AFWERX PRIME INNOVATIVE CAPABILITIES OPENING

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is an Innovative Capabilities Opening (ICO) umbrella solicitation (FA228024R0007) issued by AFWERX Prime, AFRL/RGP, to establish a framework for future "Calls" to procure prototype projects using Other Transactions (OT) authority under 10 U.S.C. § 4022. The ICO remains open until AFWERX determines no further requirements exist. Its purpose is to accelerate and "prime" emerging commercial markets by incorporating military interests to advance new technologies.

• The ICO itself does not request Pitch Decks or proposals; these are only submitted in response to specific "Calls" issued via amendments.

• Each Call will detail specific Areas of Interest (AOI), submission instructions, timelines, and points of contact.

• Prototype projects may involve proof of concept, models, reverse engineering, pilot applications, agile development, or demonstration of technical/operational utility.

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

• OTP agreements must meet at least one of four conditions, including participation by non-traditional defense contractors or small businesses, or justification by the senior procurement executive for innovative business arrangements.

• The Government reserves the right to award an OT Agreement, including prototype and follow-on production, or no contract instrument at all.

• Iterative prototyping is permitted, allowing for modification of scope by mutual agreement.

• A two-step methodology will be followed for each Call:

  • Step 1: Pitch Deck Submission (10 slides) summarizing the proposed technical approach. Submissions will be evaluated for eligibility, technical feasibility, and importance to agency objectives.
  • Step 2: Request for Proposal (RFP) for selectable submissions, requiring a written proposal and negotiation of terms.

• Awards are subject to the availability of funds.

• Evaluation criteria for Pitch Decks include eligibility (SAM.gov registration required), technical feasibility, and importance to the Government.

• Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov and possess a CAGE and UEI number.

• Offerors must assert their eligibility category (e.g., non-traditional defense contractor, small business).

• Participation limitations for Foreign-Owned businesses will be defined at the Call level.

• Awards are not anticipated to be assistance instruments (e.g., grants).

• Funds are not presently available for this ICO; obligations are contingent upon appropriated funds.

• Questions should be submitted via the provided Google Forms link.

• Proprietary information will be protected.

• DD Form 2345 (Defense Logistics Agency Joint Certification Program) may be required.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for the AFWERX Autonomy Prime Innovative Capabilities Opening (ICO) focused on Autonomy Proving Ground Fly-Offs (Call 0001). The U.S. Air Force (USAF) is seeking prototype projects from nontraditional and traditional defense contractors to assess and accelerate emerging autonomy technologies. The goal is to establish a collaborative strategy with industry and investors to field promising technologies for the Government's benefit and potential commercial success.

• The Fly-Off will focus on alternate navigation solutions for small unmanned aircraft, including systems leveraging visual reference, inertial, timing propagation via signals, magnetic, and solar/astronomical techniques, as well as other novel solutions.

• Offerors must demonstrate their solutions' ability to meet stated technical objectives and provide a path for adaptation.

• Solutions must be demonstrated onboard SUAS to USAF test professionals.

• Key deliverables include flight test planning materials, successful integration of the navigation system onto a test aircraft, completion of flight tests, and a final test report.

• The document outlines a two-step process: Step 1 involves Pitch Deck submission and evaluation, followed by Step 2, a potential Request for Proposal (RFP) for selected offerors.

• Awards are anticipated to be prototype awards under 10 U.S.C. § 4022(d), not assistance instruments like grants.

• The Government reserves the right to cancel the solicitation and will not reimburse offerors for costs associated with responding.

• Open Period: January 31, 2024, to August 1, 2024, 11:59 PM EST.

• Step 1: Pitch Deck Submission: Submit a not-to-exceed 10-slide Pitch Deck via a provided web form or email. Pitch Decks should include company background, navigation system overview (technical, cost, capabilities), estimated SWAP-C requirements, and estimated navigation solution accuracy.

• Evaluation: Pitch Decks will be evaluated based on eligibility (SAM.gov registration), technical feasibility, and importance to the Government.

• Step 2: RFP: Selected offerors may be invited to submit a written proposal and negotiate terms.

• Restricted to U.S. based firms only (Export Controlled).

• Foreign participation is precluded.

• Entities must be registered via SAM.gov and eligible to receive federal awards.

• The document references AFWERX Prime and its expansion from the Agility Prime program.

• Non-Government Advisors include Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) and Peerless Technologies.

• Offerors are advised that submitted data may be released to these support contractors.