Bid guide
How to bid on Next Generation Aircraft Protection R&D for the Dept of the Air Force
What the Air Force is buying and why it matters
The Department of the Air Force, specifically AFLCMC/HNJW (Electronic Warfare Branch) at Hanscom AFB, MA, is seeking innovative research and development solutions for next-generation aircraft protection systems. This includes advanced sensors, processing hardware and software, algorithms, and various countermeasures (kinetic and non-kinetic, including RFCM, Electro/Optical CM, High-Power Microwave, and other directed energy techniques).
This is a significant five-year opportunity for businesses to contribute to critical defense technology. The Air Force aims to develop a modular, upgradable system based on open architecture standards. They are interested in capabilities from all types of qualified vendors, including traditional and non-traditional defense contractors, large businesses, small businesses, and research institutions.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This opportunity was published on November 24, 2025, and has a long-term deadline of November 23, 2030, at 5:00 PM ET. This is a "Two-Step Closed CSO with Calls," meaning specific needs will be announced over time through individual "Calls." Vendors will submit a white paper in response to a Call, and if requested, a full proposal.
The full text announcement for this CSO will remain posted for five years, and the Air Force reserves the right to amend, add, or remove Areas of Interest at any time during this period. Submission information and instructions will be provided at the Call level, so vendors should monitor for these specific announcements.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is ideal for professional services firms and research institutions with expertise in advanced sensor technologies (radio frequency, optical, acoustic), advanced processing (hardware, software, algorithms), and advanced countermeasures. Firms with experience in system architecture, modeling and simulation, and developing capabilities for "Detect," "Decide," and "Defeat" layers of protection systems are particularly well-suited.
The Air Force is explicitly looking for innovative solutions from all types of businesses, including small businesses, to develop part or all of a modular, open-architecture Next Generation Aircraft Protection system. Bidders must demonstrate compliance with the Agile Mission Suite (AMS) Government Reference Architecture (GRA) or provide a technical roadmap to achieve compliance.
How to respond to this solicitation
To access the opportunity, click the "View original source" link. If you land on the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view all documents, though this is not always required.
This is a two-step process. First, you will respond to specific "Calls" with a white paper. If your white paper is selected, you will then be invited to submit a full proposal. Pay close attention to the submission instructions provided with each individual Call.
Practical tips for a competitive response
Given the technical nature, ensure your white papers and proposals clearly articulate your innovative solutions and how they align with the Air Force's four areas of interest: System Architecture, Modeling and Simulation; The Detect Layer (Sensing); The Decide Layer (Processing); and The Defeat Layer (Countermeasures and Effectors).
Compliance with the Agile Mission Suite Government Reference Architecture is a key requirement. If your system or subsystem is not currently compliant, provide a clear and detailed technical roadmap showing how you will achieve compliance. Additionally, to access Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) related to this bid, you must have current National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) assessments uploaded to the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS). Ensure your NIST assessments are documented in SPRS and are not older than three years, as per DFARS 252.204-7019 and 252.204-7020.
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.