Bid guide
How to bid on the AFRL Rocket Lab Hermes BAA from the Dept of the Air Force
What the Air Force is buying
The Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) is seeking research and development for rocket technology. This includes funding for novel concepts and maturing specific technologies to appropriate readiness levels. This is an open-ended opportunity, meaning the government will accept white papers and may also issue specific calls for proposals.
Individual awards under this Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) could be up to $250 million. This presents a significant opportunity for firms involved in rocket technology and related research.
Key dates and deadlines
This opportunity was published on June 20, 2025. The deadline for submissions is March 18, 2027, at 3:00 AM ET. It is important to submit all required materials before this time.
The BAA has been amended multiple times, with the most recent amendment dated May 2025. Vendors should review all amendments to ensure they have the latest information.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for professional firms and research organizations specializing in rocket technology, aerospace engineering, and related scientific research and development. Firms capable of conducting studies on novel concepts or maturing existing technologies will find this relevant.
The BAA is designed to support a range of technology readiness levels, making it accessible to both early-stage innovators and those with more developed technologies.
How to respond
To access the solicitation, click “View original source” on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid.
You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all associated documents. However, for some bids, an account may not be necessary to view basic information.
Practical tips for a competitive response
Given this is a Broad Agency Announcement, focus on clearly articulating the innovative aspects of your proposed research or technology. Highlight how your approach addresses a specific need or advances the state of the art in rocket technology.
Ensure your white paper or proposal clearly outlines the technical approach, expected outcomes, and the potential impact on Air Force capabilities. Detail your team's expertise and relevant past performance in similar research and development efforts. Pay close attention to any specific requirements or areas of interest mentioned in the BAA or subsequent calls.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Dept of the Air Force; the original posting controls.