Bid guide
How to bid on Experiments, Prototypes, Research, and Evaluation Supporting Systems (EXPRESS) 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 white papers for research into structural materials and processes. This effort supports both Air Force and Space Force applications. The goal is to develop, test, evaluate, and transition new materials and processes to meet national defense needs.
This is an open call for a broad range of research, development, testing, and evaluation. Specific project details will be provided later through separate "Closed Calls." Vendors should care because this is an opportunity to contribute to advanced materials science for critical defense applications.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This opportunity was published on February 15, 2022. The deadline for submissions is February 14, 2027, at 5:00 PM ET. This is a long-term open call, meaning the agency will accept white papers over an extended period.
At the deadline, the agency will no longer accept new white papers under this broad solicitation. However, specific "Closed Calls" will have their own individual deadlines, which will be announced separately.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for firms specializing in professional services, particularly those with expertise in materials science, engineering, research and development, and testing and evaluation. Companies capable of developing and demonstrating new structural materials and processes for aerospace and defense applications will find this relevant.
The solicitation is for research, development, test, and evaluation, making it ideal for organizations with strong scientific and technical capabilities in these areas.
How to respond
To access the full details of this solicitation, 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. However, for many bids, you can view documents without an account. Once you have access, review the EXPRESS Statement of Objectives (SOO) in Attachment 1 for the research efforts being solicited.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
Since this is an open call for white papers, focus on clearly articulating your proposed research, its methodology, and its potential impact on Air Force and Space Force applications. Ensure your white paper directly addresses the types of structural materials and processes mentioned in the Statement of Objectives.
Highlight your firm's relevant experience and technical capabilities in materials research, development, testing, and evaluation. Even though specific project details will come later in "Closed Calls," a strong, well-defined white paper that aligns with the agency's broad goals will position you well for future specific solicitations. Pay close attention to any instructions regarding the format and content of white paper submissions.
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.