RFI_A2E_Whitepapers

Background
The Department of the Air Force (DAF) is seeking capability information through this Request for Information (RFI) from all interested parties.

The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) team aims to evaluate and refine the Golden Horde Autonomy Architecture (GHAA), a drone middleware platform, as part of their mission to enhance airborne operations. This RFI is intended for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a request for proposals.

Work Details
The AFSOC A2E team is looking for technical partners to provide feedback on the GHAA from February to April 2025. The focus will be on refining middleware interfaces, software development kits (SDKs), and establishing baseline autonomy capabilities.

Respondents are requested to submit a brief whitepaper that addresses the following:
1. Technical approach for:
a. Middleware evaluation (interface requirements, SDK improvements, integration feedback);
b. Integration and testing of perception, motion planning, and control modules;
c. Integration of proprietary alternative position, navigation, and timing (altPNT) capabilities;
d. Testing platforms: simulation or hardware (desired).
2. Integration cost estimate.
3. Key technical personnel and relevant experience. The emphasis is on GPS-denied PNT capabilities with a focus on perception, planning, and control integration, including experience with ROS2 or related middleware, containerization, and developing visual navigation algorithms.

Period of Performance
February 2025 to April 2025