Trusted and Elastic Military Platforms and Electronic Warfare (EW) System Technologies (TEMPEST)
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/RY) has issued an Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) for the Trusted and Elastic Military Platforms and Electronic Warfare (EW) System Technologies (TEMPEST) program. This unrestricted opportunity seeks white papers and proposals through individual "calls" to investigate, develop, mature, prototype, and demonstrate technologies for avionics system vulnerabilities, cyber-attack protection, simulation capabilities, agile platform architectures, and open system architecture (OSA) standards for Air Force and DoD weapon systems. The overall estimated program value is $808,505,000.00.
Purpose & Scope
AFRL/RY aims to explore new and emerging concepts related to the development, integration, assessment, evaluation, and demonstration of cyber security, OSA, novel avionics and sensor technologies, and multi-domain technologies. This includes manned, unmanned, autonomous, and remotely piloted vehicles, on-board Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, munitions, and any equipment compromising mission assurance of Air Force weapon systems or tactical platforms.
Key Requirements / Technical Areas
Calls under this ARA will focus on:
- Technologies for Assessing Platform Cyber Security
- Technologies for Cyber-Hardened Platforms
- Technologies for Cyber-Resilient Platforms
- Agile System Architecture Development and Integration
- Open System Architectures for Trusted and Agile Platforms
- Technologies for Modeling & Simulation
- Technologies to Advance RF Simulation
- Techniques, methods, and technologies for measuring sensor system performance Work may involve technology development, test-bed development, integration, test, evaluation, assessment, prototyping, and operational demonstrations.
Contract Details
- Estimated Program Value: $808,505,000.00
- Individual Award Range: $1,000,000.00 to $200,000,000.00
- Anticipated Contract Types: FAR-based Cost-Reimbursement, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), Multiple Award Fair Opportunity, and Other Transaction (OT) awards.
- Period of Performance: To be determined (TBD) per individual call.
- Place of Performance: Wright Patterson AFB, OH.
Submission & Evaluation
This ARA operates on a "calls" basis. Each call will specify whether it is a one-step (proposals) or two-step (white papers first, then proposals) process. White papers and proposals must be submitted to the Contracting Point of Contact (POC) indicated in the individual call, with due dates TBD per call. White papers will be reviewed for technical approach, Government interest, and funding availability. Proposals will be reviewed based on technical merit and cost/price.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
This is an unrestricted solicitation. Businesses and Educational Institutions of all sizes are encouraged to propose. Cost sharing is not required. Guidance is provided for Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs).
Important Notes & Attachments
Offerors must monitor SAM.gov for amendments and issued calls. Proposals will require submission of a Security Program Questionnaire (Appendix 1), Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile Worksheet (Appendix 2), and Privacy Act Statement consent form (Appendix 3) for each "Covered Individual" (Senior/Key Personnel). These documents address AFRL's Security Risk Review process, including foreign influence and talent programs. Security classification will be determined for each award, and export control regulations may apply. The basic ARA remains open until March 31, 2027.