Manufacturing Research and Technology Development Open Period

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is seeking white‑paper proposals—and later full technical‑and‑cost proposals—to advance manufacturing‑technology research that strengthens U.S. defense manufacturing capabilities, creates new efficiencies, and transitions innovations to the factory or depot floor. The effort covers a broad portfolio of advanced‑manufacturing topics, including in‑situ process monitoring, non‑destructive inspection, augmented‑reality training, advanced robotics, digital‑thread integration, cybersecurity for factories, additive manufacturing, and technology development for high‑impact Air Force domains such as hypersonics, attritable systems, and emerging quantum or directed‑energy technologies. Individual awards will be for 12 to 40 months (plus a 3‑month reporting period) with a maximum ceiling of $50 million per award, funded from a $499 million program budget spanning FY 2026‑FY 2030. • Scope includes research, development, prototyping, and technology transition across multiple manufacturing‑technology families. • Open‑period solicitation runs until 22 June 2031; white‑papers are due by that date. • Funding is available under a variety of contract vehicles (FFP, CPFF, Other Transaction, grants).