(RFI): Validation of Emerging Defense & Detection Equipment for Readiness (VEDDER) Prototype Accelerator

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks information from qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations capable of establishing and operating a technology accelerator under an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement. The VEDDER program aims to create a continuous innovation hub to accelerate the prototyping of new biotechnology capabilities and innovations, specifically Medical Countermeasures (MCMs), for national security purposes. The government may award up to three Prototype Accelerator Partner (PAP) agreements.

• The selected 501(c)(3) will function as an active, continuous innovation accelerator.

• Core responsibilities include: Tech Scouting & Vetting (identifying and validating emerging biotechnology startups, AI data models, and non-traditional vendors), B2B Execution (executing commercial sub-agreements with startups), HPC Utilization (facilitating in silico testing), Project Management (managing an IDIQ-like structure), and Flowdown Compliance (ensuring appropriate clauses in B2B agreements).

• The effort will leverage 10 U.S.C. § 4022, allowing divergence from rigid Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) processes.

• The government intends to award Prototype Accelerator Partner (PAP) agreements.

• Interested 501(c)(3) organizations are invited to submit a 2-3 page capability statement by 27 May 2026.

• Respondents are also requested to provide comments and track changes on a rough DRAFT SOW by the same deadline.

• Submissions must be electronic via email to the Primary Points of Contact.

• Formatting constraints include: Single Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word document, 2-3 pages (excluding cover/executive summary), Standard 8.5 x 11 inches, 1-inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman font (10-point for tables/graphics).

• The government intends to release a Request for Project Proposal (RPP) on or about 29 May 2026.

• The RFI specifically targets qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.

• This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation.

• No funding will be provided for responses.

• The government is requesting an expedited response due to immediate mission requirements.

• Points of Contact for questions are Aaron Skinner and Lionel Love.

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

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines a draft for the "Validation of Emerging Defense & Detection Equipment for Readiness (VEDDER) Prototype Accelerator." The primary goal is to establish a public-private partnership to accelerate the prototyping of medical countermeasures (MCMs) and other defense technologies, leveraging commercial innovation and high-performance computing (HPC) to counter strategic competitors.

• Accelerator Hub Operation: The Awardee will establish and manage a continuous innovation hub, acting as an intermediary between private capital, commercial biotech/AI companies, and government stakeholders.
• Technology Scouting & Vetting: Continuous market research to identify emerging, dual-use technologies in biotechnology and AI. Rigorous vetting of potential partners for technical feasibility, commercial viability, and alignment with government requirements, including a joint Government-Awardee Risk-Based Security Review Board (RBSRB) to mitigate foreign influence and IP theft.
• B2B Prototyping: Negotiation and execution of commercial-style Business-to-Business (B2B) agreements with selected private sector entities to rapidly combine capabilities into cohesive platforms.
• HPC Integration: Coordination of advanced in-silico testing and AI training using government HPC resources (e.g., Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory) or equivalent commercial facilities.
• Program Management: Provision and maintenance of a cloud-based program management platform (COTS) with real-time, role-based government access, adhering to Department of War (DoW) Impact Level 5 (IL5) security requirements.
• Secure Development: Ensuring downstream vendors comply with cybersecurity mandates (EO 14028, NIST SP 800-218, DoD RMF, STIGs) for any developed software, including providing Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs).

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) focus on:

• Speed of Execution: Time-to-Contract (B2B) within 10-15 days; Idea-to-In-Silico Time accelerated by >60%.
• Capital & Ecosystem Leverage: Private Capital Multiplier (10%-50%+); >70% of B2B agreements with non-traditional defense contractors or small businesses.
• Technical Throughput: High FAIR compliance rates (>95%); rapid data pooling (<48 hours); IP-sanitized ingestion rate (100%).
• Strategic Security: 100% compliance on domestic manufacturing clauses; IP Gridlock Avoidance (<30 days); standardized clause adoption (>80%).

Not explicitly defined in this SOW draft, but work involves leveraging US-based HPC and ensuring domestic manufacturing.

• Security: All work unclassified; Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) handled per DoD IL5 protocols. No PII or PHI processing.
• Vetting: Strict adherence to NSPM-33, DoDI 5000.83, and related policies for foreign influence and research security.
• COTS Platform: Must meet DoW IL5 requirements, including US-based infrastructure, CAC/PKI authentication, FIPS 140-validated crypto, and strict network boundary controls.
• Intellectual Property: Clear demarcation of Background vs. Foreground IP; Government Purpose Rights (GPR) for Foreground IP; Domestic Manufacturing clauses; March-In Rights for strategic competitor sales or offshoring.
• "Fail Fast" Authority: Awardee must rapidly terminate underperforming B2B agreements and reallocate funds, subject to a government veto period.