Manufacturing Research and Technology Development Open Period

The Air Force Research Laboratory, Foundational Technologies Directorate (AFRL/RE) is soliciting manufacturing technology research and development under solicitation FA2394-26-R-B004 to strengthen defense manufacturing capabilities. The program focuses on discovering new efficiencies and transitioning capabilities to factory or depot floors, specifically targeting advanced manufacturing technologies such as Future Factory, additive manufacturing, process monitoring, and advanced robotics. These efforts support high impact technology domains including advanced concepts, attritable and low cost systems, networked C3 systems, and hypersonic strike and emerging technologies. This open period solicitation is effective until June 22, 2031, with an estimated total funding profile of 499 million dollars across fiscal years 2026 through 2030. Awards may be issued as C-type contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or Other Transaction agreements, typically utilizing Firm Fixed Price or Cost Plus Fixed Fee structures. The procurement process begins with the submission of a five page white paper. Successful candidates will be required to adhere to stringent security and compliance standards, including potential Secret facility security clearances, Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, and rigorous security risk reviews for all senior and key personnel to mitigate foreign influence. Contractors must implement Operations Security training and follow specific reporting requirements for critical technology elements. Deliverables include research and development data, computer software with user manuals, and hardware prototypes with associated form, fit, and function data. Performance periods for individual awards range from 12 to 40 months, followed by a three month reporting period. Administrative requirements include the use of Wide Area Workflow for invoicing and adherence to MIL-STD-130 and MIL-STD-129 for packaging and marking of uniquely identified items.