Aircraft Defensive Electro-optical Protection Technologies (ADEPT)

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) seeks innovative research and development to create pre‑emptive or reactive electro‑optical (EO) countermeasure technologies that protect U.S. and allied aircraft and aircrews in contested environments. The effort, named ADEPT, is split into two technical areas: (1) Hardware & Executable Analysis of Threats (HEIT) – focusing on threat exploitation, modeling, and data generation; and (2) Advanced Countermeasure Engineering (ACE) – delivering engineering support, testing, and prototype development. The solicitation calls for multidisciplinary expertise in threat software/hardware exploitation, laser‑based and open‑air testing, high‑performance computing, modeling & simulation, and prototype hardware creation. The contract will be a Cost‑Plus‑Fixed‑Fee (CPFF) award with an overall ceiling of approximately $74.6 M, a period of performance of 84 months, and will require compliance with TS/SCI security, ITAR export controls, and unlimited data rights. • Scope: R&D of EO countermeasure concepts, hardware prototypes, software tools, and data deliverables. • Technical Areas: HEIT (threat analysis & modeling) and ACE (countermeasure engineering & testing). • Funding: Estimated total $74.6 M (≈$13.7 M for HEIT, $60.9 M for ACE). • Period of Performance: 84 months (81 months technical + 3 months reporting). • Contract Type: CPFF, FAR‑based, with potential for associate contractor agreements. • Key Requirements: TS/SCI clearance, ITAR compliance, unlimited data rights, no foreign participation. • Submission Deadline: 09 Nov 2026, 2 p.m. EST; award expected 22 Mar 2027.