Endless Forge
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
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) is soliciting white papers for Endless Forge (EF), a Manufacturing as a Service (MaaS) initiative aimed at establishing adaptive, resilient, and scalable manufacturing capabilities for US industrial base dominance. This unrestricted solicitation seeks innovative products, technologies, and services across two primary Areas of Interest (AOIs). White papers are due February 19, 2028, by 1400 EST.
Purpose & Scope
Endless Forge represents a new manufacturing paradigm, shifting from traditional value chains to adaptive, regionalized production networks to enable the DAF to rapidly scale weapon systems. The program has an estimated total cost of $149 Million with multiple awards anticipated.
Areas of Interest (AOI):
- AOI 01: EF Technology Sprints focuses on reducing technical risk in enabling technologies such as Model-Based Quality Assurance, Modular Integration & Factorial Manufacturing, IntelDevOps, Software-Defined Manufacturing & Physical AI, Secure Data Exchange, and Engines & Subsystems.
- AOI 02: Technology Demonstration aims to demonstrate the overall Endless Forge concept through applications like Attrition-Tolerant Mass & Subsonic Systems (sUAS/Munitions/Decoys), Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACPs), Space Systems, and High-Speed Affordable Weapons. For AOI2, the goal is to test MaaS approaches with Primes for fully integrated weapon systems, requiring Department of the Warfighter (DoW) sponsor engagement.
Contract Details
- Type: Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype and Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts are anticipated.
- Period of Performance: Approximately 36 months per award.
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted. Small businesses are encouraged to propose.
- Foreign Participation: Not authorized at the prime contractor level.
Submission & Evaluation
- White Paper Due: February 19, 2028, 1400 EST.
- Submission: Electronic white papers to Marina Papayanki (marina.papayanki@us.af.mil).
- Security Requirements: Efforts may require TOP SECRET facility security clearance. Export control regulations (ITAR/EAR) apply, requiring a certified DD Form 2345 for proposal submission. A Security Risk Review (AFRLI 61-113) will assess potential foreign influence, requiring submission of Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profiles and Security Program Questionnaires. U.S. citizenship is required for personnel accessing USAF bases, AFRL facilities, or U.S. Government IT networks, with waiver procedures available.
- Deliverables: May include Data Items (CDRLs per DD Form 1423-1), Software, and Hardware. Compliance with AFRL's technical report formatting guide (Attachment 3) is required.
- Representations & Certifications: Offerors must complete and submit required FAR-based representations and certifications (Attachment 12).
Contact Information
- Primary: Ms. Marina Papayanki (marina.papayanki@us.af.mil)
- Secondary: Mr. Travis Caudill (travis.caudill@us.af.mil)