CHEERS MAA Open Period 2 - All Technical Areas, 10 U.S.C. 4023 - Procurement for Experimental Purposes (ARA)

Scope

**28 September 2026: Amendment 01 — Annual Update & 10 U.S.C.

4023 Scope Clarification** Solicitation: FA238424S2335, "Open Period 2 - All Technical Areas, 10 U.S.C.

4023 - Procurement for Experimental Purposes (ARA)" Solicitation Authority: 10 U.S.C. § 4023, Procurement for Experimental Purposes (formerly 10 U.S.C. § 2373) The purpose of this update is to incorporate the annual solicitation revisions, update applicable procurement clauses and provisions, and incorporate clarified statutory criteria regarding acquisitions conducted under 10 U.S.C. § 4023.

SUMMARY OF REVISIONS: Clarified Statutory Authority Scope: In accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 4023, acquisitions under this announcement are strictly limited to the development, procurement, or integration of items, prototypes, or auxiliary services specifically necessary for experimentation, technical evaluation, assessment of operational utility, or maintaining a residual operational capability.

Updated Statutory Submission Criteria: Proposals submitted under this ARA must explicitly address: Experimental Utility: Solutions must be utilized in an evaluative/experimental capacity directly supporting stated technical objectives.

Quantity Limitations: Limited strictly to quantities necessary for testing and operational assessment.

Residual Operational Capability: Provisions for the Government to retain residual operational capability if initial testing proves successful.

Provisions and Clauses: Updated applicable RFO provisions and cybersecurity safeguarding requirements (including NIST SP 800-171 SPRS verification and task-specific CMMC compliance).

Reference to Updated Overarching Industry Guide: Offerors must refer to the revised CHEERS Industry Guide (Revision September 2026) posted on the parent MAA announcement.

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