Defense Experimentation Using the Commercial Space Internet

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 04 to the Open Two-Step Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) for Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI).

• The document title indicates it is Amendment 04, dated 29 February 2024.

• It references "Amendment 03" as the ARA Type, suggesting this is a subsequent update.

• The document details a two-step solicitation process: White Papers and then Proposals.

• White papers are accepted from 1 February 2018 until 15 August 2027 at 5:00 PM local time.

• Proposals will be solicited via Requests for Proposals sent to offerors whose white papers meet Air Force needs.

• The document outlines the program description, objectives, and technical areas, including three phases: Establish Connectivity, Operational Experimentation, and Special Purpose Experimentation.

• It details submission requirements for white papers and proposals, including page limitations, format, and content.

• Key requirements include S&T protection, data rights, and export control.

• Evaluation criteria for both white papers and proposals are provided.

• The white paper submission deadline remains 15 August 2027.

• The document provides detailed instructions for both the white paper (Step One) and proposal (Step Two) submissions, including page limits and required content.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 04 to the Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) with Calls for the Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI) program. It explicitly states that this announcement is NOT requesting proposals at this time. The basic ARA remains open until December 15, 2027.

This amendment does not appear to modify specific sections of the original ARA but rather clarifies the current status of proposal requests and the overall timeline.

No proposals are currently being requested. Future "Calls for Proposals" will be issued against this ARA, and each Call will contain specific requirements and submission dates. Offerors should monitor for future amendments or Calls.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation (Call 004) seeks multi-band, directional SATCOM antennas for military aircraft, aiming to enable communications with multiple commercial space internet (CSI) constellations across LEO, MEO, and GEO orbits in Ku and Ka frequency bands. The goal is to enhance flexibility and affordability of defense communications by allowing seamless switching between CSI providers and spectrum, and potentially integrating with existing military communication systems. Solutions operating on a single constellation or single frequency band are not of interest.

• Antennas must support communications with LEO, MEO, and GEO constellations in Ku and Ka bands (not simultaneously).

• Must be compatible with modems and transceivers developed under DEUCSI Call 3.

• Two use cases are specified:

  • Use Case 1: Specially-constrained, low-volume aircraft with strict electromagnetic compatibility requirements (18-23" diameter, up to 4-6" height).
  • Use Case 2: Low-SWAP antennas for high-volume aircraft, prioritizing size, weight, and power (SWAP) minimization, with less stringent EMC requirements.

• Minimum of 6 antennas required for initial experimentation (ground and flight testing).

• Deliverables include test data, interface documents, operator's manual, DD-1494, environmental and EMC test/analysis data, monthly status reports, and a final report.

• Compliance with MIL-STD-810H, DO-160, MIL-STD-461, and MIL-STD-464 is required.

• Anticipated Number of Awards: 1-3 Other Transaction Agreements and/or Contracts.

• Estimated Value per Award: $10-30M.

• Period of Performance: Estimated 18-36 months for the effort, plus 3 months for reporting (total 21-39 months).

• Antennas available for test within 24 months of award are preferred.

• Proposal Due Date: 15 March 2024, 4:00 PM Dayton, OH local time.

• Submission Method: Electronic copy via DoD SAFE secure file transfer system.

• Technical Proposal Limit: 25 pages (15 pages may be classified).

• Evaluation Criteria: Technical (equal importance), Cost/Price (second priority).

• Technical criteria include soundness of approach, risk mitigation, experience, relevance to goals, understanding of scope, and transition potential.

• Qualified US Contractors are eligible.

• A Certified DD Form 2345 (Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement) is required for access to supplementary data packages.

• Foreign participation is not authorized.

• Government will provide aircraft for experimentation at no cost.

• Classified activities may be required for Use Case 1.

• Offerors are encouraged to contact the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) to discuss novel approaches prior to proposal development.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 03 to the Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) with Calls for "Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI)".

• The document states that this announcement is NOT requesting proposals at this time. Individual requirements will be issued via "Call(s) for Proposals" against this ARA.

• The basic ARA will remain open until 15 December 2027.

• Proposal due dates and times will be specified in each Call for Proposals.

• Offerors are advised that this announcement does not request proposals at this time. Specific requirements and submission dates will be provided in future "Call(s) for Proposals."

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 01 to Call 003 - Multi-Band, Multi-Orbit Communication Experiments. It updates the original solicitation dated 16 October 2023.

• Use Case 1: Arctic Communications: The Government is no longer seeking solutions for Arctic Communications, as all intended funds for this area have been allocated.

• Use Case 2: Airborne Communications: This section remains active, seeking CSI terminal implementations for switching between CSI services from different vendors with minimal hardware modification, operating across LEO, MEO, and GEO orbits, and preferably across multiple frequency bands (Ku and Ka).

• Technical Objectives: Use Case 1 (A) has been DELETED. Use Case 2 (B) remains active, focusing on establishing broadband connectivity between Air Force aircraft and multiple commercial space internet providers.

• Proposal Due Date and Time: The original dates of 31 Jan 2022 and 15 Dec 2023 have been updated. Proposals will now be accepted any time after 31 January 2022 and before 15 December 2023.

• Project Kickoff: The earliest start date is no earlier than March 2022.

• End of Technical PoP: The latest end date is no later than June 2027.

• The proposal due date has been clarified to be accepted any time after 31 January 2022 and before 15 December 2023.

• The period of performance has been extended, with the end of the technical period of performance no later than June 2027.

• Arctic Communications are no longer a focus for proposals.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 03 to the Open Two-Step Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) for "Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI)".

• The document updates the "First Step: WHITE PAPER DUE DATE AND TIME" to be considered if received any time prior to 15 August 2027 at 5:00PM Wright-Patterson AFB, OH local time. White papers are not to be sent prior to 1 February 2018.

• The "Solicitation Request" section clarifies that the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is soliciting white papers pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 4023.

• The "Type of Contract/Instrument" section notes that awards may be Contract(s) and/or Other Transaction(s) (OT) Pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 4023. It anticipates Cost Reimbursement or Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contracts if FAR-based, or negotiated OT agreements.

• The "Estimated Program Cost" is $1,440,000,000 with multiple awards ranging from $50,000 to $50,000,000.

• The "Brief Program Summary" outlines the goal of establishing and experimenting with the capability to seamlessly move and share data among various fixed and mobile operating locations using commercial space internet for resilient, high-bandwidth, high-availability Air Force communications.

• The "Communication Between Prospective Offerors and Government Representatives" section encourages dialogue and clarifies that questions may be answered publicly via an amendment.

• Technical and Contracting Points of Contact (POCs) are listed.

• System for Award Management (SAM) Registration requirements are detailed.

• The "Full Text Announcement" section provides a detailed description of the program, including three phases: Establish Connectivity, Operational Experimentation, and Special Purpose Experimentation.

• Deliverables, Security, and Safety requirements are outlined.

• "Other Requirements" include Program Security Classification (Unclassified to Top Secret), OPSEC, Export Control (requiring DD Form 2345), and Science and Technology (S&T) Protection.

• "Government Furnished Property (GFP) Availability" and "Data Rights Desired" are specified.

• "Award Information" includes an "Anticipated Award Date" and "Anticipated funding" profile.

• "Eligibility Information" states this is an unrestricted solicitation, encouraging businesses of all sizes. Foreign participation is not authorized.

• "White Paper / Proposal and Submission Information" details the two-step process, emphasizing that only white papers are solicited initially, with a submission window from 1 February 2018 through 15 August 2027. It outlines the format and content for white papers and the subsequent proposal submission.

• "White Paper / Proposal Review Information" details the evaluation criteria for both the white paper (First Step) and the proposal (Second Step).

• The white paper submission deadline is extended to 15 August 2027.

• Offerors must adhere to the specified format and page limitations for white papers and proposals.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 02 to the Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) with Calls for the "Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI)" program. It clarifies that "THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT REQUESTING PROPOSALS AT THIS TIME."

• The document clarifies that the basic ARA is posted and does not request proposals at this time, and will remain open until December 15, 2023.

• Individual requirements will be issued as "Call(s) for Proposals" against this ARA, each containing specific requirements and submission dates.

• Proposal due dates and times will be specified in each Call for Proposals.

• Offerors are advised to be alert for ARA amendments or future Calls for Proposals.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Standard Form 424, "Research and Related Senior Key Person Profile." It is an attachment to a SAM.gov opportunity record, likely used to collect information about key personnel proposed for a contract.

• Collects biographical and professional information for key individuals.
• Includes fields for name, contact information, education, experience, and roles.

Bidders will need to complete this form accurately and thoroughly for any key personnel they propose to ensure compliance with solicitation requirements and to provide necessary information for proposal evaluation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

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

The questionnaire includes fields for:

• Date Submitted
• Applicant Name
• CAGE Code/SCL and level (if applicable)
• Name and Title of the person completing the form

It then poses 13 detailed questions covering:

• Physical security plans
• Information security processes
• Information storage locations
• Transmission and transportation procedures
• Disposal and destruction of information
• Reproduction of information
• Safeguards for personnel access
• Safeguarding Government Furnished Equipment/Information (GFE/GFI)
• Cybersecurity and network protection
• 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

An "Additional comments" section is also provided.

Bidders may be required to complete and submit this questionnaire as part of the proposal process to demonstrate their understanding and implementation of security protocols relevant to the opportunity. The responses will be used to assess the security posture of the organization.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 02 to the Open Two-Step Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) for "Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI)". It does not introduce new solicitations but serves as an update to the existing ARA.

This amendment updates the document with the date "28 Nov 2022". Specific sections or clauses changed are not detailed in the provided text, but it is an amendment to the original solicitation.

No direct impact on proposal deadlines or requirements is stated in this amendment, as it appears to be administrative in nature, updating the document's date.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 01 to the Open Two-Step Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) for Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI).

• The document title indicates it is Amendment 01, dated 14 Jan 2022.

• It provides an "Overview Information" section detailing the NAICS Code, Federal Agency Name, ARA Title, ARA Type, and ARA Number.

• It outlines a "Two-Step Solicitation" process, including the due date and time for White Papers (15 August 2023 at 5:00 PM) and notes that Proposal due dates will be provided later.

• It specifies the Contracting Point of Contact for White Paper submissions.

• It details the "Solicitation Request," including the procuring agency (Air Force Strategic Development Planning & Experimentation, SDPE) and the authority (10 U.S.C. 2373).

• It clarifies the "Type of Contract/Instrument," stating the Air Force intends to award Contract(s) and/or Other Transaction(s) (OTs), with anticipated awards being Cost Reimbursement or Firm Fixed Price (FFP).

• It provides the "Estimated Program Cost" as $500,000,000 with multiple awards ranging from $50,000 to $50,000,000.

• It states the "Anticipated Number of Awards" as multiple, with the right to award zero, one, or more.

• A "Brief Program Summary" describes the goal of establishing and experimenting with capabilities to move and share data using commercial space internet for future military operations.

• It outlines "Communication Between Prospective Offerors and Government Representatives," encouraging dialogue but clarifying that only Contracting Officers can commit the Government.

• It lists "Technical Questions" and "Contracting Questions" POCs.

• It details "System for Award Management (SAM) Registration" requirements.

• The "Full Text Announcement" section elaborates on the "Program Description," "Statement of Objective/Description of Technical Area(s)" (including Background, Objective, and Tasks/Technical Requirements across three phases: Establish Connectivity, Operational Experimentation, and Special Purpose Experimentation), "Management," "Deliverables," "Security," and "Safety."

• "Deliverable Items" include Data Items (CDRLs), Software, and Hardware (TBD).

• The "Schedule" indicates an overall effort of 6-36 months per award.

• "Other Requirements" cover Program Security Classification, OPSEC, and Export Control.

• "Other Information" includes Government Furnished Property (GFP) Availability, Base Support/Network Access, and Data Rights Desired.

• "Award Information" provides an "Anticipated Award Date" (White papers accepted through 15 August 2023) and "Anticipated funding" by fiscal year.

• "Eligibility Information" states it is an unrestricted solicitation, encouraging businesses of all sizes. It also provides guidance for FFRDCs, Government Agencies, and Foreign Participation.

• "White Paper / Proposal and Submission Information" details the Two-Step Process, including instructions for "First Step (White Paper)" and "Second Step (Proposal)" submissions, page limitations, and formatting.

• "White Paper / Proposal Review Information" outlines the "FIRST STEP" and "SECOND STEP" review criteria.

• "Award Administration Information" covers Award Notices, Administrative and National Policy Requirements, and Reporting.

• "Other Information" includes details on Support Contractors, Informal Feedback Sessions, Pre-Award Clearance, and Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters.

• The due date for White Papers is 15 August 2023 at 5:00 PM.

• Offerors must submit a white paper to be eligible for award.

• Page limitations and formatting requirements for white papers and proposals are specified.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) with Calls (FA8650-17-S-9300) seeks to establish the ability to communicate with military platforms using multiple commercial space internet (CSI) constellations across various orbital regimes and frequency bands, utilizing common user terminal hardware. The goal is to enable flexible, affordable, and efficient use of CSI for defense purposes, allowing for switching between providers and constellations as needed.

• Experimentation Focus: Solutions must enable communication through multiple CSI constellations from common user terminals, not just single constellations.

• Integration: Solutions should integrate multiple commercial terminals and be adaptable to new vendors without terminal replacement.

• Use Cases:

  • Arctic Communications: Experiment with CSI terminals for fixed and mobile use in the Arctic (above 55 degrees latitude), enabling quick switching (seconds) between multiple LEO, MEO, and GEO constellations, preferably across Ku and Ka bands. Requires testing with a minimum of 20 terminals.
  • Airborne Communications: Experiment with CSI terminals for airborne platforms, enabling switching between LEO, MEO, and GEO constellations across multiple frequency bands with minimal hardware modification. Solutions should be cost-effective for medium to large aircraft fleets. Testing on at least 5 different aircraft types is expected.

• Technical Objectives: Establish broadband connectivity, enable switching between providers/constellations, measure affordability, track/handoff satellites, minimize service disruptions, ensure versatility, and characterize data transfer performance (bandwidth, latency, bit error rate, link margin).

• Deliverables: Test data, hardware (multiple user terminals), interface control documents, airworthiness documentation, and final technical reports.

• Contract Type: Multiple Other Transaction Agreements and/or Contracts.

• Number of Awards: Estimated 2-5.

• Value: Approximately $1-40M per award, with a sample total of $27,000,000 ($10M FY22, $12M FY23, $5M FY24).

• Period of Performance: Estimated 12-30 months for technical effort, plus 3 months for reporting (total 15-33 months).

• Project Kickoff: No earlier than March 2022.

• End of Technical PoP: No later than June 2026.

• Proposal Due Date: Accepted any time after 31 Jan 2022 and before 15 Dec 2023.

• Submission Method: One electronic copy of technical proposal, SOW, and cost proposal via DoD SAFE secure file transfer system.

• Technical Proposal Limit: 25 pages.

• Evaluation Criteria: Technical approach (soundness, risk mitigation, experience, understanding of market, relevance, transition potential), and Cost/Price (realism).

• Foreign participation is not authorized.

• A Certified DD Form 2345 (Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement) is required for proposals involving export-controlled items.

• Government Furnished Property/Equipment (GFE) will include aircraft, ground vehicles, and access to Arctic test locations.

• Proposals addressing one use case are responsive.

• Offerors are encouraged to discuss novel approaches with the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC).

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 01 to the Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) with Calls for the Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI) program, dated 14 January 2022.

• Solicitation Status: This announcement explicitly states that it is NOT REQUESTING PROPOSALS AT THIS TIME. Individual requirements will be solicited through separate "Calls for Proposals" issued against this ARA.
• ARA Open Period: The basic ARA will remain open until 15 December 2023.
• Proposal Due Dates: Proposal due dates and times will be specified in each individual Call for Proposals.
• Security Procedures: The document notes that installation security procedures are not considered an interruption of normal Government processes, and late proposals due to security delays will be considered late.
• Commercial Carrier Delivery: Offerors using commercial carriers should be aware that time-of-day delivery guarantees may not be honored on military installations.
• Program Description: The ARA aims to establish and experiment with capabilities for seamless data movement and sharing using commercial space internet for military operations, focusing on resilient, high-bandwidth, high-availability communications.
• Phased Approach: The program is structured into three phases: Establish connectivity, Operational Experimentation, and Special Purpose Experimentation.
• Technical and Contracting POCs: Contact information for technical and contracting questions is provided.
• Estimated Program Cost: The total estimated program value is $500,000,000, with multiple awards anticipated.
• Eligibility: The solicitation is unrestricted, but small businesses are encouraged to propose.
• Cost Sharing: Cost sharing is not required.
• Foreign Participation: Foreign participation is not authorized.
• Proposal Submission: Details on proposal content, format, and submission requirements will be provided in individual Calls for Proposals.
• Evaluation Criteria: Evaluation criteria will be established for each Call for Proposals and will generally encompass technical and cost/price assessments.

This amendment updates and clarifies information previously provided in the initial ARA, particularly regarding the current solicitation status and the process for future Calls for Proposals.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment modifies the following sections of Call 002 - Vendor Flexibility Experiments:

• Anticipated Number of Awards
• Statement of Objectives (SOO)/Description of Technical Areas
• Government Furnished Property/Equipment
• Cost Objective/Funding Constraint

As listed above, specific sections of the original solicitation have been amended. No other changes are being made by this amendment.

• Proposal Due Date and Time: Proposals will be accepted any time after 8:00am Dayton, OH local time on 28 Jan 2019 and before 4:00pm Dayton, OH local time on 31 Oct 2021.
• Anticipated Number of Awards: Estimated at 2-10 Other Transaction Agreements and/or Contracts.
• Anticipated Funding: Refer to Section 6 (Cost Objective/Funding Constraint) for details.
• Agreement/Contract Number: TBD (FA8650-20-X-XXXX).

Note: The background and scope of the solicitation remain consistent with the overarching Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) FA8650-17-S-9300. The call seeks to establish the ability to communicate with military platforms via multiple commercial space internet (CSI) constellations using common user terminal hardware elements, focusing on vendor flexibility and the ability to switch between CSI providers.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment modifies the following sections of Call 002 - Vendor Flexibility Experiments:

• Anticipated Number of Awards
• Statement of Objectives (SOO)/Description of Technical Areas
• Deliverable Items
• Government Furnished Property/Equipment
• Cost Objective/Funding Constraint

Sections 1, 2, 5, and 6 of the original document are affected by this amendment.

• The proposal due date and time remain the same: Proposals accepted any time after 8:00 am Dayton, OH local time on 28 Jan 2019 and before 4:00 pm Dayton, OH local time on 31 Oct 2021.
• The anticipated award date is variable.
• The anticipated number of awards is estimated at 2-6 Other Transaction Agreements and/or Contracts.
• The anticipated funding is detailed in Section 6.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation, "Call 002 – Vendor Flexibility Experiments (DEUCSI)", seeks to establish the ability to communicate with Air Force platforms using multiple commercial space internet (CSI) constellations via common user terminal hardware. The goal is to experiment with methods for the government to affordably and efficiently leverage multiple CSI providers, enabling dynamic switching between vendors based on operational or business needs.

• Use Case 1 (Standard Aircraft): Experiment with CSI terminal implementations allowing switching between CSI services from different vendors with minimal hardware modification. Focus on antennas, radios, modems, and integration software. Solutions should consider affordability, reconfigurability, and airworthiness.

• Use Case 2 (Specially Constrained Aircraft): Experiment with CSI implementations using government-specified antennas and open radio architecture approaches. Focus on high-data rate, two-way communications.

• Deliverables: Test data, potentially software, hardware (user terminal elements), interface control documents, airworthiness documentation, and final technical reports.

• Anticipated Awards: 2-4 Other Transaction Agreements and/or Contracts.

• Estimated Value: Approximately $0.5-7M per award.

• Period of Performance: Approximately 12-30 months for technical efforts, plus 3 months for reporting (total 15-33 months).

• Proposal Due Date: Proposals accepted any time after January 28, 2019, and before October 31, 2021.

• Evaluation Criteria: Technical approach (soundness, risk mitigation, experience, understanding of CSI market, relevance to goals) and Cost/Price (realism, ranked second to technical).

• Selection Process: Proposals will be categorized as Selectable or Not Selectable.

• Eligibility: Qualified US Contractors (requires DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement).

• Foreign Participation: Not authorized, except for Public Domain information.

• A supplementary data package on open radio architecture and flexible antennas is available to qualified contractors.

• Government Furnished Property/Equipment (GFE) includes aircraft and potentially open radio architecture chassis/antennas.

• Export Control information is subject to ITAR and EAR; a DD Form 2345 is required.

• Technical proposals are limited to 25 pages.

Amendment / Modification

• The proposal submittal date for Call 001 has been revised to an open period from December 15, 2017, to January 31, 2018 (no later than 4:00 PM Dayton, OH local time).

• This amendment is in response to industry concerns regarding proposal submission dates and the development/launch of commercial spacecraft.

• The primary change affects the proposal submission deadline. Sections 9 (Proposal Submission), 10 (Proposal Review Information), and 11 (Award Administration) of Call 001 remain unchanged.

• The proposal submission period has been extended.

• Individual proposal evaluations will commence around the time of receipt.

• Notifications for award recommendations are expected approximately 30 days from proposal submission.

• The sample funding profile in Call 001, Section 6, is not affected by this amendment. However, the open submission process may impact funding availability for proposals submitted later in the period as the pool of funds diminishes.

• No other changes are being accomplished by this amendment.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment revises the proposal due date for Call 001 of the Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) FA8650-17-S-9300.

• Proposal Due Date and Time: Changed from 1 December 2017, 4:00 PM Dayton, OH local time, to 15 December 2017, 4:00 PM Dayton, OH local time.

The proposal deadline has been extended by two weeks. No other changes are being made by this amendment.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment provides clarification regarding contractor eligibility criteria for the DEUCSI ARAs. It specifies that participation is limited to 'Qualified U.S. Contractors' as defined by DoDD 5230.25, which requires the certified DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement.

This amendment clarifies contractor eligibility criteria. It does not appear to change any specific sections of the original announcement but provides additional guidance on meeting requirements.

This amendment clarifies eligibility requirements. Offerors should ensure they meet the criteria for 'Qualified U.S. Contractors' as defined by DoDD 5230.25 and the DD Form 2345. No changes to proposal deadlines or submission instructions are indicated.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation, "Call 001 - Initial Connectivity Experiments (DEUCSI)", seeks to establish and experiment with connectivity between commercial space internet spacecraft and Air Force assets. The goal is to assess the feasibility and performance of using commercial space internet for Air Force operations, including the potential for transmitting classified information.

• Establish broadband connectivity between Air Force operating locations (Ground-to-Ground, Ground-to-Air, Air-to-Air) using commercial space internet.

• Measure technical performance parameters such as data transfer rate, latency, bit error rate, and link margin.

• Provide information on experimental commercial space internet data paths and network security approaches.

• Deliverable Items include: test data, user terminals for interfacing with spacecraft, interface control documents, and a final technical report.

• Anticipated Number of Awards: 2-5

• Estimated Value per Award: Approximately $2M

• Period of Performance: Approximately 12 months for technical effort, with an overall estimated period of performance of approximately 15 months (including report preparation).

• Project Kickoff: No earlier than February 2018

• End of Technical PoP: No later than December 2019

• Proposal Due Date: 1 December 2017, 4:00 PM Dayton, OH local time.

• Evaluation Criteria: Technical approach (soundness, risk mitigation, experience, understanding of market/tech, relevance, scope) and Cost/Price (realism, second order of priority).

• Proposals will be categorized as Selectable or Not Selectable.

• Foreign participation is not authorized.

• Offerors must submit a Certified DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, due to Export Control regulations.

• The government will provide Government Furnished Property/Equipment (GFP/GFE) including up to two surrogate ground sites and up to two test aircraft.

• Offerors must comply with OPSEC, safety, and classification requirements (activities are expected to be unclassified).

• Technical questions should be directed to Dr. Brian Beal; contracting questions to Mr. Michael Wafzig or Mr. Joel Watson.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) with Calls, issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) - Air Force Strategic Development Planning & Experimentation (SDPE), announces the "Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI)" program. This initial ARA does not request proposals at this time but will solicit requirements through "Calls for Proposals." The program aims to establish and experiment with capabilities for seamless data movement and sharing among diverse fixed and mobile operating locations using constantly available, high-bandwidth, beyond-line-of-sight communications, leveraging commercial space internet networks. The basic ARA remains open until September 1, 2022.

• The program is structured into three phases: Establish connectivity, Operational Experimentation, and Special Purpose Experimentation.

• Specific requirements and deliverables will be detailed in individual "Calls for Proposals."

• Deliverables may include Data Items, Software, Hardware, and Other items as identified in each Call.

• Offerors must address technical data and software rights, with the Government generally desiring Unlimited Rights, though less than Unlimited Rights may be considered.

• The Air Force intends to award Contract(s) and/or Other Transaction(s) (OT) pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2373.

• Anticipated contract types are Cost Reimbursement or Firm Fixed Price (FFP).

• The total estimated program value is $250,000,000, with multiple awards anticipated, ranging from $50,000 to $50,000,000 per award.

• The period of performance and specific award dates are to be determined in each Call for Proposals.

• Proposals will be solicited via "Calls for Proposals," each containing specific requirements and submission dates.

• Evaluation criteria will be established for each Call and will generally encompass technical and cost/price assessments.

• The Government reserves the right to award some, all, or none of the proposals received without negotiation/discussion, but may negotiate with selected proposals.

• This is an unrestricted solicitation; small businesses are encouraged to propose.

• Foreign participation is not authorized.

• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) may participate under specific conditions.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Export Control regulations apply, and a Certified DD Form 2345 may be required.

• Technical questions should be directed to Dr. Brian Beal; contracting questions to Mr. Michael Wafzig or Mr. Joel Watson.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is an Open Two-Step Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for the "Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI)" program. The goal is to establish and experiment with capabilities to seamlessly move and share data among various fixed and mobile operating locations using constantly available, high-bandwidth, beyond-line-of-sight communications, referred to as "path agnostic communications." This program aims to leverage developing commercial space internet networks to establish resilient, high-bandwidth, high-availability Air Force communications and data sharing capabilities.

The effort is divided into three phases:

• Phase I: Establish Connectivity: Experiment to establish connectivity between Air Force sites and assets using commercial space internet demonstration satellites and user terminals. This includes adapting terminals for moving platforms, ensuring interoperability with government security protocols, measuring performance attributes (bandwidth, latency), and exploring novel uses.
• Phase II: Operational Experimentation: Expand connectivity to diverse Air Force assets for enterprise-level experimentation. This involves proliferating user terminals, communicating through commercial space internet networks, and addressing challenges like network flexibility, scaling path agnostic communications, and determining technical limitations.
• Phase III: Special Purpose Experimentation: Conduct agile and cost-effective experimentation using modified commercial space internet spacecraft. This may involve modifying commercial satellites to incorporate military-unique hardware and establishing compatibility between military-unique hardware and commercial spacecraft.

Deliverables include data, software, and hardware, to be determined based on proposals and contract awards. Specific CDRLs will be used for data items.

• Contract Type: The Air Force intends to award Contracts and/or Other Transaction(s) (OTs) pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2373. Awards will generally be Cost Reimbursement or Firm Fixed Price (FFP). Cost reimbursement contracts require an adequate accounting system.
• Period of Performance: Approximately 6-36 months per award for technical performance, plus 3 additional months for the final technical report.
• Estimated Program Cost: $250,000,000, with individual awards ranging from $50,000 to $50,000,000. The government reserves the right to exceed this amount.
• Anticipated Number of Awards: Multiple awards are anticipated, but the Air Force reserves the right to award zero, one, or more.

This is a two-step solicitation:

• Step 1: White Paper: White papers are due no later than September 1, 2022, 5:00 PM local time. White papers should discuss the nature and scope of the effort and the proposed technical approach, including a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost. White papers are limited to 6 pages.
• Step 2: Proposal: Offerors whose white papers are selected will be invited to submit a technical and cost proposal within 30 working days of the request. Technical/Management proposals are limited to 35 pages, and SOWs to 10 pages.

Evaluation Criteria for White Papers:

• Soundness of the offeror's technical approach.
• Relevance and impact of the proposed technical effort.
• Offeror's understanding of the scope of the technical effort.
• Affordability (Proposed ROM Cost Estimate).

Evaluation Criteria for Proposals:

• Technical (ranked first priority).

• Cost/Price (substantial factor, ranked second priority).

• This is an unrestricted solicitation; businesses of all sizes are encouraged to propose.

• Cost sharing or matching is not required.

• Foreign participation is not authorized. Foreign Nationals may be employed by US Prime or Sub-Contractors but are limited to Public Domain information unless proper licenses are obtained.

• Contractors must be registered and certified with the Defense Logistics Services Center (DLSC) and submit an approved DD Form 2345.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Security requirements may range from Unclassified to Top Secret, potentially requiring a TOP SECRET facility clearance and safeguarding capability.

• Export control regulations apply; a Certified DD Form 2345 is required.

• Government Furnished Property (GFP) may be available for use.

• Data rights desired are Unlimited Rights for data developed with government funds, with consideration for more restrictive rights for commercially developed technologies.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document announces an Industry Day for "Defense Experimentation Using the Commercial Space Internet" hosted by the Air Force Strategic Development Planning & Experimentation Office (SDPE). The event aims to provide a familiarization briefing on the topic and facilitate industry interactions with government personnel.

• Attendance is restricted to US contractors possessing a valid DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement.

• An ITAR-restricted package with background information and a detailed agenda will be available after August 9, 2017.

• Requests for the ITAR package must include company name, address, technical point of contact (POC) name, phone number, and email address.

• Proof of ability to access ITAR information is required.

• All recipients must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

• The estimated dollar value for the overall program is $250M.

• To request the ITAR package, eligible contractors must email a copy of their DD Form 2345 to Dr. Brian Beal (brian.beal.1@us.af.mil) on or after August 9, 2017.

• Attendance and access to ITAR information are restricted to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are contractors possessing a valid DD Form 2345.

• The Industry Day is scheduled for August 25, 2017, at 0800 EDT at the Tec^Edge Innovation and Collaboration Center in Dayton, OH.

• The solicitation number is FA8650-17-S-9300.

• Primary POC: Michael Wafzig, Contracting Officer.

• Secondary POC: Joel Watson, Contracting Officer.