SPACE TECHNOLOGY ADVANCED RESEARCH-FAST-TRACKING INNOVATIVE SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE (STAR-FISH) ADVANCED RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT (ARA) WITH CALLS

The Air Force Research Laboratory – Rocket Propulsion (AFRL/RV) is issuing a broad Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) for research, development, modeling and simulation, fabrication, testing, prototyping, and analysis of all aspects of space‑flight systems. Topics include space‑vehicle functionality and logistics, on‑orbit servicing, debris management, controlled re‑entry, ground‑system communications, command and control, advanced spacecraft manufacturing, and user equipment, with particular interest in data‑fusion, machine‑learning, artificial‑intelligence, multi‑domain net‑centric C2 concepts, autonomous on‑board threat‑assessment algorithms, and integration of allied, commercial, and non‑traditional capabilities. Each specific effort will be released as a “CALL” on beta.sam.gov and may require a one‑step (direct proposal) or two‑step (white‑paper then possible RFP) submission; the CALL will detail the problem statement, performance period, deliverables, and any required government‑furnished property or information. All businesses, regardless of size, may submit; cost sharing is not mandatory, though optional matching may be considered. Proposals must demonstrate clear problem definition, relevance to AFRL needs, scientific and engineering viability, and a credible project plan (schedule, ROM cost, validation methods). Evaluation criteria prioritize relevance, scientific/engineering merit, and project plan equally, followed by problem definition and cost‑benefit, with proposal quality ranked lowest. Offerors should monitor beta.sam.gov for updates, and contact Contracting Officer Deanna Salazar (AFRL/RVK) or Program Manager Michael Lopez (AFRL/RVS) for guidance.

Notice ID

d38b7e793bca449187d1c2cea6aec1ea

Solicitation Number

FA9453-21-S-0001

NAICS Code

541715

Classification Code

AC33