Specialized Activities for Test and Evaluation Requirement Needs ( SATERN )

2026-11-03

Request for White Paper ( RWP ) Reference Number : RWP - SATERN - 2026 - 01Project Title : Specialized Activities for Test and Evaluation Requirement Needs ( SATERN ) Issuing Office : Air Force Test Center ( AFTC )/ PZIA , Arnold AFB , TNAuthority : 10 U . S . C . § 4022 , Other Transaction for Prototype ( OTP ) 1 . 0 Introduction & PurposeThe Department of the Air Force , on behalf of the Test Resource Management Center ( TRMC ), is soliciting white papers for innovative solutions to provide specialized engineering , technical , and programmatic services as described in this RWP . The objective is to award an Other Transaction for Prototype ( OTP ) agreement , specifically a business process prototype , to an offeror capable of supporting TRMC - funded projects , with a significant emphasis on advancing hypersonic Test and Evaluation ( T & E ) capabilities . At the conclusion of the prototype phase , the Government intends to issue a follow - on agreement with the successful prototype participant . This RWP is the first step in a multi - step solicitation process . The Government will evaluate submitted white papers based on the criteria outlined in Section 5 . 0 . Offerors who submit the most compelling solutions may be invited to submit a full proposal and engage in further discussions . The Government reserves the right to award a prototype agreement based on the initial white paper submission alone . Note : Interested parties must be active in the Joint Certification Program ( JCP ) and meet current NIST SP 800 - 171 and CMMC requirements . For access to the Statement of Objectives ( SOO ), contact the Agreements Officer ( s ) with your company ’ s CAGE code . JCP status will be confirmed before a copy of the SOO is sent via DoD SAFE . 2 . 0 BackgroundThe TRMC is tasked with developing and investing in T & E capabilities to support Department of War ( DoW ) priorities aligned with the National Defense Strategy ( NDS ). This effort is critical for the execution of the High Speed Systems Test ( HSST ) portfolio , focused on hypersonic T & E , and the Central Test and Evaluation Investment Program ( CTEIP ). The selected offeror will provide direct support to the Government Technical Managers leading these portfolios at Arnold Engineering Development Complex ( AEDC ), delivering the expert services necessary to ensure successful technology development and project execution . 3 . 0 Program ObjectivesThe Government seeks an offeror capable of developing and implementing a comprehensive solution to meet the following high - level objectives . The offeror ’ s proposed solution should describe their approach to achieving these outcomes : Objective 1 : Effective & Integrated Program Management : Establish and maintain a cohesive , expert program management structure that ensures seamless execution , transparent communication , and timely , accurate reporting for all supported projects . Objective 2 : Transparent & Auditable Financial Oversight : Implement a robust financial management system that provides accurate , auditable , and timely financial planning , analysis , and reporting for all projects . Objective 3 : Agile & Compliant Acquisition Support : Provide expert support for the full acquisition lifecycle , including developing innovative contracting strategies and preparing high - quality acquisition packages to enable rapid awards . Objective 4 : Disciplined & Comprehensive Project Execution : Employ disciplined project management methodologies to successfully manage the scope , schedule , cost , risk , and quality of all supported TRMC projects . Objective 5 : Innovative & Expert Technical Solutions : Provide world - class engineering and scientific expertise to solve complex T & E challenges , particularly in hypersonic weapon system T & E , ground test facilities , flight test eventsObjective 6 : Successful & Efficient T & E Event Execution : Plan , manage , and execute complex ground and flight T & E events with a focus on safety , efficiency , and high - quality data collection and analysis . Objective 7 : Strategic & Forward - Looking T & E Roadmapping : Develop and maintain data - driven , strategic T & E roadmaps that identify critical capability gaps and propose innovative solutions aligned with the NDS and TRMC priorities . 4 . 0 White Paper Submission InstructionsInterested parties shall submit a white paper that addresses the requirements and objectives outlined in this RWP . 4 . 1 Format : Page Limit : 12 pages maximum . This limit excludes the cover page and appendices . Font : Times New Roman , 12 - point font , excluding tables and graphs . File Type : A single , searchable PDF document . 4 . 2 Content : The white paper should be structured as follows : 1 . Cover Page ( 1 page , not included in page count ): Solicitation Number : RWP - SATERN - 2026 - 01Project Title : Specialized Activities for Test and Evaluation Requirement Needs ( SATERN ) Company Name , Address , CAGE Code , and UEIPrimary Point of Contact ( Name , Title , Email , Phone ) Date of SubmissionA rough order of magnitude ( ROM ) price to complete a business process prototype as defined in section 7 . 0 . 2 . Section 1 : Technical & Management Approach ( Approx . 7 - 8 pages ): This is the most critical section of the White Paper . Provide a narrative describing your company ' s innovative approach , methodologies , and potential tools / processes you would employ to meet the seven ( 7 ) Program Objectives listed in Section 3 . 0 . Describe your overall management philosophy for integrating a diverse and geographically dispersed team and managing potential surge / draw - down scenarios . Describe your approach to providing and retaining the specialized engineering and scientific disciplines with expertise in the required areas of hypersonic systems , ground test , and flight test . Propose a set of high - level , quantifiable metrics that you would use to measure success for each objective . The Government is highly interested in innovative performance measurement techniques . Briefly describe your approach to recruiting , retaining , and developing the specialized talent required for this effort . 3 . Section 2 : Corporate Experience & Capabilities ( Approx . 2 - 3 pages ): Identify proposed personnel to satisfy the six ( 6 ) Key Personnel positions listed in the SOO ( Section 4 ), providing a brief ( 1 - 2 paragraphs ) summary of their qualifications and experience and the approach for maintaining continuity in the event of departures from those key positions . Full resumes may be included in an appendix . Provide brief summaries of two to three recent ( within the last 5 years ) and relevant experience on projects of   similar size , scope , and complexity . Specifically highlight experience with hypersonic T & E , TRMC - funded programs , and / or DoD T & E infrastructure . Section 3 : Other Transaction Eligibility ( Approx . 1 page ): 4 . Section 3 : Other Transaction Eligibility ( Approx . 1 page ): State the basis for your eligibility as a nontraditional defense contractor , or if you are a traditional contractor , describe how you will meet the OTP statutory requirements ( e . g ., through a 1 / 3 cost - share or partnering with a nontraditional subcontractor ). 5 . Appendix A : Organizational Conflict of Interest ( OCI ) Statement ( Not included in page count ): Provide a statement affirming that your company has no existing conflicts of interest with the work described and outlining your strategy to mitigate any potential future OCI . 5 . 0 Evaluation CriteriaThe Government will evaluate white papers based on the following criteria , listed in descending order of importance : 1 . Technical & Management Approach : The degree to which the proposed solution is innovative , feasible , and demonstrates a clear understanding of the objectives . The Government will assess the soundness of the offeror ’ s approach to all aspects of the requirement , with particular emphasis on hypersonic T & E support . 2 . Corporate Experience & Personnel : The offeror ’ s demonstrated experience in performing similar work and the qualifications of proposed key personnel . 3 . Other Transaction Eligibility : The offeror ’ s eligibility and / or clear plan to meet OTP statutory requirements . 6 . 0 Submission Deadline & Contact InformationWhite papers must be submitted electronically to the Agreements Officers no later than 13 April 2026 at 2 : 00 PM Central Time . NOTE : Due to time constraints surrounding this effort , the deadline for submitting White Papers is firm and extension will not be granted . Agreements Officers : Haley M . K . Smith and Brooke Z . VandemanEmail : haley . smith . 10 @ us . af . mil and brooke . vandeman @ us . af . milAll questions regarding this RWP must be submitted in writing to the email address above . 7 . 0 Next StepsOfferors that submit the most compelling solutions may be invited to submit a full proposal for a business process prototype that demonstrates their capability to meet the requirements detailed in the SOO . The Government intends to evaluate these prototypes to select the offeror ( s ) best suited to perform the full scope of the SATERN effort . A successful prototype may lead to a follow - on production OT agreement without further competition . Definition of Successful Prototype : The business process prototype should simulate how the Offeror will perform the core functions outlined in the SOO . This prototype should be a detailed presentation , demonstration , or combination thereof , that illustrates the offeror ' s integrated approach , methodologies , and management systems . A successful prototype will be one that demonstrates the following : Integrated Management Approach : The prototype clearly and convincingly demonstrates a cohesive and efficient system for managing program , financial , and contractual aspects in an integrated manner . Technical Innovation & Expertise : The offeror demonstrates a deep understanding of the technical challenges , particularly in hypersonics T & E S & T , and proposes credible , innovative solutions . Key personnel show exceptional subject matter expertise . Agility and Responsiveness : The proposed acquisition and project management processes are agile , compliant , and tailored to the rapid pace of technology development , ensuring timely execution . Strategic Vision : The prototype illustrates the offeror ' s ability to think beyond immediate tasks and contribute to long - term , strategic T & E roadmapping aligned with national defense priorities . Compliance and Security : The offeror provides a clear and acceptable plan for meeting all constraints , including Security , OCI avoidance , and Data Management , demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding government interests and information . In essence , a successful prototype is one that proves it can deliver the SOO requirements in an effective , integrated , and adaptable manner , directly contributing to the strategic objectives of TRMC and the broader hypersonic test enterprise .

Tennessee

2026-05-05