Endless Forge

SOL #: FA2394-26-R-B003Solicitation

Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSE
Dept Of The Air Force
FA8650 USAF AFMC AFRL PZL AFRL/PZL
WRIGHT PATTERSON AFB, OH, 45433-7541, United States

Place of Performance

Place of performance not available

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical (541715)

PSC

National Defense R&D Services; Department Of Defense Military; Experimental Development (AC13)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Timeline

1
Posted
Feb 20, 2026
2
Last Updated
Mar 16, 2026
3
Submission Deadline
Feb 19, 2028, 7:00 PM

Qualification Details

Fit reasons
  • NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
  • Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
  • Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
  • Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps

Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.

Quick Summary

The Department of the Air Force (AFRL) has issued an unrestricted Solicitation for Endless Forge (EF), a Manufacturing as a Service (MaaS) initiative. This program aims to establish adaptive, resilient, and scalable manufacturing capabilities to enable rapid weapon system scaling and US industrial base dominance. AFRL is seeking innovative products, technologies, and services across two primary Areas of Interest (AOI): Technology Sprints (AOI 01) and Technology Demonstration (AOI 02). Multiple awards are anticipated, with white papers due by February 19, 2028, 1400 EST.

Purpose & Scope

Endless Forge (EF) represents a new manufacturing paradigm, shifting from vertically integrated value chains to adaptive, fast-acting regionalized production networks. The goal is to offer the DAF the ability to scale any weapon system at speed through a platform-agnostic approach. The program seeks to test MaaS approaches with Primes, demonstrating the concept for fully integrated weapon systems, not just components. While weapon systems are a primary focus, subsystems like engines, actuators, and avionics are also valid applications.

  • AOI 01: EF Technology Sprints focuses on reducing technical risk in specific enabling technologies, including Model-Based Quality Assurance & Digital Certification, Modular Integration & Factorial Manufacturing, IntelDevOps, Software-Defined Manufacturing & Physical AI, Secure Data Exchange and Validation, and Engines and Subsystems.
  • AOI 02: Technology Demonstration aims to demonstrate the overall Endless Forge concept through applications such as Attrition-Tolerant Mass & Subsonic Systems, Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACPs), Space Systems, and High-Speed Affordable Weapons.

Contract Details

  • Type: This is an Open Period Solicitation for prototype projects and research, primarily utilizing "Other Transaction" (OT) authorities. Anticipated contract types include OT for Prototype and Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF).
  • Estimated Value: The total program estimated cost is $149 Million, with multiple awards anticipated. Funding is subject to change.
  • Period of Performance: Approximately 36 months per award (33 months for technical performance and 3 months for reporting).
  • Set-Aside: This is an unrestricted solicitation. Small businesses are encouraged to propose. Foreign participation is not authorized at the prime contractor level.

Submission & Evaluation

  • White Paper Due: February 19, 2028, by 1400 EST. Electronic submissions should be sent to Ms. Marina Papayanki (marina.papayanki@us.af.mil).
  • Proposal Process: White papers are the primary deliverable. Subsequent Requests for Proposals (RFPs) will be issued for selected efforts.
  • Security Requirements: Efforts may require TOP SECRET facility security clearance and safeguarding capability. Export control regulations (ITAR/EAR) apply, requiring a certified DD Form 2345 (a white paper can be submitted before final approval, but the certified form is required for proposal submission). Science and Technology (S&T) protection plans may be required.
  • Security Risk Review: AFRL will conduct a Security Risk Review to identify potential undue foreign influence, based on submitted Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profiles, Security Questionnaires, and Privacy Act Statements. Bidders must establish internal processes for addressing foreign talent programs and report foreign components or involvement in foreign government talent programs within 5 business days.
  • Required Forms: Bidders must complete various forms, including the Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile Worksheet, Security Program Questionnaire, Privacy Act Statement, Representations and Certifications (for FAR Contracts), and SF 298 Report Documentation Page. A Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) specifies numerous data items required as deliverables.

Contacts

People

Points of Contact

Ms. Marina PapayankiPRIMARY
Mr. Travis CaudillSECONDARY

Files

Files

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Versions

Version 4Viewing
Solicitation
Posted: Mar 16, 2026
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Posted: Feb 20, 2026
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