AFRL logo. AFRL intends to compete the potential $1B REDACT cyber targeting research contract.

AFRL to Compete Potential $1B REDACT Cyber Targeting Research Contract

The Air Force Research Laboratory has announced plans to compete a potential $999.9 million contract to conduct research and development work on adversary system-of-systems analysis in support of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Cyber Command and other mission partners.

AFRL to Compete Potential $1B REDACT Cyber Targeting Research Contract

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According to a presolicitation published Wednesday, the contract requirement supports AFRL’s Research Engineering Development and Analysis for Cyber Targeting, or REDACT, program.

What Is the Scope of the AFRL REDACT Program?

According to AFRL, the research effort under REDACT will involve proof-of-concept technology development, requirements evaluation and the deployment of technologies to operationally realistic environments for assessment, enabling mission partners to develop and optimize tactics, techniques and procedures against evolving threats.

The REDACT program is open and effective until Dec. 8, 2030.

How Will AFRL Structure REDACT Awards & Submissions? 

AFRL intends to award one or more procurement contracts or other transactions, or OTs, for prototype agreement under the REDACT program. There is no cap on the number of OTs that may be awarded to an individual offeror.

Individual awards will generally span no more than 60 months and range from $1 million to $100 million, with the potential for awards of up to $499.9 million.

The service branch will require white papers for initial submissions and will accept formal proposals by invitation only.

AFRL said the following submission dates are recommended to align with projected funding: Jan. 21, 2026 for fiscal year 2026; Nov. 1, 2026 for FY 2027; Nov. 1, 2027 for FY 2028; Nov. 1, 2028 for FY 2029; and Nov. 1, 2029 for FY 2030.

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