TOWARD AN ELASTIC FORCE DEPLOYMENT FRAMEWORK

The contract titled "Toward an Elastic Force Deployment Framework," solicited under number RFI-AFRL-RIK-20-05 by the Department of Defense's AFRL RIK office, seeks information from industry experts to support the development of a flexible force deployment system. This solicitation falls under NAICS code 541715 and is a sources-sought request for information rather than a formal procurement. Key amendments to the request include the replacement of an in-person Industry Day with a question-and-answer process conducted via email to designated points of contact, with the Q&A document to be issued as part of the solicitation. The deadline for submitting abstracts has been extended from November 4 to November 13, 2020. Significant emphasis is placed on understanding the concept of "Conditions-Based Authorities," which concern how real-world factors such as phases of war, scheduling, geographic constraints, and threat levels influence the delegation of operational authority to lower echelons at the tactical edge. The solicitation requests clarification on the list of relevant real-world conditions and how these can be effectively captured and applied within force deployment protocols. All communications are managed through specified contacts in Rome, NY, and any further amendments or updates to the solicitation will be issued formally rather than through changes to the Q&A document.