FA9453-21-S-0001-Call016 - Space Strategic Technology Institute (SSTI) - Space Cyber-Cognitive Overmatch (SCCO)

The Space Strategic Technology Institute (SSTI) initiative under solicitation FA9453-21-S-0001-Call016 seeks transformative technologies that redefine space operations through cyber and electromagnetic overmatch, emphasizing disruptive innovation over incremental improvement. Proposed solutions must fundamentally alter the strategic landscape by advancing capabilities across distributed space, ground, and link architectures while integrating advanced human-machine teaming. Core requirements include rigorous optimization of size, weight, and power constraints, with absolute priority on maintaining the integrity and performance of existing satellite missions—any technology that introduces unacceptable computational overhead or degrades primary functions will be disqualified. The effort operates at the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) level, and white papers must be unclassified, with no classified work permitted until formal security documentation is approved. Offers must demonstrate Gold Standard Science, measurable results with clear benchmarks, alignment with presidential policy priorities, strict compliance with U.S. values, and adherence to the prescribed format. Eligible proposers include U.S.-based universities, small businesses, and non-profit or for-profit entities with fewer than 1,000 employees under NAICS 541715; large businesses and federal agencies are excluded. Foreign-owned organizations and foreign participation are prohibited, and waivers for non-U.S. citizen key personnel require prior written approval. The solicitation follows a two-phase process: first, a white paper not exceeding nine pages must be submitted via the DoD Safe portal by 13 August 2026, using the mandated template and 11-point font, with no zipped or password-protected files allowed. Only selected proposers will receive a request for proposal. Evaluation focuses on degree of innovation and technical personnel expertise, each weighted equally at 27%, followed by value/cost and proposal quality. Award instruments are not predetermined and may be a FAR contract, grant, or cooperative agreement, contingent upon the nature of the proposed research. Cost-type awards require a DCMA-approved accounting system compliant with DFARS 242.75 and federal cost principles under FAR Part 31 or 2 CFR Part 200. The total period of performance is up to 60 months, with monthly and quarterly financial and performance reporting, annual audits, and closeout deliverables including final technical reports, property reports, software code, and patent certifications. Funding continuation is subject to Go/No-Go reviews evaluating performance, schedule, milestone achievement, and reporting compliance.