FedOpsRequest for Information (RFI) Regarding a Proposed Acquisition Framework for USAFE-AFAFRICA Command and Control (C2), Sensor, and Effector Modernization — FedOps
NAICS 33411 – Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing
Sol # USAFE_ABAD_CSO
AI Summary
¹ Background United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA), as the air component for both EUCOM and AFRICOM, directs air operations across three continents. This command is exploring a new acquisition framework to project combat-ready airpower.
² Description of Proposed Acquisition Framework The government is seeking feedback on its proposed framework founded on speed, flexibility, and technical merit. It would move away from monolithic suites towards an open-architecture model for three capability pools: Command and Control (C2), Sensors, andeffectors.
³ Effectors will be provided with directed energy systems, counter-unmanned aerial systems, kinetic and non-kinetic solutions through a competitive, merit-based process published in the Area of Interest. The proposed framework is structured around three pillars or paths to award contracts.
Description
Background United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA), as the air component for both EUCOM and AFRICOM, directs air operations across three continents. The command's mission is to defend vital U.S. interests by projecting combat-ready airpower. This requires agile and technologically superior capabilities to maintain a decisive advantage in a rapidly evolving threat landscape. To meet this need, USAFE-AFAFRICA is exploring a new acquisition framework designed to rapidly identify, evaluate, and field mission-critical technologies from a diverse range of industry partners. This RFI seeks industry feedback on the viability and attractiveness of this proposed framework. 2. Description of Proposed Acquisition Framework The Government is considering an acquisition framework founded on speed, flexibility, and technical merit. This approach would move away from procuring monolithic "suites" and towards an open-architecture, "building block" model for the following capability pools: Command and Control (C2): Flexible, open-architecture software; JADC2 data fabric integration. Sensors: Cameras, radars, RF sensors; Automated Target Recognition (ATR); Edge Computing. Effectors: Directed Energy (DE) systems; Counter-UAS; Kinetic and Non-Kinetic solutions. The proposed framework would be structured around three pillars: Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO): A competitive, merit-based process where industry proposes innovative solutions to operational problems published in a broad Area of Interest (AOI). Dual-Award Pathway: The flexibility to award either a FAR Part 12 Contract for ready-made commercial items or an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) Agreement for rapid prototypes. This is intended to engage both traditional and non-traditional vendors. Rapid Evaluation & Award Sprint: A "front-loaded" administrative process designed to enable a 3-5 day evaluation-to-award timeline following live vendor pitches. Key technical requirements under consideration for this framework include: Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or higher. 3rd Party Interoperability (3PI) via published Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Government Purpose Rights (GPR) for all software, data, and technical designs. Stringent Directed Energy (DE) Safety Compliance (adherence to MIL-STD-882E and verification from recognized authorities). 3. Request for Information Submission Details Submittals shall not exceed five (5) pages total. Page size shall be 8.5 x 11 inches; single-spaced with text no smaller than 12-point Times New Roman. The title page, transmittal letter, and table of contents will not count against the page limit. Respondents shall provide an unclassified response to the maximum extent possible. Any proprietary information MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED . Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned. The Government shall not be held liable for any damages incurred if proprietary information…
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