Experiments, Prototypes, Research, and Evaluation Supporting Systems (EXPRESS)
AFRL is soliciting white papers and later closed-call proposals for experimentation, evaluation, assessment, and demonstration of structural materials and manufacturing/process technologies for Air Force and Space Force use and transition to defense applications.
⚑ Federal contract solicitation; specific closed calls will be issued separately. · White papers are solicited now; proposal submissions occur only under later closed-call solicitations. · Focus is on structural materials and processes for Air Force/Space Force and defense transition. · No award ceiling stated.
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 90 strong | technical depth: central; funds applied research |
| IPPRA | 45 partial | peripheral portfolio topic: national_security_defense; social/behavioral work is none; funds applied research; capped at 45 (limited social-science role) |
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 45 partial | funds applied research; prototyping/demonstration stage; deep-tech content |
Description
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (RXC) are soliciting white papers on the research efforts described in Attachment 1, EXPRESS Statement of Objectives (SOO). Proposal solicitations pursuant to Closed Calls will be requested under separate Closed Call solicitations. Each Closed Call will contain specific requirements pertinent to that particular Closed Call. Unless otherwise stated in a specific Closed Call, all other requirements are listed within this ARA. The purpose of this effort is to provide experimentation, evaluation, and assessment of structural materials and processes technologies for Air Force and Space Force applications aimed at meeting validated systems requirements or to sustain and/or modernize installations or operations required for general research, development, test, and evaluation, provide demonstration of new and improved structural materials in experimental prototypes or upgraded fielded or nearing production systems, and to provide transition of materials and processes to ensure required capabilities are available for the national defense.
Eligibility
Applicant restrictions (federal contract). Set-aside: . Notice type: Solicitation. Organization: DEPT OF DEFENSE / DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE / FA8650 USAF AFMC AFRL PZL AFRL/PZL.
Apply
Proposal brief SEE AN EXAMPLE →
A one-page internal memo: fit assessment, submission requirements, document scaffold, and next steps dated back from the deadline — tailored to your project idea if you add one.
Proposal shell · Department of Defense (BAA-style) conventions SEE A DOD EXAMPLE →
Funder-faithful document skeletons — Department of Defense (BAA-style)'s document set with section headings, page limits, reviewer guidance, and writing prompts; add a project idea to get [DRAFT] starter bullets. Download as .md for Word or Overleaf.