Air Force: AERIAL LAYER NETWORKING & TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGIES

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Information Directorate (Rome Research Site), is soliciting white papers under BAA FA8750-23-S-7002 for advanced research in Aerial Layer Networking & Transmission Technologies.

This is an Open, 2-Step Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) focused on enabling self-forming, self-healing, resilient airborne networks that operate in contested and degraded environments.

White papers will be accepted until 0500 PM EST on 30 September 2027, and this BAA will close on 30 September 2027.

While submissions are accepted on a rolling basis, AFRL recommends aligning to fiscal year targets to maximize funding probability. If this topic aligns with your capabilities, early submission materially improves your chances of selection.

This is a multi-year, $99.5M opportunity with potential awards ranging from $1M to $10M — and up to $49.5M in certain cases.

How much funding would I receive?

• Total BAA funding: Approximately $99.5M

• Funding by fiscal year:

  • FY26 – $19.9M

  • FY27 – $19.9M

• Typical individual awards:

  • Normally range from $1M to $10M

  • Period of performance typically not to exceed 36 months

  • Potential exists for awards up to $49.5M

Multiple awards are anticipated. The Air Force reserves the right to award zero, one, or more awards depending on funding availability and proposal quality.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports research, development, integration, test, evaluation, and experimentation of technologies for Airborne Network Connectivity and Dissemination, including:

Airborne Network Management & Monitoring

• Self-managing and self-healing wireless networks

• Software Defined Networking (SDN)

• Network Function Virtualization (NFV)

• Monitoring and management of tactical data link (TDL) networks

Robust Airborne Networking

• Resilient networking in contested environments

• Mesh networking technologies

• RF front ends, radios, modems

• Security and reliability improvements

• Apertures and waveforms

Demonstrable Network Technologies

• Advanced radios and networking technologies

• Proof-of-concept demonstrations

• Lower-cost demonstrations leveraging AFRL infrastructure

AESA-Based Tracking Systems

• Analog active electronically steered array (AESA) technology

• Embedded control solutions for modular AESA panels

• Electronic tracking algorithms

• Small form-factor RF hardware

• Communications system integration and characterization

Both fundamental and non-fundamental research may be awarded. The Government retains sole discretion on instrument type and publication restrictions.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Ability to receive FAR-based contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or Other Transactions (OTs)

• For Other Transaction for Prototype (10 USC 4022) awards:

  • Potential transition to a follow-on production contract or transaction without further competition if the prototype is successfully completed

• Engagement and dialogue with AFRL prior to submission

• White paper feedback within 45 days of submission

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

This is a rolling, open BAA.

White papers will be accepted until 0500 PM EST on 30 September 2027. The BAA will close on 30 September 2027.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided by:

Department of the Air Force
Air Force Materiel Command
Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
Information Directorate – Rome Research Site

Assistance Listing Number: 12.800

Statutory authorities may include:

• 10 USC 4021

• 10 USC 4022

• 10 USC 4023

Who is eligible to apply?

All qualified offerors who meet BAA requirements may apply.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

White papers and proposals are evaluated in descending order of importance based on:

1. Overall Scientific and Technical Merit

2. Related Experience relevant to USAF and Joint DoD missions

3. Openness, Maturity, and Assurance of Solution

4. Reasonableness and Realism of Costs

Projects that:

• Advance resilient airborne networking in contested environments

• Demonstrate operational transition potential

• Leverage existing standards and capabilities

• Present technically sound and executable plans

are aligned with stated priorities.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Foreign participation is prohibited except as explicitly permitted for fundamental research

• Classified work may require SECRET or TOP SECRET facility clearance

• Export control registration (DD Form 2345) may be required

• SBIR data rights are non-negotiable

• Non-SBIR data rights are subject to negotiation

• Cost sharing is not required and is not a selection factor

• Certified cost and pricing data required for contracts exceeding $2M ($7.5M for small businesses or nontraditional defense contractors)

• Human subject research requires IRB and AFRL-level approval

• Security Risk Review required for Senior/Key Personnel and Covered Individuals

• GAAP compliance required for OTs

• SPRS Basic NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment required

• AFRL supplemental OCI restrictions prohibit concurrent SETA/A&AS support and technical performance

Failure to follow white paper formatting instructions may result in rejection.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Step One requires a 3–5 page white paper including:

• Title, period of performance, estimated cost

• Task objective

• Technical summary and deliverables

Formatting must comply with BAA instructions (double-spaced, 12-point font minimum).

If invited to Step Two, a full technical and cost proposal will be required per the AFRL BAA Guide and RI-Specific Proposal Preparation Instructions (latest versions).

Preparation time will depend on complexity. The solicitation does not specify expected preparation duration.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Assess strategic fit before submission

• Refine your white paper to align precisely with AFRL evaluation criteria

• Position technical merit and transition potential clearly

• Structure cost strategy for FAR-based or OT pathways

• Identify and mitigate OCI, FOCI, and S&T Protection risks

• Support full proposal development if invited to Step Two

We ensure your submission is compliant, competitive, and aligned to Air Force mission priorities.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($4,000) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.