Bid guide
How to bid on ETHEREAL FORGE: Test & Evaluation of Advanced EW Capabilities for DEPT of Defense
What the agency is buying and why it matters
The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking participants for "ETHEREAL FORGE," an initiative to test and evaluate advanced Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) capabilities. This effort focuses on modular, open-architecture systems, specifically software applications and SOSA hardware components.
The goal is to assess how useful these capabilities are against realistic threats in a representative environment. The results will help the DoD make decisions about technology readiness, budgeting, acquisitions, and simulations, ultimately leading to faster deployment of new Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) capabilities.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
The call for participation was published on August 27, 2026. Responses are due by October 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET. This deadline is when all submissions must be received by the DoD.
It is important to submit your response well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for firms that develop or work with modular open systems approach (MOSA)-conformant EW capabilities. This includes those specializing in software applications and hardware components that align with open standards such as SOSA, CMOSS, FACE, VITA, and AMS-GRA.
The DoD is looking for capabilities that can sense, make sense of, maneuver within, and engage with precision in the electromagnetic environment. This falls under the environmental category due to its focus on electromagnetic spectrum operations.
How to respond
To access the full details and respond to this opportunity, you need to view the original source on the portal. Click the "View original source" link. 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, though this is not always required for every bid.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
When preparing your response, clearly demonstrate how your capabilities align with the modular open systems approach (MOSA) and relevant open standards like SOSA. Highlight the specific software applications or hardware components you propose for testing and evaluation.
Focus on how your solution addresses the DoD's objective of assessing capability utility against realistic threats. Provide concrete examples or descriptions of how your technology contributes to rapid, iterative fielding of EMSO capabilities. Ensure your submission is well-organized and directly addresses the requirements outlined in the solicitation.
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.