Seeking Enhanced White Papers (EWP) for the design, development, integration, and deployment of prototype technologies for Hardware-in-the-loop of Advanced Navigation & Guidance Sensors (HANGS).

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the HANGS Request for Enhanced White Papers (REWP), clarifying requirements, submission details, and evaluation processes.

• Page Limit: The Enhanced White Paper (EWP) page limit is 25 pages (REWP Revision 1), not unlimited as initially stated.

• Due Date: The REWP is an open announcement with no due date, open for one year from the SAM.gov post date. However, REWP Revision 2 states the due date is January 31, 2026.

• Evaluation Basis: EWPs will be evaluated on a rolling basis. If an EWP is selected, a full proposal may be requested.

• Procurement Approach: The government plans to procure Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) camera systems that may be integrated into a projection system designed and built by the contractor.

• Technology Area #2 (Midcourse and Navigation): The current PNT simulation environment includes GNSS real-time wavefront simulators and can ingest multiple TSPI files. It supports traditional GNSS receivers and other navigation capabilities like celestial and terrain mapping. Compatibility with legacy GWEF scene generation tools (FLITES) is expected.

• Technology Area #3 (Datalink and Radio Communication): This area will focus on digital injection (messaging simulator via 1553 or TCPIP) or RF generation (TxRx radio). Specific frequencies, bandwidths, and modulations are not yet specified but will be determined later.

• Data Rights: While the government prefers unlimited data rights, they acknowledge that data rights can be negotiated. The key is to clearly define restricted rights, justify them, and explain how the government can still operate, maintain, and modernize the capability.

• Contract Type: The awarded contract type may be fixed-price, cost-reimbursable, or a hybrid.

• Clarifies the page limit and due date for the Enhanced White Paper.

• Provides insight into the government's technical expectations for various technology areas.

• Outlines the evaluation process and potential next steps after EWP submission.

• Offers guidance on addressing data rights concerns in white paper submissions.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the HANGS Request for Enhanced White Papers (REWP), clarifying requirements, submission details, and evaluation processes.

• Page Limit: The Enhanced White Paper (EWP) page limit was changed to 25 pages in REWP Revision 1.
• Due Date: The REWP is an open announcement with no due date, intended to remain open for one year from the SAM.gov post date. However, REWP Revision 2 changed the due date to 31 Jan 2026. The announcement may close at any time without further notice.
• Evaluation Basis: EWPs will be evaluated on a rolling basis. If an EWP is selected, a full proposal may be requested.
• Proposal Timeline: If an EWP is selected, a proposal may be requested within a couple of weeks, with up to 30 days provided for submission.
• System Procurement: The government plans to procure Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) camera systems, potentially integrated into a projection system designed and built by the contractor.
• M-Code for GNSS: The REWP may include requirements for M-Code for GNSS receiver technologies, and offerors must have the capability to procure/develop to this requirement if requested.
• Incumbent Information: The document does not provide specific details about incumbent contracts but notes that the contract vehicle will fulfill HITL capabilities funded through AFTC Investment & Modernization (I&M) and TRMC.
• Award Value: The anticipated award value is unknown, but there is an $80M ceiling associated with the opportunity.
• Compatibility: Compatibility with legacy GWEF scene generation tools such as FLITES is expected.
• Data Rights: Data rights can be negotiated during the proposal phase. While the government cannot provide specific verbiage, offerors are advised to clearly define restricted rights, provide justification, and describe how the government can still operate, maintain, and modernize the capability.

This Q&A document clarifies several key aspects of the REWP, including page limits, due dates, evaluation criteria, and technical requirements, which will directly impact how vendors prepare and submit their white papers and subsequent proposals.

Request for Enhanced White Papers (REWP)

This document is a Request for Enhanced White Papers (EWPs) for the design, development, integration, and deployment of prototype technologies for Hardware-in-the-loop of Advanced Navigation & Guidance Sensors (HANGS). The goal is to improve the Air Force's capabilities to efficiently develop, test, and evaluate current and future weapon systems in realistic synthetic environments. The 96th Test Wing (TW) / 782d Test Squadron (TS) at the Guided Weapons Evaluation Facility (GWEF) is issuing this request.

• Offerors must express interest and demonstrate understanding of the project scope and potential solutions.

• EWPs must address a minimum of two (2) of the following four (4) Technology Areas:

  • TA #1: Dynamic real-time multispectral scene generation and projection/injection systems (EO/IR, UV, Visible, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR, RF).
  • TA #2: Midcourse and navigation environment emulation/simulation (PNT, GNSS, alternative PNT).
  • TA #3: Datalink and radio communication emulation/simulation (multi-protocol datalink, radio communication, commercial LEO satellite communication).
  • TA #4: High frame rate real-time simulation execution (graphics processor-based computation).

• Deliverables include:

  • Technology prototype (1 per Technology Area).
  • Modeling & Simulation (M&S) and Testing & Evaluation (T&E) plan/report (1 per Prototype).
  • Interface control document (1 per Prototype).
  • Acceptance and Verification & Validation (V&V) plan/report (1 per Prototype).
  • Software, Hardware, and firmware documentation, specifications, source code, executable codes, libraries, scripts, tables, and supporting operation, maintenance, and user manuals/reports (1 per Prototype).
  • Meeting/briefing materials, meeting minutes, and action items (As needed).

• A full solution addresses all four technology areas; a partial solution addressing at least two is acceptable.

• Awards will be made under Other Transactions for Prototype, per 10 U.S.C. § 4022.

• Anticipated duration of agreement is 36 months (Year 1: Design/development; Year 2: Procurement/fabrication/testing; Year 3: Integration/system test).

• Alternate schedules/durations may be proposed.

• Multiple awards are anticipated; industry teaming is encouraged.

• Enhanced White Papers (EWPs) must not exceed 25 pages and must be UNCLASSIFIED.

• Submission includes one electronic copy of the Cover Sheet, Enhanced White Paper, and Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) Cost Estimate.

• EWPs are due by 31 January 2026.

• Questions are due by 22 January 2026.

• Meeting requests must be submitted by 22 January 2026.

• Evaluation will be based on technical merit, clarity of technical approach, schedule adherence, resource adequacy, data rights assertions, conformance to requirements, and affordability.

• Ratings will be "OUTSTANDING," "ACCEPTABLE," or "UNACCEPTABLE."

• Awards must meet at least one of the following conditions:

  • At least one nontraditional defense contractor (NDC) or nonprofit research institution participating significantly.
  • All significant participants are small businesses or NDCs.
  • At least one third of the total cost is paid by non-Federal Government sources.
  • Exceptional circumstances justify the business arrangement.

• Cost sharing is required if an NDC is not participating significantly.

• Request for white papers does not guarantee an award.

• Offerors bear all costs to prepare and submit responses.

• Any Prototype Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) awarded may result in a follow-on production contract or transaction without further competition.

• Certain aspects of work may be performed at the SECRET level, and access to a DoD Installation may be required.

• Non-Government advisors from specific firms (Reliance Test & Technology, Canvas, Inc.) may be involved in the evaluation; firms are prohibited from competing.

• Offerors must register in SAM and WAWF.

• Points of Contact: Heather Stiles (Agreement Officer) and Logan Deming (Agreement Specialist).

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) of Advanced Navigation & Guidance Sensors (HANGS) Request for Enhanced White Papers (REWP).

• Page Limit: There is no page limit for the Enhanced White Paper (EWP).

• Due Date: The REWP is an open announcement with no due date. White papers will be evaluated on a rolling basis. The announcement may close at any time without notice, and will be open for one year from the post date.

• Award Basis: Awards will not be made directly off the REWP. If an EWP is selected, a full proposal may be requested. The Government anticipates requesting a proposal within a couple of weeks of EWP selection, providing up to 30 days for submission.

• Procurement Focus: The government plans to procure Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) camera systems to be integrated into a projection system.

• M-Code Requirement: M-Code for GNSS receiver technologies may be required, and offerors must have the capability to procure/develop to this requirement if asked.

• Technology Area #1 (Scene Generation): Compatibility with legacy Guided Weapons Evaluation Facility (GWEF) scene generation tools, such as FLITES, is expected. The technology should be backwards compatible with current and legacy scene rendering protocols and scene generation interfaces.

• Technology Area #3 (Datalink/Radio): Solutions should focus on digital injection, either via transport layer (1553 or TCPIP) or RF injection via RF cables. Free-space radiated RF is not expected.

• PNT/AltPNT Simulation: The current environment includes GNSS real-time wavefront simulators capable of multiple element outputs, TSPI file ingestion, jammed environment simulation (spoofing and CW), and various signal sets. Other navigation capabilities include celestial and terrain mapping.

• Proposal Evaluation: Awards will not be made directly off the REWP. If a white paper is selected, a proposal will be requested, and evaluation methods will be provided at that time.

• CUI: Do not mark responses as CUI. Companies can mark them as sensitive/proprietary. Submissions must not be locked and must be reviewable by technical and contracting teams.

• Facility Security Clearance (FCL): No FCL is required to receive an award.

• The rolling basis for evaluation and potential closure at any time are key considerations for submission timing.

• The focus on COTS camera systems and specific technology area requirements (e.g., scene generation compatibility, datalink/radio injection methods) should inform proposal development.

Request for Enhanced White Papers (REWP)

This document is a Request for Enhanced White Papers (REWP) for the design, development, integration, and deployment of prototype technologies for Hardware-in-the-loop of Advanced Navigation & Guidance Sensors (HANGS). The goal is to improve the Air Force's capability to efficiently test and evaluate weapon systems in realistic, synthetic environments. The 96th Test Wing (TW) / 782d Test Squadron (TS) at the Guided Weapons Evaluation Facility (GWEF) is issuing this REWP.

• Offerors must submit Enhanced White Papers (EWPs) that demonstrate understanding of the project scope and potential solutions.

• EWPs must address a minimum of two (2) of the following four (4) Technology Areas:

  • TA #1: Dynamic real-time multispectral scene generation and projection/injection systems.
  • TA #2: Midcourse and navigation environment emulation/simulation.
  • TA #3: Datalink and radio communication emulation/simulation.
  • TA #4: High frame rate real-time simulation execution.

• Deliverables include a prototype technology, a Modeling & Simulation (M&S) and Testing & Evaluation (T&E) plan/report, an interface control document, an Acceptance and Verification & Validation (V&V) plan/report, software/hardware/firmware documentation, and meeting materials.

• A full solution addressing all four technology areas is desirable, but a partial solution is acceptable.

• Awards will be made under Other Transactions for Prototype, per 10 U.S.C. § 4022.

• Multiple awards are anticipated.

• The anticipated duration of the agreement is 36 months, with a Year 1 for design/development, Year 2 for procurement/fabrication/integration/testing, and Year 3 for integration/system test. Alternate schedules are acceptable.

• Potential for follow-on production contracts or transactions without further competitive procedures is noted.

• Enhanced White Papers must not exceed 25 pages and must be UNCLASSIFIED.

• Submission includes a Cover Sheet, the Enhanced White Paper, and a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) Cost Estimate.

• EWPs will be evaluated on a rolling basis based on technical merit, clarity of approach, schedule adherence, resource adequacy, data rights assertions, conformance to requirements, and affordability.

• Offerors must register in the System for Award Management (SAM) and use Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) for invoicing.

• Awards are made under Other Transaction Authority (OTA).

• Projects must meet at least one of the following conditions: at least one nontraditional defense contractor or nonprofit research institution participating significantly; all significant participants are small businesses or nontraditional defense contractors; at least one third of the total cost is paid by non-Federal sources; or exceptional circumstances justify the arrangement.

• Cost sharing may be required if a nontraditional defense contractor is not participating significantly.

• Request for white papers does not guarantee an award.

• Offerors bear all costs to prepare and submit responses.

• Certain aspects of work may require SECRET level access.

• Non-Government advisors from specific firms may be involved in the evaluation process.

• Point of Contact: Heather Stiles (Agreement Officer) and Logan Deming (Agreement Specialist).

• Enhanced White Papers are due by 31 January 2026.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to vendor questions regarding the Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) of Advanced Navigation & Guidance Sensors (HANGS) Request for Enhanced White Papers (REWP).

• Page Limit: There is no page limit for the Enhanced White Paper (EWP).
• Due Date: The HANGS REWP is an open announcement with no due date. White papers will be reviewed and evaluated as received. The announcement will remain open for one year from the posting date, after which it may be terminated or extended. The announcement may close at any time without further notice.
• Evaluation Basis: EWPs will be evaluated on a rolling basis. If an EWP is selected, a full proposal may be requested based on its merit.
• Proposal Timeline: If an EWP is selected, a proposal is anticipated within a couple of weeks, with up to 30 days provided for submission.
• System Procurement: The government plans to procure Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) camera systems and may design them into a projection system.
• M-Code for GNSS: M-Code for GNSS receiver technologies may be included; offerors must have the capability to procure/develop to this requirement if requested.
• Incumbent Contract: While other contract vehicles fund similar test technologies, this specific contract addresses test gaps funded by Air Force Test Center (AFTC) Investment & Modernization (I&M) and the Test Resource Management Center's (TRMC) Central Test and Evaluation Investment Program (CTEIP).
• Anticipated Award Value: The award value is unknown, but there is an $80M ceiling for this opportunity.
• Compatibility: Prototypes developed are expected to be compatible with legacy Guided Weapons Evaluation Facility (GWEF) scene generation tools such as Foundational Logistics Information Technology Enterprise System (FLITES).
• Flight Test Instrumentation: Real flight test instrumentation hardware is not required for simulated tests under this opportunity.
• Telemetry Stream: Generating a simulated telemetry stream of flight test data is out of scope.
• Evaluation Software: Evaluation software may be valuable depending on the use case, but not specifically for this project topic.
• Hardware Communication Protocol: Standard interfaces are preferred for scene generation technology to accept video from independent COTS/GOTS items.
• Sensor Protocol: The protocol for injecting emulated raw data into sensors will vary depending on the program being tested; MOSA/WOSA/SOSA may help standardize this.
• Transition State Performance: The government expects the Unit Under Test (UUT) to handle transitions to other navigation systems if GNSS is degraded, and the host simulation architecture will manage synchronization with varying scene environments.
• Datalink/Radio Emulation: Technology Area #3 will focus on digital injection (e.g., 1553 or TCPIP) or RF injection via RF cables (not free-space radiated).
• PNT/AltPNT Simulation: The current environment includes GNSS real-time wavefront simulators with multiple output ports, extensive jamming capabilities, and support for various signal sets and constellations. Other capabilities utilize celestial and terrain mapping.
• Datalink Frequencies/Bandwidth: Specific frequencies, bandwidths, and modulation requirements are not yet defined and will be obtained as needed.
• Countermeasure Effects: Common and novel radio jamming techniques are of interest; nuclear effects are not.
• Hardware/Software Emulation: Both hardware and software emulation are needed for message generation and channel emulation.
• Partners/Subcontractors: Vendors should disclose partners/subcontractors in their white paper.

This Q&A document clarifies several aspects of the REWP, including the open-ended nature of the announcement, evaluation process, and technical expectations, which may influence how vendors prepare their white papers.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a presentation providing an overview of the Guided Weapons Evaluation Facility (GWEF). It outlines the facility's primary mission, which is the evaluation of tactical guided munitions and countermeasure systems using Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) simulation. The presentation highlights the state-of-the-art resources and extensive expertise available at GWEF.

This document provides context for potential bidders regarding the capabilities and services offered by the GWEF. It details the full spectrum of test technologies employed, including various electromagnetic spectrums (GNSS, RF, MMW, VIS/EO, IR, UV, Laser, DE) and net-enabled weapons/datalink/radio systems. The facility supports countermeasure (CM) and counter-countermeasure (CCM) testing, incorporating actual weapon system hardware and software, flight motion simulators, target/scene stimulators, and real-time computational resources. This information may be relevant for understanding the environment and capabilities related to opportunities involving weapon system testing and evaluation.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Hardware-In-The-Loop of Advanced Navigation and Guidance Sensors (HANGS) Request for Enhanced White Papers (REWP).

• Page Limit: There is no page limit for the Enhanced White Paper.
• Due Date: The REWP is an open announcement with no due date. White papers will be reviewed and evaluated as received. The announcement will remain open for one year from its SAM.gov posting date, after which it may be reassessed, terminated, or extended without further notice.
• Evaluation Process: White papers will be evaluated on a rolling basis. If an Enhanced White Paper (EWP) is selected, a full proposal may be requested based on the EWP's merit.
• Proposal Timeline: If an EWP is selected, the Government anticipates requesting a full proposal within a couple of weeks, providing offerors up to 30 days to submit.
• Procurement Scope: The Government plans to procure Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) camera systems that may be integrated into a projection system designed and built by the Government.
• M-Code Requirement: M-Code for GNSS receiver technologies may be an option, requiring offerors to have the capability to procure/develop to this requirement if requested.
• Incumbent Contracts: While other contract vehicles fund similar test technologies and HITL development activities, this specific contract will fulfill several HITL capabilities funded through AFTC I&M and TRMC CTEIP to address test gaps.
• Award Value: The anticipated award value is unknown, but there is an $80M ceiling associated with this opportunity.

This Q&A sheet clarifies key aspects of the REWP, including the open-ended submission process, rolling evaluation, and potential proposal timelines. It also provides insight into the scope of procurement and potential technical requirements, such as M-Code.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Request for Enhanced White Papers (REWP) for Hardware-in-the-loop of Advanced Navigation & Guidance Sensors (HANGS). The 96th Test Wing (TW) / 782d Test Squadron (TS) at the Guided Weapons Evaluation Facility (GWEF) is seeking prototype technologies to improve Air Force capabilities in testing and evaluating weapon systems performance in realistic, synthetic environments. The goal is to enhance the development, testing, and evaluation of current and future weapon systems.

• The effort focuses on prototype technologies for HANGS, including design, development, integration, and deployment.

• Offerors must demonstrate an understanding of the project scope and potential solutions.

• Solutions should address at least two (2) of the following four (4) Technology Areas:

  • TA #1: Dynamic real-time multispectral scene generation and projection/injection systems.
  • TA #2: Midcourse and navigation environment emulation/simulation (PNT, GNSS).
  • TA #3: Datalink and radio communication emulation/simulation.
  • TA #4: High frame rate real-time simulation execution.

• Deliverables include a functional HANGS prototype technology, Modeling & Simulation (M&S) and Testing & Evaluation (T&E) plan/report, Interface control document, Acceptance and Verification & Validation (V&V) plan/report, Software/Hardware/Firmware documentation, and meeting materials.

• Awards will be made under Other Transactions for Prototype authority (10 U.S.C. § 4022).

• Anticipated duration of the agreement is 36 months, with Year 1 for design/development, Year 2 for procurement/fabrication/integration, and Year 3 for integration/testing.

• The Government may award multiple agreements.

• Follow-on production work is anticipated, with the possibility of a non-competitive production OTA.

• This is an open announcement with no due date; white papers will be reviewed and evaluated as received.

• EWPs must be UNCLASSIFIED and submitted electronically.

• Required components include a Cover Sheet, Enhanced White Paper, and Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) Cost Estimate.

• Evaluation will be based on technical merit, clarity of approach, schedule adherence, resource adequacy, data rights assertions, conformance to requirements, and affordability.

• Submissions will be rated as "OUTSTANDING," "ACCEPTABLE," or "UNACCEPTABLE."

• Prototype projects must meet at least one of the following conditions:

  • At least one non-traditional defense contractor (NDC) participates significantly.
  • All significant participants are small businesses or NDCs.
  • At least one-third of the total cost is paid by non-Federal sources.
  • Exceptional circumstances justify the use of OTA for innovative business arrangements or to expand the defense supply base.

• Certain aspects of work may require SECRET level clearance and access to a DoD Installation.

• Offerors bear all costs to prepare and submit responses.

• Submission of a response indicates agreement to the Government's use of the information for evaluation purposes.

• The Government may request full technical and cost proposals from selected Offerors.

• Registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) and Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) is required.