STAR-FISH CALL 017 - Secure By Design

FA9453-21-S-0001

Air Force Research Laboratory/Space Vehicle Directorate ANNOUNCEMENT OVERVIEW

CALL 017, Topic Area 1. Space Technology Advanced Research - Fast-tracking Innovative Software and Hardware (STAR-FISH)

DATE: 26 August 2026

NAICS Code: The NAICS Code for this acquisition is 541715 for Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology), and the small business size standard is 1,000 employees.

Federal Agency Name: Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate, Phillips Research Site

ARA Title: Secure by Design Space Vehicle (STAR-FISH), Announcement, procurement for experimentation of spaceflight and space-related signal, energy, and transportation technologies.

ARA Number: FA9453-21-S-0001

CALL Type: Two-Step Process, initial announcement

CALL Title: Secure by Design Space Vehicle

CALL Number: 017  

White Papers and/or Proposal Due Date and Time: The Government is requesting White Papers at this time for the Topic Area identified above. White Papers addressing any other technology area identified in the basic Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) will not be accepted at this time unless a CALL for that specific area is posted. White Papers or proposals received after the due dates and times shall be governed by the provisions of FAR 52.215- 1(c)(3). It should be noted that this installation observes strict security procedures to enter the facility. These security procedures are NOT considered an interruption of normal Government processes, and white papers or proposals received after the stated date and time in the CALL as a result of security delays will be considered “late.” Furthermore, if offerors utilize commercial carriers in the delivery of white papers or proposals, they may not honor time-of-day delivery guarantees on military installations. Early submission is encouraged.

Brief CALL Summary: See Attachment 3, Statement of Objective (SOO)

Submission: Two-Step Process

• First Step: The due date and time for White Papers submitted in response to this CALL is no later than (NLT) 12 Oct 2026, 1600 (Mountain Standard Time (MST).
• Question & Answer Session Online –  0900 AM,  17 September 2026

White Papers must be prepared using the provided Template, saved as a PDF and submitted via DoD Safe, (https://safe.apps.mil/)  NLT 12 October 2026, 1600 (Mountain Standard Time (MST).

In order to submit the White Papers, please contact the Contracting Officer, Mr. Gabriel Salazar, email: gabriel.salazar.3@spaceforce.mil, Ms. Heather Miller, email: heather.miller.16@spaceforce.mil, or Ms. Erika Trujillo; email: erika.trujillo.2@spaceforce.mil ; no later than three (3) workdays prior to the submission deadline to receive a DoD Safe drop-off request. A drop-off request is valid for 14 days. Offerors will receive an automated email containing the instructions for uploading the file(s). If you do not receive an automated e-mail message for your drop-off request within 3 business days, please contact the Contracting Officer.

See Attachment 2 (STAR-FISH White Paper Template) for White Paper Template. No classified white paper submission will be accepted. The Template can be accessed and downloaded from the following link: https://valideval.com/star_documents/ (please download a new copy of the template prior to submitting your white paper to ensure that you have the most current version).  Each White Paper submitted needs to include the company’s Unique Entity ID (UEI) per System for Award Management (SAM) with the DUNS Number.   No classified white paper submissions will be accepted.

• Second Step: Proposal Due Date and Time – To be provided in “Requests for Proposals (RFP)” sent to offerors whose white papers are selected.

Announcement Request: Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate Phillips Research Site is soliciting white papers on the research effort described in Attachment 2 Statement of Objectives pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C 4023, Procurement for Experimental Purposes.

Announcement Modifications: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Announcement Overview and Full Text.

Type of Contract/Instrument: The Space Force anticipates awarding Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts that will have a base period and two options “Government has the right not to exercise the option” as a result of this CALL, but also reserves the right to award the instrument best suited to the nature of research proposed. Please note, the offeror shall have an approved Accounting System in accordance with FAR 16.301-3, Limitations, and other approved Business Systems.

Anticipated Number of Awards: The Air Force anticipates awarding multiple contracts. However, the Air Force does reserve the right to make one award, more than one award, or no awards pursuant to this CALL.  System for Award Management (SAM) Registration: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453- 21-S-0001, Announcement Overview.

Points of Contact:

Technical Manager (Primary): Mr. Joseph “Dan” Trujillo, AFRL/RJSW,  joseph.trujillo.4@spaceforce.mil

Program Manager (Alternate): Mr. Manual Gonzales, AFRL/RVFC, manuel.gonzales.9@spaceforce.mil

Contracting Officer (Primary): Mr. Gabriel Salazar, gabriel.salazar.3@spaceforce.mil Contracting Officer / Specialist: Heather Miller, heather.miller.16@spaceforce.mil

Contracting Specialist: Ms. Erika Trujillo; email: erika.trujillo.2@spaceforce.mil

ADVANCED RESEARCH ANNOUNCMENT WITH CALLS

FA9453-21-S-0001

Air Force Research Laboratory/Space Vehicle Directorate

FULL TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT CALL 017 as of 29 June 2026

NAICS Code: The NAICS Code for this acquisition is 541715 for Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology), and the small business size standard is 1,000 employees.

Federal Agency Name: Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate, Phillips Research Site

ARA Title: Space Technology Advanced Research - Fast-tracking Innovative Software and Hardware (STAR-FISH), Announcement, procurement for experimentation of space-flight and space-related signal, energy, and transportation technologies

ARA Number: FA9453-21-S-0001

CALL Type: Two-Step Process, initial announcement

      CALL Title: Secure by Design Space Vehicle

      CALL Number: 017

White Paper and/or Proposal Due Date and Time: The Government is requesting White Papers at this time for the Topic Area identified above. White Papers addressing any other technology area identified in the basic Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) will not be accepted at this time unless a CALL for that specific area is posted. White Papers or proposals received after the due dates and times shall be governed by the provisions of FAR 52.215- 1(c)(3). It should be noted that this installation observes strict security procedures to enter the facility. These security procedures are NOT considered an interruption of normal Government processes, and white papers or proposals received after the stated date and time in the CALL as a result of security delays will be considered “late.” Furthermore, if offerors utilize commercial carriers in the delivery of white papers or proposals, they may not honor time-of-day delivery guarantees on military installations. Early submission is encouraged.

Submission: Two-Step Process

• First Step: The due date and time for White Papers submitted in response to this CALL is no later than (NLT) 12 Oct 2026, 1600 (Mountain Standard Time (MST).
• Question and Answer Session Online - 09:00 AM on 17 September 2026 

White Papers must be prepared using the provided Template, saved as a PDF and submitted via DoD Safe, (https://safe.apps.mil/) NLT 12 Oct 2026, 1600 (Mountain Standard Time (MST).

In order to submit the White Papers, please contact the Contracting Officer, Mr. Gabriel Salazar, email: gabriel.salazar.3@spaceforce.mil, Ms. Heather Miller, email: heather.miller.16@spaceforce.mil, or Ms. Erika Trujillo; email: erika.trujillo.2@spaceforce.mil no later than three (3) workdays prior to the submission deadline to receive a DoD Safe drop-off request. A drop-off request is valid for 14 days. Offerors will receive an automated email containing the instructions for uploading the file(s). If you do not receive an automated e-mail message for your drop-off request within 3 business days, please contact the Contracting Officer.

See Attachment 2 (STAR-FISH White Paper Template) for White Paper Template. The Template can be accessed and downloaded from the following link: https://valideval.com/star_documents/ (please download a new copy of the template prior to submitting your white paper to ensure that you have the most current version). No classified white paper submission will be accepted.

• Second Step: Proposal Due Date and Time – To be provided in “Requests for Proposals (RFP)” sent to offerors whose white papers are selected.

Program Description:

1. Statement of Objectives (SOO)/Description of Technical Areas: Scope:

The scope of this effort is to address cyber threats to national critical space missions (e.g., Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT), Missile Warning/Missile Tracking (MW/MT), Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), and Satellite Communications (SATCOM)) through the research, design, development, testing, and demonstration of a comprehensive Secure by-Design Space Vehicle (SDSV) system.

Objective:

The performance objectives of this effort are to: The Government's objective is to achieve the following capabilities and milestones across the period of performance. The contractor shall propose the specific methodology and detailed work breakdown to achieve these objectives:

Phase

Technical Objectives & Deliverables

CLIN 0001 - Labor: Key Deliverable: esign & Integration Report

Design & Build: Design and construct a space vehicle flat-sat and a corresponding space vehicle cyber range. Integration: Integrate the flat-sat with the cyber-range and verify the functionality of selected space vehicle subsystems. Software Hardening: Initiate cyber-hardening of the space vehicle flight software utilizing Cyber-Hardened Satellite Software (CHSS). Key Deliverable: Design & Integration Report.

CLIN 0002: ODCs

Integration: Integrate the cyber-hardened flight software into the established flat-sat/cyber range environment. Functional T&E: Assess the function and performance of the cyber-hardened solution against a non-hardened baseline. Cyber-Effectiveness T&E: Develop cyber-attack scenarios and evaluate the defensive effectiveness of the hardened solution against the baseline. Key Deliverable: T&E Reports (Functional, Performance, and Cyber-Effectiveness).

CLIN 0003 - Reports: Operational Procedures and Ground Demonstration

CONOPs & COAs: Develop and test Concepts of Operations (CONOPs) and Courses of Action (COAs) for cyber detection, protection, and recovery. User Interface: Develop a UI for interaction, visualization, and further development of the cyber-hardened solution. Demonstration: Conduct ground-based experimentation and system demonstrations. Key Deliverable: CONOPs and COAs Report, Ground Demonstration Completion.

Live Experimentation: Conduct on-orbit experimentation and a live demonstration of the developed cyber-hardened space vehicle system. Key Deliverable: Successful On-Orbit Demonstration and Final Technical Report.

CLIN 0004: Contractor Acquired Property - CAP

Areas from the ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text:

Space Battle Management, Command, and Control: Enable uninterrupted

delivery of tactical, operational, and strategic space services within a contested environment by providing unprecedented domain awareness; accurate and timely battle management tools; and robust command and control options. Specific areas of technology being sought include data fusion, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and related methods for rapid threat assessment and response; multi-domain (land, sea, air, and space) net-centric command and control concepts; autonomy and on-board threat assessment algorithms to enhance satellite resiliency; and integration of allied, commercial, and non-traditional capabilities.

Deliverable Items: 

Data: DD Form 1423-CDRLs

Key Deliverable Report: Design & Integration Report. T&E Reports. CONOPS and COAs Report. Ground Demonstration Completion.

Final Reports: Final Scientific and Technical Report to be delivered under each award, 3 months after the end of the technical effort.

Software: Cyber-Hardened Satellite Software (CHSS) will not need to be provided to contractor.

Hardware: The government and MITLL developed CHSS and since MITLL will be performing the cyber-hardening, CHSS will not need to be provided to contractor.

The government will provide CHSS interfaces and drivers in order for the flat-sat software to interface.  The government will provide requirements/information for the space vehicle contractor to design the flat-sat and then build it.

Other Requirements:

1. Program Security Classification: While it is anticipated that this effort may be performed UNCLASSIFIED, CUI to Secret. Individuals must be US citizens and have a security classification level equal to or higher than the security requirement for the effort. Offerors may be required to have a level of safekeeping.
2. DD Form 254, Department of Defense (DoD) Contract Security Classification Specification, will be attached to each CALL, as this call is anticipated to conducted work at the Secret level, therefore a draft DD254 is attached. If a DD Form 254 is applicable, Offerors should ensure their facility clearance information is valid and must verify their Cognizant Security Office information is current with Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency at http://www.dcsa.mil
3. OPSEC: The contractor shall provide Operations Security (OPSEC) protection for all sensitive/critical information as defined by AFI 10-701 (Operations Security) and critical information list. The AFRL/RV OPSEC coordinator will evaluate the OPSEC posture of AF Contract activities and operations. OPSEC requirements will apply to all contract activities.
4. RISC assessment: Per AFRLI 161-113, in the RFP to offeror or offerors, attachments to comply to this policy will be submitted and require completion.
5. Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 4, paragraph b.
6. Export Control: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 4, paragraph c.
7. Export-Controlled Items: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 4, paragraph d.
8. Other Information:
9. Government Furnished Property (GFP)/Government Furnished Information (GFI): is anticipated for this ARA. If GFP is proposed, the Government will provide maximum accommodation possible for requests of GFP or other permitted assistance that arise during the performance of the contract. In accordance with RFO 45.201(b), Solicitation, the contractor is responsible for all costs related to making the property available for use, such as payment of all transportation, installation or rehabilitation costs.

           In accordance with RFO 45.201(c), Solicitation, if GFP is requested, Offerors shall submit the following information with the               proposal:

     (1) A list or description of all Government property that the Offeror or its subcontractors propose to use on a rent-free, non-interference basis. The list shall identify the accountable contract under which the property is held and the authorization for its use (from the Contracting Officer having cognizance of the property);

    (2) The dates during which the property will be available for use (including the first, last, and all intervening months) and, for any property that will be used concurrently in performing two or more contracts, the amounts of the respective uses in sufficient detail to support prorating the rent;

     (3) The amount of rent that would otherwise be charged in accordance with

     RFO 52.245-9, Use and Charges; and

 (4) A description of the Offeror’s property management system, plan, and any customary commercial practices, voluntary consensus standards, or industry- leading practices and standards to be used by the Offeror in managing Government property.

1. The above information should be provided within the Business Cost Volume paragraphs which pertain to GFP Support. The Offeror shall also supply applicable information in the format shown below for each item requested.

  b. Contractor Acquired Property (CAP): The Offeror may propose CAP as necessary to fulfill the proposed objectives.                      Offerors should be aware that the Government will cross-check any CAP proposed with AFRL/RVOI/LMCA for availability.

• CAP is anticipated to be submitted to the government during the performance of the awards resulting from this call. This will entail the CAP being converted into Government Property. Base Support: Base Support is not anticipated on this CALL.
• However, Base Support may be provided upon written request and if required. Reference ARA with CALLS FA9453-21- S-0001, Full Text, Section 5, paragraph b.Available Base Facilities: Available Base Facilities are not anticipated on this CALL. However, Base Facilities may be provided upon written request and if required. Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 5, paragraph c.
• Overseas Performance: Overseas Performance is not anticipated on this call.
• Data Rights Desired: Unlimited Data Rights that may be required are Government Purpose Rights. Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 5, paragraph e.
• Award Information
• Anticipated Number of awards: The Air Force anticipates awarding multiple contracts. However, the Air Force does reserve the right to make one award, more than one award, or no awards pursuant to this CALL.
• Anticipated Funding: Anticipated funding for this CALL (not per contract or award) is as follows:

FY 2027

$5M

FY 2028

$2M

FY 2029

$2M

FY 2030

$5M

Total

$14M

This funding profile is an estimate only and will not be a contractual obligation for funding. Offerors should note that full funding for this effort is uncertain and may be largely affected by government fiscal year budgets that are yet to be established. The Government reserves the right to select all, part, or none of the proposals received in response to this CALL, subject to the availability of funds. All funding is subject to change due to government discretion and availability of funds.

Schedule: The period of performance for individual awards is based upon the scope of the effort and how the work shapes to the SOO phases 

  Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section I, paragraph 5.

  Points of Contact:

Mr. Gabriel Salazar (Primary) Contracting Officer AFRL/RJZS

Kirtland AFB, NM 87117 gabriel.salazar.3@spaceforce.mil

Ms. Heather Miller (Primary)

Contract Specialist / Contracting Officer AFRL/RVKY

Kirtland AFB, NM 87117 heather.miller.16@spaceforce.mil

Ms. Erika Trujillo

Contract Specialist, AFRL/RJZS

Kirtland AFB, NM 87117 erika.trujillo.2@spaceforce.mil

Technical Manager:

Mr. Joseph “Dan” Trujillo, AFRL/RJSW

joseph.trujillo.4@spaceforce.mil

Program Manager (Alternate):

Mr. Manual Gonzales, AFRL/RVFC,

manuel.gonzales.9@spaceforce.mil

Eligibility Information

Eligible Offeror: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section II, paragraph 1.

Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost Sharing or Matching is not required on this call.

Federally Funded Research and Development Centers: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section II, paragraph 3.

​​​​​​​Government Agencies: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section II, paragraph 4.

​​​​​​​Foreign Participation: Foreign-Owned Offerors are not authorized to propose to this CALL as prime contractor.

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items.

U.S. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s). Offerors are advised FNs proposed to perform may be restricted under U.S. Export Control Laws due to the nature of the technical data. The Government may also require Offerors to provide additional information to assist the Government in evaluating the FNs.

Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section II, paragraph 5.

Export Control: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section II, paragraph 6.

White Paper and/or Proposal Submission Information

Overview: This Announcement consists of Two-Step Process described in detail below. White papers and full proposals if requested by the Government—shall be submitted in accordance with the ARA with CALLS, FA4953-21-S-0001 and in accordance with the CALL TBD.

The Government anticipates white papers and proposals will be unclassified.

Due to the dynamically evolving nature of US warfighter space needs, this announcement is subject to updates, revisions, or additional topic areas. Therefore, Offerors are highly encouraged to continually monitor Contract Opportunities (https://sam.gov) to ensure they receive latest guidance to this announcement.

Two-Step (White Paper and Proposal) Submission Information

First Step (White Paper) Instructions:

•  General: The FIRST STEP requests a white paper and a rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost estimate. All white papers may be kept on file for one year. An Offeror submitting a proposal without first submitting a white paper will not be eligible for an award. The cost of preparing white papers in response to this Solicitation is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting or any other contract; however, it may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect cost as specified in FAR 31.205-18.

• White Paper Format: White papers shall be submitted using the Adobe Template (Attachment 2 STAR-FISH White Paper Template) for White Paper Template and submit document no later than (NLT) 1600 MST, 11 Oct 2026. White papers that do not follow the most current version of the Template will be rejected with no further action from the Government. DO NOT deliver any classified white papers to the email address listed above. Do not submit “zipped” files. If files contain links, the links must be intact and maintained through all revisions. Files shall not be read/write/password protected (i.e., must be unlocked, non-password protected, and/or unprotected).

• White Paper ROM Cost: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section III, paragraph 3(c).

• Other Information: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section III, paragraph 3(d).

• White Paper/Proposal Content Summary: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21- S-0001, Section III, paragraph 3(e).

• White Paper/Proposal Content Summary: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21- S-0001, Section III, paragraph 3(f).

Second Step (Proposal) Instructions: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section III, paragraph 3.

1. Review Information

• Evaluation Criteria: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section IV, paragraph 1.
• Evaluation Criteria: Evaluations will be conducted by a peer or scientific review process and both white papers and proposals will use the following criteria:
• Problem Definition
• Problem Being Solved—thoroughness of problem definition
• Product Summary—clarity of description for proposed product or solution.
• Relative Importance of Evaluation Criteria: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S- 0001, Section IV, paragraph 2. Relevance to AFRL Needs, Scientific and Engineering Viability, and Project Plan are of equal importance and are first in order of priority. Problem Definition and Benefit versus Funding are of equal importance and are second in order of priority.  Proposal Quality is the lowest in order of priority.

1. White Paper Review and Selection Process: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S- 0001, Section IV, paragraph 3. Evaluation of white papers will be conducted by a peer or scientific review process, using the criteria described above. Based on the evaluation, white papers will be categorized as Highly Recommended, Selectable, or Not Selectable, using the definitions below. White papers that are evaluated as Selectable/Highly Recommended will be sent a Request for Proposal Letter from the PCO. The Government’s goal is to notify Offerors of the disposition of their white paper within 30 days of receipt.  Unsuccessful Offerors will be notified in writing and will have the opportunity to receive feedback.

1. Proposal Review and Selection Process: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S- 0001, Section IV, paragraph 4. Proposals will also be reviewed against the criteria described above . Based on the peer or scientific review process, proposals will be categorized as:
   
   1. Highly Recommended: Well-conceived scientifically and technically sound proposal pertinent to accomplish goals and objectives. Proposals are recommended for acceptance (subject to availability of funds) and normally are displaced only by

                    other Highly Recommended proposals.

              b.  Selectable: Scientifically or technically sound proposals that may need additional development. Proposals are recommended for acceptance if sufficient funding is available, but at a lower priority than Highly Recommended proposals. To ensure a diversity of approaches, a Selectable proposal may be prioritized over a Highly Recommended proposal if the Selectable proposal presents a unique approach unlike any of the Highly Recommended proposals.

              c.  Not Selectable: Proposal is not technically sound or does not meet agency needs.

                   Even if sufficient funding existed, the proposal will not be funded.

             Note 1: The recommendations above will be based on the Government’s evaluation of the technical approach independent of the cost proposal. If recommended for award, the Contracting Officer will make a final determination regarding price reasonableness.            

             Note 2: When the Government elects to award only part of a proposal, the selected part may be categorized as Highly Recommended or Selectable although the proposal as a whole may not merit such a categorization.

      Note 3: The Government may award some, all, or none of the proposals received, and may award without negotiation/discussion; however, the Government reserves the right to negotiate with any Offeror(s) whose proposal is selected for funding.

       Note 4: For the use of Assistance Agreements:

      a.    Step 1: Initial Screening (Go/No Go Criteria)

i)  Proposal demonstrates success in implementing Gold Standard Science in addition to making a commitment to complying with administration policies, procedures, and guidance respecting Gold Standard Science.

             ii) Proposal produces immediately demonstrable results.

                  (1)   Selection should consider speed and accountability through demonstration of meaningful performance or deliverable milestones to accelerate the development of emerging technology for timely delivery to the warfighter.

                  (2)   Consider the possibility for potentially longer-term, breakthrough results, in a manner consistent with the funding opportunity announcement.

                  (3)   Proposals should include clear benchmarks for measuring success and progress towards relevant research and development goals.

                  (4)   Proposal demonstrably advances the President’s policy priorities.  

                  (5)   Proposal does not promote, encourage subsidize, or facilitate: (a) racial preferences or other forms of racial discrimination by the grant recipient, including activities where race or intentional proxies for race will be used as a selection criterion for employment or program participation; (b) denial by the grant recipient of the sex binary in humans or the notion that sex is a chosen or mutable characteristic; (c) illegal immigration; or (d) any other initiatives that compromise public safety or                    promote anti-American values.

b.   Step 2: Full Evaluation/Review (Selection Criteria):

                i) Primary Selection Criteria: Applications/proposals will be reviewed using the criteria  listed below (state whether the criteria are equal in importance or in descending/ascending order of importance and refer to scoring rubric below). These                evaluations will entail a “weight of scientific evidence” approach (EO 14303):

1. Technical merits of the proposed research and development. See below for a scoring rubric example.
2. Potential relationship of the proposed research and development to DOD missions. See below for a scoring rubric example.

          ii) Other Selection Criteria: Cost/Price: While of less importance to the primary criteria above, the realism of the proposed cost (to include cost sharing, consideration of proposed budgets, and funding profiles), will be evaluated.

 iii) Risk Assessments are performed prior to award with regards to Science & Technology (S&T) Protection and assessments IAW 2 CFR 200.206.

Award Administration Information

Award Notices: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section V, paragraph 1.

Offerors will be notified whether their proposal is recommended for award from the Contracting Officer. The notification of recommendation for award is not to be construed to mean the award of a contract is assured, as availability of funds and successful negotiations are prerequisites to any award.

Other Relevant Information Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI): In accordance with RFO 9.5, Organizational Conflict of Interest, the Offeror will be required to perform its own OCI analysis and submit the results of that analysis as part of its proposal submission. Specifically, the Offeror shall analyze the planned effort for actual or potential OCI situations associated with its or any of its associate organizations’ performance under any contract it or its associated organizations have been or may be awarded by any federal agency or other entity. The Offeror shall describe in detail the methodology used to identify actual or potential OCI issues. If the Offeror identifies any actual or potential OCI with respect to the performance of itself or its associated organizations, the Offeror shall provide an OCI mitigation plan to be incorporated into any resulting contract. If an award is made to the Offeror, the resulting contract may include an OCI limitation applicable to subsequent Government work, at either a prime contract level, at any subcontract tier, or both. If a prospective Offeror believes a conflict of interest exists or may exist (whether organizational or otherwise) or has questions on what constitutes a conflict of interest, the Offeror should send his/her contact information and a summary of the potential conflict via email to the ARA e-mail address before time and effort are Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI): In accordance with RFO 9.5, Organizational Conflict of Interest, the Offeror will be required to perform its own OCI analysis and submit the results of that analysis as part of its proposal submission. Specifically, the Offeror shall analyze the planned effort for actual or potential OCI situations associated with its or any of its associate organizations’ performance under any contract it or its associated organizations have been or may be awarded by any federal agency or other entity. The Offeror shall describe in detail the methodology used to identify actual or potential OCI issues. If the Offeror identifies any actual or potential OCI with respect to the performance of itself or its associated organizations, the Offeror shall provide an OCI mitigation plan to be incorporated into any resulting contract. If an award is made to the Offeror, the resulting contract may include an OCI limitation applicable to subsequent  Government work, at either a prime contract level, at any subcontract tier, or both. If a prospective Offeror believes a conflict of interest exists or may exist (whether organizational or otherwise) or has questions on what constitutes a conflict of interest, the Offeror should send his/her contact information and a summary of the potential conflict via email to the ARA e-mail address before time and effort are expended in preparing a proposal and mitigation plan. The OCI clause in the ARA may not be modified or deleted.

1. Support contractors: The AFRL Information and Spectrum Warfare (FR) and Space Warfare Directorate (RJ), formerly Directed Energy (RD) and Space Vehicles (RV) Directorates, respectively,  have contracted for various business and staff support services,(e.g. LTD Global, LLC., Valid Evaluation, Inc., and SierTek, Ltd.) some of which require contractors to obtain administrative access to proprietary information submitted by other contractors. Administrative access is defined as "handling or having physical control over information for the sole purpose of accomplishing the administrative functions specified in the administrative support contract, which do not require the review, reading, or comprehension of the content of the information on the part of non-technical professionals assigned to accomplish the specified administrative tasks." These contractors have signed general non-disclosure agreements and organizational conflict of interest statements. The required administrative access will be granted to non-technical professionals. Examples of the administrative tasks performed include: a) Assembling and organizing information for R&D case files; b) Accessing library files for use by Government personnel; c) Handling and administration of proposals, contracts, contract funding and queries; and d) administering the tool that will be used for conducting white paper and proposal evaluations. These various business and staff support service contractors are prohibited from responding to this announcement.

1. Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) Notice: Any award resulting from this ARA will contain the clause at R-DFARS 252.232-7003, Electronic Submission of Payment Requests and Receiving Reports, which requires electronic submission of all payment requests. Any contract award resulting from this ARA will establish a requirement to use WAWF for invoicing and receipt/acceptance, and provide coding instructions applicable to this contract. Contractors are encouraged to take advantage of available training (both web-based and through your cognizant Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) office), and to register in the WAWF system. Information regarding WAWF, including the web-based training and registration, can be found at https://wawf.eb.mil/. Note: The WAWF requirement does not apply to Offerors that are audited by an agency other than the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA).

1. Item Identification and Valuation: Any award resulting from this ARA may contain the clause at R-DFARS 252.211-7003, Item Unique Identification and Valuation (JAN 2023) which requires unique item identification and valuation of any deliverable item for which the Government’s unit acquisition cost is $5,000 or more; subassemblies, components, and parts embedded within an item valued at $5,000 or more; or items for which the Government’s unit acquisition cost is less than $5,000 when determined necessary by the requiring activity for serially managed, mission essential, or controlled inventory. Also, included are any DoD serially managed subassembly, component, or parts embedded within a delivered item and the parent item that contains the embedded subassembly, component, or part. Per R-DFARS 211.274-3, Policy for Valuation, it is DoD policy that contractors shall be required to identify the Government’s unit acquisition cost for any deliverable end items to which item unique identification applies.  Therefore, your proposal must clearly break out the unit acquisition cost for applicable deliverable items (per R-DFARS 211.274-3 “for cost-type or undefinitized line, subline, or exhibit line items, the contractor’s estimated fully burdened unit cost to the Government at the time of delivery”) in their proposal. Per DoD, “fully burdened unit costs” to the Government would include all direct, indirect, general and administrative (G&A) costs, and an appropriate portion of fee. For questions regarding the unique item identification requirements, please contact the contracting point of contact identified in this ARA. For more information, see the following website:  http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/pdi/uid/index.html.

3 ATTACHMENTS:

1. Attachment 1 – STAR-FISH Announcement, FA9453-21-S-0001, Basic & Amendment 1
2. Attachment 2 – STAR-FISH White Paper Template
3. Attachment 3 – Statement of Objectives (SOO) V3, dated 26 May 2026