Attachment 1: CHEERS Industry Guide Amendment 1

Continuing Human Enabling,
Enhancing, Restoring, and Sustaining

(CHEERS)

Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA)

Industry Guide
Version 2.0

Air Force Research Laboratory
Human Effectiveness Directorate & the United
States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine

(AFRL/RH & USAFSAM)

20 November 2025

CHAPTER 8: ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR OTHER TRANSACTIONS (OTs) UNDER 10 USC §4021,

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1. MAA Overview: A Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA) is a unique solicitation method in which various solicitation authorities are consolidated under a single announcement. The CHEERS MAA is intended to provide a comprehensive strategy for the Air Force Research Laboratory, Human Effectiveness Directorate and the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine’s (AFRL/RH and USAFSAM) range of Science and Technology (S&T) and Studies and Analysis (S&A), by creating an announcement that allows for progression from basic research to technology maturation and transition.
This MAA may utilize Calls for Proposal and/or Open Period solicitations that enable study efforts on novel concepts, as well as R&D to mature technologies and conduct integrated demonstrations, experimentation, and eventual transition of technology to mission partners. Under this approach, individual Call for Proposal solicitations will be issued when requirements are identified by AFRL/RH or USAFSAM. Open Period solicitations will be issued when either AFRL/RH or USAFSAM wishes to receive offeror-generated ideas. Either solicitation type may utilize a one-step approach or a two-step approach. See Chapter 2 of this guide for more information on the available variations and formats of MAA solicitations.
To preserve the integrity of competition, a “moratorium” on White Paper acceptance under Open Period solicitations will be issued in cases where a Call for Proposal is released covering the same topic areas as the Open Period. The Open Period Moratorium will last 6 months and go into effect upon the closing date for proposal receipt under the Call for Proposals.
2. Using this Guide: This guide is intended to familiarize existing and potential AFRL/RH or USAFSAM Industry Partners with the Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA) acquisition approach, as well as the specific nuances of the CHEERS MAA (referred to hereafter as “MAA” or “the Announcement”). This guide will:
 Supplement information contained in the MAA and resulting solicitations.  Provide standardization which potential offerors can leverage to aid in