Pioneering Aerospace Capabilities, Engineering and Research
Contract Overview
Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.
AI Contract Overview
The PACER Broad Agency Announcement, identified by solicitation number FA2391-23-S-2403 and titled Pioneering Aerospace Capabilities, Engineering and Research, is a Two-Step Open BAA with Calls managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Aerospace Systems Directorate under the Department of Defense. It is designed to foster research and development of novel aerospace technologies aimed at maturing capabilities to appropriate Technology Readiness Levels to support decisive warfighter advantage. The BAA allows for multiple calls targeting specific technical areas, each with defined periods of performance ranging from 6 months to over 130 months depending on the program effort, with overall contract duration extending through May 2031. Proposals must be submitted electronically in separate Technical/Management and Cost/Business volumes, with strict formatting requirements including 10-point Arial font, a 180-day validity period, and incorporation of all relevant topic numbers. Offerors are required to propose their own Statement of Work, limited between 10 and 20 pages depending on the specific call, while excluding proprietary information and aligning with government-supplemented SOW elements addressing disclosure timelines, Science and Technology Protection, and other contractual requirements. The contract incorporates a comprehensive suite of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clauses governing conduct, cybersecurity, data handling, ethics, and compliance, including provisions on anti-kickback procedures, whistleblower rights, prohibitions on certain telecommunications equipment, NIST SP 800-171 requirements, and restrictions related to employment of individuals in the People’s Republic of China or Russian fossil fuel operations. Security requirements mandate compliance with TOP SECRET/SCI classification protocols, OPSEC plan development, and facility clearances when applicable. Cybersecurity obligations include adherence to DFARS 252.204-7012, NIST SP 800-171, and potentially CMMC Level 2 self-assessment. All proposals must include detailed representations and certifications verified through the System for Award Management (SAM), with additional submission requirements for joint ventures, HUBZone status, and CAGE codes. Evaluation is based on technical merit determined through peer or scientific review, with emphasis on transition potential to future government needs and data rights restrictions, alongside cost realism as a substantial but secondary factor. Awards are not guaranteed and may include partial awards, with the government retaining the right to select some, all, or none of the proposals based on technical merit, program
General Info
Agency
NAICS
Place of Performance
OH, USASet-Aside
Timeline
Response Deadline
Organization & Contact Information
Full Description
PACER BAA is a Two-Step Open BAA and BAA with Calls which will enable study efforts on novel concepts, as well as research and development efforts to mature specific technologies to appropriate technology readiness levels (TRL) depending on end use. Efforts under this BAA are intended to further AFRL/RA’s mission in pioneering transformative aerospace technologies for the warfighter’s decisive advantage.
Revision 1, posted 5 June 2024.
Revision 2, posted 24 October 2024
Revision 3, posted 6 May 2025
Revision 4, posted 15 July 2026
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