restrictions.
• SAM.gov Integration: Emphasizes that many representations and certifications are completed electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and must be current, accurate, and applicable.
• Offeror Actions: Requires offerors to either rely on their SAM.gov registration or complete individual representations and certifications, noting any changes.

This document is critical for all potential bidders. It specifies the mandatory representations and certifications required to be eligible for award. Bidders must carefully review each provision to ensure they meet all requirements and accurately complete the necessary forms or confirm their SAM.gov data is up-to-date and applicable to this solicitation. Failure to comply may render an offer ineligible for award.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Statement of Objectives (SOO) Supplemental Requirements," provides additional requirements and guidance that are considered part of the overall SOO for the solicitation FA2377-26-R-B005. Bidders must comply with these supplemental requirements to the same extent as the main SOO.

• Disclosure of Information: Requires submission of specific information copies to the Contracting Officer and Program Manager at least 50 days prior to release.
• Key Positions and Minimum Qualifications: Outlines essential personnel roles and their minimum education/experience requirements. Any proposed substitutions require Contracting Officer approval.
• Packaging and Marking: Specifies that all hardware deliverables must be packaged according to commercial practices. Special handling instructions are required for sensitive items.
• Program Manager and Focal Points: Identifies the Government Program Manager and lists other key personnel, including a placeholder for the Principal Investigator.
• Security Requirements: Details requirements for handling Top Secret (TS) Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), including the role of the Contracting Monitor.
• Patent Rights: Outlines the process for reporting inventions and subcontracts involving patent rights.
• Non-U.S. Citizens: Specifies that contractor employees requiring access to USAF bases, facilities, or IT networks must be U.S. citizens, with limited exceptions and waiver processes.
• Small Business Subcontracting Plan: References an incorporated plan by date.
• Operations Security (OPSEC): Mandates OPSEC as an integral part of daily activities, requiring training for all personnel and adherence to security measures to protect sensitive information and technology.
• Science and Technology (S&T) Protection: Requires adherence to S&T Protection Plans and the development of a Protection Implementation document.
• Risk Identification and Security Countermeasures (RISC): Includes requirements for Senior/Key Person Profiles, reporting of foreign government talent program involvement, and procedures for addressing security risks.

This document is critical for bidders as it details specific personnel, security, reporting, and operational requirements beyond the primary SOO. Understanding these supplemental requirements is essential for accurately developing proposals, estimating resource needs, and ensuring compliance if awarded the contract.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Security Program Questionnaire" used to review the security program and practices of institutions receiving research funding. It is intended to be completed by a Contractor/Recipient and reviewed by the S&T Protection Lead.

The questionnaire includes 13 questions covering various aspects of security, including:

• Physical security plans
• Information security processes
• Information storage methods
• Procedures for transmission, transportation, disposal, destruction, and reproduction of information
• Safeguards for personnel accessing information
• Plans for safeguarding Government Furnished Equipment/Information (GFE/GFI)
• Cybersecurity and network protection procedures
• Operations security to prevent adversary access
• Insider threat deterrence, detection, and mitigation
• Procedures for handling compromised information
• Willingness to provide AFRL S&T Protection training

Bidders may be required to complete this questionnaire as part of the proposal submission process. The responses will help the government assess the bidder's capability to protect sensitive information and comply with security requirements related to the research funding opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Privacy Act Statement" for the Air Force Research Laboratory. It informs individuals about the collection, use, and disclosure of their personal information in relation to federal grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and other research-related agreements awarded by the Department of the Air Force.

• Authority: Lists the legal statutes and executive orders governing the collection and use of information.
• Purpose: Explains that collected information is used for processing, investigating, and maintaining records related to Air Force awards and to ensure awards are made to responsible parties.
• Routine Uses: Details how the information may be shared with contractors, grantees, experts, consultants, students, and law enforcement agencies.
• Effect of not providing information: States that providing information is voluntary, but failure to comply with disclosure requirements (as per 42 U.S. Code § 6605) may result in rejection of applications, and potentially civil or criminal remedies.
• Acknowledgment of consent: Includes fields for a "Proposal Title," and signatures and printed names of the "Covered individual" and the "Institution's Authorized Representative," along with dates and the "Institution Name."

Bidders, particularly individuals and institutions involved in research and development agreements with the Air Force Research Laboratory, must review this statement. It outlines the necessity of providing personal information, how it will be used, and the consequences of non-compliance. The acknowledgment section requires specific details to be filled out, indicating its role in the application or agreement process.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile Worksheet" intended for use with FAR-Based Contracts. It serves as a template for bidders to provide detailed information about the senior and key personnel proposed for the opportunity.

• The worksheet requires the input of personal and professional details for a Project Director / Principal Investigator and up to five Senior / Key Persons.
• Required fields include First Name, Last Name, Position/Title, Organization Name, and Email Address.
• Optional fields include Middle Name, Suffix, Department, Division, Phone Number, and LinkedIn Profile.
• Bidders must also specify the "Project Role" (e.g., PD/PI) and can note any "Other Project Role."
• A footnote indicates that fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required items.

Bidders must complete this worksheet accurately and thoroughly to identify and profile the key individuals who will be assigned to perform the work under the contract. This information is crucial for the government's evaluation of the proposed team's qualifications and capacity to meet the opportunity's requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document serves as a placeholder for Government Furnished Information (GFI) Addendum. It indicates that GFI is expected to be provided, but the specific details are not yet included in this attachment.

• The document title is "Placeholder GFI Addendum".
• It references "Call 06 - FA2377-26-R-B005" and "Attachment 11".
• Instructions are provided to email the Program Engineer, Kameron Grubaugh at Kameron.Grubaugh@us.af.mil, for a copy of the GFI Addendum.

Bidders should note that this is a placeholder and that Government Furnished Information will be provided separately. Interested parties should contact the Program Engineer to obtain the actual GFI Addendum when it becomes available. This information is crucial for understanding the full scope of government-provided resources for the opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "Placeholder DD254," serves as Attachment 4 to the solicitation. It indicates that the DD 254 Title is "Solicitation DD 254" and provides a date of 11 December 2025. It directs interested parties to email the Program Engineer, Kameron Grubaugh (kameron.grubaugh@us.af.mil), or the Contracting Officer, Omar Eldadah (omar.eldadah@us.af.mil), for a copy of the solicitation DD254.

• Document Title: Placeholder DD254
• Associated Solicitation Title: Solicitation DD 254
• Date: 11 December 2025
• Contact Information for Solicitation Copy: Email addresses for Kameron Grubaugh and Omar Eldadah.

This attachment provides essential contact information for bidders to obtain the full solicitation document. It clarifies that the primary solicitation is related to a DD 254 and provides the date associated with it, which may be relevant for understanding the timeline of the opportunity.