Research and Development (R&D) for Next Generation Aircraft Protection Technologies
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, AFLCMC/HNJW (Electronic Warfare Branch), has published a Two-Step Closed Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) with Calls for Research and Development (R&D) for Next Generation Aircraft Protection Technologies. This CSO seeks innovative solutions to fulfill requirements, close capability gaps, or provide technological advancements for a modular, upgradable Next Generation Aircraft Protection system based on open architecture standards. The CSO is open to all qualified vendors, including traditional and non-traditional defense contractors, large and small businesses, and research institutions. The overall availability of this CSO is until November 23, 2030.
Scope of Work
AFLCMC/HNJW is developing a modular, upgradable Next Generation Aircraft Protection system and seeks partners capable of developing part or all of this system. Four primary areas of interest are defined:
- System Architecture, Modeling and Simulation
- The Detect Layer (Sensing): Including advanced sensor technologies (RF, optical, acoustic).
- The Decide Layer (Processing): Including advanced processing (hardware, software, algorithms).
- The Defeat Layer (Countermeasures and Effectors): Including advanced countermeasures (kinetic, non-kinetic, RFCM, Electro/Optical CM, directed energy).
Submissions must demonstrate compliance with the Agile Mission Suite (AMS) Government Reference Architecture (GRA) or provide a technical roadmap to compliance.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Two-Step Closed Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) with Calls (Special Notice)
- Duration: Five-year period for CSO announcement. Specific call durations will vary.
- Set-Aside: None specified (open to all qualified vendors).
- Overall CSO Response Date: November 23, 2030
- Published Date: February 8, 2026
- Department/Agency: DEPT OF DEFENSE / DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE
Submission Requirements & Key Documents
The submission process is two-step:
- Step 1: White paper submission.
- Step 2: Full proposal submission, if requested after white paper evaluation. Submission instructions will be identified at the Call level.
This CSO contains Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). To gain access to attachments, vendors must have completed National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) assessments and uploaded them to the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS). Assessments must be current (not older than 3 years), as per DFARS 252.204-7019 and 252.204-7020.
- Attachment 1 - Contractor Statement of Work Format: This document provides the mandatory format for the Contractor Statement of Work (SOW) for Step 2 proposals. It specifies a maximum of 10 pages, required sections (Objective, Scope, Background, Tasks/Technical Requirements), and specific language usage ("the contractor shall"). Adherence is critical for compliant proposals.
- Attachment 2 - Questions and Answers Template: This template facilitates structured submission of questions related to the solicitation, including fields for reference document, page, paragraph, and question. It is crucial for seeking clarification on requirements.