Bid guide
How to bid on the Enterprise Prototype Initiative Consortium (EPIC) for the DEPT of Defense
What the Air Force Research Laboratory is buying
The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in Rome, NY, is seeking whitepapers for the Enterprise Prototype Initiative Consortium (EPIC). This is an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) for prototype research, development, testing, and technical solutions. The goal is to rapidly prototype capabilities across all AFRL technology areas to sustain U.S. military technological advantage and reduce costs for defense information systems.
This opportunity is an Indefinite Delivery Vehicle (IDV) with a 120-month project ordering period. Individual Project Level Orders (PLOs) will be awarded on a Firm-Fixed Price basis. Deliverables may include reports, software, hardware, and technical data. Successful completion of PLOs could lead to sole-source, follow-on production contracts or OTs.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This solicitation was published on July 29, 2026. Whitepapers must be submitted by August 12, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET. This is a strict deadline. The government is only requesting whitepapers at this stage; do not submit a formal proposal.
After whitepapers are evaluated and deemed selectable, the government will request full proposals from selected offerors. The government is not responsible for any costs incurred during the preparation or submission of whitepapers or proposals.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for qualified organizations with expertise in prototype research, development, testing, and technical solutions across various technology areas relevant to the Air Force Research Laboratory. This includes firms capable of delivering software, hardware, technical data, and reports.
The OTA authority requires participation from a nontraditional defense contractor or nonprofit research institution, or that all significant participants are small businesses or nontraditional defense contractors, or that at least one-third of the project cost is paid by non-federal sources. Alternatively, exceptional circumstances justifying innovative business arrangements may apply.
How to respond to this solicitation
To access the solicitation, click “View original source” on the portal. If the first click leads to the portal's homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though this is not always required.
The government is currently only soliciting whitepapers. Your whitepaper should describe your approach to meeting the EPIC program objectives. Do not submit a formal proposal at this time.
Tips for preparing a competitive whitepaper
Focus your whitepaper on clearly articulating your organization's unique approach to meeting the EPIC program objectives. Highlight your capabilities in rapid prototyping, testing, and delivering technical solutions relevant to AFRL's technology areas. Emphasize how your proposed methods align with the goal of sustaining U.S. military technological advantage and reducing defense information system costs.
Given the Firm-Fixed Price nature of future Project Level Orders, ensure your organization has an accounting system capable of tracking government funds. While not required for the whitepaper, demonstrating this capability will be crucial if you are invited to submit a full proposal. Clearly address how your organization meets the limitations of the OTA authority, such as significant participation by nontraditional defense contractors or small businesses, or cost-sharing.
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 Defense; the original posting controls.