The Air Force Research Laboratory has started soliciting proposals for a potential $499 million contract to research, develop, test, prototype, demonstrate and transition technologies that support the development of vision protection materials and materials for electromagnetic spectrum resilience.
According to a solicitation published Tuesday, AFRL’s materials and manufacturing directorate will accept offers for the High-Performance Electromagnetic Spectrum Survivable Materials Advancement program no later than Sept. 27.
The HELMSSMAN program has two initial task orders: a $100 million order for the advanced development of vision protection materials and another $150 million for the development of materials for EMS resilience.
The service expects to award an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract in December 2025.
According to the solicitation, the HELMSSMAN IDIQ contract will have an overall period of performance of 10 years.
Each of the first two task orders will have a performance period of 87 months from the date of award.
