SAM #FA8694-26-S-7777

Prometheus Flame Challenge: Open-Source Software for Autonomy and Mission Systems

This opportunity invites innovative organizations to participate in the Department of the Air Force's Prometheus Flame Challenge, focused on advancing open-source software for autonomy and mission systems. - The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) is sponsoring a multi-phase competition with up to $20 million in prize awards - The challenge seeks open-source software solutions compliant with Agile Mission Suite GRA (AMS GRA) and Autonomy GRA (A-GRA) standards - Deliverables include: - AMS GRA and A-GRA compliant software running on commercial off-the-shelf hardware - Turn-key projects, public-facing resources, and documentation - Participation in fly-off demonstrations in Dayton, Ohio - The competition is open to a wide range of participants: open-source developers, commercial software companies, start-ups, academic institutions, and both traditional and non-traditional defense contractors - No specific OEMs or part numbers are required; the focus is on modular, standards-based, open-source solutions - The program is structured in 3-6 month phases, with potential for follow-on prototype and production agreements (Other Transaction Agreements) - Work will be performed in Dayton, Ohio, with fly-off events as key milestones - The challenge is expected to begin around June 1, 2026, upon public release of the relevant standards

Description

Is your organization a leader in modern software development? Are you looking for opportunities to secure long-term, recurring funding for innovative open-source software solutions? Do you want to help shape the future of software development for the Department of War weapon systems and dual-use technologies?

The Department of the Air Force (DAF) invites you to review and provide feedback on a DRAFT Request for Solutions for a new effort: The Prometheus Flame Challenge.

This is a Request for Information (RFI). No proposals are requested at this time. Your expert feedback is critical to help us refine and improve this solicitation before its final release.

The Vision: An Open, Modular, and Competitive Future

The DAF is transforming how it develops and deploys software for Autonomy and Mission Systems. To break from the constraints of closed, proprietary systems, we are launching the Prometheus Flame Challenge to build a vibrant, open, and competitive ecosystem around Government-owned, open-source software standards.

Around the June 2026 timeframe, the Air Force intends to publicly release two foundational Government Reference Architectures (GRAs) to guide this effort:

Agile Mission Suite GRA (AMS GRA): For modular mission capabilities (sensors, communications, data fusion). Autonomy GRA (A-GRA): For standardized behaviors and teaming for autonomous platforms.

The Opportunity: Prizes and Long-Term Strategic Partnerships

The Prometheus Flame Challenge is more than a prize competition; it is a pathway to long-term strategic partnerships and recurring funding. We are seeking partners to build this new technology ecosystem with us.

Continuous Challenge: The program uses flexible, 3-6 month competition phases, each culminating in a "fly-off" demonstration where top teams earn cash prizes.

Open Entry: Offerors may enter the challenge at any phase. New ideas and existing prototypes are both welcome.

Path to Production: Our primary goal is to identify long-term strategic partners. We intend to award follow-on Prototype and Production Other Transaction (OT) Agreements to teams whose solutions align with our long-term vision, providing a recurring funding stream to mature and proliferate this critical open-source foundation.

Who Should Participate?

We invite participation from the full spectrum of innovators, including:

Open-source software developers and enthusiasts Non-traditional defense contractors and commercial software companies Start-ups specializing in autonomy, unmanned systems, and software architecture Academic institutions and research labs Traditional defense contractors interested in leading in an open-source environment

This competition is open to both industry and academia with U.S. or U.S. ally-based headquarters and ownership.

Your Feedback is Requested

Please review the attached document, “(U) Prometheus Flame Challenge - Request for Solutions Draft.pdf”, for complete details on the proposed structure, goals, and evaluation criteria.

Feedback should be submitted no later than 12 May 2026.

The final solicitation is anticipated to be released on or around 1 June 2026.

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