Holistic Models for Decision Making
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, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), has issued a Solicitation (FA2384-26-S-B001) for Holistic Models for Decision Making. This initiative seeks to advance human-centered cognitive modeling to simulate the effects of cognitive, perceptual, and operational factors on warfighter performance. The opportunity is Unrestricted, and proposals are due by April 10, 2026, at 3:00 PM (Wright-Patterson AFB, OH local time).
Opportunity Overview
This solicitation is issued under the "Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring, and Sustaining (CHEERS)" Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA). AFRL and the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) aim to develop, evaluate, and refine high-fidelity computational and mathematical models. The effort emphasizes experimental studies, prototype model development, and analysis in laboratory or simulated environments to enhance understanding of warfighter capabilities.
Scope of Work
The research focuses on three core technical areas:
- Cognitive Modeling Research and Analysis: Developing software models, simulations, and algorithms for relevant processes and scenarios, including research on fatigue and its effects on performance.
- Cognition Model Design and Development: Designing, developing, and documenting new and existing cognition software, integrative software, and models/algorithms, and integrating new capabilities into government modeling repositories.
- Research Integration, Evaluation, and Assessment: Conducting research-oriented integration, test, and validation activities in simulated environments, analyzing experimental data, and producing technical reports. Key areas include modeling critical cognitive capabilities like language learning, dynamic asset management, and the effects of operational stressors on sensory systems.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Anticipated Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) with Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Task Orders. Other contract types may be considered.
- Period of Performance: The overall IDIQ has a 96-month technical effort with a 60-month ordering period. Task Order 1 (Kick-Off Meeting) has a 6-month PoP. The core research effort is anticipated for 60 months technical performance plus 3 months for a Final Report (63-month PoP).
- Estimated Program Cost: The basic IDIQ ceiling is $26,200,000, with Task Order 1 estimated at $5,000. Funding is not presently available, and award is contingent on availability.
- Security: Requires a Top Secret (TS/SCI) facility clearance and access to SCI, Non-SCI, SIPRNET, JWICS, and CUI. A minimum Tier 1 background check (SF85) is required for personnel accessing internet/automated systems. OPSEC, CI, and COMSEC compliance are mandatory.
- Deliverables: Include Scientific and Technical Reports (Final, Annual Update), Funds and Man-Hour Expenditure Reports, Contractor Spend and Expenditure Plans, Contract Funds Status Reports (CFSR), Status Reports, Presentation Material, Computer Software Product (source code), Material and Processing Digital Data Package, System/Subsystem Design Description, Technical Data Package, Test Plan, Security Plan, and Science and Technologies Protection Implementation Plan (S&TPIP).
Submission & Evaluation
- Proposal Due Date: April 10, 2026, at 3:00 PM (Wright-Patterson AFB, OH local time).
- Intent to Respond: Offerors should notify by April 2, 2026, to be considered for deadline extensions.
- Submission Method: Electronically via email to the Contracting Officers and Contract Specialist.
- Proposal Components: Requires both a Basic IDIQ proposal (Technical/Management, SOW, Business/Subcontracting Plan) and a Task Order 1 proposal (Technical/Management, Cost/Business).
- Page Limits: Technical/Management proposal: 30 pages for IDIQ, 15 pages for TO 1. IDIQ SOW: 7 pages.
- Evaluation: A One-Step Process will be used. Proposals will be reviewed without negotiation, though negotiation is reserved. Selection is based on Peer or Scientific Review, agency needs, and funding.
- Eligibility: This is an Unrestricted solicitation, with small businesses encouraged to propose. Foreign participation is not authorized at the prime contractor level. Offerors must have "selectable" proposals for both the basic IDIQ and Task Order 1.
Special Requirements
AFRL will conduct Security Risk Reviews for federally funded research proposals to identify potential undue foreign influence. Offerors must submit a Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile Worksheet, a Security Program Questionnaire, and a Privacy Act Statement consent form for each covered individual. Annual re-submission of the profile is required, and notification within 5 business days is mandatory if Senior/Key Research Personnel participate in a Foreign Government Talent Program or have Foreign Components with a strategic competitor. Human subject use and ground/flight testing are anticipated. Contractors must provide analysis and documentation for subcontractor costs.