Research Engineering Development and Analysis for Cyber Targeting (REDACT)

SOL #: FA875026S7003Pre-Solicitation

Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSE

Dept Of The Air Force

FA8750 AFRL RIK

ROME, NY, 13441-4514, United States

Place of Performance

Place of performance not available

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical (541715)

PSC

National Defense R&D Services; Department Of Defense Military; Applied Research (AC12)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/9ba18c015b1943e4a1c177887feda755/view

Timeline

Posted

Jan 7, 2026

Last Updated

Jan 8, 2026

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, AFRL - Rome Research Site, has issued an Open, Two-Step Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) titled "Research Engineering Development and Analysis for Cyber Targeting (REDACT)" (FA8750-26-S-7003). This initiative seeks innovative research to develop adversary system of systems analysis capabilities to support the Air Force, USCYBERCOM, and other mission partners. The total estimated funding for this ARA is approximately $999.9M.

Purpose & Scope

The primary goal is to develop technologies that enable mission partners to create and optimize Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) against evolving cyber threats. Research will involve requirements evaluation, proof-of-concept technology development, and deployment into operationally realistic environments. Key research areas include:

Target Engineering and Analysis: Developing methodologies for proactive, comprehensive understanding of adversaries and their complex cyber systems, including multi-modal data fusion and predictive modeling.
Agile Cyber Mission Adaptation: Researching agile frameworks and automated tools to accelerate mission expansion and rapid TTP generation/optimization.
Rapid Non-Kinetic Cyber Capability Development: Investigating automated vulnerability discovery, critical node identification, and development of resilient cyber effects.

Contract Details

Type: Advanced Research Announcement (ARA)
Instruments: FAR-based procurement contracts or Other Transactions (OTs) under 10 USC 4021, 4022, and 4023. Successful prototype OTs may transition to follow-on production.
Estimated Total Funding: Approximately $999.9M.
Individual Award Value: Normally ranging from $1M to $100M, with potential for awards up to $499.9M.
Period of Performance: Individual awards typically not exceeding 60 months.
Anticipated Awards: Multiple awards are anticipated.
Set-Aside: None specified. The opportunity is open to all qualified offerors, with Nontraditional Defense Contractors particularly encouraged for OT awards. Foreign participation is generally closed, with limited exceptions.

Submission & Evaluation

Submission Process: This is a two-step process. Initial submissions require white papers only (3-5 pages, double-spaced, 12pt font); formal proposals will be accepted by invitation.
White Paper Deadline: White papers will be considered if received prior to 1600 EST on December 8, 2030. Suggested submission dates for alignment with projected fiscal year funding are: FY26 (Jan 21, 2026), FY27 (Nov 1, 2026), FY28 (Nov 1, 2027), FY29 (Nov 1, 2028), FY30 (Nov 1, 2029).
Evaluation Criteria: Scientific and Technical Merit, Related Experience, Openness/Maturity/Assurance of Solution, and Reasonableness/Realism of Costs.