CHEERS Open Period 2 - All Technical Areas

The CHEERS Open Period 2 – All Technical Areas is a funding opportunity managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Human Effectiveness Directorate (RH), and the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM). This initiative is part of the broader Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring, and Sustaining (CHEERS) program and is conducted under Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA) FA2384-24-S-2233. The program is authorized under 10 U.S.C. 4023, allowing the Department of Defense and military branches to procure experimental supplies and services needed for national defense research and testing purposes. The program seeks research and development efforts across a broad range of technical areas outlined in the Statements of Objectives in the MAA documentation. These areas cover experimental work essential to the advancement of human effectiveness and performance in defense contexts. Eligible projects may include research on ordnance, signal, chemical activity, transportation, energy, medical, telecommunications, and aeronautical systems that are critical for defense readiness. Funding will be distributed through a two-step application process. Initially, applicants are required to submit a white paper outlining their approach. These will be accepted on a rolling basis through September 30, 2027. Offerors whose white papers are found to align with Air Force priorities may be invited to submit full technical and cost proposals. Specific proposal deadlines will be shared upon request by the government. No funding will be awarded directly from the white paper submission; the overall solicitation may result in multiple awards, subject to the availability of funds and proposal suitability. The maximum total value for all awards under this solicitation will not exceed $499.87 million. Various award instruments may be used depending on the proposed approach, including contracts, IDIQs, and cooperative agreements authorized under 10 U.S.C. 4021, 4022, and 4023. Although cost sharing is not required, indirect costs must be proposed and justified as per standard federal guidelines. The opportunity is open to all applicant types, with no restrictions indicated beyond eligibility compliance with the solicitation’s terms. Applicants must comply with relevant Department of Defense requirements, including program security, export control, and the use of human or animal subjects if applicable. Questions related to the technical areas or contracting can be directed to the program’s main contact inbox (AFRL.711HPW.MAA@us.af.mil) or to specific program managers and contracting officers listed in the announcement. Review of submitted white papers may take up to 180 days, and only those invited will proceed to the proposal stage. The CHEERS program is a recurring funding initiative, and applicants can expect future solicitation cycles. Current white paper submissions are due by September 30, 2027, with notifications and proposal invitations issued on a rolling basis. Award decisions and subsequent project start dates will depend on funding availability and project alignment with Air Force research goals.

Only white papers will be considered initially; full proposals submitted without invitation will be rejected.