CHEERS Open Period 1 - All Technical Areas

The CHEERS Open Period 1 – All Technical Areas opportunity (FA238424S2334) is issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory, Human Effectiveness Directorate (AFRL/RH), in collaboration with the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM). These entities operate under the Department of Defense and are responsible for conducting cutting-edge research in human performance and effectiveness. The CHEERS (Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring, and Sustaining) program represents a strategic effort by these institutions to support a broad range of technical research areas related to human health, performance, restoration, and sustainability within military and aerospace contexts. This funding opportunity is part of the larger CHEERS Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA), and its current call is structured as an "Open Period 2-Step Call." The solicitation invites white papers first, with full proposals requested only from selected applicants whose initial submissions align with the Air Force’s research interests. All white papers must address research topics detailed in the attached Statements of Objectives under Attachments 2 and 3 of the MAA. The funders welcome innovative approaches and anticipate awarding multiple agreements through this call, although they reserve the right to fund none or any number of submissions based on merit and budget availability. The opportunity supports various funding mechanisms, including contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, IDIQs, and other authorized instruments under 10 U.S.C. 4001, 4021, and 4022. The total combined value of awards under this open period will not exceed $484.73 million. However, specific award ceilings and floors are left undefined and will depend on the scope of individual proposals. Notably, this opportunity does not require cost sharing or matching funds, making it more accessible to a wide range of applicants. Applicants are advised that this solicitation is open to all entities, without restriction, although they must consult the Statements of Objectives for relevant technical area compatibility. There are no geographic limitations; applicants from all U.S. states and territories are eligible. The solicitation process begins with a white paper, which must be submitted in Microsoft Word format via email to AFRL.711HPW.MAA@us.af.mil by September 30, 2027. Those selected will be invited to submit full technical and cost proposals, for which separate deadlines will be provided. There are no limits on the number of white papers that may be submitted by any single applicant, provided each submission represents a unique approach. This opportunity is not rolling but is offered over a multi-year period. It is not explicitly stated to recur on a regular basis, although it is listed as “Open Period 1,” suggesting future opportunities under the same umbrella program may be released. Evaluation of submissions will occur over an extended review cycle, with up to 180 days expected for review of each white paper. Only proposals invited after white paper review will be eligible for awards. For inquiries, technical and contracting questions should be addressed to the general MAA email AFRL.711HPW.MAA@us.af.mil. Additional program contacts include Kelly Kaleda, Stacey Martens, Nathan Baldwin, and Linda Armstrong, representing various divisions within AFRL and USAFSAM. The primary contracting officers are Amber Taylor and Ashlee Green, also of AFRL. All communications should be submitted as directed, and applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review both the CHEERS MAA and its Industry Guide for complete procedural and technical guidance.