Request for Information (RFI) ORBS Bridge Contract
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 (DAF) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for the Optical Radiation Bioeffects and Safety (ORBS) Bridge Contract. This RFI seeks to gather market information and capabilities for planning purposes related to research and development in Directed Energy (DE) bioeffects and safety. The goal is to enable optimal use and safe exploitation of the electromagnetic spectrum for national defense. Responses are due by February 6, 2026.
Scope of Work
The RFI focuses on basic to early applied research and advanced technology development aligned with the Bioeffects Core Technical Competency and Product Line. Key functional areas requiring technical expertise include:
- Novel Laser Bioeffects: Conducting empirical research on DE laser exposures, determining bioeffects, damage mechanisms, thresholds, and assessing the effectiveness of optical exposures for behavioral responses. This includes research on visual mechanisms and developing advanced protection technologies.
- Nuclear Flash and Laser Eye Protection (LEP): Researching human effects, characterizing and evaluating LEP performance against emerging DE weapons, conducting AR/VR laser dazzle experiments, and performing field studies to validate laboratory data for warfighter protection.
- DE Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A): Enhancing and developing MS&A tools for fundamental laser-tissue interactions, energy propagation, thermal response, and multi-physics responses. This involves Physics-level, Engineering-level, Engagement-level, and Mission-level modeling, incorporating DevSecOps principles, AI/ML, and non-lethal weapons (NLW)/scalable effects weapons (SEW) analysis.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) – for planning purposes only.
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Response Due: February 6, 2026, 04:59 AM EST.
- Published: January 26, 2026.
- Place of Performance: San Antonio, TX.
- Product Service Code: AC11 (National Defense R&D Services; Department Of Defense Military; Basic Research).
Submission Requirements
Responses should include:
- Section A (Cover Page): Company/organization details, CAGE, POCs, small business status (8(a), SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, VOSB, SDVOSB), domestic/foreign ownership, and a short summary of experience/capabilities.
- Section B (Technical Summary): A maximum 5-page abstract (11 pt font, single-spaced) demonstrating understanding of the three functional areas.
- Format: Microsoft Office Word or PDF.
- Submission: Electronically via email to the agency contacts (or DoD SAFE link).
Additional Notes
This RFI is for market research only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal or a commitment to issue one. The Government will not pay for information submitted. Proprietary information should be clearly marked and will be protected. Non-Government advisors may assist in evaluating responses.