TAMPA, Fla., August 22, 2025 – Rise8 announces a ceiling increase on its AFWERX Software Delivery Organization (SDO) Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract from $100 million to $499 million. The modification enables Rise8 to scale support to additional Department of Defense (DoD) entities and federal agencies under the existing direct-award contract vehicle, and accelerate the procurement and delivery of user-centered, mission-critical software.
This nearly five-fold ceiling increase reinforces Rise8’s standing as a key enabler of government digital modernization efforts. The AFWERX SDO IDIQ is designed to streamline the acquisition of software development and delivery services for programs focused on autonomy, software transition, and other government-led initiatives. Through this vehicle, Rise8 provides full-spectrum services—from digital strategy and product design to software development, deployment, and sustainment.
“This sole-source vehicle has been a catalyst for innovation, helping us deliver better outcomes faster on some of the most complex and mission-critical government programs,” said Bryon Kroger, CEO and founder of Rise8. “The increased ceiling validates our ability to operate as a trusted prime partner and gives us the capacity to expand our impact even further. We’re excited to keep shipping real outcomes in production while creating new pathways to help the government move at the speed missions demand.”
The AFWERX SDO IDIQ is available to all DoD entities and federal civilian agencies for decentralized ordering. The contract vehicle eliminates traditional acquisition barriers, satisfying competition requirements through the Small Business Innovation Research Phase III authority. This enables agencies to engage directly with Rise8, eliminating traditionally lengthy procurement cycles for mission-critical software.
>> To learn more about Rise8’s SDO IDIQ with AFWERX, the procurement process, and acquisition policies and guidelines, please visit: https://www.rise8.us/afwerx-sdo-idiq
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.
About Rise8
Rise8 develops custom software for critical missions to create a future where fewer bad things happen because of bad software. Rise8 is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) with headquarters in Tampa, FL, and a fully remote workforce. Learn more at https://www.rise8.us/ and on LinkedIn, and X.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace forces. With a workforce spanning across nine technology areas and 40 other operations around the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.
About AFWERX
As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 320 military, civilian and contractor personnel at four hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has awarded over 10,400 contracts worth more than $7.24 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: afwerx.com.
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