Prometheus Flame - Request for Information
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 has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the "Prometheus Flame" initiative, seeking feedback on a draft Request for Solutions (RFS). This program aims to foster an open-source community and drive innovation in dual-use Autonomy and Mission Systems (AMS). The goal is to develop a standards-compliant, open-source ecosystem leveraging commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and agile methodologies. Feedback on the draft RFS is requested by April 17, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
The Prometheus Flame initiative seeks to address limitations in current defense software development by creating a "flywheel effect" for robust commercial and military technologies. The program will develop an open-source ecosystem based on the Agile Mission Suite GRA (AMS GRA) and Autonomy GRA (A-GRA) standards, expected to be publicly released around June 1, 2026.
Key deliverables for the challenge include:
- Open-Source Implementations: Solutions must be AMS GRA and A-GRA compliant, demonstrable on COTS hardware, and released under a permissive open-source license.
- Turn-Key Projects: End-to-end example projects demonstrating AMS GRA and A-GRA compliance (e.g., "hello world," communications, weather management, cooperative autonomous search).
- Public-Facing Resource: A comprehensive package including source code repository, public website, getting-started guides, documentation, and instructional videos.
Contract & Program Details
- Resultant Award Type: Prizes with potential follow-on Prototype and Production Other Transaction (OT) Agreements.
- Authority: 10 U.S.C. § 4025 and 10 U.S.C. § 4022.
- Anticipated Project Budget: To Be Determined (TBD).
- Challenge Structure: A continuous, multi-phase competition (3-6 months per phase), culminating in a "fly-off" demonstration. Offerors may enter at any time.
Submission & Evaluation (Draft RFS)
- Initial Qualification (Step 1): Requires a 5-page white paper, AMS GRA/A-GRA compliance report, and a demonstration video. Submission deadline is NLT two months after the final solicitation is posted.
- Fly Off (Step 2): Requires source code, CI/CD pipelines, documentation, compliance reports, a 5-page Work Plan, and a price proposal. Submission deadline is NLT 24 hours prior to the Fly Off.
- Evaluation Criteria: Solutions will be evaluated on Mission Performance, Usability & Onboarding, Technical Implementation & Standards Compliance, and Risk. Categories include "Selectable Plus," "Selectable," and "Not Selectable."
Eligibility & Deadlines
- Eligibility: Open to industry and academia. Proof of United States or US ally-based headquarters and ownership is required.
- Feedback Deadline (Draft RFS): April 17, 2026.
- Final Solicitation: Expected around June 1, 2026.
- Questions Deadline: TBD; Response Deadline: TBD (for final solicitation).
Additional Notes
This is a draft solicitation for informational purposes only. Providing feedback is voluntary, and costs incurred will not be reimbursed. This RFI does not constitute a commitment to issue a solicitation or award a contract.