EXTREME COMPUTING

Quick Summary

The Department of the Air Force, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has issued Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-23-S-7004, titled "Extreme Computing." This BAA solicits white papers for research, development, integration, test, and evaluation of technologies focused on advancing computational capabilities for Air Force and Space Force platforms. Key areas include computational diversity, efficient computing architectures, machine learning and artificial intelligence in embedded systems, edge computing, nanocomputing, space computing, and robust algorithms and applications. This is an open, two-step BAA, with white papers accepted as initial submissions until September 20, 2028.

Scope of Work

The BAA seeks innovative solutions across four primary technical areas:

• Advancing Computing Technology and Applications: Enhancing computational capabilities for C4ISR and Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP)-constrained platforms, including high-performance embedded computing, secure ML/AI, and novel architectures.
• Nano-Computing: Exploring emerging nanoelectronics for bio-inspired computing architectures with ultra-low power consumption.
• Neuromorphic Computing and Applying Machine Learning: Developing energy-efficient, adaptable, and resilient intelligent systems, emphasizing hardware, embedded deep learning, and trusted AI.
• Robust and Efficient Computing Architectures, Algorithms and Applications: Achieving significant improvements in size, weight, and power for embedded AI/ML in ground, air, and space domains.

Contract & Timeline

• BAA Number: FA8750-23-S-7004
• NAICS Codes: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)) and 541713 (Research and Development in Biotechnology, specifically for Technical Areas 2 and 3 related to Nanotechnology).
• Estimated Funding: Approximately $497.9 million total. Individual awards are typically $1 million to $3 million over 36 months, with potential for awards up to $99.9 million.
• Award Instruments: Multiple awards are anticipated, utilizing FAR-based Procurement contracts, CFR-based grants and cooperative agreements, or Other Transactions (OTs) under 10 USC 4021, 4022, and 4023. Successful prototype projects under OTs may transition to follow-on production contracts.
• White Paper Submission Deadline: White papers are accepted until 1600 hrs. EST on September 20, 2028. Suggested submission dates align with fiscal year funding.
• Published Date: December 12, 2025.

Eligibility & Submission

This BAA is open to all qualified offerors, with specific requirements for FFRDCs and Government entities, and is generally closed to foreign participation (except for fundamental research). The submission process is two-step, requiring initial white papers (3-5 pages) for review. Only invited offerors will submit formal proposals. Evaluation criteria include Scientific and Technical Merit, Related Experience, Openness/Maturity/Assurance of Solution, and Reasonableness/Realism of Costs. Offerors must address Science and Technology (S&T) Protection requirements, including submitting SF 424 and a Security Program Questionnaire, and adhere to Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) guidance. Financial resource information is required for FAR-based awards.

Points of Contact

• BAA Program Manager (Technical): Joel Moore, joel.moore.2@us.af.mil, (315) 330-4958.
• Technical Point of Contact (Technical Area 1): Dr. Nathan Inkawhich, nathan.inkawhich@us.af.mil, (315) 330-2117.
• Contracting Officer: Amber Buckley, Amber.Buckley@us.af.mil, (315) 330-3605.