Directed Energy Technology Experimentation Research (DETER) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) Open Announcement

Quick Summary

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/RD) has issued an Open Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) for Directed Energy Technology Experimentation Research (DETER). This long-term opportunity seeks innovative research and development (R&D), modeling and simulation (M&S), design, prototyping, and testing of directed energy components and systems to enhance national defense capabilities. The ARA utilizes a Two-Step process (white papers followed by proposals) but may transition to a One-Step approach. The overarching announcement has no end date, with specific requirements issued via Calls on SAM.gov.

Scope of Work

AFRL/RD is interested in a broad range of directed energy technologies across nine key topic areas:

• Directed Energy (DE) Sources: Research, development, and testing of laser and high-power electromagnetic (HPEM) sources.
• Acquisition Tracking Pointing (ATP), Beam Control (BC), and Atmospheric Compensation (AC) Systems: Development of hardware, sensors, and software to maximize energy on target.
• DE Weapon Systems: Design, integration, and testing of complete DE weapon systems, including feasibility studies, integration of disparate technologies, and power/thermal/command & control subsystems.
• DE Effects Testing: Testing materials, components, and systems to determine vulnerability and susceptibility to DE exposure.
• Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A): Development and execution of software and hardware for DE weapon system design, testing, and data analysis.
• Wargaming: Development and execution of wargaming software and support for DE weapon system assessment.
• Innovative Space Domain Awareness: Basic and applied research for ground-based surveillance of space objects, including detection, characterization, orbit determination, and machine learning applications.
• Experiments, Testing, and Demonstrations: General and specialized test support for DE components and systems.
• Laboratory Materials, Supplies, and Services: Ancillary support systems, equipment, and services for DE experimentation.

Contract Details

• Agency: Air Force Research Laboratory, Directed Energy Directorate (AFRL/RD)
• NAICS: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences)
• Contract Types: Flexible, including FAR-based contracts (Cost-Plus-Fixed Fee, Cost, Firm Fixed Price) and Other Transaction Authority (OTA), Grants, and Cooperative Agreements.
• Set-Aside: None specified.
• Estimated Value: Overarching announcement has an unrestricted ceiling; individual Calls may provide specific values. As of Oct 2024, $188M awarded from 15 Calls and $165M from 193 white papers.
• Awards: Multiple awards are anticipated.
• Period of Performance: Determined per individual award.

Submission & Evaluation

• White Paper Submission: Submit via the Valid Eval portal at https://usg.valideval.com/teams/DETER/signup. A 500-word abstract is required. Duplicate white papers within 12 months will not be evaluated.
• Call Submissions: Requirements for Calls will be specified in individual solicitations on SAM.gov.
• Evaluation Criteria (Version 2.0):
  • Technical Merit: Overall Science/Technical Merit (30%) and Soundness of Technical Approach (30%).
  • Importance/Relevance to AFRL Programs: (20%).
  • Value/Cost: (20%).
• S&T Program Protection: Required for all awards. Proposals must include SF424, a Security Program Questionnaire, and a Privacy Act Statement.

Key Dates & Communication

• Announcement Period: Open indefinitely until closed or rescinded.
• Virtual Industry Day: November 6, 2024. Registration closes October 30, 2024, at https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/h8zZpZdnhT.
• Questions: Submit to AFRL.DETER.ARA@us.af.mil.