AFOSR FY26 Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) for Integrated Programmatic and Technical Support to increase Technology Transition & Transfer and Collaborative Project Orders (CPOs)

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) is seeking a Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) to provide integrated programmatic and technical support for enhancing technology transition, transfer, and collaboration through Collaborative Project Orders (CPOs) across multiple Department of the Air Force entities, including AFRL, Space Systems Command, U.S. Air Forces Central, and the National Reconnaissance Office. The contract, solicited under FA955026RPIA1, establishes a six-year framework—comprising a base period and optional extensions—allowing for the issuance of multiple CPOs with estimated cumulative value up to $11.7 million, though individual CPO ceilings range from $2.8 million to $11.7 million. Performance is centered in Arlington, Virginia, with additional locations in Chantilly, Virginia, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and other CONUS sites, requiring contractors to maintain facilities within one mile of key government campuses. The PIA operates under statutory authority from 10 U.S.C. 4124(f) and 15 U.S.C. 3715, enabling non-inherently governmental coordination between federal agencies and external partners such as academia and industry. The intermediary is not a direct research performer but facilitates ecosystem engagement, early-stage technology transition, and knowledge dissemination under government-directed project plans. Key personnel roles including the Program Director, Technology Transition & Partnership Integration Lead, and optional Deputy Program Director are subject to strict qualifications and require prior government approval for any substitution; resumes must conform to a standardized two-page template and include citizenship, security clearances, education, and professional experience. The solicitation mandates a four-volume proposal submission with strict formatting rules: Volume I (Technical/Management) has no page limit but must adhere to font and margin specifications, Volume II (Price) uses a template excluding profit or fee, Volume III is capped at nine pages for eligibility and conflict-of-interest declarations, and Volume IV (Past Performance) requires a detailed questionnaire with contract specifics and performance assessments. Proposals must be submitted electronically by April 4, 2026, with mandatory SAM.gov registration, valid UEI and CAGE codes, and active security clearances for SCI access, governed by DD Form 254 addenda and strict protocols for classified materials, personnel, and subcontractors. Evaluation is conducted via a Best Value Tradeoff process ranking Price Analysis/Financial Management as the most critical factor, followed by Technical/Management Capability, Past