Multi-Spectral Sensing Technologies Research and Development (MUSTER)

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 4 to the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8650-21-S-1180 for Multi-Spectral Sensing Technologies R&D (MuSTER).

This amendment does not appear to modify specific sections of the original solicitation but rather updates the overall announcement. Key details provided include:

• Broad Agency Announcement Type: Amendment 4
• Broad Agency Announcement Number: FA8650-21-S-1180
• First Step (White Paper) Due Date: Accepted through 20 May 2026, 1700 hours local time at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.
• Second Step (Proposal) Due Date: To be provided in Requests for Proposals sent to offerors whose White Papers are considered.

Offerors should note the updated White Paper due date. The process remains a two-step solicitation, with White Papers submitted first, followed by technical and cost proposals for those selected.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 3 to the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8650-21-S-1180 for Multi-Spectral Sensing Technologies R&D (MuSTER).

This amendment does not specify which sections of the original solicitation have been affected. It is an update to the original announcement.

This amendment does not appear to alter the submission deadlines or requirements for the white paper, which is currently due by 20 May 2026. Offerors should monitor for any further amendments that may affect deadlines or requirements.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document provides supplemental requirements to the existing SOW/PWS for contract FA8650-21-S-1180, ensuring contractor compliance with specified government regulations and procedures.

• Disclosure of Information: Contractors must provide copies of information to be released at least 50 days prior to the scheduled release date to the Contracting Office and Program Manager.
• Key Positions and Minimum Qualifications: Essential personnel qualifications will be determined by contract. Any substitutions for key personnel require prior written approval from the Contracting Officer.
• Packaging and Marking: Deliverable items must be packaged according to established commercial practices. Specific instructions for sensitive items are provided, requiring contact with the Technical Project Officer upon receipt.
• Program Manager: The Government Program Manager is TBD.
• Program Focal Points: Specific individuals are identified as focal points for the contract.
• Base Support: Government may provide base support on a rent-free, non-interference basis, including working space, material, equipment, and services. Contractors must report any inadequacies or non-availability of support. Facilities are not to be purchased by the contractor without prior approval. Installations for base support are TBD. The value of base support is TBD and undeterminable.
• Patent Rights: Contractors must submit interim or final invention reports and notifications regarding subcontracts. DD Form 882 is recommended for reporting inventions and subcontracts.
• Non-U.S. Citizens: Contractor employees requiring access to USAF bases, AFRL facilities, or U.S. Government IT networks must be U.S. citizens. Waivers require written approval from the Contracting Officer. Specific conditions apply for IT network access endorsements.
• Fundamental Research: The exception for public release of information under DFARS 252.204-7000 applies only to TBD Statement of Work sections/tasks, as long as the work remains in the public domain or is considered fundamental research.
• Small Business Subcontracting Plan: A comprehensive plan dated (insert date) is incorporated by reference.
• Science and Technology (S&T) Protection: Requirements are in accordance with AFRLI 61-113. Contractors must provide initial/annual/new SF 424 reports for Senior/Key Personnel. An S&T Protection Plan must be developed, implemented, and adhered to, with guidance found at Attachment TBD.

Not explicitly detailed in this supplemental document, but references to existing SOW/PWS and contract FA8650-21-S-1180 imply a defined period and location.

• Compliance with DFARS 252.204-7000.
• Adherence to AFRLI 61-113 for S&T Protection.
• Strict requirements for handling sensitive information and personnel access.
• Use of specific government forms (e.g., DD Form 882) is encouraged.

Many key details, including specific personnel, installations, and dates, are marked as TBD (To Be Determined), indicating that further information will be provided or finalized later in the contracting process.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "RESEARCH & RELATED Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded)" form (Attachment #12). It is used to collect detailed information about key personnel involved in a project, including the Project Director/Principal Investigator and other Senior/Key Persons.

• Personal details: Prefix, First Name, Middle Name, Last Name, Suffix.
• Professional details: Position/Title, Department, Organization Name, Division.
• Contact information: Street Address, City, State, Country, County/Parish, Province, Zip/Postal Code, Phone Number, Fax Number, E-Mail.
• Project role and category.
• Educational background: Degree Type, Degree Year.
• Attachments for Biographical Sketch and Current & Pending Support.
• Functionality to add/delete attachments, delete entries, and add multiple persons.

Bidders must complete this form accurately for all key personnel proposed for the opportunity. This information is crucial for evaluating the qualifications and experience of the project team. The form also specifies the need to attach biographical sketches and current/pending support documentation for each key person.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for "Multi-Spectral Sensing Technologies R&D (MuSTER)". The specific research and development effort is currently designated as "TBD".

• The contract will involve research and development activities.

• Deliverables include data, software, and hardware, as detailed in Section J, Attachment 1 (Statement of Work) and Exhibit A (Contract Data Requirements List, DD Form 1423).

• Specific CLINs (Contract Line Items) cover:

  • 0001: Research and Development
  • 0002: Software (cost included in CLIN 0001)
  • 0003: Hardware (cost included in CLIN 0001)
  • 0004: Operations and Maintenance
  • 0005: Procurement

• Contract Type: Cost Plus Fixed Fee (U - COST PLUS FIXED FEE)

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but technical effort completion is "no later than XXX".

• Estimated Value: TBD for Cost, Fee, and Total. The total amount available for payment is also TBD.

• Proposals are due by the date specified in Block 5 (16 MAR 2021).

• Offer submission instructions are detailed in the document.

• Evaluation factors for award are referenced in Section M, but not detailed in this excerpt.

• Not specified in this excerpt.

• The document includes numerous Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clauses incorporated by reference.

• Payment instructions are detailed in Section G, referencing Wide Area Workflow (WAWF).

• Section J lists several attachments, including a Contractor Statement of Work, Statement of Work Supplemental Requirements, and a DD254 Security Classification Form.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 1 - Supplemental Instructions for Assistance Instrument Proposals," provides crucial guidance for applicants preparing proposals for assistance instruments, particularly those involving research and engineering activities. It details specific form requirements, submission procedures, and system registrations necessary for a successful application.

• SF 424 (R&R) Forms: Mandates the use of the SF 424 (R&R) as the cover page for all proposals. It also requires the submission of the SF 424 Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) and the SF 424 Research & Related Personal Data form, especially for STEM-related roles, to collect demographic and career information for compliance and statistical purposes.
• STEM Data Collection: Specific fields on the Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) form (Degree Type and Degree Year) are required for career information. Demographic data on the Personal Data form is voluntary but used for statistical purposes and not shared with merit reviewers.
• Institutions of Higher Education: Addresses specific requirements under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2019, Section 1286, concerning the protection of intellectual property, controlled information, and key personnel, particularly for defense research and engineering activities.
• System for Award Management (SAM): Emphasizes that all applicants must be registered in SAM to apply for grants and funding opportunities. Proposals will not be accepted if the entity is not registered.
• Certifications and Assurances: Notes that SAM is the central repository for common certifications and representations. Applicants must still submit any required documentation, including the SF LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities and information on unpaid delinquent tax liability or felony convictions.
• Grants.gov Submission: Outlines the process for submitting proposals electronically via Grants.gov, including registration steps (DUNS number, SAM registration, Grants.gov account creation), workspace usage, and electronic signature requirements. It advises submitting applications at least 24-48 hours before the deadline to allow for technical issue resolution.

This document is critical for bidders as it specifies mandatory forms, data collection requirements (especially for key personnel and demographic information), and the necessary registration processes (SAM and Grants.gov) for submitting a compliant proposal. Failure to adhere to these instructions, particularly regarding SAM registration and form completion, may result in the proposal being returned without further review. It also highlights the importance of timely submission through Grants.gov and provides resources for applicant support.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Proposal Adequacy Checklist" (January 2014 version, revised January 29, 2014) prescribed by FAR 215.7009. It serves as a guide for offerors to ensure their proposals contain all necessary information and are adequately prepared for evaluation, particularly concerning cost or pricing data. Offerors may elect to have their subcontractors use a similar checklist.

The checklist is organized into sections covering:

• General Instructions: Verifies the completeness of the proposal's first page, identification of Government-furnished material, disclosure of noncompliance with Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and disclosure of other factors impacting costs (e.g., vendor quotations, production changes, make-or-buy decisions).
• Cost Elements: Addresses the consolidated summary of materials and services (CBOM), subcontractor proposals, price/cost analysis, and exceptions to certified cost or pricing data for commercial items.
• Exceptions to Certified Cost or Pricing Data: Details requirements for identifying commercial item definitions and any modifications.
• Interorganizational Transfers: Outlines requirements for proposals involving transfers between related entities.
• Direct Labor: Covers time-phased breakdowns, Basis of Estimates (BOEs), and compliance with Service Contract Labor Standards.
• Indirect Costs: Requires indication of the basis for estimating and applying indirect costs.
• Other Costs: Includes requirements for other direct costs (e.g., travel), royalties, and facilities capital cost of money.
• Formats for Submission of Line Item Summaries: Specifies the required formats for cost element breakdowns, modifications, and price revisions.
• Other: Addresses incentive contract types, economic price adjustments, performance-based payments, and excessive pass-through charges.

This checklist is crucial for bidders as it outlines the specific information and documentation required within their proposals, especially concerning cost and pricing. Completing this checklist helps ensure that proposals meet the government's adequacy requirements, thereby avoiding potential rejection or delays in evaluation due to missing or incomplete information. It guides bidders on how to structure and present cost-related data effectively.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a DD Form 254, Contract Security Classification Specification. It outlines the security requirements for a contract, including facility clearance, safeguarding levels, and the types of classified information that may be accessed or generated. It is essential for bidders to understand these requirements to determine their capability to perform the contract.

• Facility Clearance: SECRET is required.
• Safeguarding Level: SECRET is required.
• Contracting Activity: Department of Defense, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).
• Procurement Identification: BAA FA8650-21-S-1180.
• General Identification of Procurement: The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Multispectral Sensing and Detection Division (RYM) conducts research, development, test, and evaluation for U.S. Air Force aerospace electro-optical (EO) and radio frequency (RF) sensor systems.
• Access Requirements: The contractor may require access to intelligence information (SCI and Non-SCI), special access information, NATO information, foreign government information, and limited dissemination information. Access to COMSEC information, restricted data, critical nuclear weapon design information, and formerly restricted data is also indicated.
• Performance: Actual performance is TBD and will occur at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.
• Security Guidance: The National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) applies. Specific guidance is provided for intelligence information, CUI, and derivative classification. Additional security requirements include OPS EC requirements as detailed in the Statement of Work (SOW).
• Personnel: Program Manager: Stephen Fernandez; Security Manager: Tyree Miller.

This document is critical for bidders to assess their security posture and capability to meet the contract's security requirements. It specifies the necessary facility clearance (SECRET) and details the types of classified information the contractor will handle. Bidders must confirm they possess or can obtain the required clearances and understand the security protocols outlined, including those referenced in the SOW. Failure to meet these security requirements can disqualify a bidder.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document is a Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) that outlines various data items required from the contractor. It specifies the format, frequency, submission details, and distribution for each data item.

• Data Item No. A001 (Scientific and Technical Reports): Requires a final report conforming to AFRL Format Guidelines, including a Standard Form (SF) 298. Sensitive information (CUI) must be marked. Distribution is restricted.
• Data Item No. A002 (Funds and Man-Hour Expenditure Report): Monthly report, submitted electronically, tailored to contractor format. Distribution is to US Government agencies only.
• Data Item No. A003 (Contract Funds Status Report - CFSR): Quarterly report, submitted electronically, containing forecasts by month and quarter. CFSR data must be reconciled to the Government's fiscal year. Distribution is to US Government agencies only.
• Data Item No. A004 (Scientific and Technical Reports - Spend Plan): Monthly report, submitted electronically, showing graphical/tabular depiction of BCWS, ACWP, and billed amounts. Distribution is through Air Force channels.
• Data Item No. A005 (Status Report): Monthly report, submitted electronically, tailored to contractor's format. Distribution is to DoD and US DOD contractors.
• Data Item No. A006 (Computer Software Product): Requires submission of software source code and executable, submitted electronically. Distribution is to DoD and US DOD contractors.
• Data Item No. A007 (Software User Manual - SUM): Submitted with software delivery, reproducible on media compatible with MS-Office for Windows, and submitted electronically. Distribution is to DoD and US DOD contractors.
• Data Item No. A008 (Presentation Material): Requires submission of presentation material, not exceeding 1,500 words, reproducible on media compatible with MS-Office for Windows, and submitted electronically. Distribution is to DoD and US DOD contractors.

This CDRL details the specific reporting and deliverable requirements for the contract. Bidders must understand these requirements to accurately estimate costs and plan for contract execution. The document specifies the types of reports, their frequency, format, and submission methods, as well as distribution limitations for sensitive data.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a guide for formatting technical reports according to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/National Information Standards Organization (NISO) Z39.18 standard. It provides detailed instructions on the structure, components, and presentation styles for technical reports, intended for authors and contractors producing such documents for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

• Components of a Technical Report: Outlines required and conditional elements for Front Matter, Body, and Back Matter, including Cover Page, Table of Contents, Summary, Introduction, References, Appendices, and more.
• SF 298, Report Document Page: Details the required information for this form, crucial for report retrieval.
• Formatting Requirements: Specifies font type, spacing, margins, and numbering conventions.
• Presentation Styles: Provides guidance on formatting equations, figures, and tables, including caption styles.
• Appendices: Includes examples for Notice and Signature Pages, and a Notice to Accompany the Dissemination of Export Controlled Technical Data.

While not a solicitation or SOW, this document is highly relevant for bidders who are required to submit technical reports as part of their contract deliverables. It ensures that all submitted reports adhere to a standardized, professional format, facilitating review, retrieval, and dissemination by the government. Understanding these formatting requirements is essential for successful contract performance and compliance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides payment instructions for various contract clauses, detailing how payments are allocated and processed.

• Contract/Order Payment Clause: Lists specific FAR and DFARS clauses related to payments (e.g., 52.212-4, 52.216-7, 52.232-1, 52.232-5, 52.232-16, 52.232-29, 52.232-30, 52.232-32, 252.232-7002).
• Type of Payment Request: Specifies the type of payment request associated with each clause (e.g., Cost Voucher, Navy Shipbuilding Invoice, Invoice, Construction Payment Invoice, Progress Payment, Commercial Item Financing, Performance-Based Payments).
• Supply/Service/Construction: Indicates whether the clause applies to Supply, Service, or Construction contracts.
• Allocation Method: Describes how funds are allocated for each payment type, including line item specific proration, allocation by fiscal year, and contract-wide proration. It details how multiple ACRNs (Accounting CLIN Reporting Numbers) are handled.

This attachment is crucial for understanding how payments will be processed and allocated under the contract. Bidders should review the relevant clauses and their associated payment and allocation methods to understand potential cash flow implications and ensure their invoicing and payment requests align with the contract terms.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the Standard Form 298 (SF 298), Report Documentation Page, and its accompanying instructions. It is used to document technical information about a report, including its title, author, contract/grant numbers, dates, and abstract. Bidders may be required to complete and submit this form as part of their proposal or as a deliverable.

• Report Information: Fields for report date, type, title, author(s), and dates covered.
• Contractual Information: Fields for contract number, grant number, program element number, project number, task number, and work unit number.
• Organization Details: Fields for performing and sponsoring/monitoring agency names and addresses.
• Content Summary: Fields for abstract and subject terms.
• Distribution & Security: Fields for distribution/availability statement, supplementary notes, security classification, and limitation of abstract.

Bidders should review this form to understand the specific information required by the government for reporting purposes. If this form is to be submitted as part of the proposal, bidders must ensure all relevant fields are accurately completed according to the instructions provided. It may also indicate specific reporting requirements for the contract if awarded.

Statement of Objectives (SOO)

This SOO outlines research objectives for the Multispectral Sensing & Detection Division (RYM) of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The overarching goal is to advance the state-of-the-art in sensor system research and development across the electromagnetic spectrum to deliver next-generation capabilities for global persistent awareness.

The research is organized into five main areas, each with specific objectives and areas of interest:

• RYMF – Multiband Multifunction Radio Frequency Sensing: Focuses on advancing antenna technology, adaptive radar, and digital multifunction arrays for applications including ISR, radar, electronic warfare, and communications.
• RYMM – Laser Radar Technology: Aims to develop innovative laser radar approaches for ISR and precision attack, including new sensor designs, components, and algorithms for target detection and identification.
• RYMP – Passive Radio Frequency Sensing: Investigates improvements in passive RF sensing systems for situational awareness, tracking, and targeting, particularly in challenging electromagnetic environments.
• RYMS – Distributed Radio Frequency Sensing: Addresses the development of innovative techniques for waveform design, signal phenomenology, and distributed processing to detect and track targets in complex scenarios.
• RYMT - EO Target Detection & Surveillance: Promotes novel passive electro-optic and infrared (EO/IR) sensors, hardware, and algorithms for target sensing, detection, recognition, and tracking, including hyperspectral imaging and standoff high-resolution imaging.

Not explicitly stated in this document, but it pertains to research and development for the Air Force.

• Operations Security (OPSEC): Contractors must adhere to OPSEC procedures throughout the contract lifecycle to reduce program vulnerability.
• Program Protection Plan (PPP): Contractors must supplement security practices to protect critical program information (CPI) as articulated in the PPP and DoDI 5200.39.
• Collaboration: Emphasis on leveraging system benefits from multispectral/multiband approaches, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), and multi-sensor exploitation.
• Cost/SWaP: Interest in low-cost, size, weight, and power (SWaP) approaches for various sensor systems.