CHEERS MAA Open Period 3 - All Technical Areas, 10 U.S.C 3458 - Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)

This contract, designated FA238424S2336, is an open period solicitation under the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring, and Sustaining (CHEERS) Multiple Award Agreement (MAA). Issued on November 20, 2025, with an amendment for annual updates, it invites innovative proposals across all technical areas relevant to enhancing human performance capabilities. The solicitation operates under the Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) authority provided by 10 U.S.C. 3458. The contracting agency is the U.S. Air Force, specifically the AFRL at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio. The contract anticipates firm-fixed-price awards compliant with FAR Part 12, with the possibility of Other Transaction agreements, and includes a total procurement ceiling of up to $80.12 million. Offerors must submit white papers by September 30, 2028, with subsequent proposal requests expected from selected contenders. The contract's core focus is on research and development to address Air Force human effectiveness gaps, spanning from early-stage technology components to fully integrated systems. Key deliverables including data, software, and hardware will be defined post-award. Evaluation factors prioritize technical merit and past performance above price, with awards determined through a trade-off process to identify the most advantageous offers. The solicitation mandates comprehensive representations and certifications in accordance with FAR and DFARS clauses, including requirements related to small business status, ownership disclosures, and compliance with trade and security regulations. The document outlines requirements for safeguarding covered defense information and includes provisions restricting procurement from certain sanctioned entities or operations. While packaging, preservation, and marking requirements are not explicitly detailed, the agreement references compliance with data rights and cybersecurity standards such as DFARS 252.227-7015 and NIST SP 800-171. The place of performance is Wright Patterson AFB, with contract administration handled by designated Air Force contracting officials. The solicitation process accommodates multiple submission methods and detailed proposal instructions are provided, though specific invoicing and payment procedures are not specified in the available documentation. Overall, this contract represents a structured opportunity for vendors to engage in cutting-edge technology development to enhance human capabilities for the U.S. Air Force under a flexible and extensive multiple-award framework.