Corrigendum-AFWERX Challenge Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)

The Department of the Air Force’s AFWERX Challenge Commercial Solutions Opening (FA2280‑23‑S‑C001) is an umbrella solicitation calling for innovative, commercial‑grade solutions across a portfolio of aviation‐defense research and development challenges. The current focus areas request technologies for a platform‑agnostic fuel transfer system to support medium‑ and small‑aircraft in‑flight refueling, a compact power‑generation architecture for multi‑stage unmanned aircraft systems, rapid deployment and sustainment capabilities for distributed agile combat employment operations, and a mixed‑reality goggle that can replicate “outside‑cockpit” visual environments for advanced synthetic flight training. All solutions are expected to be concept‑stage digital designs, prototypes or demonstrations that can be integrated into existing Air Force infrastructure and airframes.

For the Air‑to‑Air Refueling Mechanism (A2RM) challenge, the Air Force seeks a modular, extendable, and stowable air refueling apparatus capable of both boom/receptacle and probe‐drogue operations, with dimensions not exceeding 36″ in diameter and 230″ in length and a fuel off‑load rate of 200–400 gallons per minute of JP‑8, JP‑4, JP‑5, Jet‑A, or Jet‑B. Key technical attributes include minimal power, hydraulic or pneumatic draw from the host aircraft, compatibility with Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) and existing probe receivers, and compliance with ATP 3.3.4.5, ATP 3.3.4.6, Mil‑F‑38363, and MMPDS (HDBK5 replacement). The UAS Power Generation challenge calls for a mechanical‑to‑electrical generator system that can deliver 40–80 kW continuous power while weighing 1–2 kW per pound, featuring regulated DC output, short‑circuit protection, and modular control electronics that can be mass‑produced with automotive‑grade manufacturing techniques.

The Expedient Basing and Agile Combat Employment (ACE) support equipment challenges emphasize rapid, modular, and scalable hardware and software solutions that can be transported by aircraft, rail, or ship and deployed within 15 minutes. These include lightweight power generators, HVAC, potable water systems, fuel storage, and acceleratable shelter modules that are EMI‑hardened, corrosion‑resistant, and operable in contested environments. Finally, the Super Goggles challenge seeks a lightweight, open‑XR‑compliant head‑mounted display that delivers a 120×105‑inch field of view, 8K resolution, high refresh rate, low latency, and night‑vision compatibility, while supporting multi‑cockpit calibration and secure SCIF operation. Together, these challenges invite commercial firms to produce high‑performance, rapidly deployable solutions that enhance aircraft endurance, base sustainability, and pilot training readiness. The technical literature requires adherence to ATP 3.3.4.5, ATP 3.3.4.6, Mil‑F‑38363, MMPDS (HDBK5 replacement), and Open XR standards.

Contract Opportunity Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (k)

Product Service Code: AC22-NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; ATOMIC ENERGY DEFENSE ACTIVITIES; APPLIED RESEARCH
NAICS Code:
541715-Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

This CSO is for the AFWERX Challenge Program.  Individual Calls against the CSO will be posted under this notice, as well as afwerxchallenge.com.

08/05/2025: Updated Attachment for FA2280-23-S-C001 005 A2RM Design Challenge

• Updated Attachment "08.05.2025 A2RM Design Challenge" supersedes previously posted attachment titled “01.24.2024 A2RM Design Challenge Update”. A summary of changes is included in the BLUF.

08/05/2025: Updated attachment for FA2280-23-S-C001-003 UAS Power Generation Challenge

• Updated attachment "07.29.2025 UAS Power Generation Challenge" supersedes previously posted attachment titled "07.19.2023 UAS Power Generation Challenge". A summary of changes is included in the BLUF.  

08/05/2025: Updated attachment for FA2280-23-S-C001-004 Expedient Basing Part 2 Challenge"

• Updated attachment "07.29.2025 Expedient Basing Challenge Part 2” supersedes previously posted attachment titled "07.11.2023 Expedient Basing Challenge Part 2". A summary of changes is included in the BLUF.

8/05/2025: Updated Attachment for FA2280-23-S-C001 006 Super Goggles Challenge

• Updated Attachment "07.29.2025 Super Goggles Challenge" supersedes previously posted attachment titled "05.01.2024 Super Goggles Challenge ". A summary of changes is included in the BLUF.

08/05/2025: Updated Attachment for FA2280-23-S-C001 002 Expedient Basing Challenge

• Updated attachment "07.29.2025 Expedient Basing Challenge" supersedes previously posted attachment titled "01.15.2025 Expedient Basing Challenge." A summary of changes is included in the BLUF.

01/15/2025:  Updated Attachment for FA2280-23-S-C001 002 Expedient Basing Challenge

• Updated attachment "01.15.2025 Expedient Basing Challenge" supersedes previously posted attachment titled "07.20.2023 Expedient Basing Challenge."  Updates in document contained in Government Contracting Terms and Conditions.  

05/01/2024:  Updated Attachment for FA2280-23-S-C001 006 Super Goggles Challenge

• Updated Attachment "05.01.2024 Super Goggles Challenge" supersedes previously posted attachment.  This document updates the non-Government personnel and removes Spiral 1 Networking Opportunities.

03/12/2024:  FA2280-23-S-C001-006 Super Goggles Challenge

• This Call is issued under the CSO.  
• All details regarding submission and evaluation criterion are provided in the attached document titled "03.15.2024 Super Goggles Challenge"
• https://afwerxchallenge.com/emergingtechnology/mixed-reality-xr-super-goggle-challenge/overview

01/24/2024:  Updated Attachment for FA2280-23-S-C001 005 A2RM Design Challenge

• Updated Attachment "01.24.2024 A2RM Design Challenge Update" supersedes previously posted attachment.  Updates to the non-Government personnel provided in this update. 

11/29/2023:  Updated Attachment for FA2280-23-S-C001 005 A2RM Design Challenge

• Updated attachment "11.29.2023 A2RM Design Challenge Update 3" supersedes previously posted attachment titled “11-20-2023 A2RM Design Challenge Update.”  Please note the due date is extended to 01.04.2023.

11/21/2023:  Updated Attachments for FA2280-23-S-C001 005 A2RM Design Challenge

• Updated attachment “11-20-2023 A2RM Design Challenge Update2” supersedes previously posted attachments titled "11.06.2023 A2RM Design Challenge Update" and "10.23.2023 A2RM Design Challenge."

11/06/2023:  Updated Attachments for  FA2280-23-S-C001 005 A2RM Design Challenge

• Updated attachment "11.06.2023 A2RM Design Challenge Update" supersedes previously posted attachment titled "10.23.2023 A2RM Design Challenge." 

10/23/2023:   FA2280-23-S-C001-005  Air to Air Refueling Mechanism (A2RM) Digital Design Challenge

• This Call is issued under the CSO.  
• All details regarding submission and evaluation criterion are provided in the attached document titled "10.23.2023 A2RM Design Challenge"
• https://afwerxchallenge.com/air-to-airrefueling/air-to-air-refueling-mechanism-a2rm-digital-design-challenge/overview

07/20/2023:  Updated Attachment for FA2280-23-S-C001 002 Expedient Basing Challenge

• Updated attachment "07.20.2023 Expedient Basing Challenge" supersedes previously posted attachment titled "06.22.2023 Expedient Basing Challenge."  Updates in document contained in Government Contracting Terms and Conditions.  

07/19/2023:  Updated Attachments for FA2280-23-S-C001 CSO and FA2280-23-S-C001 003 UAS Power Generation Challenge

• Updated attachment "AFWERX Challenges CSO FINAL 07.19.2023" supersedes previously posted attachment titled "AFWERX Challenges CSO FINAL 02.24.2023."  Updates in document contained in Sections 5.5.5.1 and 5.8.
• Updated attachment "07.19.2023 UAS Power Generation Challenge" supersedes previously posted attachment titled "06.01.2023 UAS Power Generation Challenge."  Updates in document contained in Government Contracting Terms and Conditions.  

07/11/2023:  FA2280-23-S-C001-004  Expedient Basing Part 2 Challenge

• This Call is issued under the CSO.  
• All details regarding submission and evaluation criterion are provided in the attached document titled "07.11.2023 Expedient Basing Challenge Part 2"
• https://afwerxchallenge.com/expedientbasing/expedient-basing-challenge-focus-areas-4-5/overview

06/22/2023:  Updated attachment for FA2280-23-S-C001 002 Expedient Basing Challenge

• Updated attachment "06.22.2023 Expedient Basing Challenge" supersedes previously posted attachment titled  "05.30.2023 Expedient Basing Challenge" in order to update and extend the Spiral 1 submission due date.  

06/01/2023:  Updated attachment for FA2280-23-S-C001-003  UAS Power Generation Challenge

• Updated attachment "06.01.2023 UAS Power Generation Challenge" supersedes previously posted attachment titled "05.31.2023 UAS Power Generation Challenge."
• Website link updated to:  https://afwerxchallenge.com/uaspower/uas-power-challenge_265/overview

05/31/2023:  FA2280-23-S-C001-003  UAS Power Generation Challenge

• This Call is issued under the CSO.  
• All details regarding submission and evaluation criterion are provided in the attached document titled "05.31.2023 UAS Power Generation Challenge"
• http://www.afwerxchallenge.com/uaspower/uas-power-challenge/overview

05/30/2023:  Updated attachment provided for FA2280-23-S-C001-002  Expedient Basing Challenge

• Updated attachment document titled "05.30.2023 Expedient Basing Challenge.pdf" supersedes previously posted attachment titled "05.25.2023 Expedient Basing Challenge.pdf"

05/25/2023:  FA2280-23-S-C001-002  Expedient Basing Challenge

• This Call is issued under the CSO.  
• All details regarding submission and evaluation criterion are provided in the attached document titled "05.25.2023 Expedient Basing Challenge.pdf"
• https://afwerxchallenge.com/expedientbasing/expedient-basing-challenge/overview

02/27/2023:  FA2280-23-S-C001-001  Agile Combat Employment (ACE) Aviation Support Equipment Challenge

• This Call is issued under the CSO.  
• All details regarding submission and evaluation criterion are provided in the attached document titled "02.27.2023 ACE Common Aviation Support Equipment Challenge.pdf"
• https://afwerxchallenge.com/operationaleffectiveness/ace-common-aviation-support-challenge 

  

Notice ID: FA2280-23-S-C001

Additional buyer information

Department/Ind. Agency: DEPT OF DEFENSE
Sub-tier: DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE
Major Command: AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND
Sub Command: AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY
Office: FA2280 AFRL RGK