Experiments, Prototypes, Research, and Evaluation Supporting Systems (EXPRESS)
This solicitation funds experimentation, evaluation, assessment, demonstration, and transition of structural materials and processes for Air Force and Space Force applications, via separate closed-call proposals under AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate requirements.
⚑ Federal contract solicitation with applicant restrictions; not a grant. · Closed Call process: white papers first, then proposal solicitations under separate closed calls. · Focus is structural materials and processes for defense applications; not general-purpose basic research.
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 45 partial | funds applied research; prototyping/demonstration stage; deep-tech content |
| IPPRA | 15 none | university cannot apply directly (ineligible) |
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 15 none | university cannot apply directly (ineligible) |
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.