Multi-Spectrum Defensive Electronic Warfare (MSDEW) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA), Call 01, Threat Assessment & Aircraft Protection Defensive Electronic Warfare (TAAP-DEW)

Quick Summary

The Department of the Air Force, specifically the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Sensors Directorate, has issued an Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) titled "Multi-Spectrum Defensive Electronic Warfare (MSDEW)". This unrestricted opportunity seeks to develop advanced sensors and systems to enhance national defense capabilities, improve joint lethality in contested environments, and support forces operating under attack. The ARA is open for Calls through July 13, 2027.

Purpose & Scope

The MSDEW ARA aims to advance Air Force Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities by developing multi-spectrum threat warning and countermeasures sensors, systems, and technologies. This will involve design, modeling, simulation, analysis, experimentation, testing, and demonstration. Key objectives include:

• Integrating advanced signal sensors, processing, and exploitation for EW, threat warning, and countermeasures onto weapon systems.
• Demonstrating and assessing integrated EW systems in operational environments.
• Researching and refining integrated sensor systems architecture, including open architecture and adaptable interfaces.
• Developing optimized processing for sensor systems and algorithms, and assessing software/hardware interfaces.
• Researching integration methodologies and performing experiments.
• Transitioning effective EW techniques, systems, and countermeasures for current and future threats. Technical areas of interest include Electro-Optic & Multi-Spectrum Countermeasures, Counter-Directed Energy Weapon Threat Warning Sensors, Counter-Missile Threat Warning Sensors, and Cyber Secure, Trusted, and Open EW Systems.

Contract Details

• Type: This ARA anticipates FAR-based Cost-Reimbursement, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), Multiple Award Fair Opportunity, and Other Transaction (OT) awards. The specific award type will be identified under each individual call.
• Estimated Program Value: The total estimated program value is $396,600,000.00.
• Individual Awards: Individual awards are expected to range from $20,000,000.00 to $100,000,000.00. Multiple awards are anticipated.
• Period of Performance: To be determined (TBD) per individual call.
• Place of Performance: Wright Patterson AFB, OH.

Submission & Evaluation

Proposals will be submitted in response to individual calls, with specific instructions and due dates provided in each call. Evaluation will prioritize Technical Merit (first priority) and Cost/Price (second priority), utilizing Peer or Scientific Review. A mandatory Security Risk Review process will be applied to proposals, assessing potential undue foreign influence. Offerors must submit:

• Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile Worksheet (Appendix 2)
• Security Program Questionnaire (Appendix 1)
• Privacy Act Statement consent form (Appendix 3) for each "Covered Individual" (all Senior/Key Personnel). Failure to comply with security requirements or if a security risk exceeds the acceptable threshold may result in the award being declined. Offerors must establish internal processes to address foreign talent programs, conflicts of interest, and research integrity.

Eligibility & Set-Aside

This is an unrestricted solicitation, encouraging proposals from businesses and educational institutions of all sizes. Cost sharing or matching is not required. Specific guidance is provided for Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs).

Important Notes

Offerors should monitor www.sam.gov for amendments and the issuance of individual calls. Security classification for awards may be Top Secret, and export control regulations may apply. Data rights will be determined per individual call. Contracting Points of Contact: Katie Skaleski (kathryn.skaleski@us.af.mil) and Richard Bailey (richard.bailey.26@us.af.mil).