(RPP): Validation Of Emerging Defense & Detection Equipment for Readiness (VEDDER) Prototype Accelerator

The Department of the Army is seeking a qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to establish and operate a technology accelerator for the Validation of Emerging Defense & Detection Equipment for Readiness (VEDDER) Prototype Accelerator. The VEDDER Prototype Accelerator is designed to execute in alignment with Section 236, Pilot Program on Development of Near-Term Use Cases and Demonstration of Artificial Intelligence Toward Biotechnology Applications for National Security. The selected organization will function as an actively managed continuous innovation ecosystem, accelerating the development, validation, and fielding of National Biosecurity Capabilities. • The Government intends to utilize an overarching OT Agreement based award with milestone-based, Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) payments for up to three innovative prototype processes. • The selected organization will be responsible for scouting, competing to the maximum extent practicable, vetting, and issuing B2B sub-agreements to Portfolio Prototyping Companies (PPCs). • The Government will evaluate the offeror's submission across four Technical Approach Categories: Goals and Impact, Management Plan & Capabilities, Schedule and Milestones, and Transition Plan. • The Government will also evaluate the offeror's Portfolio and NFP Experience, Price, and Draft VEDDER OCI Mitigation Plan.