NETWORKING THE FIGHT
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, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has issued Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-24-S-7002, "Networking the Fight," seeking innovative research proposals. The objective is to enhance information sharing flexibility at the tactical edge, enabling secure data movement across security domains and heterogeneous networks (air, space, and ground). This initiative aims to strengthen information sharing and collaboration in tactical environments, ultimately enhancing mission success.
Scope of Work
This 5-year open BAA focuses on rapid research and development to deliver practical solutions. The program is structured into three phases over 36 months (Phase 0: 9 months, Phase 1: 12 months, Phase 2: 15 months). Key technical areas include:
- TA 1: Next Generation Cross Domain Solution Broker (anticipates three awards)
- TA 2: Highly Dynamic Red/Black Networking (anticipates three awards)
- TA 3: Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A) (anticipates one award) Future technical areas may be added via amendment.
Contract Details
- Type: Open, 2-Step Broad Agency Announcement (BAA).
- Total Estimated Funding: Approximately $70 million.
- Individual Awards: Typically range from $1 million to $24 million, not normally exceeding 36 months. Multiple awards are anticipated.
- Award Instruments: FAR-based Procurement contracts, CFR-based grants and cooperative agreements, or Other Transactions (OTs). Successful prototype OTs may transition to follow-on production contracts.
- Set-Aside: None specified; open to all qualified offerors.
Submission & Deadlines
- Initial Submission: White papers only. Formal proposals will be accepted by invitation.
- White Paper Due (TA 1, 2, 3): February 28, 2024, 11:59 PM EST. White papers received after this date for these TAs will have a substantially reduced likelihood of funding.
- Proposal Due (TA 1, 2, 3, if invited): April 8, 2024, 11:59 PM EST.
- BAA Open Until: February 14, 2029.
- Published Date: February 20, 2026 (latest amendment republish date).
Key Requirements & Evaluation
Offerors must submit required Science and Technology (S&T) Protection documentation, including the Senior/Key Person Profile, Security Program Questionnaire, and Privacy Act Statement for all relevant personnel. Failure to comply or identified security risks exceeding acceptable thresholds may lead to award declination. For FAR-based awards, proposals must include financial resources information as per DFARS 232.072-2(b). Evaluation will consider Scientific and Technical Merit, Related Experience, Openness/Maturity/Assurance of Solution, and Reasonableness/Realism of Costs.
Contacts
- BAA Program Manager (Technical Questions): Lt. Tyler Horn (tyler.horn.4@us.af.mil, 315-330-2438)
- Contracting Officer (Contractual/Business Questions): Amber Buckley (Amber.Buckley@us.af.mil) Offerors should monitor SAM.gov for amendments.