Prometheus Flame - Request for Information
Key Dates
Due Date
-
Posted Date
-
Agency & Value
Agency
DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE
Contract Value
Not provided
Codes & Classification
Solicitation Number
FA8694-26-S-8888
NAICS
—
Classification Code
—
Additional Details
Documents1
The Department of the Air Force (DAF), under the Department of Defense, has issued a Special Notice (Procurement Identifier: FA8694-26-S-8888) seeking industry and academic feedback on a draft solicitation for the Prometheus Flame Challenge. This Request for Information (RFI) is a preliminary step in shaping a forthcoming competitive program aimed at revolutionizing software development for autonomy and mission systems within the Department of War’s weapon systems and dual-use technologies.
Purpose and Scope:
The Prometheus Flame Challenge is designed to foster an open, modular, and competitive ecosystem centered on government-owned, open-source software standards. The DAF’s vision is to break away from closed, proprietary systems by leveraging the innovation and agility of the broader software development community. Around June 2026, the Air Force plans to release two foundational Government Reference Architectures (GRAs): the Agile Mission Suite GRA (AMS GRA), which will guide modular mission capabilities such as sensors, communications, and data fusion; and the Autonomy GRA (A-GRA), which will standardize behaviors and teaming for autonomous platforms.
Key Objectives and Expected Outcomes:
The primary objective is to identify and cultivate long-term strategic partners capable of maturing and proliferating open-source software solutions that align with the DAF’s evolving needs. The program will be structured as a series of flexible, 3-6 month competition phases, each culminating in a “fly-off” demonstration where top-performing teams are awarded cash prizes. Importantly, the challenge is not limited to a one-time competition; it is intended as a pathway to recurring funding and follow-on Prototype and Production Other Transaction (OT) Agreements for solutions that demonstrate alignment with the Air Force’s long-term vision.
Participation is open to a broad spectrum of entities, including open-source software developers, non-traditional defense contractors, commercial software companies, start-ups specializing in autonomy and unmanned systems, academic institutions, research labs, and traditional defense contractors interested in leading within an open-source environment. Eligible participants must be headquartered in the United States or in allied nations.
Key Requirements and Deliverables:
- Engagement with the draft Request for Solutions, providing expert feedback to refine the solicitation prior to its final release.
- Participation in iterative competition phases, with the opportunity to enter at any stage and present new ideas or existing prototypes.
- Demonstration of solutions in “fly-off” events, with the potential for cash prizes and consideration for long-term partnership and funding.
- Alignment with the forthcoming AMS GRA and A-GRA standards, supporting the DAF’s open-source software ecosystem.
Contracting Entity and Contact Information:
The procurement is managed by the Department of the Air Force, a federal agency under the Department of Defense, with the primary place of performance in Dayton, Ohio. Interested parties are encouraged to direct feedback and inquiries to the designated contacts:
- 1st Lt Justin Brogden ([email protected])
- Joseph Mizzi ([email protected])
Procurement Type and Special Considerations:
This notice is an RFI only; no proposals are being solicited at this stage. The DAF is seeking feedback on the draft solicitation to ensure the final program structure, goals, and evaluation criteria are clear and actionable. The final solicitation is anticipated for release on or around June 1, 2026. Feedback on the draft should be submitted via email no later than April 17, 2026.
Summary:
The Prometheus Flame Challenge represents a significant opportunity for innovative organizations to influence the future of open-source software development for critical defense applications. By participating in this RFI, stakeholders can help shape a program that promises not only competitive prizes but also the potential for enduring strategic partnerships and recurring funding streams. Contractors with expertise in modular, open-source software for autonomy and mission systems, and those interested in long-term collaboration with the Air Force, are strongly encouraged to review the draft solicitation and provide their insights.
For further details and to access the draft Request for Solutions, interested parties should refer to the official notice on SAM.gov (Opportunity ID: 68a071f69a1c4ec883b8392c5ae040b1).