Special Notice (Request for Information (RFI)) for Modern Unmanned-warfare Systems Environment (MUSE)

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides instructions for submitting capability statements in response to the Request for Information (RFI) RFI-RIKD-25-R-B010 for the Modern Unmanned-warfare Systems Environment (MUSE) program. It outlines the required information for both small and large businesses.

Section 1 - Company Information:

• Requires company name, address, CAGE code, DUNS, business size/socio-economic status, Point of Contact (POC), Facility Clearance Level, and Safeguarding Clearance Level.
• Mandates submission of a completed and approved DD Form 2345 prior to award.

Section 2 - Ability to Perform:

• Requests a statement of capabilities demonstrating experience with similar acquisitions and necessary resources.
• Specifies an estimated 4,000,000 labor hours, with industry average burdened rates of $100-$120 per hour, plus 10-12% for travel, materials, etc.
• Requires information on personnel with security clearances (anticipating at least 20% TS/SCI at award).
• Asks for identification of subcontracting/teaming needs and confirmation of compliance with FAR 52.219-14 (Limitations on Subcontracting).
• Requests a brief description of quality control, risk management, and safety practices.
• Requires confirmation of adequate business systems for cost-type contracts.
• Asks how the organization would handle fluctuating workloads.
• Requires a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate with a Basis of Estimate (BOE).
• Asks if the organization intends to propose and if they belong to any GWACs.
• Inquires about the number of employees related to the NAICS code.

Section 3 - Performance/Experience:

• Requires details on at least three (3) similar contracts performed within the past five (5) years, including customer information, contract details, value, period of performance, NAICS code, and a description of relevant work.

Section 4 - Procurement Strategy Input:

• Requests input on CLIN structure and information needed from the Government for proposal development.

This document is critical for potential bidders to understand the specific information required to respond to the RFI. It details the format, content, and page limitations for capability statements, outlines the anticipated scope and scale of the MUSE program, and requests specific input on the draft Statement of Work. Responses are due by 3 PM (EST) on April 6, 2026.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

The objective is to provide a flexible, rapid contracting vehicle for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to support research, development, prototyping, demonstration, evaluation, deployment, and transition of counter and offensive Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) solutions for next-generation UAS Combat Operations (UCO). This includes developing and maintaining an open, government-owned framework for integrating sensors, aircraft, mitigators, interceptors, and command and control (C2) architectures.

The scope encompasses multiple activities to achieve superiority in UCO, including rapid development, design, prototyping, enhancements, demonstration, scenario development, experimentation & evaluation, integration, testing, technical installation, transition, and support for counter and offensive UAS technologies. Key areas include:

• Developing new counter and offensive UAS S&T capabilities and prototypes.

• Demonstrating cooperative, automated, or autonomous counter and offensive techniques.

• Maturing current technologies to mitigate multiple UAS threats.

• Research and Development (R&D) in areas such as Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) signals, detection/location/identification, link access, cyberspace ISR, cyberspace countermeasures, interceptor integration, and open architecture C2.

• Information Exchanges and Interfaces: Maturing adapter/translator architecture and open architecture messaging.

• Electronic Warfare (EW) and Cyberspace Operations (CO): Developing EW-enabled cyberspace countermeasures, countermeasures for new UAS C2 links, low collateral damage Electronic Attack (EA)/Cyberspace CM, and improving RF/cyberspace contested environment performance. Includes Defensive Cyberspace Operations (DCO) and Offensive Cyberspace Operations (OCO).

• UAS Combat Command and Control (C2): Automation/autonomy for C2, human-machine teaming, enforcing Rules of Engagement (ROE), developing optimized courses of action (COA) for swarm attacks, and Multi-domain C2 (MDC2).

• UAS Airspace Integration/UAS Traffic Management (UTM): Researching and prototyping hardware/software for DoD/Federal UTM, integrating Air Traffic Management (ATM) sensing, extending UTM to Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), and developing AI/ML mechanisms for airspace safety and security.

• UAS Interceptors (UAS-I): Researching and developing UAS-I prototypes, low Size, Weight, and Power (SWAP) interceptor payloads, and integrating C2 and EW/CO capabilities.

• Sensors: Improving acoustic, active emitting (Radar, LIDAR), and Unintended Radiated Emissions (URE) detection and identification capabilities.

• Signature and Effects Library: Methods for storing and indexing Cyberspace Effects.

Not explicitly defined in this SOW, but implies ongoing R&D and support through task orders issued against an IDIQ vehicle (FA8750-25-R-B010).

• Emphasis on open architecture solutions and agile development processes.
• Compliance with cybersecurity policies, standards, and RMF.
• Contractor shall perform R&D, trade studies, design, prototyping, demonstration, integration, testing, installation, transition, and support.
• Requirements collection, analysis, and translation into technical requirements.
• Development of feature design documentation, technical reviews, and adherence to configuration management.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an "Interested Parties List" dated March 5, 2026. It serves to identify companies that have expressed interest in the opportunity.

The list includes:

• Company Name
• Main Point of Contact (POC), Position, Email, and Phone Number
• Business Size (Large or Small Business, with a specific NAICS code noted for small businesses)

This list can help potential bidders identify other interested parties, potential teaming partners, or competitors. It provides contact information for companies that have already shown interest in this opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an "Interested Parties List" which provides contact information for companies that have expressed interest in the opportunity. It includes company names, main points of contact (POC), their positions, email addresses, phone numbers, and whether they are a Large or Small Business, along with their NAICS code classification.

• Company Name
• Main POC / Position / Email / Phone #
• Large or Small Business classification (NAICS 541715 - SB < 1,000)

This list can help potential bidders identify other interested parties, potential partners, or competitors. It also provides contact details for companies that may have insights into the opportunity or related markets.

Amendment / Modification

This document is an "Industry Day" presentation for the Modern Unmanned-warfare Systems Environment (MUSE) Program, held on June 17, 2025. It outlines the agenda, purpose, ground rules, and key personnel involved in the MUSE program. The presentation covers the program's objective to provide an overview of AFRL's role in Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) and the MUSE Program scope. It details the agenda, including sign-in, introductions, acquisition background, C-UAS overview, technology areas, and a Q&A session, followed by break-out sessions and industry networking.

Key topics discussed include:

• The MUSE Technical Read Library, which contains technical data subject to export control and requires specific agreements for access.
• The acquisition overview, detailing an estimated IDIQ labor scope of 3.4M hours, an anticipated period of performance of 60 months, and a contract type of single award IDIQ with CPFF and FFP task orders.
• Market research activities, including RFI posting, Sources Sought release, and the intent to release a DRAFT RFP in Q1 2026.
• Source selection procedures, anticipating a Subjective Trade Off methodology where technical capabilities are valued over cost.
• Acquisition milestones, with estimated dates for key events such as RFP release (July 2026) and Contract Award (August 2027).
• Program history, showcasing past AFRL C-UAS related projects.
• Technical focus areas, including EW, Cyber, Autonomous Command and Control, Sensor Exploitation, and Interceptors to Directed Energy.
• Technical objectives focused on equipping the US government with tools to combat threats, partnering with industry, and balancing cost, speed, and quality.

This document is a presentation and does not modify a specific solicitation or contract. It serves as an informational exchange for potential industry partners.

This document does not directly impact proposal submissions but provides context for future solicitations related to the MUSE program. Interested parties are advised to monitor SAM.gov for future announcements, including the DRAFT RFP and Sources Sought.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a list of attendees for the "MUSE INDUSTRY DAY" held on June 17, 2025. It serves as a record of participating companies and their representatives.

• Company Name
• CAGE Code
• First Name
• Last Name
• Email Address (unclassified)

This list provides contact information for individuals and companies that attended the industry day. Bidders may use this information to network with other attendees or follow up on discussions from the event.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to questions raised during the MUSE Industry Day held on 17 June 2025, offering clarifications on various aspects of the upcoming acquisition.

• Industry Day Slides: Available via email from Matt Zawisza and posted for interested parties.
• Prime Contractor Type: The government intends to use a FAR-based IDIQ contract, not a consortium utilizing Other Transactions (OT) vehicles.
• Acquisition Type: This effort is not considered Non-R&D Services acquisition per DAFI 63-138.
• Sources Sought Timeline: Targeting the last quarter of FY25.
• Technical Library Access: Open by request/appointment only after the RFP release. Appointments require contacting Matthew Zawisza or AFRL.CUAS.PMO at least 48 hours in advance, and submission of an approved DD Form 2345 for export-controlled data.
• Small Business Participation: Small businesses are encouraged to respond even if the effort is not a set-aside. The acquisition strategy is pending, and responses to the Sources Sought will inform potential set-aside decisions.
• Contract Type: Intended as a single-award IDIQ to meet critical schedules and ensure synchronicity in UAS threat combat and systems engineering.
• CONUS/OCONUS Applicability: Yes, applicability is planned for both CONUS and OCONUS.

This Q&A document clarifies the intended contract vehicle, acquisition strategy, and access procedures, which will inform potential bidders' understanding of the requirements and submission process. It also provides details on how small business participation will be assessed and encouraged.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

The objective of this effort is to provide a rapid, agile contracting vehicle for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to support research, development, prototyping, demonstration, evaluation, deployment, and transition of counter and offensive Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) solutions for next-generation UAS Combat Operations (UCO). It also aims to develop and maintain an open Government-owned framework for integrating government and commercial sensors, aircraft, mitigators, interceptors, and command and control (C2) architectures.

The scope includes performing activities necessary for AFRL's vision of superiority in UCO. This encompasses rapid development, design, prototyping, enhancements, demonstration, scenario development, experimentation & evaluation, integration, testing, technical installation, transition, and support through initial operations of counter and offensive UAS technologies. Key areas of research and development include:

• Developing new counter and offensive UAS S&T capabilities and prototypes.

• Demonstrating prototypes employing cooperative counter and offensive techniques.

• Maturing current technological developments to mitigate multiple UAS threats.

• Research in areas such as Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) signals analysis, detection/location/identification techniques, link access, cyberspace ISR, cyberspace countermeasures, interceptor integration, open architecture C2, automation, and autonomy.

• Information Exchanges and Interfaces: Maturing adapter/translator architecture and open architecture messaging.

• Electronic Warfare (EW) and Cyberspace Operations (CO): Developing EW-enabled cyberspace countermeasures, improving RF/cyberspace contested environment performance, and defensive/offensive cyberspace operations.

• UAS Combat Command and Control (C2): Automation/autonomy for C2, multi-domain C2 (MDC2), and UAS Airspace Integration/Traffic Management (UTM).

• UAS Interceptors (UAS-I): Research and development of interceptor prototypes, low Size, Weight, and Power (SWAP) solutions, and integration with C2 systems.

• Sensors: Development and improvement of acoustic, active emitting (Radar, LIDAR), and Unintended Radiated Emissions (URE) detection technologies.

• Signature and Effects Library: Methods for storing and indexing cyberspace effects and reverse engineering waveforms.

Not explicitly defined in this document, but implies ongoing support through task orders issued against an IDIQ contract (FA8750-25-R-B010).

• Emphasis on agile software development processes and industry best practices.
• Adherence to cybersecurity policies, standards, and Risk Management Framework (RMF).
• Compliance with safety and health requirements (OSHA).
• Robust System Engineering (SE) processes, including requirements development, design, integration, and testing.
• Configuration Management (CfM) processes and participation in Configuration Control Board (CCB) meetings.
• Quality Control (QC) program to ensure development efforts align with industry best practices.

Special Notice (RFI)

This Special Notice serves as a Request for Information (RFI) and an Industry Day announcement for the Modern Unmanned-warfare Systems Environment (MUSE) project. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)/RIKD is conducting market research to inform a future acquisition strategy. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or an indication of a contractual commitment. No funds are available to fulfill the information requested.

• Solicitation Number: FA8750-25-R-B010
• Response Date: June 03, 2025
• Product Service Code: AC13 (Anticipated)
• NAICS Code: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences)
• Place of Performance: USA

The general scope involves performing multiple activities to achieve superiority in MUSE technology. A Draft Statement of Work (SOW) is provided as Attachment No. 2.

• Contract Type: Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Level of Effort (LOE)/Term Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)

• Performance Period: 6-7 years (subject to change)

• Anticipated Funding: Research Development Test & Evaluation (RDT&E), Procurement, and Operations & Maintenance (O&M)

• Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025

• Location: Griffiss Institute, Rome, NY

• Details: General session (9:00 am - 12:00 pm EST) and 20-minute private appointments (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST) available. Attendance is limited to two individuals per company; attendees must be US Citizens.

• Registration Deadline: Monday, June 09, 2025. Register via email to matthew.zawisza@us.af.mil, AFRL.CUAS.PMO@us.af.mil, and meghan.thomas.1@us.af.mil.

• Note: Only businesses responding with an initial capability package to this notice are eligible for a private appointment. This is not a bidder's conference.

• Common Access Cards (CACs) will be required.

• Performance may require Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) Facility and collateral secret safeguarding clearance on a task order basis.

A technical library with export-controlled data is available for review by appointment at AFRL/RIGD, Rome, NY. Requires an approved DD Form 2345 and authorization letter. Appointments available the week of June 16, 2025 (excluding June 17).

• Primary: Matthew Zawisza, MUSE Acquisition Program Manager, (315) 330-4922, matthew.zawisza@us.af.mil
• Secondary: Meghan Thomas, Contracting Officer, (315) 330-2177, meghan.thomas.1@us.af.mil

A Sources Sought notice is anticipated in Q4 FY25, after Industry Day. A determination for small business set-aside will be made based on responses to the Sources Sought.

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION/REQUEST FOR CAPABILITY PACKAGES

This Request for Information (RFI) is issued by the Department of the Air Force, AFRL/RIKD, for market research purposes concerning a potential requirement for the Modern Unmanned-warfare Systems Environment (MUSE). The information gathered will help inform future acquisition strategies and solicitations.

• The general scope involves activities to achieve superiority in MUSE technology. Refer to Attachment No. 2, Draft Statement of Work (SOW), for detailed information.

• Contractor employees will need to obtain Common Access Cards (CACs).

• Performance may require Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) Facility and collateral secret safeguarding clearance on a task order basis.

• The Government is considering a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Level of Effort (LOE)/Term Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

• Anticipated performance period is 6-7 years.

• Funding types may include Research Development Test & Evaluation (RDT&E), Procurement, and Operations & Maintenance (O&M).

• Contract type and duration are subject to change.

• Capability statements are limited to 10 pages.

• Section 1: Company Information: Include company name, address, CAGE code, DUNS, POC, Facility Clearance Level, and Safeguarding Clearance Level. A completed and approved DD Form 2345 is required prior to award.

• Section 2: Ability to Perform: Describe personnel qualifications, organizational resources, security clearance availability (anticipating at least 20% TS/SCI), subcontracting needs, adherence to FAR 52.219-14, quality control, risk management, safety practices, business system approval for cost-type contracts, workload fluctuation management, and a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate with a basis of estimate.

• Section 3: Performance/Experience: List up to three customers for similar work performed in the past three years, including contact information, contract details, NAICS code, and relevance to the requirement.

• Section 4: Procurement Strategy Input: Provide input on CLIN structure and information required from the Government for proposal development.

• Responses must be submitted via email to matthew.zawisza@us.af.mil and meghan.thomas.1@us.af.mil.

• Response Deadline: 12 PM (EST) on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

• This RFI is for planning purposes only.

• Assumed labor hours: approximately 4,000,000.

• Assumed industry average burdened rates: $100-$120 per hour.

• Assumed travel, materials, and other costs: 10-12% of burdened labor.