ENTERPRISE PROTOTYPE INITIATIVE CONSORTIUM (EPIC)
Technical Objective
EPIC seeks a consortium manager to establish a rapid prototyping and testing vehicle that accelerates the development, integration, and deployment of innovative capabilities across all Air Force Research Laboratory technology areas. The program bridges laboratory research and operational deployment by coordinating prototypes from government, industry, and academia partners to sustain U.S. military technological advantage and reduce defense information systems costs. The OTA Lead will manage competitive project-level orders, enable substantial participation from nontraditional defense contractors, and integrate multidisciplinary expertise to deliver scalable, cutting-edge prototypes for the Department of War.
Core Technologies
Who Should Apply
Experienced consortium managers or integrators capable of managing complex, multi-stakeholder prototype competitions and awards under non-FAR acquisition pathways. Ideal applicants demonstrate expertise in orchestrating government, industry, and academic partnerships; managing intellectual property and security protocols; and enabling participation from nontraditional defense contractors and small businesses. Prior experience with OTA administration, prototype project governance, and cost-sharing models is highly advantageous.
Evaluation Criteria
- 1Technical approach and management capability: ability to manage consortium, identify and integrate technology solutions, coordinate with AFRL, and execute prototype competitions
- 2Consortium growth and sustainment strategy: plans to expand membership base, mature subject matter experts, address member exits, and incentivize government objectives
- 3Cost/Price soundness: transparency, consistency, and reasonableness of OTA fees and membership fee structures in relation to scope of work
- 4Organizational conflicts of interest mitigation and disclosure
Key Dates
| Whitepaper Due | 2026-08-12 |
Submission Mechanics
Submit whitepapers only (no full formal proposals at this stage) via SAM.gov or as directed by the Government. Whitepapers should describe the offeror's approach to meeting EPIC program objectives, consortium management strategy, fee structures, and risk mitigation. Once whitepapers are evaluated, the Government will request full proposals from selectable offerors. The Government is not responsible for whitepaper or proposal preparation costs.
BD Strategic Notes
This is a consortium lead opportunity, not a technology performer role. Strong candidates have prior OTA or Other Transaction experience, proven ability to manage competitive prototype awards, and expertise engaging nontraditional contractors. The scope spans all AFRL technology areas, requiring broad technical credibility and partnership networks. Early engagement with SAM.gov and AFRL points of contact is critical to clarify specific technology areas of interest (referenced in Exhibit 1 to the SOW, not fully detailed in available materials).
Watch Out For
- Mandatory disclosure of all organizational conflicts of interest; proposals failing to fully disclose may be rejected without technical evaluation
- OTA Lead responsible for safeguarding classified (up to SECRET) and export-controlled technical data; will coordinate security clearance verification and access for project-level performers
- Software and technical data developed by OT Lead or performers typically vest in government with limited exceptions for pre-existing commercial software; source code delivery may be required on case-by-case basis for information security accreditation
- Deliverables with restricted markings (limited rights, government purpose rights) require prior written assertion on agreement attachment; AFRL Technical Director may reject final reports containing less-than-unlimited rights data unless waived
- OTA Lead must track and maintain government-furnished property, software, and classified information; disposition requirements apply post-project
- Government anticipates substantial provision of government-furnished software and technical data; export-controlled and classified information access may be required during development and follow-on phases
- At least one nontraditional defense contractor or nonprofit research institution must participate significantly, OR all significant non-federal participants must be small businesses/nontraditional contractors, OR at least one-third of total project cost must be non-federal cost-share
Document Analysis
5bb298c7b1a7461da54f2796fb43ed48_sam.pdf
Monthly R&D project summary reporting requirements for performers under EPIC OTA agreement FA8750-27-9-B001, beginning 40 days after award.
f45ac6aac89e4097b6fd50cd3de2ae22_sam.pdf
Solicitation for EPIC consortium manager to establish OTA prototype vehicle enabling rapid prototyping across Air Force technology areas via competitive project-level orders.
6794a38d98854a15bbe36d49aa38921c_sam.pdf
Whitepaper solicitation for EPIC program evaluating offerors' technical and management capabilities for prototype development and consortium leadership.
fb06cf0940554e5d95082e3d93057039_sam.pdf
AFRL solicitation for OTA for Prototypes consortium lead to engage nontraditional performers on prototype development projects across identified AFRL technology areas.
74e69c0a7365438bb4d52c3e577630d0_sam.pdf
Contractor eligibility certifications, drug-free workplace, non-discrimination compliance, and lobbying disclosure requirements for federal awards under solicitation FA8750269R001.
8a56a2c4369f48deb77cafc3db1d42c6_sam.pdf
AFRL seeks OTA consortium for rapid prototyping and integration of innovative technologies across all AFRL mission areas to sustain U.S. military technological superiority.
bdd876850c7e43fb8ea2924f02718a46_sam.pdf
USAF AFRL prototype development solicitation through EPIC framework agreement for advanced technology projects.