FA9453-21-S-0001
Air Force Research Laboratory/Space Vehicle Directorate
ANNOUNCEMENT OVERVIEW
CALL 011, Topic Area 1. Space Technology Advanced Research - Fast-tracking
Innovative Software and Hardware (STAR-FISH)
DATE: 24 October 2023

NAICS Code: The NAICS Code for this acquisition is 541715 for Research and Development
in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology),
and the small business size standard is 1,000 employees.

Federal Agency Name: Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate,
Phillips Research Site

ARA Title: Space Technology Advanced Research - Fast-tracking Innovative Software and
Hardware (ST AR-FISH), Announcement, procurement for experimentation of spaceflight and
space-related signal, energy, and transportation technologies.

ARA Number: FA9453-21-S-0001

CALL Type: Two-Step Process, initial announcement

a. CALL Title: INTelligent-automation through Revolutionary Edge Processing for IC and
Defense applications (INTREPID)

b. CALL Number: 011
White Papers and/or Proposal Due Date and Time: The Government is requesting White
Papers at this time for the Topic Area identified above. White Papers addressing any other
technology area identified in the basic Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) will not be
accepted at this time unless a CALL for that specific area is posted. White Papers or proposals
received after the due dates and times shall be governed by the provisions of FAR 52.215-
l(c)(3). It should be noted that this installation observes strict security procedures to enter the
facility. These security procedures are NOT considered an interruption of normal Government
processes, and white papers or proposals received after the stated date and time in the CALL as a
result of security delays will be considered "late." Furthermore, if offerors utilize commercial
carriers in the delivery of white papers or proposals, they may not honor time-of-day delivery
guarantees on military installations. Early submission is encouraged.
ARA STAR FISH CALL 011 to FA9453-21-S-0001 Page 1 of 11
Brief CALL Summary: See Attachment 3, Statement of Objective (SOO)
Submission: Two-Step Process
• First Step: The due date and time for White Papers submitted in response to this CALL is no
later than (NL T) 28 Nov 2023, 12:00 PM (Mountain Standard Time (MST).
White Papers must be prepared using the provided Template, saved as a PDF and submitted
via DoD Safe, (https://safe.apps.mil/) NLT 28 Nov 2023, 12:00 PM (Mountain Standard
Time (MST).

In order to submit the White Papers, please contact the Contracting Officer, Mr. Francis
Eggert, email: francis.eggert@us.af.mil, or Ms. Heather Miller, email:
heather.miller.16@spaceforce.mil, no later than three (3) workdays prior to the submission
deadline to receive a DoD Safe drop-off request. A drop-off request is valid for 14 days.
Offerors will receive an automated email containing the instructions for uploading the file(s ).
If you do not receive an automated e-mail message for your drop-off request within 3
business days, please contact the Contracting Officer.

See Attachment 2 (STAR-FISH White Paper Template) for White Paper Template. No
classified white paper submission will be accepted. The Template can be accessed and
downloaded from the following link: https://valideval.com/star documents/ (please
download a new copy of the template prior to submitting your white paper to ensure that you
have the most current version). No classified white paper submissions will be accepted.

• Second Step: Proposal Due Date and Time - To be provided in "Requests for Proposals
(RFP)" sent to offerors whose white papers are selected.
Announcement Request: Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate
Phillips Research Site is soliciting white papers on the research effort described in
Attachment 2 Statement of Objectives pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C 4023,
Procurement for Experimental Purposes.
Announcement Modifications: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21 -S-0001 ,
Announcement Overview and Full Text.

Type of Contract/Instrument: The Space Force anticipates awarding Cost Plus Fixed Fee
(CPFF) contracts that will have a base period and two options "Government has the right
not to exercise the option" as a result of this CALL, but also reserves the right to award the
instrument best suited to the nature of research proposed. Please note, the offeror shall have an
approved Accounting System in accordance with FAR 16.301-3, Limitations, and other approved
Business Systems.

Anticipated Number of Awards: The Air Force anticipates awarding multiple contracts.
However, the Air Force does reserve the right to make one award, more than one award, or no
awards pursuant to this CALL.

ARA STAR FISH CALL 011 to FA9453-21-S-0001 Page 2 of 11

System for Award Management (SAM) Registration: Reference ARA with CALLS, F A9453-
21-S-000 1, Announcement Overview.

Points of Contact:
Technical Manager (Primary): Dr. Andrew Pineda, AFRL/RVSV,
andrew.pineda.6@spaceforce.mil
Program Manager (Alternate): Dr. Jesse Mee, AFRL/RVSV,jesse.mee@spaceforce.mil
Contracting Officer (Primary): Mr. Francis Eggert, francis.eggert@us.af.mil
Contracting Officer/ Specialist: Heather Miller, heather.mi11er.16@spaceforce.mil

ARA STAR FISH CALL 011 to FA9453-21-S-0001 Page 3 of 11
ADVANCED RESEARCH ANNOUNCMENT WITH CALLS
FA9453-21-S-0001
Air Force Research Laboratory/Space Vehicle Directorate
FULLTEXTANNOUNCEMENT
CALL0ll
NAICS Code: The NAICS Code for this acquisition is 541715 for Research and Development
in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology),
and the small business size standard is 1,000 employees.
Federal Agency Name: Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate,
Phillips Research Site
ARA Title: Space Technology Advanced Research - Fast-tracking Innovative Software and
Hardware (ST AR-FISH), Announcement, procurement for experimentation of space-flight and
space-related signal, energy, and transportation technologies
ARA Number: FA9453-21-S-0001
CALL Type: Two-Step Process, initial announcement
a. CALL Title: INTeligent-automation through Revolutionary Edge Processing for IC and
Defense applications (INTREPID)
b. CALL Number: 011
White Paper and/or Proposal Due Date and Time: The Government is requesting White
Papers at this time for the Topic Area identified above. White Papers addressing any other
technology area identified in the basic Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) will not be
accepted at this time unless a CALL for that specific area is posted. White Papers or proposals
received after the due dates and times shall be governed by the provisions of FAR 52.215-
l(c)(3). It should be noted that this installation observes strict security procedures to enter the
facility. These security procedures are NOT considered an interruption of normal Government
processes, and white papers or proposals received after the stated date and time in the CALL as a
result of security delays will be considered "late." Furthermore, if offerors utilize commercial
carriers in the delivery of white papers or proposals, they may not honor time-of-day delivery
guarantees on military installations. Early submission is encouraged.
Submission: Two-Step Process
• First Step: The due date and time for White Papers submitted in response to this CALL is no
later than (NL T) 28 Nov 2023, 12:00 NOON (Mountain Standard Time (MST).
ARA STAR FISH CALL 011 to FA9453-21-S-0001 Page 4 of 11
White Papers must be prepared using the provided Template, saved as a PDF and submitted
via DoD Safe, (https://safe.apps.mil/) NLT 28 Nov 2023, 12:00 NOON (Mountain
Standard Time (MST).
In order to submit the White Papers, please contact the Contracting Officer, Mr. Francis Eggert,
email: francis.eggert@us.af.mil; or Ms. Heather Miller, email: heather.miller.16@spaceforce.mil
no later than three (3) workdays prior to the submission deadline to receive a DoD Safe drop-off
request. A drop-off request is valid for 14 days. Offerors will receive an automated email
containing the instructions for uploading the file(s). If you do not receive an automated e-mail
message for your drop-off request within 3 business days, please contact the Contracting Officer.
See Attachment 2 (STAR-FISH White Paper Template) for White Paper Template. The
Template can be accessed and downloaded from the following link:
https://valideval.com/star documents/ (please download a new copy of the template prior to
submitting your white paper to ensure that you have the most current version). No classified
white paper submission will be accepted.
• Second Step: Proposal Due Date and Time - To be provided in "Requests for Proposals
(RFP)" sent to offerors whose white papers are selected.
Program Description:
1. Statement of Objectives (SOO)/Description of Technical Areas:
Scope:
The scope of this effort is to develop and demonstrate a robust radiation tolerant, low power
and low latency AI-enabling Compute-in-Memory-(CIM) approach to provide orders of
magnitude improved onboard processing capability for future DOD and IC systems across all
operational domains (space, land, air, sea). The effort shall investigate the use of emerging
volatile and non-volatile memory materials, devices, and neuromorphic computing architectures.
Objective:
The performance objectives of this effort are to:
• Investigate and implement an AI-enabling CIM or near-CIM architecture and supporting
technologies including software that will provide a > 1 OX improvement in processing
efficiency (TOPS/WATT and/or FPS/WATT) over conventional approaches, operates
reliably within space environments (radiation, thermal excursion, shock and vibration) per
MIL-PRF-38535 and can achieve the requirements/goals specified in Table 1 of the SOO
(see attachment 3).
• The effort shall investigate the use of emerging volatile and non-volatile memory
materials, devices, and neuromorphic computing architectures and,
• It shall also develop, verify, and validate algorithmic approaches to optimize the speed
and efficiency of processing on applications relevant to DoD missions.
ARA STAR FISH CALL 011 to FA9453-21-S-0001 Page 5 of 11
Additional Technical Requirements
Threshold Requirements:
1. The contractor shall use the S/W package ( e.g., algorithm set and data) provided by the
government to benchmark the performance of the processor.
2. The contractor shall include Root-of-Trust and cyber-protection capability in the design.
3. The contractor shall investigate the implementation of the processor using a modular (IP
blocks/cores and integrated packaging) approach to provide flexibility.
4. The contractor shall utilize digital engineering and emulation infrastructure and practices
to design and assess performance of proposed components and solutions.
Objective Requirements:
1. The contractor shall deliver a digital twin that is manufacturing accurate with verification
and validation performed within a USG owned infrastructure.
See attachment 2, Statement of Objectives "INTelligent-automation through
Revolutionary Edge Processing for IC and Defense applications (INTREPID)"
Areas from the ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text:
Space Battle Management, Command, and Control: Enable uninterrupted
delivery of tactical, operational, and strategic space services within a contested environment
by providing unprecedented domain awareness; accurate and timely battle management
tools; and robust command and control options. Specific areas of technology being sought
include data fusion, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and related methods for rapid
threat assessment and response; multi-domain (land, sea, air, and space) net-centric
command and control concepts; autonomy and on-board threat assessment algorithms to
enhance satellite resiliency; and integration of allied, commercial, and non-traditional
capabilities.
2. Announcement Modifications: Reference ARA with CALLS, F A9453-21-S-000 1,
Announcement Overview and Full Text.
3. Deliverable Items:
a. Data: DD Form 1423-CDRLs
b. Final Report: Final Scientific and Technical Report to be delivered under each award, 3
months after the end of the technical effort.
c. Software: Digital twin that is manufacturing accurate with verification and validation
performed within a USG owned infrastructure
d. Hardware: Not Applicable
ARA STAR FISH CALL 011 to FA9453-21-S-0001 Page 6 of 11
4. Other Requirements:
a. Program Security Classification: While it is anticipated that this effort may be performed
UNCLASSIFIED, Individuals must be US citizens and have a security classification level
equal to or higher than the security requirement for the effort. Offerors may be required to
have a level of safekeeping.
b. OPSEC: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001 , Full Text, Section 4,
paragraph b.
c. Export Control: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 4,
paragraph c.
d. Export-Controlled Items: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text,
Section 4, paragraph d.
5. Other Information:
a. Government Furnished Property (GFP): GFP is not anticipated on this call. However,
Government Property may be provided upon written request and if required. Reference
ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001 , Full Text, Section 5, paragraph a.
b. Base Support: Base Support is not anticipated on this CALL. However, Base Support may
be provided upon written request and if required. Reference ARA with CALLS F A9453-21 -
S-0001 , Full Text, Section 5, paragraph b.
c. Available Base Facilities: Available Base Facilities are not anticipated on this CALL.
However, Base Facilities may be provided upon written request and ifrequired. Reference
ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 5, paragraph c.
d. Overseas Performance: Overseas Performance is not anticipated on this call.
e. Data Rights Desired: Unlimited Data Rights that may be required are Government Purpose
Rights. Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Full Text, Section 5, paragraph e.
I. Award Information
1. Anticipated Number of awards: The Air Force anticipates awarding multiple contracts.
However, the Air Force does reserve the right to make one award, more than one award, or no
awards pursuant to this CALL.
2. Anticipated Award Date: Anticipated award date around on or before the end of the 3rd
QTR ofFY24.
ARA STAR FISH CALL 011 to FA9453-21-S-0001 Page 7 of 11
3. Anticipated Funding: Anticipated funding for this CALL (not per contract or award) is as
follows:
FY2024 $89M
FY2025 $51.175M
FY2026 $21.052M
Total $161.227M
This funding profile is an estimate only and will not be a contractual obligation for funding.
Offerors should note that full funding for this effort is uncertain and may be largely affected by
government fiscal year budgets that are yet to be established. The Government reserves the right
to select all, part, or none of the proposals received in response to this CALL, subject to the
availability of funds. All funding is subject to change due to government discretion and
availability of funds.
4. Schedule: The period of performance for individual awards (base effort plus two options)
resulting from the CALL is as follows:
End of Technical Effort Not to Exceed 36 Months
Plus(+) 3 Months of Final Report 3 Months
Total Period of Performance 39 Months
5. Within Scope Award Modifications: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001 ,
Full Text, Section I, paragraph 5.
6. Points of Contact:
Francis Eggert (Primary)
Contracting Officer
AFRL/RVKY
Kirtland AFB, NM 87117
francis.eggert@us.af.mil
Heather Miller (Primary)
Contract Specialist/ Contracting Officer
AFRL/RVKY
Kirtland AFB, NM 87117
heather.miller.16@spaceforce.mil _
Technical Manager:
Dr. Andrew Pineda
AFRL/RVSV
andrew.pineda.6@spaceforce.mil
ARA STAR FISH CALL 011 to FA9453-21-S-0001 Page 8 of 11
Program Manager:
Dr. Jesse Mee
AFRL/RVSV
jesse.mee@spaceforce.mil
II. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Offeror: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section II, paragraph 1.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost Sharing or Matching is not required on this call.
3. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers: Reference ARA with CALLS,
FA9453-21-S-0001, Section II, paragraph 3.
4. Government Agencies: Reference ARA with CALLS, F A9453-21-S-000 1, Section II,
paragraph 4.
5. Foreign Participation: Foreign-Owned Offerors are not authorized to propose to this
CALL as prime contractor.
The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms
Regulation (IT AR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense
related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export
Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items.
U.S. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of
origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks
intended for accomplishment by the FN(s). Offerors are advised FNs proposed to perform
may be restricted under U.S. Export Control Laws due to the nature of the technical data.
The Government may also require Offerors to provide additional information to assist the
Government in evaluating the FN s.
Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section II, paragraph 5.
6. Export Control: Reference ARA with CALLS, F A9453-21-S-000 1, Section II, paragraph 6.
III. White Paper and/or Proposal Submission Information
1. Overview: This Announcement consists of Two-Step Process described in detail below.
White papers and full proposals if requested by the Government-shall be submitted in
accordance with the ARA with CALLS, FA4953-21-S-0001 and in accordance with the
CALLTBD.
The Government anticipates white papers and proposals will be unclassified.
ARA STAR FISH CALL 011 to FA9453-21-S-0001 Page 9 of 11
Due to the dynamically evolving nature of US warfighter space needs, this announcement is
subject to updates, revisions, or additional topic areas. Therefore, Offerors are highly
encouraged to continually monitor Contract Opportunities (https://sam.gov) to ensure they
receive latest guidance to this announcement.
2. Two-Step (White Paper and Proposal) Submission Information
First Step (White Paper) Instructions:
a. General: The FIRST STEP requests a white paper and a rough order of magnitude
(ROM) cost estimate. All white papers may be kept on file for one year. An Offeror
submitting a proposal without first submitting a white paper will not be eligible for an
award. The cost of preparing white papers in response to this Solicitation is not
considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting or any other contract; however,
it may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect cost as
specified in FAR 31.205-18.
b. White Paper Format: White papers shall be submitted using the Adobe Template
(Attachment 2 STAR-FISH White Paper Template) for White Paper Template and submit
document no later than (NLT) 12:00 NOON MST, 28 Nov 2023. White papers that do
not follow the most current version of the Template will be rejected with no further
action from the Government. DO NOT deliver any classified white papers to the email
address listed above. Do not submit "zipped" files. If files contain links, the links must
be intact and maintained through all revisions. Files shall not be read/write/password
protected (i.e., must be unlocked, non-password protected, and/or unprotected).
c. White Paper ROM Cost: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section
III, paragraph 3( c ).
d. Otherlnformation: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section Ill,
paragraph 3( d).
e. White Paper/Proposal Content Summary: Reference ARA with CALLS, F A9453-21-
S-0001, Section III, paragraph 3(e).
f. White Paper/Proposal Content Summary: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-
S-0001, Section III, paragraph 3(f).
Second Step (Proposal} Instructions: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001,
Section III, paragraph 3.
IV. Review Information
1. Evaluation Criteria: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section IV,
paragraph 1.
ARA STAR FISH CALL 011 to FA9453-21-S-0001 Page 10 of 11
2. Relative Importance of Evaluation Criteria: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-
0001, Section IV, paragraph 2.
3. White Paper Review and Selection Process: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-SOOO
1, Section IV, paragraph 3.
4. Proposal Review and Selection Process: Reference ARA with CALLS, F A9453-21-S-
0001, Section IV, paragraph 4.
V. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section V, paragraph 1.
VI. Other Relevant Information
Paragraphs 1-14: Reference ARA with CALLS, FA9453-21-S-0001, Section VI
3 ATTACHMENTS:
1. Attachment I -STAR-FISH Announcement, FA9453-21-S-0001, Basic & Amendment 1
2. Attachment 2 - STAR-FISH White Paper Template
3. Attachment 3-Statement of Objectives (SOO) V3, dated 26 Sept 2023
SIGNATURES
MEE.JESSE.1
367289097
Dr. JESSE MEE
Digitally signed by
MEE.JESSE.1367289097
Date: 2023.10.24
10:23:18 -0600
Program Manager, AFRL, RVSV
Kirtland AFB, NM 87117
ARA STAR FISH CALL 011 to FA9453-21-S-0001
Digitally signed by EGGERT.FRANC! EGGERT.FRANCIS.M.1043607
495 S.M.1043607 495 Date: 2023.10.2410:16:39
-0600
Mr. FRANCIS M. EGGERT
Contracting Officer, AFRL/RVKY
Kirtland AFB, NM 87117
Page 11 of 11

Attachments/Links