CMFF CHASSIS PLUG FEST

Description:

The U.S. Army Capability Program Executive Command and Control Information Network (CPE C2IN), in strategic partnership with the Open Innovation Lab (OIL) at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), is pleased to announce an upcoming CMFF Chassis Plug Fest.  This event is a collaborative technical demonstration focused on the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (C5ISR) and Electronic Warfare (EW) Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) Mounted Form Factor (CMFF). It provides a unique laboratory environment for industry partners to validate the interoperability, standards-conformance, and mission-readiness of their CMFF-aligned hardware and software. 

Mission Purpose & Goals:

The primary focus of this event is to identify additional Commercial or Non-Developmental CMFF aligned chassis, cards, and software applications that could provide immediate benefit to the Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) ecosystem. This CMFF Plug fest will allow CMFF aligned chassis, Plug-In Cards (PICs) and software applications an opportunity to integrate with the Army’s latest CMFF products, to advance the CMFF long term vision and ensure a robust, interoperable ecosystem for current and future payloads. 

Goal: COTS Readiness Evaluation                                                       

Objective: Evaluate industry readiness to develop CMFF System of Systems for Ground and Aviation Platforms, including chassis, Plug-In Cards, Software, components and accessories, as a Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) product lines. 

Goal:  Advance NGC2 Integration                     

Objective: Validate the integration of CMFF chassis and diverse payloads within the NGC2 technology stack to ensure seamless data flow across warfighting functions. 

Goal: Future-Proof Ecosystem                           

Objective: Assess the ability of CMFF to support emerging payloads essential for NGC2, such as advanced processing, Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) applications, and resilient communications. 

Goal: Standardized Interoperability                   

Objective: Identify and resolve technical challenges related to Sensor Open System Architecture (SOSA) Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE) APIs, Vehicular Integration for C5ISR/EW Interoperability (VICTORY) data services, Modular Open Radio Frequency  Architecture (MORA) interfaces, and network transport to ensure true "plug-and-play" capability.  

Event Details:

Dates: 17 – 28 Aug 2026

Location: Open Innovation Lab (OIL), Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD 

Format: Hands-on laboratory integration and structured test threads. 

Security: All participants must be US Citizens. Access to APG and the OIL facility will require valid Government-issued identification and prior security vetting. 

Who Should Participate:

CPE C2IN encourages participation from industry partners currently developing or integrating: 

• CMFF-aligned Chassis and Backplanes
• CMFF-alned Plug-in Cards [Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT)
• Single-Board Computer (SBC)/Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), Software    
• Defined Radio (SDR), Electromagnetics Warfare (EW), etc.) 
• Software applications designed for CMOSS and SOSA services aligned with CMFF Ancillary Equipment (Ruggedized Displays, External Switches, etc.

Registration and Submission Instructions: 

Interested parties must submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) to participate no later than 1 Jul 2026. 

The NOI should include a brief (2-page maximum) summary of the hardware/software intended for Lab demonstration and a statement of how the product aligns with CMFF, to include one or more of the following technology areas: 

1. 14.9.2 PNT Cards. 
2. 14.6.11-0 General Purpose SBCs or GPUs. 
3. 14.6.11-4 SDR Cards. 
4. 14.4.14 Switch Cards. 
5. 14.2.16 input and Output (IO) Single Board Computer SBCs, including IO SBCs to convert Avionics Ethernet Converters / Adapters (i.e., multi-signal MIL-STD-1553, Aeronautic Radio, Incorporation (ARINC) 429, Serial, Discrete to Ethernet interfaces. 
6. 3U SOSA Power Supply Cards. 
7. Ruggedized CMFF aligned chassis (single or multiple smaller chassis fitting in a single SAVE location, partial or all slot profiles, SOSA connectors, etc.).
8. Ruggedized touchscreen Displays with DisplayPort input capabilities. 
9. CMFF aligned software applications.  
10. Cross Domain Solution (CDS).
11.  All other CMFF aligned technologies.

Following the review of NOIs, the Government will provide selected participants with a detailed Technical Data Package (TDP), Test Plans, security forms, and a comprehensive event agenda. Send your input to the POC and further Test plan and all other documents will be provided. 

Point of Contact (POC):

Please direct all inquiries and registration submissions to the Primary POC listed below: 

Primary POC: 

Ashleigh Hanlon, ashleigh.e.hanlon.civ@army.mil  

Disclaimer:

This Special Notice is for planning and informational purposes only and shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to award a contract. The Government will not pay for any effort expended or any costs incurred in response to this announcement or participation in the CMFF Chassis Plug Fest.