Neutron Strategic Technology Advanced Research (Neutron-STAR) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA)

What the buyer is asking for

Amendment 4 - 09/25/2025: The above amendement changes/updates the following item: 1. Attach updated Neutron Star Industry guide dated 25 Sept 2025, due to issues with Microsoft permissions. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amendment 3 - 09/09/2025: The above amendement changes/updates the following item: 1. Updates the QR code in the Trifold Brochure ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amendment 2 - 09/03/2025: The above amendment changes/updates the following items: Extend date offers due Attach updated Neutron Star Industry User Guide v3 dated 10 Jun 2025 with specific instructions pertaining to ROM cost estimates, and White Paper Delivery Instructions. Address Announcement Questions to the Neutron STAR Org Mailbox (afrl.rvkb.afrlneutronstardms@us.af.mil) attention of the Neutron-STAR Team. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amendment 1 - 8/15/2024 The above amendment changes/updates the following items: Extend date offers due Attach updated Neutron Star Industry User Guide v2 dated 14Aug24 with specific instruction pertaining to Topic 5 submissions Address Announcement Questions to the Neutron STAR Org Mailbox (afrl.rvkb.afrlneutronstardms@us.af.mil) attention of: from Primary: Ms. Ashley Patterson, AFRL/RVKB to Mr. Ever Orozco-Perea, AFRL/RVKB Alternate: Mr. Isaac Thorp, AFRL/RVKB and Ms. Regina Alflen, AFRL/RVKB ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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). Federal Agency Name: Air Force Research Laboratory ARA Title: Neutron Strategic Technology Advanced Research (Neutron STAR) Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) ARA Type: This is an Open ARA; initial announcement SUBMISSION DATES ARE INDEFIINITE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE PROGRAM SUMMARY: This is an Open ARA announcement pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C. §4023 Procurement for Experimental Purposes. AFRL is interested in receiving white papers regarding nuclear-related research and development, including, but not limited to modeling and simulation of re-entry environments, materials characterization, nuclear explosion monitoring, and design, fabrication and experimentation of nuclear delivery. Dialogue between prospective Offerors and Government representatives is strongly encouraged. This solicitation intends to use the acquisition authority provided by 10 U.S.C. §4023. This authority applies to the acquisition of items related to “ ordnance, signal, chemical activity, transportation, energy, medical, spaceflight, and aeronautical supplies, including parts and accessories, and designs thereof, that are necessary for experimental or test purposes in the development of the best supplies that are needed for the national defense.” Consequently, white papers and proposals should address how the proposed effort provides benefits to the national defense relative to the parameters of this authority, and a strategy for verifying those intended benefits. *Please see the attached Neutron Star Industry User Guide for guidance on definitions, processes, submission requirements and evaluation criteria.* BACKGROUND: AFRL’s Geo Space Division (RVBN) positions AFRL to steward, develop, and deliver leading technologies to the warfighter and the nuclear enterprise to ensure the National defense. Thus, proposed solutions should be innovative and substantially improve…