All-domain Radiant Optical Research and Applications (ARORA)

The All-domain Radiant Optical Research and Applications (ARORA) program, solicitation FA2377-26-R-B007, is a negotiated request for proposal issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio. The program focuses on the design, fabrication, and testing of prototype photonic technologies to provide technical offsets for Department of the Air Force applications, specifically targeting directed energy, infrared sensing, signal processing, electronic warfare, PNT, and spectral agility. This effort is structured as a two-step solicitation process involving an initial white paper followed by a full proposal. The anticipated program cost is 30 million dollars, utilizing a cost-plus-fixed-fee pricing arrangement over a 60-month period of performance with deliveries extending to January 2035. Award selection is based on a peer or scientific review to determine if a proposal is selectable, with technical capability as the primary priority and cost realism as the secondary factor. Key deliverables include computer software, algorithms, source code, and all developed hardware. The contract mandates rigorous security and compliance standards, including CMMC Level 2 certification, adherence to AFRLI 61-113 for Science and Technology protection, and mandatory OPSEC training for all personnel. Additionally, the government requires comprehensive security risk reviews for all senior and key personnel to identify potential foreign influence risks. Administrative management is led by Procuring Contracting Officer Adam Wentworth and Contract Specialist Lauren Lozan, with technical oversight provided by Dr. Jarrett Vella.