Optical Radiation Bioeffects and Safety (ORBS 2.0) - Industry Day

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains questions and answers from an Industry Day event related to an upcoming solicitation. It aims to clarify aspects of the potential contract and the government's requirements.

• AI in Histology: The government is interested in increasing the use of AI for digital histology slide readings.
• Staffing: While veterinary care and exposure staff are not identical, they collaborate. Specific numbers for veterinary staff are around 19, with active duty, contractors, and civilians.
• Animal Provision: The contractor will provide the animals.
• Multiple Primes: The contract structure allows for multiple awards, and prime contractors may outsource work.
• Histology Services: The government does not currently partner with external organizations for histology services, except for collaborations.
• VR/AR Development: The focus is primarily on Virtual Reality (VR) development, with Augmented Reality (AR) being more challenging. Unity is used for VR, integrating with AFSIM.
• Wavelengths of Interest: Key wavelengths include one micron and 50-kilowatt Micron, with a focus on technologies from the Joint Direct Energy Transition Office roadmaps.
• Data and Databases: Products and data generated will be stored in a digital laboratory environment and organized into a database for future use and collaborator access.

This Q&A session provides valuable insights into the government's expectations regarding technology, staffing, and deliverables, which bidders should consider when preparing their proposals. It clarifies the scope of work and potential areas for development, such as AI integration and specific laser technologies.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains responses to questions posed by potential vendors regarding the ORBS (Orbital Reconnaissance and Bombardment System) pipeline and related research endeavors. It clarifies aspects of the acquisition process, technical scope, and operational procedures.

• ORBS Pipeline Integration: The workflow generally involves identifying a wavelength with a military application, reviewing existing literature, and determining if the endeavor is warranted. The ORBS contract vehicle allows for unsolicited white paper submissions, which can be submitted even if they don't directly fit ORBS but have a connection to the 711th (presumably an organization). The submission window opens with the solicitation date and extends six months after solicitations are due.
• Technology Scope: Technologies like delivering a dose to a specific person rather than a large area are considered within the scope if the vendor has expertise in the application.
• Submission Paths: Two viable paths for engagement are recommended: prime partner to sub-contract, or unsolicited bids.
• AFRL Budget Cuts: The organization uses a bi-annual plan and a long-term strategy to flex and adapt to changes, including budget adjustments.
• Nuclear Effects Priority: The priority for nuclear effects in the environment is steady.
• Project Funding: Not all typical research projects are matched up with past orders for funding periodicity.
• Work Planning: Work plans are developed annually, with internal government and contractor collaboration to define the type of work, how it will be done, and the required manpower for the upcoming year.
• On-Site Work: Plans are made for the year, and execution is expected, ensuring necessary personnel are on-site.
• Contractor Staffing: There is no strict limit on the number of contractor personnel that can be housed, but available space must be considered.
• Behavioral Effects Testing: Past work has included "dazzle" and "pain sensing," and fatigue testing has also been conducted. Future plans may include expanding on behavioral impacts of directed energy exposure.
• Security Clearances: While the RFP mentions a "secret" clearance requirement, exceptions may be possible for collaborators. However, most work is up to SCI level, and anyone working on projects is vetted and expected to have their work cleared.
• Technology Interest: Tools for High Powered Macro System Hazard analysis may be of interest, with potential for component models to be useful.
• Injury Models: Portions of injury models are published. The structure for analysis includes concept description, computational methods, and integration, with component models being separate.
• Acquisition Timeline: The current acquisition timeline is based on standard timelines and is projected toward mid-July.

This Q&A document provides crucial clarifications that bidders should consider when preparing proposals or understanding the scope and process of the ORBS opportunity. It addresses potential ambiguities regarding submission procedures, technical scope, security requirements, and timelines.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains questions and answers from an Industry Day event, providing clarifications on the BRDEE contract and related technical aspects.

• BRDEE Award Type: The BRDEE contract was solicited under a closed call BAA solicitation within the CHEERS Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA) umbrella, not a traditional MAA type award.
• Evaluation Criteria: Uniqueness, innovation, and developments are critical to the evaluation.
• Modeling and Simulation Tools: The government uses various codes, including a long-standing B.Tech model for 2D symmetry laser tissue interaction and a Python-based pack 1B code for one-dimension transfer of ablation.
• In Vitro Models: The government is interested in more sophisticated tissue models, including organoids, to align with existing data.
• Scenario Development: Scenarios are driven by external interest and will be developed visually, ensuring they align with the mission.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Laser Eye Protection (LEP) is used, with a focus on eye protection, particularly concerning directed energy in testing methodologies.
• Focus of Interest: The interest lies in assessing emerging projects and basic research to define requirements for protection against damage, rather than solely assessing existing technology or providing design specifications.

This Q&A session provides specific details that may influence how potential bidders approach their proposals, particularly regarding technical capabilities, modeling tools, and the type of innovation sought.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a flyer and agenda for an Industry Day hosted by the Air Force Research Lab, Optical Radiation Bioeffects Branch (AFRL/RHDO). The event is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, 2025, and aims to support the "Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring and Sustaining (CHEERS)" Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA) #FA2384-24-S-2233. The purpose is to provide an overview of the Optical Radiation Bioeffects Branch, including program briefs, lab tours, discussions, and Q&A sessions.

This Industry Day is relevant to potential bidders interested in the CHEERS MAA, specifically the technical requirements of the Bioeffects Division. It offers an opportunity to gain insights into the branch's work and ask questions. Key details for attendees include:

• Date: TBD (tentatively October 1, 2025)

• Time: TBD (CST)

• Location: 4141 Petroleum Rd., Bldg 3260, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234

• Deadline: Friday, September 26th

• Method: Email RSVP to the Technical POC (Ashalana Modygo at ashalana.modygo@us.af.mil)

• Required Information: Company Name, Attendee Full Legal Name(s), Driver's License details, Date of Birth, Country of Birth, Email, Telephone Number.

• Limit: Maximum of 2 personnel per company.

• Eligibility: U.S. citizens only.

• Arrival and Security/Badging (0800-0815)

• Program Overview (0815-0845)

• Lab Tours (0900-1030)

• Open Q&A Session (1030-1130)

• Closing Remarks (1130-1145)

• Private Q&A Sessions available after lunch (1300-1600)

Note: This notice is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or a commitment by the government. Participation is voluntary, and there is no fee. The government will not pay for any effort expended in response to this notice or for participation, including travel costs. Meals will not be provided. Briefings and questions asked at the event will be made available on SAM.gov.

Statement of Objectives (SOO)

This document outlines the Statement of Objectives (SOO) for the Optical Radiation Bioeffects and Safety (ORBS) program, supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Optical Radiation Bioeffects Branch (RHDO). The program's goal is to conduct research with Directed Energy (DE) based devices and systems to provide accurate, evidence-based information to stakeholders for optimal and safe exploitation of the electromagnetic spectrum for national defense.

The contractor will support research and experimentation efforts aligned with the Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring, and Sustaining (CHEERS) Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA). Research will span basic to early applied research and advanced technology development, categorized by technology readiness level (TRL).

Key areas of research include:

• Novel Laser Bioeffects: Investigating short and long-term bioeffects of laser exposures, laser-tissue interactions, and developing advanced protection technologies.
• Nuclear Flash and Laser Eye Protection (LEP): Researching human effects of LEP, characterizing performance, and developing protective equipment against emerging DE weapons and nuclear flash.
• Modeling, Simulation & Analysis (MS&A): Enhancing and developing MS&A tools for laser-tissue interactions, engineering, engagement, and mission-level models, including physics-level, engineering-level, engagement-level, and mission-level modeling.

Not explicitly detailed in this SOO, but research aims to advance technological capabilities and achieve measurable outcomes supporting the RHDO mission.

Not specified in this document.

• Human Use Research: Requires assistance in preparing research protocols for human subjects, adhering to ethical conduct, scientific integrity, and regulatory standards.
• Animal Use Research: Requires assistance in preparing animal use research protocols, adhering to humane practices and rigorous methodology.
• Biosafety Program: All research must conform to applicable biosafety policies and guidelines.
• Safety Standards: Support development of safety analysis and measurement procedures, and USAF laser safety training.
• Base Support: Government may provide laboratory space, equipment, and office workspace.
• Training: Contractor personnel must complete required government training, including EH&S, security, hazardous materials, laser safety, and biosafety.
• Deliverables: Include journal publications, technical reports, oral presentations, software, and hardware.
• Security: The highest security classification required is TS/SCI. Contractor personnel require at least a Secret clearance.
• Associate Contractor Agreements (ACA): May be required for joint participation.