Bid guide
How to bid on Advanced Battle Management Systems (ABMS) for the Dept of the Air Force
What the Air Force is buying and why it matters
The Department of the Air Force is seeking innovative research and development for its Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS). The goal of ABMS is to connect all sensors to all shooters across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains, creating a unified force.
This is a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), which means the Air Force is looking for novel solutions and approaches rather than off-the-shelf products. Vendors interested in contributing to advanced battle management and command and control capabilities should pay close attention to this opportunity.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This is an ongoing BAA, published on April 23, 2024, with a general deadline of December 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. However, specific "calls" are issued periodically under this announcement for different technology areas. For example, Call 005 for Sensors and Cyber Electro Magnetic Activities was issued on April 24, 2024.
Vendors should not submit proposals in response to the main BAA announcement itself. Instead, you must monitor for these specific calls, which will have their own proposal due dates. The deadline for each call is when the Air Force will stop accepting new proposals or concept papers for that particular technology area.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is best suited for firms with strong research and development capabilities in professional services, particularly those specializing in advanced technology, systems integration, sensors, cyber electromagnetic activities, and command and control solutions. Small businesses with innovative ideas in these areas are encouraged to participate.
The Air Force is looking for cutting-edge solutions to complex problems in multi-domain operations. Companies that can demonstrate a clear understanding of battle management challenges and propose novel, effective solutions will be well-positioned.
How to respond
To access the opportunity details, 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 a free account to view all documents, though this is not always required.
Once you have accessed the main BAA, you must then look for specific "calls" that are issued under this announcement. Each call will outline the particular technology area of interest and provide instructions for submitting proposals or concept papers. Do not submit a proposal to the main BAA announcement.
Practical tips for a competitive response
When preparing your response to a specific call under this BAA, focus on clearly articulating the innovative aspects of your proposed solution. Highlight how your technology or approach directly addresses the Air Force's need to connect sensors to shooters across all domains.
Ensure your proposal is well-structured and easy to understand. Emphasize your firm's relevant experience and technical expertise. Since this is for research and development, clearly outline your methodology, expected outcomes, and any potential risks and mitigation strategies. Pay close attention to all requirements specified in each individual call.
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.