Request for Information - Prometheus Flame (v.2)
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 Department of the Air Force (DAF) is seeking feedback on a DRAFT Request for Solutions (RFS) for the "Prometheus Flame Challenge." This Request for Information (RFI) aims to gather expert input to refine a new initiative focused on developing open-source software for Autonomy and Mission Systems for DAF weapon systems. The program is designed to foster long-term strategic partnerships through prize competitions and potential follow-on Other Transaction (OT) Agreements. Feedback is due by May 12, 2026.
Purpose & Vision
The DAF is transforming its approach to software development for Autonomy and Mission Systems, moving towards an open, modular, and competitive ecosystem. The Prometheus Flame Challenge seeks to build a vibrant community around Government-owned, open-source software standards. This effort will be guided by two foundational Government Reference Architectures (GRAs): the Agile Mission Suite GRA (AMS GRA) and the Autonomy GRA (A-GRA), anticipated for public release around June 2026.
Opportunity & Scope
This initiative is structured as a continuous challenge, featuring flexible 3-6 month competition phases, each culminating in a "fly-off" demonstration where top teams earn cash prizes. Offerors may enter at any phase. The primary goal is to identify long-term strategic partners, with follow-on Prototype and Production OT Agreements intended for solutions aligning with the DAF's vision. Solutions should include open-source implementations compliant with AMS GRA and A-GRA, runnable on COTS hardware, and delivered with permissive open-source licenses (e.g., MIT, Apache, BSD).
Contract Details & Funding
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) for a DRAFT Request for Solutions. Future awards are anticipated to be Prizes and follow-on Prototype/Production Other Transaction (OT) Agreements.
- Authority: 10 U.S.C. § 4025 and 10 U.S.C. § 4022.
- Anticipated Project Budget (Total Phases I-II): $20,000,000.
- Phase 1 & 2 Prizes: Up to $6,000,000 each, with potential for $4,000,000 in follow-on OT funding per phase.
- Set-Aside: Open to industry and academia; U.S. or U.S. ally-based headquarters and ownership are required.
Submission & Evaluation (for future RFS)
The future RFS will involve a two-step process:
- Step 1: Pre-Fly-Off Qualification (NLT 2 months after final solicitation): Requires a 5-page white paper, compliance report, video demonstration, Hardware/Software Bill of Materials, and access to code baseline.
- Step 2: Fly Off (NLT 24 hours prior): Requires all software source code, CI/CD pipelines, documentation, compliance reports, a 5-page Work Plan for follow-on work, and a price proposal. Evaluation will categorize solutions as "Selectable Plus," "Selectable," or "Not Selectable" based on technical solution and risk, with Fly Off criteria including Mission Performance, Usability & Onboarding, Technical Implementation & Standards Compliance, and Risk.
Key Dates & Contacts
- Feedback Due: May 12, 2026
- Final Solicitation Anticipated: On or around June 1, 2026
- AMS GRA & A-GRA Public Release: Around June 2026
- Primary Contact: 1st Lt Justin Brogden (justin.brogden.1@us.af.mil)