USA | NY | ONEIDA COUNTY | ROME | 13441 Small City
Analog Technology
Cyberspace Operations for Resilient Tactical Engagement and Execution ( CORTEX) - NAICS CODE: **** FEDERAL AGENCY NAME: Department of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, AFRL - Rome Research Site, AFRL/Information Directorate, 26 Electronic Parkway, Rome, NY, ****- **** ARA ANNOUNCEMEN
Cyberspace Operations for Resilient Tactical Engagement and Execution ( Cortex)
AI helper
This Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) from the Department of the Air Force seeks innovative research to advance cyberspace operations and electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO). The ARA is open until December 31, 2030, with suggested submission dates aligned with projected funding for FY26 through FY30. Technologies sought include microelectronics for edge computing and SDR, gateware/firmware for EW and EMSO-enabled cyberspace operations, maneuver techniques across cyber and EMS, analog/biological technology for SDR and EMSO, anti-tamper and hardening technologies, and advancements in formal methods for SDR development. The total estimated funding is approximately $460 million, with individual awards typically ranging from $10 million to $50 million, and a potential ceiling of $99 million. Awards may be in the form of FAR-based procurement contracts or Other Transactions (OTs). White papers are accepted as initial submissions, with formal proposals invited only for those deemed consistent with the ARA's intent. Offerors must monitor SAM. gov for amendments. Specific submission requirements, including page limits for white papers and content guidelines, are detailed in the announcement. The ARA also outlines eligibility criteria, foreign participation restrictions, organizational conflict of interest (OCI) policies, and science and technology (S&T) protection requirements, including security risk reviews and disclosure of foreign talent programs. Research involving human subjects must comply with federal regulations and DOD instructions. Offerors are required to have a basic NIST SP **** DOD assessment in the SPRS. Financial resources and accounting system compliance are also key considerations for award. Technical and contractual questions should be directed to the specified points of contact.
White papers will be accepted until 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on December 31, 2030, but it is less likely that funding will be available in each respective fiscal year after the suggested submission dates: FY26 by 8 Apr 2026, FY27 by 30 Sep 2026, FY28 by 30 Sep 2027, FY29 by 30 Sep 2028, and FY30 by 30 Sep 2029. The ARA will close on December 31, 2030.
White papers and proposals will be evaluated based on overall scientific and technical merit, openness, data rights and potential impact of the solution, related experience, and reasonableness and realism of proposed costs and fees.
All qualified offerors who meet the requirements of this ARA may apply. Specific requirements regarding foreign ownership, control or influence (FOCI) mitigation plans, and non-US citizens working on contracts are detailed.
The total funding for this ARA is approximately $460 million. Individual awards will not normally exceed 60 months with dollar amounts normally ranging from $10 million to $50 million, with the potential to award contracts up to $99 million in ceiling value.
