Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Solutions for Evolving Scenarios (SSES)

The Department of the Air Force, through the Air Force Materiel Command and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Information Directorate in Rome, New York, has released a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled “Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Solutions for Evolving Scenarios.” This program seeks innovative research solutions in cyber and signals intelligence, with an emphasis on real-time processing technologies. The initiative builds upon a previous BAA (FA8750-21-S-7002) and reflects AFRL’s long-standing role in advancing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for the Department of Defense and the broader Intelligence Community. The primary objective of this BAA is to support the development of emerging SIGINT systems that improve tactical information collection, geolocation, extraction, identification, and analysis in complex and evolving environments. Proposals should address methods that enable faster data fusion, simulation, and reporting to support global situational awareness and multi-platform, multi-intelligence operations. A particular focus is placed on providing U.S. warfighters with real-time tools that enable rapid and precise decision-making to mitigate tactical threats and ensure operational dominance. The research is expected to integrate with network-centric approaches, enhance sensor data collection and processing, and strengthen coalition warfighting capabilities. Funding for this BAA is projected at approximately $99.9 million in total. Individual awards typically will not exceed three years in duration, with expected award sizes ranging between $250,000 and $15 million. Larger awards may be considered if they remain within the overall program ceiling. Multiple awards are anticipated, though the Air Force reserves the right to make none if submissions do not align with priorities or available resources. Possible award instruments include procurement contracts under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), grants and cooperative agreements under the Department of Defense Grant and Agreement Regulations (DoDGARS), and Other Transactions (OT) under Title 10 USC authorities. Proposals may also transition to follow-on production contracts if prototypes prove successful. The application process follows a two-step approach. Offerors must first submit white papers outlining their concepts; selected offerors may then be invited to submit full proposals. White papers will be accepted continuously until September 25, 2028, though AFRL has provided suggested submission dates for each fiscal year cycle to align with anticipated funding. Suggested white paper submission dates are November 15, 2023, for FY24; August 15, 2024, for FY25; August 15, 2025, for FY26; August 14, 2026, for FY27; and August 13, 2027, for FY28. Formal proposals will only be considered upon invitation following white paper evaluation. Offerors are strongly encouraged to monitor SAM.gov for any amendments. Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities, such as institutions of higher education, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, small businesses, and state, local, and tribal governments. There are no geographic restrictions; applicants across the United States are eligible. While dialogue with government representatives is encouraged, only contracting officers can make binding commitments on behalf of the government. Proposals must demonstrate adequate financial resources and adhere to formatting and content instructions specified in the full announcement and amendments. Assistance awards to institutions of higher education are subject to indirect cost policies, with recent updates addressing potential caps and financial disclosure requirements. All technical questions should be directed to the program manager, Todd Howlett, AFRL/RIGC, at todd.howlett@us.af.mil or (315) 330-4592. Contractual or business-related questions should be directed to contracting officer Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil or (315) 330-3605. Full solicitation details, amendments, and updates are available on SAM.gov. The program will remain open until September 25, 2028, with recurring submission opportunities on an annual cycle. Applicants are advised to carefully follow all submission instructions to avoid proposal rejection.

Ensure compliance with formatting and submission instructions; align with suggested submission dates; government may reject proposals if guidance not followed