# AFRL Seeks Signals Intelligence Research

The Air Force Research Laboratory updated its SIFTER open, two-step Advanced Research Announcement on October 1, 2026, seeking research to improve signals-intelligence exploitation, dissemination, and analytics against current and emerging adversarial systems. White papers submitted by September 25, 2027, receive best consideration for FY28; the announcement remains open through September 28, 2029, and formal proposals are by invitation only.

- Firms pursuing FY28 consideration should plan to submit a white paper by September 25, 2027—355 days from October 5, 2026. This is the stated date for best consideration; the announcement itself stays open longer.
- The two-step process makes the white paper the initial opportunity for interested researchers. Formal proposals are limited to invitees, so companies should clearly connect their proposed research to SIFTER’s stated intelligence exploitation, dissemination, and analytics objectives.
- The announcement’s long open period allows potential participants to assess fit beyond the FY28 consideration date, but the source provides no award value or guarantee of an award.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 05, 2026

### Government Entities
- Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

### Sources
- [AFRL updates SIFTER ARA - Intelligence Community News](https://intelligencecommunitynews.com/afrl-updates-sifter-baa/) - Intelligence Community News