Bid guide
How to bid on Space Environment Technologies and Science (SETS) with the Dept of the Air Force
What the Air Force is buying and why it matters
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is seeking research proposals for the Space Environment Technologies and Science (SETS) program. This initiative aims to advance understanding and develop technologies related to the space environment and its impact on defense and national security systems. The goal is to specify, predict, mitigate, and exploit space environment effects that can disrupt or degrade operational systems.
This is a broad announcement covering five technical areas: Solar, Solar Wind, and Ionospheric Effects; Thermosphere, Satellite Drag and the Reentry Environment; Plasma Physics and Chemistry; Particle Effects and Radiation Belt Environment; and Cislunar Environment. Vendors who can contribute to these areas, especially those enabling future operational systems or enhancing existing technologies, should consider this opportunity.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) was published on December 18, 2023, and will remain open for eight years, closing on December 18, 2028, at 1:59 AM ET. However, you should not submit proposals or white papers against this baseline BAA.
Specific project details, proposal due dates, and submission times will be outlined in future "Calls" issued under this program. Proposals or white papers received after the due date and time specified in a Call will be considered late. Be aware that Air Force email security procedures are strict, and delays due to these procedures are not considered an interruption of normal government processes.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for firms specializing in research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences, particularly those with expertise in space environment impacts and applications. The NAICS code for this BAA is 541715, Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology).
Companies with capabilities in areas such as advanced environmental observing systems, specification and prediction models for solar activity, ionospheric conditions, magnetospheric activity, thermosphere, satellite drag, reentry environment, and the cislunar environment are well-suited. Expertise in effects on communication, command, control, PNT, radar systems, and spacecraft is also highly relevant.
How to respond to this opportunity
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 documents, though this is not always required.
Remember, do not submit proposals or white papers against this initial BAA. Instead, monitor the portal for specific "Calls" that will be issued under this program. Each Call will provide detailed project requirements, specific due dates, and instructions for submission, which may be a one-step or two-step process.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Given this is a Broad Agency Announcement with future Calls, focus on understanding the overarching research interests of the Air Force Research Laboratory. When a Call is released, tailor your proposal precisely to its specific objectives and technical areas. Clearly articulate how your research aligns with the program's goals of understanding, quantifying, mitigating, and exploiting space environment effects.
Highlight your firm's unique capabilities, past performance, and expertise in the relevant technical areas. Emphasize how your proposed solution can meet performance, reliability, maintainability, supportability, and affordability goals for future operational systems, or how it can enhance performance or significantly reduce cost, schedule, or risk for existing technologies. Pay close attention to all submission instructions and deadlines 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.