About Round 5 SOARING
The OFRN Round 5 Sustaining Ohio's Aeronautical Readiness and Innovation in the Next Generation (SOARING) Opportunity Announcement is focused on expanding Ohio’s research and development capabilities across the state’s academic institutions and business in support of Ohio-based federal partner needs, which ultimately promotes Ohio’s economic growth. OFRN Round 5 Areas of Interest (AOIs) include topics in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Artificial Intelligence, Human Factors, Data Analytics, Space Commercialization, Quantum Communications and Advanced Power Systems. This announcement seeks to leverage Ohio’s unique research capabilities and its federal partner’s expertise to accelerate technology development and innovation by increasing collaboration across government, academic, and industry organizations.
Round 5 Opportunity Announcement Formally Released January 6th
The OFRN Round 5 SOARING Opportunity Announcement was formally released on January 6, 2021. See the Resources section for the document and appendices. Mandatory training on January 20, 2021 for proposers. At least one member of a proposal team must attend.
January 20 Bidders Conference and Proposal Training – Mandatory
A bidders conference and Proposal Training was held on January 20, 2021. A copy of the Bidders Conference briefing can be found in the Resources section. This virtual event was a requirement for Round 5 proposal submission.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions regarding Round 5 are in the FAQ (here) at the bottom of the page.
Key Events & Dates
Opportunity Announcement Pre-Release | Oct. 29, 2020 |
Opportunity Announcement Informational Session and Q&A with Federal SMEs (virtual session) | Nov. 10, 2020 - 10am – 12pm ET |
Opportunity Announcement Informational Session and Q&A with Federal SMEs (virtual session) | Nov. 18, 2020 - 1pm - 3pm ET |
| OFRN Information Session - Virtual | Dec. 10, 2020 10:00 am - 11:00 am ET |
| OFRN Information Session - Virtual | Dec. 15, 2020 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm ET |
Opportunity Announcement Formal Release | Jan. 6, 2021 |
Bidders Conference & Proposal Training - Virtual (Mandatory) | Jan. 20, 2021 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm |
Proposal Questions Accepted Through | Feb. 11, 2021 |
Due date for Volume 1 (Technical), 1A (Supplemental) | Mar. 4, 2021 - 5pm ET |
Notification of Selection for Final Pitch Day | May 10, 2021 |
Pitch Deck and Pitch Presentation Training (Mandatory for Pitch Day proposers) | May 11, 2021 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm ET |
Due date for Volume 2 (Business and Cost Proposal), and 2A (Slide Deck) | June 3, 2021 - 2:00 pm ET |
Pitch Day | Week of June 7, 2021 |
Proposal Review | Mid-August, 2021 |
Awards Announced | Mid-August, 2021 |
| Projects Start | Late August, 2021 |
Student Intern Orientation | September, 2021 |
Resources
Links
Ohio Federal Research Network Round 5 SOARING Solicitation Pre-release Webinar - 11-18-20
Ohio Federal Research Network SOARING Round 5 Info Session Webinar - 12-10-20
Ohio Federal Research Network SOARING Round 5 Info Session Webinar - 12-15-20
Team Matchmaking Services
If you want to pursue the OFRN Round 5 solicitation and need a required partner or you need a subcontractor with particular talents to fill a gap on your proposal, or you want to offer your services as a potential partner or subcontractor:
