Notice ID: 4c3b792bc7ff4fc7a3dbaa28c89244a8Presolicitation
Multi-Spectrum Defensive Electronic Warfare (MSDEW) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA)
Active, responses due . Full description on SAM.gov.
Description
MSDEW ARA will develop sensors and systems supplies to meet the need for the national defense for improved joint lethality in contested environments, the ability to strike diverse targets inside adversary air and missile defense networks, and support a force which can deploy, survive, operate, maneuver, and regenerate in all domains while under attack. The program advances the Air Force EW (signal) capabilities to meet the need for the national defense and requires acquisition of aeronautical supplies, parts, accessories and designs for experimental and test purposes. These above strategic objectives will be accomplished through design, modeling, simulation and analysis (MS&A), experimentation, testing, and demonstration of multi-spectrum threat warning and countermeasures sensors, systems and technologies. This ARA will be open for Calls through 13 Jul 2027.
UPDATED April 2026: This solicitation update is for annual administrative updates and also updates all FAR/DFARS references to now reference Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO/R-DFARS) references.
UPDATED April 2025: This soliciation update removes references to an announcement level Model Contract as Model Contracts will be issued at the Call level. This update also makes minor administrative updates to the announcement.
UPDATED November 2024: This solicitation update removes all references to Call 01 as that call is closed; extends the close date for the ARA for two years until 13 Jul 2027; adds the Security Risk Review - AFRLI 61-113 and appendices; and updates the primary and second points of contact (POCs).
Overview
Agency:
Department of WarDepartment of the Air Force
Office:AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND.AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY.FA2377 USAF AFMC AFRL PZL AFRL RYKS
Posted:April 8, 2026
NAICS:541715: Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Last Updated:Oct 28, 2026
First published:
Last updated on SAM.gov:
PSC:AC33: NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEFENSE-RELATED ACTIVITIES; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT
Set-Aside:Not specified
Type:Presolicitation
Place of Performance:Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio, 45433
Award Overview
Possible prior contracts
Sign in to see possible prior contracts for this requirement (matched by agency, NAICS and place of performance; not confirmed).
Contacts
Contracting Officer
Primary Contact
Katie Skaleski
Secondary Contact
Richard Bailey
Documents
Files (5)
- Download
20S1119_MSDEW_ARA_Solicitation_Announcement_Updated_Apr2026.pdf
249 KBAdded in Presolicitation version 6Posted - Download
Security Risk Review Appendix 3 - AFRL Privacy Act for Covered Individuals Fillable.pdf
107 KBAdded in Presolicitation version 3Posted - Download
Security Risk Review Appendix 2 - Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile Worksheet.pdf
71 KBAdded in Presolicitation version 3Posted - Download
Security Risk Review Appendix 1 - Security Program Questionnaire.docx
24 KBAdded in Presolicitation version 3Posted - Download
Security Risk Review AFRLI 61-113.pdf
747 KBAdded in Presolicitation version 3Posted
Lifecycle
- 1Version 1Presolicitation
Multi-Spectrum Defensive Electronic Warfare (MSDEW)
- 2Version 2Presolicitation
Multi-Spectrum Defensive Electronic Warfare (MSDEW) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA), Call 01, Threat Assessment & Aircraft Protection Defensive Electronic Warfare (TAAP-DEW)
- 3Version 3Presolicitation
Multi-Spectrum Defensive Electronic Warfare (MSDEW) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA)
- 4Version 4Presolicitation
Multi-Spectrum Defensive Electronic Warfare (MSDEW) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA)
- 5Version 5Presolicitation
Multi-Spectrum Defensive Electronic Warfare (MSDEW) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA)
- 6Version 6PresolicitationCurrent
Multi-Spectrum Defensive Electronic Warfare (MSDEW) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA)
- 7Version 7Solicitation
Type changed from Presolicitation to Solicitation
Aircraft Defensive Electro-optical Protection Technologies (ADEPT)
Similar Opportunities
Title | Phase | Agency | NAICS | Set Aside | Posted | Deadline | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AMENDMENT - 11 MARCH 2024 This amendment is hereby issued to modify the overarching Advanced Research Announcement and to issue Call 03. As a result, the following are hereby included as an attachment to this announcement. 1. "REGAL_ARA-Amend 02_11 Mar 24", including Attachment 3 and 4 to the ARA. 2. "REGAL_Call 003_11 MAR 2024" | Special Notice | 541715 | No Set-Aside | 03/11/2024 | Open | - | |
AMENDMENT - 6 MARCH 2024 The purpose of this amendment is to provide administrative updates/clarifications under the ARA with Calls. As a result, "ARA_with_Calls_Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet - Amend 05 06MAR24" is hereby incorporated as an attachment to this notice. The update included the removal of the following because hard copy submissions are not required. "A CD with the Microsoft WORD version of your Technical/Management Proposal and the SOW must be submitted with the hard copies of the proposal and must match the hard copy." | Pre-Solicitation | 541715 | No Set-Aside | 03/06/2024 | 12/15/2027 | - | |
PACER BAA is a Two-Step Open BAA and BAA with Calls which will enable study efforts on novel concepts, as well as research and development efforts to mature specific technologies to appropriate technology readiness levels (TRL) depending on end use. Efforts under this BAA are intended to further AFRL/RA’s mission in pioneering transformative aerospace technologies for the warfighter’s decisive advantage. Revision 1, posted 5 June 2024. Revision 2, posted 24 October 2024 Revision 3, posted 6 May 2025 Revision 4, posted 15 July 2026 | Solicitation | 541715 | No Set-Aside | 10/27/2026 | 05/10/2031 | - | |
The DAF Battle Network (DBN) "Megatron" MAC IDIQ provides an agile and competitive contracting framework to rapidly deliver capabilities and address the full spectrum of PAE C3BM requirements throughout the program lifecycle. PROGRAM OVERVIEW The DBN MAC IDIQ will be a hybrid supply and service contract vehicle supporting the development, procurement, assembly, delivery, and sustainment of PAE C3BM product lines. Under this contract, customers will be able to procure mission-critical capabilities across digital architecture, sensor integration, secure processing, connectivity, applications, and synthetic environment development to integrate USAF and USSF C3 programs and deliver resilient decision advantage. This vehicle will be awarded with a Small Business pool and an unrestricted pool of awardees. PURPOSE This Special Notice serves as the official landing page for the DBN "Megatron" MAC IDIQ. The Notice ID will remain consistent throughout SAM.gov postings. Interested industry partners should "Follow" this notice on SAM.gov to receive automated notifications regarding: Updates to program schedule Draft Statement of Work (SOW) releases Draft solicitation documents Upcoming Industry Day event details ANNOUNCEMENTS 22 Oct 2026: The Megatron team appreciates our industry partners’ patience and flexibility while we investigated the platform technical challenges experienced during the Virtual Industry Day on 07 October. To resolve access difficulties, preserve Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) security, and ensure widespread availability, the Government is transitioning the ABMS Mission Briefing and DBN "Megatron" Virtual Industry Day to pre-recorded briefings. 1. Release Timeline and Questions Target Upload Date: The Government plans to upload the recordings and briefing charts before the end of October 2026. Location: To comply with CUI security protocols, files will be posted as secure, restricted attachments directly on this SAM.gov notice. Vendors must request access via SAM.gov to download them. Please be patient while waiting for your access request to be approved. Industry Q&A: A link for questions will be posted with the Industry Day recording. Please limit questions to the briefing charts; do not resubmit SOW questions. The Q&A link will close on 06 November 2026 at 1700 EST, though files will remain available for download. 2. Access & Security Policies Please verify you have the appropriate user roles to request documents. The individual requesting access must have either a Contract Opportunities Administrator or Data Entry role. General viewer roles cannot request documents. Please refer to the 21 Sep 2026 update in this Special Notice for role assignment instructions. Limit Requests to One Representative: Only one representative per company needs to request access. Once downloaded, the files may be shared internally on secure systems with employees of the same wholly owned entity but are strictly prohibited from being released externally to unvetted partners. Foreign Ownership (FOCI) Policy: Under Department of War regulations and Distribution Statement D controls, foreign-owned entities must have an active, DCSA-approved FOCI mitigation agreement (such as an SSA or Proxy Agreement) verified prior to being granted access. Otherwise, they cannot access the recordings directly and may only participate as subcontractors under a cleared domestic U.S. prime contractor. 3. Registration & Pre-Vetting Guidelines Legacy Registrants (DO NOT Re-Register): If a representative from your company registered for the 7 Oct Industry Day and received the meeting link OR was approved to download the draft SOW, your company is already vetted. No further action is required; do not fill out the form below. New Registrants (Action Required): If a representative from your company did not register for the 7 Oct Industry Day or request and receive approval to download the draft SOW, please fill out the pre-vetting form before the recordings are uploaded: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/XbvxfwmQB4 Email & Affiliation Rules: You will receive an email confirmation once your vetting is complete. A CUI email address is not required; however, you must use an official company email address. If using a commercial domain (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo), your affiliation must be verifiable via your company’s SAM.gov registration or listed points of contact. Note: The pre-vetting link will close once the recordings are uploaded. If you miss this window, you may still request access using the SAM.gov "Request Access" buttons, and your company will be vetted at that point prior to approval. 07 Oct 2026: Today's CUI Industry Day Briefing has been postponed due to unexpected technical difficulties with our secure virtual platform. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and are working diligently to resolve these issues. For all industry partners who previously registered and received the initial link to join, your vetted status remains active. You do not need to re-register. If any additional information is required, we will reach out to you directly. At this time, new registrations are suspended while the Government diagnoses the technical issues and assesses potential platform capacity limitations. If registration reopens, an update will be posted here. Please continue to follow this Special Notice for updates regarding the rescheduled Industry Day. Thank you for your patience and understanding. 05 Oct 2026: Virtual Industry Day Access Link The Contracting Office is currently processing an exceptionally high volume of registrations for the upcoming DBN "Megatron" Virtual Industry Day. Registration Deadline: Online registration remains open until 1700 EDT today, 05 October 2026. No further registrations will be accepted after this time. Vetting & Distribution Window: Due to the large number of attendees, manual vetting of all registrations is actively ongoing. Microsoft Teams access link and event instructions are being sent out to vetted companies' official business email addresses starting today, 05 October 2026, through tomorrow, 06 October 2026. Notice for Registrants: If you registered prior to the deadline and have not received an email containing the access link and instructions by 1500 EDT on 06 October 2026, please contact the Procurement Contracting Officer (PCO), Julianne Payne, directly at julianne.payne@us.af.mil. Correspondence Restriction: To ensure undivided focus on completing the vetting process, the Government will not respond to any email inquiries regarding access links or registration status sent prior to 1500 EDT on 06 October 2026. Thank you for your patience throughout this process as we work to ensure a secure and successful event for all participants. Draft RFP Release Update Prospective offerors are advised that the posting timeline for the draft solicitation materials has been updated. Timeline Update: The previously anticipated posting date of Q4 FY26 has changed. Updated Schedule: The draft solicitation documents (Sections L and M) will be posted on SAM.gov AFTER the Virtual Industry Day event. 21 Sep 2026: Troubleshooting SAM.gov Access Requests If your team is experiencing technical issues requesting access to the DBN (Megatron) MAC IDIQ draft SOW and Feedback Template, please review the following troubleshooting steps: Verify Your User Role: To view and click the "Request Access" button, your individual SAM.gov user account must have either the Opportunities Administrator or Data Entry role assigned. Note: General "Viewer" roles will not display the required request buttons. Internal Company Approval: If you clicked "Request Role" to obtain one of these permissions, your own company's SAM.gov Administrator must log in and approve that assignment internally before the system will allow you to request the documents. Submit the Request: Once the proper role is active, return to the Attachments section below and click the "Request Access" button next to each controlled document. The Contracting Officer will then receive a system notification to review your company's CAGE code for approval. Reminder: Because these are controlled documents subject to strict access controls, the Government is not authorized to distribute these files via email, DoD SAFE, or any alternate channel. All access must occur through the SAM.gov portal. 04 Sep 2026: Draft SOW Release & Industry Day Registration Draft SOW Release: The Government is releasing the draft SOW for industry review and feedback. Public Cover Memo: Please review the attached document, "DBN (Megatron) MAC IDIQ Draft SOW Request for Feedback," for detailed feedback instructions and submission deadlines. Accessing Controlled Documents: The Draft SOW and associated Feedback/Question Template are marked as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and are posted under Controlled Access. To request access, navigate to the Attachments section below and click "Request Access" for the controlled files. Requests will be vetted by the contracting team against active SAM.gov entity registrations and CAGE codes in accordance with foreign participation restrictions. Feedback Deadline: All feedback and questions using the provided template must be submitted via email to julianne.payne@us.af.mil no later than 30 September 2026 at 1700 EDT. Virtual Industry Day Registration: Date / Time: 07 October 2026, 0800 - 1200 EDT Format: Virtual Teams Live (one-on-one sessions will not be scheduled due to volume). Agenda Overview: ABMS Mission Briefing: Opening remarks by Col Bai Lan Zhu covering the ABMS mission—what we do, why we do it, and who we do it for. DBN (Megatron) MAC IDIQ RFP Session: Informational briefing by Jeffery "Ryan" Compton (Megatron PM) and Julianne Payne (Megatron PCO) regarding the upcoming RFP. Q&A: Attendees may submit questions throughout the live session using the platform's Q&A function. Select questions may be addressed in real time; all questions received, along with Government responses, will be compiled and posted to SAM.gov after the event. Registration Link: Please register using the following link: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/uNs4XnDqUG Registration Deadline: 05 October 2026 at 1700 EDT 05 Aug 2026 Acquisition Status: The acquisition strategy has been officially approved, and decision authority has been delegated. Contract Structure: The DBN MAC IDIQ will be competed under RFO Part 15 Source Selection procedures. The vehicle will be decentralized, allowing all DAF program offices and DoW agencies to place orders. Timeline Updates: Draft SOW: Targeted for release within the next couple of weeks. Draft RFP: Targeted for late Q4 FY26. Final RFP: Anticipated in mid Q1 FY27. Anticipated Award: Targeted for Q3 FY27. Industry Day: The program team is planning to host a virtual Industry Day on 07 October 2026 (details TBD). One-on-one sessions will not be scheduled due to the anticipated volume of interest. UPDATES 22 Oct 2026: Industry Day Update 07 Oct 2026: Virtual Industry Day Update 05 Oct 2026: Notice regarding distribution of Virtual Industry Day access link and delivery instructions; updated draft RFP document timeline. 21 Sep 2026: Troubleshooting issues with SAM.gov access requests. 04 Sep 2026: Draft SOW posted for industry review; Controlled Access instructions published; Industry Day registration opened. 05 Aug 2026: Special Notice landing page established. | Special Notice | 541715 | Partial Small Business Set-Aside | 10/22/2026 | Open | - | |
22 October 2026 Amendment 3- Solicitation amended to add Q&A 2 attachment. 16 October 2026 Amendment 2- Solicitation amended to revise the technical proposal page limit for Technical Area 2 from 15 pages to 20 pages and to identify 06 November 2026, 12:00 PM (Noon) Eastern Time as the deadline for requesting DoD SAFE link for proposal submission. Also, adding a Q&A attachment. 28 September 2026 Amendment 1- Solicitation amended to revise technical proposal page limit to 15 pages per Technical Area. In support of the AFRL Information and Spectrum Dominance Directorate (AFRL/RF), the objective of the ADEPT effort is to develop pre-emptive or reactive countermeasure solutions —including expendable, directed energy, and novel developmental solutions in the EO spectrum—to protect U.S. aircraft and aircrew in contested environments. The ADEPT program is divided into two separate technical areas: Hardware & Executable Analysis of Threats (HEAT) Advanced Countermeasure Engineering (ACE) | Solicitation | 541715 | No Set-Aside | 10/22/2026 | 11/09/2026 | Wright Patterson AFB, OH |
Additional Details
Solicitation Number
FA8650-20-S-1119
Archive Date
Jul 14, 2027
Office Address
WRIGHT PATTERSON AFB, OH, 45433-7541