Space Environment Technologies and Science (SETS) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)
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 Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Geospace Environment Impacts and Applications Branch, has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled 'Space Environment Technologies and Science (SETS)'. This BAA seeks research proposals to understand, quantify, and mitigate the effects of the space environment on Department of Defense and national security systems. The program has an anticipated funding of $98.5M from FY24 to FY31.
Scope of Work
The SETS program focuses on research in space and environmental impacts technologies across five technical areas:
- Solar, Solar Wind, and Ionospheric Effects: Improving models and prediction capabilities for ionospheric conditions and their impact on radio frequency signals.
- Thermosphere, Satellite Drag and the Reentry Environment: Developing models, sensors, and data products for neutral atmosphere, satellite drag, and reentry predictions.
- Plasma Physics and Chemistry: Investigating various plasma states and compositions, including their chemistry related to catalysis and energetic materials.
- Particle Effects and Radiation Belt Environment: Specifying and predicting charged particle effects on space operations, improving radiation belt models, and developing protection technologies.
- Cislunar Environment: Developing models, sensors, and data products to specify and forecast the cislunar plasma and radiation environment.
Deliverables may include hardware, software, data, scientific/technical reports, status reports, documentation, source code, presentation materials, patent reports, and prototypes.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) with Calls, One-Step or Two-Step process.
- Duration: This BAA is open for 8 years from its publication date of December 18, 2023, meaning it will remain active until December 18, 2031.
- Proposal Due Date: NO PROPOSALS OR WHITE PAPERS should be submitted against this baseline BAA. Specific due dates and times will be provided in individual Calls.
- Published: September 17, 2025 (SAM.gov notice update).
Set-Aside
This acquisition is unrestricted. All responsible sources are encouraged to submit, including Small Businesses, HBCU, MI, SDB, Woman-Owned, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses.
Evaluation
Proposals will be evaluated based on Scientific and Technical Merit, Relevance to Mission Needs, and Soundness of Technical Approach. A two-step process involves initial white paper evaluation, followed by a Request for Proposal (RFP) for selected offerors.
Additional Notes
- Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov.
- Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) will be addressed at the Call level.
- Security classifications, export control regulations, and data rights will be specified in individual Calls and awards.
- Technical and cost volumes must be submitted separately and be valid for 180 days.
Contact Information
- Primary: Isaac Thorp (isaac.thorp@spaceforce.mil)
- Secondary: Zach Garcia (zachary.garcia.8@spaceforce.mil)